Chapter 137

Chapter 137

Shen Yuan witnessed a civil official brawl.

It was a literal battle among the civil officials.

The officials from Xie Yulin and Song Zijuan’s faction were fighting those who opposed the imperial examination system.

They were truly fighting—hammer-like fists pounding away, kicking, biting, and even yanking off official hats and hurling them across the hall.

Elderly officials had their gray hair pulled into tangles, lying on the ground groaning "aiyo, aiyo" in pain all over.

Neutral factions tried to mediate while also fanning the flames, enjoying the spectacle and egging them on.

Li Xing sat on the imperial throne, propped on his beloved sword, watching the chaotic hall with boredom.

This was no different from the brawls he had in the streets as a youth, scrambling for food.

Shen Yuan was shielded behind Xie Yulin and Song Zijuan, with a row of imperial guards led by Ji Ping’an standing in front of them.

As long as the fighting ministers didn't cross the guard line, the guards wouldn't move a muscle.

The hall was in utter chaos, the air faintly tinged with the smell of blood. Several people lay fallen on the ground, the clean wooden floor stained with blood, and it was unclear whether those who had fallen were dead or alive.

Shen Yuan was speechless.

There was nothing he could do.

Even Li Xing could do nothing but prop on his sword and watch them fight it out.

Only when they were exhausted and could no longer move did Li Xing speak: "Have you all calmed down now? If not, I can have the imperial guards join you for another round."

The ministers held their breath. If the imperial guards acted, it wouldn't be a fight—it would be heads rolling.

Some remained unafraid. "Your Majesty ordering the imperial guards to act and indiscriminately kill subjects is the work of a tyrant. Aren't you afraid of what future generations will say?"

"Let them say what they want. Like I could come back from the dead to hear it?" Li Xing bared his teeth in a grin, stroking his beloved sword with a sinister look. "Besides, if I'm already a tyrant, if I really did come back to life, I'd cut down anyone who dares to curse me."

The ministers were dumbfounded.

How could such uncouth words be heard in such a solemn and dignified hall?

But looking around at the fallen and the wailing, it seemed the place wasn't all that dignified either.

Regardless, their current emperor was street-born—a wild wolf. If he truly went mad, they were no match for him.

The barefoot fear the shoed, and the aristocratic families not only wore shoes but also carried an air of respectability.

Fine, let it be the imperial exams then.

At least the books were still in their hands. It would take some time for those below to gain access to them.

That time would be enough for them to place more of their people in key positions.

Li Xing had thought his treasured blade, long unquenched by blood, might finally get a taste today, but before the sword could even be drawn, the matter had settled.

What followed was the discussion of the imperial examination system. Shen Yuan listened to the entire process. In the end, Li Xing, wanting reassurance, asked him if the arrangements were acceptable.

He could feel the tangible, piercing glares of the opposing officials stabbing into him.

Shen Yuan straightened his back. Stab away, then. The matter was already set in stone, and no amount of glaring would change it.

Based on the actual circumstances of Wu Country, the system they had discussed for so long naturally had no issues.

At least Shen Yuan thought it was quite good.

Wu Country's imperial examination system did not stipulate that only men could participate.

It was more like examinations in later generations.

Of course, the difficulty was hundreds of times greater. After all, this was for selecting officials, not students for schools.

Once the imperial examination system was truly confirmed, the court officials' contention shifted to the identities of the examiners.

Those selected by the examiners would be seen as part of their faction, even if they weren't.

Li Xing didn't give them the chance. The candidates were already decided.

Besides himself and Xie Yulin, Song Zijuan was also among them. The other examiners were also people Xie Yulin and he had previously promoted.

Using Song Zijuan was risky, but if you trust someone, use them; if you doubt them, don't.

Li Xing didn't want to overthink things, nor did he have a suspicious nature. He simply hoped Wu Country wouldn't go under on his watch.

If it could become even better than before, that would be ideal.

If someone wanted to seize the throne, let them try. Holding onto it would be his skill; losing it would be his failure.

Li Xing was recklessly open, while Xie Yulin had to consider much more on his behalf.

But this temperament of his was also good—civil and military officials wouldn't be executed in batches at the slightest provocation.

The downside was that his street-born nature was too strong, valuing loyalty over strategy. He was an excellent brother, but as an emperor, he was far from qualified.

When Xie Yulin heard Li Xing, in his rage, disregarding formalities and acting on impulse, he knew this man still had much to learn.

Song Zijuan kept his head lowered, appearing respectful, but his eyes darted around.

He felt that coming to Wu Country was the right move. Only in Wu Country, with an emperor like Li Xing, could he truly find a place to use his talents.

When court adjourned, Shen Yuan only began to walk out slowly after all the officials had left.

Xie Yulin still had matters to attend to and couldn't return yet, reminding Shen Yuan not to indulge in anything too cold today.

Coincidentally, Song Zijuan overheard this. He strolled over to Shen Yuan's side, frowning and speaking up for him: "Prime Minister Xie, State Preceptor Shen is also a person, not an ignorant child or a pet you keep. He knows what to do and what not to do. Why control him so tightly? Let him be at ease."

Before Xie Yulin could speak, Shen Yuan said earnestly: "Deputy Prime Minister Song, he treats me that way because he likes me and cares about me. I'm willing to let him manage me, and I really like it when he does."

No one had ever cared for him like this before.

Shen Yuan truly liked it.

Upon hearing this, Song Zijuan's expression shifted repeatedly as he stared at Shen Yuan, looking as if he had much to say but found it difficult to speak.

Shen Yuan paid him no mind, pulling Xie Yulin along and asking him to escort him out.

With his beloved caring for and defending him like this, the icy edges around Xie Yulin seemed to melt away. Slowly removing his gloves, his cool, large hand enveloped Shen Yuan's.

The two walked away side by side.

Song Zijuan started forward, but Li Xing grabbed him by the collar of his robe. "It's between two consenting people; why are you butting in?"

"With so many people outside, if Xie Yulin holds hands like that openly, he'll get Ah-Yuan dragged through the mud by everyone!" Song Zijuan struggled to break free, but Li Xing held on tighter.

"With those big sleeves, who can tell? And who would dare stare? Save that energy for dealing with the envoys from the other states. They're coming to ask for the papermaking method, and they'll certainly pry into the imperial examinations too. Some of the weapons described in 'The Guardian' will probably come up as well. You need to figure out how to handle all this—not just respond, but also manage to get something out of them too."

Fuming, Song Zijuan was dragged away by Li Xing. As they walked, Li Xing twisted the knife further. "Weren't all these choices your own doing back then? Now you regret it? What kind of person were you before?"

"And didn't Xie Yulin also deceive Ah-Yuan! Why does he get to be forgiven!"

Not only forgiven, but also loved.

Pure love.

Li Xing gave a dry laugh. "Because my brother Xie's first instinct wasn't to put his wife in danger, while you would stop at nothing to drag him into the imperial examination affair."

"Vice Chancellor, your talent as an official is truly beyond reproach. I'm fond of a minister like you." Li Xing kept pulling Song Zijuan along. "But a person like you doesn't know how to cherish others."

Song Zijuan lowered his gaze.

"If Xie Yulin had gone through everything I did, he might not have turned out any better."

Li Xing couldn't be bothered to argue. "That's just fate. What else can you do?"

...

Shen Yuan noticed that his Brother Ping'an had been coming over a lot more often lately.

But each time, he wouldn't say much—just ate and left.

Shen Yuan was of course happy to have him over for meals, but he only came to eat.

He seemed preoccupied; you had to put food in his bowl before he remembered to eat it.

Shen Yuan thought Ji Ping'an might have crossed someone important in the palace. He asked, but Ji Ping'an said no, then looked at him with a hesitant, troubled expression.

Ji Ping'an's hesitation made Shen Yuan anxious.

"Brother, what on earth is the matter? When you're like this, I can't eat or sleep well either. Please, have some pity on me. Tell me, so I can get a good night's rest."

Ji Ping'an scratched his head, looking both shy and awkward.

Then, after much hemming and hawing, Shen Yuan heard Ji Ping'an say: "Xiao Yuan, how about... instead of calling me 'brother,' you call me 'uncle'?"

Shen Yuan was stunned for a moment before he grasped the meaning.

He exclaimed in surprise, "Brother, you like my aunt?"

He never noticed!

Since when?

Ji Ping'an was very embarrassed. "I'm not sure if it's 'like.' My family keeps pressuring me to marry, but I don't want to marry anyone... except your aunt."

"She's a good person, with a good personality, good looks, cooks well, is attentive and gentle, resilient and brave... Every time I come, I can't help but want to look at her more."

Shen Yuan thought back carefully. Brother Ping'an and his aunt had very few private interactions, but they did have some contact. Judging by these words, he was genuinely smitten.

His Brother Ping'an was a good man, no doubt about that, but in matters like this, it wasn't enough that he thought it was suitable.

"Does my aunt know?"

"She's sensed it." Ji Ping'an wilted a little. "She thinks I only want to marry her because I feel I owe a debt. It was because I injured that Fan guy that all those later things happened..."

Shen Yuan understood. His aunt believed Brother Ping'an was trying to make up for the suffering she endured after marrying that Fan scoundrel.

"There are many ways to repay a debt. I wouldn't joke about feelings. Although that incident did make me pay more attention to your aunt than others initially, I promise, wanting to marry her isn't because of that." Ji Ping'an had no one else to talk to. Since Shen Anniang didn't believe him, he hoped Shen Yuan would, so at least someone would be on his side, giving him some peace of mind.

Shen Yuan pondered. Given his aunt's personality, if she didn't like someone or didn't want something, she would say so directly.

Her current reason sounded more like she was afraid Brother Ping'an wanted to marry her out of obligation, not genuine feeling.

It wasn't that she truly disliked him.

"I'll ask my aunt." That was all Shen Yuan could promise Ji Ping'an.

Ji Ping'an's heart was in turmoil.

Chaotic and anxious.

A couple of days ago, he had gone to see Shen Anniang and told her what Xie Yulin had said to him that day.

After confirming his own feelings, whenever Ji Ping'an thought of Shen Anniang afterward, he felt completely unsettled.

Just thinking of her made his head spin and his face burn—it was terribly embarrassing.

That day, besides telling Shen Anniang about Xie Yulin's feelings and determination regarding Shen Yuan, he had also confessed his own feelings.

But Shen Anniang's response had left him confused. Whether it was a yes or no remained uncertain.

Shen Yuan noticed his brother's normally resolute face turning inexplicably red but didn't point it out, afraid he might combust from the heat.

"Xiao Yuan, you must help your brother and ask her properly."

After repeated pleas, Ji Ping'an reluctantly left the Shen residence.

Shen Yuan went to find Shen Anniang that very evening.

With Ji Ping'an having just left, Shen Anniang didn't need to guess what her nephew wanted to talk about.

"Xiao Yuan, you don't need to say anything. I won't marry him."

Shen Anniang refused outright, not even giving Shen Yuan a chance to speak.

Remembering the reason Shen Anniang had given Ji Ping'an, Shen Yuan decided to ask for confirmation. "Aunt, you don't like Brother Ping'an, is that it?"

Shen Anniang said, "At my age, what's there to talk about liking or not liking?"

She added quietly, "It's just not suitable."

"Aunt, you and Brother Ping'an are about the same age. If anything, you're only about two years older than him. What's unsuitable about that?"

Seeing her nephew dismiss her concerns, Shen Anniang pointed out the reality with a sigh. "I've been married before. He's never taken a wife. Even if both he and I agreed, his parents wouldn't."

Hearing this, Shen Yuan smiled. It seemed his aunt wasn't truly unwilling.

"Aunt, don't you understand Brother Ping'an? If he were someone who listened to his family, why would he still be unmarried to this day?"

Shen Anniang couldn't help but blush. Discussing marriage with a junior was quite embarrassing.

"W-we still have to consider things. I myself f-feel it's not quite right. He's capable, an officer in the Imperial Guard. There are many good women in Youyang City; he deserves better."

Shen Yuan propped his chin on his hand, watching his somewhat flushed and stammering aunt. "How do you know, Aunt, that to Brother Ping'an, you're not the best?"

"Brother Ping'an told me he thinks you are gentle and beautiful, resilient and brave, and that he can't help but want to look at you. He doesn't say such things about other women."

Shen Anniang's face grew even redder. "That's because he hasn't met other nice women."

"Okay, Xiao Yuan, I won't marry him."

With that, she didn't wait for Shen Yuan to say anything more and hurried back to her room.

Once rejected, they'd go their separate ways.

She didn't dare think about remarrying, let alone that the person might be Ji Ping'an.

Such a good man—she had noticed him before. But what didn't belong to her, she couldn't look at too much, afraid of developing improper feelings.

She never imagined Ji Ping'an would be interested in her.

Her heart felt bittersweet. She wasn't sure if it was fondness or love, just that she didn't dislike the man and couldn't help stealing glances at him.

But the gap between them was too wide for her to cross.

Even though her nephew had a high status, and because of that, the Ji parents wouldn't refuse her entry into their family.

But they wouldn't really want a daughter-in-law like her. Living together in the future would only breed resentment.

Then she'd rather live her life on her own terms. Why go suffer and be mistreated in someone else's house?

The next afternoon, Shen Anniang was reading in the courtyard. She planned to compile a cookbook of all the dishes she knew how to make; the characters she'd learned before weren't enough, and she needed to learn more.

Just as she was flipping through a book, she heard someone shout from outside the courtyard.

"Madam Shen, I, Ji Ping'an, think you're really, really special. There are countless fine women in the world, but in my heart, I feel you are the best one. My temper is bad and stubborn, I'm not good with words, I don't smile much, and I'm always harsh. You are gentle, like mountain spring water. You are clever, able to learn anything quickly. I'm not good enough for you; I'm out of my league."

"For so many years, I've only ever met one person I wanted to marry, and that's you. Madam Shen, I'll wait until you're willing to marry me."

Ji Ping'an ran off after shouting, not caring if the person inside heard him or if there was any response.

Shen Yuan, who was standing nearby, couldn't even catch him. He bolted away, his retreating figure looking all flustered.

In the courtyard, Shen Anniang's book fell to her feet. Her gentle face was flushed, her brows slightly furrowed, and even her ears were red.

The maids sweeping in the courtyard giggled softly, all feeling quite embarrassed.

A love confession like this was a first for them.

Shen Anniang didn't come out to see anyone for three days.

Ji Ping'an came to the Shen house every single day.

Shen Yuan, stuck in the middle, didn't say anything. Love matters need both people to be willing.

However, he was getting ready to pack up and go back to Qingyun County.

He wanted Shen Liushu and Xu Qingxuan to take part in the upcoming imperial examinations.

Both had learned to read and had been studying during their time with him. Even if they didn't ace it on the first try, there was no harm in giving it a shot.

The two were surprised that Shen Yuan suggested they take the imperial exams. This was the only way to change their fate through hard work.

They weren't ambitious, but if they could embark on a better, different path, it was hard to refuse.

It would benefit not only themselves but also their relatives and descendants.

More importantly, it would allow them to help Shen Yuan better.

To take the imperial examinations, according to regulations, they had to start at the county level.

The first exam would begin in April next year.

Xie Yulin agreed with Shen Yuan that the books in the Xie family's ancestral home could be made available for Shen Liushu and Xu Qingxuan to read.

When Shen Xi and Shen Nan learned that Xu Qingxuan and Shen Liushu were preparing for the first round of imperial exams next year, they approached Shen Yuan, saying they also wanted to take the exams.

Shen Xi had long planned his future—nothing else, just to become a high-ranking official.

Shen Nan wasn't aiming to be an official; he simply found it interesting and wanted to experience it.

Originally, Shen Yuan had thought of asking his younger brothers if they wanted to take the exams after a year or so. Since they brought it up themselves, they might as well all go together.

Two days before the scheduled return date, Shen Yuan went to find Xie Yulin, asking if he could request leave from Li Xing to accompany him back to Qingyun County.

Xie Yulin had been busy with examination affairs recently, but it was almost done. The rest could be left to his subordinates.

"Alright."

Shen Yuan laughed. "Aren't you going to ask why I insist you accompany me back?"

"Why?"

Shen Yuan smiled brightly. "To go back and get married, set up tables, and invite friends."

Xie Yulin's figure stiffened. He stared intently at Shen Yuan, his voice light and quick, filled with disbelief. "Do you know what you're saying?"

"Of course I do." Shen Yuan cupped Xie Yulin's face and planted a loud kiss on it. "Didn't you tell my brother you wanted to marry me? Xie Yulin, do you still want to marry me or not?"

When he heard Ji Ping'an mention this, Shen Yuan had felt happy inside. He didn't laugh at Xie Yulin but seriously considered it.

He thought, it could work.

Not about who marries whom, but about telling relatives and friends that from now on, the two of them would be a pair, living their lives together.

As lovers, as partners.

His waist was tightly encircled by a strong forearm. Shen Yuan's chest was pressed tightly against Xie Yulin's chest, feeling somewhat breathless.

The next moment, his lips were captured. A warmth not his own filled his mouth, his breath and saliva were invaded and plundered. Shen Yuan only felt his head spinning and his body going weak.

He was going to suffocate.

His mouth also hurt from being bitten.

When Li Xing learned that Xie Yulin was returning to his ancestral home to hold a wedding celebration, he granted him a month's leave.

Shen Dong also had a month's leave and returned with them, intending to offer sacrifices to their ancestors and let their late relatives know how well they were doing.

Song Zijuan looked grim, but he said nothing more that he shouldn't.

The Storytellers' Guild in Youyang City was left to Ji Shuang to manage, while Li Xing's people kept an eye on the theater stage.

Shen Yuan took his family back to Qingyun County to visit the friends he hadn't seen for a long time.

After boarding the ship, the sleepy Shen Bei was suddenly wide awake. She was glued to the side of the ship, unable to tear herself away, curious about everything and running around to explore.

Shen Bei became obsessed with the large vessel. During dinner, she refused to return when called. When she finally did, she sat at the table with a serious little face.

She said she wanted to build great ships in the future.

Shen Yuan had always supported her children's interests unconditionally.

Upon hearing this, Xie Yulin said directly, "I'll get you some books on that when we get back."

Shen Bei thanked him earnestly.

Shen Anniang still felt a bit uneasy around Xie Yulin. However, she knew that upon their return this time, Xie Yulin was to be the "blushing bride" marrying into the Shen family.

For someone of such high status to go this far—whether or not it would stand the test of time—at least his heart was sincere at this moment.

Awkward as she felt, she no longer avoided him. Hearing that he would find books for her niece, she followed suit and thanked him.

Shen Xi, with a mouthful of roasted chicken leg, said with a grin, "Beibei, once you build your ship, take your Third Brother out to play."

"Okay! Beibei will take everyone out to play!" Shen Bei was overjoyed, as if she could build the ship by tomorrow.

Everyone at the table laughed. No one expected that decades later, Shen Bei would indeed build ships.

However, what she built were warships.

...

Making good time by land and water, they arrived at Qingyun County after five or six days.

Wang Sanhu, Qin Shisong, Qin Xiaoyuan, Li Baozhu, Xu Dagui, and others who had received the news long ago were already waiting at the pier.

Seeing the ship dock, they were all smiles.

Qin Shisong spotted Shen Yuan at a glance and stepped forward to greet him. "Long time no see, Xiao Yuan. Magistrate Wang said there's a case he must judge and he couldn't make it. He asked me to tell you please don't hold it against him."

A relative from a side branch of the Xie family who had previously come to Qingyun County had been promoted, and Deputy Magistrate Wang had finally moved up a step. He’d landed the role of Magistrate—a position he hadn't dared dream of—and since taking office, he had been devoted to the people and the country.

Everything in Qingyun County was in perfect order, showing a scene of prosperity.

Li Baozhu rushed over at this moment, chattering away about how much he missed them.

After just a few words, he felt a tug at his collar as a sturdy guard hauled him upright.

At that moment, Xie Yulin disembarked from the ship. As his cold gaze swept over him, Li Baozhu didn't dare follow through with the hug.

Xie Yulin led his people straight away. Only after they were out of sight did everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

Li Baozhu reacted the fastest. He leaned in and asked Shen Yuan, "Why didn't you say this great figure was coming back too? We weren't prepared at all. God, when I saw Prime Minister Xie, I felt the blood in my body freeze."

As he spoke, he looked around. "Did Seventh Young Master Ji not return?"

Shen Yuan answered Li Baozhu's questions one by one. "I didn't want to make a fuss and have a bunch of officials clearing the streets for us. Brother Ping'an is quite busy and couldn't come."

Having been away for so long, Shen Yuan did not return to Dashu Village immediately but went to eat at the Ji Family Eatery with Qin Shisong and the others.

The Ji family was now the number one prominent household in Qingyun County. However, Old Man Ji no longer had his former arrogance; he had become exceptionally honest in his conduct.

He was terrified of messing up and dragging down his son, who had finally made it big, back to the ground.

Other prominent families in the county deferred to the Ji family. Coupled with Old Man Ji's newfound integrity, the common people also trusted the Ji family. Although they no longer used underhanded tricks, their business was more flourishing than ever.

Now, the Ji Family Eatery was the premier restaurant in Qingyun County, surpassing even the Zhao family who had opened a restaurant in the western district of Youyang City.

As soon as they entered the restaurant, the manager came to greet them personally, telling them right away that the meal was on the house as a gesture of goodwill from the master.

Shen Yuan didn't stand on ceremony and led the group upstairs.

During the meal, Wang Sanhu's palms were covered in sweat. He had been quiet the whole way. Looking at the current Shen Yuan, he almost didn't dare to recognize him.

He had an aura of nobility so thick it was intimidating.

He looked more like a lord than any of the wealthy young masters Wang had ever seen.

He carried the same aura as that great figure he hadn't dared to look at.

Wang Sanhu's throat felt dry, and he was fidgeting in his seat.

Xu Dagui felt the same way.

If his son hadn't been right beside him, Xu Dagui wouldn't have been able to stay seated.

Just then, the two of them heard a cheerful voice. "Brother Sanhu, Brother Dagui, why aren't you saying anything? I missed you so much. Did you miss me?"

Shen Yuan looked at them with a smile, his eyes full of the joy of reunion.

Brother Sanhu. Brother Dagui.

The same titles as before, the same demeanor.

Wang Sanhu’s eyes welled up. He lowered his head in embarrassment. "I did. Sometimes when I pass the city gate, I still think back to our days at the teahouse together."

Back then, Shen Yuan's family was struggling, and so was his.

But Shen Yuan had still done everything possible to help him.

His family had also relied on those corn buns to ensure the children grew up safely.

You couldn't tell Xu Dagui was blushing under that thick beard. He nodded. "Of course I missed you. My parents at home always mention you, saying they want you to come over for a meal."

This time when Shen Yuan visited, his family would have fine wine and good food to entertain him.

Unlike before, when they had nothing decent to offer.

Shen Yuan agreed with a cheerful laugh.

The atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly joyful, with Shen Liushu and Wang Sanhu also chatting a lot.

Qin Xiaoyuan told Shen Yuan that he had trained many more apprentices and that the supply of wooden figurines could be increased. Shen Yuan held up a piece of sweet cake and said, "Little Yuan, let's just enjoy the food and catch up today—no business talk. Want some? This is really sweet. I remember you loved it. Has your taste changed?"

Qin Xiaoyuan shook his head, saying no, it hadn’t changed and that he still loved it.

So Shen Yuan fed him the sweet cake, and Qin Xiaoyuan grinned gleefully.

Li Baozhu saw this and shouted that he wanted to be fed too.

Shen Yuan then fed Li Baozhu a piece, and Baozhu ate it up, squinting his eyes in contentment.

Qin Shisong watched in complete disgust.

Then he saw Shen Yuan place a chicken drumstick on his plate—his favorite.

Qin Shisong turned beet red with embarrassment, but he acted nonchalant and took a big bite.

Shen Dong and the others headed back to Dashu Village first, while Shen Yuan stayed to hang out with his friends, planning to return the next day.

That night, Shen Yuan slept over at Xie Yulin’s place.

He only found out then that there were still quite a few young members of the Xie family living in the old Xie residence.

All of them had been sent here by Xie Yulin, who also hired a bunch of tutors to teach them.

According to Xie Yulin, these kids would have rotted from within if left untrained.

Fortunately, after careful nurturing and polishing, they had started acting like decent people again.

Among them were those who had once insulted Shen Yuan.

When they saw Shen Yuan again, they had lost their former arrogance and recklessness.

They were all well-behaved and greeted him politely.

Shen Yuan nodded briefly in reply. After everyone left, he seemed as if unleashed and jumped on Xie Yulin.

Holding the energetic young man, Xie Yulin’s dark eyes sparkled with amusement. "Happy today?"

"Very happy!" Shen Yuan buried his face in Xie Yulin’s neck, nuzzling gently. "I just really missed you."

Xie Yulin’s arms tightened instinctively around him as he carried him into the room.

Luo Yun and the others nearby turned a blind eye and deaf ear; some stood guard, while others boiled water.

The noise from the room went on for ages, not stopping until the early hours of the morning, when a request for water was finally heard.

Xie Yulin carried the poor thing—his face flushed, eyes moist and tightly shut—and washed him clean, dried him, and carefully dressed him before carrying him back.

The bedsheets had already been changed. Xie Yulin gently tucked his treasure into the soft brocade quilt, leaned down to place a kiss on his forehead, and only then went to clean himself up.

After two rounds of washing up, Xie Yulin couldn't wait to get back to the bed to hold his precious one and sleep.

-----------------------

Author’s Note: This story is coming to an end.

The latter part of this story was quite challenging to write. Many things happened at home, and there were a lot of changes. I was affected, and the writing became intermittent.

I’ve been feeling guilty about it since then and haven’t dared to check the comments section again. I know it’s been tough for everyone following the story.

It’s my fault for affecting the reading experience. [Please forgive me.]

In the future, when I write, I’ll make sure to have some drafts saved before starting.