Chapter 9: Disguised as a Man?

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Luo Qianfan laughed aloud unexpectedly, a sound seemingly harmless and innocent, yet his eyes gleamed with a cunning liveliness. Bai Yuluo instinctively stepped aside. As Luo Qianfan’s personal guard, she knew well that the young master’s expression meant he was scheming anew. They could only pray silently for Dongfang Yuyue and the others, hoping the young master would be gentle in his approach.

Dongfang Yuyue cast a glance toward the ghost faction; he sighed quietly to himself while pondering whether next time he should consider abandoning the ghosts entirely. Dealing with someone so unpredictable and seemingly lacking in intelligence was truly a vexation.

His gaze shifted to Luo Qianfan. He couldn’t deny there was a certain charm about him that made others feel inadequate.

Yet Dongfang Yuyue would never entertain such thoughts himself. At most, he merely glanced a few times longer than usual, but it stirred no waves in his heart.

After a moment, Dongfang Yuyue’s sharp brows and starry eyes flickered; a thin layer of icy caution spread over his cold heart as he spoke lazily, “How did you discover my identity?”

He fixed his gaze on Luo Qianfan’s handsome profile, as if afraid to miss any crucial detail, while assessing him inwardly.

At that moment, the ghost faction finally caught on. One of them scratched his head, “Right, how did he know the master’s identity?”

Luo Qianfan, sensing he had finally gained the upper hand, curled the corner of his mouth arrogantly. Folding his arms, he responded deliberately and unhurriedly:

“Elegant and extraordinary, charming and dashing, breathtakingly handsome and towering, ruthless yet winning countless hearts, acting on whims yet weathering many storms of blade and sword!”

“Hmm... also frail and sickly, obsessive about cleanliness, with a mysterious background...”

“Prince Yuwang, with such a persona, is there still any need to get acquainted, hmm?”

Since his last departure, Luo Qianfan had sent people to investigate Dongfang Yuyue. After all, someone as outstanding as him could never be an obscure nobody. Coupled with some popular rumors, Luo Qianfan soon pieced it together... Prince Yuwang!

He was the mysterious Prince Yu of the Fengyue Kingdom!

As for Prince Yuwang, most of the rumors circulating were probably true. The most remarkable thing was not just his status but the infamy he had gained since arriving here a year ago, mainly for his cruelty and allure, which spread far and wide.

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Dongfang Yuyue, as the son of the Fengyue Emperor, had wandered outside for many years, and there were some controversies surrounding his origins. Strangely, Dongfang Zhenghong not only refrained from investigating him but treated him with grace and even bestowed upon him the throne, seemingly indifferent to ministers’ concerns and complaints.

Over time, dissenting voices in the court gradually dwindled.

However, the Yuwang Mansion frequently experienced minor incidents: one day targeted by bandits, the next day disrupted by troublemakers. The truth behind these events remained unknown.

The palace would merely send someone to offer condolences, and matters would simply move on. Eventually, it became a regular occurrence, and the Yuwang Mansion turned into a forbidden zone.

...

It was the first time Dongfang Yuyue heard someone describe him at such length. He was surprised to realize he had accumulated so many epithets. Though somewhat taken aback, the descriptions were largely accurate and touched on certain truths.

Unconsciously, his heart had begun to lean toward Luo Qianfan, growing accustomed to hearing him speak and focusing on all his movements.

Yet Dongfang Yuyue seemed unaware of this change within himself, maintaining a tone that bantered with Luo Qianfan:

“Hmph, how could I not know? My reputation has grown so large as to reach your humble valley!”

“I never expected that the illustrious Young Master of Yiming would deign to inquire about me. I am truly honored.” A hint of pride surfaced.

Luo Qianfan pursed his lips, smiling slyly at Dongfang Yuyue, his eyebrows and eyes curling in a teasing, half-smile.

“Yes, Prince Yuwang, your fame is indeed resounding. We are but a small valley that treats the sick—how could we survive without your great renown?”

“But there is one thing I do not understand. Prince Yuwang, might you enlighten me?”

Dongfang Yuyue lifted his head, glancing to the side without meeting Luo Qianfan’s eyes, but gestured for him to proceed with the question.

This man was truly proud yet never forgot to lower his guard when needed.

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Truly a torment!

“Rumor has it, Prince Yuwang is cold and merciless, keeping strangers at a distance, his aura overwhelming. Yes, these traits now seem believable.”

“But obsessive about cleanliness? Prince Yuwang, are you sure you are really the legendary Prince Yu?” Luo Qianfan’s delicate hand even brushed her own smooth, flawless skin.

Dongfang Yuyue neither laughed nor frowned, simply gazing quietly at Luo Qianfan before breaking into a gentle smile and sighing softly: “Come here.”

“Why?” Luo Qianfan was puzzled. He hadn’t answered her question but instead called her over. What was the meaning of this? Was he suddenly angry and about to silence her forever? Surely not.

Dongfang Yuyue looked at the sly, guarded girl before him, a trace of helplessness showing. With another sigh, he explained, “Of course, it’s to have you treat me. Did you think I came here just to see you, hmm?”

Yes, a girl. Dongfang Yuyue had suspected Luo Qianfan was a woman disguised as a man since their last meeting. Today’s encounter only confirmed his suspicion: she was indeed female!

Instead of feeling repulsed by her touch, Dongfang Yuyue felt a strange relief, even a secret happiness.

Thus, he refrained from exposing her identity and allowed her to act as she pleased. If it had been anyone else, the body likely would have disappeared without a trace.

The famed Young Master of Yiming Valley was actually a woman? No one would believe it—how fascinating.

As for her earlier question, Dongfang Yuyue himself did not understand why he did not mind her touch.

Many years later, he finally realized that love often arises unconsciously, deeply and unshakably…

From the very first glance, this cunning, lively girl had crashed into his frozen, cold heart.