Editor : Minak Amie. TQ for your hard work!

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After he finished speaking, Qiu Lan and the other maids came in and helped him wash and get ready. Seeing that he was already up and even wanted to practice calligraphy, they highly praised him for being self-motivated. Hearing their words of praise, Feng Ming became happier. After was.h.i.+ng up and changing clothes, the silk and ink stone were prepared. Qiu Yue stood at his side to help him grind the ink.

Rong Tian had also wanted to get out of bed and accompany him, but he was stubbornly driven away by Feng Ming. “Yesterday, you went and infiltrated enemy territory. You’re lacking sleep. Quickly get back into bed.”

Rong Tian had become more tired as of recent. Feng Ming was resolute, and his eyes could not help but show a bit of distress. Looking at him, Rong Tian’s heart filled up with warmth. Heavy kisses fell upon Feng Ming’s lips before he said, “Write well and show me when you’re done. If you really have improved, I will give you a big reward.” He then followed Feng Ming’s instruction and went back to bed.

Feng Ming laughed and responded, “You better remember the words you just said. Don’t go back on your promise later.” He ordered Qiu Xing to help ma.s.sage Rong Tian’s shoulders in order to make his sleep more comfortable.

Qiu Lan lit up the soothing incense inside the room and left to prepare what she is best at: delicious pastries and cooked meals, meant for Feng Ming and Rong Tian’s consumption later.

The day gradually became bright. The birds and insects were no longer noisily quarrelling.

The pleasant temperature of spring was good for soothing emotions.

Rong Tian laid in bed, silently watching Feng Ming practice his handwriting. He wore a simple gown and sat at the desk with a serious look. Looking at his face made others feel a tender fondness towards him and could make them unconsciously smile.

His appearance was handsome and elegant. He gave off an admirable and refined temperament that originated from deep within. No longer was he the same clumsy and silly guy he had met so long ago at Xi Lei’s imperial palace.

In his eyes, as though he were a painting… the other man’s beauty was almost unreal.

Watching Feng Ming seriously practice, Rong Tian felt peaceful. With the addition of Qiu Xing’s hands softly ma.s.saging his sore shoulders, his tenseness unconsciously relaxed and his eyes closed.

Feng Ming has learned from numerous teachers, resulting in his improving to a certain extent. At least when he wrote, there was no longer the impetuousness of the past. Now he could behave calmly when he practiced. When Rong Tian was his teacher, he had often acted mischievously and naughty. However, it was strange that he was willing to practice in such a meticulous manner after promising Luo Yun.

It was probably because Luo Yun was too serious. Towards Feng Ming acting as the Young Lord of the Xiao Family, he often showed his lack of confidence. His perpetual appearance that seemed to say, “I don’t believe you are capable of doing well,” stirred up Feng Ming’s sense of compet.i.tiveness and made him want to prove Luo Yun wrong. In fact, he had to do better. “Hmm, I wrote this well.”

Standing by the desk, Qiu Yue snuck a look at his letters and slightly laughed. “Duke Ming’s calligraphy has gotten better and better. Perhaps after a few months, you will catch up to Rong Hu.”

Feng Ming depressingly said, “Are you trying to praise me or make fun of me? Rong Hu’s calligraphy can be considered good, but it is nothing compared to Rong Tian’s. Doesn’t that mean that I am always going to fall short of his skill?”

Qiu Yue immediately tried to console him.

Feng Ming was merely complaining. His calligraphy compared to in the past had vastly improved by a lot. Hey… for us humans, as long as we can surpa.s.s ourselves, then it can be considered having done well. Having practiced for a while, his mind had become slightly distracted and the rare, calm atmosphere immediately disappeared. He turned his head towards Rong Tian and discovered that he had already fallen into a deep sleep. Reminiscing on the past, he carefully scrutinized Rong Tian’s sleeping face.

As he walked over, Rong Tian coincidentally rolled over. The quilt slipped down, exposing his firm and strong back.

Feng Ming was surprised for a second before his mouth formed a mischievous smile. Immediately, he went to the desk, picked up the brush, and dipped it into the ink.

“Duke Ming?”

“Shhh…”

Qiu Xing, who had just finished ma.s.saging Rong Tian’s shoulders, looked up and saw Feng Ming walking over in large strides while holding an ink brush. One look at his scheming expression would reveal that he was planning something. Her round eyes stared at him and she asked, “Duke Ming, what are you planning on doing?”

Feng Ming laughed wickedly and held a finger to his lips, signaling for her to keep quiet. Then, holding in his laughter, he slowly moved the brush along Rong Tian’s s.e.xy and smooth back.

The soft tip dancing on the firm skin soon left behind 4 characters – PROPERTY OF FENG MING!

Feng Ming looked at the masterpiece triumphantly and threw the brush aside. He continued to stand by the bed, appreciating his work of art while quietly laughing.

Qiu Xing and Qiu Yue approached to look. At first they were surprised, but soon could not help but bite their lips, trying to hold back their laughter while holding on their stomachs.

Rong Hu came in right at that moment. Raising the curtain, he saw 3 people busy trying to hold back their laughter. Seeing the reason, his eyes immediately opened wide. Just as he was about to speak, Feng Ming covered his mouth with his hand. “Quiet… Rong Tian just fell asleep.” He wrinkled his nose and gave Rong Hu a meaningful glance. No matter what, he could not allow Rong Hu to say anything to the king.

Rong Hu struggled with his conscience before reluctantly giving in.

Only with his agreement did Feng Ming let go of Rong Hu and mischievously laughed. ‘What do you think… my writing has improved a lot, right? Look at this Feng character. It’s really imposing, is it not? Hehe… I really did not expect writing on someone’s body could be so interesting.”

In his heart, Rong Hu commented… Wait until the king finds out, then things will truly become interesting!

Recalling his reason for coming, he quickly changed the topic and reported, “Duke Ming, General Zhuang Pu requests for an audience.”

“Zhuang Pu?” Confused, Feng Ming responded, “He left the capital city for a while and has just returned, shouldn’t he be incredibly busy? Where did he find the time to look for me? What exactly are his intentions?”

“He came to introduce someone. There is an individual who really wanted to meet with Duke Ming but felt it would be to presumptuous if he just showed up at the door. He knew that Zhuang Pu had interacted with Duke Ming before and asked him to bring him.”

“Who is it?”

“This person is someone that is worthy enough to be called a friend.” Rong Hu laughed and continued, “He is the person Duke Ming asked about yesterday. Duke Ming has even drunk a toast with him.”