The laughter gradually subsided, and He Anchang’s gaze fell upon Xie Jingsheng’s back. He said, "This is the first time I have seen someone speak such words after committing an act of insolence. Lord Xie, do you have any integrity left?"
Xie Jingsheng, currently wondering if he was about to have a nosebleed, rubbed the tip of his nose and glanced at him sideways. "It’s being held firmly between my legs," he quipped.
He Anchang was so stunned by the man’s mouth that he had become numb to it. He could only curse, "A dog’s mouth cannot spit out ivory."
"I find it strange too." Xie Jingsheng finished putting on his boots and stretched out his long legs. Leaning back, he continued to look at him sideways. "Lord He is usually the most cautious and prudent of men. Why is it that whenever you encounter me, you become so flirtatious and alluring?" His eyes flashed with a hint of roguish mischief. Seeing that the other did not reply, he added, "Do not underestimate yourself."
He Anchang’s mind had wandered elsewhere; hearing this, he subconsciously asked, "What?"
Xie Jingsheng reached out, his finger brushing lightly over He Anchang’s eyelashes. He stood up and said, "I’m praising your beauty. I only came today to see you; now that there’s nothing else, I must head back." As he spoke, he pulled a porcelain bottle from his robes and tossed it to him. Surveying the room, he added, "Have them bring in more braziers at night."
He Anchang caught the bottle, turning it in his hand. The faint ache in his knees had vanished completely. He pressed his lips into a thin line and looked up coldly. "Who gave you permission to leave?"
Xie Jingsheng crossed his arms and smiled. "Blessings to you, Master. This lowly one hasn't left yet, has he? Do you have orders for me?"
He Anchang remained silent for a long while. He lifted the porcelain bottle, maintaining his cold expression without saying a word. Xie Jingsheng was startled. He let go of his arms and crouched by the couch, gripping the edge of the bed as his gaze moved from the bottle to He Anchang’s face. "You want me to do it?" he asked, quite astonished.
He Anchang looked at him. "Are you going to do it or not?"
Xie Jingsheng raised an eyebrow and took the bottle from his hand. "If I don't, are you going to find someone else? Stretch your legs out."
The boots were removed. Though his hands were powerful, they were comfortable as they moved up the calves, applying just the right amount of pressure without causing pain. He lifted the hem of the robes and rolled up the trousers until he reached the knees.
Watching Xie Jingsheng’s tall, large frame crouched at his feet, He Anchang frowned. "You... what are you shaking for?"
Xie Jingsheng was adjusting the trouser leg on the other side. His hand slipped slightly, and he looked up. "I’m excited, don't you understand?" He pushed the fabric up further. "I’m doing serious work here; don't kick me even if it itches."
"Pathetic."
"This is as much 'ambition' as I have." Xie Jingsheng kneaded the side of his knee. "Does it hurt?"
He Anchang replied, "Obviously." As Xie Jingsheng massaged the area, his palms rubbed the fair skin until it turned red, making it feel somewhat hot.
"I’m afraid the cold has seeped in." When Xie Jingsheng spoke seriously, his features were upright and sharp, but at this moment, they were tinged with a softness that blunted most of that sharpness. He said to He Anchang, "Add another layer when you go out tomorrow. These legs can't afford to be frozen again; you must take care of them." His palms tightened as he rubbed the medicinal wine, and he scolded him again, "Wearing only this much in the dead of winter... one of these days I’ll tell your old lady and let her give you a proper scolding."
He Anchang lowered his eyes. "You talk too much."
"You can barely squeeze out a few words; am I not allowed to talk?" As Xie Jingsheng spoke, he grasped one of the feet. It was actually damp. He immediately snapped, "Were you planning to just wear these until they warmed up?"
He Anchang allowed him to remove the socks, staring blankly at the top of the man's head.
Xie Jingsheng rambled on with no response. He looked up to see the "Great Master" was still dazing off. A mountain of words got stuck in his throat—he couldn't scold him, and praising him was impossible—so he forced himself to swallow them down. He simply said, "Have someone bring hot water."
He Anchang said, "Too much trouble."
Xie Jingsheng reached out to feel the bedding, then suddenly whipped the quilt up to wrap He Anchang’s treated legs and feet. "My ancestor, can we please just cooperate?"
He Anchang maintained a cold face. Xie Jingsheng’s voice softened as he held the wrapped legs and rubbed against them. "Ruxu, let’s get some hot water. It’s freezing out there, and it wasn't easy for me to climb over the wall. Give me some hot water, eh? I’ve already called you 'ancestor,' so show some grace to Lord He."
He Anchang’s lip twitched. He lifted both feet and kicked Xie Jingsheng right on his straight nose through the quilt. "If you speak like that again, crawl back home."
"Then how should I speak?" Xie Jingsheng turned his face and hugged the legs again, continuing in a pinched voice, "Ruxu, the weather outside is so cold it makes my heart ache. Quickly, grant me some water."
He Anchang struggled, but his legs wouldn't budge an inch. He snapped, "Fine!" The warmth returned to his eyes, though his mouth only said, "I was supposed to bathe tonight anyway." He then saw Xie Jingsheng chuckling. "What are you laughing at?"
Xie Jingsheng said, "I only wanted to see you soak your feet, but you insist on making me think of bathing. Hot water, jade skin—" A pillow slammed into his head again. He took the hit but couldn't stop laughing.
The laughter made He Anchang’s chest feel itchy. "Your mind is full of nothing but filth!"
"Heh." Xie Jingsheng’s gaze traveled from the man's legs up to his waist and hips, thoroughly enjoying the view. He said gallantly, "One is not truly young if they do not indulge in a little fantasy!"
"...Get out!"
Only after the hot water was brought into the room did Xie Jingsheng take his leave. He refused to use the door, instead pushing open He Anchang’s window and looking around. "Even though I know your family’s reputation is upright, I’m still worried some bold lecher might try to peek at you."
He Anchang’s hand, which was unbuttoning his clothes, paused. "There’s one right at the window. I’ll just toss him out to keep things clean and tidy."
Xie Jingsheng flipped outside and clung to the windowsill. "Close the window tight before you undress."
He Anchang walked over. Xie Jingsheng gave him a whistle, looking like a total rogue. "One last thing, listen well: He Anchang, your legs are long and firm, and the texture is top-tier. This humble one thanks Lord He for the reward of touching them!" With that, he did a backflip and vanished into the dark night.
He Anchang slammed the window shut. He stood before it for a long while, his ears still burning.
***
A few more days passed in relative calm. Kang Fu found an excuse to conduct a massive purge of the palace attendants. Whether they were maids or eunuchs, anyone who fell into his hands was beaten to death. Everyone understood implicitly: the Emperor had regained his strength and was dealing with the attendants involved in the gunpowder incident. By now, the end of the year had passed, and no loose ends could be left. The Prince of Tang was the first to leave the capital; before departing, he specifically sent someone to the Court of Judicial Review to find Xin Yi and bid him farewell.
Xin Yi couldn't speak, so he mostly just listened. As they were about to part, the Prince of Tang took his hand and spoke earnestly again, though he didn't mention his previous arguments. He only told Xin Yi to be cautious and well-behaved while alone in the capital, and to stay by the Emperor’s side to fulfill his filial duties.
After the Prince of Tang left, it was time for Xie Jingsheng and Xiao Yan to depart. Xin Yi and Xiao Jin went together to see them off.
Once the horses were out of the city, Xiao Yan suddenly said, "The person on the city wall looks a lot like my father."
Xie Jingsheng turned his head and saw a figure in a green robe and a wide cloak, standing on the wall amidst the wind and snow. He kept looking back, not forgetting to say to Xiao Yan, "My dear sister, don't go calling him that. That’s not your father. That’s my master, my ancestor, my young lord, my heart and soul."
Xiao Yan lashed her horse with her whip, overtaking the man full of mushy words. "Calling me 'sister' indeed... I’m covered in goosebumps."
"But that’s exactly what he is." Xie Jingsheng cupped his hands around his mouth and, taking advantage of the heavy wind and snow, roared toward the wall, "My heart and soul!"
The figure on the wall suddenly broke into a fit of coughing.
Xie Jingsheng let the wind and snow mess up his hair as he sat on his horse, staring fixedly through the storm at that person for a moment. Finally, he broke into a smile and slid his hand from his waist all the way up to his lips. Though the gesture was simple, in the eyes of the person on the wall, it looked undeniably erotic. He mouthed silently: *Just you wait.*
He should have turned his horse and galloped away, but unexpectedly, the person on the watchtower raised a hand and gestured at him with a pinky finger.
*Piss off.*
Xie Jingsheng laughed heartily, turned his horse, and galloped away across the snow. The person on the watchtower stood for a long time, until the wind and snow blurred his vision and he could see them no more.
"Let’s go." Xiao Jin pulled at Xin Yi. "What are you looking at?"
Xin Yi slowly straightened his sleeves and turned back. "I’m watching the rolling dust of the mortal world."
Xiao Jin shuddered. "Speak like a human."
"You can shut up now."
"We’re brothers, aren't we?" Xiao Jin rubbed his hands together. "My sister is finally gone. When she’s not here, I miss her terribly; but when she is here, she treats you like her little brother. I’m like a little cabbage left in the winter fields—do you know what happens to a little cabbage? Hey, wait up! Shall we go to the Xiaoxiao Pavilion?"
"No." Xin Yi flipped onto Chiye’s back and said to Xiao Jin, "It’s not time for me to go back yet. My teacher is waiting."
"Impressive, Xin Yi." Xiao Jin rubbed his chin. "Lately, even the Prince of Pingding hasn't been seeing much of you. You’re practically living at the Court of Judicial Review."
Xin Yi smiled. "His Lordship will surely wait for me to return home; living at the Court is impossible. You should know best about the cold and warmth. I heard the Capital Guard Bureau hasn't installed floor heating yet. Good brother, remember to use an extra quilt tonight."
Xiao Jin let out a "hey," but Xin Yi’s horse had already bolted. Left with a face full of bitterness, Xiao Jin turned to see He Anchang, in his pale green cloak, walking toward him. He finally recalled the fear of being dominated by this man. His legs trembled, and he immediately wanted to run.
"Nothing to do at the Capital Guard Bureau?" He Anchang had already spotted him. His voice made the little brat tuck his tail and head, standing obediently before him.
"There is, there is!" Xiao Jin balled his fists. "Tons of work. Look at my neck; it’s practically bent from being hunched over my desk."
Most of it was likely pushed over by the Crown Prince to avoid suspicion. He Anchang thought for a moment and said, "If there is anything you cannot solve, come find me."
Xiao Jin was stunned. "This... this wouldn't be good, would it?"
He Anchang was currently the core of the Left Faction, and his influence was nearly eclipsing Zhang Taiyan’s. For a Capital Guard official close to Bai Jiu to constantly seek him out wouldn't look good.
He Anchang said calmly, "It is no matter."
He turned to leave, but after a few steps, he looked back at Xiao Jin. "What are you doing standing in the snow? Go back."
Xiao Jin tried to suppress the joy bubbling up inside him. Even though a smile was already reaching his eyes and the corners of his mouth, he had to learn from He Anchang to keep a composed front. He nodded quickly in response.
He Anchang gave a nod and turned to go.
***
The next morning, the snow fell heavily. He Anchang traveled back and forth between the Imperial Palace and the Zhang Estate through the storm, managing the affairs of the Left Faction while looking after his mentor. After his recent ordeal in prison, Zhang Taiyan’s usually composed expression showed signs of exhaustion.
Today, He Anchang kept watch by the couch while Zhang Taiyan discussed the current situation with him. As Zhang Taiyan spoke, he suddenly fell silent. He Anchang waited with his head bowed. He had knelt before the Hall of Supreme Harmony for several days recently, and his knees had not yet fully healed. Sitting upright in a formal kneeling position before the couch was inevitably painful, but as a man who strictly observed the etiquette of a disciple, he simply endured it.
After a while, Zhang Taiyan coughed a few times and said in a low, raspy voice, "When you were young, you followed the Marquis of Huiyang and developed a cold, tranquil nature. You should have followed the Marquis’s spirit and become a free soul of the martial world. Unfortunately, you met this old man in your youth, and I forced that free spirit into the narrow confines of an official career, making you grow into a man preoccupied with rigid etiquette. I have spent my life bowing in the imperial courts; I dream of the distant world beyond, yet I cannot let go of my duty to the state. I pity you, for you have also been confined by me to this square inch of the capital."
He Anchang lowered his eyes and said peacefully, "To be born into this world and serve the people and the sovereign—this is the purpose of study, and it is where my own ambitions lie."
Zhang Taiyan said softly, "Then, as of now, what is the situation between you and Xie Jingsheng?"
He Anchang’s gaze remained calm, but his face showed a hint of loneliness. On the night of the gunpowder incident, he knew he couldn't hide it from his mentor’s sharp eyes.
"A gentleman is open and aboveboard." Zhang Taiyan had clearly agonized over this matter for many days. He didn't want to hurt his beloved disciple’s heart, but he couldn't let him sink into a quagmire. This was not an easy topic to discuss; for days, the words had reached his lips only to be swallowed back down. Now that Xie Jingsheng had left the capital, he wouldn't return next year unless something major happened. Being separated by distance was the best time to cut ties cleanly. Thus, he said, "The passion of the cut sleeve is not openly displayed in court. You are the legitimate son of your house, and the elder Lord He would never tolerate this. Ruxu, your teacher offers one word of advice: give this person up."
He Anchang remained silent.
Zhang Taiyan let out a long sigh. "What is his background? His actions in recent years are comparable to Bai Jiu’s; he has already acquired the air of the King of Hell. He is a man with a warm face but a cold heart. If you persist, how will you walk the path ahead?"
"Ruxu." The old fox also showed a trace of gloom and exhaustion. "Your teacher already has one foot in the grave. You must walk the rest of this road alone. If you add hardships for the sake of this man, even in the afterlife, I will have to harbor a grudge against him."
He Anchang’s thin lips trembled, and his eyes grew even more cold and desolate.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 康福 | Kang Fu | A high-ranking eunuch. |
| 杖毙 | Beaten to death | A form of execution by caning/staff. |
| 乾清殿 | Hall of Supreme Harmony | A major hall in the Forbidden City (contextually used for the Emperor's residence/office). |
| 晖阳候 | Marquis of Huiyang | A title/character mentioned as He Anchang's former influence. |
| 江湖逍遥子 | Free soul of the martial world | Literally "a carefree wanderer of the rivers and lakes." |
| 断袖之癖 | Passion of the cut sleeve | A classical Chinese euphemism for male homosexuality. |
| 阎王 | King of Hell | Also known as Yanwang or Yama. |
