Chapter 89: Snow on the Twig

Chapter 89: Snow on the Twig

After the rain prayer, Qin Qing was exhausted.

996 jumped onto him, hoping to be held, but the gesture made Qin Qing stagger, nearly causing him to fall.

Qin Dehuai and several maidservants rushed to support Qin Qing, giving him sips of cold tea. The scorching weather, combined with his multiple traumas near the pot's edge, had drained his already frail body.

996 said with concern, "Qin Qing, your spirit is damaged and your body is weak. Stop exerting yourself and rest at home. Lord Tai'an has seen Li Suyi's true colors. He probably won't harm you anymore."

"Even if he doesn't harm me, others will. If the marquisate is lost, I won't rest even in death," Qin Qing murmured weakly, holding his forehead.

"Nonsense! You're not dying! Take back those words!" 996 spat on the ground vehemently.

Just then, Ye Li returned.

"It's about to rain." He pointed outside, his expression mixed.

"What? It's going to rain?"

Everyone in the living room was elated and hurried outside to watch. Only Qin Qing remained seated at the table, dazed, while a chubby cat hugged his leg and mewled at him.

"Young Master, it's going to rain." Ye Li approached Qin Qing, speaking in a soft voice.

Despite being such great news, he was cautious not to startle Qin Qing.

Qin Qing gently lifted his gaze, looking toward the densely clouded sky outside the living room.

It's truly going to rain.

The once scorching wind now carried a chill, whistling throughout the courtyard, lifting leaves and withered petals into the air. A purple gleam shimmered within the clouds, signifying thunder that hadn't yet touched the ground.

"It's about to rain."

Following that remark, raindrops the size of beans poured down relentlessly, creating a chorus of splattering sounds. The long-awaited downpour, anticipated for two months, came suddenly and unexpectedly.

"It's raining," sighed Qin Qing again, blinking his hazy eyes.

"It's raining, it's raining! Wonderful!" Tao Ran dashed into the courtyard, letting the rain soak him, shouting in delight. Soon after, a large group of servants and maids joined him in the rain, dancing and shouting, expressing their joy.

Qin Dehuai stood under the eaves, clapping and laughing heartily.

Qin Qing blinked his moistened eyes again before saying, "Ye Li, help me go take a look."

Ye Li quickly shooed away the pesky chubby cat and assisted Qin Qing outside. Lately, Qin Qing had become even more frail, his skin almost translucent, making him resemble an ice or jade sculpture.

Ye Li feared that one day he might just vanish, like snow that inevitably melts with the arrival of spring.

The two bypassed the jubilant crowd, heading to a secluded courtyard.

A few servants were enjoying the rain in this courtyard, yet they remained silent.

Qin Qing paused under the eaves for a moment, then took a step forward, wishing to feel the rain.

"Young Master, don't," Ye Li grabbed his hand, his raspy voice filled with deep concern.

Looking up at the pouring rain, then turning to Ye Li, Qin Qing smiled, "Can I at least sit here and watch?"

"I'll get a stool for you," Ye Li turned, intending to leave.

However, Qin Qing gestured for him to stop, "It's fine, I'll sit on the steps." He settled down, removed his shoes and socks, rolled up his trousers, and dipped his feet into the rain, feeling the rhythm of the droplets.

Veins on his porcelain-white feet were faintly visible, making them appear translucent and delicate. His soft, rosy toes playfully twitched, eliciting a chuckle.

Qin Qing curved his lips into a smile.

Ye Li stood by, his gaze fixed intently on the scene.

The curtain of rain, heavenly water, jade-like feet, snow-white skin, and a person as delicate as an ice sculpture. Such a scene, he feared, would forever be etched in his memory.

"Why did it have to rain now?" Qin Qing tilted his head upward, letting out a deep sigh.

While everyone was rushing about sharing the joyous news, he alone seemed to be weighed down by worry and anxiety.

Ye Li averted his gaze, a hint of panic in his eyes. He knew what concerned Qin Qing. Everyone saw only hope, but he alone perceived the dangers lurking behind it.

"The rain began just after those sorcerers were cast into the water. If there's a drought again next year, the rain prayer ceremony will still be held, attracting even more believers. How many more will have to die then?" Qin Qing shook his head, lamenting, "This rain came at the wrong time."

Staring intently at the pouring rain, his thoughts were of the distant future.

Yet, moments later, he smiled softly, whispering, "In three years, once the canal is completed, there won't be any more human sacrifices during the rain prayer ceremonies."

Ye Li sat beside him, responding softly, his gaze inevitably drawn to Qin Qing's playful toes dancing in the rain.

"Young Master, you're still young; you shouldn't burden yourself with these concerns."

"I may be young, but my time is limited. Who knows if I'll still be here in a few years?" Qin Qing said with a hint of self-deprecation.

At that moment, Ye Li's heart felt as if it had been pierced, bleeding endlessly.

"Don't say such things," Ye Li's voice, filled with a wind-like chill, was both cold and hoarse.

"I'm merely stating the truth. If that ballad could reach such a remote place, it can spread throughout Jiangbei City. The blade destined to behead me is already hanging above," Qin Qing gestured to the space above his head.

Ye Li waved his hand above Qin Qing's head. The sharp force of his movement parted the air and scattered the large raindrops.

"I won't let anything happen to you," Ye Li asserted firmly.

Qin Qing just shook his head, offering a dismissive smile.

Suppressing his inner fear and agitation, Ye Li added, "Stay safe at home and don't venture out. You'll be alright."

"But I have so much to do," Qin Qing countered.

"Those tasks might not necessarily be yours to complete."

"If I don't take them on, then who will? Tao Ran?"

Qin Qing chuckled softly, speaking at a deliberate pace, "You know, if we send the women to gather herbs in the mountains, they might get eaten by a pack of wolves. Given this risk, Tao Ran wouldn't send them. If we instruct the men to form a patrol team to fend off beasts and bandits, they're even more likely to be killed. To prevent such casualties, Tao Ran wouldn't act. During construction, workers could be crushed by heavy stones or fall from great heights. Digging canals would be labor-intensive and costly, and who knows how many might drown in the waterways?"

"Kind-hearted people won't do these things because they can lead to deaths."

Qin Qing stared at the curtain of rain, falling silent.

Sharp, frequent pangs of pain seared through Ye Li's heart. Was Tao Ran's kind-heartedness truly beneficial? What change could it bring to the world?

Catching a few raindrops in his hand, Qin Qing continued, "The things she won't do, I will. Because I am the notorious, extravagant young master of Tai'an Marquisate. If a few people die due to my actions, it doesn't matter. I'm not afraid of being cursed, extorted, or reviled. After all, I was born a sinner."

Looking at Ye Li, he remarked lightly, "I am a sinner, a fact well known throughout the Great Yan Empire. A sinner's fate is execution, which means my actions can be ruthless."

As he spoke, he squinted slightly, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ye Li's heartache deepened, feeling as though it had been sliced open. If he didn't clench his teeth, he'd have screamed from the pain.

Qin Qing, a sinner?

Before coming to Jiangbei City, that's what Ye Li had believed. He even intended to personally judge this sinner!

But now...

Seeing Qin Qing's forced nonchalance and the sorrow clouding his eyes, Ye Li couldn't help but pull him into a tight embrace.

Overstepping his bounds, he acted impulsively towards his young master.

"You are not guilty. No one has the right to judge you," Ye Li asserted, "I know what you're trying to achieve. There are three types of people in this world. The first type sees themselves as benevolent, always playing the victim. The second type stands in the middle, witnessing both the hardships and the light. The third type sits atop, detached from worldly affairs."

Ye Li cupped Qin Qing's face, gazing intently into his eyes, "Tao Ran belongs to the first group, always hesitating, yet self-righteously dictating. The officials, nobles, and royalty belong to the third, indifferent to the sufferings of others. You, however, are of the second type, striving to lead the suffering towards the light, unafraid of the burdens."

Stroking Qin Qing's pale face, he softly added, "Only someone like you can truly change the world, but there are very few like you left. You are not guilty. I know what you're trying to achieve."

Ripples appeared in Qin Qing's deep eyes.

After doing so much, yet still being reviled, cursed, and hated, didn't he feel wronged?

He felt deeply wronged, but had no outlet for his grievances.

"Ye Li," Qin Qing murmured, as if seeking affirmation.

"Ye Li," he repeated, a tremble in his voice.

At this moment, he resembled a child who had suffered much wrong, unable to resist calling out upon seeing a loved one, seeking solace and warmth.

"I'm here, Young Master Hou," Ye Li responded with a hoarse voice, holding the frail young man tightly.

"Young Master Hou, you will be alright. The Taian Marquis Mansion will also be safe." Ye Li gently stroked Qin Qing's back over and over, making a soft promise.

Ye Li escorted Qin Qing back to his bedroom. He personally cleaned Qin Qing's feet and changed him into fresh undergarments, before exiting the room drenched in sweat.

The heavy rain continued to pour.

Ye Li closed his eyes, reminiscing about the soft and smooth skin he touched earlier, the slender waist, the perky behind, the beautifully shaped shoulder blades, and the pronounced spine...

He opened his eyes, looking at the evident state of his own body, and let out an enlightened smirk.

It turned out he had unknowingly followed in the footsteps of the retired emperor.

A chubby cat appeared before him, staring with wide eyes in astonishment.

Ye Li hastily bent forward, using his robe for cover, then crouched and said with a wry smile, "Did you see?"

The chubby cat bared its teeth, growling.

"I know you look down on me, always giving me that sidelong glance," Ye Li mused.

The chubby cat ceased its growling and rolled its eyes.

A deep chuckle escaped Ye Li.

"Let me share a secret," his smile faded as he whispered, "I'm not really Ye Li. My name is Li Suyue. My true identity is the Fourth Prince."

The chubby cat widened its eyes, maintaining its disdainful expression.

"I'm also quite disappointed in myself," Ye Li admitted with a shake of his head, remorse evident in his eyes. "I've been thinking lately, how wonderful it would be if I were simply Ye Li and not Li Suyue. But just now, I had an epiphany."

A distant look crossed Ye Li's face for a moment, he mused, "Ye Li could do nothing for Qin Qing, but Li Suyue can do so much more. Like—"

He pointed upwards, all his fear, anxiety, and confusion coalescing into a chilling, sharp ambition.

"Like ascending to that position," he patted the dumbstruck cat's head and strode away.

996 paused for a while before using his paw to scratch open the door, slipping inside. He leaped onto the bed, resting beside Qin Qing's pillow.

About an hour later, Qin Qing awakened from his exhaustion. Seeing 996, he instinctively hugged him, burying his face in the soft, plump belly of the cat.

996 patted his head and mysteriously whispered, "I just witnessed the awakening of a loyal devotee."

"What?" Qin Qing was taken aback.

996 continued, "That loyal devotee is about to transform into a dragon."

Qin Qing: "..."

996 lazily waved a paw, "Give it a few more years and you'll be safe. Someone will have your back. Your irresistible charm is truly compelling, hehehe~"

Qin Qing: "..."

Ye Li planned to leave the Marquis Mansion but needed the right opportunity. He ventured out into the pouring rain, aiming to contact his secret guards, only to find A-Niu, drenched in blood, at the gate.

Ye Li was taken aback and hurried over.

"Were you ambushed due to your identity being exposed?"

"No," A-Niu removed his blood-soaked robe and shook his head. "This blood isn't mine. My lord, Jiangbei City is beyond redemption."

"What happened?" Ye Li inquired.

"After you left, I attempted to retrieve the two thousand taels of gold from Taian Marquis Mansion. The guard seemed agreeable and even assigned soldiers for escort. Yet, we were ambushed by 'bandits' en route."

A-Niu pulled a pair of socks from his bosom and disdainfully tossed them aside, "The gold was stolen, the soldiers scattered, and I was left alone. Upon inspecting the bodies of the dead 'bandits', I found they wore military-exclusive socks. These weren't mere bandits; they were the city's garrison forces! Pretending to be bandits to steal the gold! In this place, the officials are the real thieves!"

A-Niu sighed deeply, anger turning to sorrow.

Ye Li drew a dagger and prodded the socks, spotting a tiny embroidered broadsword. He recognized this military supply, having approved it himself.

"Jiangbei City is infested with monsters and villains. Yet, ironically, they label Young Master Hou as a demon," A-Niu said with a cold smirk. "On my way back, I heard a children's rhyme, saying that unless the demon is exterminated—"

"I'm aware," Ye Li interrupted gravely, "I will reclaim my identity, summon my personal troops, and put an end to these monsters."

"Without the emperor's command, summoning your personal troops might be—"

"I'll handle matters with the emperor. Let's go." Ye Li walked into the downpour.

Hidden beyond the curtain of rain and mist, the path ahead was unclear. But Ye Li knew that once embarked, there was no turning back on this journey.

Not long after Ye Li departed, Jiang Feishi paid a visit to the Taian Marquis Mansion.

"Mr. Jiang, your timing is impeccable. I'm planning to dig a canal, and I need your expertise," Qin Qing said, guiding him to the table.

A map was spread out, with cinnabar lines tracing the connection between the Hongbo Lake and Jiangbei City.

With one glance, Jiang Feishi understood the young lord's intentions.

"This isn't advisable. The Taian Marquis Mansion might end up in such straits that you'll be reduced to a diet of rough rice and vegetables," he commented, studying the map with a concerned furrow in his brow.

"Once that song spreads, troubles will befall the Mansion," Qin Qing remarked, his eyes calmly fixed on Jiang, his hands supporting his chin delicately.

"The reigning emperor neglects state affairs, indulging in extravagance, leading to consistent deficits in the national treasury. Our Mansion holds the right to mint coins and has flourished in commerce, becoming as wealthy as a small nation. Confiscating our wealth would replenish the treasury, allowing the emperor's wastefulness to continue."

Qin Qing described the Mansion's precarious situation.

Jiang Feishi gestured for silence, pointing a finger to his lips, "Shush, Young Master Qin. Some things are better left unsaid."

"It's what everyone already knows but won't admit," Qin Qing responded with a mocking smile.

Jiang Feishi echoed his smile, his eyes filled with shared irony.

At that moment, words were unnecessary. They understood they were allies.

"Mr. Jiang, assist me with the canal project. Review our accounts and oversee the finances. If something befalls my father and me, empty the Mansion," Qin Qing stated calmly.

"Young Master, are you certain of your decision?" Jiang Feishi wondered if this was a test.

"Of course. If the emperor covets my wealth, I'll present him with barren coffers."

Leaning back, Qin Qing daydreamed, "When the day comes, and the officials, frustrated, ask me where all the silver went, I'll simply tell them it was spent."

"They'll question, 'With so much silver, how did you manage to spend it all?'"

"And I'll reply, 'Haven't you all labeled me the most profligate heir in the Great Yan Kingdom? Behold my prowess in squandering, isn't it legendary?'"

With that, Qin Qing blinked, started clapping slowly, and burst into a gleeful laugh.

He was aware of the fate awaiting the Marquis Mansion, yet he remained optimistic.

Influenced by his words, Jiang Feishi visualized the scene and burst into hearty laughter.

After a moment, Jiang Feishi's laughter subsided, followed by a gentle sigh, "Young Master Qin, I'll ensure those rumors don't spread. Stay in Jiangbei City as long as you wish; no one can touch you."

Qin Qing merely chuckled dismissively, not taking the words to heart.

"Young Master, be wary of Madam Tao in your household," Jiang Feishi added.

Qin Qing's expression darkened. He glanced thoughtfully at Jiang Feishi, not inquiring about the source of the intel. Of course, he was aware of this man's true identity, but it didn't bother him.

Bandits? The official soldiers are far more terrifying.

Noticing Qin Qing's lack of query, Jiang Feishi felt a mix of relief and a tinge of disappointment.

Outside, rain persisted. A group of young maids frolicked in the rain, chasing each other, their laughter as melodious as tinkling bells.

Qin Qing looked at the maids with a hint of envy. He was merely sixteen, even younger than them. Didn't he yearn for a carefree life?

For some inexplicable reason, Jiang Feishi suddenly took hold of Qin Qing's hand, softly asking, "Would you like to feel the rain?"

Qin Qing hesitated briefly, then nodded, "Yes."

"Then let's go." Jiang Feishi, gripping the young man's hand, pushed the door open and strode into the pouring rain.

They crossed the courtyard, passing the floral gateway, and exited the front yard. As they approached the corner gate, Qin Qing halted, spotting a bloodstained robe and pair of socks.

"Pay it no mind, just enjoy the rain," Jiang Feishi urged, squeezing Qin Qing's hand reassuringly.

His hand, though soaked, retained a comforting warmth.

Thus, Qin Qing looked away, aimlessly following Jiang Feishi into the misty curtain of rain.

They trudged through the muddy paths to a field ridge where a few farmers stood, heads tilted back, eyes closed, absorbing the rain's touch.

They neither cried nor laughed, still as statues, yet exuding an aura of devout tranquility.

A reverence for life.

Qin Qing observed them for a while, the underlying anxiety and fear in his heart subtly dissolving in that moment.

He has done all he could. Now, he leaves the outcome in the hands of fate.

Qin Qing laughed with a sense of relief, then tilted back her head, closing her eyes, reminiscent of a withering plant gratefully embracing a long-awaited rain.

For as long as he stood in the rain, Jiang Feishi watched him, the downpour mirrored in his profound eyes. Then Jiang Feishi raised his arm, using his palm as an umbrella over Qin Qing's head.

After a day and night of work outside, Ye Li brought back a little figure made of dough for Qin Qing.

He wanted to cheer up Qin Qing, but to his surprise, he found that Qin Qing was already joyful, as if he'd shed all burdens and returned to the carefreeness of youth.

"I'm preparing to distribute porridge in the city. Will you come with me?" Qin Qing inquired, fondly playing with the dough figure.

"Alright, I'll get the carriage ready," said Ye Li, leaving hurriedly without even changing his clothes.

Even though it rained yesterday, easing the drought, the next crop had not been sown, leaving the people without food. Distributing relief grain remains an essential measure during the months of waiting for the harvest.

Watching his departing silhouette, Qin Qing's smile gradually faded.

"Are you suggesting the sycophant should now flatter the dragon because Ye Li will revert to being Li Suyue and return to the capital?" he pondered silently.

996 dabbed its paw in ink, imprinting a plum blossom stamp on the paper, acknowledging with a nonchalant hum.

"He might not return to the manor after this porridge distribution," sighed Qin Qing.

"Why? What are you planning?" 996 sensed something was amiss.

Qin Qing hesitated, "I want him to deal with Qi Sifeng before he goes. I can't be at ease with Qi Sifeng around."

996 blinked, somewhat confused.

Meanwhile, Ye Li and Ah Niu arrived at the storeroom, watching servants load grains onto carts.

Suddenly, Tao Ran charged in, slashing open a grain sack with her knife, angrily demanding, "Is this the rice the young lord instructed you to use for the porridge? Why is there gravel mixed in? Why?"

She grabbed a handful, hurling it at a servant's face. Amid the grains, black pebbles stung, causing the servant to cry out in pain.

The steward tried to appease her, "Mistress Tao, rest assured, these pebbles were dug from the riverbed and boiled several times in hot water; they're clean."

"Is this a matter of cleanliness? Making porridge with rice mixed with pebbles? You're endangering lives!"

Tao Ran was livid, relentless in her anger. The dagger in her hand narrowly missed the steward multiple times.

Ah Niu tugged at Ye Li's sleeve, whispering, "Ye, I really can't understand this time. How can rice mixed with stones be cooked into porridge for the victims? Isn't that heartless?"

Ye Li fixed a steady gaze on Ah Niu and replied with a cold smirk, "The House of Marquis Tai'an isn't heartless; it's you who's lacking common sense."

Stepping forward, he swiftly took Tao Ran's dagger, flourishing it with finesse, causing Tao Ran to step back in shock.

"Let's go and distribute the porridge in the city," Ye Li said, discarding the dagger and lifting a sack of rice mixed with pebbles onto the cart.

He knew what Qin Qing was doing and didn't blame him in the slightest.

Watching carts loaded with subpar rice mixed with pebbles being transported away, Tao Ran couldn't hold back any longer. She discreetly found a messenger and asked him to deliver a letter for her.

She truly couldn't understand Qin Qing.

Good deeds or bad, everything was orchestrated by Qin Qing. What was his ultimate goal?