Chapter 216: Tides of Night

The title "Lord" could be used by anyone, hence when Xiao Chiye spoke it, it became more secretive, as if whispered in public, hinting at some forbidden pleasure. ** Like a sudden tide swelling, it spread densely, touching and moistening the areas where they met, causing a thin sheen of sweat.

During the day, Lord sat high and mighty, surveying all with his cold gaze, his folding fan hiding any other emotions, creating an aloofness that made one sense danger upon a mere glance. But now, with his lips slightly parted and biting Xiao Chiye's finger, his soft tongue, the saliva that overflowed, and the shame hidden in his expression, all implied the act of "indecent play."

Xiao Chiye wanted him.

Not just his fair neck, but also his slippery tongue.

The calloused pad of his finger brushed against Shen Zechuan's gums. Shen Zechuan had just drunk hot tea, so his mucous membranes were sensitive. His eyes grew moist, and his speech was slurred, unable to answer Xiao Chiye's words.

Saliva oozed out, and his tongue followed the curve of the finger.

They faced the wall, with Shen Zechuan leaning forward under pressure, his back against Xiao Chiye's chest. This position made Shen Zechuan feel as if every touch reached deep inside him. He leaned against the wall, pressing his forehead against it, tears streaming down uncontrollably. As he lowered his head, the nape of his neck was exposed, only to be bitten by Xiao Chiye again, wrinkling the loose sleeves beneath.

In this kneeling position, all control lay with Xiao Chiye.

Xiao Chiye's nose grazed Shen Zechuan's neck, as if both begging for and demanding attention. He stared dangerously at Shen Zechuan's profile, noticing the temptation hidden in the raised corner of Shen Zechuan's eye.

Unaware of what had provoked his expression, Shen Zechuan was so innocent that even his gasp when bitten was barely audible. Yet, Xiao Chiye's ferocity tossed him about like a leaf in a tempestuous sea, pounded by surging waves amidst the whispering sounds of water, leaving him no room to struggle.

Xiao Chiye saw Shen Zechuan's tears fall intermittently, so he tilted his head to kiss the corner of his eye.

In that kiss, Shen Zechuan wept, accidentally dampening the wide sleeves of his robe. He turned to look at Xiao Chiye, his voice trembling as he said, "It's... all your fault..."

Xiao Chiye nipped at Shen Zechuan's earlobe and whispered, "My fault, huh?"

The kiss was so deep that it stole Shen Zechuan's breath away.

Shen Zechuan had sweated through his clothes, and even wringing out his wide sleeves would produce water. Xiao Chiye pressed him down onto the fur rug, intent on kissing him. Shen Zechuan, exhausted from tilting his head back, lazily stuck out his tongue.

Xiao Chiye took it into his mouth, pressing down on Shen Zechuan in that position.

This fur rug within the chamber was different from the one at home; it was not as soft, feeling like a fine brush against the skin. Shen Zechuan's wide sleeves were already drenched, and Xiao Chiye tore them open, making his chest stick to the rug, an unbearable friction.

"No," Shen Zechuan pleaded through sobs, "Xiao Er, no."

Xiao Chiye held him down, sucking that tender tongue back in, leaving Shen Zechuan to weep.

Shen Zechuan could hardly withstand such an assault. His waist was weakened, his legs numbed, and he was relentlessly taken by Xiao Chiye amidst their entangled breaths, rendering him incapable of coherent speech. His cheeks flushed red, and in his disheveled state, he muttered, "Turn... turn over, Cai An!"

"Shh," Xiao Chiye stretched out his arms to press down Shen Zechuan's wandering hands, his entire chest pressing against him, sinking him into the soft fur of the luxurious rug. "My wife is coming back."

Why is he still thinking about that?

Half burying his face, Shen Zechuan whispered through his tears, "Y-You, you... hnn."

Xiao Chiye pressed the tip of his nose against Shen Zechuan's damp hair, his breath hot against his ear. The candles in the room had long gone out, and the moonlight filtering through the window revealed the snow-covered branches outside, bent low under the weight of the snow. The rug was soaked by Shen Zechuan's movements, and he too was on the verge of being drenched.

Xiao Chiye was nearing his climax. He held Shen Zechuan's hand, biting gently at him. Their encounter was veiled, dark, humid, and intense – Xiao Chiye always made Shen Zechuan weep.

"I-I," Shen Zechuan retaliated through his tears, "I'll tel... tell your wife! Y-You... you..."

"Hmm," Xiao Chiye chuckled softly, "Tell her you get excited just seeing me."

Shen Zechuan could no longer hold on. Xiao Chiye's forceful thrusts shook him, making him tremble. His fingertips clutched the rug, and he was almost there.

The snow on the branches outside fell with a rustling sound, while a few crows called out in the night.

Shen Zechuan's cheeks were pinched as he received kisses, completely losing control.

* * *

In the following days, the sun shone brightly. As March approached, the scent of spring wafted through Zhongbo. The snow in Duanzhou had begun to melt, and Gu Jin and Wu Ziyu cleared the roads. Necessary repairs on the canals were promptly reported.

Since Shen Zechuan couldn't return to Cizhou for the time being, Yao Wenyu had to go to Duanzhou instead. His mobility was limited, so the journey by carriage was slow. Kong Ling and Yu Xiaozai waited for him in Dunzhou before they all arrived at Duanzhou together.

Fei Sheng welcomed them outside, escorting the scholars inside. He then accompanied Qiao Tianya to inventory the supplies they brought. Upon seeing Huo Lingyun, Fei Sheng asked Qiao Tianya, "Why did you bring him along?"

"Once he has his badge, he's an official member of the Imperial Guards," Qiao Tianya hopped onto the carriage. "Isn't it right for me to bring him?"

Huo Lingyun sensed their gazes and turned to meet each of their eyes in turn.

"He's a danger to have around," Fei Sheng averted his gaze. "Duanzhou isn't the same as Cizhou. If anything goes wrong, who will take responsibility?"

"I will," Qiao Tianya crouched down, retrieving his smoking pipe. Glancing at Fei Sheng while lighting it, he warned, "Don't be too clever for your own good, playing tricks in front of our master."

Fei Sheng was displeased. "Ever since he came in, I haven't given you any trouble. Why must you be so confrontational?"

"What's there to be angry about?" Qiao Tianya blew out a puff of smoke. "I'm just speaking the truth. Are you keeping him on the sidelines, waiting for the Master to use him personally? By then, he won't be under your control anymore."

Shen Zechuan had spared Huo Lingyun's life and kept him around precisely because he had plans for him. If Fei Sheng continued to keep him idle, Shen Zechuan might lose patience, and as Qiao Tianya said, Huo Lingyun would no longer be under Fei Sheng's jurisdiction.

Fei Sheng gave another glance at Huo Lingyun.

"You're a genuine product from Qidu," Qiao Tianya said. "He's an amateur who joined halfway through. His relationship with the Master is different, and his ties with the Imperial Guards are different too. What are you afraid of? Just with your sharp tongue, you can still hold your own against him."

"You're looking down on me," Fei Sheng retracted his gaze and pondered for a moment. "This man has both cunning and ability. As long as he stays, it's only a matter of time before he rises to prominence."

If Shen Zechuan was going to establish a light cavalry in Duanzhou, it wouldn't be a position that could be secured solely by words. Fei Sheng had initially thought that he would take charge of this matter, but to his surprise, Shen Zechuan had transferred Yao Wenyu over, and Qiao Tianya had also arrived.

"You have your own abilities," Qiao Tianya said. "Always dwelling on this will only hold you back. The Master sees everything. What's meant to be yours won't escape."

Fei Sheng didn't want to delve deeper into this topic with Qiao Tianya and simply asked, "Why are you smoking again?"

"Nothing to do," Qiao Tianya extinguished his cigarette and didn't continue the conversation.

* * *

With his folding fan held upside down, Shen Zechuan tapped it gently against the tabletop. He had donned new earrings, and the agate beads accentuated his fair complexion, albeit drawing too much attention that others dared not gaze at him for too long.

"I've transcribed a copy of Luo Mu's account book," Yu Xiaozai presented the notebook to Shen Zechuan. "Please, Lord, peruse it."

After Shen Zechuan went over the accounts, he commented, "Spring plowing is just around the corner. We should promptly select someone to assist Luo Mu in his official duties. After all, it's exhausting for him to manage both ends alone."

This implies that Luo Mu must not be allowed to dominate Teazhou unchecked this year; someone needs to be sent to keep him in check.

"I do have someone in mind," Kong Ling interjected. "On this mission to Dingzhou for Lord Prefect, I stumbled upon an old acquaintance, a Second Master."

"A friend of Ce An's?" Shen Zechuan closed the ledger and pondered for a moment.

What acquaintance of Xiao Chiye's does he have in Fanzhou?

Kong Ling offered a reminder, saying, "Wang Xian, do you recall Lord Prefect? He was originally stationed at the Household Department in Qu City, overseeing the expenditures of the Imperial Guards during the eighth year of the Xiande reign."

It was then that Shen Zechuan recalled.

Speaking of Wang Xian, he initially had a strained relationship with Xiao Chiye and was involved in the Quancheng silk scandal. In the assassination attempt, he was framed by Xiang Yun for bribing Xiao Chiye, resulting in his demotion. Before leaving the capital, Xiao Chiye intervened with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that Wang Xian didn't lose his position entirely, merely relocating him to work in Zhongbo.

Even Xiao Chiye would have forgotten about this matter, let alone Shen Zechuan.

Upon arriving in Dengzhou, Wang Xian soon encountered bandits who attacked fiercely. He pretended to be insane and escaped from the government office, then wandered with the displaced people in Dengzhou until Yang Qiu's death. It was only when Kong Ling went to inspect the office that Wang Xian resurfaced.

"According to Second Master's original plan, this man should have come to6 Chizhou," Kong Ling said tactfully, "But then an incident occurred, and the Ministry of Revenue reassigned him to Dengzhou instead. He suffered greatly there but still remembered Lord Prefect and Second Master's kindness when he saw me."

After a moment of contemplation, Shen Zechuan said, "Since he is willing, send him to Tea State. He was originally an official of the Ministry of Revenue, so assisting with taxation in Tea State wouldn't be unfamiliar to him."

Shen Zechuan didn't trust Luo Mu, and this was the perfect opportunity. By placing Wang Xian, an expert in taxation, in Tea State, he could strictly monitor Luo Mu's accounts. The most critical aspect of Tea State now was money. As long as they kept hold of the silver, Luo Mu wouldn't be able to cause any upheaval.

It was still early, so Shen Zechuan set aside the miscellaneous affairs of San Zhou and asked Yao Wenyu, "How has Yuan Zhuo been these few days?"

With a velvet blanket draped over his knees, Yao Wenyu replied, "I am grateful for your concern, my lord. There is nothing to worry about."

"Although there is a horse road from Chizhou to Duanzhou, the distance is still considerable. I was worried about you catching a chill on the journey. Now that I see you're unharmed, I am reassured."

Yao Wenyu waited until Shen Zechuan had finished exchanging pleasantries before saying, "I bring news from Ci Prefecture for Your Excellency. A few days ago, whispers reached Dan City that Pan Lin and Pan Yi have been stripped of their posts and are now under investigation, awaiting trial by the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice."

Shen Zechuan's gaze suddenly shifted to Yao Wenyu and he said, "So soon?"

In Dan City, the Pan family boasts three prominent figures—Pan Xiangjie, Pan Lin, and Pan Yi—who all hold high positions in the imperial court. Furthermore, their alliance with the Fei family of Chu City makes them a significant force among the remnants of the influential clans. If the Empress Dowager wishes to maintain her grip on the governance of the kingdom, she cannot afford to lose the Pan family's substantial support. Thus, Pan Lin's demotion is a considerable loss for her.

"Upon Liang Cuishan's arrival in Dan City with Xue Xiuzhuo," Yao Wenyu explained, "they immediately commenced auditing the land records. They didn't request the original accounts from Pan Yi but instead dispatched their own men to conduct on-site measurements."

Pan Yi had initially assumed that with Pan Xiangjie and Helianhou's guarantee, coupled with the assistance of Liang Cuishan, who was dispatched by Pan Lin, he could somehow get through this financial audit. He thought he could at least endure until the end of spring. Little did he expect that Liang Cuishan's very purpose was to thoroughly investigate the accounts.

"During that time, there was an attempt to impeach Xue Xiuzhuo and audit the accounts of Quancheng, but Kong Ling vetoed it," Kong Ling said.

Shen Zechuan rested his folding fan on the table and slowly furrowed his brow. "It's been less than a year since the turmoil in the Imperial Academy, where Kong Qiu and Cen Yu were both targets of criticism. At that time, Xue Xiuzhuo was at odds with them. How could things have changed so quickly…"

"The supervisor of grain supply in the West has been arrested, implicated in an issue with Chuancheng's accounts. Allegedly, there are irregularities in customs duties. Now, he is under the scrutiny of the Board of Censors, and even Dicheng has been affected," Yao Wenyu explained, his background allowing him to perceive the intricacies of such matters more acutely than others. "The supervisor from Juexi should have no direct ties with Chuancheng, but the Board of Censors is impeaching both simultaneously."

"Chuancheng's Helianhou is close to the Huas," Shen Zechuan commented. "But on the surface, he doesn't handle Chuancheng's finances. The fact that Cen Yu is impeaching him now suggests that Helianhou holds some leverage over Cen Yu."

He rubbed his thumb against the edge of his fan, deep in thought.

"This situation is peculiar... Where's Yan Heru? Summon him."

There had to be a reason for Kong Qiu's reconciliation with Xue Xiuzhuo. Shen Zechuan was unable to see what was happening within Qidu, but he needed to stay informed at all times. If Pan Lin were indeed removed from power as a result, it would not only signify a setback for the aristocratic families but also mean that the Empress Dowager would be left alone in the struggle for control over Qidu.

Yan Heru barely settled onto the bench before he began pouring out his grievances. "I've been dying to let off some steam these past few days! Lord, if you don't summon me, Wu Ziyu won't let me step out. The military provisions for Qidong haven't been fully delivered yet, and it's been driving me crazy with worry. This place in Duanzhou is far too dilapidated. Can't we get a cushion or something? My bottom is hurting from sitting on this hard surface…"

Yan Heru gradually fell silent under Shen Zechuan's gaze, shifting his position slightly.

"...As for bribery," Yan Heru whispered, "what other leverage could Helianhou possibly have? He is an idle marquis, ever so busy running errands for his son's future prospects, habitually sending gifts here and there. Wasn't Liang Cui Shan bound for Dan City? Helianhou must have had a momentary lapse of reason, instructing that Jue Xi Superintendent of Grain Supplies to deliver a bag of gold to Liang Cui Shan—right into the very hands he should have avoided. I've always said Liang Cui Shan isn't easy to manipulate; he walks the same path as Jiang Qingshan. Now, Helianhou's single bag of gold has brought down an entire group of people..."

"Bribery?" Yao Wenyu interjected suddenly, directing his gaze at Shen Zechuan. "If Pan Lin is willing to assign Liang Cuishan, it signifies that he considers Liang Cuishan as a trusted aide. Then, why would Helianhou feel the need to unnecessarily present him with gold?"

"He must be foolish," Yan Heru tapped the tea lid, recalling how Fei Sheng had once pressed his head down, and grumbled with resentment. "The Feis are all silly, lacking wit. Young Master Fei Shi is already of age, yet he still idles away his time. How can their family amount to anything?"

"Helianhou, at least, has the support of the Empress Dowager. He didn't even fall when Hua Siqian did," Shen Zechuan's gaze darkened slightly. "If he really wants to control Liang Cuishan, he shouldn't be sending him gold, much less routing it through the grain supervision department. That's like offering himself up on a platter. What is he aiming for?"

"Who knows what he's after..." Yan Heru's eyes darted around before he sat up straight, leaning over the table with a startled expression on his face. "If this wasn't done by Helianhou, then he's in for a terrible fate! This would mean that Xue Xiuzhuo has directly pierced through his home, dragging down the Pan family along with it!"

In a flash of realization, Shen Zechuan snapped his fan shut with a loud "pat", causing Yan Heru to flinch.

Yao Wenyu suddenly broke into a coughing fit, covering his lips with a handkerchief as he tried to regain composure amidst his slight hunch. He continued, "Such cunning...Xue Yanqing is truly cunning!"