Xin Yi found the wandering of those thin lips difficult to endure. He turned and nestled into Bai Jiu’s embrace, his hair damp and his face flushed. Bai Jiu’s fingertips brushed against his temple as he chuckled. “Why have you gone quiet?”
“Jibai Yue has come to the capital,” Xin Yi mused. “I fear Lijin is unstable.”
“That is his problem.” Bai Jiu toyed with a lock of Xin Yi’s hair, twining it around his fingers. “Lijin commands over seventy thousand troops, while Shangjin has barely eighty thousand. Furthermore, he has your father’s old subordinates in Lijin. By all rights, the Upper and Lower Jins should be no match for him. Yet he has not only allowed Shangjin to ride roughshod over him, but has even retreated to seek compromise. Even if someone is pulling strings behind the scenes, the fault lies with him.”
“I have been away from the Three Jins for a long time, and many people are but a blur in my memory.” Xin Yi frowned slightly. “But Shangjin is indeed difficult to deal with.”
“Then do not deal with them.” Bai Jiu’s voice was slow and steady. “If you were still in Beiyang with Lijin in your grasp, how would you handle Shangjin?”
“I would manage it step by step, reclaiming the scattered military power,” Xin Yi thought for a moment. “I would sow discord within Shangjin’s Chou clan to neutralize the ambitions of Xiajin.”
“Childish.” The corners of Bai Jiu’s lips curved. He leaned down and pressed a rewarding kiss to Xin Yi’s temple. “If this problem were in my hands, I would not act so. Beiyang was divided into the Three Jins to facilitate the administration of a vast territory, not to be partitioned like the fiefs of princes and marquises. In the end, the Three Jins are merely local prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Yan Prince’s Manor. If those who have held power for too long forget their place, it is time for someone to sound the alarm. The Yan Prince’s Manor has never ceased to exist. Even if the Prince of Yan died a hero and his three sons have departed this world, there is still a legitimate Heir alive.”
Bai Jiu tilted Xin Yi’s face up. His narrow eyes, inches away, were deep and vast, unfathomable. “You are the Heir to the Prince of Yan. No matter the time or circumstance, you are the Heir. As long as you remain, the Prince of Yan lives, and Beiyang must obey. You do not need to manage things step by step; the power of life and death in Beiyang’s decisions rests solely with you. The Yan Prince’s Manor has never wronged the Three Jins, but if they choose to be duplicitous...”
The atmosphere froze as a dangerous edge sharpened Bai Jiu’s gaze.
“...Then the hand rises and the blade falls, severing all future troubles.”
Xin Yi’s eyes widened slightly.
Bai Jiu’s kiss had already landed on the corner of his mouth. The man’s eyes were half-lidded, his elegance so intense it made one’s fingertips tremble. He suddenly pinned Xin Yi beneath him, bracing himself above as he laughed softly. “Are you afraid?”
Xin Yi suddenly raised a fist to cover his nose, his face turning a deep crimson. He... he did not dare look directly at such a version of the man. Bai Jiu lowered his head to kiss the other side of Xin Yi’s fist, looking at him over his hand. Xin Yi shook his head rapidly to prove he wasn't afraid at all.
“Then that is that. Do whatever you wish to do.” Bai Jiu’s kisses gradually moved to the tip of his nose. He ruffled Xin Yi’s damp hair and murmured, “You have someone to back you now.”
Xin Yi’s nose prickled with emotion. He reached out to wrap his arms around Bai Jiu’s neck, and Bai Jiu, getting his wish, pressed his lips firmly against Xin Yi’s.
***
Years ago, the titles of the "Dragon Colt" and the "Phoenix Chick" were renowned throughout the Great Lan Empire. The Phoenix Chick of Beiyang was Xin Jing, and the Dragon Colt of Nan-Sui was Bai Xuan; they were the two premier disciples of the Old Man Baishi. However, the Dragon Colt, Bai Xuan, was very different from Xin Jing. Though his name was famous across the north and south, almost no one had the luck to meet him. Only Xin Jing, who studied on Mount Nan-Sui for years, shared a deep bond with this senior brother. Unfortunately, after Xin Jing’s death, Bai Xuan also passed away shortly thereafter. The loss left Old Man Baishi bedridden with grief, and he took no more disciples from then on.
Jibai Yue had once held great respect for this Dragon Colt. Though the man had never set foot below Mount Nan-Sui, he was well-informed of worldly affairs and often spoke with startling insight. When Jibai Yue served at Xin Jing’s side, he had often imagined how fortunate it would be to share a cup of tea with Master Bai Xuan.
But people always imagine the objects of their admiration to be more pleasant than they are. For instance, right now, Jibai Yue felt as though the tea in his hand weighed a thousand pounds.
“It is not particularly good tea.” Bai Jiu wore a wide-sleeved robe with cloud patterns. The water-like color of the silk did nothing to soften the coldness in his narrow eyes. With a faint smile on his lips, he brewed the tea with a gentle, composed air. “I have slighted the Vice Commander.”
Jibai Yue’s back was ramrod straight. “I would not dare think so.”
“Why is the Vice Commander so nervous?” Bai Jiu smiled, his gaze sweeping toward the pavilion’s exterior. Old Qu immediately signaled servants to bring a soft cushion for Jibai Yue. Jibai Yue stood up to offer a formal thanks before sitting down again.
“I invited the Vice Commander here merely for tea.” Bai Jiu’s finger tapped lightly against his cup. “Pray, enjoy yourself.”
“The Prince of Pacification’s tea is naturally excellent,” Jibai Yue said, holding the cup. “It is only that I have been in Beiyang for so long that I am used to wine. I fear I lack the refinement to appreciate this.”
“Since the eldest young master’s passing, you have guarded Lijin. Your hard work and merit are great,” Bai Jiu said with a smile. “Your unwavering loyalty is praised by all who hear of it.”
“I do not deserve such praise.” Jibai Yue paused. “The Heir, today...”
“The Heir is currently serving at the Court of State Ceremonial. It happens to be the time when the foreign envoys are seeking a marriage alliance, so he is busy.” Bai Jiu sipped his tea and added with a touch of regret, “He left the manor this morning before we could even share a meal.”
“Then the Heir, yesterday...”
“Vice Commander.” Bai Jiu set down his tea and said leisurely, “I heard that the Vice Commander has quite the opinion on the 'cut sleeve' preference. Do you intend to lecture me on it today?”
“My words yesterday were inappropriate. I am ashamed.” Jibai Yue bowed deeply. “I had not seen the Heir for a long time and lost my sense of propriety. I hope the Prince of Pacification will mete out punishment.”
Bai Jiu looked up with a smile. “The Vice Commander is not under my jurisdiction. Why would I punish you?”
“I have not forgotten.” Jibai Yue raised his head, speaking earnestly. “If not for Bai—” Bai Jiu’s gaze turned icy, and Jibai Yue stopped abruptly. “The matter regarding the Prince of Ping was only resolved thanks to the Prince of Pacification’s assistance. This great kindness shall not be forgotten.”
Bai Jiu said nothing, and Jibai Yue did not rise from his bow.
Jibai Yue straightened his spine and said in a clear voice, “But why does the Prince of Pacification not explain the truth to the Heir? Since the Prince now holds the Heir in his heart, why suffer in silence regarding what happened before—”
“Jibai Yue.”
Jibai Yue fell silent instantly.
Bai Jiu’s narrow eyes were now covered in a layer of frigid frost. He said, “Xin Zhenxiao may be dead, but there are those who are still alive. If I do not wish to speak of it now, then I shall not, and I will not tolerate others wagging their tongues. If you cannot control your tongue, then you have no need for it.”
Jibai Yue was speechless.
“I saved you only for the sake of the word 'loyalty.' If you cannot remain loyal to him in your heart, then you have no need for a heart either. The Heir has just returned, and many matters regarding Beiyang are unfamiliar to him. Since you are in Lijin, you should do your duty. No matter how long the Crown Prince’s reach is, he cannot cover the sky of Beiyang.” Bai Jiu’s sharp edge shifted. “Furthermore, without Xin Yi, the sky of Beiyang will not stay up for long.”
Jibai Yue lowered his head in silence. After a long while, he spoke slowly.
“I understand.”
***
“This Dayuan is dead set on marrying a princess.” Xiao Jin bit into a flatbread, speaking indistinctly. “I didn't see them being this proactive in previous years.”
Xin Yi was also holding a flatbread and munching on it. He had woken up late again this morning and hadn't had time to eat before coming out. He could only huddle outside with Xiao Jin to eat flatbreads while they stood guard.
Today, they were escorting the foreign envoys to hunt at the Prince of Qin’s horse ranch. This assignment was requested by the Prince of Qin himself. As soon as the Emperor heard it, he relented, and naturally, the man who was supposed to be reflecting in seclusion no longer had to do so.
“They’ve been waiting for this year,” Xin Yi said, quickly finishing one bread. “The horse-trading policies have had many loopholes these past few years, and Dayuan has grown fat and strong. Now, if they obtain a princess, it will serve as a deterrent to the neighboring countries on their borders.”
“What happens to the princess if a war breaks out?” Xiao Jin reached out to grab another, then immediately cried out, “What kind of appetite do you have?! I bought ten breads and they’ve vanished already?”
“Next time, buy them from Xiaoxiao Pavilion.” Xin Yi dragged a food basket out from the carriage. When opened, it was filled with the generous portions typical of Xiaoxiao Pavilion. “An alliance is meant to bring peace. Why are you always thinking about war?”
Xiao Jin quickly picked out a few items he liked before saying, “Don't tell me you haven't thought about it. I don't believe you. My sister and Xie Jingsheng have both said that Dayuan won't stay quiet for long.”
“It’s no use if you understand it,” Xin Yi laughed. “His Majesty must be the one to understand it.”
“I don't know what His Majesty is thinking.” Xiao Jin curled his lip. “He still hasn't mentioned a word about you returning to Beiyang, just like how he never mentioned my father’s title back then. You tell me—is His Majesty generous? He’s still stingy about titles. But is he petty? He hasn't reclaimed the fiefs of Beiyang and Shanyin either.” Xiao Jin shook his head. “I just don't get him.”
“Isn't it quite simple?” Xin Yi quickly ate a bean paste bun and asked, “Do the troops of the Capital Guard fall under your command?”
“Of course,” Xiao Jin bit into a sweet pastry. “Naturally, I have the final say.”
“Wrong.” A small dimple appeared on Xin Yi’s cheek. “You can only manage them, but you cannot use them. The command tally for the Capital Guard will never be in your hands. Furthermore, after the reinforcements at the end of last year, the Capital Guard has expanded to fifty thousand men. The number you can actually use within the capital is only five thousand. You haven't even seen the faces of the remaining forty-five thousand. Even if they are under your jurisdiction, only His Majesty has the final say.”
“Don't mention that frustrating business.” Xiao Jin squatted and shifted over, looking aggrieved. “I originally thought coming to the capital meant I’d actually have fifty thousand men. Only after I arrived did I realize this position is just a 'Manager of Capital Trifles.'”
Xin Yi was about to say more, but he suddenly swallowed his words, choosing to bite his bun in silence.
“Hey, this capital is full of—hiss!” Xiao Jin stopped mid-sentence and hissed in pain, not understanding why Xin Yi had stepped on him. When he turned his head to look, he saw the Prince of Qin slowing his horse and riding toward them.
“Why has Your Highness stopped hunting?” Xiao Jin brushed the crumbs off his hands. “Do you have any instructions?”
The Prince of Qin reined in his horse a short distance away. His gaze pressed heavily upon Xin Yi, and he gave Xiao Jin a thin, mirthless smile. “The Fourth Prince is in high spirits. Commander Xiao and Heir Xin, why don't you join us?”
The two had no choice but to mount their horses and follow. When they arrived, they saw that Chagetai looked like he had already done a round of warm-ups. Arslang was nowhere to be seen; he had likely gone off with his own group. The Prince of Qin pointed to the targets at the far end of the ranch and said, “The game around here is all raised in captivity; there’s no thrill in it. Why don't we play this instead? We’ll release a sheep into the field, and the Fourth Prince will pick a few people to compete in horsemanship and snatching. Whoever captures the sheep and hits the target will receive a prize. How about it?”
“Good,” Chagetai agreed. His gaze shifted and landed on Xin Yi. “The Heir is the son of the Prince of Yan; surely he is proficient in riding and archery. I shall choose the Heir.”
The Prince of Qin said, “In that case, I shall pick a guard.” He turned back and casually pointed to one. “There will be a reward for hitting the target.”
Xiao Jin was eager to try. “Add me in! Since it’s all for a prize, let this humble official try for a reward as well?”
Chagetai laughed. “Commander Xiao has official duties. What if you were to get hurt?”
Xiao Jin immediately replied, “The Heir is of royal blood and can do it; what does a humble official like me matter?” He patted his own shoulder. “Besides, I’m thick-skinned and tough; I won't get hurt.”
Hu Yong also chose someone, and a total of thirteen or fourteen people took the field. The horse Xin Yi sat upon was from Bai Jiu’s manor, so it was unlikely to have any issues. However, he didn't believe the Prince of Qin was truly so bored that he just wanted to play a game. He couldn't take this game too seriously, yet he couldn't be too careless either.
As soon as the sheep was released, people spurred their horses to give chase. Xin Yi rode along, staying in the pack, keeping a distance from those behind him but not overtaking those in front. Xiao Jin rode like a madman, passing Xin Yi like a whirlwind as he chased the sheep with his bow in hand.
The startled sheep ran wildly. Blocked in front, it had no choice but to turn back. The sound of hooves behind Xin Yi intensified as they closed in. The people in front turned their horses; Xin Yi steered his horse out of the pincer movement, galloped past the sheep’s path, leaned down to snatch it up, and sped away. Those behind him gave chase, and some were already drawing their bows to shoot at the target. Xiao Jin suddenly surged forward, blocking the path behind Xin Yi and staying close.
Xin Yi understood his intent. He loosened his grip under his arm, and the sheep seemed to accidentally slip from the horse’s back, running wild once more. Xiao Jin reined in his horse, its hooves kicking up, as the crowd chased after the sheep. He whispered, “There is indeed something wrong.”
Xin Yi said nothing and spurred his horse to follow again.
This time, the Prince of Qin’s guard snatched the sheep, cleverly choosing to circle closer to the target. The crowd drew their bows, hoping to hit the bullseye first to hinder the guard. Xin Yi stayed toward the back. He saw the lead guard draw his bow, and the sheep fell to the ground and escaped again. Suddenly, someone in the middle of the pack turned around, their notched arrow aimed directly at Xin Yi.
The arrow left the string, flying straight for his face—short distance, high speed!
The horse beneath Xin Yi suddenly neighed and reared its front hooves. Xin Yi used the momentum to roll off the horse, the arrow grazing his arm as it whistled past.
Xiao Jin’s arrow also left his fingers in a flash, pinning the shooter’s shoulder. He roared, “Seize that man!”
Xin Yi was unharmed from the fall, but that brush with the arrow had been incredibly dangerous. He turned his head sharply, his eyes locking onto the Prince of Qin.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 龙驹 | Dragon Colt | A title for a brilliant young man (Bai Xuan/Bai Jiu). |
| 凤雏 | Phoenix Chick | A title for a brilliant young man (Xin Jing). |
| 白石老人 | Old Man Baishi | The master of Xin Jing and Bai Xuan. |
| 南睢 | Nan-Sui | A geographical location/region. |
| 白玹 | Bai Xuan | Bai Jiu's alias or former name. |
| 笑笑楼 | Xiaoxiao Pavilion | A famous restaurant/pavilion in the capital. |
| 察合台 | Chagetai | The Fourth Prince of Dayuan. |
| 阿尔斯楞 | Arslang | A character from Dayuan. |
| 大苑 | Dayuan | A foreign state/tribe (Great Yuan). |
| 鸿胪寺 | Court of State Ceremonial | The government office in charge of foreign envoys and rituals. |
| 辛振宵 | Xin Zhenxiao | Likely the personal name of the late Prince of Yan. |
