Chapter 21 The Little Rascal Who Flirts Then Flees

Chapter 21: The Little Brat Who Flirts and Flees

When Xie Xiao and the other two came upstairs, Zheng Shize was seated beside Yan Weichu, fanning himself and chatting animatedly about the diverse lantern styles from various regions.

Xie Xiao’s gaze swept over them. Zheng Shize rose with a smile, clasping his hands in greeting to exchange pleasantries with the group.

“Marquis Dingbei, we meet again.”

Xie Xiao gave a slight nod and handed the flower lantern in his hand to Yan Weichu.

“Hey,” Yan Weichu’s eyes lit up with pleasant surprise, “Elder Cousin, you really bought it for me? This one’s lovely, quite charming.”

Behind Xie Xiao, Su Ping’s expression subtly shifted, and he bit his lip firmly.

Xie Yi stepped forward and politely greeted Yan Weichu and the others.

As a sixth-rank military official, he lacked the privilege of attending court audiences and had never met the emperor, thus remaining unaware of Yan Weichu’s true identity.

Once everyone was seated, Zheng Shize volunteered an explanation: he had witnessed the elegance of the Count of Anding’s heir at Zhanyun Garden last time and was deeply impressed. Coincidentally running into him here, he had taken the liberty to join in the fun.

Yan Weichu, unusually modest, said, “I’m not much. My cousin is far more impressive.”

Zheng Shize said bluntly, “Marquis Dingbei is indeed remarkable, but he is, after all, a battle-hardened general forged on the battlefield. We can only admire him from afar. You, young master, are different—unassuming at first sight, yet amazing everyone with a single move.”

Yan Weichu found his flattery somewhat hard to stomach and sipped his tea: “You flatter me.”

“I’m being sincere.”

Seeing Yan Weichu set down his teacup, Zheng Shize promptly refilled it for him and ordered two more pots of fine tea, almost assuming the host’s role.

His eagerness, in the eyes of others, carried a hint of ulterior motives.

Did Zheng Shize need to curry favor with the son of a declining earldom? Certainly not, unless… he had other intentions.

Xie Xiao subtly furrowed his brows, almost imperceptibly.

Xie Yi casually asked Zheng Shize, “Does Young Master Zheng usually enjoy playing polo?”

“Absolutely,” Zheng Shize snapped his fan shut with a “swish” and said cheerfully, “It’s a pity I’m not very skilled. I don’t have any other faults—it’s just that I’ve grown accustomed to idleness. I can’t compare to someone like the young master, a youthful talent.”

As he spoke, his gaze turned to Yan Weichu, filled with eagerness: “Young master, someday when I host a banquet, would you honor me with your presence? I would like to become good friends with you.”

Yan Weichu thought to himself that this guy could put on a show at his family’s opera house—he was laying it on thick. Without altering his expression, he said, “Then I’ll trouble you when the time comes.”

Xie Xiao spoke up to remind him, “The Count of Anding forbids you from drinking and indulging in pleasure. Have you forgotten?”

Yan Weichu waved it off: “Cousin, if you don’t tell and I don’t tell, how would Father know I attended Young Master Zheng’s banquet?”

Xie Yi laughed, “It’s rare to see Big Brother meddling in others’ business.”

Yan Weichu also smiled, shooting a glance at Xie Xiao: “See, even Second Young Master says you’re controlling me, Cousin.”

He deliberately emphasized the last two words, as if retaliating for Xie Xiao’s earlier teasing at the marquis’s residence.

The atmosphere grew somewhat awkward for a moment.

Zheng Shize, never one to avoid stirring the pot, continued to fan the flames: “Then, young master, I’ll prepare everything for your arrival, and we’ll drink until we drop.”

Su Ping, who had been silent until now, also spoke up: “Mingzhao, the young master is young at heart—he loves excitement and fun. Let him have his fun.”

Su Ping was momentarily stunned by Yan Weichu’s gaze that seemed amused but not quite smiling. Yan Weichu had already turned his attention back to Xie Xiao, ignoring him, as if the previous moment had been an illusion.

But Xie Xiao only looked at Yan Weichu, his gaze lingering a moment longer on Yan Weichu’s exceptionally bright and mischievous eyes before shifting away, his voice cool: “Do as you please.”

Oho, he’s angry.

Zheng Shize smiled, feigning ignorance, and gestured for Yan Weichu to look outside: “Young master, look—they've lit the lanterns.”

Yan Weichu looked out the window. At 8:30 PM (second mark of Xu hour), lanterns were hung, decorations were put up, and the market opened auspiciously.

The city was ablaze with lights, as brilliant as the stars.

Zheng Shize continued to explain the differences in lantern styles from various regions, from design to materials to craftsmanship, speaking knowledgeably.

Yan Weichu listened with great interest, occasionally discussing with him, and Xie Yi also joined their conversation.

Xie Xiao quietly drank his tea, showing scant interest. Su Ping’s gaze swept over him several times before he finally lowered his head and fell silent.

Zheng Shize waved his fan gracefully and said, “I heard this year’s lantern king at the market is the ‘Bountiful Harvest Glazed Auspicious Mountain Lantern’ sent from Qingjiang Prefecture. This lantern is meant to be presented to His Majesty afterward. But the artisans from Qingjiang Prefecture are truly unsurpassed in lantern making. I went to see them earlier—they also have a ‘Qilin Galloping Horse Lantern,’ with only a few made. It’s incredibly beautiful. If you’d like, young master, I’ll buy one for you.”

Yan Weichu’s face showed clear interest, but Xie Xiao suddenly placed his teacup down and spoke: “It’s late. Let’s go back.”

“Goodbye, everyone. We’ll take our leave first.”

With that, he stood up to leave.

Yan Weichu followed suit, picking up the cat-shaped flower lantern Xie Xiao had bought for him. He declined Zheng Shize’s offer, saying proudly, “I already have a lantern.”

Su Ping watched Xie Xiao’s departing figure and called out unwillingly, “Mingzhao!”

Xie Xiao did not look back, and Su Ping’s voice was overwhelmed by Yan Weichu’s words as he followed: “Cousin, wait for me!”

The carriage was parked outside the teahouse. Before getting in, Xie Xiao suddenly stopped and turned to look at Yan Weichu, who had followed him out: “Don’t you love excitement and fun? Why are you following me?”

Yan Weichu raised the lantern in his hand and waved it in front of Xie Xiao. The light and shadows brushed across his stern face, making it quite amusing: “Cousin, you’re so jealous.”

Xie Xiao stared at him coldly.

Yan Weichu stared straight at him and said, “But I only want to play with you, Cousin.”

After a moment of silence, Xie Xiao turned and got into the carriage first. Yan Weichu followed as if nothing had happened.

“That person earlier is the Emperor's cousin,” Xie Xiao said once they were seated in the carriage. “He’s involved in shady business and has no decorum. Keep your distance from him. The Count of Anding’s household has always kept a low profile. Be careful not to cause trouble.”

“Alright, alright, lesson learned,” Yan Weichu nodded obediently.

Xie Xiao couldn't be bothered to say more. This young man probably hadn’t learned from past lessons and wouldn’t improve until he suffered a major setback.

The carriage moved forward for a stretch, picked up Xie Yunniang, and then returned to the marquis’s residence.

As they got out of the carriage, Xie Xiao suddenly asked, “Do you want to stay?”

Yan Weichu was somewhat surprised: “Stay overnight? Are you going to have a heart-to-heart with me by candlelight, Cousin?”

Xie Xiao said, “So you can't say I’m unwelcoming.”

Yan Weichu laughed: “Will you prepare everything for my arrival?”

Xie Xiao nodded arrogantly. "Mm."

Yan Weichu reluctantly conceded, "Alright then."

He sent someone back to the Count of Anding's estate to inform them, then followed Xie Xiao out of the carriage and into the residence.

Xie Xiao took him directly to the main courtyard and arranged a west wing chamber for him.

"Rest early. If you need anything, just tell the servants outside," Xie Xiao instructed before preparing to leave.

Yan Weichu stood by the door and called out to him, "Cousin, what about our candlelit chat?"

Xie Xiao turned back. "I've nothing to discuss with you."

Yan Weichu: "..." Then why did you ask me to stay?

Xie Xiao looked at him and suddenly stepped closer. Yan Weichu was pressed back against the door behind him, utterly baffled.

The light was dim here. Xie Xiao stared into these eyes—pitch-black yet luminous, shimmering with life—overlapping with the image in his memory. Once again, he confirmed that these were the eyes he had seen that night.

Yan Weichu, however, couldn't quite understand Xie Xiao at this moment and said without filter, "Cousin, do you want to sleep feet-to-feet with me?"

Xie Xiao coldly replied with two words: "I refuse."

...Fine, I refuse then. No need then, no skin off my nose.

Xie Xiao left, and Yan Weichu returned to his room.

Shun Xi helped him as he washed and changed. While soaking his feet, Yan Weichu pondered for a moment and asked the young attendant, "Why do you think Cousin asked me to stay?"

Shun Xi crouched before him, tending to him as he replied, "Perhaps the Marquis of Dingbei himself doesn't know either. It's not something that requires careful thought—maybe it was just a whim. The Marquis of Dingbei was compelled."

Yan Weichu thought it was indeed possible and shot him a sidelong glance. "You know quite a lot, little eunuch."

Shun Xi said with an ingratiating smile. "It's Your Majesty's charm—even the Marquis of Dingbei can't resist it."

Hah, slick talker... but he liked hearing it.

In a much better mood, Yan Weichu finally found time to care about other matters. "When we returned earlier, I noticed Lady Xie seemed distracted. Did something happen to her on the street?"

The lantern market was crawling with Imperial Guards. Knowing Yan Weichu might ask, Shun Xi had inquired about it before entering and now reported, "A lantern Lady Xie liked was snatched by someone else. Later, a scholar offered her another lantern she fancied. She initially refused but eventually accepted it. She and that scholar seemed to know each other from before."

Yan Weichu raised an eyebrow. "What scholar?"

Shun Xi cautiously replied, "A scholar from the Imperial Academy, the youngest son of Chief Grand Secretary Lord Liu—Liu Chongjing."

"So it's the promising son of my right-hand minister," Yan Weichu said without emotion. "Making advances toward my intended empress."

Shun Xi was so frightened he barely dared to breathe. Then he heard Yan Weichu suddenly chuckle lightly. "Good. I've never wanted to be the villain who breaks up a pair of lovebirds. Let’s grant them their wish then."

*

Early in the morning, just as Xie Xiao had risen, a servant came to report that Young Master Su had arrived to return books.

Though the Xie family were military generals, with over a hundred years of family heritage, their library was quite extensive. Su Ping often came to borrow and return books.

Xie Xiao received him in the main hall, had someone fetch the books he wanted. Two of them were not available in the marquis' estate, so he said he would send someone to retrieve them from the duke's mansion in a couple of days.

Su Ping said, "If they're not here, it's fine. No need to trouble yourself." He had only used it as an excuse to come here anyway.

Xie Xiao exchanged a few perfunctory pleasantries with him. Having just met at the lantern market the night before, there was really nothing to talk about.

Su Ping noticed Xie Xiao's dismissive manner and had no choice but to rise to take his leave. Still unwilling, he hesitated and said, "Mingzhao, I was thinking of inviting you to view the autumn foliage at Yundu Mountain in the western suburbs in a couple of days. Would you have time?"

"Starting tomorrow, I'll be returning to the duke's mansion to accompany the old lady in observing a fast for half a month. I won't be able to go," Xie Xiao bluntly refused.

Su Ping said, "Then after—"

"Apply yourself to your studies," Xie Xiao interrupted him. "You just passed the provincial examinations, and next year you'll be taking the spring metropolitan examinations. You only have half a year left to prepare. If you don't study hard during this time, aren't you afraid you might fail?"

Su Ping felt somewhat embarrassed and was about to say more when a voice came from behind. "Cousin, who are you meeting so early in the morning? I'm hungry. I've been waiting for you to have breakfast for ages."

Yan Weichu emerged from the back hall, bleary-eyed, wearing loose, informal robes hastily draped over himself, his hair unbound and disheveled. Seeing Su Ping, he naturally greeted him.

"You two chat. I'll head back," Yan Weichu said, then glanced at Xie Xiao. "Cousin, hurry up. I'm waiting for you."

As if oblivious to the sudden change in Su Ping's expression, he calmly returned to the rear courtyard.

When Xie Xiao returned, Yan Weichu was sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, holding a plain steamed bun and breaking off bits to feed the sparrows foraging nearby.

Xie Xiao walked over. "Having fun?"

Yan Weichu lowered his head and continued teasing the birds with his foot. "Rather amusing. Look how clever these birds are—they follow me wherever I go."

But that wasn't what Xie Xiao meant. "You really didn't know who I was meeting? You didn't even dress properly, showing up in the front hall with your hair disheveled. What do you look like?"

Yan Weichu looked up. "Cousin, you're being so harsh. Are you upset because Young Master Su saw me like this and misunderstood?"

Xie Xiao lowered his gaze and looked at him silently for a moment, then reached out and gripped his chin firmly.

Before Yan Weichu could complain about the pain, he let go. Xie Xiao walked over and sat opposite him, picking up his chopsticks.

"Cousin," Yan Weichu asked deliberately, "I heard Young Master Su grew up with you in the borderlands—childhood companions, right? He has feelings for you, doesn't he? I'm sure of it. The way he looks at you is anything but innocent."

Xie Xiao looked up, his expression unreadable. "Are you curious?"

Yan Weichu nodded. "Can't I ask?"

"No," Xie Xiao said decisively. "Don't be curious about things that have nothing to do with you."

Yan Weichu insisted. "Cousin, that person you said you had feelings for before—it wasn't Young Master Su, was it?"

Xie Xiao asked, "When did I say that?"

"Don't deny it," Yan Weichu pressed. "You clearly said it."

What Xie Xiao had said back then was, "How do you know I don't?"—which actually meant he didn't.

But seeing Yan Weichu so persistent, he simply said, "There is someone."

Yan Weichu pressed further. "Who is it?"

Xie Xiao looked at him and answered ambiguously, "A little rascal who appeared out of nowhere, teased me, and then ran off."

Yan Weichu: "..." Who are you calling a rascal?