Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Twenty-Fifth Chapter

“Your pool is bigger than the one in my courtyard, and it's more comfortable to soak in.” Lian Cheng rested his head on the ceramic pillow behind him, stretching his neck backward and squinting his eyes.

Lian Xiusheng’s gaze naturally lingered on the Adam’s apple at his neck, now dyed pink and translucent by the water.

“If Third Brother likes it, once the two courtyards are fully connected after the New Year, you can come here to bathe every day.”

Lian Cheng had already forgotten what he had said. He opened his eyes and let out an “ah,” asking, “What connection?”

“Didn’t Third Brother himself say he wanted to hire a mason to break through the inner rooms and merge them into one courtyard?”

Lian Cheng truly had forgotten—he had said it casually.

But whatever. It would be fine to fully connect them; it would make it more convenient for him to keep an eye on Lian Xiusheng.

“Alright,” Lian Cheng agreed, then had a sudden inspiration. “There’s a small courtyard and a side room near your place that I don’t use. We could tear them down and build a pergola for fun, find an interesting wide couch, and install rolling blinds on all sides. Enjoy flowers in spring, cool off in summer, recite poetry under the moon in autumn, and praise the snow in winter. When tired, we could lower the blinds and sleep on the couch...”

Lian Xiusheng imagined Third Brother sitting or lying in that setting. “That sounds wonderful.”

Lian Cheng shot a quick glance at Lian Xiusheng and asked, “You haven’t been going out lately. Haven’t your year-mates, colleagues, and fellow scholars come looking for you?”

“Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. It’s a time for family reunion, so it’s not appropriate to go out.” Lian Xiusheng seemed half-asleep, his eyes drooping, with moisture gathering between his brows and on the bridge of his nose, and unaware.

Lian Cheng took the opportunity to probe. “That Ye Xin—are you very close with him?”

“I and Huaiyun are close friends.”

Yet you didn’t show any mercy when you harmed his father, thought Lian Cheng, but he didn’t dare say it aloud. Instead, he sighed, “Truly accomplished at a young age. I wonder what position he holds.”

“Huaiyun is also with me in the Hanlin Academy now. Though his rank is one level below mine, his talent is in no way inferior.”

Lian Cheng asked further, “Do all your companions have such great achievements?”

“Of course.”

Lian Cheng’s heart sank—this was bad news. The enemy’s camp was terrifyingly strong. His own side, in contrast, was a motley crew.

Hearing no response from Third Brother for a while, Lian Xiusheng urged, “If Third Brother has more to inquire about, now is a good time to ask it all out.”

“...Inquire?” Coming back to himself, Lian Cheng shook his head in denial. “Don’t think I’m scheming, Sixth Brother. I’m just concerned about you.”

“And what about Third Brother and Li Wan? How are things with them?”

“What do you mean?”

“At the banquet the other day, what did you talk about? Tell me all of it.”

Lian Cheng lifted his head from the pillow, burying half his face in the water, silent for a long moment, pondering whether he could speak.

But Lian Xiusheng seemed able to read his thoughts. “If Third Brother doesn’t want to tell me, then don’t.”

Though he said “don’t,” his tone had cooled slightly.

Lian Cheng rose from the water. “Nothing’s been decided yet. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you. Alright, I’ll tell you.”

Lian Xiusheng’s gaze returned to him.

“A month ago, I thought it over and realized I’m really not cut out for studying and taking exams. If I stubbornly pursue that path, I probably won’t get anywhere.” As Lian Cheng spoke, it occurred to him that he might need to ask Lian Xiusheng for help anyway, so he had no more scruples. “So I discussed with that Li Wan about joining the Jinyiwei office. It might not be as dignified as your path, but it’s better than idling at home.”

After hearing this, Lian Xiusheng didn’t respond, only uttered an “Mm.”

Lian Cheng continued, “But there’s one thing I need your help with. I have no connections, so I definitely won’t get in just by asking. Can you go speak to Father and Eldest Brother for me, find a way in, so I can have a proper livelihood?”

Lian Xiusheng asked, “Which specific bureau of the Jinyiwei does Third Brother want to join?”

Lian Cheng’s thoughts churned several times. He had no particular skills, so he couldn’t join the artisan bureaus. Besides, why would he go to a cold, unimportant office? His original plan to study for the exams was to enter the court and contend with Lian Xiusheng. Now, joining the Jinyiwei was also to catch traitors and intimidate the still immature Lian Xiusheng.

If Lian Xiusheng insisted on going his own way, he would draw his Embroidered Spring Blade and—hah—uphold righteousness by punishing a relative.

Lian Cheng was lost in pleasant fantasies, crossing his legs in the water. He glanced sidelong at Lian Xiusheng, trying to intimidate him with his gaze from the start.

“Of course, the Northern Pacification Office.”

“...” Lian Xiusheng remained unusually silent for a long while. “Third Brother, do you know the nature of the Northern Pacification Office?”

Lian Cheng lowered his eyes in thought.

Although the Jinyiwei was established at the founding of the current dynasty, its functions had changed over time. It was more like a knife—what the knife did depended on who held it.

Lian Cheng remembered Huqiu’s words: the emperor had been purging loyalists of the former crown prince ever since Lian Cheng was ten years old. Maybe he hadn’t stopped yet. An emperor like that would never wield a knife as a cook does.

“The emperor’s eyes and ears, the imperial claws and fangs,” Lian Cheng said.

“If Third Brother truly wants to join this office, I can obtain a clerical position for you...”

Lian Cheng grew anxious. “I don’t want to sit at a desk, Sixth Brother. I want to go out on missions.”

“...” Lian Xiusheng really wanted to open Third Brother’s head just to see what was inside. “Third Brother, those tasks are not for you, nor are you capable of them. Not to mention that it would be beneath your status; even those men, each skilled with special talents and martial arts, often get injured. I know you’ve been applying yourself lately, but you can’t put yourself in such danger.”

“I can learn.”

Lian Xiusheng just stared at Third Brother silently. He knew he could go along with this request—if Third Brother joined that office, though it was unsavory work, it would bring benefits to his own plans. But subconsciously, he only wanted Third Brother to stay idle at home, healthy, enjoying life, carefree.

Seeing Lian Xiusheng silent, Lian Cheng was about to plead again when Lian Xiusheng turned his head away. “If Third Brother insists, don’t bring it up with me. Ask Father and Mother first. If they agree, I’ll have nothing to say.”

“Fine! You’re so heartless to me! Don’t help if you don’t want to—it’s no big deal!” Lian Cheng stood up abruptly, walked to the opposite side, and sat back down.

Lian Xiusheng once again surveyed Third Brother from head to toe.

But this time he was looking from behind. Water droplets clung to his skin like petals on an un-dried pear flower, a glimpse of his intimate area slightly exposed, legs as pale and delicate as bamboo shoots.

Lian Xiusheng didn’t look long this time, because he noticed something unusual underwater. He lowered his head and reached down, and then the image of those two moon-like buttocks flashed before his eyes, prompting a sigh from him.

“Third Brother.”

Lian Cheng was still angry. “What?”

“The water is cold. Dry yourself quickly, put on your clothes, and go back.”

“I plan to sleep in the same bed with you tonight. What, Sixth Brother, are you unwilling?”

“How could I dare?”

The water did seem to be getting cold. No one was stoking the fire beneath the pool, so naturally the water couldn’t stay hot forever. Afraid of catching cold again and downing that bitter, gut-wrenching medicine, Lian Cheng clambered out, grabbed a cloth, wiped himself hastily, wrapped his clothes around him, and dashed out behind the other screen.

Who could carve warm white jade into such soft, fragrant curves?

Lian Xiusheng closed his eyes and tilted his head back. Below his white neck, visible blue veins bulged. The water rippled, stirring up a thousand waves of clouds and rain.

Behind the screen, only heavy breathing could be heard.

After quite a while, the young man by the pool revealed his hand on the railing. At first glance, it seemed like a handful of fresh snow scooped from the water, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a hand slick with something.

-

Lian Cheng woke up from a sleep. Outside the window, daylight had replaced the glow of snow. Beside him, there was still no one. He reached out; it was cold.

Didn't Lian Xiusheng come back last night?

Forget it, Lian Cheng thought. He could take another nap and then look for Lian Xiusheng. A grown man couldn't just disappear.

However, Lian Cheng didn't sleep well during the nap. Perhaps it was because Lian Xiusheng's room had more shadows of the sal tree visible. He had another nightmare, dreaming of a tree covered in human faces.

He jolted awake, his eyes wide open, and found Lian Xiusheng looking down at him. The other was gazing at him thoughtfully.

Lian Cheng subconsciously pushed him away, sat up, his heart racing.

"Third Brother, why did you suddenly wake up?" Lian Xiusheng lay down. "I was just falling asleep. Third Brother, please stay and sleep with me a while longer."

"I'm not sleeping anymore." Lian Cheng threw off the covers, stepped over Lian Xiusheng's body, and got off the bed.

After standing on the ground, Lian Cheng remembered to ask, "What were you doing last night?"

"I was pondering over some trivial matters, unable to make a decision."

Lian Cheng frowned, then immediately broke into a smile. He quickly returned to the bed, wanting to be a comfort to his little brother again. He lay back under the covers and asked, "What matter is it that you cannot decide? Tell your elder brother, I can help you make up your mind."

Lian Xiusheng turned his head and looked at Third Brother meaningfully. "It's not convenient."

Oh.

Lian Cheng got up again.

Standing in the same spot again, undeterred, he said, "Are you sure you won't tell your elder brother?"

"Sure."

Lian Cheng was very disappointed. After so long, could he still not be won over?

"Well, now that you are an official, it's normal that we brothers don't see eye to eye. You have your own thoughts, and your elder brother shouldn't interfere too much. Take care of yourself. I'm going to have breakfast first." Lian Cheng thought that indeed he shouldn't push too hard, otherwise it would seem too fake. So he made a casual exit, ate breakfast without a care, and then went to Orchid Garden to pay respects to Madam Zhang.

He and Qiong Hua and the others had forgotten to change into festive clothes, so they got a good scolding. Although Madam Zhang scolded them, she had already prepared a new set early. Since there was nothing else to do, Lian Cheng wanted to try on the clothes, so he sent Huqiu back to Penglai Pavilion first, as there were many things in the courtyard that needed his help.

Today is New Year's Eve. On doors and windows, various paper-cut window flowers and door gods need to be pasted. In each room, gold and silver treasures and Western scriptures need to be hung over the couches. In the courtyard, cypress branches need to be burned for the "Fire Year" ritual. Lanterns, needless to say, need to be hung in various styles in different places. Penglai Pavilion stood out the most, even crystal lanterns were brought out.

"So extravagant, so wasteful," Guan Lian criticized with his hands behind his back early in the courtyard, thinking that the painted bamboo, orchid, cloud and rain picture on the silk yarn at Yiqiu was quite elegant. But he didn't stay idle afterwards. He had someone move a square table to the outer courtyard, spread gold-flecked paper, and began writing "blessing" characters and couplets.

Tong Xue took the first couplet written by Guan Lian. "Old Master's calligraphy rivals that of Wei and Jin! Huqiu! Fetch a ladder, let's go paste it up now."

"Ah, what about the previous ones?"

"Paste it on your door," said Qiong Hua.

This pasting at Penglai Pavilion caused quite a stir. All the passing maids and servants started discussing it, and the talk didn't stop even in their own courtyards. When the masters found out, they also took silver and sent people to exchange for a few characters. Before seeing the silver, Guan Lian was stroking his beard happily. As soon as he saw the silver, his face darkened. He pushed aside the stationery and went into the room.

Qiong Hua understood what the old master was angry about. She raised her voice and gave the bewildered people in the courtyard a thorough scolding, but didn't mention Guan Lian's recent "embarrassing incident" of trading calligraphy for money while stuck in the mud.

After much difficulty, they coaxed him out. After that, no one dared to take out silver anymore; they just said their masters wanted a certain auspicious phrase and said nothing more. In the end, when they got the characters, everyone ran out grinning from ear to ear. Today being New Year's Eve, if the masters were happy, they too could get a lot of rewards.

A servant from Zhiyu Pavilion also came, hands clasped, blinking. "Money. My Second Madam wants money."

Guan Lian gave him a sideways glance, wrote the character, picked it up, and tossed it into the servant's arms.

Qiong Hua was grinding ink beside him and laughed, "Even if he takes it back, Second Madam won't understand. Just paste it on the wall."

Tong Xue had been looking out the doorway for a while. She came back and said, "Why hasn't Third Brother sent someone to have Huqiu go pick him up? Is he going directly to the main hall for the New Year's Eve dinner tonight?"

"What's there to worry about, sis? The young master's with the madam." Qiong Hua shook her sore wrist, turned her head, and saw that the old master was painting portraits of the Fortune God and others, which were as good as his calligraphy.

Tong Xue walked back to the doorway, looked toward Yiqiu, and returned, saying, "The people in Yiqiu's courtyard are strange. Every year at New Year's, the courtyard is quieter than at any other time."

Qiong Hua didn't look. "Probably claimed to be ill again and won't eat the New Year's Eve dinner?"

Huqiu: "Fourth Madam is embarrassed. You two sisters with sharp tongues, don't gossip about this poor madam anymore."

"Who's gossiping about her? Sixth Brother also doesn't go every year. If he does go, he just pays his respects and leaves. If people know, they'll think that everyone in the Lian family has their own agenda. Then any idlers and hangers-on will be hoping for the Lian family tree to fall and the monkeys to scatter."

These words made sense, but they were unpleasant to hear. Even Guan Lian looked up and sighed, "This girl has a sharp tongue."

Tong Xue didn't like to talk about such things. She looked at the sky for a while, then said to let Huqiu go attend to the old master to change clothes, and round up everything in the courtyard. They themselves also needed to change into festive clothes. She also said that since the two courtyards were now close, she pulled out a few red envelopes with loose silver and had Huqiu take them over, saying it was from the young master to Jin Cai, Man Cai, Little Brother, and the two young ladies Jin Chai and Yin Chai. That way, she could also ask around whether Sixth Brother would come for the New Year's Eve dinner tonight. If he did, she would make sure the two brothers sat together so they could have some private talk between brothers.

"Sister, you never gave me so much silver..."

"You'll get yours. Hurry up and go."

After a short while, Huqiu returned. The red packets were delivered. He cupped his hands and trotted over cheerfully to Tong Xue. "Sixth Brother says he's not going."

"Then why are you so happy?"

Huqiu took out a few red paper packets from his sleeve, three packets. When he opened them, each actually contained five taels of silver!

Tong Xue snatched all three red packets away. "That one? Qiong Hua and I are splitting it."

We'll skip how the three of them chased each other around in the courtyard afterwards. But look at this atmosphere of joy from top to bottom. The Lian family is still prosperous; it won't decline for a while. If even New Year's can't bring joy, with masters cursing and servants wailing, then for any family, the good days have come to an end. As the saying goes, "If the New Year is not happy, the family is about to decline."

-

Over at Lian Cheng's, he was still troubled. He said his clothes were too red. Although the current emperor forbade commoners from wearing embroidered rank badges, all colors were permissible. So the young man's hat was amber, the jade ring on his cap was red jade, his robe was red silk satin with a gold pattern of two fish playing with a pearl amid waves, the ribbon at his waist and the jade pendant were also replaced with a red sachet filled with grains, and his shoes were red cloth with red soles. Lian Cheng's face went red.

"Mother, why don't you dress like this? Why do you wear dark red?" Lian Cheng argued.

"When I was your age, I also dressed like this. Don't talk nonsense. If you dare to take off the clothes, see if I'll ever give you pocket money again." Zhang Ailian only thought her child looked good in red and brushed off his nonsense.

Lian Cheng seized the opportunity: "After the New Year, Mother, teach me sword-fighting, alright?"

Zhang Ailian agreed. "Have you thought about what occupation you want to take up?"

"I want to join the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Zhang Ailian's eye twitched. She slapped the table. "Nonsense!"

Qiu Fang was cutting red paper in the back. Hearing the situation go wrong, she hurriedly ran to Madam Zhang's side. "The boy doesn't get it, madam. Why are you so angry? Just teach him slowly. Today is New Year's Eve. How can we enjoy the family dinner if we're all upset? Apologize, quick!"

Lian Cheng, just to keep his mother from getting upset, bowed his head and said he was wrong. Just as Madam Zhang breathed a sigh of relief, he continued, "Mother, do you take me for some fragile kid? Other brothers and sisters can go out and make their way in the world, but I cannot. Mother thinks I am being willful, but I've already looked into it. I am not trying to win a fight, nor to cause you worry. I just want to be prepared for hard times while things are good. I want more power, to stand higher, so that I can make our family's life more stable."

Zhang Ailian rested her arm on the table, looking at Lian Cheng, who was as bright and blazing as a flame, unmatched. Tears streamed from her eyes—both sadness and confusion. If she could, she would pick up a sword, walk out of this mansion, and carve out a world for Lian Cheng. But with her frail body, what help could she be?

After a long pause, Zhang Ailian closed her eyes.