A steady drizzle fell outside, while inside the room, one could hear a pin drop.

Qin Xiao must be worried that something is wrong with the medicine, ah.

Chu Jiubian discerned this clearly.

That was right — Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were not bosom pals who trusted one another, but two people with a relationship based on benefits.

If their roles were reversed today, he wouldn’t trust Qin Xiao either.

But the young emperor was innocent. 

A smile appeared on Chu Jiubian’s lips. Instead of pulling his hand back, he took the cup into his right hand.

Then, he poured two drips of the medicine into the center of his left palm.

The light in the room flickered dimly.

The young man’s forehead was slightly damp, his eyelashes thick and black.

His skin was as pale as jade, but his cheeks and ears were slightly pink, his lips as red as blood.

He leaned forward slightly, closer to his left hand.

Bright red lips and pale skin created an extremely striking beauty.

Qin Xiao watched as Chu Jiubian took the medicine on his palm into his mouth and swallowed it.

His gaze moved upward. Their eyes met.

When he saw the teasing smile in Chu Jiubian’s eyes, he released his grip.

Chu Jiubian took his hand back and sat up straight. Without looking at him again, he brought the cup to Bai Lihong’s mouth once more.

This time, Qin Xiao didn’t stop him.

“Your Majesty, this isn’t bitter. You’ll feel better after drinking it,” Chu Jiubian coaxed softly.

Bai Lihong blinked. He sniffed it suspiciously, but didn’t smell any bitterness.

Then, he opened his mouth obediently and said: “Ahh—”

Chu Jiubian carefully fed the medicine to him bit by bit.

“Is it bitter?” Chu Jiubian asked with a smile.

The child smacked his lips twice and shook his head: “Not bitter at all.”

Chu Jiubian lifted a hand and touched the child’s head: “Go to sleep. Everything will be alright when you wake up.”

No matter how young he was, he was still the emperor. Logically, Chu Jiubian shouldn’t be treating him like a child, but he couldn’t help it.

Qin Xiao stood up and took two steps back, standing in place.

He watched as Chu Jiubian gently coaxed the child to lie down, then gently wiped his face with a handkerchief while speaking to him softly.

This sort of Chu Jiubian was completely different from how he normally was.

Even the other’s perpetually unaffected eyes were now filled with emotion, as if he was seeing through Bai Lihong’s little face to something else.

It was rare for Chu Jiubian to show such emotion. Qin Xiao stroked the fingertips that had just been in contact with the other’s wrist. It felt as if there was still a trace of burning heat left behind.

Was it caused by a fever?

Bai Lihong was already tired after crying for so long, and after taking the medicine and being coaxed by Chu Jiubian, he soon fell into a deep slumber.

Chu Jiubian had taken some medicine before coming here, and it had begun to start taking effect. His head still hurt, and he felt dizzy, but he felt even more sleepy.

His eyelids were heavy, and the tinnitus penetrating his eardrums grated against his fragile nerves. His mind began to drift.

An unknown amount of time later, he began to lose the ability to distinguish between reality and dreams, and lowered his head blankly.

He saw that he seemed to have become much shorter, and that he was wearing a red and white elementary school uniform and white tennis shoes that were neither old nor new.

The tinnitus gradually faded, and the noise and bustle of a city grew more intense.

He looked up to see a street that was familiar but unfamiliar. It was very narrow, with shops on both sides of the road. It had just rained, and there was dampness everywhere he looked.

The smell of soil filled his nostrils.

“Xiao Jiu!” A woman’s voice rang out.

Chu Jiubian glanced to the side and saw a familiar face, which was covered in sweat, likely due to her running so fast.

“Xiao Jiu, go home quickly! Your parents are fighting again!” The woman grabbed his hand and hastened forward. “Your brother is locked on the balcony, he’s crying so miserably. We didn’t dare go inside…..”

Chu Jiubian ran faster and faster, eventually leaving the woman behind.

He saw himself nearing the old, dilapidated building. The only sound in his ears was his own rapid breathing.

Gradually, he heard the heart-wrenching cries of a child, each one clearer and more miserable than the last.

Almost there, almost there.

The small figure on the sixth-floor balcony reflected in Chu Jiubian’s eyes.

He had a round little face and was three heads tall. Holding a box of colorful marbles in his arms, he had his back pressed against a railing with bars as thick as a finger.

Get back.

Get back quickly!

Chu Jiubian tried to shout, but was unable to. He could only run faster.

Bang—

The balcony door was suddenly and violently kicked open. The child was so frightened that he clung even more tightly to the railing.

The dilapidated railing groaned, rocking precariously.

A tall man rushed out of the house, one hand clutching a woman’s long hair and the other holding a half-empty bottle of alcohol.

Amid the screams and curses of the woman and the cries of the child, he took two big gulps of alcohol and obscenities poured from his mouth. 

The woman’s face was streaked with tears. She scratched his arms with broken fingernails and bit his arm with her teeth.

The man cried out in pain and shoved her away.

The woman hit the railing, and the already unstable bars were knocked completely outward.

The child leaning against it was utterly defenseless, and rolled backward under the force.

Bang!

The small body ruptured, colorful marbles mixing with flesh and blood as they rolled across the wet ground, leaving crimson trails.

The unending screams of the man and woman pierced his eardrums.

Chu Jiubian knelt on the ground with outstretched arms, less than a meter away from the pool of blood.

After a long while, he reached up and touched his face. He felt something sticky and red.

“My Lord, the young master’s fever has subsided. He was probably tired last night, so it’s alright for him to sleep a little longer.”

“En. You can leave.”

Chu Jiubian slowly opened his eyes. He caught sight of an unfamiliar bedframe, and the scent of burning incense filled his nose.

It was dawn.

He blinked his sore eyes. The headache was gone, but his body still felt a little weak.

Turning his head, he saw Qin Xiao, who had just sent the Imperial Physician away.

The man must not have slept all night. He was still wearing yesterday’s robes, and his hair was a little disheveled.

Qin Xiao turned his head to look toward the bed and met the young man’s gaze.

“You’re awake.” His tone carried a natural smile. He went to the side table to pour a glass of water, bringing it to the bedside. “It’s already late in the morning. You were even more tired than His Majesty.”

Chu Jiubian levered himself into a sitting position, then took the water and drank it all.

Qin Xiao took the cup again and asked: “Do you want more?”

“No.” Chu Jiubian put on his boots and got off the bed. He glanced at the System for the time and said: “How can this be considered late in the morning? It’s not even seven o’clock yet. I’m awake early.”

Qin Xiao just smiled and said: “You fell asleep abruptly last night. If I hadn’t been quick enough to grab you, you would have hit His Majesty on the head and woken him up.”

Chu Jiubian raised his eyebrows: “So you don’t think I poisoned him?” 

Qin Xiao’s expression faltered for a moment. Then he bowed his head respectfully: “If it were me taking it, I wouldn’t have been so cautious. I hope the young master will forgive me.”

“It’s fine.” Chu Jiubian brushed his hair back. “How is His Majesty? Is he awake?”

“His fever has subsided. He woke up briefly and drank some porridge, then fell asleep again.”

“That’s good.” Chu Jiubian walked out of the hall. “I’ll go wash up and then come back.”

“Alright.” Qin Xiao walked outside next to him.

Only then did Chu Jiubian realize that he was currently in the western courtyard – Qin Xiao’s courtyard.

Xiao Xiangzi hurried to meet them when they stepped out, but because Qin Xiao was there, he didn’t dare say much and just followed two steps behind them.

Qin Xiao didn’t escort Chu Jiubian further after they left Yangxin Hall. 

Chu Jiubian walked a few more steps, then stopped.

He turned to look at Qin Xiao with inquiring eyes: “I didn’t talk any nonsense last night, did I?”

“You did not,” said Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian nodded. His gaze fell on the dark stubble that had already begun to emerge on the man’s face, and reached up to touch his own. 

There seemed to be some, but his own facial hair had never grown fast, so he must look better than Qin Xiao.

When he saw him do this, Qin Xiao reached up to touch his own chin as well.

Chu Jiubian just smiled and turned around to leave.

Qin Xiao watched his back until he was out of sight.

*

*

At the same time, various locations in the capital gradually became lively.

The previous night, many servants had been running around to spread the news of morning court being cancelled to all of the government offices.

The Great Ning Dynasty enforced one day off every three days. Today was supposed to be a court day, but with court cancelled and tomorrow a free day, everyone was able to sleep for two days in a row.

The low-ranking officials were all very content, and basically slept until it was time for them to report for duty.

But officials of the first, second, and third ranks got up as they usually would for court. Then, as if by tacit agreement, they either went to report to their superiors before taking up their duties, or went to the government offices early to chat with their colleagues about what had happened the previous night.

The little emperor was young, and had just recently lost his mother and father. The weather had also been changeable lately, so it was not surprising that he had caught a cold and a fever.

If he were to pass away just like that, the capital would be thrown into chaos.

But with Qin Xiao around, the possibility of this coming to pass was very low.

And sure enough, when they woke up this morning, they heard that the young emperor’s fever had subsided and that he had even eaten breakfast. It could be surmised that he was practically back to full health.

Naturally, this news from Yangxin Hall had been spread by Qin Xiao – otherwise, nobody would have known a thing.

The lower-ranking officials gathered in the government offices in groups of three or four, talking to each other in low voices.

“It’s said that when an Imperial Physician first left Yangxin Hall, his face was pale and he reeked of medicine. He even had stains on his clothes. I bet His Majesty couldn’t swallow the bitter medicine and spat it all out.”

Each of them had one or two favored children, and knew that children couldn’t bear to take those kinds of soups and medicines and would spit them all out.

“That’s right. After Grand Tutor Chu went there, most of the remaining Imperial Physicians left Yangxin Hall soon after, and their expressions were more relaxed. It seems His Majesty must have gotten better by that point.”

“Grand Tutor Chu must have some skill with medicine, or perhaps some magic elixirs.”

“As expected of an immortal who descended to earth. He can make ice, save lives, and even knows so many great poets. He’s truly remarkable.”

“Do you really believe he’s a god? To me, he’s just a person with talent.”

“Then why are there so many talented people, yet none of them can make ice? Why could none of them recite those poems?”

“Putting aside the issue of ice-making, those poems were only written by great men he knew. How does that prove he’s a god?”

“That makes sense. When I heard those poems, the concerns and emotions they expressed were the same as those of ordinary people like me, so he’s definitely not a god.”

“Immortals are just mortals who’ve ascended to heaven. Those poems must have been written before they ascended. And perhaps their ability to create such masterpieces was what allowed them to ascend in the first place.”

There were many different opinions. Some people thought that all of this talk of the supernatural wasn’t credible, while others firmly believed it.

However, it was undeniable that Chu Jiubian had been the focus of conversation amongst the capital’s officials since the moment he appeared.

Unlike the bustling government offices, there weren’t so many people debating inside the courtyards of higher-ranked officials.

“I heard that as soon as news of His Majesty’s high fever reached Yaotai Residence, Grand Tutor Chu rushed to Yangxin Hall without even taking the time to put on his robes.”

Wang Pengyi, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, gently waved the folding fan in his hand as he sat in the lower section of the seating arrangements.

He was less than thirty years old, with a face that was warm and handsome. He was truly an elegant young master, representative of the typical “Wang family member” in the eyes of the world. 

In the main seat, Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan was fiddling with a jade pendant in his hand. He said slowly: “That’s quite the act he’s putting on.”

“Or perhaps he really does care,” Wang Pengyi said. “They spend so much time together, and he is the Grand Tutor. Maybe he’s really begun to develop feelings for His Majesty.”

“I don’t believe he is such a soft-hearted and lenient lord.” Wang Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked outside the hall. “Even that old bastard Xiao Yu couldn’t gain any advantages from him, not to mention that three-year-old child?”

Xiao Huaiguan was considered to be the most cunning old fox in the Xiao family. Even if he didn’t receive any benefits from Chu Jiubian, he wouldn’t have let it become known. 

But Wang Zhiyuan had entered officialdom at almost the same time as him. They had been battling for decades, so he knew the other’s temperament the best out of anyone.

So when he heard yesterday that Xiao Huaiguan had not personally escorted Chu Jiubian to the Ministry of Personnel, he knew that negotiations had not been successful, and that even Xiao Huaiguan had suffered a setback at the hands of Chu Jiubian.

Moreover, a spy had reported back that Xiao Huaiguan had observed the etiquette between peers with Chu Jiubian. This old man loved to take advantage of his seniority, and would only put Chu Jiubian on equal footing with himself if he feared the other party.

Wang Zhiyuan didn’t believe that such a “Jiu-gongzi” and “Grand Tutor” could develop feelings for a child he had only known for a few days.

Wang Pengyi said thoughtfully: “So in your opinion, Grand Tutor Chu hasn’t made a decision yet?”

At morning court yesterday, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had worked together almost seamlessly, and even the young emperor had made a good assist at the critical moment.

Wang Pengyi and many of his subordinates actually felt that Chu Jiubian was likely to side with Qin Xiao and the young emperor.

After all, it was the orthodox side, and the side that had the most say for the time being. Moreover, Qin Xiao had taken the initiative to give Chu Jiubian such great power. This transaction couldn’t have been made just because of Chu Jiubian’s ice-making skills. There must be something else involved.

For all anyone knew, the contents of the transaction may be Chu Jiubian’s future “position” in the capital.

Wang Zhiyuan was nearly seventy years old, but he was still full of spirit. He lowered his eyes to look at the jade pendant in his hand.

Chu Jiubian’s background was shrouded in mystery, but he did have some genuine skills.

Right now, none of them knew where the other party had come from, nor did they know his purpose.

Previously, they had all wanted to recruit him out of fear and in the interest of benefits.

But now this fear had grown increasingly deep, and he had started to become their “biggest concern.”

This person moved between various major forces. He had only been in the capital for a few days, but had already disrupted the original status quo. If this situation continued, there was no telling what might happen.

“This Grand Tutor Chu is truly unpredictable, ah.” Wang Zhiyuan let out a faint sigh, and a gleam of ruthlessness and murderous intent flashed through his eyes.

Wang Pengyi restrained his expression slightly: “Then we must…..”

He sent a tentative look toward this senior official sitting in the main seat, who was also his grandfather.

In this case, it seemed that killing Chu Jiubian directly was the best option.

But…..that was a living person.

Wang Zhiyuan’s gaze fell on his expression, and the younger man continued to avoid his eyes.

“Don’t emulate your father’s soft-heartedness,” Wang Zhiyuan rebuked coldly. “A man may not want to harm a tiger, but the tiger is always a threat to him. Remember this in everything you do.”

Wang Pengyi quickly stood up and bowed: “Grandfather’s teaching is correct.”

“Good. See to your duties.”

“Yes.” Wang Pengyi proceeded slowly to the door, then left the main courtyard at the same pace.

The four great families owned many properties, and generations of their direct descendents lived on this street. Each residence was divided into private courtyards, with dozens of gates in total.

The same was true for the Wang family. In the row of courtyards, the main house sat in the middle. This was where the head of the family, Wang Huaizhi, lived with his sons and nephews, and it also possessed the only gate with a plaque that read “Langya Wang family.”

Wang Zhiyuan was Wang Huaizhi’s uncle, and his courtyard was directly next to the main house.

Wang Pengyi left the compound and came to another long street outside the gate.

There were no other houses on the entire street. If one walked to the end, they would reach Shenwu Street. Going north to the fork in the road was Chang’an Street, which was where most of the officials’ households were located.

Rain was no longer falling, but the sky was still overcast. It would probably rain a little more soon.

It was a rare cool day. Wang Pengyi’s mind was a little restless, so rather than calling for a carriage, he took an umbrella and slowly went on his way.

It had rained all last night, but there was no water on the bluestone pavement. It was just slightly moist.

His grandfather was right. His father was a pedantic scholar who only cared about his studies. He possessed the nobleness and pride unique to a cultured person, but also the soft heart of a Confucian scholar.

His concern was for the people and the country, but he also hated officialdom and couldn’t parse its intrigues. For this reason, his father was never entrusted with any important tasks, and was simply a renowned scholar who preached scriptures. 

Wang Pengyi was different from his father, and could see the situation clearly.

But like his father, he also hated all of the intrigue and power struggles.

Yet there was no other way. As a child of the Wang family, he was given the best of everything, so he should also give back to the family. 

He knew that his grandfather would go out today and meet with those superiors who could make things happen with a wave of their hand. They would point the tips of their swords at the Imperial Palace, and at that Jiu-gongzi of unknown origins.

Nobody knew the other party’s identity or purpose, but simply out of fear, and in order to prevent more so-called variables from popping up in the future, they were willing to deprive him of his life.

And knowing all of this, all Wang Pengyi could do was watch.

This was not the first time, and it would not be the last.

Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder and brought Wang Pengyi out of his thoughts. He turned his head to see a handsome man of a similar height to him.

The man wore loose, ill-fitting dark green robes. This slightly curly hair was loose, and fluttered restlessly in the intermittent cool breeze, as rebellious and unrestrained as its owner.

Wang Pengyi smiled unconsciously and said: “Qichen, where are you going so early in the morning?”

“Naturally, I have a date with a beautiful lady to drink and have fun.” Wang Qichen held up his folding fan and waved it gently. His fox-like eyes contained a pure, shining light, and he looked like a young dandy.

Wang Pengyi just said with a smile: “I really envy you, always so happy and carefree.”

“Cousin is teasing me.”

“How so? Do you want to tease me back?”

“No way. Of all my cousins, you treat me the best.”

Wang Pengyi gave him a look and said: “Are you short of money again?”

“Cousin knows me well,” Wang Qichen said, all smiles.

Wang Pengyi snorted and took a purse from his sleeve, but before he could open it, it was snatched away by the person next to him.

“Only take the money. That purse was embroidered by your sister-in-law,” he said.

“I know.” Wang Qichen took out a few pieces of gold and returned the purse.

Wang Pengyi put the half-deflated purse back into his pocket and said: “It’s a bit lighter now.”

Wang Qichen was delighted. 

The two of them parted ways at Shenwu Street, and Wang Pengyi felt that his low mood had improved substantially.

Wang Qichen walked away leisurely, and finally arrived at Jinxiu Square right before it started raining.

The best place to eat in Jinxiu Square was Jinxiu Restaurant, which belonged to the emperor. Located at the very center of the street, it had the most complete array of offerings, and even the storyteller was the fastest talker in the capital.

Wang Qichen had just taken a few steps into Jinxiu Square when it began to drizzle.

He covered his head with his fan and hurried toward Jinxiu Restaurant.

The establishment had not officially opened at this time, and the only people there were waiters making preparations to receive guests. 

Wang Qichen regularly frequented this place. There were bedrooms on the top floor of the restaurant, and he would stay there when he came early or drank late.

He entered the restaurant in a familiar manner, and as he walked into the room, he passed by someone.

He stepped through the door, lowered his fan, and turned around, only to see the back of a man in tight-fitting clothes and a straw hat. In the blink of an eye, the man disappeared around the streetcorner. With such speed, he must be a martial arts master.

“Jiyue-gongzi is here.” The shopkeeper came forward to greet him. “It’s cold outside, please come in and have a seat.”

Wang Qichen’s courtesy name was Jiyue. People had always called him that in a teasing manner, and because it didn’t bother Wang Qichen himself, it eventually became his courtesy name.^[1]

“Who was that person just now?” Wang Qichen asked.

The shopkeeper smiled and said: “He’s a chivalrous hero from the jianghu. It rained heavily last night, so he stayed here temporarily.”

A chivalrous hero.

Wang Qichen walked up the stairs, wondering which chivalrous hero would enter the capital at this time.

He was likely someone’s retainer.

*

*

The palace walls were high.

A figure passed silently through the many halls.

An Wuji was eating meat buns with several of his subordinates beside the palace wall as they chatted about the martial arts conference that had taken place some time ago, as well as the martial arts leader who had topped the rankings for three years in a row.

A faint sound of wind reached his ears, and An Wuji’s sharp eyes immediately darted to the side.

The smile dropped off his subordinate’s face beside him: “My Lord?”

An Wuji withdrew his gaze and smiled: “It’s nothing.”

*

*

Bai Lihong slept until almost ten o’clock. At this time, Qin Xiao was called to the western courtyard by Qin Chaoyang, leaving only Chu Jiubian and Hong Fu to guard him.

The child sat up blearily and rubbed his swollen eyes with small hands. His hair was a mess from sleeping.

“Your Majesty.” Hong Fu hurried over and gently wiped his eyes with a clean handkerchief. “Are you feeling unwell?”

Chu Jiubian had been reading a memorial, and now approached the bedside.

“No, it’s just that my eyes are swollen.” The child smiled at Hong Fu and touched his head. “Gonggong, don’t be sad.”

He had seen it yesterday – Hong Fu had cried with him.

It was the same when his mother was alive. Every time he cried, his mother cried too. Hong Fu did the same.

Eunuch Hong’s eyes burned, and his smile gentled even further: “Your Majesty, this servant isn’t sad. This servant will get you some water to wash up.”

At Bai Lihong’s nod, Hong Fu stood up, bowed to Chu Jiubian, and left.

“Xiansheng.” The child looked up at Chu Jiubian with a face full of admiration: “Xiansheng is so amazing. I got better after taking your medicine, and it didn’t taste bitter at all.”

Such an angelic little doll coaxing others in a childish voice, telling them not to be sad and sincerely expressing his gratitude…..no one would be able to resist him.

Chu Jiubian stretched his hands out toward him and said: “Your Majesty, would you like me to carry you?”

There were no palace servants in the bedroom, so the only ones who would know about Chu Jiubian’s actions were the secret guards.

The little boy looked around with his round eyes, and when he didn’t see anyone else, he temporarily put aside his uncle’s words about having “composure” and threw himself into Chu Jiubian’s arms.

He remembered the embrace from last night. It was very warm, and not stiff like his uncle’s. 

Chu Jiubian held him firmly and lifted him high.

There was no child who didn’t like to play like this, and Bai Lihong immediately laughed out loud.

Chu Jiubian saw the child’s smile, and a smile appeared in his eyes as well.

Today, he would hold this child firmly.

The boy in his arms suddenly began to squirm, and excitedly stretched his arms out toward the door: “Jiujiu!”

With the child in his arms, Chu Jiubian turned around and saw Qin Xiao approaching in a relaxed manner.

As soon as he got close, Bai Lihong reached out and grabbed the fabric over his chest.

Chu Jiubian subconsciously glanced down and glimpsed the slight swell of muscle under the cloth.

He suddenly recalled how it had felt back then – very springy, and easy to grab.

Qin Xiao took Bai Lihong into his arms, and when he looked up, he saw the young man staring at his chest, seemingly unintentionally.

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[1] Jiyue (霁月) means “clear, unclouded moon,” and is also a term for someone with a noble and benevolent character. ⮐

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Chapter 25 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 27