The Imperial Palace.
Emperor Chongzhao was reviewing the list of officials who had come to the capital this year to report on their duties.
He had circled several key names in the military officials' column.
Eunuch Yu: "Your Majesty, won't you rest? The affairs of state are never-ending. The court is in recess these days. Perhaps you should continue tomorrow?"
Emperor Chongzhao rubbed the space between his eyebrows.
"Is Little Seven asleep? Go and check if he's kicked off his blankets."
Eunuch Yu: "Your Majesty, you've forgotten. The young prince went to Marquis Xu's residence outside the palace tonight."
Emperor Chongzhao: "...I truly didn't remember. It seems I am indeed weary."
He dipped his brush in ink, took out a blank sheet of paper, and wrote down the names of the circled military officials.
"Tell the Ministry of Personnel to expedite their investigation into these men's backgrounds, achievements, connections, character, and allegiances," Emperor Chongzhao folded the paper, pondered for a few seconds, "Send a copy to the Eastern Depot as well. Have both offices investigate separately. Ensure the information is absolutely reliable."
Eunuch Yu: "As you command."
Only after completing this task did Emperor Chongzhao retire for the night.
The dragon bed still had two sets of quilts, and the silly grinning face carved into the bedpost was still there. Only the person was missing.
It seemed the Sword-Holding Marquis's residence hadn't been renovated in many years. He wondered if that particular young fellow, with his many needs, was sleeping comfortably.
-
Slanted bamboo shadows.
In the courtyard, they swayed like aquatic plants.
Within the Marquis's residence, two men were still in a standoff.
Xu Jing appeared rough and boorish on the outside, but the fact that he had negotiated with and fiercely suppressed the various tribes of the Northern Frontier for so many years proved he was not merely a brute without brains.
He was skeptical of what Yi Shier had said: "Whether it's true or not, we'll test it with a few moves first."
With that, Xu Jing's figure suddenly dropped low, closing in aggressively. His palm formed a tiger's claw, viciously aiming for Yi Shier's throat. The latter leaned backward, evading like a ghost, his palm pushing off the ground. As soon as he looked up, a sweeping leg strike came crashing down!
Yi Shier pushed off forcefully with his palm, catching the leg with his other hand. Their internal energies collided with a thud!
His arm went instantly numb. Yi Shier's gaze sharpened. Using the opponent's force, his body suddenly shot upward, landing lightly on a bamboo branch before turning around.
Xu Jing stood on the cracked floor tiles and looked up. "Your internal energy is somewhat lacking, but your movement technique is excellent. A common flaw for tracking-type shadow guards or assassins. Were you originally in His Majesty's service, or..."
Yi Shier: "I now serve the Seventh Prince."
Xu Jing clasped his hands behind his back. "Leaving you by my grandson's side makes me uneasy. May I kill you?"
Yi Shier: "Only the Seventh Prince can decide my life or death."
"Is that so?" Xu Jing's aged eyes saw everything clearly. "I don't believe someone who came from that kind of place wouldn't have any restraints on them."
Yi Shier flew down from the bamboo branch, landing in front of Xu Jing. He extended his hand and said flatly, "You may also use something to control me."
Xu Jing stared into his eyes for a moment, then slowly turned around.
"Forget it. Your eyes lack that detestable quality. Protect him well. I'm going to see my good grandson."
After walking some distance, Xu Jing took out a small medicine bottle from his robe and tossed it back to Yi Shier without turning his head.
“Filthy places, filthy methods of control—there are only so many. The Thousand Coin Pill can delay the onset of poison. Take it. It might be useful someday.”
Yi Shier held the medicine bottle, stood in the courtyard for a moment, then glanced in the direction of the bedchamber.
He leaped onto the roof tiles, sat down cross-legged, and quietly kept watch over the small reunion below.
-
The next day.
Qu Dubian opened his eyes from a beautiful dream. The warm, cozy bedding made him stretch luxuriously.
"Mmm..."
So comfortable.
He opened his eyes, breathing in the clean scent of cotton from the bedding, feeling like he could sink right into it.
"Woof!"
Hearing the familiar bark, Qu Dubian instantly shook off his drowsiness. He rolled over in delight and peered over the edge of the bed. "Wow, Da Hei!! How did you get out of the palace too!"
Da Hei enthusiastically approached, placing his paws neatly on the bedside but not jumping up. He had waited anxiously in Shunning Palace for the young one's return, pacing in circles until Consort Xuan had him sent out.
"Young master is awake?"
Mother Fang pushed the door open, smiling. "You slept for so long. If you hadn't woken soon, the Marquis and his lady would have been worried."
Qu Dubian stroked Da Hei's head. "Did I sleep that long?"
He checked the simulator's time. Hiss—it was already eleven o'clock! Aside from staying up late reading, his routine was usually very punctual, waking around nine in the morning.
He hadn't felt it at all and had slept exceptionally soundly.
Ye Xiaoyuan brought in the washing items. Qu Dubian quickly washed his face, brushed his teeth, and got dressed. But even when he was about to eat, he still hadn't seen his grandfather or grandmother.
"Mother Fang, are Grandpa and Grandma not home? Did they go out for New Year's visits?"
He'd heard other children say that if they overslept during the New Year, their parents would leave them at home with prepared dumplings and go visiting themselves.
Was he about to experience that too?
Mother Fang's expression turned slightly odd. "It's nothing, just a minor matter to handle. They're both in the front hall. If you're anxious, young master, I can go and hurry them along."
Something was happening in the front hall.
Qu Dubian ran out holding his bowl. "I'll go see what's going on."
Ye Xiaoyuan: "Your Highness, perhaps I should hold the bowl for you?"
"No need, no need. I'd drop myself before I'd drop this bowl of dumplings."
Ye Xiaoyuan: "..." That's precisely what I'm afraid of.
Da Hei walked behind Qu Dubian. Without leash or muzzle, he seemed even more at ease and imposing, carrying the dignified air of a seasoned veteran.
-
Front Hall.
Xu Jing's expression was extremely dark.
His second brother, Xu Jianyan, had come to the Marquis's residence for a New Year's visit, bringing a row of men and women—sons, daughters, and grandchildren.
Originally, Xu Jing wanted to drive them out immediately, but Xu Jianyan had also brought their mother's sister, their great-aunt.
She was one of the few remaining elders of the Xu family. With her here, Xu Jing had to at least open the door to receive guests.
Of course, Xu Jing had ordered all but three chairs removed from the front hall—one for himself, one for Wu Siwan, and one for the great-aunt.
Everyone else had to stand. Not a single snack or even a cup of water was offered.
The message of unwelcome was displayed plainly.
"Elder Brother, you've finally returned from the Northern Frontier, and it's the New Year. How could your younger brother not come to see you?" Xu Jianyan said with a smile. "So many years have passed. We are flesh and blood. Surely you don't still hold a grudge against me?"
Xu Jing remained motionless. Wu Siwan walked up to Xu Jianyan with a grim face. "Didn't I say that if you came again, I would directly beat you out?"
Xu Jianyan: "Sister-in-law, with Elder Brother here, it's not your place to speak, is it?"
Wu Siwan slapped him across the face.
"You!" Xu Jianyan glared furiously. "Elder Brother!"
Xu Jing: "Ah, yes. Your sister-in-law saw a mosquito on your face."
Xu Jianyan covered his cheek. "Elder Brother, must we be so hostile? When all is said and done, we are all Xus. Wouldn't it be better to prosper together in the capital?"
"Third Brother's family only has that Xu Tingfeng, and he's lame. Only my family has many children. Choose whichever you like, boys or girls. Adopt one into your line. You must have an heir, mustn't you?"
He pulled forward his sons and grandsons, introducing them one by one.
"These are all clever!"
Xu Jing stretched lazily, walked up to Xu Jianyan, and slapped him again.
Xu Jianyan spun in place, looking dazed, a trickle of blood from his nose. When he came to his senses, his face flushed red with humiliation. To be struck like this in front of his own children and grandchildren—who could bear such a blow to their dignity?
But he dared not fight back.
Xu Jin: "My apologies, there was another mosquito. Tsk, that looks much more symmetrical now, doesn't it? Hahaha."
"Alright, alright," the elderly grand-aunt coughed twice. "Oldest nephew, you and your wife, it's the New Year. Let's not have any bloodshed."
Xu Jin: "An auspicious start. I don't mind."
Wu Siwan: "What brings you to visit us today, Aunt?"
The elderly grand-aunt gently took her hand. "I know about your conflict with the second branch. Adoption is out of the question."
Wu Siwan: "If it weren't for you, they wouldn't have gotten past the Marquis's gate."
"Then... would you consider adopting one of my grandsons?" A faint gleam appeared in the old woman's aged eyes, her tone growing even more placid. "Although I am a married-out daughter and my grandsons do not bear the Xu surname, I am, after all, your mother's sister. The blood tie is still there."
Xu Jianyan was incredulous: "That's not what you said when you came!"
The elderly grand-aunt shot a glance at this fool.
The Xu family had produced so many shrewd individuals, yet Xu Jianyan alone was the flawed one.
Old as he was, he remained stupid as a pig.
The eldest nephew's return at this critical juncture surely meant there was a turn of events regarding the Northern Frontier. She had originally wanted no part in the Marquis's affairs, sensing danger. But now, glimpsing an opportunity, who wouldn't want to draw closer?
She had plenty of descendants; giving one away wasn't a hardship.
If the adoption succeeded, and Xu Jin were to die later, it would mean gaining a Marquis title for nothing. Who wouldn't covet that?
Wu Siwan withdrew her hand from the old woman's grasp. The look she now gave her grand-aunt was not much different from the one she gave Xu Jianyan.
The elderly grand-aunt's expression shifted slightly, but she maintained her kindly smile. "Listen to me. When you grow old, you'll have someone to care for you and see you off. The Seventh Prince, after all, is of the imperial bloodline. How can he be as close as your own family..."
Xu Jin couldn't suppress his temper any longer and slammed his palm down, shattering the table.
Everyone present instantly fell silent.
His gaze swept the room. He smiled, "I see now. You've all come together to spoil my mood. Aunt, I show you respect because you are my late mother's sister. That is the only reason for my courtesy. You—you bring others to my home on New Year's Day to cause trouble. My temper has been notoriously bad since I was young. I don't wish to make this too embarrassing for you."
"Slurp—"
A tiny, soft sound of someone sipping soup came from the doorway.
Xu Jin's words halted. He looked toward the door.
A child was sitting on the threshold, holding a bowl and chopsticks, eating dumplings and occasionally taking a sip of soup. It was unclear how long he had been sitting there, watching the show with great interest.
"..." Xu Jin nudged a broken table leg with his toe, trying to hide it slightly.
Wu Siwan immediately ignored everyone else and hurried over. "Little darling, you're up. Come here to your grandmother. Why are you eating here?"
Qu Dubian smiled and nuzzled against his grandmother's palm. "I came looking for you. When I got up, you were all gone. I missed you so much."
His grandmother's face blossomed into a smile.
Qu Dubian got up from the threshold, handed his bowl to Ye Xiaoyuan, clasped his hands behind his back like an adult, and walked forward.
The fierce guard dog Da Hei protectively flanked him. Its ferocious appearance truly frightened quite a few people. The children and grandchildren Xu Jianyan had brought with him quickly parted to make a path for Qu Dubian.
Qu Dubian walked up to his grandfather, turned, and glanced at Xu Jianyan and the elderly grand-aunt.
One he should call Second Great-Uncle, the other Great-Grandaunt.
When he was in the palace before, he hadn't been clear on the details, nor did he know his grandfather and grandmother's relationship with Xu Jianyan had deteriorated to this point.
He only knew that this Great-Uncle Xu Jianyan was the Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, who had last time prepared ceremonial meals for him that looked unappealing but were actually quite tasty.
He had originally thought this relative wasn't so bad, but given his grandfather's clear rejection today, Xu Jianyan must have done something unforgivable.
As for the other grand-aunt, for all her fine words, she was merely coveting his grandfather's title and the resources behind it.
Indeed, no family was entirely good; there were always a few parasites.
Qu Dubian revealed a sweet smile and asked the old woman with feigned confusion, "This... elderly lady, what did you mean by saying that because I am of my imperial father's bloodline, I am not close to my grandfather and grandmother? Is there something wrong with my imperial father's bloodline?"
"Ye Banban, make a note of what's wrong. I'll go back and tell my imperial father to correct it, and then I'll correct it too."
