Xin Yi arrived at Xiaoxiao Restaurant. Hu Yong was accompanying Chagatai to view the panoramic scenery of the Capital's long gardens. Chagatai still had a trace of anger on his face; it seemed he hadn't quite recovered yet. Arslang was alone by the viewing platform, and when Xin Yi came up, he merely glanced over.

Xin Yi didn't sit down when he saw a familiar face hovering nearby. He recognized it as the usual manager of Xiaoxiao Restaurant. Xin Yi thought for a moment, then walked over.

"We knew Young Master would be coming this morning," the manager said kindly. "All the pastries and snacks Young Master usually enjoys have been prepared. If Young Master finds time to sample them, just give a nod, and we'll serve them immediately."

Xin Yi nodded with a smile. The manager chuckled again before respectfully retreating. Xiaoxiao Restaurant offered a wide variety of food, and Xin Yi often enjoyed sampling things there when he had nothing else to do. The manager was a shrewd man, eager to present him with all the best dishes, fearing that if Xin Yi wasn't happy with his meal, Bai Jiu wouldn't be happy either.

At that thought, Xin Yi's cheeks flushed slightly. He felt the day growing hotter and reached up to loosen a button, but his fingers had barely touched his collar when he suddenly remembered and lowered his hand again.

'Last night... I guess I'll just keep it covered.'

Afterwards, Xiaoxiao Restaurant served ice along with fruit and snacks, which somewhat alleviated the heat. When Xin Yi's portion was delivered, it was clear a lot of thought had gone into it. It wasn't that the presentation surpassed Chagatai's, but rather the sheer delicacy of it; one could immediately tell it was different from the others upon receiving it. The fruit pulp felt cool in his mouth. Xin Yi held a small piece pressed against his tongue, using it to dispel a tiny bit of summer heat from his body. Unfortunately, it wasn't very effective, only dispelling boredom.

Chagatai was in low spirits, and Hu Yong was helpless, so they eventually had to depart hastily. Xin Yi felt drowsy all afternoon but did not return directly to his manor. Instead, he made a detour to an ordinary villa.

This courtyard, located in the Capital, was neither big nor small, just ordinary. It didn't look like the residence of a powerful noble but rather suitable for a well-to-do family.

When Xin Yi arrived, the courtyard gate was already open. A child with hair tied in two tufts stood waiting by the door. Upon seeing him, the child quickly bowed and led him inside. Xin Yi entered the courtyard. Once they passed the hall, the child withdrew, and Ji Baiyue was standing under a locust tree, waiting.

"Young Master." Ji Baiyue stood with his hands behind his back, his pupils shifting unpredictably in the light and shadow. He calmly said, "I have been waiting for Young Master for a long time."

Xin Yi stopped below the hall, watching him, but didn't respond.

Ji Baiyue raised his head, looking at the dense locust leaves above him. "The last time I saw Young Master was when the Second Young Master passed away." He paused slightly. "Time truly flies."

Ji Baiyue had indeed been in the Prince of Yan's Manor for quite some time. He was the Eldest Brother's vice-general, highly esteemed by their father, capable of teaching his Third Brother archery and horsemanship, and possessed a kind nature and decisive judgment. In his Eldest Brother's heart, this man was both a close friend and like a brother. Yet, the person standing under the tree now was completely different from the Ji Baiyue Xin Yi had once known.

"You see that I am not the man I once was, and I see that you are not the person you once were." Ji Baiyue said, returning his gaze. "I have come this time for Young Master."

Ji Baiyue knew he was articulate. Xin Yi's dimples deepened slightly as he said, "Xin Yi is but a discarded piece; how could General Ji Bai bother to come all this way?"

"The game has just begun," Ji Baiyue said, seeing no ripple of emotion in him. He couldn't help but take a step forward. "Yet, Young Master, you have not assumed the position of a discarded piece."

"The moves and flow are not within my control," Xin Yi's eyes darkened slightly. "What business does the General have with me?"

"The Second Young Master died in Wan Ze and is now buried on the border. You escaped from Xin Zhenxiao, yet you don't even go to see him," Ji Baiyue said coldly. "Young Master, you are truly disheartening."

As the twilight gradually faded, the light in Xin Yi's eyes seemed to dim with it. He said, "I am inherently a heartless person; what's so strange about that?"

"Do you perhaps hate us for ignoring you when Xin Zhenxiao was around?"

Xin Yi's brows showed fatigue. He said, "If the General only rushed here for this one question, the cost of alarming the Great Yuan people would be a bit too high."

Ji Baiyue said, "My words about coming to see Young Master are by no means mere politeness. What exactly are Young Master's plans while in the Capital?"

"That is my business," Xin Yi said, growing more distant. "It has nothing to do with Beiyang."

"Oh." Ji Baiyue sneered, "As the Prince of Yan's heir, you cannot be separated from Beiyang even in death. Young Master's words are truly childish! Now, all three hundred thousand of Beiyang's military authority is about to fall into your hands; are you truly willing to cower in the Capital, entangled in an unclean affair with a powerful minister? Bai Jiu cherishes you, pities you, promotes you, and spoils you today, but can he really maintain this for his entire life? His Royal Highness Prince of Yan has four sons; your three elder brothers are all proud and upright! Why is it that when it comes to you, you've acquired a 'cut sleeve' tendency!"

"What concern is that of yours!" Xin Yi suddenly raised his eyes, his gentle demeanor completely gone. He said, "Three hundred thousand Beiyang military authority? Three hundred thousand Beiyang military authority! General, aren't your words childish? Does the Beiyang army truly still number three hundred thousand now? If military authority truly fell smoothly into my hands, I fear Shangjin would be the first to be restless!" He stepped closer to Ji Baiyue, his words tinged with a hint of gritted teeth. He said, "I also want to ask, why did my mother's ashes end up in the Imperial Palace! How did my Third Brother die from an arrow during a campaign! The battle of Wan Ze resulted in countless casualties, Ji Baiyue, is the path my Eldest Brother paved for you still firm under your feet?"

Ji Baiyue's face instantly turned pale, rendered speechless by Xin Yi's challenging presence. Xin Yi's pure, innocent eyes were now mixed with a chaotic look of disgust. He said, "Everyone says how Beiyang's Three Jins are loyal and unwavering to the Prince, but in the end, it's nothing but schemes, collusion, and covert backstabbing. As a discarded piece, even the most difficult situation is still just this. Since I could get out of Xin Zhenxiao's grasp, I can similarly get out of the Capital's grasp." Finally, he scoffed, "I'm perfectly willing to have this 'cut sleeve' tendency; what concern is it of others, what concern is it of yours? General, don't forget what you said: 'What business is it of yours?'"

Having spoken, Xin Yi turned and left, leaving Ji Baiyue to futilely extend his hand, unable to utter a word to make him stay.

Meng Chen poked his head out from inside the house and murmured, "My goodness, that really is the Young Master."

Ji Baiyue remained silent under the tree. Meng Chen jumped directly out of the window and consoled him, "He doesn't understand the Beiyang conflict, so he naturally doesn't know how much you took over for the Eldest Young Master, nor does he know your suffering these past years. How about I go find him again? The Young Master's rift with Beiyang is quite deep now."

"Do you truly believe his words?" Ji Baiyue's expression fell. "If he genuinely had no interest in Beiyang, why would he be so familiar with all these matters?"

Meng Chen rubbed his head and said, "But it's also good that we don't have to kill anyone." He gestured with his hand at his neck. "If we had actually done it, I'm afraid I wouldn't have the face to see His Highness and the Eldest Young Master when I go down. I quite like the Young Master when he's like this."

Ji Baiyue snorted coldly. "He's certainly surpassed the Third Young Master in his assertiveness. It was our oversight; we truly underestimated Young Master. If it weren't for Bai—" Both men paused, startled. Ji Baiyue immediately corrected himself, saying, "If it weren't for that person's help, I'm afraid Xin Zhenxiao would truly have died at Young Master's hands."

"Huh," Meng Chen said, puzzled. "I never knew that person had a 'cut sleeve' tendency before. You say he was a close friend with the Second Young Master for many years, so how did he end up fancying the heir instead?" As he finished speaking, he saw Ji Baiyue glaring at him. He was startled, completely bewildered, and asked strangely, "Why are you looking at me?"

Ji Baiyue's expression was grim. He flicked his sleeve and went inside. "'What business is it of yours!'"

Meng Chen innocently followed behind, saying, "Didn't you bring it up first...?"

By the time Xin Yi returned to his manor, it was already dark. He hurried into his room but didn't see Bai Jiu. The attendant, panting as he ran behind, stammered, "Yo-Young Master, Lord, Lord is in front of the study, pl-planting—" Xin Yi had already gone straight there.

By the pond, he could see Bai Jiu, dressed in a loose, flowing robe, squatting in a newly erected fenced vegetable garden, tending to something. Old Qu was holding a lantern nearby. Hearing the sound, he knew Xin Yi had returned.

Bai Jiu looked up and saw him, then stood up. First, he said to Xin Yi, "Wash your hands and then come for dinner." Then, to Old Qu, he said, "Plant the rest tomorrow."

Xin Yi didn't respond there, instead rushing over. Bai Jiu's narrow eyes darkened slightly, "Wha—" Before he could finish, Xin Yi had already lunged forward, clutching Bai Jiu's neck and burying his head. Bai Jiu was startled; his hands were covered in mud, so he couldn't embrace him. He lowered his head and gently asked, "What's wrong?"

Old Qu quickly put down the lantern, turned his back, and stood by the pond.

Xin Yi remained silent. Bai Jiu put an arm around him, thought for a moment, and said, "Who made Xin Yi unhappy?"

"People." Xin Yi mumbled.

Bai Jiu chuckled, "'Such a pitiful sight.'"

Xin Yi buried his head, rubbing his cheek against Bai Jiu's chest in a flurry. "Being a 'cut sleeve' is good."

Bai Jiu vaguely guessed what was happening. His narrow eyes, half-closed, held a chilling depth, yet his voice grew even softer towards Xin Yi as he chuckled, "Good. You even know 'cut sleeve'; you've made progress."

Xin Yi suddenly looked up, his face flushed scarlet from rubbing. He said, "Why can't I be a 'cut sleeve' with Lord!"

Bai Jiu found that phrase not quite to his liking, so he corrected him, "You can only be a 'cut sleeve' with Lord." Then he chuckled again, "You're still young." Without waiting for Xin Yi to retort, he simply used his arm to lift him higher, carrying him like that towards the house.

Xin Yi then realized this posture was improper. His ear tips burned, and he wilted again. "I'll walk by myself."

"Just walk like this," Bai Jiu said, not letting go, as he continued walking. "This garden has sweet potatoes planted. What else do you want to plant?"

Xin Yi's head drooped lower with each step, and his face burned even hotter. He said, "Walking like this isn't good. I-I'm heavy."

Bai Jiu still smiled. "Do you think this Lord is an old man who can't carry you anymore, is that it?"

"No..."

"Then what's wrong?" Bai Jiu whispered close to his ear. "This Lord is old but still strong; not only can he carry you, but he can also carry you while doing other things." The last syllable, though clearly enunciated with proper solemnity, took on a teasing, seductive charm when heard by Xin Yi.

Xin Yi buried his head, not daring to speak again, his ears burning fiercely.

"Tell me," Bai Jiu lifted him slightly. "What else should we plant?"

"...Vegetables."

Bai Jiu, for some unknown reason, suddenly suggested, "How about raising some pheasants too?"

Xin Yi poked his head up. "Pheasants? Here? In front of the study?"

Bai Jiu calmly said, "Rustic charm."

Xin Yi saw that he was genuinely interested. On second thought, he found it quite appealing as well. The vegetable garden was already set up, and a few pheasants would be quite fitting, so he nodded in agreement.

As they approached the corridor in front of the door, Xin Yi was about to jump down. Bai Jiu knew he was thin-skinned and that there were many servants by the door, so he put him down. They returned to the room, washed their hands, and dined together. After the meal, Bai Jiu noticed his still tightly buttoned collar. Xin Yi followed his gaze, his face flushing again, and only said, "I-I didn't unbutton it..."

"That was when you were outside. Now that you're back, unbutton it. Your face is all red from the heat." Bai Jiu drank his tea, his narrow eyes watching Xin Yi blush and gently unbutton a few buttons, revealing the faint red marks on his neck. Suddenly feeling parched, he lowered his gaze and took another sip of tea. "Ji Baiyue came to see you?"

Xin Yi nodded.

Bai Jiu raised a finger and lightly touched the corner of his lips. "Why aren't you happy?"

Xin Yi was somewhat dejectedly sprawled on the table, looking just like Chichi when he was dispirited. Bai Jiu chuckled and said to him, "Go bathe first. We'll talk after that."

While Xin Yi was bathing, Old Qu came in and quietly stood by, whispering, "Lord's guess was correct; it truly was Ji Baiyue."

Bai Jiu seemed not to have heard.

Old Qu continued, "This time, only Ji Baiyue and Meng Chen entered the Capital. After Registrar He's case, Xie Jingsheng removed the Prince of Qin, and the Capital Guards Bureau also changed personnel. Although Xie Jingsheng drew everyone's attention, the Crown Prince has already noticed the Young Master and has been meddling in Beiyang Shangjin. Ji Baiyue, who governs Lijin, has been almost incapacitated by Shangjin's bullying, and he also fears the Crown Prince's absolute determination to secure military power. That's why he decided to come to the Capital to meet with the Young Master. It's likely he intends to support the Young Master in reorganizing Beiyang."

Bai Jiu's expression remained unchanged. He chuckled softly and slowly said, "He's truly taken himself for Xin Jing."

Old Qu immediately responded, "Indeed, he seems to want to make decisions for the Young Master. This old servant believes Young Master sees clearly and has good judgment; he probably won't get his way."

The jade plaques on Bai Jiu's fingertips lightly clinked together. He said, "Even if one were to listen, it wouldn't be his turn."

When Xin Yi emerged, his hair was still damp. Bai Jiu was already sitting on the edge of the bed. Seeing him push aside the curtain and enter, he closed the book in his hand and raised a hand to him. Xin Yi went and sat in front of him. Bai Jiu rubbed his hair, then embraced him.

His thin lips gently grazed the marks he had left on Xin Yi's neck and shoulder last night, then he leaned into his ear and spoke.

"Tell me. I'm listening."