Xie Jingsheng waited outside the palace gate. He was now a high-ranking official in the provinces, but in the capital, he still couldn't shake off the habit of attending to the master. The master's Chiye was pawing at the ground nearby, snorting at him. He quickly moved aside, yielding the space to this horse lord.

A carriage stood still nearby. Although it didn't contain anyone particularly frightening, out of respect for the late Prince of Yan, Xie Jingsheng found it improper to approach and lift the curtain to disturb the person inside while they remained motionless.

Not long after, Bai Jiu emerged, holding a mutton-fat jade pendant. His steps were unhurried, graceful and elegant. Kang Fu had been accompanying him all along, smiling genially, completely unlike the Grand Eunuch's usual demeanor.

"'Your Excellency is now one of the few venerable princes in the capital. Occasionally taking a palanquin is no big deal. His Majesty sees your comings and goings and feels for your efforts.'"

Upon hearing this, Xie Jingsheng only lowered his head and sneered. 'This eunuch is no good. There's already a true Prince of Qin in the capital, and His Excellency was only just granted a two-character princedom a few days ago. Taking a palanquin in the palace is completely out of line. These words are pushing His Excellency further into the spotlight, just like his master, harboring ill intentions.'

The jade pendant in Bai Jiu's hand spun a few times. The smile on his lips never faded. He didn't get on his horse, but instead turned his eyes to Kang Fu, patting his shoulder kindly. "You've gone to a lot of trouble, Eunuch."

Kang Fu's pale, aged face twitched. His waist bent first, and he laughed, "Oh, Your Excellency, what are you saying? This servant is also worried that Your Excellency is exhausted by your official duties. Time is precious, and it's not worth spending so much of it on the road."

Bai Jiu's smile became even gentler. "I said you've gone to a lot of trouble, Eunuch, and so you have. But there's no need for a palanquin in the palace; I don't like it."

That light "I don't like it" from him almost made Kang Fu's back give out. Fortunately, he managed to compose himself and hold his tongue. He only dared to offer a fawning smile and respectfully invited him. Knowing that Bai Jiu disliked being watched while waiting, he quickly apologized and withdrew.

Xie Jingsheng lightly spat. 'This old fellow has bad eyesight, and his heart is completely black.'

Bai Jiu hooked the tassel of the jade pendant with his fingertip, then turned and lifted the carriage curtain. Xie Jingsheng, standing behind, also peered in and saw that the person inside was still sleeping. He stammered, "This... the heir is truly impressive."

From their journey back to the capital until now, this heir had almost always dealt with boredom by sleeping.

Bai Jiu got straight into the carriage and said to Xie Jingsheng, "Let Chiye run in front."

Xie Jingsheng acknowledged, and after Chiye started running, he turned and got into his own carriage, following behind Bai Jiu's.

As the curtain closed, the carriage grew somewhat dark.

A young boy was curled up on the straw mat. His body hadn't fully developed yet; he looked thin and weak, curled up with a pillow like a shrimp. His hair, which had been neatly styled that morning, was now rumpled, and a few strands covered his eyes. He was sleeping profoundly.

Bai Jiu watched with interest for a long while, then stretched out a hand. The cool jade pendant slid onto his face, making him let out a soft sigh and rub against it. Bai Jiu pushed aside the strands of hair covering his eyes, revealing a pure and deeply sleeping profile.

This child didn't resemble Prince of Yan much, nor did he possess the heroic spirit of his elder brothers. He was more like Princess Consort of Yan, more refined.

Amidst the rocking of the carriage, there was a clang, likely from rolling over a stone. Xin Yi, hugging his pillow, rolled a few times and bumped against Bai Jiu's knees. Bai Jiu had been watching his tumbling face; seeing that he couldn't wake up even like this, he lifted his leg, rolling the person over once more.

Unexpectedly, as he withdrew his leg, Xin Yi rolled back with a gurgle, insisting on snuggling against his knees to sleep. Once asleep, he slept soundly, completely motionless.

Bai Jiu stared at his sleeping face for a long while. He wavered between throwing him out and kicking him out. This child, however, was rubbing his face against Bai Jiu's knee, sleeping with an expression of utterly satisfied slumber, like a cat. Bai Jiu frowned slightly, his fingertips hovering to grab the back of his collar, then withdrawing.

Xin Yi slept soundly. Bai Jiu watched him the whole way, only finding it novel.

From the moment they got into the carriage in Posa City, aside from necessary activities, Xin Yi had been completely asleep and still. As long as he was alone in the carriage with a pillow, it was as if he hadn't slept in seven or eight years. Even back in the capital, he wasn't afraid. 'Was it because he was young and naive, or because his bones were tough and he feared no bumps?'

The carriage didn't stop at the Bai Manor's main gate but went directly inside. Once inside, Xie Jingsheng disembarked first and saw Old Qu already waiting nearby. The two exchanged a few greetings; Old Qu was an old retainer by Bai Jiu's side, and Xie Jingsheng treated him with great respect. However, after they finished their small talk and circled around a few topics, Bai Jiu still hadn't gotten out of the carriage. Just as they were wondering whether to call out from outside the curtain, the dark blue curtain was half-lifted, and Bai Jiu stepped out.

The moment he got out of the carriage, the person who had been sweetly sleeping against his leg rolled with a thump against the carriage wall. He suddenly woke up, looking around bewildered with a mess of hair, and met a pair of cold, deep, narrow eyes. The chill sent a shiver through him, sobering him up considerably.

Xin Yi opened his mouth, as if to greet someone. Perhaps he only remembered he was mute after opening his mouth, so he closed it again, merely smiling at Bai Jiu. His gentle eyes were dewy, and with that smile, a dimple swirled on his cheek.

Xie Jingsheng thought this little heir truly didn't resemble Prince of Yan's son. 'Look how bold he is, not afraid in the slightest.'

However, Bai Jiu, unexpectedly, didn't ignore him and turn to leave. Instead, he reached out, straightened Xin Yi's disheveled collar, and said, "We're home."

Xin Yi seemed to have no interest in the word "home"; he simply followed the hand extended to him and got out of the carriage.

Old Qu smiled kindly, "Greetings, Your Highness. This old servant is Bai Qu, the steward of His Excellency's manor."

Xin Yi nodded, smiling at Old Qu.

Old Qu said with affection, "Your Excellency, please come in quickly; the meal has long been prepared. Your Highness has traveled hard and looks quite thin. Now that you are at His Excellency's manor, just tell this old servant if you need anything for food, clothing, or daily use."

Bai Jiu had already started walking inside. Hearing this, he said, "Arrange quarters for the heir right here in this courtyard. There's no need to go to a side courtyard."

Old Qu assented repeatedly, and the group proceeded inside. Xin Yi, new to this place, didn't look around but quietly and obediently followed by Bai Jiu's side. Bai Jiu clearly noticed this from the corner of his eye, and for some unknown reason, he slowed his pace by half a step, walking abreast with him.

"This is the main courtyard; there's no one else here besides me. If you're inclined someday, you can even ride horses here and no one will bother you. Through the side corridor here is the study, and beyond that are pine groves and small pavilions. Over there is the back gate of Old Qu's courtyard, and halfway there's a square training ground where Chiye is." Finally, Bai Jiu's lips twitched. "There are a few Beiyang Horses in the manor, also there."

While he spoke, Xin Yi maintained an attentive expression, looking very serious. Bai Jiu patted his head and said, "Remember it clearly."

Xin Yi nodded, his dimple never fading.

During the meal, Xin Yi ate more than Xie Jingsheng. Xie Jingsheng had originally wanted to tease him a bit, but then he remembered Prince of Ping, who had died in Posa City, and recalled that Xin Yi had been under Prince of Ping's control for several years, reportedly even living in a stable. He probably hadn't had a proper meal in a long time. The jest that had reached his lips was swallowed back, unspoken.

After the meal, Xin Yi went to the room prepared for him to rest. Xie Jingsheng watched his docile retreating figure and couldn't help but say, "Prince of Ping was tyrannical. Seeing the heir now, it will probably be even harder to control Beiyang."

Bai Jiu toyed with the teacup lid with his fingertips, a mocking curve on his lips. "Who said I want him to return to Beiyang?"

Xie Jingsheng was startled. "Your Excellency brought him into the manor... wasn't it to send him back to Beiyang?"

Xin Yi was a great gift. The Beiyang Three Jins only obeyed Prince of Yan. After Prince of Yan's death, his sole surviving heir was tormented and abused in every way by Prince of Ping. Just four years was enough for Prince of Ping to be hated by the Beiyang people for a lifetime. Xin Yi was mute, and the Beiyang people might feel he couldn't bear the heavy responsibilities of Prince of Yan, but this was absolutely no reason for Prince of Ping to casually humiliate him. Currently, Bai Jiu couldn't advance much further in his official rank; he only had the title of Prince of Pingding, a two-character princedom. While it seemed like boundless glory and immense power, he was actually already at loggerheads with the Left Faction. Not having actual military command was always a hidden danger. If Bai Jiu were to send Xin Yi back to Beiyang hale and hearty, then in the future, if needed, the Beiyang Three Jins would certainly repay this favor with all their might.

Bai Jiu's narrow eyes were half-closed, his attitude somewhat languid. "Why should I send him back to Beiyang? The Beiyang people have never asked me to do so."

"Then why?"

Bai Jiu stirred the teacup lid. "I feel like it."

Xie Jingsheng was speechless. He didn't dare ask, "What exactly do you 'feel like doing'?" This is a troublesome burden for no good reason; if you don't cast him aside early, he'll eventually burn your hands. Didn't you see that His Majesty didn't even want to look at him today? Your Excellency is truly uninhibited and adorable.

He still had to maintain the demeanor of a high official, so he could only force a dry laugh and say, "Well, then, keeping him here won't be a problem. I find the heir obedient and quite adorable..." As he spoke, he saw Bai Jiu look up, clearly showing an expression of understanding in his eyes. He quickly stopped himself, coughed, and said, "No, this subordinate just thinks the heir is quiet, quiet."

Bai Jiu, however, smiled inexplicably. "Hard to say."

'Hard to say?'

'How could a little mute not be quiet?'

In the hour of Chou* that night.

*T/N: 1-3 AM

Bai Jiu was still at his desk when he suddenly heard Old Qu gently call "Your Excellency" from outside the door. He dropped his brush, put on his outer robe, and opened the door. Seeing Old Qu's grave face in the lantern light, he frowned.

Even before entering the room, he could hear Xin Yi's short, sharp screams. The urgent, brief sounds were caught in his throat, utterly overflowing with despair.

Upon entering, Bai Jiu indeed saw Xin Yi being held down amidst the bedding. A small maidservant, already afraid of disturbing Bai Jiu, hastily stuffed a cloth into his mouth. He was still struggling, his distinct black and white eyes hollow and devoid of human vitality. His hands unconsciously clawed at the bedding, the veins on the back of his hands taut, and beads of sweat continuously trickled down his temples.

Bai Jiu's expression turned cold. Old Qu first angrily shouted, "You wretched thing! Quickly take out that cloth!"

Bai Jiu had already reached the bedside, not even sparing a glance at the maidservant's face. "Drag her out!"

The maidservant was dragged out with her mouth covered, not a single sob escaping. Without the cloth obstructing him, Xin Yi gasped urgently with an open mouth, his screams intermittent.

Bai Jiu suddenly kicked over the screen by the bed, letting out a cold roar, "Get out!"

Everyone in the room silently and swiftly retreated. Bai Jiu took Xin Yi's fingers, which were tightly clutching the bedding, one by one into his own palm, interlocking their fingers firmly. Xin Yi was still struggling. Bai Jiu smoothly scooped him onto his lap, embracing him from behind, holding him tightly against his chest. Xin Yi's fingers desperately clutched and scratched at the back of Bai Jiu's hand. The trembling of his body clearly transferred from his chest, and his screams gradually turned into low sobs.

Bai Jiu heard him speak.

"'Xin, Z-Zhenxiao.'"

Bai Jiu pressed his chin against Xin Yi's trembling shoulder, speaking slowly and clearly into his ear, "That's a dead man."

Xin Yi turned his head, choking back sobs. Bai Jiu's dark, dangerous eyebrows and eyes were right there, almost cheek to cheek with him, yet he asked as if grasping a lifesaver, "Is... is he really dead?"

Bai Jiu saw his reddened eye corners and once again whispered, "That's a dead man."

Drops of water splattered onto the back of the hand that was embracing him, making Bai Jiu frown. Yet, the dimple on his cheek faintly appeared. He chuckled through his sobs, repeating, "He deserves to die."

'Prince of Ping deserves to die.'