Chapter 75 Arrival of the New Year

Chapter 75: The New Year Festival Arrives

In the silent room, the howling wind outside and the faint knocking sounds against the window were strikingly clear.

Qin Xiao suddenly sat up, inadvertently pulling at his wound, and lifted a hand to feel it.

He glanced out the window, then turned to look at the person lying inside, momentarily at a loss for how to react.

Chu Jiubian, guessing who the visitor was, also sat up, gazing at Qin Xiao's vague outline in the darkness.

The knocking outside the window sounded only once, then ceased.

Chu Jiubian smiled silently, the flush on his face receding, his heart settling like still water.

Qin Xiao trusted him—trusted him enough to entrust him with his authority and Baili Hong's safety and future—yet he still withheld certain things. For instance, in this situation, Qin Xiao would certainly not inform him who was outside.

"Then I'll leave first. I can't let Qin Xiao, who is still convalescing, go out to meet someone in the wind and snow."

He threw back the blankets and was about to get out of bed when suddenly the man's low voice sounded, saying, "Remain lying down for now."

With that, Qin Xiao got out of bed, nonchalantly closing the bed curtains to block the view.

Chu Jiubian was slightly confused.

Qin Xiao put on his shoes, slipped on an outer robe, walked to the table, and lit an oil lamp with a fire striker while calling toward the window, "Come in."

The window opened, and a dark figure swept into the room along with the wind and snow.

By the time the window closed again, Qin Xiao had already lit the oil lamp.

A soft amber glow filled the room. Chu Jiubian sat inside the bed curtains, faintly able to see two tall, upright figures standing by the table, though Qin Xiao appeared broader-shouldered.

The other person had his back to the bed curtains, so Chu Jiubian couldn't see his face, but he knew without looking that it was undoubtedly Qin Chuan.

The interior of the bed curtains was dark, and those outside couldn’t see clearly unless they came closer, but Qin Chuan discreetly avoided turning, keeping his back to the bed the entire time.

"Have a seat," Qin Xiao said, sitting down himself and pouring a cup of hot tea for Qin Chuan before handing it to him.

Qin Chuan sat across from him, took the tea, and drained it in one gulp, finally feeling somewhat eased.

After receiving the High Priest's permission, he had set out immediately, pressing onward day and night without pause, finally arriving tonight.

He carefully studied Qin Xiao's appearance. Though he looked somewhat thinner, his demeanor was quite robust.

"Don't worry," Qin Xiao said. "I had already dispatched someone to deliver a message to you. I didn’t expect you to come of your own accord."

After waking up, the first thing he did was see Qin Zhaoyang and instruct him to relay the message to Qin Chuan.

But before the message could be delivered, Qin Chuan had already set out for here.

Even if he had seen the letter, even with the High Priest’s assurance that Qin Xiao was fine, he still wanted to see for his own assurance.

"Yeah, I didn’t come just to see you," Qin Chuan said. "The New Year is here. I just wanted to experience the celebrations in the capital and assess your recovery."

Qin Xiao smiled and said, "Well, now you’ve seen. Chu Jiubian saved me. I’m fine."

Mentioning Chu Jiubian, he couldn’t help but cast a glance toward the bed curtains.

Qin Chuan noticed his gaze, and his expression immediately grew strange.

Earlier, outside, he had heard Qin Xiao talking to someone. He had initially thought the other had finally taken a lover.

But he never expected it to be Chu Jiubian!

Were these two really together?

Qin Chuan thought of the exalted divinity in the Divine Realm, then looked at Qin Xiao, feeling profoundly conflicted.

He knew Qin Xiao was powerful, unique in this world, and perhaps even the one most suited to Chu Jiubian.

But that was under the premise of being "human." Yet, there was also a "deity" showing interest in Chu Jiubian.

Although the High Priest never said it himself, his actions were implicitly aiding Chu Jiubian, making the relationship complex and unclear.

But now Chu Jiubian was actually with Qin Xiao...

Qin Chuan didn’t know how to react, but instinctively felt compelled to caution him.

However, when the words reached his lips, he found himself unable to say anything.

Qin Xiao noticed his hesitation and asked, "What did you want to say?"

After a moment of silence, Qin Chuan stated flatly, "You... you’re quite remarkable."

Daring to consort with a deity—that wasn’t something just anyone could do.

Qin Xiao frowned. "What?"

Chu Jiubian, however, seemed to understand what he meant, rendered both speechless and embarrassed.

Why did it feel like they were being discovered in a compromising position?

This was too strange.

"No, it’s nothing," Qin Chuan said, his words cryptic and puzzling.

Qin Xiao didn’t understand his reaction but didn’t pursue it further, changing the subject instead. "Is there anything else?"

"No," Qin Chuan said, pausing before adding, "I’ll leave after the New Year."

Qin Xiao nodded. "Will you stay in the palace?"

"I’ll return to my estate," Qin Chuan said, rising and walking to the window. Before leaving, he couldn’t resist turning back to Qin Xiao and saying, "Look after your health."

Qin Xiao smiled. "I know."

He thought Qin Chuan was concerned about his injuries, but the other was actually worried about something else entirely.

Being with a deity—whether a mortal could endure it remained unknown.

Qin Chuan even considered finding an opportunity to ask the High Priest, but that would be like risking life and limb. Better to let it go.

After Qin Chuan left, the room returned to silence.

Chu Jiubian belatedly realized what had just happened.

Qin Xiao hadn’t hidden Qin Chuan’s presence and had even chatted openly in front of him.

His mind was in disarray, unsure how to face Qin Xiao.

So, when Qin Xiao put out the light and pulled back the bed curtain, he saw the young man lying with his back to him, bundled up in the quilt.

Qin Xiao climbed into bed and lay on his back.

Chu Jiubian’s body was a little tense, his eyes tightly shut.

“Qin Chuan, my full brother,” Qin Xiao said softly, not caring whether Chu Jiubian was already asleep, and continued, “He left home alone at a young age and never got any protection from the Qin family.”

“We’re both legitimate heirs, yet I enjoyed luxury in the capital while he was out in the martial world, unable to even see his family.”

“We both owe him.”

Chu Jiubian kept his eyes closed, but his tense body gradually relaxed.

Qin Xiao rarely spoke about family matters like this; he seemed completely unguarded about his inner thoughts—that he owed something, a desire to make amends, yet unsure how to begin.

Chu Jiubian, not very emotional, found it somewhat difficult to understand why Qin Xiao felt indebted, but he thought Qin Xiao might never have spoken these words to anyone else.

It seemed Qin Xiao wanted to share with him.

Chu Jiubian habitually avoided thinking too much about it.

Nevertheless, he turned over to face Qin Xiao’s direction, gazing at the man’s shadowy figure in the darkness.

Qin Xiao fell silent again, watching him through the dark, his stare felt heavy.

After a long while, Qin Xiao spoke again, his voice unexpectedly rough and low: “Don’t you think it’s a bit hot in this room?”

“Not really,” Chu Jiubian replied. Even after lying there for so long, his hands and feet were still cold.

“Mm.” Qin Xiao acknowledged, then added, “I’ve pretty much recovered. You should go back to Yaotai Residence to sleep tomorrow.”

Was he getting kicked out?

First saying it’s hot, then telling him to leave—this…

Chu Jiubian raised an eyebrow, scooted closer, and moved closer to Qin Xiao.

His cold hands touched the man’s warm forearm; the muscles above the forearm tensed noticeably, whether from the cold or for some other reason.

“If it’s hot, cool off,” Chu Jiubian said, closing his eyes and pressing his feet against Qin Xiao’s calves, using his warmth to warm himself.

Yaotai Residence didn’t have heated floors. He’d gone back earlier that day, and the temperature there was nothing like as cozy as here.

No point freezing when better conditions were available?

After all, the bed was big enough for both of them.

Qin Xiao felt the chill on his arm and calves but didn’t move.

Cooling down did help somewhat, but using Chu Jiubian’s hands and feet to lower the temperature was not helping much.

***

The next day, the vassal princes formed a long procession leaving the city.

The scale of the spectacle was impressive, yet people couldn’t resist gathering to watch.

Meanwhile, in the Qin residence, Cheng Shuo, who had been unconscious, finally woke up.

Qin Chuan sat in the room, wearing a face mask, his gaze sharp as he looked at the other man.

Cheng Shuo was confused at first, then gradually recalled everything that had happened.

From the joy of taking the job to accompany Qin Xiao on the campaign, through dozens of battles, to finally taking the Sai kingdom and expanding Great Ning’s territory.

Finally, he remembered asking Qin Xiao for the repeating crossbow, intending to take it and leave, only to inexplicably snap, draw the crossbow, and shoot at Qin Xiao.

He remembered nothing after that.

“You were hit with a Gu worm,” Qin Chuan deliberately dropped his voice, making it sound raspy. “Do you know who did it?”

Assuming Qin Chuan was one of Qin Xiao’s interrogation squad, Cheng Shuo didn’t suspect anything. He racked his brains for a long time, until his head felt like it was about to split, before suddenly recalling a vague fragment.

It was before he set out on the campaign; his concubine had prepared his luggage and specially given him a pouch, instructing him to open it after a great victory for a surprise.

This concubine, Liu Ayan, was an orphan he had brought back while stationed in the northern deserts with Qin Jingzhao. Her background seemed clean.

But now, thinking back, he couldn’t remember when he had opened the pouch or recall parts of his memory afterward.

So, Liu Ayan’s identity was the most suspicious.

Qin Chuan immediately stood up and left the room, ordering someone to bring Liu Ayan in.

Cheng Shuo’s family was under the Qin family’s control, and now, with this incident, they were watching even closer.

Liu Ayan seemed to know that once Cheng Shuo woke up, her fate would be sealed, so she prepared to kill herself first.

However, the servants were vigilant; before she could act, they restrained her.

She was quickly bound and brought before Qin Chuan.

How Qin Chuan conducted the interrogation was unknown, but by the time Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao received the news, they learned that Liu Ayan was actually a Lu family deadly agent who had initially approached Qin Jingzhao with a mission.

But Qin Jingzhao was very much in love with his wife, and she never found her place.

Thus, she had to go for Cheng Shuo instead.

After that, however, Cheng Shuo remained loyal and gave her no opportunity to act. Even the Lu family assumed this pawn was “dead.”

It was only when Cheng Shuo joined Qin Xiao’s campaign that they used this pawn.

“The Lu family again?” Chu Jiubian frowned.

The Lu family certainly had the ability to place spies, and the Sai kingdom’s invasion was also a result of their conspiracy with Prince Dingbei.

What role had Prince Dingbei played in this move by the Lu family?

Liu Ayan was a Lu family deadly agent, but she hadn’t learned making Gu worms, so the Gu worm must have been given to her by someone else.

Could that Gu Master be one of Prince Dingbei’s people?

Qin Xiao looked out at the falling snowflakes and said calmly, “Once the imperial exams conclude, it will be time to settle the score.”

The situation now was completely different from a few months ago.

Qin Xiao and Baili Hong were no longer on their own. They had reputation, prestige, achievements, the legitimate identity of the emperor, and Chu Jiubian, a god.

Everything was ready; all they needed was the east wind.

Once they had the right people, they could confidently remove the influence of the noble families in the court.

At that time, all hidden secrets would be revealed; the guilty would be punished, and those who owed a life would pay with their lives.

It would be a fierce battle.

***

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the thirtieth, early in the morning, the vassal princes completed their fasting and ceremonial rites and returned to the capital in unison.

The festive atmosphere surpassed even the day they had departed—the streets and alleys teemed with crowds, people straining their necks for a glimpse of the vassal princes.

It was as if merely catching sight of these dignitaries’ majesty would elevate their own status.

The procession of carriages and horses did not pause—each prince returned directly to his respective mansion.

The imperial banquet was scheduled for the evening, but they first had to change into the newly delivered princely robes sent by the palace, gather the gifts prepared for the emperor, and enter the palace early for the audience.

Inside the palace:

After his afternoon nap, Baili Hong donned a new child-sized dragon robe and even formally wore a miniature version of the twelve-pearl mianliu crown.

This was the second time the child had worn such a crown; unlike during his first coronation—when fear and helplessness had overwhelmed him—he now leisurely swayed the tassels playfully.

Qin Xiao changed into a black-and-gold python-patterned robe, standing tall and composed, his expression calm and unreadable—giving no hint as to whether he was injured or not.

Chu Jiubian wore a dark-purple first-rank official robe, identical in style to those worn by the Ministers of the Six Ministries.

Yet according to protocol, dressed thus, he could only sit at the same table as the ministers, on the second-tier seating.

Baili Hong sat on the couch, cupping his little face, and asked, “Sir, won’t you sit beside Uncle?”

He felt reassured knowing Uncle would sit beside him.

If Sir were there too, he would feel even more secure.

Moreover, he felt that, given Sir’s status, it was entirely fitting for him to sit alongside himself—not relegated so far away, where he might feel slighted.

Chu Jiubian smiled and said, “I cannot join you this time.”

The child pouted, clearly displeased.

Perhaps because he knew someone always had his back, Baili Hong showed no urgency to grow up too quickly. Instead, he retained the childish mindset and behavior typical of his age—often acting coy and seeking attention from Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian.

At just over three years old, he had already endured too much and accomplished more than enough.

So though they had never discussed it, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian tacitly refrained from pushing Baili Hong too hard to mature—unwilling to burden him further at such a tender age.

At first, Hong Fu had grown impatient, urging Baili Hong to learn faster.

But gradually, seeing the emperor’s increasingly joyful little face, he, too, relaxed his expectations.

Now, Baili Hong was deliberately acting coy toward Chu Jiubian—clearly declaring, “Miao Miao is unhappy!”

Qin Xiao also glanced at Chu Jiubian, his gaze sweeping over the official robe, suddenly recalling what Chu Jiubian had worn the first time they met—strange, intricate, utterly out of place in this world.

Yet that attire truly suited the identity of a “deity,” and for tonight’s imperial banquet, Chu Jiubian could fully attend as a “god.”

Qin Xiao’s gaze held a peculiar quality; Chu Jiubian glanced back. “What do you wish to say?”

“Perhaps you could assume another identity—to support our emperor,” Qin Xiao replied with a light laugh.

If a “deity” attended the banquet, Baili Hong—the emperor endowed with divine mandate—would naturally gain widespread renown.

Chu Jiubian understood his meaning but hesitated slightly.

That outfit was perfectly acceptable within the Divine Realm—but bringing it out now would be rather awkward.

Qin Xiao noticed his hesitation and said, “If you’re uncomfortable with it, forget it.”

Yet this way, Chu Jiubian’s status would remain comparatively low.

Why not bestow upon him a princely title as well?

But enfeoffment was no trivial matter—it required formal documents, numerous procedures, and ancestral rites. It certainly could not be done today.

Chu Jiubian remained silent—neither agreeing to change nor refusing outright.

***

About an hour later, all the vassal princes had gathered outside the palace, ready to enter together to pay their respects.

Prince Jiannan Baili Hai, though residing in the capital, still retained his princely status and therefore had to observe the etiquette due vassal princes—receiving no special treatment.

Even by seniority, his rank fell after the seven vassal princes.

Yet Baili Hai showed no dissatisfaction—always smiling, only occasionally coughing lightly, feigning frailty and ill health.

Over the past few days, the vassal princes had grown somewhat acquainted; everyone knew Baili Hai was largely pretending—but no one would expose him.

Doing so served no purpose and wasted time and effort.

Only Prince Anhuai Baili Ming, standing near Baili Hai, approached with concern and softly asked, “How is your health? Did you catch a cold?”

Previously, at Prince Dongjiang’s banquet, the two had sat together—and being of the same generation, they were indeed more familiar with each other than with others.

Baili Hai, pale-faced, shook his head and smiled. “Nothing serious. This happens every winter—I’ll endure it, and it will pass.”

“That won’t do,” Baili Ming frowned. “I have some rare tonics—I’ll have someone deliver them to you tomorrow.”

“Then I thank Your Highness, Prince Anhuai.”

They had exchanged only a few words when Hong Fu personally arrived at the palace gate with palanquins, properly saluted the princes, and invited them to board.

Normally, sedan chairs were forbidden within the palace—but today was an exception, demonstrating the emperor’s profound respect for the princes.

Since arriving in the capital, the vassal princes had yet to meet the emperor—and were deeply curious about this young sovereign.

Today’s banquet was again held in the Haiyan Hall—decorated similarly to the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, but with even more auspicious red and regal gold.

The dishes and fine wine had all been personally overseen by Chu Jiubian, ensuring the most lavish arrangement possible for the little emperor.

Yet upon entering the palace, the vassal princes did not proceed directly to the Haiyan Hall. Instead, they first went to the Fengtian Hall to greet the emperor, present their annual tribute gifts, and then accompany the emperor to the Haiyan Hall for the banquet.

As the group reached the long street beneath the Fengtian Hall, the hall doors swung open—and Eunuch Hong Fu’s clear voice called for everyone to enter.

Led by Baili Yue, the seven vassal princes and Prince Jiannan entered the hall together.

Lower-ranking officials were forbidden from looking directly at the emperor’s face—but since the vassal princes and the emperor were family, fewer restrictions applied in this regard.

Therefore, they performed a formal kowtow and only rose after hearing the young child's high-pitched command of "You may rise," then looked up toward the dragon throne.

The small child sat upon the vast, golden dragon throne, dressed in imperial yellow robes, with the beaded crown tassels swaying gently. His bright, clear eyes gazed at the imposing vassal princes without a trace of timidity; instead, they carried an unnerving pressure.

Everyone couldn't help but feel taken aback and wary.

Not only because, despite his youth, the emperor already possessed some imperial dignity, but also because Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were still absent even at this moment.

Except for the Southern Frontier King, the same thought crossed everyone's minds—

Could it be that Qin Xiao hadn't woken up yet?

If so, then at today's palace banquet, there would only be the young emperor.

Although they hadn't planned to do anything at the banquet, it wouldn't be impossible to lay a few traps for the child and spread unpleasant rumors.

Their minds raced with countless thoughts, yet their faces remained all the more amiable.

Some, like Baili Yan, even wore 'affectionate' expressions, looking at Baili Hong as if he were their own child.

This seemed friendly but also reflected that they didn’t take Baili Hong's status as emperor seriously.

To them, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were the real threats; Baili Hong was merely a puppet.

"You’ve traveled far; your efforts are appreciated," Baili Hong's voice was childish, but his tone was mature. "We caught a chill a few days ago and couldn't meet with you all. We trust you will understand."

His words were clear and his tone well-modulated.

No one knew whether these words were his own or coached by Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, but it was undeniable that Baili Hong's performance went far beyond what they’d expected.

Those with younger family members couldn't help but compare them to Baili Hong and couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

They didn’t compare.

If it were any other child, even if coached relentlessly, they would still buckle in the presence of so many intimidating vassal princes.

Not like Baili Hong, who appeared so composed and betrayed no nervousness.

Upon receiving the emperor's "apology," everyone hastily demurred.

After the pleasantries, Baili Yue, as the eldest among the vassal princes, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have brought you a gift—it is..."

The vassal princes stepped forward one by one to present their gifts, all of which were ornate but impractical items like calligraphy, paintings, and jade artifacts.

None of them appealed to Baili Hong.

But the young child remembered Eunuch Hong's teaching that "an emperor should not show emotions," so even if he found it boring, he maintained a faint smile and complimented each gift.

This made everyone all the more astonished while also feeling an inexplicable pressure.

Many of them thought simultaneously—they must not let Baili Hong grow up.

Prince Anhuai Baili Ming, however, quite liked this soft-looking and endearing young emperor. Previously, they had met alone in the palace, dining and admiring plum blossoms together. The child spoke sweetly and was surprisingly considerate.

If such a child could become emperor, Baili Ming would be quite pleased.

Southern Frontier King Baili Hao lowered his gaze slightly, a dangerous glint hidden in his eyes.

He had come to understand Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao's methods and character, and today the young emperor's performance was just as striking. In fact, some of his mannerisms and tone even resembled Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao.

One could imagine that once Baili Hong grew up, he would become an emperor blending the wisdom and traits of these two.

What kind of extraordinary figure would he become?

And what future would he lead Great Ning toward?

After the lengthy gift-giving session ended, Baili Hong was growing impatient internally but spoke unhurriedly as he said, "Thank you for your efforts. It's getting late now, so please accompany me to the Haiyan Hall."

Everyone naturally agreed in unison and filed out, each boarding their sedan chairs.

Baili Yue sat inside his sedan, his gaze fixed on the curtain as if trying to see through it to the imperial sedan chair ahead.

Even a mere child could wield authority over them.

Such was imperial authority.

He gently rubbed the jade pendant at his waist, his eyes darkening.

Prince Dingbei Baili Yu leaned casually against the sedan cabin, swaying gently with the bearers' steps.

The news he had received was that Qin Xiao hadn't woken up yet. It seemed accurate; the other party was truly fighting for his life.

That made things easier.

He took out a small pouch from his waist, containing some dried petals and several nearly transparent, barely visible tiny spiders.

Each was only the size of a grain of rice.