As the investigation into Registrar He’s attempted murder reached its critical juncture, rumors began to swirl through the capital, and even the most dedicated pleasure-seekers grew scarce. The trail had led directly to the Magistrate of Zhou Prefecture. Prince Qin became increasingly restless, but before he could even bring his grievances before the Emperor, news broke that the Magistrate—who had supposedly attempted suicide out of guilt—had been intercepted by Xie Jingsheng. He hadn't even managed to die.
Zhou Prefecture had always been a vital hub for the official roads leading in and out of the capital. The noblewomen kidnapped by Xin Wen were all funneled into the city through this route. It was impossible for the Magistrate to have been unaware. He gritted his teeth, refusing to utter a single word about the Crown Prince. After three days of relentless interrogation, he finally broke, insisting it was entirely Xin Wen’s doing, with only a slight mention of Prince Qin’s involvement.
“Magistrate Zhou is a man of good fortune,” Xie Jingsheng said, lifting the Magistrate’s face, which was on the verge of collapse. He smiled. “You have an eldest daughter and a young son. A son and a daughter to complete the family—truly one of life’s greatest blessings.”
“Even if you slaughter my entire household, I have nothing more to say.” Magistrate Zhou closed his eyes with effort, refusing to look at him.
Xie Jingsheng was in no hurry. He feigned a look of mild wonder. “Why would I slaughter your household? I have never been a man of cold-blooded cruelty or senseless extermination. I see that your young son is bright and clever, a fine child. My heart aches for him; I only wish to take him under my wing and raise him well in Magistrate Zhou’s stead.” Here, his tone shifted, sinking into a profound, bone-chilling cold. “I shall raise him to be a worthless wastrel, one who fears no law and knows nothing of his own origins. Whatever whims strike me, I shall teach to him. I will make him acknowledge me as his father and harbor a murderous hatred for you.”
Magistrate Zhou’s eyes snapped open, his expression contorted with rage. He struggled against his chains, cursing, “Xie Jingsheng! You wouldn't dare!”
Xie Jingsheng let out a laugh. “Is this method not excellent? Does the Magistrate think I wouldn't dare, or that I have already decided to do it?”
Magistrate Zhou’s chains rattled violently. He roared, “Xie Jingsheng! I have no grievance with you! We merely serve different masters! Why must you torment me so, you brat!”
Xie Jingsheng snapped his folding fan open, shielding the lower half of his face. “We serve in the same court; do we not serve the same master?”
Magistrate Zhou spat, “Your cruelty is nothing but the true inheritance of the King of Hell. Who you are loyal to is known to all under heaven! Xie Jingsheng! If you take my son, I curse you to be trampled by others in the future! May you die a miserable death!”
Xie Jingsheng rubbed the tip of his nose with his fan and smiled. “There is no need to wait for the future; why not today? If it cannot be done today, I fear it won't happen at the Yellow Springs either. As you said, since I have the King of Hell’s true inheritance, I naturally have the King of Hell protecting me. I’m afraid that even in the underworld, you will still be my prisoner.” Magistrate Zhou’s cries were like weeping blood, but Xie Jingsheng remained unmoved. “Your daughter is thirteen, isn't she? I heard a story recently that I found hard to believe. You are likely very familiar with it—a daughter of an official family turned into a prostitute, exactly the same age as your girl. As they say, seeing is believing. Since you are so practiced in these matters, I shall seek your guidance so that I may teach your daughter in the future. It could be considered following in her father's footsteps.”
Magistrate Zhou feebly struck the ground with his fists, sobbing, “Xie Jingsheng, just come for me!”
Xie Jingsheng’s smile grew cold. “I would like to say those very words to your 'distinguished benefactor.' Let the wicked fight the wicked; just come for me. At worst, we can tear into each other with our schemes, but why touch anyone else? I am merely following your example now. Does the Magistrate find it unpleasant?”
“It wasn't the benefactor!” Magistrate Zhou suddenly raised his voice, shouting, “It was Prince Qin acting on his own! He wanted to kill Lord He first and then plot against you!” He crawled forward, clutching the hem of Xie Jingsheng’s robe, wailing, “Xie Jingsheng! This is all I can say! This matter truly was not the benefactor’s doing! You run errands for the King of Hell; you should understand. I truly cannot say another word.” His blood-stained hands trembled as they gripped the fabric. Magistrate Zhou bowed his head, striking it against the ground. “I have already pulled down Prince Qin for you. Xie Jingsheng, spare my children… give me a swift end.”
The person who had been standing on the stairs for quite some time did not move. The jailer behind him whispered, “Lord He, shall we go down?”
He Changchang lowered his gaze, shook his head, and turned to leave.
Magistrate Zhou’s testimony was presented to the Emperor by Xie Jingsheng, bringing the case to a close. The greatest crimes were Xin Wen’s disregard for human life and the kidnapping of official daughters; everyone connected to the scheme was demoted. Xin Wen’s title of Heir was revoked, and he was handed over to the Court of Judicial Review to be dealt with; Zuo Kaizhi requested his execution according to the law. Prince Qin, for indulging his son’s crimes and obstructing the investigation, was demoted to a two-character Commandery Prince, stripped of his fief, and ordered to reflect on his errors within his manor indefinitely. Magistrate Zhou, for his corruption and lawlessness, was also sentenced to execution.
On another front, a new Commander of the Capital Guards was appointed. His name was Xiao Jin, a man from the military who was neither a subordinate of Bai Jiu nor a member of the Zuo faction. The name made Xin Yi ponder for a while. When he asked Bai Jiu about the man, Bai Jiu only remarked that it was a coincidence.
With the case of Registrar He concluded, Xie Jingsheng, who had been in the capital for nearly a month, submitted a request to leave the city. Xin Yi saw him off at a pavilion outside the capital.
“Lord Xie has worked hard traveling for this case. I fear there will be no shortage of obstacles on your return journey. I hope you will be careful and arrive safely in Qingping,” Xin Yi said, taking a letter from his sleeve. “This is for—for Lord Xie, from His Lordship.”
Xie Jingsheng thanked him and took it. Seeing Bai Jiu’s handwriting, he knew it was a travel pass. He smiled. “I’ve troubled His Lordship.”
Xin Yi smiled back. “I am ashamed that I could not assist you in the slightest.”
Xie Jingsheng tucked the pass away. “There is no need for the Young Lord to be so polite. You may call me by my name. Besides, your contribution was essential to solving this case.” Xin Yi looked puzzled, but Xie Jingsheng didn't elaborate, only offering a small smile. “His Lordship treats the Young Lord well.”
Xin Yi’s smile remained, though the tips of his ears turned a subtle red. His expression was calm and gentle as he replied, “His Lordship is a good man.”
Hearing the words "good man," Xie Jingsheng predictably suppressed a laugh. He cleared his throat, assuming a serious expression. “I am returning to Qingping. I’m afraid we won't meet again until the end of the year. I will say only one thing to the Young Lord: His Lordship does not lack the troops of Beiyang.”
Xin Yi also turned serious. “I know. Please tell His Lordship not to worry.”
Xie Jingsheng could not say more regarding Bai Jiu’s affairs; he had said enough. He flipped onto his horse and bid farewell. Xin Yi echoed the sentiment, and Xie Jingsheng galloped away.
After a short while, when the dust from the road had settled, another horse came racing from the direction of the capital. It was He Changchang. He didn't even have time to greet Xin Yi as he passed the pavilion, chasing straight after Xie Jingsheng. Xin Yi watched until he too disappeared from sight before boarding his carriage to return.
On the way back, Xin Yi picked up an order of fishballs from Xiaoxiao Pavilion. When he arrived at the manor, Chichi was the first to rub against his feet, frolicking about. Smelling the scent of the fishballs, the creature became even more inseparable from him. Xin Yi only smiled, but he soon noticed the atmosphere in the courtyard was not quite pleasant. He looked toward Old Man Qu at the door with an inquiring gaze. Old Man Qu silently shrugged.
Inside the house, Bai Jiu was seated in a chair, with a line of people kneeling before him. As soon as Xin Yi entered, Bai Jiu set the ledger in his hand on the desk and said, “Come, sit.”
Old Man Qu came in and gave the leader of the group a kick, and the crowd scrambled out of the room. Chichi was still frolicking around Xin Yi, so Old Man Qu scooped the pet up and took it out as well. Xin Yi walked over and placed the fishballs he had been carrying on the table. Bai Jiu’s expression was as usual as he took Xin Yi’s hand, pulled him onto his lap, and held him. “You went to Xiaoxiao Pavilion?”
Xin Yi nodded and smiled. “The shopkeeper is a good person, very hospitable.” Bai Jiu liked to knead his fingertips, and he was doing so now. Xin Yi’s face flushed. “There’s nothing special about these hands…”
“They are comfortable.” Bai Jiu’s long fingers traced his palm, tickling Xin Yi into a laugh. When a dimple appeared on his cheek, Bai Jiu steadied his back and leaned down to kiss it. Xin Yi smiled and raised a fist to cover his nose, having nowhere to hide. Bai Jiu caught a scent and chuckled. “You smell like fishballs.”
Xin Yi blushed. “I—I haven't eaten yet…”
“It doesn't smell like it,” Bai Jiu said. “I’ll only know after a taste.” Xin Yi turned his face slightly and gave him a quick peck on the lips. Bai Jiu’s hand immediately slid to the back of his head, pressing back against him, thoroughly and unreservedly tasting him inside and out. He only stopped when Xin Yi’s legs had gone weak. Stroking the back of his neck, he said, “We are going to Luyi Mountain this afternoon.” Xin Yi, feeling a certain stirring after being "tasted," hurried to respond to the change in topic, trying to hop off his lap. But Bai Jiu wouldn't let him go. “There is a villa at the peak of Luyi Mountain. Though it’s an old residence built back in the time of Marquis Huiyang, the scenery makes it a fine place.”
“Marquis Huiyang’s residence?” Xin Yi’s eyes lit up. “I heard my third brother mention it.”
“We go this afternoon. We’ll stay for two days before returning.”
“Just me?”
Bai Jiu rubbed his head. “The two of us.”
Xin Yi had long desired to see Luyi Mountain. Chichi, tucked in his arms, was also visiting for the first time, and both pairs of eyes took in the sights with delight. Old Man Qu’s horse slowly approached Bai Jiu’s side, though not too close, as Chiye had a foul temper. “The occupants of the villa have been changed,” Old Man Qu said. Bai Jiu gave a hum of affirmation. Old Man Qu asked softly, “What are Your Lordship’s instructions for the original people?”
“Send them back,” Bai Jiu said with a smile. “For those with dirty hands, send the hands. For those with dirty mouths, send the tongues. They were all people given by the Crown Prince; it would be disrespectful not to keep them. Sending them back neatly packaged is a token of my regard.”
Old Man Qu’s beard twitched as he smiled. “Understood.”
Xin Yi turned back to look at Bai Jiu. Bai Jiu nudged his horse closer to his side and asked, “Hmm?”
Xin Yi leaned in and whispered into Bai Jiu’s ear, “Shouldn't Marquis Huiyang’s residence be occupied by the Xiao family? I heard only the female relatives are left now. If Your Lordship takes me there…”
Warm breath brushed against his ear. Bai Jiu’s narrow eyes lowered as he also whispered, “I hear the Xiao women are not only beautiful but have peerless temperaments. Do you not wish to see them?”
“I don't…” Xin Yi started. Bai Jiu wanted to tease him further, but Xin Yi continued, “You don't know. There was a sister of the Xiao family who was childhood friends with my third brother. In the early years, when she went to Beiyang for the winter, she would come to my home to play. This sister’s temperament is… very, very straightforward… she could beat my third brother in a fight. If she is already married, seeing me would likely only stir up old memories.”
Bai Jiu knew exactly who he was talking about.
Marquis Huiyang was a unique man, a childhood friend of the Prince of Yan with a deep bond of friendship. His title was also unique in that it was not hereditary. While the Marquis was alive, he had only daughters; his only son was born posthumously. After his death, the Emperor never mentioned the son. With Beiyang also falling into misfortune, there was no one to support them, and the title gradually lapsed. The Marquis’s wife and daughters were resilient; if the Emperor didn't mention it, neither did they, treating the title as something discarded, holding their breath for Beiyang’s sake. The one Xin Yi mentioned was the third daughter of the Xiao family, named Xiao Yan, who had been betrothed to his third brother since childhood. Xin Yi said he feared Xiao Yan would be saddened by seeing him, but he likely also meant he didn't wish to see her himself.
The trepidation of meeting old acquaintances. Xin Yi had not seen these people who carried his memories for many years.
Chiye suddenly stepped forward. Bai Jiu took the opportunity to reach out to the side of Xin Yi’s face, rubbing his temple in a soothing yet inexplicably lingering manner. Xin Yi looked at him with moist, warm eyes. Bai Jiu said, “The Xiao women moved out of the capital to Qingping last year; they live across from Xie Jingsheng. Xiao Yan is unmarried and currently serves as the Area Commandery Commander in Qingping. This villa belongs to me now.”
“Un—unmarried?”
“Having seen the vast ocean, one finds it hard to care for mere water,” Bai Jiu said with a small smile. He withdrew his hand and turned his gaze, saying flatly, “Commander Xiao is quite leisurely.”
The maple leaves parted to reveal a handsome young man. He gave a casual cupped-fist salute toward Bai Jiu. “What a coincidence to run into the Prince of Pingding. Greetings to the Young Lord as well.”
Xin Yi’s ears burned, wondering if their previous intimacy had been witnessed. He quickly composed himself, and when he looked up again, he was gentle and polite.
Xiao Jin asked, “Is the Prince heading to the summit?”
Bai Jiu didn't answer directly, only saying, “The mountain scenery is good.”
Xiao Jin understood this was a hint not to obstruct the view. Recalling what he had just seen, he felt a touch of embarrassment. “…It is indeed very good. This official’s path is different from the Prince’s; I shall take my leave.” With that, he also bowed to Xin Yi, flipped down from the tree, and vanished through the forest in a flash.
“That was Xiao Jin?” Xin Yi remarked. “He is quite different from Marquis Huiyang.” The Marquis had been bold and hearty, and he had raised his daughters to be straightforward and heroic women. He hadn't expected this Xiao Jin to be… somewhat dorky.
“What do you think of him?”
“He seems rather interesting.”
Seeing that Xin Yi was still looking in the direction Xiao Jin had gone, Bai Jiu said nothing more. The two continued upward. Once they reached the villa, Xin Yi set Chichi down to let it run around. Just as he was about to follow, Bai Jiu said, “Go look at the master bedroom.”
Though Xin Yi didn't understand why he needed to see the bedroom, Bai Jiu was already heading that way, so he followed. Once they entered and the door was shut, before he could even take a look, he was pinned against the door and kissed squarely. Bai Jiu pressed against him with some force, and the kiss was equally forceful. Xin Yi was kissed into a daze, his half-lidded eyes clouded with a misty, romantic haze. “You are more interesting than him.” Bai Jiu’s words came out of nowhere. Xin Yi was so lightheaded from the sensory assault that he couldn't fathom the meaning; he could only nod in response. Bai Jiu seemed dissatisfied and lightly bit his tongue, making Xin Yi shiver and let out a soft hum.
“You are better looking than him.” Bai Jiu pulled the breathless Xin Yi closer, whispering urgently against his ear, “Why are you still looking at him?”
The corners of Xin Yi’s eyes were flushed red from the heat. He hurriedly replied, “I—I won't look at him anymore… I’ll only look at you.” Bai Jiu seemed to let out a soft laugh. He tilted Xin Yi’s face up and kissed him until the world turned upside down.
“…Look at you.”
Xin Yi no longer knew what he was saying.
***
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A Minister's Capricious Affection | Chapter 15 | Partings and Mountain Peaks | Novela.app | Novela.app
