The snow had arrived.
It was now the third year of the Yongle era. The new Emperor had only recently ascended the throne, and both the Retired Emperor and the Prince of Pacification had vanished from the public eye. It was a time of stability for the mountains and rivers of Dalan, a period where all industries were beginning to flourish. The Jing Border was now known as the Jing Trade Zone—a new name for the region formed by the merger of the original Three Fords of Beiyang, now a primary hub for commerce and trade.
As soon as the merchant goods from Dayuan arrived and the mules came to a halt, a shop assistant would emerge from a storefront, drawing out a long cry: "They’re her—e!"
The New Year’s leather goods had arrived.
The manager behind this particular counter was somewhat unusual. Unlike the shrewd accountants of other shops, his use of the abacus was akin to a dog paddling through water; a single entry could take him hours to calculate. Now, poking his head out to see a cart full of leather, he first bumped his head against the abacus on the counter in frustration, muttering with a mix of sorrow and resentment.
"Not early, not late—they just had to arrive while my Master is away." He paced outside, inspecting the cart of leather goods briefly before declaring, "Move them into the warehouse one by one. Don't rush; allow me to calculate them one by one."
The young assistant stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves, sharing the worry. "At that rate, we won't finish until next year. Forget it, sir. Just have someone record the count and wait for the Young Master to return to settle the books. He’ll surely be faster than you by several days."
The manager, who wore a simple fur neck-warmer, showed no shame. Instead, he boasted proudly, "That’s for certain! Leave the math to him; he’s fast, the fastest in all of Dalan!"
The assistant turned his head away in concern, gazing at the falling snow. He wondered how much longer this shop could stay open with a manager like this; it was truly thanks to the Young Master.
Yet the manager truly didn't take the goods to heart. He turned back to find a piece of paper and began detailing what they would eat and use that evening. Finally, at the bottom of the page, he drew a little dancing figure and scribbled the name "He Anchang" beside it.
As evening fell, the snow grew thick. Xie Jingsheng had prepared the wine and food, but the person he was waiting for had yet to return. Sensing something was amiss, he threw on a fur coat and headed out to find him.
Leaving the shop and rounding a street brought him to the trade intersection—the place where the former Beiyang Army, now the Jing Army, conducted inspections and stood guard. At this junction, merchants and goods from all over the world passed through.
Xie Jingsheng reached the gate, where a row of lanterns hung to provide light. He stood beneath them, waiting in the snow.
A figure appeared atop the battlements and tossed a flask of warm wine down to him. Xie Jingsheng caught it, uncorked it, and took a swig. As he swallowed, he frowned. "You're standing high up; can you see anyone?"
"Oh, for heaven's sake, it's the middle of the night." Wu Yu leaned against the wall and glanced at him. "You try looking. I can't even see past the edge of the wall."
"Look at you." Xie Jingsheng tilted his head back to finish the wine and threw the flask back up at him, cursing, "If something happened, you wouldn't even see it!"
Wu Yu caught it and let out a scoff. "You've got quite a fire burning in you, haven't you? It's practically scorching the air. What’s the matter? If He Anchang doesn't come back tonight, are you going to burst?"
Xie Jingsheng retorted, "That’s where you’re wrong. This fire is laced with honey."
Wu Yu wanted to call him sappy, but conscious of his own bachelor status, he knew any insult would pale in comparison to the other's domestic bliss. He merely huffed, hung the wine flask from his belt, and walked away.
After an unknown amount of time, a light finally appeared on the dim road. A line of carriages drove steadily forward, stopping near the intersection. Because an inspection was required, He Anchang stepped down from the carriage to continue discussing business with those beside him.
Unexpectedly, a man beneath the gate threw his arms wide and came sprinting toward them, shouting, "Ruxu-xu-xu-xu—!" before lunging forward.
He Anchang knew from that voice alone that no more business would be settled tonight. He offered an apology to his associates and bent down to scoop up a handful of snow. Just as Xie Jingsheng lunged, he got a face full of snow. He didn't even wipe it off; he simply scooped the man up, hoisted him high, and began walking back, his palms wandering from waist to backside in a thorough sweep.
"You're impossible," He Anchang said, tapping him on the forehead. "I want to walk."
"You've grown thinner. I'm carrying you home. Have you eaten tonight? Surely not. You're traveling like you're being chased by an army. I've got everything ready at home; you can eat as soon as you wash your face." Xie Jingsheng was deaf to all protests, merely squeezing the man's waist and nuzzling his cheek repeatedly, his voice a mix of excitement and grievance. "I missed you to death!"
"I only left the day before yesterday." He Anchang gave his cheek a light pat, then reached out to wipe away the melting snow, chiding softly, "You're the one who's grown thinner!"
"You haven't even felt me yet." Xie Jingsheng flashed a certain finger at Wu Yu, who was mocking him from the battlements. "You're so late today. If I'd waited any longer, I would have gone out to search for you."
He Anchang wanted to hit him at the mention of it. "Did you abandon the shop again? I'm checking the ledgers when we get back."
Xie Jingsheng ran while holding him, laughing all the way. "Check whatever you like. I've been sharp these past two days; not a single copper went missing."
He Anchang was speechless. He leaned against the other's shoulder, unable to think of a way to actually teach him how to keep accounts. In that moment of silence, they arrived home.
The door opened to a rush of warm air. Xie Jingsheng rubbed He Anchang's hands between his own. Hot water was ready; after they washed their hands together, Xie Jingsheng refused to let go.
He sat through dinner like a loyal hound crouching by his side.
He Anchang managed to eat a little to fill his stomach before setting down his chopsticks. He pushed his chair back slightly and said to Xie Jingsheng, "Come here."
"What is it?" Xie Jingsheng leaned in. "Is that all you're eating?"
He Anchang looked at him with cool, narrowed eyes. Xie Jingsheng braced himself against the arms of the chair. They locked eyes for a few moments before Xie Jingsheng suddenly buried his head in the crook of He Anchang's neck, letting out a deep breath. He chuckled low. "When you look at me like that... I really have no self-control." He guided He Anchang's hand downward, his voice turning husky. "This is bad."
The corners of He Anchang's eyes flushed red from the warmth of the other's breath. His grip tightened slightly, drawing a sharp intake of breath from Xie Jingsheng. He then tilted his head to nuzzle back against the other's cheek. "What kind of habit is this? Am I not even allowed to look at you anymore?"
"Look all you want." Xie Jingsheng turned his head to kiss his way up the pale neck. "Don't go to those remote places anymore; they're too far." He gave the other's lips a firm peck and rasped, "Just stay here. Day by day, the longing piles up... it'll be the death of me."
He Anchang pursed his lips slightly and said seriously, "That won't do. Dayuan and Dalan have only just established trade. If we don't keep a close eye on things, how can we be at peace?"
Xie Jingsheng groaned and lifted him directly from the chair, whispering into his ear, "Then why bother bathing? This time is precious; it should be spent on the 'proper path.'"
He Anchang wrapped his arms tightly around the other's back and whispered something back. In the next moment, the tablecloth was yanked away, and he was pressed onto the table. Xie Jingsheng lowered his head to capture the lips that had just spoken, his hand sliding downward.
The room grew even warmer.
After this trip, He Anchang truly didn't leave again. He stayed in the shop, tidying up the chaotic accounts, frequently using the ledger to swat the person who had recorded them so poorly. Having lost his leisure, Xie Jingsheng didn't dare be an idle manager either. He spent his days guarding his Master, hauling goods and arranging shelves. The assistants were all given their New Year's leave early.
After all these years, who didn't understand the manager's lack of ambition beyond his partner?
As the end of the year approached, a letter arrived from Nansui. Xie Jingsheng and He Anchang packed a batch of New Year's goods and drove their carriage straight from the Jing Border toward Nansui Mountain in Shanyin.
It was the same every year; they had to gather for the eve of the first lunar month.
Xin Yi had originally intended to sweep the snow, but Chi Chi had brought a pack of small puppies to follow him, crowding and digging around his feet. He simply gave up, leading the pack in circles around the courtyard to play in the snow.
Old Qu rarely did manual labor these days. The old man had stooped quite a bit and now required a walking stick. He stood under the veranda, watching Xin Yi frolic with the group of little black fluffballs, a smile on his face. After a while, Bai Jiu emerged from the house.
"The Young Prince is still so young." Old Qu's memory was failing him; he often called Xin Yi, who had already been the Retired Emperor, "Young Prince," as if he had just entered the manor. He smiled. "Don't sweep the snow in this courtyard. Leave it for the Young Prince to enjoy."
"He is indeed still young." Bai Jiu's expression softened. "He never grows up. Let him play."
Xin Yi knelt to tie red ribbons on each of the puppies. Chi Chi sat nearby, wearing a large silk flower. When Xin Yi looked up and saw the dog's dark face framed by the red flower, he couldn't help but laugh, and for some reason, he couldn't stop.
A hand reached out from behind to cup his face. He looked up, his dimples deepening.
"Who tied this on him?"
Bai Jiu replied, "The taste is certainly... unique."
Xin Yi stood up. "Xiao Jin is quite something. I thought having a son would have improved his sensibilities."
"Even a son can't save him from this." Bai Jiu laughed as well, taking Xin Yi's hand. The two stood in the courtyard amidst the red silk flowers, laughing at Xiao Jin's unchanging taste.
Meanwhile, Xiao Jin, who was accompanying Xin Ming in the Hall of Supreme Harmony to watch the New Year festivities, suddenly sneezed—and then kept sneezing without stop.
As the lanterns were lit in the courtyard that evening, Xie Jingsheng and He Anchang arrived. The carriage was unloaded of a mountain of New Year's goods—food, clothes, and toys of every kind.
All the lanterns in the courtyard had been made by Bai Jiu. When lit, they each had a different glow, shimmering beautifully in the light snow. The courtyard was the same old one from years ago. Though the grapevines had withered, they remained in their old place. The scattered chess game on the wild stones also remained, now covered in snow, forming a scenic view of its own.
The doors were the sliding type, hung with thick curtains for the winter. Inside, the mats looked fresh, likely recently replaced. Books were scattered about, and in the innermost corner by the window stood a small stand, displaying a single, frayed, hand-copied book.
The house was warm. As soon as they entered, Xie Jingsheng helped He Anchang out of his heavy cloak.
The eve of the first lunar month called for a reunion dinner.
However, these four weren't particularly formal. Since He Anchang had brought plenty of fresh ingredients, they set up a hotpot. They gathered around a small table, the four of them forming a perfect circle. As the small cups were filled with wine, the sound of firecrackers and fireworks rose from the distant foot of the mountain—it was time to start their meal.
Before eating, they clinked their cups, but not to drink. Instead, they turned their hands to pour the wine into the incense burner, dousing the burning incense.
This was the tradition to honor their elder brothers.
As the pot began to boil, they swished thin slices of mutton into the broth, dipped them in sauce, and ate while drinking warm wine. With the sound of falling snow outside, the unique flavor of the New Year emerged.
Xin Yi and He Anchang chatted about trade in the Jing Border, while Bai Jiu sat to the side, mostly silent. Xie Jingsheng was busy cooking meat for He Anchang when, through the rising steam of the pot, he suddenly let out a soft "ah" and leaned forward slightly.
"My Lord," he said, pointing to his own temple.
Bai Jiu glanced at him, poured some wine, and said calmly, "The age has come."
White hair was perfectly normal.
Xie Jingsheng was stunned. He should have made a joke, but for some reason, the words wouldn't come. He merely lowered his head and ate for a while, saying no more. On the other side, Xin Yi acted as if he hadn't heard, but He Anchang's hand reached out under the sleeve to squeeze Xie Jingsheng's fingertips.
He had sensed the other's momentary melancholy.
Later, Xin Yi went to the veranda to see Chi Chi, and He Anchang followed. The curtains of the room were half-drawn to let out the heat. Xie Jingsheng leaned against the doorframe, clutching a wine cup, watching the two of them talk to the puppies on the veranda.
Bai Jiu sat down across from him, a wine tray between them.
"What is that look for?" Bai Jiu partially hooded his eyes. "You look as if I'm about to be buried in the earth the moment I turn my head."
Xie Jingsheng rubbed the bridge of his nose and smiled, though there was little joy in it. "What kind of talk is that, My Lord?" He paused. "This time... it passes in the blink of an eye. Though I'm not one to obsess over years, seeing it so suddenly, I still..." It didn't feel right.
He had followed Bai Jiu since he was young—from Shanyin to the Capital, from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to the heights of the imperial court, and finally, following him into retirement.
Retirement.
When that word had first left his mouth, it was merely a playful excuse. He hadn't expected that in the blink of an eye, it would become the truth.
Xie Jingsheng set down his wine cup, straightened up, and rubbed his face before laughing. "To think that a scourge like Xie Jingsheng could actually live to grow old." He laughed again. "I haven't lost out one bit in this life."
When he had accompanied He Anchang back to the He Manor, he had been chased out by the old matriarch the entire way. After all these years, if he didn't go back to be scolded by her once a year, he felt out of sorts. Although Zhang Taiyan hadn't seen He Anchang again, the New Year's gifts from last year hadn't been thrown out. Xie Jingsheng was now immersed in this peaceful life; he asked for nothing more, only for it to last a little longer.
Just a little longer.
"The saying that 'scourges live for a thousand years' is not without merit." Bai Jiu smiled as well. A few thin strands of white hair hung by his temples, yet the intense beauty in his narrow eyes remained undiminished. "You are of that age now as well. Take care of yourself."
The two sat for a while longer.
Laughter drifted in from the veranda. Xin Yi was holding a puppy, showing He Anchang the red silk flower on Chi Chi. He Anchang was cold... but Xie Jingsheng's He Anchang was no longer cold.
The corners of Xie Jingsheng's mouth twitched. For the first time in his life, he boldly patted his Lord on the shoulder.
"Though I'm a bit unwilling," he sighed softly. "I must say, I can still hold on."
He could hold on to this peace, won only after a lifetime.
Bai Jiu sipped his wine. He saw Xin Yi look back from under the lanterns, a faint dimple appearing—that was his destination.
He said, "It's still early."
Firecrackers echoed in the night again.
He whispered, "It's only been a few years. There are still ten, twenty, thirty years more."
It was still early.
And in the end, it was nothing more than...
Falling into the yellow earth, a handful of dust scattered to the wind.
Everyone remains within these eternal mountains and rivers.
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