Spring Waters

Regardless, after extensive renovations, the estate in Nandeng Township finally welcomed its owners.

Already thoroughly familiar with the place, Alice and Vee stood waiting at the main gate. They clearly thrived here—Alice’s hair was neatly coiled, Vee wore her in braids, both dutifully sporting the small hair nets of maids as they greeted the arriving duke and his retinue of servants with smiles.

Butler Dave managed the castle's affairs, while this marked Evans' first attempt at serving as a steward. Dave's years of guidance had clearly borne fruit—his arrangements were impeccable this time. The house had been tastefully furnished by Evans following Tang Feiliu's advice. During the estate's construction, Tang Feiliu had already negotiated with Ross to establish a larger cement factory.

The existing cement plant, though rich in raw materials, lacked sufficient labor and had reached its developmental limits, leaving little room for further expansion. Here, however, near York, abundant labor and favorable geographical conditions would also facilitate trade for merchants dealing in resale goods from various regions... In short, Ross clearly wouldn't pass up this win-win opportunity. Moreover, the cement factory's formula was provided by the Duke's administrator, and the Duke held a majority stake in the plant. Running it well—right under the Duke's watchful eye—and generating substantial profits for him meant that what Ross could gain in the future would extend far beyond mere wealth and protection.

Ross was a shrewd operator. He had anticipated things Tang Feiliu hadn't even considered. After hastily selecting his own site alongside Tang Feiliu, he promptly and obligingly proposed: to construct a rough cement-slurry road leading toward the cement factory. After all, that was his old turf, and some crucial elements might need to come from there initially—even including bringing in some veteran employees. More importantly, while this road would consume a great deal of Ross's money, for Ross himself, undertaking this project before the Duke was clearly far more effective than simply offering his wealth as flattery.

Ross clearly sensed the Duke's intentions. While Tang Feiliu remained baffled by his motives, Edward understood—and not only understood, but rewarded his actions. Edward even privately hinted to Ross that he personally held great interest in the new economic ventures. If Ross could deliver outstanding results, he would grant him commensurate status.

Ross was no stranger to ambition. Yet throughout his life, this empire had both relied upon and deeply despised merchants. Ross had always felt he was born in the wrong place, at the wrong time—his talents never truly valued. And he was a man born with immense ambition in this very sphere. Once Edward gave him the green light, Ross threw himself into the endeavor with wholehearted effort and frenzied support.

He committed nearly his entire fortune, commissioning surveys of the surrounding soil and raw materials. Simultaneously, he even began advising Tang Feiliu, refining the latter's original rough blueprint with detailed zoning and planning for commercial districts, residential areas, and the outer agricultural zones.

This was precisely the most vexing issue for Tang Feiliu, yet Ross not only resolved it flawlessly but also swiftly began attracting a growing workforce after securing raw material extraction for the cement plant.

Ross began recruiting workers to build the cement plant, drawing in surplus labor from York. While Tang Feiliu was busy constructing irrigation systems for Mr. Allen in the countryside, arranging composting, and selling some of his handmade soap, Ross's operation was already in full swing!

Tang Feiliu learned all this from Edward, and he was overjoyed. Ross's capable approach had significantly lightened his workload. Moreover, Ross clearly had no intention of sidelining Lance's authority—he was a shrewd operator. During the construction phase, Ross's correspondence with Edward and Tang Feiliu was nearly equal in volume. He continually sought Tang Feiliu's counsel on various strategies and future plans. Consequently, even while building the cement plant, provisions were made for future urban water management infrastructure.

This was Tang Feiliu's suggestion: all new houses should be built this way. First, ensure indoor sanitation and water management systems were in place. When the city grew denser in the future, connecting to the main pipeline would keep the entire city equally clean.

It was precisely this sewage pipe that made Ross stingy. He had installed a separate manure collection pit for himself, intending to use it for irrigating his own land in the future.

Heaven knew why he was hoarding this stuff when he didn't even have a house yet.

Tang Feiliu found it amusing, yet understood this was likely a sentiment shared by everyone. The saying "Don't let good fertilizer flow to strangers' fields" seemed like a timely admonition in this era.

Whatever his motives, Ross proved an exceptionally capable man. His thorough work eased Tang Feiliu's constant tension.

Living in the countryside with Edward, Tang Feiliu suddenly found the days stretching out. Overseeing the construction of Allen Manor's irrigation system was actually much less taxing than before. Allen was an incredibly engaging conversationalist; chatting with him made time fly. Typically, after two cups of coffee in the afternoon, the day's work was done.

Meanwhile, Edward was preoccupied with matters concerning slave emancipation. Though the news hadn't yet spread, Edward was evidently already preparing countermeasures. In such an atmosphere, it was hardly surprising that Mr. Rogers Parr developed peculiar notions about Lance's repeated visits.

The estate was undergoing a partial renovation. Mr. Allen, his two nieces, and his widowed sister-in-law couldn't move out—even if Mr. Allen could, unmarried girls and widows faced many inconveniences.

Thus, during the estate's waterworks renovation, Mr. Allen often spent his afternoons sunbathing in the garden while sipping tea with Tang Feiliu. Thanks to Tang Feiliu's guidance, Allen found the kitchen maid's pastries growing increasingly delicious.

Whenever the two shared tea, Rogers Parr—whose health had improved somewhat—would take his walks along the path outside Allen's garden. Each time he passed them, he'd give a sharp snort before limping away with his cane.

Mr. Allen would invariably give a wry smile. Rogers was just a child at heart. After talking with Allen more, Tang Feiliu gradually pieced together some of the history between Allen and Rogers.

Caught up in his own perspective, Allen always saw Rogers as a bratty kid. But to Tang Feiliu, perhaps this young Mr. Rogers simply didn't understand why he was always so quick to anger—did he truly hate Mr. Allen for leaving his sister?

Perhaps he did. Or perhaps the root cause was hatred for Mr. Allen's departure itself.

"What difference does it make?" Allen looked utterly bewildered at Tang Feiliu's words. Tang Feiliu replied, "It makes a huge difference. If it's the former, he hates you for betraying his sister. But if it's the latter, he hates you for abandoning him, leaving him all alone in this place..."

Alan's eyes flashed briefly before darkening again. He shook his head with a bitter smile. "I don't have those dreams anymore."

"Oh? So did Mr. Rogers find his wife this year? He's long past the age for marriage!" In this era, commoners toiled in hunger while nobles indulged in gluttony without regard for health. Combined with primitive medicine and harsh living conditions, lifespans were far shorter than today's. At just over twenty, most of Mr. Rogers' peers already had children, yet he still danced through the social season without selecting a wife.

Unlike the Duke of Edward, Rogers Parr was a charming young man. Though not as irresistible to women as Mr. Allen, he was handsome and wealthy, with a prosperous estate awaiting his inheritance. While perhaps a bit too pretty-faced and not the most gentlemanly in temperament, he remained a solid choice for a husband. Yet his continued bachelorhood was puzzling.

Tang Feiliu didn't think much of it. In this era, what good would mutual affection do? Besides, perhaps it was a blessing that young Mr. Rogers hadn't realized his own feelings? The atmosphere between him and Edward was already so suggestive, just a thin veil away from something more. Yet Edward hadn't made a single move either. Perhaps it was because of the matter concerning the Temple?

Tang Feiliu felt deflated at this thought.

But Tang Feiliu didn't want to expose the truth about Alan and Rogers. While he spent every day with Alan, Rogers was constantly exposed to their closeness. It seemed as if a light bulb had suddenly gone off in his head.

Not only did he grasp it, but this Mr. Rogers—spoiled since childhood and never hesitant in his actions—had clearly taken decisive steps. Tang Feiliu didn't know the specifics, only that when he arrived with the handmade soap Mr. Allen had reordered, he found Rogers sprawled triumphantly on a chaise longue. The man wore a smug, defiant look as he eyed Tang Feiliu, while Allen crouched nearby, holding something and coaxing him to eat.

What the hell was going on?!

Tang Feiliu almost rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was hallucinating?!

"Why aren't you attending to your guest?" Rogers nudged Alan gently with his leg, his handsome face twisting in pain at the slight contact. Only then did Alan notice Tang Feiliu had arrived. He quickly nodded and turned back to Rogers, "It's the milk soap you ordered... Didn't you say yesterday it worked wonderfully?"

"It worked great, but the bathtub's uncomfortable—it's too rough." Rogers' opening line left much to the imagination. Tang Feiliu now understood that Mr. Allen's bathtub had likely been tested yesterday, and clearly both men were thoroughly satisfied with the new home's plumbing.

"Ahem, glad you're both pleased. As per my agreement with Mr. Allen, he'll oversee the estate's plumbing renovations. We'll split the profits privately." Tang Feiliu winked cheerfully, placed the milk soap on the table, and dramatically tipped his hat in salute. "Well then, I'll take my leave. Enjoy your new amenities, Mr. Allen... and Mrs. Allen?"

This remark sent Rogers, who had been strutting about triumphantly, into such a frenzy he nearly leapt to his feet. Had Mr. Allen not held him back, he might have chased after Tang Feiliu to beat him up.

Tang Feiliu dashed out, leaving Rogers' roaring behind him. He thought the boy was truly lively and adorable. After cleaning up, he looked even more stunningly handsome... Allen was truly a fortunate man.

With these thoughts, Tang Feiliu returned to the estate. Along the way, he saw servants diligently preparing his lunch. Workaholic Edward had clearly finished his meal long ago and was still battling paperwork related to his estate. Tang Feiliu ate his delicious lunch alone, feeling a bit lonely but thoroughly satisfied. Afterward, he walked to Edward's temporary study. Pushing open the door, he found Edward working in a simple shirt.

His brow furrowed, his expression serious and focused. A man truly engrossed in his work was the sexiest sight.

Tang Feiliu felt full from his meal, yet inexplicably craved something more. Outside, the early summer sun bathed everything in a warm glow, making one feel pleasantly drowsy. The image of Rogers's haughty, arrogant face flashed before Tang Feiliu's eyes, suddenly stirring his irritation. He thought—two lifetimes! Damn it, two lifetimes! Was he really going to remain a virgin through both of them?!

To hell with the Templars! To hell with their threats! If fear stops you from pursuing what you love, what difference is there between that and death?!

So Edward looked up and saw Lance—stirred to life by Rogers' provocation, his eyes brimming with spring water. His golden hair glowed in the sunlight, radiating a halo as he stepped into the light. His sky-blue eyes held a teardrop-like, lingering temptation. He approached, leaning down with a soft laugh, his collar revealing a swath of smooth skin. To Edward, this saintly youth radiated a sacred, untouchable allure in that moment—profoundly contradictory, yet astonishingly enticing.

"Your Grace," Edward heard his angel ask in a siren's voice, "Don't you find it tedious sitting like this?"