Chapter 7 - A Heart Stirred by Teasing
The following days passed without disturbance, granting Xin Yi a rare period of leisure. Seeing this, Old Qu invited him to the pond before the study to pass the time fishing. A small skiff had indeed been added to the waters, and a young boy named Xiao Yang, his hair tied in traditional tufts, waited upon it. He was a child of the water, skilled in the ways of the river. Upon seeing this, Xin Yi smiled and remarked to Old Qu, "You are truly remarkable, Elder. It has been but a few days, and yet you truly found one."
Old Qu chuckled heartily. "Hearing the Heir speak of it made it sound so intriguing that I thought it a fine bit of rustic charm to bring to the manor. You go ahead, Your Highness. This lad has been mucking about in the water since the day he was born; swimming and punting are second nature to him."
Xin Yi tucked the hem of his robes into his belt and donned a bamboo conical hat. As he stepped onto the boat, he offered a friendly greeting to Xiao Yang. The boy was dark-skinned from the sun, lean and wiry, and appeared quite bashful in Xin Yi’s presence. However, the moment he took up the pole, the boat glided out with practiced stability.
Xin Yi sat cross-legged at the bow, casting his line in a fluid motion. He squinted against the glare of the afternoon sun, settling into a quiet rhythm in the center of the pond. The sun was fierce; even with the shade of his hat, it wasn't long before his back was damp with sweat. Looking back at Xiao Yang, he saw the boy already lounging at the stern, half his body submerged in the cool water.
"Is the water refreshing?" Xin Yi asked with a smile.
Xiao Yang nodded. "Though it’s warmer than in other seasons, it’s far more comfortable than being up there. Why doesn't the Heir..." He stopped abruptly, realizing he might be overstepping, and quickly added, "I shall catch some fish for you!" With a splash, he slid into the water like a loach and dove beneath the surface.
Xin Yi let out a soft laugh. He lay back on the deck of the boat, securing the fishing rod beneath him and resting the bamboo hat over his face. The heat of the sun seeped into his skin, and his back felt sticky against the wood, yet he found he enjoyed the intensity of the light. He didn't mind the sting of the sun at all.
He drifted in a daze for an unknown length of time until he felt a slight tug on the rod beneath his hand. He sat up abruptly, preparing to reel in the line, only to see Xiao Yang burst from the water. The boy held a large, thrashing carp, his eyes disappearing into a joyful grin. "Look, Your Highness!"
The hook Xin Yi pulled up was, naturally, empty. He wasn't annoyed; instead, he gestured for Xiao Yang to toss the fish into the basket. He cast his line again, leaning over with the boy to inspect the catch. The carp was exceptionally large, flopping so vigorously that it nearly toppled the basket. "You watch, Your Highness," Xiao Yang chirped. "I'll get a few more."
Xin Yi nodded, watching as the boy slipped back into the water, swimming with the grace of a fish. He rested his chin on his hand, watching the ripples. In a short time, the basket began to fill rapidly. Looking at his own still-empty hook, Xin Yi couldn't help but chuckle. Long before he had expected, the basket was overflowing.
He called Xiao Yang back, and the two punted to the shore. Old Qu, who had been enjoying the shade of the trees, greeted them with a smile. "The Heir shall have quite the feast today."
"It is thanks to your foresight, Elder, in finding such an expert to assist me," Xin Yi replied.
Old Qu pointed at Xiao Yang and laughed. "It seems the luck belongs to this lad. Go on, change your clothes and head to the inner office to claim a generous reward."
Xiao Yang thanked them profusely, his white teeth flashing in a wide grin. Seeing Xin Yi looking at him, he tried to suppress his excitement to remain respectful before a noble, which only prompted more teasing from Old Qu and Xin Yi.
Xin Yi picked up the heavy fish basket himself. He had barely exchanged a few words with Old Qu when the weight was suddenly lifted from his hand. He turned to find Bai Jiu standing behind him. Bai Jiu hefted the basket slightly and remarked, "A bountiful harvest."
Old Qu tactfully withdrew, leaving the two to walk side by side.
Xin Yi shook his head with a smile. "It was a gift from the water and the lad; I can hardly claim the credit."
"I wouldn't say it was entirely the work of others." Bai Jiu reached out, took the bamboo hat from Xin Yi’s head, and placed it on his own. "I saw you putting in quite the effort, drenched in sweat as you were." He then held out a plain white handkerchief. "Wipe yourself."
Xin Yi thanked him and wiped the perspiration from his temples. He noticed the cloth bore no mark of its owner.
"It’s for you," Bai Jiu said smoothly. "Keep it; it will be useful for daily use."
Xin Yi smiled. "How does the Lord like his fish? We have more than enough today to prepare them however you wish."
"Braised," Bai Jiu replied.
Xin Yi wiped another bead of sweat. "That is perfect. I prefer them braised as well." He turned his gaze toward Bai Jiu. "You must eat your fill at dinner tonight, My Lord."
Bai Jiu was currently tracing the path of a crystalline drop of sweat as it slid down Xin Yi’s temple. Hearing the words, he let out a distracted "Hmm?"—a rare moment of being caught off guard.
Unaware of the other man's focus, Xin Yi continued, "Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival. I imagine the formal dinner will be a stifling, performative affair."
Bai Jiu watched as the sweat drop traveled from the corner of Xin Yi’s forehead to the edge of his gentle, warm eyes, finally disappearing into the hollow of a deepening dimple. Bai Jiu’s throat tightened. He looked away, feigning nonchalance as he stared straight ahead, his usually smiling lips pressing into a thin, tight line. Xin Yi noticed the sudden shift to a stoic expression and the lapse in conversation. Strangely, walking in the shade of the trees, he felt no tension; instead, he felt that when the Lord acted with such gravity, he possessed a truly formidable aura.
Upon returning to their quarters, the fish were handed over to Old Qu. It was still early; the sun had only just begun its descent, and dusk was a while off. The two sat in the shade of the courtyard and began a game of Go. Xin Yi was not particularly skilled, but today, by some miracle, they traded wins and losses, making the game quite enjoyable. As they began to clear the board, Xin Yi looked at Bai Jiu’s elegant, effortless posture and couldn't help but laugh.
Bai Jiu knew exactly what he was laughing at. He rolled a black jade piece between his fingers. "I didn't realize the Lord was such a dreadful player. A waste of such a fine appearance, wouldn't you say?"
Xin Yi leaned back in his wicker lounging chair, rocking gently. "Your skill was quite the surprise as well, My Lord." He laughed again.
Bai Jiu cleared the remaining pieces and reclined in the adjacent chair. "It isn't a waste if it serves to win a smile."
A light breeze stirred the hair on Xin Yi’s forehead. He lay on the rattan chair, watching the sunlight filter through the gaps in the leaves in dappled patterns. The light danced across his brow and fingers, bringing a sense of languid, peaceful relaxation. Beside him, Bai Jiu closed his eyes slightly, remaining still. He listened to the sound of Xin Yi’s breathing and the rhythmic creak of the chair, feeling a drowsy, idle contentment. When Xin Yi eventually turned his head to look at him, he realized Bai Jiu appeared to have fallen asleep.
His features were calm, his expression peaceful.
Bai Jiu’s long fingers rested on the arm of the rattan chair—beautiful, flawless fingers that drew the eye. Xin Yi silently rolled over, propping himself up to watch him. He tentatively reached out his hand, hovering his fingers near Bai Jiu’s as if to touch, yet never quite making contact. Suddenly, Bai Jiu’s fingers moved with lightning speed, capturing Xin Yi’s hand within his palm and holding it firmly.
Xin Yi’s face flushed a deep crimson. He looked up in a panic, only to see Bai Jiu staring down at their joined hands with an intrigued expression. Sensing Xin Yi’s alarm, Bai Jiu finally looked into his eyes.
Xin Yi felt his face burning; he felt utterly foolish. He stammered, trying to find words, but he couldn't pull his hand away. "I... cough... no, My L—Lord..."
"What do you call He Anchang?" Bai Jiu asked, seemingly oblivious to the boy's flustered state. He lifted their joined hands, inspecting them with interest.
"L—Lord He..."
"And what do you call Zhang Taiyan?" Bai Jiu’s thumb brushed gently over the back of Xin Yi’s hand. Xin Yi felt his heart hammering against his ribs so hard it felt like it might leap out. He was so embarrassed he didn't know where to look. "Lord Zh—Zhang..."
"Then what do you call me?" Bai Jiu’s gaze locked onto his face. He stared at him, bringing the back of Xin Yi’s hand to his own cheek, tilting his head to graze the skin with a soft, lingering touch. The sensation traveled from the back of Xin Yi’s hand straight to his chest. He immediately covered his nose with his free fist—a habit he had whenever he was overcome with shyness.
"L—Lord..."
"Oh." Bai Jiu maintained his position, watching him intently. "Just another 'Lord' among many."
Xin Yi couldn't take it anymore and buried his face in his arm, the corners of his eyes flushed red from the heat of his own blush. "N—No, it’s not like that..." he muffled.
"Then what?"
"B—Brother Bai..."
"I am not your elder brother."
"Lord Nine?"
"There are as many 'Lord Nines' in the capital as there are ants." Bai Jiu leaned across the gap between the two chairs, his eyes fixed on the reddened corners of Xin Yi’s eyes. "Shizi-ye?"
The way Bai Jiu spoke the title was lingering and melodic, like a string being plucked in Xin Yi’s heart. At a loss, Xin Yi could only stare at him. Bai Jiu chuckled and lay back in his chair, seemingly returning to sleep, though he did not let go of Xin Yi’s hand.
As the summer sun dipped lower, Old Qu arrived to announce dinner. Xin Yi woke from a nap he hadn't realized he’d taken. Bai Jiu was washing his hands; he glanced back and said simply, "Come, let's eat."
Xin Yi washed his hands and followed him inside. He finished his meal at lightning speed that evening, while Bai Jiu remained as composed as ever. When Bai Jiu left, he only gave the usual reminder to "watch your step." Xin Yi hurried back to his room, only letting out a long breath once he was lying in bed. He pressed a hand to his chest; his heart was racing. But then he remembered that this was the hand Bai Jiu had held, and his face burned anew. He tossed and turned for half the night before finally drifting off.
In his dream, Xin Yi was back on the rattan chair under the tree, but the sky had turned to night, and brilliant stars peeked through the leaves. He rolled over, falling into a chest that smelled of cool, crisp air. The owner of that chest pressed a light kiss to his forehead, trailing down the bridge of his nose. Cool fingertips brushed aside his collar, sliding over his skin and making his breath hitch. The person’s hand tightened around his waist, and Xin Yi’s lips were sealed in a kiss, leaving him utterly defeated within that icy embrace.
"A-Yi." The person’s kisses moved to his neck, lingering over his Adam's apple, calling his name repeatedly. "A-Yi."
Xin Yi tilted his head back, gasping softly. In his weakness, he saw the man's face—it was Bai Jiu. Yet he felt no fear or panic. Instead, he cupped Bai Jiu’s face, pressing a kiss to the space between his brows. *Such magnificent, dangerous eyes,* Xin Yi thought. He brushed his fingers against Bai Jiu’s cheek, leaning in to nuzzle him affectionately. As Bai Jiu’s hand moved to a more dangerous place, Xin Yi let out a muffled groan and curled inward, only to be pulled tighter into the embrace. Sounds began to escape his throat...
Xin Yi sat bolt upright, his chest heaving. He sat in a daze for a long time before dejectedly running a hand through his hair, staring at the quilt with a look of utter confusion and helplessness.
He remained in that daze until dawn.
He went nowhere that day, staying in his room to read. By the time Old Qu came to fetch him, he realized he had only managed to read a single page, and the sun was already setting. After dressing, he boarded the carriage. As he lifted the curtain, he saw Bai Jiu carving a piece of jade. He froze for a moment, then quickly lowered his head to hide his expression.
Fortunately, Bai Jiu didn't look closely, only glancing up briefly. Because of the previous night's dream, Xin Yi sat as far away as possible, keeping the curtain lifted to stare outside the entire way. When they finally reached the palace gates, they disembarked together. Standing beside Bai Jiu, the tips of Xin Yi’s ears were still pink. Bai Jiu seemed not to notice as they were led into the palace.
They had only walked a few paces when Xin Yi saw Xin Wen approaching from another path, following behind Prince Qin. Xin Wen was glaring at him with pure venom. Xin Yi was the first to smile, offering a polite bow before Prince Qin could speak.
Prince Qin stepped forward, nodding with a smile. He made a show of supporting Xin Yi’s arm, gripping his hand with apparent sincerity. "You lad! This Prince is your blood uncle, after all. How could you have the heart to not come and see me?"
Xin Yi’s expression was equally sincere, though he allowed a hint of awkwardness to show when the question was asked. He glanced at Xin Wen behind Prince Qin, then turned back to smile at the Prince. Prince Qin turned and gave Xin Wen a cold huff before continuing to Xin Yi, "Your brother has always been overbearing. I imagine he failed to mention my wishes when he went to see you. That scoundrel... if he ever troubles you again, you just tell me, and I’ll settle the matter for you."
Xin Yi shook his head with a smile, as if he held no ill will toward Xin Wen. Prince Qin praised him as a "good child" several more times before turning to Bai Jiu, his smile becoming even more cordial.
"Lord Bai—ah, I should say, Prince of Pacification. In just a few days, we have truly become family." He laughed loudly. "A joyous occasion indeed."
Bai Jiu’s gaze had been fixed impassively on the hand Prince Qin used to grip Xin Yi. Now, he offered a lukewarm smile. "We have been family for quite some time now." He placed a hand on Xin Yi’s shoulder. "Xin Yi has only just arrived in the capital, and my care has been lacking. I shall have to rely on Your Highness to guide him tonight."
"What are you saying, Prince of Pacification? We are all one family; there is no need for such formality." Prince Qin began to walk, keeping pace with Bai Jiu. "Tonight, when the Emperor sees Xin Yi, he will finally know how much His Majesty has missed him."
Xin Yi merely smiled. Bai Jiu ensured that Xin Wen’s glare could not linger on Xin Yi for even a second, shielding the boy with his shoulder as he exchanged sparse, indifferent words with Prince Qin.
Xin Wen was inwardly cursing Bai Jiu when he suddenly saw Xin Yi lower his head as if smiling. But when Xin Yi’s gaze shifted toward him, it was even more tranquil and devoid of emotion than the day he had kicked Xin Wen into the pond.
