Zisui Zhi Chen

恣睢之臣

zisui-zhi-chen

Heir Apparent

The Prince of Yan's heir was known throughout Great Lan as a mute, but he actually wasn't.


 The Prince of Yan and Princess Consort of Yan shared a deep affection, and this lineage had four sons, with Xin Yi being the youngest. When he was born, his third elder brother was already twelve. When he was just weaned, the Princess Consort of Yan's health was poor, so his elder brothers took turns looking after him. Perhaps because he was carried around on horseback by his elder brothers since childhood, Xin Yi wasn't very good at speaking at first, and when he did, he was a small stutterer whose words didn't convey his meaning. His third elder brother was the most mischievous, always imitating him. Despite being beaten countless times by the Prince of Yan and his eldest brother, he couldn't shake the habit of teasing his youngest brother. Over time, Xin Yi stopped liking to speak, especially during the New Year's and Spring Festival when the manor was full of various guests. Whenever he attended banquets, he would stand like a pillar with his poker-faced second elder brother. A few years passed like this. When he grew older, rumors of his being mute were already circulating outside. At that time, the relationship between the Capital and Beiyang was gradually tensing. The Prince of Yan likely sensed the Capital's covetous gaze on his sons, so he offered no explanation for the rumors of his being mute.


 Later, the Princess Consort of Yan would admonish him to speak less when out, and his elder brothers would often protect him by keeping silent outside. He initially thought his stutter shamed his family, so he practiced reading with pebbles in his mouth against a wall for over a year. Just as he had trained himself to be eloquent enough to tease his third elder brother, his second elder brother died.


 During the spring chill of Hongxing 51st Year, the Prince of Yan's second son, Xin Jing, froze to death eight hundred li outside Posa City in Prince of Ping's fiefdom, Shanyin. The body was sent back to Beiyang by Prince of Ping's men, casually covered with a Beiyang Prince of Yan banner. When it arrived at the manor, snow was still falling. His eldest brother lifted the banner, stared at the person for a long time, and said nothing. Later, on the night before the burial, Xin Yi saw his eldest brother sleeping by the coffin in the mourning hall, silently shedding tears through the night.


 Immediately following in the autumn of the 51st year, Great Yuan reignited conflict with Great Lan over the division of grasslands. The Prince of Yan and Prince of Ping successively set out for war. Just as winter began, the Prince of Yan's third son, Xin Li, was shot dead on the battlefield. One arrow pierced his heart, and four arrows pinned him down, right on the Beiyang Prince of Yan banner, like a blatant provocation. However, three of those arrows came from behind.


 In the winter of the 53rd year, the Princess Consort of Yan entered the palace upon the Empress Dowager's imperial decree and died suddenly on the night of the Spring Festival.


 In the early 54th year, the Prince of Yan, Xin Zhensheng, died in battle within Great Yuan territory.


 In the spring of the 54th year, the Prince of Yan's eldest son, Xin Jing, broke through Great Yuan, drove out various tribes, and was ambushed and died in battle at Wan Ze.


 In the winter of the 54th year, the Prince of Ping returned in triumph.


 Xin Yi was sent to the Capital. However, when the carriage reached outside the city, His Majesty fell ill on his imperial couch from exhaustion. The Prince of Ping, using the excuse of his old son's eye injury, transferred Xin Yi to his own manor.


 This entry lasted for four years.


 Xin Yi woke up.


 His eyes were uncomfortably red and swollen. He pressed the back of his hand to them for a while, finding them hot. His mind was muddled, and his chest felt empty.


 Heavy curtains were drawn around the bed. He didn't know the time, nor could he hear any other sounds.


 Xin Yi turned over, and something cold pressed against his arm. He lifted his arm to look and saw the mutton-fat jade pendant he had seen in Bai Jiu's hand yesterday. The remarkable thing about this jade pendant was that one side vividly depicted a fierce tiger pouncing with thunderous power, while the other side, with a sudden change in style, was carved into an innocent and lively young rabbit hugging a cabbage. A dark blue tassel hung from the bottom, making it exceptionally precious.


 Xin Yi held it in his hand, and gradually, Bai Jiu's close-up brows, eyes, and low voice from last night resurfaced in his mind. His face immediately became as burning and hot as his eyes. He rubbed his face, then turned over again, wondering how to explain the fact that a mute could speak.


 The Prince of Yan's heir's being mute and the Prince of Yan's heir's being able to speak had vastly different implications, and Great Lan's attitude towards these two facts would also be completely different. How to continue concealing it, that was the problem.


 He was troubled, staring at the edge of the bed, when unexpectedly, a gap opened in the curtains. The midday sun streamed in, slightly dazzling, but even more dazzling than the sunlight was the person who was revealed.


 Bai Jiu was wearing a loose ivory-white wide-sleeved shirt today, hanging loosely over his shoulders, strikingly different from the ascetic, tightly buttoned collar he wore outside. Seeing Xin Yi's still swollen eyes and confused expression, identical to when he had just woken up, Bai Jiu couldn't help but lean in and ask, "Are you hungry?"


 Xin Yi's stomach immediately rumbled a few times in response. His face froze. His gaze drifted away, circled around, and then returned to Bai Jiu's face.


 Bai Jiu didn't laugh out loud, but his eyes conveyed as much. He turned to Old Qu and said, "Prepare the meal."


 After Xin Yi washed up and got ready, the food was already on the table, a small mountain of rice piled in his bowl. Xin Yi cherished food and ate every grain in his bowl. Bai Jiu didn't urge him, simply sat on the couch by the window, holding an uncarved raw jade, lost in thought. After the meal, a doctor came and prescribed some medicine to calm his mind and heal his wounds. However, some scars were too old and likely difficult to remove.


 Old Qu saw the doctor out of the courtyard, leaving only the two of them in the room. Bai Jiu examined the jade without speaking. Xin Yi also didn't know what to say and felt somewhat restless sitting opposite Bai Jiu.


 "There's nothing to do this afternoon. If you're tired, you can still sleep." The sudden voice startled Xin Yi. Bai Jiu was gently tracing the jade with his fingertips, not looking up.


 "Ah." Xin Yi let out a soft sound. His throat felt a bit dry. He said, "Thank you... Lord." Bai Jiu didn't reply. Xin Yi cleared his throat and continued, "Thank you, Lord, for last night too... I..."


 'I what?'


 'I'm not mute? Or is it because Prince of Ping's death was so gratifying that I'm no longer mute?'


 Bai Jiu's narrow eyes looked over. Xin Yi felt a surge of nervousness, and his palms became faintly damp. He hadn't been this nervous even when facing the Emperor. He wondered if it was an after-effect of being so close last night. In any case, under the gaze of those eyes, he felt a little flustered. The 'I' that was on the tip of his tongue took a turn and became: "Lord, are you going to sleep this afternoon?"


 The raw jade was being fiddled with between his fingers. Bai Jiu leaned back against the soft cushion, looking directly at him. "Do you want to sleep with me?"


 "No..." Xin Yi stammered, "I wouldn't dare trouble you."


 Bai Jiu watched him for a while, seeing the slight blush on the tips of his ears, and his gaze lingered. Xin Yi could only lower his head and meticulously examine the teacup on the table, still feeling that Bai Jiu's gaze hadn't moved.


 Fortunately, Xie Jingsheng arrived in time, and Xin Yi finally let out a sigh of relief. Unexpectedly, before he had completely relaxed, Bai Jiu suddenly turned back and clearly saw his relieved expression. Before Xin Yi could recover, the man truly left.


 This time, Xin Yi held his breath until Bai Jiu was out of sight, then exhaled and lay back on the soft couch. The cushion was soft; he rolled once, burying his face in the soft cushion. A cool, unique scent... it was Bai Jiu's scent. Xin Yi stayed buried for a long time before turning over to lie on his back, and the sunlight spread over him. He stretched out his arms, feeling warm and comfortable all over. Only his chest felt hollow and cold, which made him unable to resist pulling the soft cushion over and hugging it. Feeling a little better, he lay there in the sunlight, eyes half-closed, and fell asleep.


 Xie Jingsheng couldn't stay in the Capital for long. Today, Bai Jiu hosted a farewell banquet for him at the Capital's best Xiaoxiao Restaurant. Most of those who came were brothers from the Brocade Uniform Guards. Xie Jingsheng and the others naturally had to toast Bai Jiu. Bai Jiu always spoke little at banquets; the more lively everyone was, the more relaxed he appeared in his seat, which encouraged everyone to be even more boisterous.


 When the drinking was in full swing, beautiful people were naturally indispensable. Men and women, as long as they were beautiful, were cherished guests. However, Xie Jingsheng had an interesting trait: whenever he got drunk, he would become extremely proper, sitting upright and looking straight ahead, only to be mocked by everyone again.


 Last night, Bai Jiu had coaxed Xin Yi to sleep but hadn't slept himself. Now, after drinking a lot, he inevitably had a headache. He habitually reached for the jade pendant at his waist, then remembered he had left it on Xin Yi's bed. Thinking of Xin Yi's bed, he had to think of Xin Yi. Thinking of Xin Yi, the rhythm of his fingers tapping the table edge became erratic. He paused for a while, then suddenly felt that the banquet had become boring at this point.


 'Why not go back?'


 'Why not... go back.'


 As soon as this thought became clear, Bai Jiu suddenly felt irritable. Those with perception, fearing he found the atmosphere flat, quickly offered another toast, and this continued in an endless cycle.


 Xin Yi was woken by Old Qu. When he woke up, it was already dusk outside. Old Qu had someone serve dinner and stood by, accompanying him while he ate. Afterwards, fearing he might be bored, he accompanied him for a stroll around the courtyard.


 Xin Yi happily walked with the old man, and the two of them just strolled through the courtyard. When they reached the area near the study, Old Qu pointed to him, "Young Master, look. These ponds are full of fish brought from the estate, fresh and plump. If you're ever in the mood, you must fish a few of them here for fun."


 The attendants were seven or eight steps away, and Old Qu had been instructed by Bai Jiu. Xin Yi wasn't afraid of being overheard; he just smiled, his dimples sweetly irresistible. He had never heard of any high official or noble keeping such fish in a pond in front of their study. Thinking of Bai Jiu's half-smile, he felt it was quite fitting, and couldn't help but chuckle, whispering to Old Qu, "Whose idea was this?"


 Old Qu also whispered cooperatively, "When the lord was arranging the courtyard, he wanted the home to be leisurely and comfortable, and fishing is simply the best way to achieve that."


 Xin Yi saw that the fish in the pond were indeed very plump and found it amusing. He said, "Something's still missing, otherwise it truly would have a rustic charm."


 Old Qu immediately listened intently.


 Xin Yi said, "If you add a small flat-bottomed boat, wouldn't that complete the picture perfectly?"


 Old Qu clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "If you add two or three young fishermen in plain clothes, it would be a scattered scene in a peach forest, truly beautiful."


 The two chatted and strolled like this. Before they reached the horse stables in the back, it was already dark, so Xin Yi stopped, didn't go to see, and walked back with Old Qu. Servants naturally led the way with lanterns, and Old Qu paid attention to Xin Yi's steps. Seeing Xin Yi's expression gradually calm down, he knew something was on his mind.


 "This old servant gets irritable every summer night."


 Xin Yi hummed, then looked up curiously, "Why is that?"


 Old Qu stroked his short beard, showing an annoyed expression, and pointed to the nearby patch of grass, saying, "The incessant chirping of crickets is truly disturbing one's peaceful sleep."


 Xin Yi was amused by the old man's expression, and his dimples reappeared on his cheeks. Listening to the lively chirping all around, he laughed, "If you add the croaking of frogs, it would be even more unbearable." He tilted his head, reminiscing a little: "In the past, my third elder brother loved fighting crickets. Every time he was afraid of being discovered by my eldest brother, he would hide them in my room, sometimes for several nights. Back then, I was still a little stutterer, and when I got anxious, I couldn't argue with my third elder brother. Annoyed by the crickets, I couldn't sleep, so I begged my second elder brother. My second elder brother always had a way; he would take me in the middle of the night to put the crickets into my third elder brother's quilt, which my third elder brother remembered and found opportunities to beat me. Finally, it got to my eldest brother, who gave him a good beating." As he spoke, his gaze drifted towards the undulating eaves in the dim light, and his voice gradually lowered: "To coax me, Mother had Father and my elder brothers hang lanterns for me in the manor. They were colorful, hung one by one, filling the entire manor. At night, everywhere you looked was color..."


 Xin Yi's voice trailed off, and a lost expression appeared in the dim light, as if only at this point did he realize that all of it had already vanished into thin air.


 Old Qu had been listening, and a benevolent expression appeared on his face. He softly said, "They were all beautiful colors."


 Xin Yi smiled, and the two continued walking back. Back in the room, Bai Jiu had not yet returned. After Xin Yi bathed, he took his medicine. Old Qu originally wanted to apply ointment for him, but Xin Yi declined. Old Qu didn't insist and simply left the room without further mention.


 Like Bai Jiu, Xin Yi disliked having servants attend to him at night, so he extinguished the lamp in the outer room. In the inner room, behind a screen, he undressed and applied medicine to his wounds himself in front of a bronze mirror. The most severe injury was on his back, a scar left by two vicious dogs when Prince of Ping tied him to a hitching post during the Cold Food Festival in the 57th year, after he had been stabbed.


 Xin Yi turned his back and pondered whether to apply medicine to this particular wound. As he was thinking seriously, he suddenly heard a tap on the edge of the screen. He looked up to see Bai Jiu leaning against the screen, his narrow eyes calmly sliding down from his face, as if physically tracing his neck, collarbone, chest, and lower abdomen.


 That gaze was too calm, so calm that Xin Yi's lower abdomen subtly tightened, and the tips of his ears turned red first. He pulled at his clothes, then thought, "Why should two men act so coy?" His hands didn't know where to go, and he could only stare blankly at Bai Jiu.


 Bai Jiu raised a hand, rubbed his forehead, and said, "Let me do it."


 "I wouldn't dare trouble you." But Bai Jiu was already in front of him. The man, a head taller than him, leaned over like that. His exceptionally vivid and striking brows and eyes in the lamplight made Xin Yi's heart pound. Just as he saw Bai Jiu about to lean closer, Xin Yi suddenly took a step back. Bai Jiu immediately pressed down on his retreating shoulder, and only then did Xin Yi realize that Bai Jiu had leaned forward to retrieve the wound medicine behind him.


 A scent of alcohol enveloped Xin Yi. Bai Jiu straightened up, his brow slightly raised. "What are you afraid of?" After saying this, he lowered his head and leaned closer to Xin Yi's face. "Aren't you fearless, daring to even burn Posa City?"


 Xin Yi was speechless, wanting to say something, but unexpectedly Bai Jiu seriously ruffled his hair, murmuring softly like coaxing a puppy: "It's alright, it's alright. Just a Posa City. Even if you burned Prince of Ping's Shanyin, it's no big deal. Turn around, I'll apply the medicine for you."


 His whispered voice was completely different from last night's, and hearing it sparked a gentle tingle. The tips of Xin Yi's ears were already burning. He felt Bai Jiu's breath and the scent of alcohol mixing together, making him feel lightheaded and dizzy.


 "Hmm?" Bai Jiu's fingertips gently touched the burning hot tips of his ears. He chuckled softly, "What's this? So hot."

Zisui Zhi Chen

Zisui Zhi Chen

Chapter 3 - Heir Apparent

Chloe