Chapter 77 New Year’s Gift

Chapter 77 New Year's Gift

Chu Jiubian hadn't taken a proper bath these past few days, only managing quick sponge baths at most.

Today, with Qin Xiao away, he had hot water prepared and treated himself to a proper, long soak.

In winter, soaking in a hot bath in a warm room melted his bones.

Chu Jiubian felt both physically and mentally at ease.

He slumped drowsily against the edge of the bathtub, held up his hand to look at it.

The nail on his thumb had split further today, though only slightly, and it no longer hurt.

Whenever his mind wasn't entirely clear, Chu Jiubian often used pain to maintain his grip on reality.

But doing this repeatedly had raised his pain tolerance higher and higher. Minor pains no longer satisfied him, so the injuries on his body multiplied, each wound deeper than the last.

Yet today, even such a faint, subtle pain had managed to register with him.

Was it the effect of the medicine?

Even before his transmigration, he'd been taking various medications, but they had little effect—in fact, his condition had shown signs of worsening.

Now, though, his illness was already "mild."

System products truly lived up to their reputation.

His thoughts drifting, Chu Jiubian gently touched his lips with his fingertips, still able to feel the faint marks left by Qin Xiao’s bite.

It didn’t hurt anymore, but the sensation when he touched it was somewhat itchy.

Unconsciously, he lightly grazed the spot with his teeth, breaking the skin once more, and the taste of iron filled his mouth.

"What is visible to the eye, what the hands can touch."

"What the heart can feel is real."

The man’s deep, pleasant voice seemed to linger in his ears, and before his eyes surfaced those profound, intense eyes.

Along with that came the memory of how it felt to be restrained by the man.

Burning, as if everything would be consumed by that heat.

The man’s embrace was domineering, fierce, yet filled with boundless acceptance.

Chu Jiubian had to admit that such confinement brought him an indescribable sense of security, along with—a secret, unspeakable thrill he couldn't share.

He closed his eyes, letting his body slowly sink until his entire face was submerged in the bathtub.

The sense of suffocation made his thoughts grow foggy, yet the feelings in his body became increasingly vivid.

He suddenly recalled his first meeting with Qin Xiao, remembered the calloused palm tightly gripping his neck.

Chu Jiubian slowly raised his hand in the water, touching his own neck.

Then gradually moved downward, sliding down his chest, his abdomen...

His knees pressed against the bathtub, the young man’s back arched taut like a bow, trembling slightly.

After what felt like an eternity, he abruptly emerged from the water, clinging to the edge of the bathtub like a drowning man gasping for air.

A lingering warmth of desire remained in the young man’s eyes, while clear tears brought on by physical exertion rolled down the corners. His lips were bitten until they bled, his chest heaving heavily, scraping against the edge of the bathtub again and again, leaving red marks behind.

A long time later, once his breathing steadied.

Chu Jiubian rose from the bathtub, had another basin of hot water brought in, gave himself a quick rinse, and then went into the inner room.

After getting into bed, he wrapped himself in the smooth silk quilt and closed his eyes as if to escape.

The bathtub and traces of his washing in the outer room were cleared away by the palace attendants, leaving no trace of his indulgence behind.

Only a dim oil lamp was lit in the inner room.

Chu Jiubian lay holding the quilt for a while and, without even realizing it, fell asleep.

This sleep was exceptionally deep; he didn’t even know when Qin Xiao returned. It was only in the middle of the night that he woke hazily and realized he had once again drawn closer to Qin Xiao, instantly snapping awake.

This time was even more excessive than before—he was no longer satisfied with just clinging to Qin Xiao’s arm and chest.

Now, he'd actually curled completely against Qin Xiao’s embrace, resting his head on Qin Xiao’s arm, one hand on his chest, and his leg draped over Qin Xiao’s waist.

Beneath his hand, he could feel the steady beat of the man’s heartbeat.

However, that steadiness didn’t last long before it began to grow somewhat agitated and irregular.

Chu Jiubian’s already stiff body grew even stiffer.

Qin Xiao was awake.

Or rather, Qin Xiao knew he was awake, so his heart rate changed.

The two lay there for a while in silent understanding. Just as Chu Jiubian couldn't take it anymore and was about to move his hand away, Qin Xiao suddenly spoke: "Awake?"

Chu Jiubian silently pulled back his arms and leg, turned over, and scooted over until he was nearly against the wall.

Qin Xiao chuckled softly.

Chu Jiubian pulled the quilt over his head.

"Don’t go back to sleep just yet," Qin Xiao said again, his voice even softer than before. Chu Jiubian, buried under the quilt, almost missed it.

But he heard.

He emerged from under the quilt but didn’t turn around, asking in his characteristically cool and detached tone, "What is it?"

Qin Xiao sat up.

After a few soft rustling sounds, he reached out and gently patted Chu Jiubian’s head, saying, "This is for you."

Chu Jiubian turned over to look at him.

The moonlight tonight was particularly bright, casting enough light in the room for him to see what appeared to be a jade pendant in Qin Xiao’s hand.

"What's this?" He held out his hand, and Qin Xiao placed the object in his palm, saying, "The Qin family head token."

Chu Jiubian went still, lifting his eyes to meet his.

In the darkness, he couldn’t clearly see Qin Xiao’s expression, only knowing that the other was studying him intently.

"Qin Zhaoyang has told you everything, I suppose?" Qin Xiao leaned against the bedpost, his long hair cascading behind him, his toned muscles visible through the silk inner robe. "If I am gone, all the power I hold will be transferred to you."

The warm, smooth jade token in Chu Jiubian's palm suddenly felt burningly hot.

"Now I'm giving it to you," Qin Xiao said. "Even while I am alive, you will have the authority to mobilize all my forces and resources, with priority over mine."

In other words, if Chu Jiubian wished to use Qin Xiao's subordinates, such as Qin Zhaoyang and An Wuji, to assassinate Qin Xiao, they would have to carry it out.

If they refused, according to the Qin family's rules, they would have no choice but to commit suicide.

By granting Chu Jiubian such immense power, Qin Xiao was effectively handing his own life into Chu Jiubian's hands.

For Chu Jiubian, this was an incredible opportunity.

With this token, he would become the true regent, holding power second only to Baili Hong in all Great Ning.

This was exactly what Chu Jiubian had been after from the beginning—

to get close to Qin Xiao, earn his trust, and secure greater power and status to protect himself.

Now, Qin Xiao had personally handed it all over to him.

The words he had once spoken about making Qin Xiao willingly submit to him apparently came true.

Yet, his hand returned the token to Qin Xiao, and his lips seemed to move on their own, saying, "I don't want this."

Qin Xiao gave a soft laugh.

The token was placed back into Chu Jiubian's palm, and the man's warm hand closed around his, saying, "It's a New Year's gift. No refusing."

Chu Jiubian looked down at his covered hand. The token in his palm was firm but not unpleasant.

Warm, rather like Qin Xiao's hand.

"If you give it to me, I'm not giving it back," Chu Jiubian said.

Qin Xiao laughed. "Don't worry. Once I give something away, I never ask for it back."

"Oh, you're so domineering," Chu Jiubian remarked flatly, withdrawing his hand.

He stored the token in his spatial storage, placing it alongside the sprig of jasmine he had picked from the courtyard earlier.

This flower was one Chu Jiubian had plucked from the courtyard on the day Qin Xiao departed for war. Before that, Qin Xiao had touched it.

Chu Jiubian had picked it impulsively, simply because he thought the flower was pretty and smelled nice.

But he had never gotten around to throwing it away.

He glanced into his spatial storage—the pure white flower branch floated alongside the glistening white and green jade token, and they looked rather nice together.

So, he decided to keep the flower.

Chu Jiubian tugged the quilt higher and looked up at Qin Xiao. "You're still not sleeping?"

"I am," Qin Xiao said, lying back down, his body seeming to shift closer to Chu Jiubian.

Chu Jiubian studied him for a moment before closing his eyes.

In the darkness, he heard the man speak again, asking, "Can I also ask for a New Year's gift from you, Young Master?"

Chu Jiubian snorted softly.

As expected, nothing comes free.

Qin Xiao wouldn't give him such a useful token for no reason—there must be something else he wanted.

"What do you want?" Chu Jiubian said. "Tell me what it is first, and I'll consider it."

"Just answer one question for me," Qin Xiao replied.

That simple?

Chu Jiubian opened his eyes to look at him. "Are you sure?"

Even if Qin Xiao wanted some powerful weapon, a method to enrich the national treasury, or something else, Chu Jiubian could probably provide it.

Qin Xiao gave an affirmative hum. "Just one question."

"...Then ask," Chu Jiubian said, his voice grew quieter.

If the price for giving him the token was just a single question, then it was basically free.

How generous of Lord Prince Ning.

Qin Xiao tapped lightly on the brocade quilt, as if considering his words, then said slowly, "Is this matter of a love tribulation real, or were you just messing with me?"

Chu Jiubian: "......"

That's it?

But this question wasn't exactly easy to answer.

He pondered carefully.

If he called it a "love tribulation," it wouldn't be entirely wrong.

After all, they were now "sharing a bed," had kissed twice, and their relationship was indeed somewhat ambiguous.

Perhaps they really were here to overcome a tribulation.

But it wasn't him undergoing the tribulation—it was Qin Xiao.

So Chu Jiubian said, "Yes."

Qin Xiao's tense hands relaxed.

Chu Jiubian looked at him. In the darkness, the man's nose was tall and straight, the lines of his profile exceptionally striking, and the corners of his lips seemed to curve upward slightly.

Chu Jiubian inexplicably felt his mood lift as well and asked, "Do you have any other questions? Or is there something else you want?"

"Not for now," Qin Xiao said.

Chu Jiubian: "The offer expires soon."

Qin Xiao fell silent, then turned over to face Chu Jiubian.

For some reason, as he turned, Chu Jiubian felt the distance between them grow even closer.

Qin Xiao's eyes gleamed faintly in the dim light as he spoke, his voice deep: "Then I'll ask one more question."

"What?"

"Do you like it when I touch you?"

Chu Jiubian's heart skipped a beat.

How should he answer?

Say he liked it? That would be awkward.

Say he didn't? That would be dishonest.

After a moment of silence, Chu Jiubian evaded answering and instead asked, "What do you think?"

Qin Xiao gave a low chuckle and said, "I think you like it."

His tone was so teasing that one might mistake him for some playful noble teasing someone.

Chu Jiubian wanted to face the wall again.

But Qin Xiao slipped his arm around Chu Jiubian's waist under the covers. The thin inner robe did nothing to hide the firm muscles of the man's arm, which pressed tightly against the youth's supple waist, radiating heat.

Chu Jiubian's throat moved, and his voice came out a bit rough: "You're overstepping."

"Hmm." Qin Xiao tightened his arm, pulling Chu Jiubian closer until their bodies were pressed tightly together.

Chu Jiubian didn't resist. He rested his head on the man's arm, his lips lightly brushing against the other's prominent Adam's apple.

"Sleep," Qin Xiao said softly, burying his face in the youth's clean hair.

The recently washed hair still carried a hint of dampness and the light smell of soap.

Qin Xiao didn't recognize the fragrance, but it reminded him of Chu Jiubian's usual air—distant and cool.

He instinctively tightened his embrace, holding the youth even closer.

Chu Jiubian felt the change in the man's hold and said nothing, closing his eyes.

The next morning.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao ate breakfast with Baili Hong in the main hall.

The little one was, as always, eating enthusiastically, his cheeks puffed up as he chewed on soft white steamed buns, like a little hamster.

But the little hamster suddenly stopped chewing, his eyes widening as he stared at Qin Xiao.

Almost simultaneously, Qin Xiao raised his hand and touched his nose, which was now covered in bright red blood.

He glanced at Chu Jiubian, then stood up and walked out.

Baili Hong watched his departing figure, then turned to Chu Jiubian, murmured in surprise, asking what had happened to his uncle.

Why was he bleeding from the nose?

Chu Jiubian replied, "It's nothing. He just has too much heat."

Baili Hong realized.

It must be too hot in the room, and since his uncle was sleeping in the same bed with his teacher, it made it even warmer.

So, after breakfast, he quietly told Xiao Yuzi to prepare a new bed and place it in Qin Xiao's bedroom, several meters away from the original one.

This way, his uncle and teacher wouldn't feel too hot anymore. They would surely be surprised when they saw it that night!

He was such a smart and considerate nephew.

That evening, when Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao went back to the bedroom, they spotted immediately the new bed placed against the wall, several meters away from the original one.

Chu Jiubian gave a soft laugh and glanced at Qin Xiao: "No more getting overheated now."

Qin Xiao also smiled: "The Emperor is very thoughtful."

Chu Jiubian laughed even louder.

==

After the New Year, everything hadn't yet returned to normal. Everyone was looking forward to the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the lunar month.

However, the Lantern Festival in the Da Ning Dynasty had not yet evolved into the lively "Lantern Festival" of later times. The common people simply had a special liking for the fifteenth day of the month, which was why they placed special importance on the fifteenth day of the first month.

On this day, people would spontaneously hold activities similar to those of the Mid-Autumn Festival, such as lantern viewing and garden tours. But due to the cold weather, it was not as lively as the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Officials, however, did not really celebrate this festival, as they had already returned to work on the tenth day of the month.

The official business that had piled up during the New Year period needed to be handled all together. They were so busy that they couldn't finish even after half a month—where would they find time for lantern viewing or garden tours?

After the morning court resumed, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao still did not discuss how to handle the Western Regions. Instead, they only rewarded those who had made contributions.

The Western Regions Serbia was actually quite prosperous and abundant in gems and agates, so the war spoils Qin Xiao brought back greatly enriched the national treasury and Baili Hong's personal treasury.

Thus, the rewards this time were generous.

Cheng Shuo was no different. Although he had almost got Qin Xiao killed this time, he had been forced into it. Moreover, he had previously made significant contributions. Therefore, he received gold, silver, treasures, and a promotion in rank and nobility title.

He was made Earl of Xiuling, but this earl was only responsible for rituals, sacrifices, and other ceremonial matters, with no real power.

Cheng Shuo knew that this was already a tremendous favor from Qin Xiao, and it was also a way for him to improve himself and manage his household better in the future. Thus, he accepted the decree without complaint and even thanked him profusely.

Next was Hu Fang.

This veteran general's contributions were almost as significant as Cheng Shuo's. Moreover, he had not previously held an official position in the capital, so Qin Xiao directly granted him the title of Marquis Dingyuan to honor his achievements in quelling the border rebellion.

However, he was somewhat older among military officers and had old wounds, so even though he was granted the title of marquis, he only gained a bit more military authority. Otherwise, nothing much changed, and it did not affect the court's power dynamics.

Thus, no one objected to his reward.

When it came to Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, who was responsible for transporting provisions and military pay, Vice Director of the Ministry of War Kou Qiao, and Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites Cai Peng, who transported the second batch of provisions, opinions were divided.

These three men represented three different factions: Wang Pengyi was from the Wang family, Kou Qiao was Qin Xiao's subordinate, and Cai Peng was a protégé of Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan.

All three held influential positions in the court and could wield significant influence.

Granting them greater authority and status would only make them more difficult to handle.

However, no one held any hostility toward Kou Qiao. After all, he was a military officer, and his eloquence and strategic thinking were far inferior to those of civil officials. So even if he were promoted and given a raise, it wouldn't cause much trouble.

But Wang Pengyi and Cai Peng were somewhat more problematic.

At the moment, the Wang family had clearly reached some kind of agreement with Qin Xiao and his allies. So, whatever authority Wang Pengyi held would directly amplify the influence Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian could exert.

Therefore, everyone did their utmost to keep him in check and prevent him from gaining too much power.

However, Wang Pengyi was already a Vice Director; if he wished to advance further, he could only aim for the position of Minister or seize power from others by meddling in other affairs.

But currently, there was no such position available for him in the court.

Thus, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had no intention of promoting Wang Pengyi and only gave him lots of treasure.

In the future, whenever a Minister position opened up, Wang Pengyi would be the most suitable candidate to fill it.

As for Cai Peng, since even Wang Pengyi, who had greater merits, was only rewarded with treasures, he naturally didn't get any real power either.

He was bitter about it.

While Vice Director Wang could not be promoted further, he, a mere Vice Director, had plenty of positions to aspire to for advancement.

He kept looking at Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan at the front, hoping the latter would speak on his behalf.

But Xiao Huaiguan, stooped over with cloudy eyes, seemed like he couldn't hear anything and was unaware, either not noticing him or, if he did, his mind wasn't working well enough to do anything.

Previously, he had been able to plan the kidnapping of Su Xier, turn Su Sheng and Qin Xiao against each other, and always protected the Xiao family at critical moments, securing benefits for them.

Now, however, his sharp mind wasn't working anymore.

Thus, isolated and unsupported, Cai Peng could only swallow his anger and thank them for the rewards.

Everyone was surprised that after a whole morning of arguing, the outcome turned out to be entirely controlled by Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, as if it were their sole decision.

By now, everyone realized that since the Wang family had sided with the emperor, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had quietly taken over most of the court and didn't need to pretend anymore.

Therefore, they only rewarded who they wanted to and did not mention how to manage the Western Regions.

They had already decided on the approach: establishing a military protectorate, combining military power with local religious forces, and setting up commanderies and counties to achieve a completely new way of ruling.

Different factions wanted to send their own people to control the Western Regions.

But Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao didn't respond, obviously having someone else in mind.

Just as everyone expected.

Within a few days, Kou Qiao, who had been promoted to Director of the Ministry of War, led troops to the Western Regions to take charge of the protectorate, becoming a frontier governor.

The territory once belonging to the Western Regions Serbia was now entirely under Qin Xiao's control.

Anyway.

After the first morning court following the New Year, everyone made another important discovery: Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan seemed to be losing it.

His face looked aged; though he had been energetic just months before, he now appeared suddenly older than he had half a year ago.

He had even grown so thin that he resembled a walking skeleton, with mottled age spots covering his face. Baili Hong could barely look at him.

Moreover, he seemed somewhat senile; during the court session, even though Cai Peng’s eyes were practically bleeding, Xiao Huaiguan showed no reaction, as if he no longer cared about the fate of the Xiao family.

While others were unaware of the reason, Chu Jiubian knew exactly what was going on.

Xiao Huaiguan was trapped in an addiction to Datura, and his sudden physical decline was due to his recent change in way of taking it—from sprinkling it into his meals daily to directly smoking Datura multiple times a day.

With increased intake, his body naturally got worse faster.

The reason he discovered this method was because "someone" had taught him.

This person was none other than an undercover guard sent by Qin Zhaoyang under Chu Jiubian's orders, but to Xiao Huaiguan, he was a "merchant from the Western Regions."

Now, Xiao Huaiguan's life was basically in Chu Jiubian's hands. If Chu Jiubian stopped the Datura sales to him, the elderly man, unable to endure the pain and withdrawal, would soon die quickly.

So now, it was only a matter of when Chu Jiubian decided to take his life.

After the morning court session, all government affairs returned to normal.

However, the backlog of tasks from the New Year was indeed substantial, and Emperor Baili Hong had no less work than other officials.

Before the New Year, Chu Jiubian had assisted him alone, but now that Qin Xiao had returned, Chu Jiubian's burden was significantly lightened, freeing him to focus on the imperial examinations.

The papers for the third round of exams had been graded, and unsurprisingly, Lu Yao took first place.

What surprised Chu Jiubian was Tan Yuzhu, a candidate from Baxian County.

She was the only female examinee in the classics and interpretation category, young and exceptionally learned. What most impressed Chu Jiubian was her policy essay.

On the same topics, though not as comprehensive or detailed as Lu Yao's responses, her perspectives were always more unique.

Moreover, her writing revealed a deep concern for the common people, women, and all vulnerable groups.

She genuinely wanted to become an official and serve the people through practical actions.

The more Chu Jiubian read her exam paper, the more satisfied he felt—she was exactly the new talent he had been seeking.

If he had enough points to draw new followers at that moment, he would certainly have drawn her.

He reviewed the list in his hand, which contained sixty-eight names.

These were the first batch of students for the Imperial College, and once the list was published, various factions would undoubtedly focus their attention on these scholars.

He had no issue with them seeking to recruit the students, nor would Chu Jiubian restrict the students' choices.

If they could be swayed by various factions at this stage, they would likely remain disloyal even after entering the Imperial College.

Rather than that, it was better to filter out such individuals from the start.

However, if anyone attempted to harm the students, Chu Jiubian would not allow it.

He ordered the list to be published and also dispatched messengers to various regions at full speed, spreading the news of the scholars' success with great fanfare.

Just as the messengers were arriving in various places, a literary gathering in Baxian County was in full swing.

Among the many scholars, literati, and talented youths, a young woman in a pure white long dress stood out notably.

"I always said, how could a woman enter officialdom?" a male voice rang out from the crowd, drawing everyone's attention.

A slightly plump man in dark brocade robes leaned lazily against an armrest. Even under the gaze of many, he showed no restraint and and instead laughed more boldly, saying, "I heard that someone in the neighboring county received an official letter from the court yesterday, achieving success in the exams and rising to prominence."

His mocking gaze fell on the graceful figure in the crowd, a lecherous glint flashing in his eyes as he added, "Some women aim too high. In my opinion, it's better to marry young while still beautiful, lest they grow old and unwanted."