Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 378: Hiding a full blown love affair

Chapter 378: Hiding a full blown love affair

Xiang Yu reached his father’s bedchamber, the ornate doors standing tall before him. He paused, glancing back at Han Xin, who stood just outside with the steward. "I will be right back," he reassured, though Han Xin’s expression was reluctant. The tension hung between them, but Han Xin nodded, knowing he had no choice but to stay behind.

As the heavy door closed, the steward turned to Han Xin, his voice low but urgent. "You will get him into trouble if you keep acting like this." His words were a warning, laced with concern.

Just then, an imperial guard passed by, and both men fell silent, the weight of their conversation suspended in the air. Once the guard was gone, Han Xin spoke, his voice cold. "If you keep talking here, you will get him into trouble.

The steward wanted to retort but held his tongue. Two staff members walked past, and he could only grumble under his breath, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, inside the comfortable living room, Xiang Yu found a stark contrast to the coldness of the rest of the palace. The room felt warm, almost inviting, yet the tension was palpable. His father sat on a plush couch with a glass in hand, his gaze lowered. The shadows cast by his eyelashes concealed the chaos swirling beneath.

Xiang Yu took a step forward, but in an instant, the imperial Lord hurled the glass at Xiang Yu’s feet. The glass shattered, shards scattering across the floor. Xiang Yu knew his father’s aim was excellent and that he had missed him on purpose.

Rubbing his eyes aggressively, the imperial Lord commanded, "Pour me another one." Xiang Yu didn’t respond with words. Instead, he walked to the bar and poured more liquor, the liquid glistening in the dim light. Once he was done, he approached and placed the glass in his father’s hand.

"Sit," the imperial Lord said coldly, pointing to the seat opposite him. Xiang Yu obeyed, settling into the chair as silence enveloped them. The imperial Lord took slow sips of his drink, the seconds stretching into an uncomfortable quiet.

Finally, halfway through his glass, the imperial Lord spoke. "You should always tell me if anything happens. We can deal with it in advance, do you understand?" His tone was stern, but Xiang Yu felt no respect for the man. He was a horrible father and an even worse husband, a man stained with blood from betraying those who trusted him.

Xiang Yu’s hatred simmered just below the surface, threatening to spill over. He loathed this man for the pain he caused to Han Xin in this world. He made Han Xin an orphan, taking away parents who actually loved him. Knowing it wasn’t the right time to strike he discreetly clenched his fists, forcing himself to remain composed. "Yes, Father," he replied, his voice steady.

"Once they are gone, punish yourself in the training simulator for five days straight. Do not come out until I am satisfied." The Imperial Lord’s words were like ice, cutting through the air.

"Yes, father," Xiang Yu echoed, feeling a mix of anger and resignation. The imperial Lord’s annoyance flared at his docile response as if Xiang Yu’s compliance was perfunctory.

"Go, get out of my sight," the imperial Lord snapped.

Xiang Yu bowed slightly, the weight of disdain heavy in his chest, before turning to leave. He was so eager to get back to Han Xin thus he didnt stick around.

But just when Xiang Yu thought he was about to be free, his father raised a finger, still holding the glass. "Hold up," the imperial Lord commanded.

Xiang Yu felt an annoyance bubble within him, but he suppressed it. He turned back, forcing a calm demeanour. "Yes, father.

"Was it really the Raunet family who put him up to it?" the imperial Lord asked, his tone sharp.

"Father, are you doubting me?" Xiang Yu replied, his voice steady but edged with tension. The imperial Lord glared, a warning flickering in his eyes.

Xiang Yu quickly restrained himself. "All the evidence has been sent through by the steward. The Raunet family never liked me. Maybe they thought if they could get rid of me, they could find a suitable puppet to take my place on the throne since I have long been deemed unworthy."

His words hit the imperial Lord like a blow. The word "puppet" stung, echoing the whispers in noble circles. He had depended on the Raunet family’s influence to solidify his power, promising not to interfere with their operations.

But he was not one to let that vulnerability be dangled over his head. He had worked hard to build his own strength, and today’s situation was a testament to that. He would not be disrespected. He would deal with the Raunets and make an example of them.

After a long silence, the imperial Lord shifted the topic. "By the way, are you getting along with your attendant?"

Xiang Yu remained outwardly calm, but inside, he twisted with unease. Why was this man asking about Han Xin? "He is alright. He gets what needs to be done," Xiang Yu replied, his voice neutral.

The imperial Lord stared at him, searching for something deeper. Ever since Xiang Yu took the punishment for Han Xin he had been suspicious that there was something going on between them but looking at it now they were just a distant.

Xiang Yu knew what the imperial lord was thinking but he had covered his tracks well and there was no way this vile man would find anything. He would never suspect that he was hiding a full blown love affair. Xiang Yu asked respectfully, "Does father need anything else?"

The imperial Lord casually waved him away. "No, go."

Xiang Yu turned to leave, the door closing softly behind him. But as soon as it shut, the imperial Lord sighed heavily, speaking to the empty room. "Baby, you see this? Your son is giving me a headache. I know you don’t like me drinking, but I am so stressed." His voice cracked slightly, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"You shouldn’t have left him alone for me to raise," he murmured, his gaze vacant, as if seeking solace from the air itself. The silence that followed was heavy, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in his heart.