In the wheelchair!

The man wore a jewel-embedded silver crown binding his hair, dressed in an ink-wash colored long robe with flowing sleeves. His eyebrows were level with a gentle and ethereal quality!

That handsome face was as if carved, with distinct features. A pair of eyes shot forth cold starlight, yet were gentle as water. Truly it could be said his temples were cut as if by a blade, his eyebrows painted as if with ink, his face like peach petals!

It was only a pity that both his legs were crippled!

The attendant standing beside him held the wheelchair handles and pushed him inside.

The wheels rolled in with a “gurgle gurgle” sound!

Coming to a stop, Su Ziluo slightly raised his hand from within his sleeve, signaling the attendant beside him to leave.

Seeing this, Little Luzi bowed to Su Ziluo, called out “Master Su,” and immediately followed the attendant out, closing the door behind them.

Only two people remained in the room!

Su Ziluo looked at Li Shiyan’s ashen expression and curved his lips in a faint smile.

One hand gathering his sleeve, the other picking up the teapot from the table, he poured a cup.

Then lowered his eyes and asked, “Has the young master had enough fun?”

His tone like silk! Gentle as jade!

Li Shiyan clenched his fist and struck his own thigh, looking at him.

He asked, “Is this my father’s order?”

“Yes!”

“Then just pretend you didn’t see me. When I’ve had enough fun, I’ll go back on my own.”

Su Ziluo said nothing, holding his tea and taking a sip.

Li Shiyan grew anxious. “Ziluo, you and I grew up together. You know I can’t stand being watched all the time. At home, the entire estate is full of my father’s guards. Now I’ve finally managed to slip out—just let me have a few more days!”

“You’ve been out for three months already, traveling north and south. You should have had enough.”

“Not enough, not enough!” Li Shiyan said hurriedly. His face fell as he put on a pitiful expression. “You came to the capital this time surely under the great king’s orders to discuss matters between our two nations, right? Since that’s the case, why bother with me?”

“No!”

Su Ziluo spoke curtly and set down his teacup. Those crescent-moon eyes lifted. “Coming to Great Lin this time, before departing, the Marquis of Kangding specifically instructed me to bring you back to Qujiang. Having accepted someone’s trust, I must be loyal to that task. Young Master, you should return with me.”

“Why are you still like this—so stubborn and inflexible!”

Li Shiyan was furious!

Su Ziluo remained calm and composed. His elbow rested on the wheelchair’s armrest, his hands folded together, with a serene smile.

Truly deserving of the praise “moving like orchids and jade trees, smiling like a bright moon embraced”!

He said, “You must know that in the future, the marquis’s title will certainly be inherited by you. Sooner or later you’ll have to delve deeply into political affairs. Why not settle down now, study literature, and write on military governance?”

“You make it sound so easy. I’m not you! All that flowery language, those military texts and strategies, that noble title—I’m not interested in any of it.” He waved dismissively with extreme disdain!

“Shiyan!”

Su Ziluo called his name sternly.

“What?”

“You are ultimately the heir. The marquis has only you as his son. If something happens to you outside, how can the marquis have peace of mind?”

Li Shiyan’s words paused. He pursed his lips, stood up, swept his sleeves, and opened his folding fan again with a proud air. “How could anything happen to me? Even though my martial skills aren’t the best, with this fan you gave me in hand, naturally no one can get close to me.”

This snowflake fan was made by Su Ziluo’s own hands, with mechanisms built inside that could defend against people and serve as a weapon. Half a year ago, because Li Shiyan had pestered him relentlessly, he had given it to him.

It was said that in the nation of Qujiang there was a skilled craftsman whose handiwork produced items that were all masterpieces—not only exquisitely crafted but also concealing hidden mechanisms.

From small items like silver hairpins and buttons to large ones like carriages and weapons!

People from all walks of life desperately sought them but couldn’t obtain even one or two.

It was said this person only made hidden weapons for two types of people: those who had died once, and those who lived in a state worse than death.

That skilled craftsman was none other than Su Ziluo, the man in the wheelchair before them!

And the wheelchair he sat in was meticulously designed by him. Though its appearance wasn’t ornately carved, not inlaid with gold or silver, and looked quite ordinary at first glance, wherever his hands and feet rested, there were hidden mechanism buttons.

For attackers, even from a hundred meters away, once the mechanisms activated and the silver needles shot out, death was certain!

Seeing Li Shiyan so proud, Su Ziluo said, “If my silver needles earlier had struck true, you would already be dead.”

Li Shiyan immediately deflated, then quickly said, “Of course I’m far inferior compared to you.”

“Stop trying to argue with me. In any case, during this time, you’re not to go anywhere. Stay obediently in the capital. Once the matter between our two nations is concluded, you’ll return to Qujiang with me.”

“Ziluo…”

“This matter is settled. Young Master, don’t try any more tricks.” Su Ziluo’s attitude was firm.

Li Shiyan knew Su Ziluo’s temperament—he always meant what he said. This time, he probably couldn’t escape. He simply plopped down in his seat.

“I’d say you’re quite driven. With your legs inconvenient, you should stay comfortably at your general’s mansion, yet you insist on coming to Great Lin to join the excitement. You’re exactly like Uncle Su.”

“Why bring up my father again?”

“Five years ago in the battle at Cangshui between Great Lin and Qujiang, after Uncle Su died serving his country and your legs were crippled, heaven truly plays cruel tricks. Someone as wise as you should be on the battlefield killing enemies, wearing armor. Instead you can only be someone behind the curtain, now even running errands for my father to find people.”

“…”

“By the way, who crippled your legs? I’ve asked you many times, but you just won’t say.”

Su Ziluo’s expression showed no change. He only said coldly, “Old matters from years past—better left unmentioned.”

Li Shiyan was naturally a chatterbox and couldn’t restrain himself for a moment. He moved close to Su Ziluo and began talking incessantly.

“Ziluo, tell me—what exactly did you all come to the capital for this time?”

“You want to know?”

“Of course!”

“To propose marriage, to seek a bride for the great king.”

Li Shiyan narrowed his eyes and snorted. “Are you trying to fool a child? The great king loves only the queen. How could he have you bring thirty thousand elite troops here just to propose marriage? Tell me quickly—isn’t there another purpose?”

Su Ziluo’s expression remained calm. His hands turned the wheelchair wheels toward the window, gazing at the round moon!

After a long pause, he finally said, “In the battle five years ago, Qujiang’s worthy officials and generals either died or were injured. Our army was defeated, the city fell, and we retreated three thousand strong. The Great Lin Emperor is narrow-minded—not a virtuous ruler. His methods leave no room for mercy—kill when killing, execute when executing. Not a wise ruler. He employs people with suspicion—not an enlightened ruler.”

Li Shiyan behind him listened in confusion and pressed, “What does this have to do with your coming to the capital?”

Su Ziluo slowly turned the wheelchair, his back to the window, facing Li Shiyan. His eyes flashed with a sharp coldness.

He said, “How can such a ruler govern all under heaven?”

“Huh?” Li Shiyan was stunned.

Su Ziluo frowned. “Forget it. In time, you’ll understand.”

Li Shiyan shrugged. If he couldn’t understand, so be it.

Then something else occurred to him and he said, “Guess why I came to the capital?”

“Sightseeing?”

“No, it was for a young lady. That young lady has exactly your temperament, and she’s very clever too—a coroner, excellent at solving cases.”

Su Ziluo just listened without interrupting.

“Take out that tassel of yours.”

Su Ziluo looked at him coldly. “What do you want my tassel for?”

“That young lady also has a tassel exactly like yours! But did you lose yours?”

Su Ziluo said indifferently, glancing at him, “I don’t have time to waste words with you. Stay here obediently and don’t even think about sneaking away.”

“I…”

Before Li Shiyan could finish, Su Ziluo had already left!

The attendant pushed him away from the inn. The sky was gradually darkening, and there weren’t many people on the street.

The cold wind whistled, sending shivers through people.

Su Ziluo’s clean, flawless face slowly furrowed, carrying a trace of sorrow.

Inside his sleeve!

That hand with distinct knuckles tightly gripped that tassel.