Chapter 30 - The Year-End Feast
Xin Yi watched as Xiao Yan approached. The woman had grown tall and elegant, her features refined by the years. The fiery temperament that had once led her to tweak his third brother’s ears seemed to have been suppressed, replaced by a steady, dignified composure. Yet, as she drew closer, the shadow of that old spirit flickered in her eyes.
Xiao Yan had been preparing to scold her younger brother, Xiao Jin, once more. However, her gaze suddenly locked onto the tall, slender figure standing beside him. She took several quick steps forward, her eyes lighting up with a brilliance that made Xin Yi’s dimples appear instinctively.
"Is it truly you, A-Yi?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Because officials and attendants were still streaming out of the palace gates, it was inconvenient for Xin Yi to speak. Xiao Jin quickly stepped in to support his sister, guiding both her and Xin Yi toward the waiting carriages outside the gate.
"It’s freezing out here, standing in this snow is madness," Xiao Jin grumbled, though his eyes were kind. "And sister, stop staring at him like that. It’s him. It’s Xin Yi. I told you he was back."
Xiao Yan had no time for her brother’s chatter. She brushed him aside, her focus entirely on Xin Yi. "I’ve been in Qingping for years and couldn't return to the capital. I heard the news of your return, but I’ve had to wait until this very moment to see you."
She spoke rapidly, her emotions clearly in flux. Her eyes searched his face, taking in every detail. As the freezing wind whipped around them, she frowned. "Why are you dressed so lightly? You must wear a cloak when you go out. Is the Prince of Pacification’s manor withholding food? Why are you still so thin?"
Xin Yi noticed the slight crack in her voice. He glanced at her sideways and saw that the rims of her eyes were turning red, though she seemed unaware of it. She continued to fuss over him, urging him not to endure any grievances. A wave of warmth spread through Xin Yi’s chest, and he tilted his head, listening to her motherly fretting with genuine sincerity.
In stark contrast to this tender reunion, Xie Jingsheng was currently freezing in a different way. He felt his knees go weak under the icy glare He Anchang shot his way. He still couldn't wrap his head around where this "little widow" had come from. Seeing He Anchang’s cold indifference, Xie Jingsheng softened his tone, sounding almost pleading.
"I’ll call you 'Grandpa' if I have to, just don't do this! Don't go looking for trouble. Of all the people in the world, why a little widow? With your teacher’s temper, he’ll chase you down and skin you alive!" He paused, his own protective instincts flaring up. "Wait, if that old man Zhang Taiyan dares to touch you—no, that’s not the point! He Anchang! I’m talking to you!"
He Anchang’s ears rang from the man’s incessant badgering. Just then, an attendant arrived from the palace to summon Xie Jingsheng and Xiao Yan inside for the banquet. Seeing that He Anchang’s expression hadn't brightened, Xie Jingsheng refused to budge. As the others moved toward the hall, he remained stuck to He Anchang like a righteous, albeit annoying, shadow. Finally, He Anchang lost his patience, kicked the man away, brushed off his sleeves, and turned to leave.
Xie Jingsheng, despite being kicked, suddenly beamed. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and shouted after the retreating figure, "Remember what I said! I’m coming to see this person later! If I can't find you, I’m going straight to Master Zhang!"
What a shameless rogue! He Anchang couldn't help but look back. Xie Jingsheng stood in the falling snow, grinning at him. That smile made He Anchang quicken his pace, his departure looking somewhat flustered. Only then did Xie Jingsheng tuck his fan into his sleeve and follow the eunuch inside, dragging Xiao Yan along.
"Anyone would think she’s your sister, not mine," Xiao Jin muttered, mimicking Xiao Yan’s voice and gestures. "'A-Yi, if you have any grievances, just come to your sister, come to sister.' Hmph. When I’m aggrieved, all I get is a beating. It’s not fair."
Xin Yi ignored his self-pitying grumbles and whispered, "Your courtesy name doesn't suit you. You sound like someone who’s actually read a book."
"Of course! My father gave it to—wait, are you saying I’m not a scholar?" Xiao Jin puffed out his chest. "I am a proper man of letters! How else would I have such impeccable grace?"
Xin Yi didn't wait for the rest of the boast; he climbed into his carriage, leaving Xiao Jin outside to wallow in his perceived lack of appreciation. Inside the carriage, a hand warmer awaited him. As he cradled it and felt the heat seep into his fingers, the memory of the Crown Prince’s voice resurfaced. Even the heavy weight of his court robes couldn't suppress the chill running down his spine. He leaned back against the carriage wall, pressing himself firmly against the wood until he felt a modicum of relief. He didn't dare close his eyes, fearing the voice would haunt his dreams.
After an indeterminate amount of time, the curtain flickered. Xin Yi’s gaze snapped toward the opening like a startled predator, only to soften instantly when he saw Bai Jiu. Bai Jiu climbed inside and took Xin Yi’s hand, finding it still cold.
"What did the Crown Prince say?" Bai Jiu asked.
"He called me a 'good child,'" Xin Yi replied, his expression grim. "It actually frightened me. It’s strange; I feel as though I’ve heard that voice before, yet I cannot remember where. If it left such an impression, I shouldn't have forgotten it so easily." He massaged his temples, a headache brewing. "Just hearing it makes my stomach turn."
Bai Jiu leaned in, enveloping Xin Yi’s hands in his own. "There is no rush," he murmured. "Come here."
Xin Yi let himself fall onto Bai Jiu’s lap, surrendering to a rare moment of lethargy. "If there’s no rush, I won't think about it. This is the first time I’ve used your lap as a pillow, My Lord."
"The second time," Bai Jiu corrected softly.
Xin Yi looked up in surprise. "I’ve done this before?"
Bai Jiu maintained a mysterious silence, successfully diverting Xin Yi’s thoughts to the puzzle of when he might have previously reclined on the man’s lap. The Crown Prince’s voice faded into the background as Bai Jiu continued to subtly tease him, watching the color return to the young man’s face.
They couldn't linger at home for long; the evening held the Year-End Feast. This was no ordinary palace banquet. It was the occasion where regional princes and high-ranking provincial officials returned to the capital to report on the year’s affairs. The process of reporting usually lasted from dawn until dusk, leaving the ministers famished. The subsequent banquet served as both a reward for their hard work and a lavish end-of-year celebration. Consequently, the atmosphere was more relaxed than a formal state dinner, yet the food and wine were far more extravagant.
That evening, Old Qu provided both of them with thick, fur-lined cloaks. When they arrived at the palace gates, Xin Yi stepped out of the carriage only to see a massive coach blocking half the entrance. He looked back at Bai Jiu, his eyes asking who could be so arrogant.
Bai Jiu glanced at it indifferently. "Prince Tang."
The very man who had refused to provide funds for the dikes, and the one Xie Jingsheng was itching to hunt down. Seeing that his entourage was grander than even the Crown Prince’s, Xin Yi understood the man’s character immediately. As they walked inside, they were met by Kang Fu, the head eunuch. The moment he saw Bai Jiu, his back bent in a deep bow.
"Oh, the Young Prince looks quite spirited!" Kang Fu said, his tone towards Xin Yi overflowing with sycophantic warmth. "Your seat is right next to His Lordship. I have a few clever apprentices waiting nearby; if anything displeases you during the feast, you need only give the word."
The old servant was shrewd. He knew that flattering Bai Jiu directly might not yield results, but serving the young heir of Yan well would certainly keep the 'King of Hell' appeased. Indeed, when Bai Jiu shot him a half-smile from beneath narrowed lids, Kang Fu’s face blossomed into a grin as he showered Xin Yi with further praise.
Once seated, Xin Yi noticed a fresh face. The man sat in front of Xie Jingsheng, looking utterly miserable and terrified, as if he were sitting on a bed of needles. Xie Jingsheng’s own dark expression only added to the man’s visible distress.
Bai Jiu leaned in. "That is Prince Tang."
Xin Yi realized then that this pitiful-looking man was the one who had given Xie Jingsheng such a hard time behind the scenes. In this court, playing the pig to eat the tiger was a common tactic. Xin Yi watched his royal uncle with newfound interest.
Xie Jingsheng’s foul mood stemmed from his inability to find the person he was looking for. He had just poured a cup of wine when the Crown Prince arrived, accompanied by He Anchang. The Crown Prince looked the same as ever, but in Xie Jingsheng’s eyes, He Anchang seemed different. With a sharp *crack*, Xie Jingsheng’s wine cup shattered in his grip. He wordlessly handed the shards to an attendant.
Xiao Yan, sitting nearby, remarked, "That cup was imperial property. Why take your temper out on it?"
"My dear sister," Xie Jingsheng said innocently, "I just lifted it and it broke on its own. I’m not angry. In fact, I’m in a wonderful mood." Despite his words, his eyes burned as they traced He Anchang’s every move.
*First a little widow, now the Crown Prince. Well played, He Anchang.*
Shortly after the Crown Prince’s arrival, the Emperor made his entrance. The proceedings began with a review of regional stability and the commendation of several officials. Prince Tang received only a mild reprimand for the Jiangtang dike incident, which was quickly brushed aside. The Emperor then praised the Crown Prince for his filial piety during the pilgrimage but noted that the Eastern Palace could not remain empty; the Prince was to stay in the capital for the coming year. After several other matters were settled, the feast officially began.
Xin Yi, knowing his own tendency to attract trouble, remained quietly in his seat. Bai Jiu had clearly taken precautions, surrounding Xin Yi with his own trusted people. Interestingly, the Crown Prince appeared very close to the "Pure Stream" faction this evening. After toasting Zhang Taiyan, he remained engaged in a lively conversation with the old scholar. He Anchang, seated behind his teacher, was forced to join in several rounds of drinks.
He Anchang had fair skin, and alcohol quickly brought a flush to his face. He was the type whose elegance only became more alluring when intoxicated. Realizing he had reached his limit, he excused himself to seek some air. The Crown Prince sent an attendant to accompany him.
As He Anchang left the hall, his steps were slightly unsteady. The attendant supporting him glanced sideways and saw the crimson at the corners of the official’s eyes. He Anchang’s face was like a peach blossom, his usual icy demeanor melting into a shimmering, drunken grace that made the attendant’s legs feel weak.
Overcome by a sudden, reckless impulse, the attendant grew bold. He slid a hand around He Anchang’s waist, murmuring his name with wandering fingers. Suddenly, a hand slammed into the back of the attendant’s head, and a heavy kick to the back of his knees sent him crashing to the ground. The newcomer was clearly livid, pinning the man’s head to the floor and kicking him mercilessly.
"I’ll have your dog’s life!" Xie Jingsheng snarled. He dragged the man by his collar into the shadows of the nearby shrubbery and delivered a brutal beating. As the man wailed, Xie Jingsheng hissed, "Make one more sound and I’ll rip out your tongue and nail it to your hand!" The man shuddered, seeing the murderous ferocity in Xie Jingsheng’s eyes. He looked like a Rakshasa from the underworld, his grip on the man’s jaw so tight it felt as though the bone would snap.
Even in his drunken haze, He Anchang recognized the voice. He frowned. "Xie Jingsheng!"
The man who had been a terrifying demon a moment ago turned around with a look of wounded grievance. He stared at He Anchang like a kicked puppy, despite being the one who had just delivered the beating.
He Anchang’s expression didn't soften. "Come here."
Xie Jingsheng stood up, throwing one last menacing glare at the shivering heap on the ground. He Anchang also looked over, his gaze so cold it promised a slow death if the man ever spoke a word of this. The attendant, his lust thoroughly replaced by terror, huddled in the shadows, weeping silently.
Xie Jingsheng half-carried He Anchang back toward the path. The surroundings were silent, save for the sound of He Anchang’s hot, ragged breathing. Xie Jingsheng’s grip was tight—too tight.
"Lighten up," He Anchang muttered. "Did you eat a firecracker?"
Xie Jingsheng suddenly let go, only to shove him against a nearby pillar. The force was startling. "I did eat a firecracker!" he hissed, his voice thick with suppressed rage. "And you’re the one who lit the damn fuse! Everything inside me is exploding!"
The impact made He Anchang’s back ache. He threw a punch at Xie Jingsheng’s chest. "That hurts!"
Xie Jingsheng caught his wrist and pinned it against the pillar. "You’re heartless! You think *that* hurts? Did it hurt when you were drinking in there? Huh? You’ve grown bold, He Ruxu. Do you not know what kind of man the Crown Prince is? And yet you drink his wine!"
"What does that have to do with you?" He Anchang looked up, his eyes shimmering with drunken allure. Even his frown was beautiful. "Let go. Speak properly."
"Let go?" Xie Jingsheng leaned down, his eyes fixed on the other man’s lips. "I haven't even started my drunken rampage yet. Why should I let go? I’ve decided this has everything to do with me. What are you going to do about it?"
He Anchang was speechless, realizing how compromising their position was. "If you want to be a drunk, go roll in the snow. Let go!"
Xie Jingsheng pressed his lips into a thin line and stared at him. He Anchang sensed something was wrong, but before he could turn his head, Xie Jingsheng pressed down. He claimed He Anchang’s lips with a wild, desperate hunger. He Anchang hadn't expected such audacity. Xie Jingsheng sucked at his lips until they stung, refusing to pull away, his tongue forcing its way inside. A fire ignited in Xie Jingsheng’s chest and belly, roaring through his veins.
He tasted the wine on He Anchang’s breath and felt his mind go numb. He wanted it all. He wanted this man—every part of him—to be his alone, imprisoned in his sight. He would gladly endure a lifetime of scolding just for this. But He Anchang let out a muffled groan, and the sound snapped Xie Jingsheng back to reality. He pulled away abruptly, seeing the deep flush on He Anchang’s face, and rested his forehead against the other man’s shoulder.
*It’s over.*
Xie Jingsheng thought with a sense of dread. He could no longer hide his wretched desires. But with this man so close, his palms sweating with the effort of restraint, he had finally crossed the line.
He Anchang’s lips were slightly swollen. With Xie Jingsheng pressing against him, he felt hot in front and cold behind. The shock had cleared some of the drunken fog, leaving him dazed by the sudden intensity. He frowned. *Wait, since when did I become 'dry tinder' for this rogue's fire?*
"Don't play dead," He Anchang said coldly. "You seemed lively enough a moment ago."
Xie Jingsheng rubbed his face against He Anchang’s shoulder, his voice hoarse. "I’m dead. I’ve died and gone to heaven." He paused, then added fiercely, "Now you know. Men are all bastards. If I ever see you looking like a flirtatious drunk with someone else again, I’ll..." He stopped, then snarled, "I’ll take you right then and there!"
He Anchang aimed a sharp kick at Xie Jingsheng’s groin. Xie Jingsheng narrowly blocked it with his knees, hissing through his teeth, "You’re trying to end my family line!"
He Anchang, reminded of their shared predicament, kicked him again. "Shut up!"
They were both "cut sleeves" now; their family lines were already at an end! How did he have the face to complain?
Xie Jingsheng looked aggrieved. "I—" He saw He Anchang’s glare and quickly corrected himself. "I can't even say a word, Young Master?"
He Anchang wiped his swollen lips, his voice trembling with fury. "I am your Grandpa!"
***
