H! GVCP Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Second Brother Has Arrived

He Xuan had always adored this little sister-in-law, so how could she not know what the girl was looking for? 

She patted her small hand and said with a smile, "Let’s go inside to talk."

Yu Lingzhao gave an embarrassed smile, she had simply been so happy that she’d forgotten herself for a moment. 

Holding He Xuan’s arm, she led the way inside.

On the side, Yu Xunyang watched in a daze. He blinked and looked at Guan Xiao in disbelief. "Did Eldest Sister-in-law not see me?"

Guan Xiao remained silent. How was he supposed to comment on such a thing?

Yu Xunyang huffed and followed them sluggishly, determined to see exactly when his sister-in-law would finally notice him.

It wasn't far; they had already reached the main hall when He Xuan finally remembered. 

"Where is Third Brother?"

Yu Lingzhao started, then asked, "Eh? Where is Third Brother? He was just here!"

Fuming, Yu Xunyang jumped out in front of the two of them, nearly startling Yu Lingzhao. Before he could even speak, He Xuan flicked his forehead with a sharp knuckle-crack.

Yu Xunyang clutched his head and looked at He Xuan aggrievedly, nearly on the verge of tears. "Eldest Sister-in-law! Why are you hitting people!"

Only then did He Xuan see clearly that the reckless young man before her was the Third Brother she had just been asking about. 

She was suddenly caught between laughter and tears. 

"You... jumping out so suddenly, weren't you afraid of scaring Zhaozhao?"

Yu Xunyang cast a resentful glance at his sister, who was clinging to their sister-in-law, and said pitifully, "I’ve been right behind Zhaozhao the whole time, yet you just couldn't see me..."

"Well..."

He Xuan’s heart had been entirely focused on her little sister; she had indeed neglected this younger brother somewhat.

Yu Lingzhao hugged He Xuan’s waist and stuck her tongue out at her third brother. "Who told you to be less lovable than me? Blehh..."

Yu Xunyang wrinkled his nose, too lazy to argue with his sister, though his heart felt much lighter.

Seeing their sister-in-law had made Zhaozhao much more lively, unlike a few days ago, when she had coldly subjected an assassin to 'the suffocating paper torture,' appearing as terrifying as their stern Second Brother.

He Xuan first asked how the two siblings had been lately, then mentioned that the Princess Consort had sent Cui Momo, though since the elderly woman was traveling by carriage, she would arrive about two days later.

"Eldest Sister-in-law, you must be exhausted from the journey. Why don't you rest first?"

Yu Xunyang had no idea that Yu Qizhi had also come along, so he suggested He Xuan take a break now.

He Xuan gave her brother a surprised look before finally resting her gaze on her smirking sister, affectionately tapping her nose. "You little rascal."

Yu Lingzhao just pursed her lips and smiled, playing the good girl; she had already spotted Second Brother.

That mask was a good choice; it gives off the vibe of a reclusive master.

Having locked eyes with her second brother, Zhaozhao knew that this little disguise couldn't fool her!

Yu Qizhi stood behind He Xuan, his icy gaze nearly boring a hole through Yu Xunyang, yet the silly boy didn't notice a thing.

He Xuan cleared her throat and smiled. "No rush. Royal Father has some words to relay; shall we go to the study first?"

Upon hearing that Royal Father had instructions, the two younger ones immediately turned serious and invited He Xuan to the study.

Yu Lingzhao glanced at Second Brother, then at Third Brother, secretly praying in her heart: I hope Third Brother can recognize Second Brother later. 

Otherwise, I suspect he’s going to get thrashed by Second Brother again.

As Yu Lingzhao led He Xuan toward the study, she kept glancing back, trying to give Third Brother a hint.

Unfortunately, Yu Xunyang was like an impenetrable boulder. He even told his sister to watch her step so she wouldn't fall, which made Yu Lingzhao turn her head away in frustration and stop paying him any attention.

Unsure of what was happening, Yu Xunyang rubbed his head. Had he said something wrong?

Once they reached the study, Guan Xiao stood guard at the door while He Xuan and Yu Lingzhao entered first.

Yu Qizhi, disguised as the masked guard, had been following right behind He Xuan. At this moment, he headed straight inside as well, only to be blocked by Yu Xunyang.

"Are you new? Just stand guard outside."

Yu Xunyang reached out a hand to stop the masked guard, gesturing for him to stay out.

Yu Lingzhao and He Xuan turned around simultaneously and exchanged glances, unsure of how to react.

Seeing Guan Xiao silently close the door from the outside, Yu Lingzhao couldn't help but light a candle for her third brother in her heart. 

Oh, Third Brother, it’s really not that I’m not helping you.

Even Guan Xiao recognized Second Brother! How can you not recognize him!

Hearing the door close, Yu Qizhi gave up hope on his foolish brother recognizing him. 

He reached out and twisted the boy's ear. 

"How long has it been since we last met, and you can't even recognize your Second Brother? Hmm?"

It had been a long time since Yu Xunyang last had his ear twisted. This pinch caused a reflexive instinct to kick in, and he instinctively cried out, "Second Brother, spare me!"

Only after hearing those words did Yu Qizhi release his brother's ear and take off his mask. "You silly boy."

Yu Xunyang was truly stunned. Second Brother? For real?

Why on earth is Second Brother in the capital?!

As Yu Xunyang fell into a state of mental standby, Yu Lingzhao could tell at a glance that her third brother still hadn't actually 'recognized' him; that shout just now was simply a physiological response from being oppressed by their second brother for so long.

Feeling truly sorry for her foolish brother, she decided she had to sacrifice herself to save him.

Thus, Yu Qizhi saw his sister rush into his arms like a young swallow returning to its nest. He subconsciously caught her, coaxing her softly, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. Second Brother is here. Poor Zhaozhao has suffered such grievances..."

At this moment, Yu Xunyang miraculously shared a telepathic bond with his sister. He quietly shifted himself inch by inch toward his sister-in-law and gave her a pitiful look.

He Xuan was also caught between laughter and tears. Seeing her younger brother looking so cowardly was indeed a bit pathetic, so she reached out and patted his head. "It's alright now. Both your Sister-in-law and Second Brother are here."

To Yu Xunyang, his sister-in-law's words were like a sweet rain falling on a long-parched heart. When all was said and done, he was still just a child not much older than Zhaozhao.

Yu Xunyang looked at Second Brother again, who was busy comforting Zhaozhao with promises like, "Second Brother will definitely help Zhaozhao get her pride back" and "I'll make them regret this."

He didn't doubt his second brother's capabilities, but—!! Why did Second Brother suddenly appear!

And Zhaozhao hadn't told him either!

Also! 

Guan Xiao too! 

He actually closed the door on the sly! I'm making a note of that!

Guarding outside the door, Guan Xiao suddenly sneezed out of nowhere. He rubbed his nose; perhaps the capital was getting colder lately?

Yes, when patrolling at night, I should add another layer of clothing.

After Yu Qizhi finished comforting his sister, he took a seat gracefully. As soon as he sat down, he glanced at his brother, making Yu Xunyang’s hair stand on end.

Yu Qizhi frowned, his disdainful look impossible to hide. "You've been in the capital for so long, and yet you're still so jumpy."

Yu Xunyang’s mouth twitched, but he eventually shut it indignantly.

I'm not jumpy because I'm in the capital, it's clearly because I saw you!

Yu Qizhi didn't intend to keep picking on his foolish brother, there would be plenty of time for that later. He turned to the main business.

Yu Qizhi hadn't noticed earlier, but now he saw the faint, lingering bruises on his sister's forehead. His expression turned so dark it looked like it could drip ink.

Standing to the side, Yu Xunyang was so terrified by his brother’s gaze that he didn't dare breathe loudly.

Seeing her third brother looking so miserable, Yu Lingzhao couldn't bear it. She stood up and did a little twirl to prove to her second brother that she was basically fine now.

Yu Qizhi listened as his sister explained that the Miss Ruan who harmed her had already had a leg stepped on and broken, but his expression did not soften: "She only broke a leg, but Zhaozhao almost lost her life!"

—

Author's Little Scene: 

Zhaozhao (twirling in place): I’m fine!

Second Brother (heartbroken): My sister used to be able to leap onto roofs and pull down tiles!

Zhaozhao (???): I didn't, I wasn't, stop talking nonsense!

Second Brother (starts sharpening his knife): Dammit! I’m going to take an eye for an eye!

Third Brother, huddled in the corner, silently hugs himself [No one cares about me, hello??] 

Jade: Sorry for no updates for some days now, the week was hectic for me.

>>H! GVCP Chapter 28