Chapter 71 The Wager’s Terms

Chapter 71 The Bet's Terms

Chu Jiubian carried the meal tray into the inner room, placing it on the table, and sat where he could easily see Qin Xiao on the bed.

Since Qin Xiao had been away for some time, Qin Zhaoyang had overseen the installation of underfloor heating in the western courtyard. Thus, even though the room had been unoccupied for two days, it remained comfortably warm.

Chu Jiubian sat at the dining table, took a sip of tea, and then began eating slowly.

His eating was quiet, but in the silent room, it was still noticeable.

The person on the bed's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and his fingertips moved, but he failed to open his eyes.

Chu Jiubian had spent two full days in the Divine Realm with almost no sleep. Now, overwhelming drowsiness set in, and he nearly fell face-first into his bowl while eating, completely unaware of these subtle movements.

After managing a few more bites, he rinsed his mouth and could eat no more.

Chu Jiubian was so exhausted he could barely keep his eyes open, his mind growing foggy.

He had no energy for anyone else and decided to sleep first, planning to call for Qin Zhaoyang and the young emperor after waking up.

After scanning the room, he lay down on the daybed by the window.

But before falling asleep, he mentally instructed, "System, monitor Qin Xiao’s vital signs for me. Wake me if there’s any problem."

"Understood, host." The system, having profited greatly over the past two days, didn’t bother charging the host extra for such a small matter.

Chu Jiubian sank into a deep sleep, more soundly than if he were unconscious.

Meanwhile, Qin Xiao finally managed to open his eyes after about ten minutes, though his vision remained hazy and unfocused.

After a few moments, Qin Xiao slowly regained some motor control and gradually turned his head to look toward the window.

By the window was a daybed with dark cushions, where Qin Xiao usually sat to drink tea and read.

The daybed was shorter than a bed, so Chu Jiubian had to curl up in a fetal position, his silver hair spread over him like a blanket.

Qin Xiao blinked, but soon lost consciousness and fell back into unconsciousness, without managing a single word.

==

The news of Qin Xiao’s critical condition couldn’t be contained. By the time Chu Jiubian ordered the western courtyard of the Hall of Mental Cultivation sealed off, the news had already spread like wildfire.

Reactions varied among various factions.

But it was clear that few wished for Qin Xiao to survive.

However, with Chu Jiubian, the "deity," present, most assumed Qin Xiao would likely recover, though some secretly hoped for an accident.

Three days passed without any news from the palace, leaving the whereabouts of the powerful regent unknown.

People began to wonder: Was Qin Xiao’s condition so critical that even Chu Jiubian, the divine being, couldn’t save him?

But despite such thoughts, reason told them that with Chu Jiubian’s abilities, Qin Xiao would surely be saved.

Winter nights came early. Though it was only after dinner, darkness had already fallen.

In the main hall of the Wang family’s main compound.

Family head Wang Huanzhi sat at the head, with the Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan seated beside him. Further down sat Wang Zhang, a family elder, who also served as Wang Huanzhi’s strategist.

In the hall stood an iron stove purchased from the Treasure House—exquisite and elegant, nothing like the crude stoves used by commoners.

This stove was of the type Chu Jiubian had previously designed for palace use. He had more produced, adding ornamental designs and inscriptions to make them stylish, hence the high price.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to make simpler stoves for ordinary people, but iron ore mining was limited and controlled by the government, making iron stoves expensive and beyond the common people's means.

Thus, he focused on creating refined, attractive stoves to sell at high prices to wealthy households.

Currently, besides wealthy families in the capital, powerful families like the Wangs owned hundreds of such stoves. Chu Jiubian had even taught the Treasure House’s manager how to build heating walls, making rooms even warmer.

The Treasure House now offered a "complimentary heating wall installation with stove purchase" promotion, with craftsmen hired to build the walls.

The main hall of the Wang family compound now featured such heating walls.

The stove burned fiercely, making the room warmer than in previous years.

Wang Huanzhi, dressed in a light green robe, took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Minister Wang, you’ve been exceptionally busy lately. It’s been a long time since we’ve sat down for tea like this."

After Wang Zhiyuan instructed Wang Pengyi to diligently handle the task of transporting military payroll, Chu Jiubian recognized Wang Zhiyuan’s intention to pledge allegiance to the emperor and entrusted him with more responsibilities, showing unprecedented trust in him.

Wang Zhiyuan now held the highest authority among the Ministers of the Six Ministries.

Besides him, Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi was tasked with transporting military payroll, while other Wang family members in court—such as the Vice Minister of Works Liu Junqi and the Director of the Ministry of Personnel Wang Yu—were also given significant responsibilities.

Tasks like receiving and arranging the vassal princes, year-end official promotions and transfers, and local tax affairs all involved these individuals, proving endlessly troublesome.

As a result, during Qin Xiao’s months away, the already influential Wang family not only faced no suppression but gained additional influence.

Their influence peaked, like adding oil to fire.

Under these circumstances, everyone knew Wang Zhiyuan had subtly sided with the emperor, "betraying" the alliance of noble families.

The emperor, or rather Chu Jiubian, openly empowered the Wang family to leverage their influence in suppressing the other three major families.

Indeed, when others tacitly united against Qin Xiao, Wang Pengyi, who controlled military logistics, worked diligently. He ensured the safe and timely delivery of supplies, securing the army’s supply lines.

It could be said that Qin Xiao’s success in conquering the entire Sai kingdom owed much to Wang Pengyi’s efforts.

Thus, the Wang family had firmly positioned themselves against the other noble families.

As family head, Wang Huanzhi sought not to be a loyal minister to the emperor but to secure greater benefits and authority for himself and the Wang family.

However, the actions of Wang Zhiyuan and Wang Pengyi, both high-ranking officials, ran counter to his goals.

Helping the imperial court weaken the noble families was not in their interest.

Once the other families were suppressed, the Wang family would be next. Wang Huanzhi didn’t believe Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao would allow the Wangs to grow too powerful.

What troubled Wang Huanzhi most was Wang Zhiyuan’s open interactions with the heir, Wang Qichen. In recent times, Wang Zhiyuan had met with Wang Qichen more often than with Wang Huanzhi himself.

Moreover, Wang Ruzhen, the Vice Minister of Justice who had firmly supported Wang Huanzhi, was now marginalized while other Wang family officials gained prominence.

Wang Huanzhi couldn’t help but suspect that Wang Zhiyuan had been speaking against him to Chu Jiubian.

He had summoned Wang Zhiyuan today to probe whether the latter had secretly aligned with his rebellious son, Wang Qichen, and whether he had begun suppressing the Wang family head’s faction in court.

If so, Wang Huanzhi’s plan to pass the heir position to his younger son, Wang Wenyao, would face even greater challenges.

"The year is ending, and court affairs are numerous. It’s only natural to be busier," Wang Zhiyuan replied calmly.

Wang Huanzhi smiled faintly, though the warmth didn’t reach his eyes. "You’ve certainly been working hard, Minister."

"I serve at His Majesty's pleasure, and find no burden in my duties."

Wang Zhiyuan's high-sounding words wiped away the last trace of Wang Huanzhi's feigned smile.

"We're all from the same family here, Minister. Why resort to such empty pleasantries?"

His tone was noticeably sharp.

Even though he sought Wang Zhiyuan's support and alignment, Wang Huanzhi could not swallow his pride or shed the arrogance of a clan leader, always looking down his nose at people and offering no respect.

Wang Zhang, seated in a subordinate position, discreetly observed Wang Zhiyuan's expression. Though he detected no visible emotion, he still spoke up to ease the tension: "The clan leader arranged this meeting with you today hoping to speak frankly and from the heart. We hope you can understand."

Wang Zhiyuan smiled faintly but did not respond.

Wang Huanzhi then said, "Our Wang family has always upheld integrity for generations and disdains power struggles. We act only for self-preservation. You must have your own scale to weigh things in this matter."

He looked at Wang Zhiyuan and continued, "Now the imperial court holds great power, and Prince Ning has returned to the capital in triumph, enjoying unparalleled prestige. Once he recovers, he will surely move against our Four Great Families."

Wang Zhang glanced subtly at the person seated above.

But Wang Zhiyuan remained silent.

Frowning, Wang Huanzhi softened his tone and persuaded, "You must understand that the reason our Four Great Families have reached our current position is by huddling together for warmth. Yet now, you are drawing closer to Chu Jiubian and the imperial family—something we have all witnessed. Surely you do not wish to leave our Wang family to perish?"

"Why would you say such a thing, Clan Leader?" Wang Zhiyuan finally spoke. "Everything I have done is to ensure the Wang family's continuity through the generations. I have never intended to harm our clan."

"But your current actions are pushing the Wang family to the opposite side of other powerful families! You are roasting our clan over the fire!"

Wang Huanzhi's words were firm and resounding, and Wang Zhiyuan's expression cooled completely.

He had long mastered the art of concealing his emotions, but now his feelings were easily discerned precisely because he made no effort to hide them.

Seeing that the discord might truly deepen, Wang Zhang quickly interjected, "Minister, your desire to build good relations and cooperate with the imperial court stems from your recognition of Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao's capabilities. You aim to ride their coattails and elevate the Wang family to greater heights—this is only natural, and we are inwardly grateful and admiring."

"Yet I must also ask you, Minister: are you so certain that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao will not kill the donkey after it has done its job at the mill?"

Wang Zhiyuan let out a light laugh.

Wang Zhang and Wang Huanzhi did not understand Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian's ways of operating, but Wang Zhiyuan, who spent his days at court, saw everything clearly.

These two men were powerful, influential, and shrewd. In terms of cunning, strategy, and methods, they were among the leading figures of their time. Even an elder like Wang Zhiyuan, experienced in court politics for years, found it challenging to match them.

Yet there was one thing that set them apart from other powerful figures:

A sense of loyalty and righteousness.

Both Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were people who valued sentiment and justice, and they were concerned about the country and its people.

They worked tirelessly for the populace, and everything they did was to improve the lives of the people of Great Ning and make the nation stronger.

Moreover, they truly had the ability to do so.

Previously, Wang Zhiyuan had been engrossed in political struggles and failed to see this clearly. But ever since his student Liu Junqi was promoted and Wang Pengyi was entrusted with the important task of escorting provisions, he had an epiphany.

He realized that he had not seen things as clearly as the younger generation.

This was no longer the era of Emperor Gaozong, where the resources of noble and powerful families were needed to restore people's welfare. What Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian needed now were people who could truly work for the court and the people.

Fortunately, the Wang family, including Wang Zhiyuan himself, had not yet committed any irreparable acts to Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian.

Those two were also willing to put past grievances aside and didn’t write off the entire Wang clan. If an opportunity was given, Wang Zhiyuan would naturally take it.

However, the head of their Wang family was clearly trapped by his own household and personal selfishness, unable to see the bigger picture.

He was not as clear-sighted as the young master, Wang Qichen.

Wang Zhiyuan recalled how Chu Jiubian had previously gone to Yaotai Bookstore and spent a good while talking with Wang Qichen.

Although he did not know what they discussed, judging from Wang Qichen's recent behavior, he must have struck some kind of deal with Chu Jiubian.

He also noticed that whether on purpose or by chance he brought up Chu Jiubian or topics related to him, Wang Qichen's attitude would become more respectful and warm.

Though the exact reason was unclear, it was evident that the relationship between Wang Qichen and Chu Jiubian was not merely a simple partnership as it appeared to outsiders. This was undoubtedly a good thing for the Wang family.

However, Wang Zhiyuan didn’t want to get into these twists and turns.

It was not that he did not want to advise Wang Huanzhi, but with counselors like Wang Zhang by his side, it was impossible that he was unaware of the stakes.

Thus, Wang Huanzhi and the others knew full well yet still decided to oppose the emperor.

Wang Zhiyuan felt that much of this stemmed from the fact that Wang Huanzhi's own son, Wang Wenfu, had been executed in public by Qin Xiao for consuming Datura.

The hatred of a son's death made it difficult to forgive and forget.

Ultimately, the current division within the Wang family boiled down to a clash of positions.

If previously the conflict was simply between "supporting the family head" and "supporting the young master," now they were faced with a choice between "supporting the noble families" or "supporting the imperial power."

Wang Zhiyuan knew that Wang Huanzhi wanted to draw him into his own camp, but he was more bullish on Wang Qichen and naturally would not accept the olive branch extended by the other side.

Whether it was threats, inducements, or so-called "righteous" emotional guilt-tripping, he would not change his stance.

Thus, he did not wish to discuss the matter further and changed the subject: "Rather than worrying about trivial matters, the family head should be more concerned about the newly surfaced Yaotai Blue Paper in the market."

Noting the change in Wang Huanzhi's expression, Wang Zhiyuan took a sip of tea before continuing calmly: "The young master's bookstore hosted a literary gathering, which has already made a name for itself and flaunted its talent, let alone deep pockets. Nowadays, everyone says the young master is the most likely to secure the sales rights for Yaotai Paper."

After much anticipation, Yaotai Blue Paper finally made its debut.

It first appeared in a brothel in the capital, where a cultured courtesan skilled in calligraphy publicly laid out the paper and wielded her brush upon it.

The texture of the paper was akin to later-era Xuan paper, and compared to the paper currently available in Great Ning, it could be described as "pure white as snow, soft, resilient, and lightweight." Its appearance immediately wowed everyone.

Coupled with the courtesan's excellent calligraphy, the paper complemented her skill perfectly, and that piece of writing fetched an astronomical price.

From that day on, Yaotai Paper became wildly popular in the capital, and everyone wanted to get a hold of it.

However, the courtesan stated that the papermaker wished to remain anonymous and only sought a partnership—he would produce the paper, while others would handle sales.

Yet the papermaker had his own considerations. He needed to evaluate all potential partners, and only those who met his requirements would be granted exclusive sales rights.

He did not, however, specify what "meeting the requirements" entailed.

Previously, the Wang family's "Langya Gold Paper" could sell for a gold ingot per sheet at its peak, largely purchased by nobles for collection. Now, the value of Yaotai Blue Paper was certain to be even higher.

With such enormous profits, naturally everyone wanted a piece of the action.

Therefore, recently, all those in the capital who wished to enter the Yaotai Paper business have been pulling out all the stops to show their stuff.

Some tirelessly sought information about the papermaker, while others showcased their poetic talent or financial strength in an attempt to win over the papermaker.

However, several days have passed, and there is still no more Yaotai Blue Paper available on the market, nor has anyone been heard to have gotten special favor.

Wang Huanzhi was naturally among them.

The Wang family's highest income comes from the paper-selling business, and when it comes to writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, people think of the Wang family first.

This is also one of the reasons why the Wang family is known for "propriety" and is known for its "integrity."

But if the Yaotai Blue Paper is taken by others, the Wang family will no longer be the sole owner of paper-making techniques, losing both profit and reputation.

Therefore, Wang Huanzhi is willing to go to any lengths to get to know the person behind the Yaotai Blue Paper.

Either bring the Yaotai Blue Paper to the Wang family for sale, or completely eliminate the possibility of its appearance.

If possible, Wang Huanzhi would naturally prefer to have it both ways.

This way, he would have more influence in the Wang family and could break the current frustration of being consistently outshone by Wang Qichen.

His small-minded schemes are barely hidden, and everyone in the Wang family knows.

By bringing this up now, Wang Zhiyuan intends not only to annoy him but also to make him sweat.

When people become anxious, they lose their rationality and calmness, making them easier to trick.

That’s right, Wang Zhiyuan clearly knows that the so-called "person behind the Yaotai Blue Paper" is all part of a scheme set up by Wang Qichen.

Because the paper was actually created by Wang Qichen.

It’s just not currently sold in his "Yaotai Bookstore."

Wang Qichen has kept this under wraps. To make it more convincing, he even let some rumors circulate within the family, claiming that opening the bookstore was actually an attempt to use the name "Yaotai" to connect with the person behind the new paper.

As a result, hardly anyone grew suspicious.

When Wang Huanzhi saw the bookstore open, he was somewhat anxious, but he disdained his eldest son, thinking his efforts were amateurish.

Without even knowing if he could obtain the sales rights, he sank a fortune and opened a bookstore in the busiest area of Brocade Lane, likely to end up losing his shirt later.

But now Wang Zhiyuan has pulled the rug out from under his self-deception, telling him that Wang Qichen’s approach is a more genuine gesture than anyone else’s and is more likely to impress the so-called "paper maker."

Sure enough, after hearing this, Wang Huanzhi’s face grew even darker.

Wang Zhiyuan showed nothing on his face but felt a little helpless inwardly.

Although Wang Huanzhi was once among the best of the younger generation in his youth—otherwise he wouldn’t have become the family head—as he grew older, his heart grew narrower, and his perspective became more one-sided.

He is also too selfish, only ever caring about his second wife and the son she bore, without considering the entire family.

In truth, he has long been unfit to be the head of the Wang family.

"Standing atop the mountain for too long, one may forget the original purpose for climbing," Wang Zhiyuan finally offered one last piece of advice before rising and saying, "I’m tired. You should rest early, Family Head."

With that, he left.

Wang Zhang watched his departing figure, deep in thought.

Wang Huanzhi, however, paid no attention to his final words, muttering grimly, "It seems he is determined to side with that rebellious son."

If so, he must secure the selling rights for the Yaotai Blue Paper and use his ability to crush Wang Qichen completely.

Wang Zhang looked at him, bit his tongue.

Some things are not suitable to discuss now; the most important thing at the moment is indeed to secure the new paper first.

Meanwhile.

At the Xiao residence, Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan lay half-reclining on a soft couch in his bedroom.

His eyes were closed, with dark circles underneath, his cheeks slightly sunken, and his robes hanging loosely—so much so that he could be described as skin and bones.

Across from him, a woman in thin clothing gently plucked the strings of a qin with her delicate hands.

Amid the alluring music, the room was filled with hazy smoke.

Xiao Huaiguan took a deep breath, exhaled, and let out a long sigh, his face showing enjoyment.

The woman’s gaze also seemed distant as she let go of the strings, walked to his side, poured a cup of tea, and raised it to his lips with a smile. "My lord, have some tea."

But Xiao Huaiguan didn't seem to hear, his breathing alternating between light and heavy.

"My lord," the woman said softly, "what incense is burning in your burner? Its scent is so intoxicatingly sweet it makes one feel lightheaded..."

The voices in the room were muffled.

Family Head Xiao Yao and former Vice Minister of Works Xiao Wendao stood outside the door, their expressions impassive.

"It’s gotten worse," Xiao Wendao said lightly. "He won't last much longer."

Xiao Yao even wore a smile: "With the vassal princes entering the capital, we should make some preparations."

The Xiao family is currently weak. Although Chu Jiubian has given them a chance to climb higher, if Xiao Huaiguan, as Minister of Personnel, passes away, they will be left without support in the court.

What they can do now is suppress the influence of other noble families and powerful figures, so that everyone stands on the same mountain and can continue working together.

"Family Head, who do you think was behind Prince Ning’s grave injuries?" Xiao Wendao asked.

"What do you think?"

Xiao Wendao smiled slightly, looking toward the northwest. "Naturally, it’s easier to operate on home ground. I just wonder what exactly happened that led to Prince Ning being injured."

Xiao Yao remained silent, but a dark glint flashed in his eyes.

==

At the official post station nearest to the capital, several groups unexpectedly crossed paths.

The post station official, shaking nervously, led his staff to receive them, bowing to each one respectfully: "This lowly official greets Prince Zuiliang, Prince Pingxi, Southern Frontier King, and Prince Dingbei."

His voice trembled.

Never in his life had he imagined he would see so many vassal princes arriving at his post station at once.

Fortunately, he knew the vassal princes were entering the capital this year and had made preparations just in case. Otherwise, addressing these princes in the wrong order could cost him his life.

Prince Zuiliang Baili Yan, third in line; Prince Pingxi Baili Zheng, fifth; Southern Frontier King Baili Hao, sixth; and Prince Dingbei Baili Yu, the youngest, ninth.

Only after finishing the greetings without seeing any anger did the station official subtly let out a sigh of relief.

It seemed he hadn’t made a mistake.

Though it might also be because these four vassal princes have easygoing natures, unlike Prince Huguang Baili Yue and Prince Dongjiang Baili He, who arrived together earlier.

The eldest and second eldest brothers were immediately hostile as soon as they met, openly and covertly mocking and rejecting each other.

The postmaster didn't dare sleep all last night, anxious, but fortunately, those two departed for the capital this morning.

"Are the best rooms all prepared?" the smiling attendant serving Prince Zuiliang asked.

"All prepared, all prepared," the postmaster hurriedly led the group toward the second floor. "The finest rooms have been prepared for the four princes and their families. Food and hot water will be sent up right away."

Though referred to as families, in fact, only Baili Hao had brought his princess and a pair of twin children, the Situ siblings.

None of the other vassal princes had brought their female family members, mainly because the only proper female master in the palace now was the Grand Empress Dowager, so there was no purpose for princess consorts or princesses to come.

Not bringing their sons was another consideration.

They feared that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao might suddenly take action, demanding they leave their sons in the capital—under whatever plausible excuse, it would essentially mean leaving "hostages."

Thus, not bringing their families was the shared understanding among everyone. Yet, the Southern Frontier King’s family had no such concerns; they came as they pleased, all of them.

Prince Zuiliang Baili Yan, wearing a light blue robe with a fox fur cloak, smiled and asked the group, "Who would like to choose their room first?"

He had always worn a smile since childhood, friendly to everyone, and few had ever seen him with a dark expression.

Moreover, compared to the two hard-to-get-along-with older brothers ahead, Baili Yan was clearly more popular among these younger brothers.

Even now, the remaining three appeared neither tense nor uneasy.

The fourth eldest, Baili Zheng, said, "Third Brother, you arrange it. We’ll all follow your lead."

Baili Yan replied, "Alright, then let’s take rooms according to birth order. We’ll set off early tomorrow together to reach the capital before the city gates close, so we avoid further inconvenience."

Though he said it casually, there was an implicit criticism of the two vassal princes who had come earlier.

Those two had arrived at the post station last night, leisurely had breakfast this morning before setting off, and traveled slowly—certainly unable to reach the capital before the gates closed.

But with both vassal princes outside the city, who would dare not open the gates?

If the gates weren’t opened, it would signal that they were not respected by the imperial court. Later, if they spread rumors about how the emperor suppressed them, whether true or false, people would believe it, thinking they had just cause to rebel against the emperor.

If the gates were opened, the emperor would be creating future problems for himself.

It’s said that "the emperor is subject to the law like the common people," but if the policy of "not opening the gates after hours" is waived for the vassal princes, what about commoners who want to enter the city at night? Should the gates be opened for them or not?

If opened once, it could happen countless times—why not just leave the gates open? But then security inside and outside the city at night would be hard to guarantee.

If not opened, wouldn’t it mean the emperor is being two-faced?

Baili Yue and Baili He were trying to force the emperor into a corner.

Everyone knew that Qin Xiao’s fate was uncertain, and Chu Jiubian had been hiding in the western courtyard of the Hall of Mental Cultivation to treat him, refusing to show himself. Thus, the decision on how to handle this matter fell to the young emperor.

Without those two scheming, no one knew how the young emperor would react.

Baili Yan made an offhand criticism, and the others pretended not to understand. After exchanging some small talk, they all returned to their rooms.

Prince Dingbei Baili Yu washed up, had a meal, read for a while, and then prepared to sleep.

His behavior was completely proper and conventional. Apart from his looks, which were the most outstanding among the vassal princes, nothing in his demeanor revealed what kind of person he truly was.

Yet, after the lights in his room were extinguished and he had lain down for a short while, someone gently knocked on the window.

Then, the window was pushed open a crack, and a paper wad was tossed onto the bed.

Everything returned to silence.

Baili Yu sat up, took the fire starter, and lit the flame.

His face was cast in shifting light and shadow in the wavering flame.

His gaze fell on the note, which contained only five words: "Not awake, no confession."

"Not awake" naturally referred to Qin Xiao, while "no confession" referred to Deputy General Cheng Shuo, who had attempted to assassinate Qin Xiao.

Since being imprisoned by Qin Xiao, no matter what methods the jailers used, he had remained utterly silent.

Baili Yu burned the note, then shut the fire starter and lay back down.

But whether he actually fell asleep or not, no one knew.

Inside the palace, it was already the third evening.

Chu Jiubian had slept straight from morning until now, and when he opened his eyes again, it was dark out.

The room wasn't completely dark, but it was too dim to make out much—only an indistinct shape lying on the bed.

"How is he?" Chu Jiubian asked the system in his mind.

"The patient woke up three hours and seven minutes ago. An hour ago, he quietly got up to relieve himself, met with a subordinate, washed his face, and shaved."

Normally, the system wouldn’t report in such detail, but for someone who had just undergone surgery, even the smallest details mattered.

He’s already awake?

And he did all that without being noticed?

Chu Jiubian looked at Qin Xiao in surprise.

The indistinct shape lay motionless on the bed.

Chu Jiubian sat up and noticed something sliding off him. Reaching out, he realized it was the blanket he had previously placed over Qin Xiao.

"The patient also covered you with the blanket, host," the system added.

Chu Jiubian sat on the daybed, peering vaguely at the figure on the bed in the darkness.

After a moment, he spoke: "Qin Xiao."

His voice, still drowsy from sleep, sounded somewhat muffled.

"Hmm."

In the darkness, the man’s voice was low and slightly hoarse.

For some reason, Chu Jiubian felt that even this single word sounded gentle.

"How are you feeling? Any discomfort aside from the wound?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Before Qin Xiao could respond, the system interjected: "Host, the patient’s condition is perfectly normal. Please don't worry."

The nearly thousand points spent certainly weren’t wasted.

Chu Jiubian smirked.

Then Qin Xiao spoke up, "It's alright now."

Chu Jiubian lay back down on the daybed, lying on his back, his long and straight legs bent at the knees.

After a moment of silence, Chu Jiubian heard Qin Xiao say, "Thank you."

Chu Jiubian replied, "I told you, as long as you treat me well, you'll have everything."

Even your life.

Qin Xiao seemed to chuckle, amusement in his voice, "Do I treat you well?"

Chu Jiubian didn’t answer, purposely not delving deeper into the question. He knew very well he was evading it.

Not receiving a response from Chu Jiubian, Qin Xiao mused to himself, "Seems like it’s not enough yet."

The wind picked up at night, a faint howling of wind outside the window, and the moonlight was pale.

But the room was warm, so even in the darkness, it didn’t feel desolate—instead, it felt somewhat warm and intimate.

It was the first time they had slept in the same room, and it felt a little strange.

Chu Jiubian pulled the blanket covering him up a bit, covering his nose and mouth. He caught a faint, subtle scent—he couldn’t quite place it, but he remembered it was something Qin Xiao always carried.

"This wager, you won," he said, his voice muffled under the blanket.

"Why?" Qin Xiao asked with a laugh.

He could always discern the young man’s figure.

Not short by any means, but when he slept, he curled up into a ball, appearing quite small.

Now, lying on his back with his legs bent, the outline of his long, straight legs was visible.

Chu Jiubian said, "The fact that you can be awake talking to me, chatting about nothing in particular—isn’t that winning?"

Qin Xiao had bet on whether he would save him or not.

Now that he had saved him, Qin Xiao won.

Qin Xiao: "What did you think I was betting on?"

"Wasn’t it whether I’d show mercy or not?" Chu Jiubian said casually.

Qin Xiao chuckled.

After a while, he said softly, "Something like that."

He was betting on whether Chu Jiubian would soften.

But not on whether he would save him out of softness.

He was betting on whether there was even the slightest place for him in Chu Jiubian’s heart.

Now, it seemed he had gotten an answer, and yet it seemed he hadn’t.

Qin Xiao gazed at the young man’s figure, his deep eyes appearing even more profound in the darkness.

Facing mortality always makes one aware of their deepest desires.

Qin Xiao didn't want to remember what he had dreamed during those unconscious hours.

But at this moment, he knew exactly what he wanted.

Chu Jiubian could feel Qin Xiao’s gaze fixed on him—direct, intense, and overpowering...

He turned onto his side, instinctively curling up, and quietly pulled the blanket a little higher, leaving only his eyes exposed as he looked toward the bed.

The wind outside grew stronger, and Chu Jiubian felt a cold draft seeping through the window cracks, making him shiver involuntarily.

The next moment, he heard the man’s low voice say, "Come sleep on the bed."