Zhu Zi'an stood in the doorway watching Jiang Kui for a while.
His tranquil amber eyes gazed at her moonlit visage, trailing from her brow to her jawline before lingering amidst her lunar-haloed hair. He observed her very attentively as if engraving her into memory.
The lovely maiden before him didn't notice at all. Cheek-propped she tilted her head his way. "Long time no see. Zhu Zi'an, just what on earth have you been busy with?"
"Haven't I been writing you daily letters?" Sitting cross-legged on the cushion opposite her, Zhu Zi'an held up a teapot. "I asked you out today because something major has happened in the mundane world."
He leaned over taking a cup from the short table. The steaming pot slowly filled it with piping liquid, white wisps rising through the air. Just as he lifted it towards his mouth, Jiang Kui suddenly snatched it away and boldly took an initial sip.
Zhu Zi'an froze astonished, "What're you doing?"
The bitter taste made Jiang Kui speechless for a time before managing to swallow and glare up at him indignantly. Even her beautiful floating strands shuddered with anger.
Zhu Zi'an chuckled, "Serves you right for stealing my tea."
"I thought the tea you brewed would taste better," she sulked while shoving the cup back into his hand. Fuming as she watched him leisurely sip, "Zhu Zi'an, why drink such strong tea so late?"
A sudden thought struck her. "Don't you hate bitterness?"
Zhu Zi'an stilled. "Who said I detest bitterness?"
"Luo Shiyi told me that," Jiang Kui unhesitatingly sold out his little underling.
Zhu Zi'an drank another mouthful, lightly snorting. "All nonsense. You actually believe his words?"
"I do," Jiang Kui stubbornly insisted leaning on her palm.
"You believe him yet distrust me?" Zhu Zi'an laughed exasperatedly.
"Then finish that cup in one go," Jiang Kui pensively watched him. "Only then will I trust you."
Zhu Zi'an silently contemplated for an instant. Gripping the bitterness between both hands he stared at the shimmering liquid before upending the tea in one heroic swig as if going to his death.
He set the cup down with a pained expression.
"There, happy?" Taut-faced he bit out. "You should trust me now right?"
"Mm, I trust you," she smiled.
His disgruntled look truly amused her. Impulsively she reached out patting his messy hair as if mollifying a sulky cat. Her actions further displaced the already disarrayed strands with several sticking straight up, their tips gleaming palely dampened resembling dew.
He tilted his face towards her, gaze filled with her countenance. "No you don't believe me still," Zhu Zi'an grumbled sullenly.
Jiang Kui withdrew her hand, leisurely sipping her own brew while thoughts drifted towards Xie Wuyan.
Zhu Zi'an was definitely nothing alike with Xie Wuyan. If forced to down those bitter decoctions Xie Wuyan daily ingested, Zhu Zi'an likely couldn't swallow any. Whereas Xie Wuyan drank medicine as unhurriedly as tea.
"Young miss Jiang," Zhu Zi'an unusually took initiative broaching the purpose of their midnight rendezvous. "I asked to meet tonight because great turmoil has indeed erupted in the mundane world."
He slowly elaborated, "The Beggars want me to rescue Leng Baizhou back no matter the cost."
Jiang Kui started, "Something happened to Leng Baizhou?"
She last saw that arrogant Beggars Sect young chief at her twelfth birthday banquet. The half-grown child had bullied others so she taught him a painful lesson.
Ever since, Beggars Chief Yuan Erye constantly attempted capturing her back to their stronghold for Leng Baizhou to vent his anger at her. He had even approached Zhu Zi'an for business, willing to exchange ten taels of gold for her whereabouts.
In the past, the notion of Zhu Zi'an actually selling her out then counting money would have incensed her to seething rage. Yet looking back now, she only found it mildly amusing. Barely over two months had passed, yet those memories already seemed faded as if coated in dust. She was almost forgetting details.
She even felt a tinge of nostalgia.
"Mm. Leng Baizhou was abducted," Zhu Zi'an said gravely. "His captor has but one demand - the Beggars relinquish all Chang'an territory in exchange for Leng Baizhou's life. This remains strictly confidential for now. Chief Yuan came seeking my assistance in gathering my subordinates and killing squads to jointly rescue his grandson from the kidnappers."
"They are declaring war on you," Jiang Kui asserted. "You suspect White Head Old Man right?"
"Who else dares make a move within my domain besides him?" Zhu Zi'an bit out icily. "The abductors must be Gentlemen's followers with that old fox orchestrating everything covertly. The entire northern city is my turf. Superficially he targeted the Beggars yet his true aim is me. As the Beggars have always protected my dealings, Chief Yuan holds me in high regard so of course I will render aid."
He sneered coldly, "Anyone daring to oppose me so will never gain another foothold within this mundane sphere."
Jiang Kui eyed him askance. She used to wonder what expression he'd have when declaring to defeat some villain. Witnessing it now, she rather felt it not terribly fierce but only somewhat aggressive.
"I'll assist you," sipping her tea Jiang Kui casually said. "Since I already agreed to work for you pro bono this year, I'm at your disposal regarding this."
"You actually remember your offer to work for me now?" Zhu Zi'an chuckled. "Last time when I asked, you claimed to have forgotten already."
"Do yourself a favor and shut it," Jiang Kui brandished an upright index finger at him in grave warning.
Hands raised, Zhu Zi'an laughingly conceded, "As you command, Sir Jiang. I'm zipped up, begging your mercy."
Rising, he strolled towards the bookshelf and extracted several ledgers from a drawer along with a white porcelain lantern. Returning to the desk he unfurled a map of Chang'an between them for careful perusal.
Despite bandaged fingers, Zhu Zi'an's writing posture remained steady. Pen darting about, he marked down several hypothesized abduction routes plus circled one building as potential hostage site. Jiang Kui interjected her opinions throughout.
This was her first glimpse of Zhu Zi'an's writing style. Those scattered letters from thin sheets abruptly came alive—when parted through the unseen days he must have resembled this, head lowered with vivid brows and eyes flowing smoothly.
Billowing sleeves raised as the dancing pen raced wildly with characters near illegible despite seamless elegance betraying his unrestrained temperament.
Perhaps as he claimed, he truly was a common scholar brimming with youthful aspirations freshly arrived to cosmopolitan Chang'an. Reckless and unfettered, talented and arrogant, heart filled with extraordinary ambitions.
Their discussion stretched late into night. Halting his brush, Zhu Zi'an peered up at Jiang Kui. "You agree it's likely here too right?"
"Mm. Pingkang Lane, the Gazing Moon Tower."
After a brief hesitation she added, "That seems to be Prince of Qi's territory though."
The romantic and refined Prince Xie Min frequented brothels. Pingkang Lane was centermost within this pleasure quarter, famed singing courtesans and literary gentlemen often circulating through vermillion-scripted calling cards. As a regular habitué, Prince Min traveled there most frequently.
After handling considerable Eastern Palace documents these months on Xie Wuyan's behalf, Jiang Kui gradually noticed despite superficial appearances of debauchery, Prince Min actually had swathes of spies embedded throughout this area.
His initial rising influence at court relied precisely on extensive intelligence networks established through the pleasure houses. Many eminent officials kept pillowside beauties privately confessing secrets ultimately grasped within Prince Min's hands for blackmail, coercing them into abetting the Qi prince's faction.
"Not just Prince of Qi's grounds but also the Gentlemen's," Zhu Zi'an murmured.
The deepening night inevitably rendered both drowsy. After roughly tracing the next steps, they agreed to concrete planning on the morrow. Jiang Kui bade Zhu Zi'an farewell before silently heading back towards the Eastern Palace compound.
Frigid starlight resembling frost. The lone figure framed by the window watched her graceful departure akin to a swooping swallow, chuckling aloud though it swiftly deteriorated into coughs.
"Your Highness," Luo Shiyi entered bearing a brazier for the other's hands.
Xie Wuyan faintly shivered. He tucked the warmer against himself before descending downstairs, "Let's head back. Need to beat her return."
They slipped into an azure carriage parked behind the bookstore. Lowering his wide bamboo hat, Luo Shiyi took up the reins atop his seat. With a low shout spurring the white horses into a gentle trot pulling ahead.
Within, tranquil silence reigned. The passenger leaned tiredly against the padded walls, breathing faintly labored.
Unable to resist, Luo Shiyi twisted back calling out softly. "Your Highness, no need forcing yourself to such late hours. Young Master Jiang ordered you must return by nine, Physician Shen specially stressed you require early rests..."
"After lying abed unconscious for over ten days straight I'm incredibly clear-headed now without a trace of drowsiness," Xie Wuyan laughed. "Luo Shiyi, you become more nagging as the days pass."
"Drinking strong tea today of course makes sleeping difficult for Your Highness. Young Master Jiang says..."
"Speaking of which, have you been secretly gossiping unnecessary details to her taking advantage of my slumber?" Xie Wuyan interrupted. "Keep that up in the future then prepare yourself for banishment from the Eastern Palace. I'll dispatch you faraway never to return!"
Despite ruthless threats the youth didn't even bat an eye but serenely replied, "If Young Master Jiang were present Your Highness would never say such things. If you still decline a timely rest I shall inform Eunuch Gu to have Young Master Jiang directly speak with you instead."
The passenger fell momentarily silent before coldly snorting, "Very well. Luo Shiyi you grow more emboldened relying on her influence by the day."
Without a peep the youth merely cracked his whip again. Horse hoofbeats echoed softly through the deepening autumn night.
By the time Jiang Kui returned to the Eastern Palace compound, the hour was very late. She merely peeked in on the seemingly deeply slumbering Xie Wuyan at the side chambers without daring further disturbance before withdrawing to her own quarters for bed.
That other bed which Xie Wuyan had occupied while ill still stood pristinely made beside hers as if awaiting its master's homecoming.
Upon waking the next dawn Jiang Kui freshened up before lazily heading over to feed Xie Wuyan his medicine at the side hall.
As usual Eunuch Gu propped Xie Wuyan up while Jiang Kui spooned the herbal soup into his mouth. His complexion seemed considerably improved—face tinged with red, lips no longer bloodless. He sipped carefully with a tension around tightly pressed lips.
After a few mouthfuls Jiang Kui suddenly noticed his ears were flushed.
She surreptitiously inspected him. Obliging obedience marked every tiny swallow. Dark lashes faintly fluttered when throat muscles worked yet his brow remained free of knots.
Setting the bowl down she nodded at the attendant by her side, "Eunuch Gu you may leave first. I'll watch over him."
Eunuch Gu assisted Xie Wuyan to recline before respectfully taking his leave. Stillness descended within the shut hall.
Jiang Kui glared coldly at Xie Wuyan. Eyelids motionless, his breathing extremely muted as if lightly trembling all over.
With a harsh sniff she mercilessly jabbed his forehead. Warm fingerprints marked where they prodded his icy skin, swiftly blooming red.
His Adam's apple gently shifted.
"My lady," he opened his eyes.
Two gazes collided into mutual silence.
"Xie Wuyan, you were clearly feigning sleep after having woken up already right?" Jiang Kui irked. "Do you know how many people worried themselves sick over you slumbering endlessly?"
"My apologies," Xie Wuyan whispered faintly.
"Since you were ill I shall graciously forgive you just this once." Though her tone remained frosty.
The wordless staredown persisted for a time without either knowing how to break the impasse. Xie Wuyan had remained unconscious for too long that Jiang Kui couldn't ascertain his current memories before attempting careful questions.
When Xie Wuyan softly coughed breaking the ongoing hush.
"I'm hungry," he murmured.
Author's Note:
Reference: Ren Yu Wang's Kai Yuan Tian Bao Yi Shi: "Within Chang'an existed Pingkang Lane where singing girls resided. The capital's chivalrous gentlemen and newly passed imperial examination scholars would pay them visits proffering vermillion-scripted calling cards and quality stationery."
(All locations are fictionalized adaptations rather than factual history!)
Zhu Zi'an stood in the doorway watching Jiang Kui for a while.
His tranquil amber eyes gazed at her moonlit visage, trailing from her brow to her jawline before lingering amidst her lunar-haloed hair. He observed her very attentively as if engraving her into memory.
The lovely maiden before him didn't notice at all. Cheek-propped she tilted her head his way. "Long time no see. Zhu Zi'an, just what on earth have you been busy with?"
"Haven't I been writing you daily letters?" Sitting cross-legged on the cushion opposite her, Zhu Zi'an held up a teapot. "I asked you out today because something major has happened in the mundane world."
He leaned over taking a cup from the short table. The steaming pot slowly filled it with piping liquid, white wisps rising through the air. Just as he lifted it towards his mouth, Jiang Kui suddenly snatched it away and boldly took an initial sip.
Zhu Zi'an froze astonished, "What're you doing?"
The bitter taste made Jiang Kui speechless for a time before managing to swallow and glare up at him indignantly. Even her beautiful floating strands shuddered with anger.
Zhu Zi'an chuckled, "Serves you right for stealing my tea."
"I thought the tea you brewed would taste better," she sulked while shoving the cup back into his hand. Fuming as she watched him leisurely sip, "Zhu Zi'an, why drink such strong tea so late?"
A sudden thought struck her. "Don't you hate bitterness?"
Zhu Zi'an stilled. "Who said I detest bitterness?"
"Luo Shiyi told me that," Jiang Kui unhesitatingly sold out his little underling.
Zhu Zi'an drank another mouthful, lightly snorting. "All nonsense. You actually believe his words?"
"I do," Jiang Kui stubbornly insisted leaning on her palm.
"You believe him yet distrust me?" Zhu Zi'an laughed exasperatedly.
"Then finish that cup in one go," Jiang Kui pensively watched him. "Only then will I trust you."
Zhu Zi'an silently contemplated for an instant. Gripping the bitterness between both hands he stared at the shimmering liquid before upending the tea in one heroic swig as if going to his death.
He set the cup down with a pained expression.
"There, happy?" Taut-faced he bit out. "You should trust me now right?"
"Mm, I trust you," she smiled.
His disgruntled look truly amused her. Impulsively she reached out patting his messy hair as if mollifying a sulky cat. Her actions further displaced the already disarrayed strands with several sticking straight up, their tips gleaming palely dampened resembling dew.
He tilted his face towards her, gaze filled with her countenance. "No you don't believe me still," Zhu Zi'an grumbled sullenly.
Jiang Kui withdrew her hand, leisurely sipping her own brew while thoughts drifted towards Xie Wuyan.
Zhu Zi'an was definitely nothing alike with Xie Wuyan. If forced to down those bitter decoctions Xie Wuyan daily ingested, Zhu Zi'an likely couldn't swallow any. Whereas Xie Wuyan drank medicine as unhurriedly as tea.
"Young miss Jiang," Zhu Zi'an unusually took initiative broaching the purpose of their midnight rendezvous. "I asked to meet tonight because great turmoil has indeed erupted in the mundane world."
He slowly elaborated, "The Beggars want me to rescue Leng Baizhou back no matter the cost."
Jiang Kui started, "Something happened to Leng Baizhou?"
She last saw that arrogant Beggars Sect young chief at her twelfth birthday banquet. The half-grown child had bullied others so she taught him a painful lesson.
Ever since, Beggars Chief Yuan Erye constantly attempted capturing her back to their stronghold for Leng Baizhou to vent his anger at her. He had even approached Zhu Zi'an for business, willing to exchange ten taels of gold for her whereabouts.
In the past, the notion of Zhu Zi'an actually selling her out then counting money would have incensed her to seething rage. Yet looking back now, she only found it mildly amusing. Barely over two months had passed, yet those memories already seemed faded as if coated in dust. She was almost forgetting details.
She even felt a tinge of nostalgia.
"Mm. Leng Baizhou was abducted," Zhu Zi'an said gravely. "His captor has but one demand - the Beggars relinquish all Chang'an territory in exchange for Leng Baizhou's life. This remains strictly confidential for now. Chief Yuan came seeking my assistance in gathering my subordinates and killing squads to jointly rescue his grandson from the kidnappers."
"They are declaring war on you," Jiang Kui asserted. "You suspect White Head Old Man right?"
"Who else dares make a move within my domain besides him?" Zhu Zi'an bit out icily. "The abductors must be Gentlemen's followers with that old fox orchestrating everything covertly. The entire northern city is my turf. Superficially he targeted the Beggars yet his true aim is me. As the Beggars have always protected my dealings, Chief Yuan holds me in high regard so of course I will render aid."
He sneered coldly, "Anyone daring to oppose me so will never gain another foothold within this mundane sphere."
Jiang Kui eyed him askance. She used to wonder what expression he'd have when declaring to defeat some villain. Witnessing it now, she rather felt it not terribly fierce but only somewhat aggressive.
"I'll assist you," sipping her tea Jiang Kui casually said. "Since I already agreed to work for you pro bono this year, I'm at your disposal regarding this."
"You actually remember your offer to work for me now?" Zhu Zi'an chuckled. "Last time when I asked, you claimed to have forgotten already."
"Do yourself a favor and shut it," Jiang Kui brandished an upright index finger at him in grave warning.
Hands raised, Zhu Zi'an laughingly conceded, "As you command, Sir Jiang. I'm zipped up, begging your mercy."
Rising, he strolled towards the bookshelf and extracted several ledgers from a drawer along with a white porcelain lantern. Returning to the desk he unfurled a map of Chang'an between them for careful perusal.
Despite bandaged fingers, Zhu Zi'an's writing posture remained steady. Pen darting about, he marked down several hypothesized abduction routes plus circled one building as potential hostage site. Jiang Kui interjected her opinions throughout.
This was her first glimpse of Zhu Zi'an's writing style. Those scattered letters from thin sheets abruptly came alive—when parted through the unseen days he must have resembled this, head lowered with vivid brows and eyes flowing smoothly.
Billowing sleeves raised as the dancing pen raced wildly with characters near illegible despite seamless elegance betraying his unrestrained temperament.
Perhaps as he claimed, he truly was a common scholar brimming with youthful aspirations freshly arrived to cosmopolitan Chang'an. Reckless and unfettered, talented and arrogant, heart filled with extraordinary ambitions.
Their discussion stretched late into night. Halting his brush, Zhu Zi'an peered up at Jiang Kui. "You agree it's likely here too right?"
"Mm. Pingkang Lane, the Gazing Moon Tower."
After a brief hesitation she added, "That seems to be Prince of Qi's territory though."
The romantic and refined Prince Xie Min frequented brothels. Pingkang Lane was centermost within this pleasure quarter, famed singing courtesans and literary gentlemen often circulating through vermillion-scripted calling cards. As a regular habitué, Prince Min traveled there most frequently.
After handling considerable Eastern Palace documents these months on Xie Wuyan's behalf, Jiang Kui gradually noticed despite superficial appearances of debauchery, Prince Min actually had swathes of spies embedded throughout this area.
His initial rising influence at court relied precisely on extensive intelligence networks established through the pleasure houses. Many eminent officials kept pillowside beauties privately confessing secrets ultimately grasped within Prince Min's hands for blackmail, coercing them into abetting the Qi prince's faction.
"Not just Prince of Qi's grounds but also the Gentlemen's," Zhu Zi'an murmured.
The deepening night inevitably rendered both drowsy. After roughly tracing the next steps, they agreed to concrete planning on the morrow. Jiang Kui bade Zhu Zi'an farewell before silently heading back towards the Eastern Palace compound.
Frigid starlight resembling frost. The lone figure framed by the window watched her graceful departure akin to a swooping swallow, chuckling aloud though it swiftly deteriorated into coughs.
"Your Highness," Luo Shiyi entered bearing a brazier for the other's hands.
Xie Wuyan faintly shivered. He tucked the warmer against himself before descending downstairs, "Let's head back. Need to beat her return."
They slipped into an azure carriage parked behind the bookstore. Lowering his wide bamboo hat, Luo Shiyi took up the reins atop his seat. With a low shout spurring the white horses into a gentle trot pulling ahead.
Within, tranquil silence reigned. The passenger leaned tiredly against the padded walls, breathing faintly labored.
Unable to resist, Luo Shiyi twisted back calling out softly. "Your Highness, no need forcing yourself to such late hours. Young Master Jiang ordered you must return by nine, Physician Shen specially stressed you require early rests..."
"After lying abed unconscious for over ten days straight I'm incredibly clear-headed now without a trace of drowsiness," Xie Wuyan laughed. "Luo Shiyi, you become more nagging as the days pass."
"Drinking strong tea today of course makes sleeping difficult for Your Highness. Young Master Jiang says..."
"Speaking of which, have you been secretly gossiping unnecessary details to her taking advantage of my slumber?" Xie Wuyan interrupted. "Keep that up in the future then prepare yourself for banishment from the Eastern Palace. I'll dispatch you faraway never to return!"
Despite ruthless threats the youth didn't even bat an eye but serenely replied, "If Young Master Jiang were present Your Highness would never say such things. If you still decline a timely rest I shall inform Eunuch Gu to have Young Master Jiang directly speak with you instead."
The passenger fell momentarily silent before coldly snorting, "Very well. Luo Shiyi you grow more emboldened relying on her influence by the day."
Without a peep the youth merely cracked his whip again. Horse hoofbeats echoed softly through the deepening autumn night.
By the time Jiang Kui returned to the Eastern Palace compound, the hour was very late. She merely peeked in on the seemingly deeply slumbering Xie Wuyan at the side chambers without daring further disturbance before withdrawing to her own quarters for bed.
That other bed which Xie Wuyan had occupied while ill still stood pristinely made beside hers as if awaiting its master's homecoming.
Upon waking the next dawn Jiang Kui freshened up before lazily heading over to feed Xie Wuyan his medicine at the side hall.
As usual Eunuch Gu propped Xie Wuyan up while Jiang Kui spooned the herbal soup into his mouth. His complexion seemed considerably improved—face tinged with red, lips no longer bloodless. He sipped carefully with a tension around tightly pressed lips.
After a few mouthfuls Jiang Kui suddenly noticed his ears were flushed.
She surreptitiously inspected him. Obliging obedience marked every tiny swallow. Dark lashes faintly fluttered when throat muscles worked yet his brow remained free of knots.
Setting the bowl down she nodded at the attendant by her side, "Eunuch Gu you may leave first. I'll watch over him."
Eunuch Gu assisted Xie Wuyan to recline before respectfully taking his leave. Stillness descended within the shut hall.
Jiang Kui glared coldly at Xie Wuyan. Eyelids motionless, his breathing extremely muted as if lightly trembling all over.
With a harsh sniff she mercilessly jabbed his forehead. Warm fingerprints marked where they prodded his icy skin, swiftly blooming red.
His Adam's apple gently shifted.
"My lady," he opened his eyes.
Two gazes collided into mutual silence.
"Xie Wuyan, you were clearly feigning sleep after having woken up already right?" Jiang Kui irked. "Do you know how many people worried themselves sick over you slumbering endlessly?"
"My apologies," Xie Wuyan whispered faintly.
"Since you were ill I shall graciously forgive you just this once." Though her tone remained frosty.
The wordless staredown persisted for a time without either knowing how to break the impasse. Xie Wuyan had remained unconscious for too long that Jiang Kui couldn't ascertain his current memories before attempting careful questions.
When Xie Wuyan softly coughed breaking the ongoing hush.
"I'm hungry," he murmured.
Author's Note:
Reference: Ren Yu Wang's Kai Yuan Tian Bao Yi Shi: "Within Chang'an existed Pingkang Lane where singing girls resided. The capital's chivalrous gentlemen and newly passed imperial examination scholars would pay them visits proffering vermillion-scripted calling cards and quality stationery."
(All locations are fictionalized adaptations rather than factual history!)
