Xin Yi watched Xiao Yan approach. The woman had already become tall and graceful. The rough edge from the past, when she used to pull his third brother's ear, had been faintly squeezed out by her calm and steady demeanor, leaving little trace.

Xiao Yan was about to scold her youngest brother again, but her gaze first fixed on the tall, slender figure beside him. She took a few steps forward, the brilliance in her eyes making Xin Yi's dimples appear. "Is that Ah Yi?"

Because people were coming out one after another, Xin Yi found it inconvenient to speak. Xiao Jin had already supported Xiao Yan, leading Xin Yi towards the palace gate, muttering, "Standing in this heavy snow is so improper. Oh, my sister, stop staring at him, it's him, Xin Yi, it's Xin Yi."

Xiao Yan had no time to bother with her own brother now. She pushed him aside and only said to Xin Yi, "I've been in Qingping all year and couldn't return to the capital. I heard you were back, but it's taken until now to see you." She spoke very quickly, her emotions clearly fluctuating. Her eyes kept scanning Xin Yi. In this heavy snow and wind, she said, "Why are you only wearing this? Put on a cloak when you go out. Is the Prince of Pingding's Manor deducting your food? Why are you still so thin?"

Xin Yi heard her voice was off. He glanced sideways and saw Xiao Yan's eyes were already a little red, but she was completely unaware, only instructing Xin Yi not to let himself suffer. Xin Yi's chest warmed. He turned sideways and listened intently.

Unlike them, Xie Jingsheng was still freezing. He Anchang's glance made his legs weak. He just couldn't figure out why a little widow suddenly appeared halfway. Seeing He Anchang's cold demeanor, he softened his voice, "Can I call you 'Grandpa'? Don't cause trouble, why would you look for a little widow out of all people? With your teacher's temper, wouldn't he chase after you and whip you?!" At this, he disagreed with himself, saying, "Old Man Zhang dares to whip you! Eh, no, He Anchang! I'm talking to you!"

He Anchang's ears were aching from this person's chatter. Just then, someone from inside the palace came to call Xie Jingsheng and Xiao Yan into the hall. Xie Jingsheng saw He Anchang's expression hadn't brightened and refused to move. Everyone was walking out, but he stuck there with a look of righteousness. He Anchang lifted his foot, kicked him away, patted his sleeves, and turned to leave.

But Xie Jingsheng, after being kicked, his mood changed from gloomy to sunny. He touched the bridge of his nose and smiled. Seeing He Anchang leave, he shouted from behind, "Remember what I told you! Later, I'll find you to check on someone for me! If I can't find you then, I'll go to Lord Zhang!"

'What kind of scoundrel was this person?!' He Anchang couldn't help but look back again. Xie Jingsheng stood in the snow, smiling at him. With that smile, He Anchang quickened his pace, walking somewhat awkwardly. Only then did Xie Jingsheng put away his fan into his sleeve, followed the eunuch inside, not forgetting to bring Xiao Yan along.

"Anyone who didn't know would think she's your sister," Xiao Jin mimicked his sister's voice and actions, saying, "If Ah Yi has any grievances, just come to big sister, come to big sister, ah." Then he returned to his normal voice, "If I have grievances, she just gives me a beating. This isn't right when it comes to you."

He always entertained himself. Xin Yi only whispered, "Your character isn't right either. You sound like someone who's read books."

"That's right, it's said my father gave it—eh, am I not a scholar?" Xiao Jin patted his chest. "This young master is a proper scholar, otherwise how could my temperament be so good!"

Xin Yi lifted his leg and got into his carriage, leaving him outside to feel wronged and self-pitying. There was a hand warmer in the carriage. Xin Yi held one in his arms. As his hands warmed slightly, he remembered the Crown Prince's voice again. The heavy court robes couldn't suppress the chill down his spine. Xin Yi leaned against the carriage wall, pressing tightly against it, his brows only then relaxing. He didn't want to close his eyes, fearing that if he did, that voice would become a nightmare.

After an unknown period, the curtain suddenly moved. Xin Yi, like a startled beast, suddenly turned his gaze and met Bai Jiu, immediately relaxing. Bai Jiu got into the carriage. He touched Xin Yi's hand, which was still cold, and said, "What did the Crown Prince say?"

"He called me a good child," Xin Yi didn't smile, thoughtfully saying, "He actually startled me. It's just strange, I seem to have heard that voice before, but I really can't remember where. To leave such an impression, it shouldn't be easily forgotten." After saying that, he pinched his temples, feeling a headache. "Just hearing that sound makes my stomach uncomfortable."

Bai Jiu leaned over, holding Xin Yi's hand in his palm, and said, "There's no rush for now." Then he added, "Come here."

Xin Yi lay straight down on Bai Jiu's lap, lazily saying, "If there's no rush, then I won't think about it. This is the first time I've leaned on your lap, Lord."

Bai Jiu hummed, "This is the second time, you should be familiar now."

Xin Yi curiously asked, "Did I lean on you before?"

Bai Jiu, in a profound manner, didn't say much, which made Xin Yi shift his attention to the question of "when did I lean on Lord's lap". The Crown Prince's voice gradually faded away, but no matter how Xin Yi asked, Bai Jiu remained silent. Bai Jiu saw his complexion gradually return to normal and continued to tease him imperceptibly.

They couldn't stay at home for long; there was an Annual Gathering at the palace in the evening. This Annual Gathering was not an ordinary palace banquet. It referred to various princely kings and high-ranking local officials returning to the capital to report on their duties, truthfully presenting all the major and minor events of the year in their regions. This process often lasted from morning till night. The court officials would not have eaten all day, so the palace would directly host a feast, as a reward for their hard work and a year-end treat. Therefore, this Annual Gathering was more informal than a typical palace banquet, but the items served were much more precious and extravagant.

In the evening, Old Qu added thick velvet cloaks for both of them. Outside the palace gate, as soon as Xin Yi got out of the carriage, he saw a huge carriage blocking half the palace gate. He looked back at Bai Jiu, questioning with his eyes whose carriage was so domineering.

Bai Jiu looked up, "Prince of Tang."

That was the one who refused to speak about repairing the dam, the one Xie Jingsheng wished he could chase down and kill. Xin Yi saw that this display was even grander than the Crown Prince's, and he immediately understood. Bai Jiu led him inside. The one waiting today was Kang Fu. As soon as he saw Bai Jiu from afar, he bowed low.

"Oh, Heir, you look so energetic," Kang Fu was also very attentive to Xin Yi. "The Heir's seat is right next to our Lord. Your servant has a few clever apprentices who will be waiting by the Heir's side. If anything unpleasant happens during the banquet, you just give the order."

This old servant was very discerning. He knew that serving Bai Jiu directly might not please the Lord as much as serving this young Heir well, which would make Bai Jiu less difficult. Indeed, Bai Jiu narrowed his eyes, giving a half-smile glance. Kang Fu quickly smiled like a blooming flower, and showered Xin Yi with many more pleasant words.

They took their seats and waited. Xin Yi immediately spotted an unfamiliar face. Sitting in front of Xie Jingsheng, he looked sorrowful and troubled, as if extremely afraid of Xie Jingsheng, sitting uncomfortably. Xie Jingsheng's expression was also not good, making the man even more restless.

Bai Jiu leaned over and said, "That's the Prince of Tang."

Xin Yi understood, thinking, 'This appearance doesn't seem like someone who secretly gave Xie Jingsheng a hard time behind the scenes.' But in this court, people feigning weakness to hide their strength were not uncommon. Xin Yi was somewhat interested in this Imperial Uncle and quietly observed him from his seat.

Xie Jingsheng's bad mood was because he hadn't found the person he was looking for. As soon as he poured his wine, he saw the Crown Prince and He Anchang arrive together. The Crown Prince was still the same, but He Anchang appeared different to him than usual. Xie Jingsheng's wine cup cracked. He pushed it to a server without a temper. Xiao Yan, sitting beside him, said, "This wine cup is, after all, imperial property. Why are you taking your temper out on it?"

"Good sister," Xie Jingsheng said innocently, "I just lifted it like this, and it broke on its own. What temper do I have? I'm in a great mood right now." While saying he was in a great mood, his eyes scorched He Anchang from head to toe.

'First a little widow, then the Crown Prince. Well, well, He Anchang.'

As soon as the Crown Prince arrived, the Emperor arrived almost simultaneously. First, he discussed the responsibilities for peace in the four regions, then selected a few to publicly commend. Among them, the Prince of Tang received only a mild reprimand, and the matter of the Jiangtang dam was concluded. Furthermore, the Emperor praised the Crown Prince's hard work, accompanying him on his pilgrimage to Buddha, showing filial piety. However, the Eastern Palace could not remain without a master, so he was to settle down in the capital next year. Other miscellaneous matters were not mentioned, and then the banquet began.

Xin Yi, feeling prone to trouble, stayed quietly in his seat. This time, Bai Jiu had clearly taken precautions. Not only was he sitting in front of Xin Yi, but all around them were his own people. However, since his return, the Crown Prince seemed to be very close to the Left Faction. After toasting Zhang Taiyan, he continued to converse and laugh with him. He Anchang sat behind Zhang Taiyan, naturally having to share a few cups.

He Anchang had fair skin and easily flushed when drunk. He was also someone who became captivating when drunk. After sitting for a while, he realized he had reached his limit. He excused himself and went outside. The Crown Prince sent someone to accompany him.

He Anchang left the hall, his steps somewhat unsteady. The person supported him and glanced sideways. He saw that Lord He's eyes were flushed at the corners, his face like peach blossoms, and even his usual aloofness had melted into a shimmering haze in his eyes, making one's legs go weak and numb.

The person was stunned, momentarily captivated, and even dared to support He Anchang's waist, muttering 'Lord He' while his hands became restless. Unexpectedly, his head was pressed down by a hand from behind, and his legs were kicked, forcing him to kneel. The person behind him was clearly furious. He pressed the man's head to the ground and fiercely kicked him.

"I'll kill you, you dog!" Xie Jingsheng dragged the man by his collar into the shadows of a roadside bush and mercilessly beat him. The man cried out in pain, clutching his head. Xie Jingsheng said coldly, "If you make another sound, I'll pull out your tongue and nail it to your hand!" The man shuddered. In the shadows, Xie Jingsheng's eyes were filled with ferocity, his gaze like a Raksasa, gripping his chin so painfully it felt like it would be dislocated.

He Anchang, though dizzy, recognized the voice. He merely frowned and said, "Xie Jingsheng!"

The person who was fierce and menacing in the shadows a moment ago turned back pitifully the next, staring at He Anchang as if he was the one who had been beaten, crouching in the bushes like a big-tailed dog.

He Anchang's expression remained unchanged. He said, "Come here."

Xie Jingsheng stood up, and with his back to He Anchang, he glared at the trembling man on the ground again. He Anchang also looked over, that cold gaze chilling to the bone, clearly warning the man to keep his mouth shut. The man, overcome by lust, had unfortunately run into these two tough characters. How could he dare to make a sound? He clutched his head and cried, not daring to look again.

Xie Jingsheng half-held He Anchang, leading him onto the road. The surroundings were very quiet; only He Anchang's hot breathing could be heard. Xie Jingsheng's grip was strong, hurting He Anchang. He frowned and said, "Be gentler, did you eat firecrackers?"

Xie Jingsheng loosened his grip, then suddenly slammed him against a pillar. The force was terrifying. He said in a low, angry voice, "Yes, I ate firecrackers, and you even lit the fuse! It's all exploded inside!"

He Anchang's lower back hurt from the impact. He punched Xie Jingsheng and said, "It hurts!"

Xie Jingsheng grabbed his wrist, pressed it against the pillar, and said fiercely, "You heartless ghost, what hurts? Why didn't it hurt when you were drinking? Huh? You got bold, He Ruxu. Don't you know who the Crown Prince is? You even drink his wine!"

"What does this have to do with you?" He Anchang looked up, his eyes filled with captivating allure. Even his frown was beautiful. He said, "Let go, speak properly."

"Let go?" Xie Jingsheng lowered his head and stared at him. "I haven't even had my drunken fit yet! Let go of what? I just feel this concerns me, what about it? If you dare, you can get involved too."

He Anchang was left speechless by him, feeling this posture was improper. "Go roll three times in the snow if you're drunk, quickly let go!"

Xie Jingsheng pursed his lips, staring at him without speaking. He Anchang had a bad feeling. Before he could turn his head, Xie Jingsheng had already leaned down, aiming at his lips and sucking them wildly and forcefully. He Anchang didn't expect him to dare. Xie Jingsheng sucked his lips until they hurt, refusing to let go, pressing in without gentleness or restraint. The fire in his chest and lower abdomen ignited simultaneously, crackling and burning him hot.

He tasted the wine on those lips, and his head went dizzy. He actually wanted to take everything. To take everything of this person, to imprison him in his hands and confine him in his eyes, even if he were scolded every day, he would be willing. But He Anchang let out a muffled groan, and he suddenly woke up, instantly letting go of his lips. He saw He Anchang's face flush with a peach color, and lowered his head to rest on He Anchang's shoulder.

'It's over.'

Xie Jingsheng thought in annoyance. He couldn't even hide these dirty thoughts anymore. But this person was right next to him, and he endured until his palms were sweating, then actually steeled his heart and crossed the line.

He Anchang's lips were slightly swollen from being sucked. Xie Jingsheng was pressed against him. His front was scalding hot, his back icy cold. He was sobered from his drunkenness, vaguely still recalling the passionate moment just now. Thinking of this, he frowned again. 'Bah, who was passionate with this hooligan?!'

"Don't play dead," he said coldly. "Weren't you full of life just now?"

Xie Jingsheng muffled his face into his shoulder, saying hoarsely, "Dead." 'Dying for this kiss is worth it,' he added, "Now you know, men are just this rotten. If I see you drinking charmingly with someone else again, I'll..." He paused, then angrily blurted out, "I'll take you!"

He Anchang lifted his leg and kicked Xie Jingsheng's 'unruly' spot. Xie Jingsheng quickly clamped his legs to block, then looked up, gritting his teeth, "You're trying to cut off my lineage!"

Upon hearing this, He Anchang, thinking of something, kicked his leg again. "Shut up!"

'He's already a homosexual, isn't that still cutting off his lineage?! And he has the nerve to complain!'

Xie Jingsheng looked wronged, "I—" Seeing He Anchang glare at him, he quickly corrected himself, "Can't I even say a word, Young Master!"

He Anchang rubbed his slightly swollen lips and angrily said, "I'm your grandpa!"