Chapter 43

Chapter 42: Crimson Plums (Part 2)

The man lifted his hood, revealing a stubbled face. Qiao Tianya brushed aside a strand of hair from his forehead and said, "You could've led me to an inn instead of standing here to talk."

"Rabbits aren't easy to catch," Shen Zechuan observed him for a moment before replying, "Should I call you Qiao Tianya or Songyue?"

"Your choice," Qiao Tianya replied, "If you call me Qiao Tianya, we share some history. If you call me Songyue, then you become my master."

"You're quite capable, yet you submit to my teacher," Shen Zechuan inquired.

"I have no choice," Qiao Tianya chuckled at himself, "I owe the Grand Tutor my life, so I must repay him with a lifetime of service."

"That night at the hunting ground went smoothly," Shen Zechuan said, "It was because of your help."

"I'm tagging along with you, watching your every move," Qiao Tianya explained, "That night, you intended to kill Prince Chu, but didn't expect Xiao Er to be so reckless, pushing him right into the hands of the Imperial Guards. But you're sharp-witted, managing to use the situation to your advantage by pulling Xiao Er in as well."

"That's all I've got," Shen Zechuan admitted.

Qiao Tianya brushed snow off his shoulder and said, "From now on, I'll be following you, Master. If there's meat on the table, don't forget to give me a bowl of soup. I'm easier to feed than Xiao Er and his guards."

"Ding Tao is still young," Shen Zechuan casually tossed the purse to him. "Chen Yang and Gu Jin are the real tough nuts to crack."

Qiao Tianya accepted the money and said, "You've thoroughly investigated Xiao Er, yet he's still grateful for saving his life."

Shen Zechuan smiled. "You seem eager to work for him."

"I'm an unwavering loyal bodyguard," Qiao Tianya raised his hands innocently. "If Xiao Er were willing to pay a fortune for me, I'd naturally be willing to go through fire and water for him."

Shen Zechuan replied, "Unfortunately, his entourage is already overflowing. There's no room for you."

"My little master," Qiao Tianya tilted his head and squinted with one eye. "Your words are truly venomous."

Shen Zechuan feigned admiration.

"But that statement," Qiao Tianya grinned, "applies to both of us."

* * *

Eight days later, Shen Zechuan and Ji Gang arrived as promised.

Ding Tao had clearly reported the matter, for Gu Jin was sober today and stood at the entrance, noticing Qiao Tianya following behind Shen Zechuan from afar.

Ding Tao immediately tiptoed and whispered, "Brother Jin, it's him, it's really him!"

Shen Zechuan and Ji Gang were being led in by Chen Yang, so naturally, Qiao Tianya had to stay outside. However, he didn't realize this, and his stepping forward was blocked by Gu Jin.

"I heard that you obstructed this kid's way a few days ago," Gu Jin said with a sharp gaze on the straw hat. "What kind of hero bullies children?"

Ding Tao huffed indignantly, mimicking the words, "What kind of hero!"

Qiao Tianya laughed heartily, then turned around to remove his hat, saying with a playful grin, "Didn't we come here to eat tonight? Why do we need to fight? It's my first time meeting this young friend. Brother, you must have mistaken me."

Ding Tao exclaimed, "Ah!" and retorted angrily, "How can you say that? I would never mistake someone!"

Gu Jin stopped Ding Tao and faced Qiao Tianya.

The two men, nearly the same height, stood face-to-face, almost colliding.

Gu Jin declared, "It's not suitable today. Let's make a date for later."

"I'm quite occupied," Qiao Tianya tugged at the lock of hair before his forehead, giving Gu Jin a provocative smile. "After all, my master has only me, so how could I have the leisure to dote on a younger brother?"

Gu Jin spat contemptuously and replied, "Introduce yourself. We'll have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future."

Qiao Tianya, with his fingers pressed together, tapped Ding Tao's forehead and said, "My name is Qiao Yueyue, or Little SongSong."

Chen Yang led Shen Zechuan and Ji Gang deeper into the courtyard. With its winding corridors and arched gateways, they found themselves surrounded by blooming red plum blossoms, creating an elegant scene.

Xiao Chiye stood beneath a tree, waiting. As Shen Zechuan entered, their eyes met for a fleeting moment, but before any deeper connection could be made, both looked away.

Xiao Chiye greeted Ji Gang with a smile. "Uncle Master braved the snow to visit; I apologize for not meeting you sooner. The wine and food are prepared, and my master has been expecting you inside."

Ji Gang looked at Xiao Chiye and stopped him from bowing, saying, "Your master left the Ji family over twenty years ago, and now you have your own sect. We are no longer fellow disciples, so there's no need for such formalities."

Xiao Chiye countered, "We share the same lineage, which makes us fellow disciples. Today, I've learned from various schools, thanks to the foundation laid by the Ji family's martial arts. I've long admired Uncle Master's reputation, so this bow is necessary."

Xiao Chiye bowed respectfully and led Ji Gang inside, turning his head to address Shen Zechuan. "It's been quite some time since I last saw Orchid Boat."

Shen Zechuan stepped through the door, smiling. "Senior Brother now wields great power and must be busy."

"We're fellow disciples," Xiao Chiye said nonchalantly. "No matter how busy I am, I'll always make time for you."

"That wouldn't do," Shen Zechuan replied. "I've been taking on trivial tasks lately, all thanks to Senior Brother's favor."

"Very well," Xiao Chiye lifted the curtain. "If you ever need to be occupied, just come find me. My door is always open."

Upon hearing the word "door," Shen Zechuan felt a sting at the back of his neck, as if the place where he had been bitten still burned with intensity, dimming even his smile.

Zuo Qianqiu wore a loose-sleeved robe with a slanted collar, his white hair tied up in a bun. He didn't resemble either a refined scholar or a renowned general. Despite being a few years older than Ji Gang, he looked younger. If one were to describe him, he exuded a hint of ethereal aura. The rumors that he had become a monk might not be entirely unfounded.

Zuo Qianqiu turned around and saw Ji Gang.

Ji Gang was dressed in simple clothes today, topped with an unadorned cloak. His face was disfigured, yet standing there, gazing into each other's eyes, memories from the past surged forth. The laughter of their youth seemed to echo close by, but before them stood two men with white hair.

Xiao Chiye broke the silence. "Our masters are dining inside. Lan Zhou and I will wait outside."

"Chuan'er, button up your cloak properly," Ji Gang said, turning away with a tinge of sadness. "If it gets too cold, come in."

Shen Zechuan nodded.

Zuo Qianqiu said, "Aye, take good care of your junior brother."

Xiao Chiye chuckled in response, and the two of them retreated out.

Outside was chilly but it was a rare clear night.

Shen Zechuan descended the steps and saw that the grove of red plum blossoms was deep and contained a bridge connecting the paths. The elegance of the courtyard did not seem like Xiao Chiye's style.

"This courtyard was bought from the Yao family with money," Xiao Chiye seemed to know what Shen Zechuan was thinking. Standing behind him, he reached up to part the red plum blossoms, revealing the clear stream surrounding them. "Beautiful, but expensive."

"You're willing to spend that much," Shen Zechuan said without turning back.

Xiao Chiye gently bumped his chest against Shen Zechuan's back. He raised his hand to cover Shen Zechuan's head and whispered mischievously into his ear, "Red plum blossoms covered in snow, a fragrant boat, a smile worth a thousand gold pieces."

"Even your pants must be mortgaged by now," Shen Zechuan actually chuckled slowly.

"It did cost quite a bit, but Yao Wenyu sold it for a bargain," Xiao Chiye paused and said, "You ran pretty fast. You must have put in a lot of effort to avoid me too."

"It's not that I was avoiding you," Shen Zechuan lifted a finger to brush off Xiao Chiye's hand. "Is there something important we need to discuss in person?"

Xiao Chiye chuckled, a hint of ruthlessness in his tone. "After bedding your second son, wouldn't it be proper to make you feel some pain?"

Shen Zechuan took a few steps forward, leaving Xiao Chiye's chest. He turned to study Xiao Chiye without saying a word.

In the starry night surrounded by plum blossoms, both men finally realized something.

Xiao Chiye discovered that the grip he had on Shen Zechuan that night was like water—it flowed away and truly vanished. Shen Zechuan showed no trace of nostalgia. After the frenzied biting, the lingering heat was buried beneath the night, and in Shen Zechuan's blissful state of intoxication, he did not remember Xiao Ce'an at all.

Xiao Chiye realized once again that he was the only one who had succumbed to desire that night.

"I warned you," Shen Zechuan said, pressing down on a plum branch with his finger and looking at Xiao Chiye with a bewitching gaze. "It's best not to bite this nape."

"Bedroom pleasures," Xiao Chiye replied with a mischievous smile. "It's not something I can do alone."

"The biggest difference between us is desire," Shen Zechuan continued. "You're overflowing with it, desperately trying to hide your ambitions. A simple bite on the nape is just a small obstacle for you. You clung to me, wanting to resist it, to conquer it, but in the end, you still fell to it. But Ce'an," Shen Zechuan plucked a plum blossom, tore off its petals, and popped it into his mouth, "I don't even have desire. How can you compete with me?"

Xiao Chiye stepped closer, grabbed Shen Zechuan's hand that held the flower, leaned in, and spoke casually, "What's one time? If it wasn't satisfying, let's do it a few more times. You can't use the courtesans at Lotus Flower Pavilion, and you haven't dared to touch officials. You pretend to be an abstinent and noble saint, but that night, it wasn't me who was panting softly."

Xiao Chiye pressed Shen Zechuan's hand to his lips in a perilous gesture and scoffed.

"I admit I succumbed to desire. But if you're so resolute, why provoke this dalliance with me? Shen Lanzhou, aren't you more afraid of losing to desire than I am?"