TL: Hua
Extra 9: Snow Trek (2)
The carriage traveled smoothly all the way to the entrance of Plum Valley.
Yu Shaoyun saw a few carriages parked along the road, each with their attendants guarding them, so he turned the carriage around and backed up, choosing a quiet and spacious corner to park.
Zhao Yi was the last to get out. He saw the Crown Prince helping Pei Xiting tidy his cloak and hood, his fingers intentionally or unintentionally caressing his fair and beautiful chin. He even saw Pei Xiting pucker his lips and kiss his fingertip. He immediately turned his head and looked away, not daring to watch closely.
Zong Suiyang noticed Zhao Yi’s “do not look at what is inappropriate” reaction, but he pretended not to know. He raised his hand and patted the cloak on Pei Xiting’s shoulder, saying, “Let’s go.”
Pei Xiting nodded. Just as he was about to turn to invite Zhao Yi to walk with them, the latter stepped forward and bowed to Zong Suiyang. After receiving Zong Suiyang’s nod of approval, he bid them farewell and went to find the companions he had already arranged to meet.
He’s got some sense. Zong Suiyang thought to himself. He reached under Pei Xiting’s cloak, held his left hand, and said, “Let’s go.”
“Okay.” Pei Xiting followed Zong Suiyang onto the stone path. He looked down and weighed the snow on the path. “Luckily, we’re wearing thick-soled shoes, or our feet would sink in.”
“It’s fine,” Zong Suiyang said. “I’ll pull you out.”
Pei Xiting said flatteringly, “I have no doubt about your strength and methods!”
Even though they wore cloaks with brims that concealed their eyes, the four of them, by their very bearing and attire, were clearly not from ordinary households. The attendants on the road had been trained by their respective families and mostly didn’t dare to look directly at them, quickly turning their heads and averting their gazes, fearing they might offend some noble person in the Imperial City.
However, after the group had passed, some people secretly glanced back and noticed that the two young masters at the front seemed to be holding hands?
In these elite circles, nothing was unheard of. Men who preferred other men or had male favorites weren’t uncommon, but due to family honor or fear of gossip, these were always private matters kept within the courtyards and pavilions. To flaunt it so openly was truly rare.
The story about the prince of King Ning and Qing Lingling from Yuanyang Pavilion shopping together on New Year’s Eve was still a popular topic of conversation in Yejing. Whether the prince was so debauched that he no longer feared his father or had truly fallen in love was anyone’s guess.
A plum tree snaked out from the path ahead. Just as Zong Suiyang was about to step aside to let Pei Xiting pass, Pei Xiting ducked down and slipped under it.
Zong Suiyang’s hand was drawn forward, and he followed him up the steps.
The stone path was covered in white snow, with only the occasional corner of cold, hard gray peeking through. As far as the eye could see, the white snow and crimson blossoms seemed to paint the world.
A plum blossom branch had fallen in the snow up ahead. Not knowing who had dropped it, Pei Xiting picked it up and twirled it in the air like a sword.
Zong Suiyang asked what sect or school this move belonged to, and Pei Xiting replied, “Taught by Yuan Fang.” Yuan Fang, clearly disgraced, ignored him coldly.
“Tch, looking down on me.” Pei Xiting shot a look at Yuan Fang, then turned back to Zong Suiyang. “This guy once said I was a born inheritor of the ‘Sacred Body of Clumsy Kung Fu.'”
Zong Suiyang sized Pei Xiting up upon hearing this, thinking that the boy was already so old, it was not good to check his bones now. But reason told him he absolutely could not say that. It was an improper attitude and could get him riddled with holes by Pei Xiting’s “plum blossom sword.”
“He has no taste,” Zong Suiyang said, coaxing him. “Why not join my school? I’ll make you my one and only direct disciple.”
“No,” Pei Xiting’s talent might not have been high, but he was picky. “You’re too strict. I’m scared.”
Pei Xiting was relatively diligent now in learning the zither from Zong Suiyang. Though Zong Suiyang was extremely gentle with him, never using a ruler or a harsh word, he seemed to know that Pei Xiting wanted to do well in his heart. Perhaps it was his nature to despise anyone who wasn’t serious in class. When Pei Xiting’s mind wandered, Zong Suiyang would always glance at him, a light look that would inexplicably make Pei Xiting’s heart tighten. He would immediately sit up straight and study with renewed focus.
“How can one learn martial arts without strictness?” Zong Suiyang pinched Pei Xiting’s fingers. “So if I’m not joking, I can’t be your master.”
It was fine for them to play around, but if it came to teaching and learning seriously, Zong Suiyang could never bring himself to train Pei Xiting so harshly.
“This can only be a joke. Learning a little self-defense is fine, but if it’s serious, I won’t do it. Getting up early to practice stances is too much work,” Pei Xiting said brightly, poking the air with the plum blossom. “Especially in winter. Nothing, not even the sky falling, can stop me from sleeping in.”
Zong Suiyang laughed silently. “Mhm,” he said.
They continued their conversation as they randomly chose a fork in the path and walked along the small trail. Up ahead in a hexagonal pavilion, some scholars were painting. Pei Xiting pulled Zong Suiyang to the pavilion to watch. Two people were in a competition, painting red plum blossoms in the snow.
Pei Xiting tilted his head. Zong Suiyang lowered his head slightly and listened as he whispered, “This competition seems a little unfair.”
Zong Suiyang looked at the two scholars engrossed in their paintings. Although both wore the standardized blue robes of the academy, the one on the right used the finest brushes and ink, while the other’s supplies were noticeably “less fancy.” A glance at the onlookers showed that although they were waiting to vote for a winner, seven or eight out of ten were gathered around the scholar on the right.
Sure enough, after a moment, the two put down their brushes. When the crowd voted, the scholar on the right won with ten out of thirteen votes.
The winner looked arrogant, giving his opponent a sidelong glance. The losing scholar, however, showed no disappointment or embarrassment. He simply cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to the three who had voted for him and turned to pack up his painting supplies.
“Wait,” Pei Xiting said, shaking the red plum blossom in his hand. He walked over to the left-hand table and placed the plum blossom on the edge of the painting. “I vote for you.”
The scholar on the right frowned. “This is a competition among our classmates. Your vote doesn’t count.”
“Who said my vote was for your competition? I passed by, saw two paintings, and chose one to express my admiration. Is that not allowed?” Pei Xiting said.
“This…” It wasn’t forbidden, but the scholar was still displeased with Pei Xiting, who had come in to encourage his opponent. He couldn’t help but say, “If that’s the case, perhaps you could give an assessment and enlighten us all.”
The people around them echoed his sentiment.
Zong Suiyang frowned slightly but said nothing. He just stood behind Pei Xiting, watching him quietly.
“As a young girl puts on makeup, her scarlet lips part in a smile.” Pei Xiting recited, “The plum blossom in this painting is vibrant and graceful.” The scholar who had received his plum blossom immediately cupped his hands in thanks. Pei Xiting returned the gesture, and as he turned, he glanced at the painting on the right. He smiled. “As for your plum blossom, let’s not even talk about the artistic conception. The brushwork itself is choked and rough. Your painting skills are worlds apart from your family’s fortune.”
With that, Pei Xiting ignored the scarlet-faced scholar and his group of “supporters” and turned, pulling Zong Suiyang away.
Yuan Fang lowered his arms and followed. Yu Shaoyun, who was at the back, reached for his saber as he turned, his cloak revealing a corner of the token at his waist.
“You…” One person grabbed the scholar who was about to speak, forcefully holding him until the group had walked a good distance away. He then said, reminding him with trembling teeth, “That was an East Palace token.”
The group collectively held their breath. The scholar stared blankly, retracting his hand. At this point, he no longer had any thoughts of picking a fight with his classmate.
“The brushwork is fluid, but what’s more rare is his open-mindedness. Look, he’s wearing a pair of worn-out cloth shoes on a snowy day. His family’s financial situation is obvious. If his family hadn’t fallen on hard times, he probably wouldn’t have been able to find a good painting teacher in his youth. His talent is truly remarkable. Judging by the atmosphere in the pavilion just now, he’s probably used to being ostracized at the academy. A talented student from a poor background can easily provoke the hostility of certain people.”
Pei Xiting turned to Yu Shaoyun and said, “Chief General Yu, after we get back, have someone look into that scholar. If everything is fine, give him that set of painting tools on the bogujia shelf. I found them in a stationery shop and haven’t used them yet. They’re not precious, but the quality is good, and giving them to him won’t invite trouble.”
He had many ways of addressing Yu Shaoyun. He called him “Commander Yu” in front of others, “Shaoyun” in private, “Chief General Yu” when asking him to do something, and “Big Brother Shaoyun” when he needed a favor. Of course, he only used the latter once, because he did it in front of Zong Suiyang, and the Crown Prince’s gaze made a second attempt impossible.
Chief General Yu said it was no problem, smiling. “Pei-wenshu is performing a good deed today.”
“A chance encounter is fate. We share a passion, so it’s nothing to give him a hand,” Pei Xiting said.
“Yejing’s academies all have famous masters and great scholars teaching, and they waste such good opportunities by not studying properly, instead forming cliques and excluding people,” Zong Suiyang said. “Have the Imperial College send someone to check on them, to see which academy has such a muddy atmosphere.” Yu Shaoyun responded with a nod.
“If you’re going to fix it, fix it properly. Don’t let the Imperial College announce they’re coming and give the academies time to prepare. Catch them completely off guard. If there’s nothing wrong, let them go. If there’s something wrong, fix it.” Pei Xiting “swish-swish-ed” his sleeves, making two sword-like motions.
Zong Suiyang said, “I understand.” He reached out to smooth Pei Xiting’s sleeves. “Are you cold?” he asked.
Pei Xiting said sincerely, “The air is getting in, but I’m wearing tight-sleeved clothes underneath, so I’m covered.”
Zong Suiyang shook his head. “There’s a warm pavilion up ahead. Let’s go in and rest.”
“Okay,” Pei Xiting had no objections. He followed Zong Suiyang as they turned, climbed about thirty steps on the stone stairs, and reached a flat area. A two-story pavilion stood before them.
The front door was closed to block the wind. They entered through a side door, walked through a small vermillion corridor, listened to the laughter outside, and went straight up to the second floor.
On the second floor, there were eight low tables and soft cushions placed next to the windows, each with a brazier. At that moment, only four tables were occupied. When they entered, everyone’s attention was drawn to them. Oh, some familiar faces.
Pei Xiting took off his hat, looked around, and pulled Zong Suiyang to a table on the right. He turned and greeted Zong Yu. He glanced at the girl sitting next to Zong Yu, with crescent moon eyes and a pretty face, and he knew this was the girl Zong Yu was determined to marry.
When Xu Fangnian saw Pei Xiting, she was momentarily stunned, then nodded politely. “Young Master Pei.”
Pei Xiting returned the gesture. “You know me, miss?”
“I’ve heard Ah Yu mention you,” she said with a gentle smile. “Young Master Pei is easy to recognize.”
“Fangnian,” Zong Yu leaned in and whispered, “come with me to pay respects to His Highness.”
Xu Fangnian’s expression instantly changed. She had seen the two of them walk in so intimately. One was Pei Xiting, so the other’s identity was obvious. But was she really expected to pay respects?
She knew Zong Yu’s status and was well aware of the vast difference between their families. So even though Zong Yu’s attitude had been firm and unwavering since their return to Yejing, she was still prepared for their separation at any time. When Zong Yu brought her to Yejing for the New Year, she had originally disagreed, fearing it would displease the nobles of King Ning’s mansion. However, the young man’s eyes were as bright as stars, and it was impossible for lovers to refuse.
She had been staying at an inn these days, and she always felt uneasy when she went out with Zong Yu, worried that the people of King Ning’s mansion would find out. Yet, Zong Yu was so unconcerned, brazenly taking her everywhere. Now he even wanted her to pay respects to the Crown Prince. What if…
Xu Fangnian’s anxiety was written all over her face. Pei Xiting could see it clearly. The young woman was burdened with worries, and every step she took was because Zong Yu was pulling her forward. It was only natural for her to feel uneasy.
Zong Suiyang never bothered himself with such private matters. If he accepted her bow, it would sound to King Ning’s mansion as if he was granting a marriage decree, and the old couple would surely come to make a fuss. Although Zong Suiyang wasn’t afraid of anyone making a fuss, the young couple themselves weren’t yet on the same page, so now was not a good time.
With a thought, Pei Xiting casually said, “When you’re out and about, why talk about paying respects? Do you need to do three kneelings and nine bows? Just share a cup of wine with your older cousin, and I’ll give you both a red envelope tomorrow as a bonus.”
Although Zong Yu wasn’t involved in court affairs, he wasn’t oblivious to the ways of the world. He immediately understood that paying respects to the Crown Prince was different from paying respects to his cousin. He gave an embarrassed smile, helped Xu Fangnian up, and they both bowed to Zong Suiyang’s table.
Pei Xiting took the plum blossom wine and poured a cup for Zong Suiyang. Zong Suiyang took a sip, treating it as having accepted their gesture.
Seeing that Xu Fangnian was still tense, Pei Xiting knew she was nervous. He said to Zong Yu, “Now that you’ve bowed, go. Don’t stand here and bother our little world for two.”
“Alright,” Zong Yu laughed. He bowed to Zong Suiyang again with Xu Fangnian and then returned to their seats.
After sitting down, Xu Fangnian secretly glanced up. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the previously cold and aloof Crown Prince open a food box, take out a bag, and peel chestnuts for the person sitting across from him.
Pei Xiting happily enjoyed the service, biting into a chestnut Zong Suiyang offered him. He suddenly remembered something. “My second brother brought me some newly opened chestnut shortbread last time. It was so delicious, but you came back so late that day that I ate the piece I saved for you.”
“It’s fine,” Zong Suiyang said. “You can buy me a piece to try next time.”
Pei Xiting put on the air of a domineering CEO. “If you like it, I’ll buy you the entire chestnut shop.”
Zong Suiyang used a chestnut to gently plug Pei Xiting’s mouth. “Thank you for your generosity, Young Master Pei.”
Pei Xiting grinned, picked up his wine cup, and took a sip. Then he got up with his cup and sat on the cushion next to Zong Suiyang. “It’s a cold winter day. It’s warmer to sit close.”
Zhao Fan had just entered and saw this exact scene: two people, shoulder to shoulder, being incredibly lovey-dovey.
“It’s His Highness,” someone behind him said in a hushed tone. “Should we go pay our respects?”
Zhao Fan looked away. “His Highness is out in casual clothes. We shouldn’t disturb him.”
The group behind him agreed. They quickly chose a table and sat down, not daring to look at that table again.
“Drink another small cup,” Zong Suiyang said, as if he hadn’t noticed Zhao Fan’s lingering gaze. He poured half a cup of wine for Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting was looking down, running his fingers over the carved plum blossoms on the wine cup, and didn’t notice that anyone else had entered. He just said “Oh” when he heard Zong Suiyang and gently clinked his cup against his. “I’m doomed. I think my wine bug is acting up.”
Pei Xiting had the temperament of someone who liked to have “a drink for pleasure,” but he often followed it up by getting a bit tipsy. Zong Suiyang was used to it. “It’s fine,” he said. “If you get drunk, I’ll plant you in the snow.”
“Okay,” Pei Xiting said fearlessly. “If you don’t plant me, you’re a dog.”
Zong Suiyang smiled, taking a cloth to clean his hands.
Pei Xiting saw this and, sensing danger, tried to escape. But Zong Suiyang held him by the waist and pulled him into his arms. Zong Suiyang pinched his cheek with his other hand, leaned down, and said, “Threatening me?”
Pei Xiting blinked and let out a soft, nasal laugh.
Zong Suiyang looked at him and couldn’t resist. He gently kneaded Pei Xiting’s face. “You need to put on some more weight.”
“No,” Pei Xiting protested. “I can’t get fat.”
He sighed. “The abs I lost haven’t returned, and my stomach feels a little soft… I hope I’m not gaining any fat.”
Xiao Pei was a little melancholy. As a handsome guy, he had a basic awareness that extra fat was absolutely forbidden on his body.
“It’s the New Year. It’s fine to gain a little weight. You’ll lose it once the weather warms up,” Zong Suiyang said, pushing back Pei Xiting’s stray hair. “Once it gets warmer, you won’t be sleeping in. If you practice with me for half an hour in the morning, you’ll get the abs you want.”
Pei Xiting thought that made sense. Winter was the perfect time to fatten up. He couldn’t be too hard on himself.
Zong Suiyang used his chopsticks to pick up a piece of chestnut cake and placed it in front of Pei Xiting. “Do you want some?”
Pei Xiting took a bite and glared resentfully at Zong Suiyang, putting all the “blame” for his weight gain on the one who was feeding him. He, on the other hand, was innocent.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Zong Suiyang said, putting down his chopsticks. “It’ll make me… ‘chicken-motivated’.”
Pei Xiting nearly choked on the chestnut cake and almost reincarnated on the spot.
A pun on the Chinese words for “excited[mfn]激动 (jī dòng)[/mfn]” and “chicken-motivated[mfn]鸡动(jī dòng)[/mfn],” a slang term for a man’s private parts. This was a word that could only be understood from context, which Pei Xiting had invented and Zong Suiyang, the “good student,” had learned. Pei Xiting reflected on his actions and felt guilty. He had provided fertile ground for Zong Suiyang, this “beast in human clothing,” to continue his growth.
“I have sinned,” Pei Xiting said, pressing his hands together devoutly. “I’ve made a decision.”
Zong Suiyang listened seriously to Pei Xiting’s important decision.
“From now on, I will always watch my words and actions and not lead you astray further,” Pei Xiting said, closing his eyes and chanting, “May goodness prevail.”
Zong Suiyang was puzzled. “Further astray?” he asked.
Pei Xiting gave a slight smile. “Can you honestly say with a straight face that you are a true gentleman?”
“Am I not?” Zong Suiyang teased a stray lock of hair on Pei Xiting’s chest. “You used to constantly hover around me, provoking me with your bold, ambiguous gazes, and I didn’t do anything to you. Doesn’t that make me the best gentleman in the world?”
Pei Xiting’s eyes widened. “Who provoked you? If your mind is dirty, go scrub it in a pot!”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t admit it. I’ll just take it as an unintentional mistake and won’t argue with you about it,” Zong Suiyang said, sounding generous and kind.
Pei Xiting clutched his chest and spat out an invisible stream of blood. “You’ve ruined my innocence. Argh!”
He rolled his eyes and collapsed onto the table, passing out.
Zong Suiyang was startled. He quickly put his arm around the back of Pei Xiting’s head and took his wrist to check his pulse. He said in all seriousness, “Mhm, I must immediately remove your clothes and perform acupuncture…”
Pei Xiting opened his eyes with a swish, sat up gracefully, and said, “Oh, I’m awake again.”
Zong Suiyang laughed, holding and shaking Pei Xiting’s cheeks. Pei Xiting hummed in protest but didn’t push his hands away, his tone a mix of indulgence and affection. Yu Shaoyun and Yuan Fang had instinctively found seats nearby as soon as they came upstairs. Now, the two of them laughed and acted intimately as if no one else was around, completely ignoring the various glances, both overt and subtle, from the other people.
Zong Yu had been used to his cousin’s “do not approach” attitude for over ten years. Even though this wasn’t the first time he had witnessed their intimacy, he still felt as if he was seeing a ghost. He glanced at one of the tables to his left. Zhao Fan was drinking wine as if it were water, a sign that he was in a state of agitated anger.
Back at their table, Pei Xiting finished his wine and put the cup back into the food box. Yu Shaoyun came forward and took it. Pei Xiting then pulled Zong Suiyang to his feet, and they went downstairs.
Xu Fangnian looked at them and thought she saw their hands intertwined in their cloaks. She couldn’t help but whisper, “They’re so in love.”
“They are,” Zong Yu said, dazed. In the past, everyone said the Crown Prince was an iron tree that would never bloom. Now that he had bloomed, he was a true romantic, in a way that no one had ever expected or dared to imagine.
As they exited the side door and the wind blew in their faces, it was cold but refreshing. Pei Xiting took a deep breath. The plum blossom fragrance in the air was so tranquil and invigorating.
They chose the path on the left and continued along the snowy steps. Besides the plum blossoms, some small flowers were also blooming on the ground, though they were covered in a white blanket of snow, with only a few peeking through.
Up ahead was a stone tablet with the characters “Plum Garden” engraved on it. There were jagged rockeries, and in the garden behind, many potted plum blossom trees of various styles and types were arranged, clearly not all from the same person.
“They’re all from different families, sent here without a name, just for people to appreciate,” Yu Shaoyun said from behind.
Pei Xiting pulled Zong Suiyang, and they walked around, stopping in front of one potted tree. Compared to the valuable and exquisite potted flowers in the rest of the garden, this simple white wild plum blossom was more to Pei Xiting’s liking.
“The trunk is old and strong, and the branches are elegant and winding. It looks so cultured and refined. What do you think?” Pei Xiting turned to Zong Suiyang, only to see that the latter’s gaze was a little strange.
Pei Xiting was momentarily stunned, then he understood and guessed, “Could it be that I’m just bragging about my own products?”
Zong Suiyang turned his head, glanced at the potted wild plum, and smiled. “Last year, I heard there was a plum blossom viewing event here. I happened to have one in bloom, so I had someone bring it over. If I hadn’t come today, I would have forgotten about it.”
“Of course, your taste is impeccable,” Pei Xiting said.
Zong Suiyang laughed. “If you like it, I’ll have someone move it back and put it in the palace.”
“Hey, wild plums usually grow in mountain streams and valleys, so they’re perfect here. Why bother?” Pei Xiting said, pulling Zong Suiyang out of the garden. “Hey, are there any thieves trying to steal the pots? I’ve seen some people use very valuable pots. Isn’t this easier than sneaking into a house to steal?”
“I haven’t heard of it,” Zong Suiyang said, lifting a branch so Pei Xiting could pass. “Valuable pieces can be traced to their owners. Selling them on the market is no different from turning yourself in to the authorities.”
“That’s true,” Pei Xiting said. “Hey, if we go up this way, will we get to the top of the mountain?”
“Yes,” Zong Suiyang said. “There’s an ancient plum tree up there. It’s said to be almost a thousand years old.”
“No wonder,” Pei Xiting said, taking a breath and smiling. “The fragrance carries for miles.”
They walked up the stone steps. Luckily, Plum Valley wasn’t a high peak, and it wasn’t too strenuous to reach the top. Pei Xiting followed Zong Suiyang to the summit and saw an ancient plum tree standing majestically in the center. Its white blossoms were in full bloom, standing proudly against the wind.
“It’s so beautiful,” Pei Xiting said with a sigh. He saw an old woman sitting in a corner to the left of the tree, embroidering something in a basket. He led Zong Suiyang over to take a look and found that the basket contained red ribbons, much like the red threads of fate, with twin lotus flowers embroidered on the bottom.
“Red ribbons on the tree of destiny mean your fate is tied in a knot that no one can untangle,” the old woman said, looking up at Pei Xiting and smiling. “If you have a special someone, young master, you can buy a pair for good luck. They’re only one copper coin.”
Pei Xiting looked around. “Where’s the tree of destiny?” he asked.
“Over there,” the old woman said, pointing to a small path ahead. “Just follow it, and you’ll see a big tree with red ribbons hanging on it.”
“Then I’ll buy a pair,” Pei Xiting said, reaching out to choose one.
Yu Shaoyun stepped forward and gave the money. He told the old woman, who was reaching into her pocket for change, not to bother. The old woman was stunned for a moment. She put her hands together and smiled, speaking a few words of good fortune.
“Come on, let’s go find the tree of destiny,” Pei Xiting said, excitedly pulling Zong Suiyang toward the path. After they turned around a small hill, they indeed saw a large tree standing on the side of the road, looking like a big, strong boy wearing a red dress.
A man was sitting on the side of the road with a long table and a wooden sign that read, “Brush and Ink Rental—One Copper Coin.” Seeing them approach, the man immediately cupped his hands and said something festive.
Yu Shaoyun placed a coin on the table. Yuan Fang dipped a brush in ink, tested it, and then handed it to Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting thanked him, held the red ribbon, and leaned down to write a line: Day and night, together we walk and retreat.
He then wrote two names under the twin lotus flowers: Pei Xiting and Zong Suiyang.
The writing was in small, formal script, with a solemn elegance.
He passed the brush to Zong Suiyang. Zong Suiyang took it, leaned down, and on the other red ribbon, wrote: Enduring forever, with no envy for mandarin ducks. He then signed his name, also in formal script.
Zong Suiyang rarely wrote in formal script. Pei Xiting couldn’t help but pick it up to admire. “Your writing makes mine look like little worms with no backbone.”
As the East Palace’s clerk, he had the authority to write notes on the Crown Prince’s behalf, but because of Zong Suiyang’s private affection for him, the official notes would sometimes have two different scripts in red ink. Pei Xiting didn’t know or care what the ministers thought when they received them, but once, in a teahouse, he had overheard someone whispering that Pei-wenshu’s handwriting looked inferior when placed next to the Crown Prince’s.
“You care about it that much?” Zong Suiyang said. “Then you can serve me tea again tomorrow, and I’ll be your teacher.”
Pei Xiting thought that was a deal too good to pass up. He immediately agreed. “Then from now on, I’ll call you ‘Teacher’ when we’re outside.”
Zong Suiyang felt that any name was fine. “If you want to play a game like this with me, I’m happy to oblige.”
“You filthy person, you are not allowed to sully the teacher-student relationship,” Pei Xiting said, pressing a fist against Zong Suiyang’s forehead. “Let’s go.”
Zong Suiyang laughed, rubbing the back of Pei Xiting’s head as he turned to walk under the tree of destiny.
Pei Xiting hesitated. “Where should we hang it?”
“At the very top, of course,” Zong Suiyang said. “That way, the Matchmaker can see it.”
“That’s silly,” Pei Xiting disagreed. “If we hang it at the top, the wind, rain, thunder, and snow will all hit it. The ribbon will be ruined.”
He walked around the tree and finally chose a spot. “Let’s hang it in the middle. It has shade from above and a base below. And its position facing outward makes it very obvious.”
Zong Suiyang had no objections. He reached for Pei Xiting’s ribbon, ready to leap into the tree.
“Wait a minute!” Pei Xiting quickly pulled him back. “You can’t step on the tree of destiny.”
That’s quite elaborate. Zong Suiyang laughed, thought for a moment, and said, “I’ll hold you, and you can hang it. It’ll be a joint effort.”
“Mhm, that’s a good idea,” Pei Xiting said, snapping his fingers. He walked to the designated spot and spread his arms. “Let’s fly!”
Zong Suiyang held Pei Xiting’s legs like he was holding a child, lifting him up. “Can you reach? If not, you can sit on my shoulders.”
“I can reach, I can reach,” Pei Xiting said, stretching his arms. He quickly wrapped the two ribbons around a branch, tied a tight knot, and then, after a brief pause, added another one. He then smoothed it out and clapped his hands. “Done.”
Zong Suiyang put him down and instinctively tidied Pei Xiting’s cloak.
Pei Xiting looked up at the ribbons swaying in the wind. His eyes were fixed on them, and he smiled without a word. Zong Suiyang took his hand again, and they turned to go back down the hill.
On their way down, they took a different path, wandering leisurely. They sat in a pavilion to rest for a while.
Pei Xiting found his chance and took out the wine flask. He filled a cup for himself, drank it in two gulps, and said, “Warmed wine and cold plum blossoms—how wonderful.”
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, and snowflakes fluttered down. Pei Xiting closed his eyes slightly but didn’t turn his head.
Shing! A blade was drawn. Pei Xiting turned to see that Zong Suiyang had taken off his cloak, pulled the saber from Yu Shaoyun’s waist, and leaped out of the pavilion, beginning a graceful dance in the snow.
Pei Xiting held his wine cup and watched the man in the wind and snow. The blade was a blur, moving with the fluidity of a soaring dragon. The person was a whirlwind of energy, both majestic and light.
Zong Suiyang put away the blade and tossed it into the pavilion. Yu Shaoyun caught it precisely and returned it to its scabbard.
Pei Xiting clapped, resting his cheek on his hand, and watched the man walk toward him. His eyes were full of a smile, and he didn’t say anything. Zong Suiyang gently brushed his knuckles against Pei Xiting’s face, making sure his hand wasn’t too cold. “Did I dance better, or did he?”
Pei Xiting was stunned for a moment. This man was still dwelling on that great dream, still dissatisfied with his past self. He smiled. “You.”
At that time, Zong Suiyang wasn’t dancing with the blade; he was training with it. It was as if he considered every bit of air around him an enemy, full of a murderous aura, and his blade was sharp and cold. But the Zong Suiyang just now was dancing, dancing with the wind and the snow. There was no hostility, only a certain natural elegance and joy.
Zong Suiyang was pleased with that one word. His face warmed almost imperceptibly. “Mhm,” he said.
Pei Xiting laughed inwardly, but he didn’t dare show it on his face, afraid that the jealous man would pick a fight and find a flaw. He reached out and held both of Zong Suiyang’s hands, cupping them and blowing into them. “Let me warm you up.”
He held on tight, and Zong Suiyang didn’t pull away. He hummed softly, his eyes cast down on Pei Xiting’s eyebrows, nose, and the cheeks that had puffed up and then returned to normal.
Pei Xiting felt it was enough. When he let go of Zong Suiyang’s hands, Zong Suiyang reached up, took his chin, leaned down, and kissed him.
Yu Shaoyun looked away. Yuan Fang closed his eyes, pretending he didn’t exist.
Pei Xiting blinked his smiling eyes. There was a radiance in his pupils more dazzling than the red plum blossoms in the snow. Zong Suiyang’s eyelashes trembled slightly. He held Pei Xiting’s face and the back of his head, deepening their kiss.
When they parted, Pei Xiting went limp and fell into Zong Suiyang’s arms. His mind was in a daze. He had wrapped his arms around Zong Suiyang’s neck at some point, and now his fingers stroked the back of his neck, as if to soothe him, or to beg for mercy, or perhaps both. His expression was unreadable, and his eyes were hazy. His entire being seemed to have taken on the color of a red plum blossom, so elegant and exquisite.
Zong Suiyang’s gaze was fiery. He said in a hoarse voice, “If it weren’t for the cold of winter…”
Pei Xiting pursed his lips. “And you still dare to call yourself a gentleman.”
Zong Suiyang laughed, gently kissing Pei Xiting’s rosy lips. He straightened the hair on his forehead and said, “Don’t look at me anymore.”
“You’re the one being indecent, and you’re making a fuss about someone else,” Pei Xiting grumbled. Zong Suiyang’s gaze was fierce, as if to say, “If you keep mumbling, I’ll really do it here.” Pei Xiting laughed inwardly, knowing that Zong Suiyang wouldn’t choose a cold, snowy day for a romp in the wilderness. But he obediently gave in. “Okay, I won’t look at you.”
Zong Suiyang rubbed Pei Xiting’s cheek and poured him a cup of wine.
Pei Xiting tilted his head back and drank it. He held out his cup. “Mhm?”
Zong Suiyang lifted the flask and poured the wine. “If you really get drunk, I won’t be taking you back with me.”
“Go ahead and leave me here. Whoever finds me, I’ll go with them,” Pei Xiting said with a grin. “And don’t you dare come looking for me.”
Zong Suiyang didn’t say anything. When Pei Xiting finished the cup, he put it back in the food box. Then he undid the tie on his left sleeve and used it to gently bind his left hand to Pei Xiting’s right hand. “Time to go home.”
He looked like a child throwing a tantrum. Pei Xiting couldn’t help but laugh, leaning his shoulder against Zong Suiyang as they walked forward. “Okay, I’ll go home with you.”
“Okay,” Zong Suiyang said. “Are you reluctant?”
“No,” Pei Xiting said. “I’m very willing.”
That’s more like it. Zong Suiyang stopped picking a fight. He squeezed Pei Xiting’s right hand and led him out of the pavilion. As they stepped into the snow, Pei Xiting looked back. On the mountaintop not far away, half of the tree of destiny was visible, with its red ribbons swaying in the wind. He pointed. “Ours is in that spot. I tied a little bow.”
Zong Suiyang shifted his gaze from the red ribbon and slowly let it rest on Pei Xiting’s face. “Mhm. The flowers are endless, the moon is unending. It will remain here year after year.”
As pleasant as the words were, when Zong Suiyang said them, they went straight to Pei Xiting’s heart. He nodded, smiling. “Let’s go home.”
Zong Suiyang nodded. “Let’s go home.”
They turned together, disappearing into the clusters of red plum blossoms.
So sweet! Tq