Xin Yi insisted he was fine, so He Anchang did not continue wiping his hand. Instead, he simply gave the handkerchief to him. Xin Yi offered another smile in return, which left He Anchang momentarily dazed.
The flow of Zhang Taiyan’s words had been interrupted, and it was no longer convenient to pursue the previous topic. He could only pivot, saying, "The tea was scalding; it would be terrible if the Prince were truly injured. Ruxu, when we depart later, prepare a portion of the medicinal salve given by Court Physician Liu of the Imperial Academy of Medicine for the Prince."
He Anchang gave a brief word of assent and fell silent. Xin Yi, meanwhile, maintained an expression of deep apology. Zhang Taiyan smiled benevolently and said, "It was you who was burned, Prince; why the apology? It only makes this old man worry all the more. My meeting with you today was merely to catch a glimpse of the Northern Yang Yan Wang’s former grace. Now that I have seen it, my heart is at ease. Prince, are you currently staying at the Prince of Pingding’s estate?"
Xin Yi nodded, looking like a shy youth who had just arrived in the capital and was still finding his way.
Zhang Taiyan said magnanimously, "How can that be proper? In the future, you will be a Prince of the first rank, entitled to the Golden Seal and a stipend of ten thousand dan. The Prince of Pingding has only recently been enfeoffed as a two-character Commandery Prince. This disparity in status is unfitting; how can we allow you to be so slighted? Furthermore, the Prince of Pingding is young and impetuous, possessing a decisive and uncompromising character in court. How well could he possibly look after you in his private residence? If you truly consider this old man an old friend and tea companion, why not stay at the Prince of Qin’s estate for a few days? His Majesty keeps your hardships in mind and will surely arrange a manor for you soon. What do you think?"
Xin Yi seemed to waver, yet he ultimately shook his head. He wrote with his finger on the table: *The Prince of Pingding saved my life; I owe him a debt of gratitude.*
Zhang Taiyan also shook his head. "The execution of the Prince of Ping was His Majesty’s decree. The Prince of Pingding was merely following orders; it cannot be considered his own intention. If the Prince truly wishes to be grateful, he should remember His Majesty." Seeing Xin Yi bow his head in acknowledgment, Zhang Taiyan continued, "Moreover, the current situation in the capital’s court is complex. Associating too closely with court officials may not be to His Majesty’s liking. The Prince of Pingding is truly unfathomable; he is not someone one can share one's heart with overnight. I offer the Prince a word of advice: no matter what, please do not fail the expectations of the Northern Yang troops and horses."
Perhaps this last sentence was the true purpose of today’s meeting. At this point, Xin Yi finally understood why Zhang Taiyan had invited him here. He was telling him that the Leftist "Pure Stream" faction had no designs on Northern Yang’s military power, but that power could even be given to the Prince of Qin—it must never fall into the hands of Bai Jiu.
Xin Yi lowered his head in contemplation, appearing moved.
Zhang Taiyan did not press him, simply lifting his tea to savor it. Just then, the storyteller below struck his gavel with a sharp *clack* and spoke in a ringing voice: "Consider that Wang Zang! He hailed from a humble family of no rank, a street hooligan by nature. He entered the inner palace to end his lineage, using every ounce of his silver-tongued eloquence to lull that mediocre Emperor into a honeyed dream, unable to distinguish black from white! To allow a mere eunuch to sit within the imperial court, hounding the loyal and righteous into unrest! Truly lamentable! Truly a man to be hated to the very bone!"
Xin Yi finally raised his head, his gaze steady as if he had finally reached a difficult decision. Zhang Taiyan pulled a handful of copper coins from his sleeve, stacked them on the table, and smiled at Xin Yi. "The Prince has fine spirit."
The meeting concluded there. The three of them listened to the storyteller describe Wang Zang with flying spittle. On the surface, Xin Yi listened intently, but in reality, his mind had wandered far away.
Bai Jiu’s origins were even lower than "humble." Although everyone was currently too afraid to mention it, the Leftist faction loved to use it to humiliate him during every court dispute, inevitably followed by a haughty display of their own noble lineages. Bai Jiu had first entered the Brocade Guard and was later able to rise through the ranks because he had earned the Emperor’s deep trust while serving as the Commander of the Brocade Guard.
But what of it?
Everyone in court relied on their own abilities to stand as firm as Mount Tai. If those from noble houses could do it, why couldn't Bai Jiu, who came from nothing? The Emperor never lacked for sharp knives in his palm; he would grind one, use it until it was spent, and then break it. But this world never lacked for those willing to be his blade. Zhang Taiyan’s heart was set on serving the monarch, but Xin Yi, as it happened, had no taste for such things.
As they departed, He Anchang escorted Xin Yi downstairs. Just as Xin Yi was about to board his carriage, He Anchang handed him a sealed porcelain bottle of medicinal salve. Xin Yi accepted it with a smile, only to hear He Anchang say coldly, "Bai Jiu is a ruthless man. He is not a good person."
Xin Yi’s fingers paused. He looked at him, seemingly uncomprehending. He Anchang stared into his eyes and said, "The Prince is young; do not be deceived by his outward appearance." Having said his piece, he stepped back and said formally, "Until we meet again," before turning to leave.
*I wonder how Bai Jiu provoked such an upright man...* Xin Yi boarded the carriage and headed back to the estate.
It began to rain during the journey. When the carriage reached the estate gates, they happened to encounter the returning Bai Jiu. He was riding Chiye today. Seeing the carriage approaching from a distance, he stopped before the gates to wait. Hearing the driver’s greeting, Xin Yi lifted the curtain and saw Bai Jiu sitting on his horse, drenched by the rain.
"My Lord, please come into the carriage," Xin Yi called out, leaning his head out. Bai Jiu dismounted and boarded.
The interior of the carriage was spacious, yet Xin Yi felt that as soon as Bai Jiu entered, the cool scent of moisture clinging to him occupied the entire space, making him impossible to ignore. Xin Yi shifted to the side to make room. Bai Jiu’s hair was somewhat damp; it seemed he had galloped back in one go. He raised a hand to loosen the fastening of his high collar, revealing the white inner lining. The movement was fluid, yet it struck Xin Yi with a powerful sense of cold restraint. Xin Yi’s eyes flickered, and the tips of his ears turned red.
"Where did you go?" Bai Jiu still carried the chill of the rain. Xin Yi reflexively handed him the cotton handkerchief he had been clutching. Bai Jiu suddenly caught his wrist and pulled it before his eyes, seeing the red scald marks on the back of his hand. His gaze turned cold, and the atmosphere in the carriage grew heavy. Xin Yi said instinctively, "The tea was slippery today. I accidentally scalded myself; it is no great matter."
Bai Jiu released Xin Yi without a word. He took the handkerchief but did not use it to wipe away the water. Xin Yi couldn't read his expressionless face and stole a few glances without discerning anything. He had to find something to say: "My Lord has been caught in the rain; you should drink some ginger tea when we return."
Bai Jiu’s fingertips brushed the edge of the handkerchief, where he saw the neatly embroidered character "He." He promptly crumpled the cloth and stuffed it into his robes before giving a brief "Mm" in response. Seeing this movement... *cough*, which was somewhat rough, Xin Yi thought that He Anchang truly must have a grievance with him. Just seeing the handkerchief made him so cold.
"That is Lord He’s handkerchief. He gave it to me when I was burned," Xin Yi explained briefly before changing the subject. "It is rare to see My Lord riding a horse to court."
Bai Jiu’s eyes lowered slightly, droplets of water falling from his lashes. Though his expression remained the same, there was a sense of softening about him. He said, "I did not go to court today. I went to Mount Luyi outside the city." However, he had returned before even ascending the mountain.
"Ah." Xin Yi’s expression brightened. "I have heard of that mountain. The red maples are like a painting, and there are many deer, aren't there? I heard the deer there are not afraid of people; they are said to possess a Buddha-like nature."
Seeing his delight, Bai Jiu said, "It is not as miraculous as the rumors suggest, but it is indeed a mountain of deer, and the maples are beautiful."
Xin Yi smiled. "Does My Lord go often?"
Bai Jiu was not one to go often, and today had been for a specific reason, but when the words reached his lips, they became: "Often enough." Xin Yi’s gaze immediately filled with envy. Bai Jiu accepted it with equanimity, feeling no shame or guilt until they stepped out of the carriage.
Old Qu had been waiting at the courtyard entrance for some time, a row of umbrellas opened. He was not surprised to see Bai Jiu emerge from Xin Yi’s carriage and held an umbrella to escort them back. Bai Jiu’s quarters were not far, but when he reached Xin Yi’s side, he stopped and looked at him. "My clothes are soaked through."
Xin Yi immediately said, "My Lord, this way please."
Bai Jiu nodded. He took the umbrella from the person behind Xin Yi and said to Old Qu, "Bring some ginger juice and cold water. Be quick."
Seeing him holding the umbrella over them, Xin Yi thought this was somewhat inappropriate. Hearing his instructions, he couldn't help but murmur, "Cold water to ward off the chill?"
The umbrella was not large, and Bai Jiu naturally pressed close to him. He simply said, "It is needed for the burn." After that, he added to Old Qu, "Prepare hot water and hot soup as well."
Old Qu acknowledged the order and went to see to it. Bai Jiu and Xin Yi entered the house together. The sound of the rain grew louder, drumming against the oil-paper umbrella as if trying to pierce through it. It wasn't until they were inside that Xin Yi realized his own shoulders were perfectly dry, while one side of Bai Jiu was dripping with water. He was momentarily speechless. Bai Jiu shed his outer robe and said to him, "The umbrella was too small."
The items arrived quickly. Bai Jiu used the cold water to rinse Xin Yi’s burn. It wasn't actually that serious, but he still wiped it again with ginger juice.
Xin Yi’s hands were not soft and white; his fingers were long and graceful, with calluses on his palms and faint scars, yet Bai Jiu wiped them with great care. Sitting opposite him, Xin Yi’s gaze drifted. He felt his hand burning, though he wasn't sure if it was from the ginger juice. As soon as it was over, he quickly withdrew his hand and picked up the ginger tea, drinking it all.
The atmosphere was inexplicably heart-stirring.
"My Lord..." His voice was a bit raspy. Xin Yi cleared his throat and said, "The jade My Lord was carving that day was left here."
Bai Jiu was also drinking tea. Hearing this, he turned to look at him. Xin Yi retrieved it from a nearby shelf and handed it back. Bai Jiu took it and had someone bring his carving tools. He sat on the same soft couch he had occupied that day and began to work. A large, fresh robe was draped over his shoulders, and his hair was still slightly damp. His focused appearance drew Xin Yi’s gaze once more.
Xin Yi knew that one side of the jade bore the silhouette of him napping there that day, but he didn't know what Bai Jiu would carve on the other side. Bai Jiu looked up at him, a smile lingering at the corners of his lips, and patted the space beside him. Xin Yi had no choice but to sit down. As they were close, he caught the scent of Bai Jiu again.
"Does My Lord often carve jade?"
"Not often." The carving knife turned quickly in Bai Jiu’s palm. "I usually carve wood."
Xin Yi couldn't help but lean forward slightly, watching the flawless fingertips move over the white jade. After a while, the fingers suddenly stopped. Xin Yi let out a soft sound of confusion and looked up. "Why did you stop—"
Because they were so close, the smile in Bai Jiu’s eyes was clear. He said, "You’re blocking the light." Xin Yi’s face flushed, and he immediately straightened up to apologize, but Bai Jiu’s carving knife switched hands. He suddenly used his right hand to steady the back of Xin Yi’s head as he leaned back, saying, "Why are you running? I have to see clearly to carve it."
Xin Yi initially thought the man was teasing him, but Bai Jiu truly looked focused. His narrow eyes seemed to observe every part of Xin Yi’s face in detail, his index finger lightly brushing the back of Xin Yi’s head. Xin Yi’s gaze could only dart around aimlessly until Bai Jiu released him, allowing him to catch his breath.
Bai Jiu continued carving until they had their meal. Xin Yi’s beloved braised fish appeared again, so he ate more than usual. After dinner, he leaned over a small table to read for a while, while Bai Jiu carved a bit longer opposite him. Time flew by, and by the time Xin Yi snapped out of it, the room had grown dim.
The rain was still drumming outside. Listening to it, Xin Yi felt a sudden sense of daze. The sound of Bai Jiu’s carving knife was rhythmic, a rustling in his ears that, combined with the rain, felt very peaceful. Xin Yi grew increasingly relaxed. Realizing the room was dark, he climbed down from the couch, saying, "I didn't notice it was time to light the lamps." There was a footstool below the couch; Xin Yi didn't find his footing and stumbled, nearly hitting the small table. A hand reached out from behind and caught him firmly.
"Watch your step."
Bai Jiu withdrew his hand. Xin Yi stood dazed for a moment before saying, "Yes..."
Once the lamps were lit, Bai Jiu put away the jade. Seeing that it was late, he prepared to leave. Xin Yi escorted him to the door. Old Qu stood nearby with a lantern. Bai Jiu raised his umbrella and said, "The night rain is damp and cold. Go back inside."
Xin Yi agreed and added, "The path is slippery; My Lord should be careful as well." After speaking, they locked eyes for a moment. Xin Yi was the first to look away, saying, "Please go, My Lord."
Bai Jiu gave a smiling "Mm" and turned into the rain. The night was thick amidst the drumming of the downpour; Bai Jiu’s lantern flickered in the darkness. Xin Yi stood and watched for a long time before retreating into his room. He bathed and went to sleep.
For several days following, Xin Yi saw no sign of Bai Jiu, and naturally, He Anchang’s handkerchief did not reappear.
One day, after the court session ended, He Anchang was preparing to descend the steps when someone suddenly appeared at his side. He glanced over, his cold face showing no emotion. He ignored the person and continued walking.
"Lord He." Bai Jiu swept his gaze over He Anchang’s face and said blandly, "It is truly not easy to catch a glimpse of you."
"Time flies like an arrow; it must not be wasted." He Anchang had never been willing to speak a single extra word to Bai Jiu.
The corners of Bai Jiu’s lips quirked. "My Lord labors for the people; it is truly admirable." Then, in the next breath, he changed the subject. "I heard that the black-striped hound in the household of Lord Zuo of the Court of Judicial Review has given birth to a pup. I know your father loves dogs; he must be determined to have this one."
He Anchang frowned slightly. "The Prince of Pingding should speak plainly."
Bai Jiu patted He Anchang’s shoulder and smiled. "I like this dog as well. I originally thought there would be no harm in gifting it to your father, but after seeing it yesterday, I changed my mind." His eyes half-lidded, his smile unreadable. "Since it is mine, My Lord should not go peering at it. If it is something I favor, others may not even cast a single glance at it."
He Anchang looked up sharply. Bai Jiu pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, wiped the hand he had just used to pat him, and then placed the handkerchief on He Anchang’s shoulder. With a light chuckle, he turned and walked away. He Anchang’s brow furrowed as he took the handkerchief from his shoulder. He turned over the edge, and there, starkly visible, was the character "He." This was the very one he had given to Prince Yi, now back in his own hand after passing through Bai Jiu’s.
He stood there, lost in thought.
He felt that Bai Jiu’s words were heavy with hidden meaning.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 汪藏 | Wang Zang | A notorious eunuch official from the previous dynasty mentioned by the storyteller. |
| 章太炎 | Zhang Taiyan | The Left Chancellor (左相), a prominent scholar and official. |
| 贺安常 | He Anchang | An upright official, courtesy name Ruxu (如许). |
| 如许 | Ruxu | He Anchang's courtesy name. |
| 秦王 | Prince of Qin | A member of the imperial family mentioned as a potential host for Xin Yi. |
| 刘院判 | Court Physician Liu | An official in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. |
| 太医院 | Imperial Academy of Medicine | The institution responsible for the health of the Emperor and the imperial family. |
| 金册金宝 | Golden Seal and Golden Certificate | Symbols of high princely rank and authority. |
| 岁禄万石 | Annual stipend of ten thousand dan | The official salary/grain allowance for a high-ranking prince. |
| 二字郡王 | Two-character Commandery Prince | A lower rank of prince compared to a first-rank (one-character) prince. |
| 鹿懿山 | Mount Luyi | A scenic mountain outside the capital known for its maples and deer. |
| 赤业 | Chiye | The name of Bai Jiu's horse. |
| 大理寺 | Court of Judicial Review | The central judicial body in imperial China. |
| 黑条细犬 | Black-striped hound | A specific breed of slender hunting dog mentioned in the analogy. |
