Qu Fongning’s tailbone tingled, a rush of heat scurried along his spine, and he almost couldn’t sit tight. Seeing his hand steadily reaching towards himself and the deep-set eyes beneath the mask full of smiles, he paused momentarily and hesitantly drooped over the horsewhip. As soon as the soft silvery-white tip fell into his palm, before his pull, Yujien already spun his figure up behind his back, took him into a tight embrace, and pressed on his cheeks. “This is accepting me?”

Qu Fongning instantly reddened. “No… not yet! I’m afraid… afraid that you…”

Even from behind the wooden mask, Yujien could still feel the heat on his cheeks.

“You already pulled me up the horse, how can you bilk?” he chuckled.

“You got up yourself!” Qu Fongning protested at once.

“Fine,” Yujien laughed out loud. “I got up myself. You are worried that I can’t find a step down, right?”

Qu Fongning couldn’t follow up; it seemed like anything he says would fall into a trap. Knowing that he fell too far behind his level, he only humphed and shut his mouth.

Yujien refused to let him go and bumped the jaw of his mask to his forehead. “Then why’d you try to seduce me again today?”

“How did I seduce you?” Qu Fongning couldn’t resist talking back.

“Still playing dumb? Just now in the city, weren’t you seducing me?”

Qu Fongning, full of smugness, swiftly put on a serious face. “I just buckled a button. You even helped me put on clothes!”

“Right now, I very much want to take off your clothes,” murmured Yujien by his cheek.

All the blood in his veins rushed into a booming broil, and his core softened as well. “You… What do you want to do?” he stammered, trying his calm.

Yujien’s finger belly caressed the scars on his fingers, his smile almost overwhelming to the surface. “I’m afraid you might be a little tired, just want to take you back to bed.”

Qu Fongning knew this definitely doesn’t mean sleeping in the usual sense, but he had nothing to disprove, and could only shut his mouth again, with his heart very much indignant.

Yujien had bullied him in and out through and through, his mood exceptionally refreshed, and took over his right hand and put something on his right thumb.

Qu Fongning looked; it was the iron-black jade thumb ring. Recalling the events of that day, he let out an “Ahh!”

Yujien clasped his hand with the thumb ring and said, “Hold it. This old boy’s gift is not something you can dispose of as you please.”

“That’s because you ignored me, or else how would I be willing to part…” Realizing his slip, he immediately changed his tune, “I always throw things whenever I get a temper. In the past, when Brother Gu railed me up, I threw out all his worldly belongings.”

“So, according to you, I’m more or less like your brothers?”

“Much higher! I’ve only thrown one of your things!” said Qu Fongning, giggling.

Yujien watched his lips shimmering from moisture, and his gaze burned deep and hot. “Ningning, Da-ge likes you, hence give you gifts,” he said, his voice husky, and touched his ear. “If you dare to return it again, I’ll rape you.”

A pang of palsy to the depth of his heart, Qu Fongning even felt the thumb ring warming up. Two pairs of eyes met. His heart mutely screamed danger, but he had no way of escape.

Then, rustling noises suddenly passed above his head. Lifting to look, it was a five-hued kite, shaped as a butterfly, with scarlet tail wings, and in leisure drift.

His heart stirred. He leaped off the horseback, walked over towards the kite, passed around Kurze Hill, and really saw a magnificent jade-embossed, gilded wheelchair sitting quietly by the waterside. The person in the wheelchair was looking dully at the kite in the sky, his expression withdrawn.

He stopped in place and called out, “Little General.”

Little Ting’yu, still removed, turned his eyes over vacantly. And as soon as he saw him, his entire body straightened. “Fongning!”

Qu Fongning walked over a few steps and stopped. “Little General, it’s been… a long time.”

Little Ting’yu’s lips shifted; of tens of thousands of words, he could not speak a single line.

And the two, one sitting and one standing, silently regarded each other for some time.

“You’ve grown taller,” Little Ting’yu finally started, his voice a little dry.

“You…” said Qu Fongning, watching him, “don’t look so well. Have you been eating properly?”

“I’ve always been like this,” said Little Ting’yu, a wry laugh at himself.

Qu Fongning went forth a step. “Are you feeling down? Songshr said you have been melancholy.”

“I’m very well,” said Little Ting’yu. “Oh right, thank you for the mechanical crossbow you gave me. I like it very much.”

Qu Fongning found his tone civil and distant, and withdrew the foot he stretched out.

“That’s good,” he said quietly.

Little Ting’yu eyes fell onto his hand. “Does your bow hand still hurt? Do you still wear gloves?” he asked.

Before Qu Fongning opened his lips, Yujien had trotted in, and upon the scene, reined in the steed and tapped the horsewhip on his face. “I’ll get back first,” he said, and casually to Little Ting’yu: “Give my regards to your father.”

Little Ting’yu voiced a muted answer and bowed to him in salute. As he watched Yujien’s disappearing figure, he felt a sudden fatigue, and said, “You should go too.”

“I’ll keep you company for a bit.”

“I’m tired.”

“I’ll walk you back.”

“There’s no need. Tigerhead Twine is nearby.” Little Ting’yu shook his head, extended his hands to push the wooden wheels, and backed a few steps.

An abrupt clear noise — the long silvery-white threat of the kite snapped at half-point. The giant resplendent butterfly swirled and swayed on the high azure, and before long, disappeared by the horizon.

And their hearts, unheralded in unison, both invariably recalled an undelivered promise:

“If it takes you up to heaven, I shall follow you up the sky.”

“I’ll get it back for you,” Qu Fongning soon voiced to break the silence.

Little Ting’yu had his back to him, his tone indifferent: “Don’t bother. You can’t get it back.”

He went forward a stretch and saw that he was still standing in place, looking at himself. And in the end, he swiveled back his head. “Goodbye, Fongning.”

“Goodbye, Little General,” came immediately from his back.

Little Ting’yu pushed the wooden wheels and slowly retracted along the water bank.

After a long, long time, until he couldn’t see that tall white figure again, he finally ceased his exhausted arms.

It was the time of early summer, when flowers blossomed in bouquets by the waters. There bloomed gentians, orchis, trollius, poppies… every one of them prime and vivid. And however rushed the waters streamed by these floral banks, it would turn a little gentler.

But within all these flowers, there was not a single white one; because spring had passed, and all the suze flowers had fallen.

Suze flowers have another name in Syr, called the bloom of first love.

And his bloom of first love had fallen as well.

~

On the birthday of King Andai, who, as soon as he saw the celebrating guests and before anything else, stretched out his hand for the winning wager.

“Nobody has won for three years, how come only when your birthday comes up does he decides to eat them all up!” Cher Baochi gruffed, tossing him a big of gold in great sullenness. “Come clean, did you force and bribe him?”

“Your big bro won fair and clear, as true as gold!” King Andai laughed. “Yujien is right here; ask him yourself, how swell are the little beauties I gave him? And did he keep them himself?”

“To speak the truth, I really want to take a look!” Cher Baochi swallowed his drool and salivated. “What kind of celestial beauty can dazzle Yujien to make an exception?”

Yujien had heard about them making bets on his bed business and thought little about it. “I’ll send them over later,” he said.

“Came off your bed, what kind of daredevil would take them?” Cher Baochi tsked and snickered. “To be worse than you in other things in one thing, but on women, I rather keep my face.”

Light glimmered across his eyes. Yujien saw Qu Fongning, in a frock of white muslin and hair bound in a gold ring, standing obediently behind Qu Lyn, with a smile in his eyes. He then no longer japed with Cher Baochi and sat down on the first seat of honor on the left. During the interim, he caught his wrist and whispered: “Don’t listen to his babbles.”

“I didn’t hear anything,” Qu Fongning played his ignorance.

Yujien pulled him in closer. “That night, I was thinking about you,” he breathed.

With a flick of his eyes, Qu Fongning broke off and retreated behind Qu Lyn, gesturing at him: “I don’t believe you!”

Yujien almost snatched him back there and then to give him a proof, but considering the circumstances, he least resisted.

Qu Lyn eyed all their small plays, and inquired in a low voice from his back, “What were you talking about?”

“He asked what’s happening between you and the Little Princess,” Qu Fongning lied without batting an eye.

“How did you respond?” rushed Qu Lyn.

“I said I don’t much either, but the Little Princess seems very happy lately, and even my life has gotten better,” said Qu Fongning.

“You’ve answered well,” Qu Lyn approved, and swirled his wine cup as if deliberating something.

As the feast started, longhorns blared the heavens, and Chao’yoonr, arm in arm with Princess Uli, walked in laughs and smiles. “Your Majesty, look who’s here?” she chirped.

Qu Fongning lifted his head to look, his excitement irretainable, and raised his neck in watch. And truly, an aquiline, handsome young man appeared by the opening of the great ger. In his rapture, he overlooked his stations and voiced a low cry, “Big Brother Herr!”

Herr Gen was also overjoyed at his sudden meeting. After some brisk formalities, he hurried to come sit by him. “Brother Fongning, you’ve…” he said with a laugh, “grown so much taller.”

“You too…” Qu Fongning started, bobbing his head in eagerness. But seeing the haggard on his face and supposing it due to his daily hardships, his heart ached, and he could not follow up.

Herr Gen smiled faintly and clasped tight his hand.

“Come, let Big Brother Herr see your current skills,” he said, wide and clear.

Chao’yoonr was very displeased at the sight, and tugged at Princess Uli’s dress. “Big Sis Uli, tell Brother-in-law not to talk to that git. I loathe him to death!”

Uli’s face wore a weary complexion. Hearing her words, she only gave a cursory sweep. “How can I control him?” she said, sat down by Yujien, and started pouring and drinking by herself.

Yujien found her tone rigid and very unlike the conjugal joy and felicity of a newlywed, and supposed that they must have fallen out. “Why, there are things under the sky that even you can’t control?” he jeered.

Uli scoffed, shook her head, and brimmed another cup.

Finding her laugh very strained, Yujien said: “Little Uli, you were never so minced and squeamish like this before. Whatever words you have, it’s better to be out with it.”

Uli ignored him and filled the liquor bowl in front of him. “Drink up,” she said, and emptied hers in one swig.

Yujien found her demeanor very different, and Herr Gen only talking to Qu Fongning by himself and not looking at his spouse at all, his brows arched, and sipped without words.

After three rounds of drinks, Qu Lyn recomposed his attire. Holding two cups of amber fine wine, he came before Yujien’s stand, knelt on both knees, and offered the cup above his head.

“This young nephew wishes to attribute a cup to the General.”

“You have no need to command such formalities to offer a cup to me,” Yujien said mildly.

On his refusal, Qu Lyn held himself to the ground. “This young nephew has one matter hoping for the General’s acceptance.”

Yujien’s tone dropped all the more indolent, “Oh? Let’s have a hear.”

“Princess Chao’yoon is a deity reincarnate.” Qu Lyn’s heart in palpitation, his tone quavered, “upon this humble nephew’s first meeting, my love had taken seed and could not help myself. And blessed am I to be given with the Princess’s attention and wish to tie the promise of a hundred years of happiness. And your humble nephew hereby emboldens to beg the General to bestow this marriage.”

“Chao’yoonr’s parents are alive and well,” Yujien replied apathetically; “If you are sincere in asking for her hand, why don’t you proceed to Yarrdu City for the proposal,”

Awfully anxious, Qu Lyn saw Qu Fongning standing by the side, heralding his gaze, and minutely shuffling his fingers. Instantly understood, he turned to pass the wine cup into his hands. Qu Fongning took it, gently knelt down, his eyes looking at Yujien, and with a sway of the white muslin, brought the cup of wine before him.

Yujien eyed Qu Lyn, sneered, and took the cup into his hand.

“The Princess has always received the tender cherish of the General, holding her like the pearl of your palm,” Qu Lyn immediately bellowed: “This humble nephew only has the sincerest love for the Princess, whom I shall surely treat as a treasure and never fail or disappoint. I beg the General to please grant our wish!”

For length, Yujien eyed meaningfully at Qu Lyn, who kept prostrating to the ground, not daring to let out a sound breath.

“Qu Lyn,” he heard Yujien begin slowly, “you act with astuteness and depth, a standout amongst the younger generation; and I’ve always admired you. Your father, though I’m not deeply acquainted, we understand each other and will to be the greatest of friends. Princess Chao’yoon has been pampered since infancy, and is of some temper. Your house owns ten thousand hectares, so for spoils and wares, I’m sure she will not be wanting. I have no other requests, only wishing her a life of peace and joy, with a loving husband and a benevolent father-in-law, then I can rest easy as her elder.”

“This humble nephew shall abide by the General’s commands,” answered Qu Lyn in a joyous quaver, with sweat dripping across his forehead.

“Little girl,” said Yujien, raising the cup towards Chao’yoonr, “what have you to say?”

“What, what am I to say?” Chao’yoonr’s face flew pink and scowled at Qu Lyn: “You had it easy!”

Yujien downed the full cup and tossed the empty vessel to Qu Lyn. “Go pick a date yourself,” he said.

The attendees witnessed the accord of the martial engagement, and all applauded their congratulations. King Andai led in raising a cup towards Qu Sharraugh, and for a time, the felicitations rounded without cease.

Princess Uli still believed not. She held up Chao’yoonr’s face and let out a laugh. “Little Chao’yoon is married off just like this?”

“Only because Uncle Tian is finding me a nuisance!” She humphed, but darts a look to Qu Lyn, her eyes bound with delight.

Uli examined Qu Lyn. “That’s who you like?” she said.

“Who likes him! I hate him!” she flouted.

Uli found her tone coy and teased her a number. “Another pretty one,” she remarked, looking at Qu Lyn.

Chao’yoonr huddled in with her. “Isn’t it handsome good? Who wants to marry an ugly muck?” she giggled.

“Not necessarily,” Uli signed, lightly shaking her head. “Handsome people; you like them, other people will like them as well. And You’ll only fall many tears being with them.” She brushed Chao’yoonr’s hair, and her eyes couldn’t help directing at Herr Gen.

Chao’yoonr took no notion. “He won’t dare! If another woman dares to fight with me, I’ll make Uncle Tian kill her with one shot!”

Soon the feast dispersed, and Herr Gen followed the Chienye ceremonial marshal towards the embassy. Just as he was parting the ger, he halted abruptly and spoke to Qu Fongning, “Did you finish the wine I sent you?”

“All drank up,” replied Qu Fongning, returning his gaze intently.

“How did it taste?”

“The finest indulgence in the mortal realm. As I drank to the end, I felt as if my entire person was floating above the cosmos, with all the starlight of the universe singing in chorus.”

Herr Gen laughed and went after the Grand Minister.

“Big Brother Herr,” Qu Fongning called suddenly, “you promised you’d invite me to the baby’s first moon shower in the Tenth month this year.”

“There will be!” Herr Gen waved without turning back his face.

Qu Fongning lost himself in thought and didn’t even notice an addition to his side. Only until his ear warmed from being nipped, did he finally return to his senses. “General,” he called.

“Mn, what are you gawking about?” Yujien said gently.

Qu Fongning’s ear nuzzled against his coarse finger belly, and his back couldn’t help warming up. “It’s cool outside,” he said quietly, took a look at brilliantly lit the great ger, and said, “The Little Lord Prince going to marry the Little Princess, it’ll be busy for a couple of months.”

Yujien tugged the golden ring on his raven hair, seeming to find interest in the view, and did not follow up.

“General, you…” Qu Fongning gauged his complexion and probed, “don’t seem to like the Little Lord Prince very much.”

“It’s true that I mislike him,” Yujien spoke frankly.

“Then why did you accede?” said Qu Fongning, surprised.

“Didn’t he make you offer me wine?” He arched his waist slightly and regarded him. “Whatever you give me, even if it’s a poisonous liqueur or venomous toxin, I’ll drink it as a sweet elixir.”

How could Qu Fongning meet his gaze, his eyes immediately dodged away.

Yujien no longer teased him and looked into the night. “Did Herr Gen go back?”

Qu Fongning nodded, finding him gazing into the distance and his gaze gradually cooling. “Don’t get too close to him,” he said.

His heart gave a lurch, then he drew a long ohh, and glanced sidelong at Yujien.

“Ohh what? I’m talking serious,” said Yujien. And finding the queerness on his face, he scoffed, “It’s not what you think. You think the Old Boy can’t compete with Herr Gen?” And holding onto his hand, he took him into the ger,

~

As the news of Princess Chao’yoon’s engagement took wings, the City of Ghosts buzzed with activity, and envoys from every nation came forth with an unending variety of felicitation gifts. In the beginning, Chao’yoonr received with joyous eyes and grins, which soon turned into cries of grief, hid herself behind the grand ger, and no longer came out. But finding Yujien speaking to Herr gen by the threshold, she hooted again: “Uncle Tian, I want to see you play lance with Brother-in-law!”

“You are the supreme today; whatever you say. How fares General Herr?” said Yujien.

“How can I brush off the Princess’s excitement?” Herr Gen laughed, beckoned for his silver lance, and trotted slowly into the martial court.

Chao’yoonr blossomed with smiles and hoisted up Yujien’s Flowing Fire with her own hands. This lance weighed more than a hundred jin; with her pitiful strength, she could only yank on one end, dragging it along the ground. After her thousand tenuous labors of lugging it to the martial court, her pretty face already swelled red.

Yujien flicked with his foot and caught the lance into his hand, light as if null matter. Qu Fongning watched by the side, observing his ease and the lax of his grip, and a thought came to light: “Pivoting with every step,” Yujien Tianhung had practiced these four words to the sublime.

Herr Gen drew a smile on his lips, his eyes never leaving the lancetip, voiced an “Apology,” and the silver lance sparked with light, flooding towards Yujien’s heart, like mercury pouring into every seam of the earth—this start was already a life-taking and soul-wrenching fast move!

But Yujien was faster.

He only saw the stream of red light, Flowing Fire shook at the head, and burrowed by Herr Gen’s right ribs.

Herr Gen circled back the lance and suddenly changed his technique, turning into slow insidiousness, like a venomous snake trenching beneath the flower buds, waiting to strike.

Yujien stepped forth half a step, and the lance tip swung without a trace, like thick rain and rapid gales. And in an instant the flower buds were struck down, the force winds striking straight into the mark.

The two lance moves happened between the blink of an eye, like sparks and flame. Qu Fongning watched clearly, and his heart was ice cold: The Enrapturing Heart Bloom that he could not resolve with a hundred calculations, Yujien broke it clean and clear in a flash.

The smile on Herr Gen’s face turned rigid as well, with a low moan, and was about to retract his lance to resign.

But Yujien opened his mouth to say: “Continue.”

Herr Gen could hardly excuse himself, and thus mechanically swirled his lance bouquet, feigning a rushing offense. But before him, scarlet blazed to a great luminance; the lance in Yujien’s hand continued in successive strikes, and the lance shadows flowed into a gliding dragon, almost coming alive.

Yujien had an astonishing core strength; a great lance weighing over a hundred jin, he brandished it broad and wide, moving with extreme cruelness and solemnity, but also breathing unlimited softness and agility. Herr Gen raised his step hither, but the silver lance speedily held on the surface, merely struggling for a momentary reprieve.

Those watching on the outer ring only saw blossoms of silvery buds, and the bloom of scarlet flames, and presuming the fight was close and intense, all wiped at their cold sweat. As they continued, Flowing Fire’s flaming light shone all the brighter in Yujien’s hand; and as it danced, it even brought about the faint rumbles of a thunderous storm. Those standing close only felt assaulting waves of heat, and all ducked back in retreat.

Qu Fongning stood the closest, and watched Yujien moving like the wind, stepping with authority, and his long lance pressing in with every stride; every move was an offense, yet airtight and impenetrable, and complete without weakness. His observation was well above the commons and had long perceived that Herr Gen could fend not. If to judge by martial prowess, Herr Gen had already lost in the first three strikes. And he silently deliberated: “If I were to fight with him, how many strikes can I withstand?” As the thought came, cold sweat crawled up his entire body beneath this heat storm.

Just as the silvery flowers gradually showed to be swallowed by the raging fires—an earsplitting metallic scrape — and the two lances flew into the air in unison. Yujien raised his hand for a sweep, grabbed the silver lance horizontally to his hand, and airily presented it to Herr Gen.

“Uncle Tian, why aren’t you sparring anymore?” Chao’yoonr protested.

“General Herr is superb with his lance. We’ll decide the victory in the future,” said Yujien, tossed Flowing Fire from his hand to Qu Fongning, and retreated into the rear ger.

Qu Fongning exchanged a look with Herr Gen, and then cradled in the lance. He found Yujien drinking water with his head thrown back, and gently returned Flowing Fire to its place, while quietly complaining: “Ordering me around.”

“Why? Not happy?” said Yujien. He sat by the bed, patted the edge, and said to Qu Fongning, “Come ‘ere.”

Today he wore a snow-white silk gown, with the cuffs rolled back a couple of loops, showing off his sinewed arms. After a round of vigorous exercise, the neckline loosened and allowed a sweeping view to his athletic bronze chest, with trickles of sweat jewels faintly visible. Qu Fongning only had one look and instantly became shy, and dillydallied: “What?”

“I’ve got something to say to you,” said Yujien, relieving his mask.

Qu Fongning glanced at the wide-open threshold and slowly slouched over. And with one grab, Yujien pressed him onto his lap. “You were gaping at me just now, weren’t you?”

Qu Fongning immediately started to wiggle. “Who, who was gaping at you!? I was watching… Big Brother Herr.”

“So you weren’t watching me. I’m unhappy, what are we to do?” Yujien said with smiling eyes.

Qu Fongning was enveloped within the thickness of his air in his arms, and his waist couldn’t help softening a half. “I don’t know!” he resisted.

Yujien’s hand caressed along his back. Upon his words, he lowered his head, and the tall bridge of his nose bumped the tip of his. “Comfort me a little.”

With this lowering of his head, their lips only parted by half a finger. Startled, Qu Fongning darted a look towards the doorway.

“They can’t see,” Yujien breathed a hoarse whisper, and again teased the tip of his nose.

Qu Fongning was pressed onto his shoulder, with nowhere to hide, and kept tough: “I… haven’t consented.”

“Mn, I’ll wait for you,” Yujien spoke low before his lips.

Qu Fongning leaned into his arms with his lashes in a shudder. He felt the proximity of their breaths and the touch of Yujien’s lips, but it was only a kiss to his eyelid.

His heart thumped wildly and was even somewhat disappointed. He opened his eyes and saw Yujien watching him with a smile. He was just about to lose it, and Yujien took him into a deep embrace. “You haven’t consented, how dare I touch you.”

Qu Fongning’s summit of temper had nowhere to release, and he went for a ferocious bite on his shoulder.

Yujien saw the ring of red marks left by his teeth and was amused instead. “Biting already?” He said by his ear, “Don’t be hasty, there will be times you won’t let me go with your bite.”

Qu Fongning knew nothing good could come out of his lips, humphed, and broke his way out.

~

The crowd on the martial field had dispersed, and Herr Gen held the silver lance tip-down, following the human wave, with a vague expression between his brows.

Qu Fongning paused briefly by his side and posed an inaudible inquiry: “Who’s Xue Pinggui?¹”

Herr Gen jerked, stared straight at him for a moment, and forthwith raised his voice, “Brother Fongning, please wait, I have something to discuss.”

As he finished, he grabbed him with one hand and dragged him into a round yurt in front.

Both were striking in appearance and build. This tussle was hard to not beckon for attention, and many inquisitive minds already followed in to eavesdrop.

They only heard a few unclear sentences: it seemed Herr Gen was trying to enjoin something, but Qu Fongning remained silent.

Suddenly, a blaring crash resonated from the yurt, apparently someone had dunked a porcelain vessel in their wrath.

Then the drapes were violently tossed aside, and Qu Fongning rammed out with a face full of fury. Herr Gen gave chase from behind and caught his hand, and dropped his voice: “Brother Fongning, I admire you as a talent, you should consider your own future!”

Qu Fongning swiped off his hand and replied angrily: “Brother Herr, I admire you as an elder brother, but this sort of dishonorable entreaties, never mention them again!”

“So you’d rather be a slave your whole life?” Herr gen sneered.

“A slave is better than a traitor,” Qu Fongning answered coolly as well. Without turning his head, he charged down the peaks in a fit of rage.

Herr Gen stood for some time with a grim expression, spat and cursed “Hopeless fool!” and left with a sweep of his sleeve.

Oyghrmuki witnessed this scene in the interim of sorting through the list of gifts, and rushed to report: “General, Little Syr is being snatched to Khilan!”

Yujien peered at Herr Gen with an inscrutable gaze. “Don’t worry, he can’t be snatched.”

~

And with Oyghrmuki’s great mouth, Qu Fongning and Herr Gen’s falling out became known by all within a few days. On the Khilan envoys’ date of return, everyone was exceedingly interested in this broken friendship, and someone even pushed Qu Fongning in front of Herr Gen.

Herr Gen smiled and stretched out his hand to hold his. “Brother Fongning, it doesn’t matter what was said, we are still brothers.”

Qu Fongning’s mood wasn’t as cheerful as his. “I hope so,” he said quietly, and lifted his face. “Big Brother Herr, you are one friend who I respect very much, and I hope you… can respect yourself as well.”

Herr Gen’s gaze turned cold, and with a smile unchanged he said, “Till we meet again.” And leaped up the white horse, he rode into the dust.

Princess Uli did not look at her husband at all. As she mounted, she paused for a moment and opened her mouth: “Yujien.”

Beneath the rays of early spring, this twenty-nine-year-old princess bore a troubled gaze, obviously had something to say.

But Chao’yoonr swayed her boots beneath the horse, yapping her reluctance: “Big sister Uli, are you going to come to my wedding?”

Uli gave a wry laugh and touched her hair. “Of Course, why would I miss it?”

“Hanging the wedding on your lips every day, have you no coy!” scolded Yujien, and held Chao’yoonr back. “Uli, take care.”

Uli’s eyes turned back to him and signed. “You too.” And she rode off.

~

Qu Fongning couldn’t contain his curiosity. As soon as he completed his archery practice in the evening, he came immediately to pry about the Princess’s secret. “Little kid won’t understand even if I tell,” was what Yujien only said. Qu Fongning was very unsatisfied. He gulped down a whole jug of cold water and wiped his mouth. “I can guess anyways.” The smell of his warm sweat titillated Yujien. “What did you guess?” he teased. “Someone likes you, and regrets that they didn’t marry you,” said Qu Fongning.

“Nonsense.” Yujien smiled. He couldn’t resist, wedged him between his legs, and pressed a kiss on his head.

“I’m sweaty.” Qu Fongning pronounced, but didn’t really refuse. He rested in his arms for a bit, took down his greenwood mask and put it on his own face. “Has Princess Uli seen your face?” he suddenly asked.

This mask appeared loose and strewn on his face. Yujien made a low chuckle. “What do you want to ask?”

“I want to know how many hearts you’ve hurt with this face of yours,” Qu Fongning said frankly.

Yujien flicked his forehead. “Are you insulting me or flattering me?” He wrapped around his sweaty back and said, “Your Da-ge is an oaf, who’s not great with dealing with these matters of love. Sometimes I can’t help disappointing others’ feelings. A’chu’s mother was so, and the Princess Consort.. was so as well.” Recalling the past, a wisp of frustrated puzzlement clouded about his face.

“Then how come now you want to speak about these matters of love with me?”

Yujien connected with his gaze, the verdant pupils as deep as the night sky. “You are different. You are a boy, you can follow me whither I go. Lead the troops, go to wars, mark territories and settle lands… always together. No matter where, I can always take care of you.”

Qu Fongning’s heart was a plane of fire, and he couldn’t help stretching out his arms and wrapping around his neck. Yujien kissed his hair, gently pushed his burning cheeks, lifted the mask, and lowered to kiss his lips.

And they heard Oyghrmuki’s gruff voice ring up: “General, the two madams from Tehaar City are here!”

Yujien halted halfway, went livid, and almost went out to thrust him a lance. “Tell them to go!”

Oyghrmuki gave a most profound chuckle and said. “You better come out for a bit!”

In great resignation, Yujien drew a tight hug with the arm around Qu Fongning and reluctantly let him down. After half an hour, he returned with a grim face, his outer robes inexplicably removed and wrapped in his hand, and only left with a half-wet base layer on top.

The wing of his nose twitched doubly, catching the scent. “So fragrant!”

“Someone spilled their liquor,” said Yujien, and motioned him to come sit in his arms.

Qu Fongning tsked and suddenly inquired from curiosity: “Is it always this busy around you?”

“Being in this position, it is hard to avoid,” said Yujien. “Just like you in Khilan, spent all you could trying to get close to me—don’t know how much scheming that took—and finally looped in my thumb ring.”

Qu Fongning was still swooning in the tender ambience. At the words, his limbs came to an abrupt shock and a buzzing consumed his head, which he attempted lifting with forced calm. And his ready arsenal of escapes was now completely lost to him.

Yujien found his entire body sprawling with intense fear and smiled. “What, your little kid’s tricks, you think you can deceive me?” He patted his back in consolation and said, “Speaking of which, I should thank Qu Sharraugh; if he didn’t have such a sharp eye, sending you to my side, wouldn’t life be short of many amusements?”

Qu Fongning mutely screamed danger and felt not a single place on his body that wasn’t pouring in cold sweat. Gradually calming down, his throat in a faint shudder: “So… you already knew.”

“Qu Sharraugh plays and sells his tomfoolery way overboard. His plots and scheme, anybody with a clear eye can spot with one look. This master of yours, has too large an eye but lacks composure, is not one for greatness. You better hurry to swear to another lord.”

Qu Fongning read the tenderness in his eyes, with a slight sense of tease, and emboldened to question: “Aren’t you… worried?” He pointed to himself. “That I… came to you… with a purpose?”

Yujien guffawed. “Worried?” His laugh unfading, he regarded him and said, “Well, little spy. Tell me, what have you gleaned?”

His lash ends dancing, Qu Fongning spread out his hand and signed: “This humble servant received orders to dive into the heart of the enemy, to steal classified military intelligence on chance. But the enemy is too cautious, and the places of secrets are so heavily guarded, there’s really nowhere to strike.”

“What?” said Yujien, putting on a sulk. “It’s been the great half of a year, and you got nothing? You must have been turned. Men, drag it down and chop it up! Butcher it into eight pieces and soak it in Mare Milk for the drinks.”

Qu Fongning stretched out his hand and made a slice across his neck. “You’ve killed the little spy.”

“How would I begrudge you? Come, let’s talk terms,” Yujien said with a laugh, loomed in, and propped over him. “What do you want? Sleep with me, and I’ll give you anything.”

Qu Fongning backed up and his back bumped into the wolf head throne’s arms. Meeting his fiery gaze, he whispered, “You just want me to sleep with you!”

Yujien’s laughter faded. He lowered his head and, through the mask, planted a deep kiss on his lips.

“What’s the fun of sleeping? I want your heart!”

~

Qu Fongning’s emotions rose and fell through the evening. As he returned to Konan State, he unfortunately chanced upon Princess Chao’yoon, who was gesticulating orders in the central great ger in great panache. As she saw him, she sneered, made a couple of loops of her whip, and pointed to his nose. “You, come here.”

And Qu Fongning had to go over in obedience and kneel. “Your Highness, the Princess, your faithful servant bows to your audience.”

“What did you call me?” Chao’yoonr refuted, stroking lightly at the whip.

“… Madam Matriarch,” said Qu Fongning, dropping his eyes.

A splash of smugness flew over Chao’yoonr’s lips. “Lift your hand,” she said, pointing to his right hand.

Resigned, Qu Fongning had to hold up his palm. Chao’yoonr swung back the whiplash, shook against air, and the lash exploded out thorns like a spiked mace. “I heard these hands of yours got some skills. Upon this Princess’s nuptial celebrations, I’ll take it as a new dish, supposing Uncle Tian will sure accede,” Chao’yoonr said with biting teeth. The force wind whooshed, the whiplash swung erected, and like the bloody mouth of a wolf, uncoiled towards his palm.

His eyes remained fixed to the ground, his two fingers opened slightly, and Qu Fongning already seized tight the whip grip.

Chao’yoonr, in her great fury, threw back in the yank. But it was as if the whip had taken root on his hand; it budged not a slight.

Livid beside herself, she lifted her eyes and saw Qu Lyn walking over, and stomped her foot. “Look at this wretched thing from your house! Haven’t got one bit of inferiority! Even dares to fend against the master’s whip! If you don’t kill him today, this princess will have no end with you!”

“Little bastard, got a dogged gall the size of the sky!” Qu Lyn raised his voice and the arm loaded with golden bracelets, and gave him seven and eight whacks on the lips with ding and pings. Then turned his head with a soft voice, “There, there, don’t rile up my son. When you feel better, I’ll let you flog him all nice and slow.”

“What son, who’s going to give you a son?” Chao’yoonr humphed, dunked the whip on Qu Fongning, and let the slave women respectfully lead her away.

Qu Lyn pulled him up and brought him into the ger. Seeing the raised red finger marks on his face, he fondled it with a smile. “I hit too hard? Does it hurt?”

Qu Fongning shook his head and took out a pearl stud brocade box. “Master, congratulations on your engagement, this is a small token from your humble servant,” he said.

Qu Lyn sounded a woah and took it over for a look; it was a gold-threaded golden ear loop, heavy in weight, full in tint, and very complex of engraving. “Good lad, you’ve stashed some goods!” he chuckled, and brushed up the hair on his lift, motioning him to help it on.

“Today the Princess’s Lord Father spoke to the General about this union, in words full of discontent. This one-year term may come with many long nights and dreary dreams,” he mouthed, bending by his side.

So it was on the day before last, when the engaging families met. During the feast, Chao’yoonr’s father proclaimed that Yarrdu had a unique custom as opposed to other places, that the woman marrying out must wait a full year from the date of the written engagement to the completion of the wedding. “What did Yujien Tianhung say?” rushed Qu Lyn.

“The General said nothing. He only requested for the performance of a long song,” Qu Fongning replied with downed eyes.

“What song?” Qu Lyn persisted.

Qu Fongning thought for a moment and recounted: “This humble servant didn’t really hear clearly, it seemd to be called… ‘The Hymn of Suher.’”

On these four words, Qu Lyn’s face turned blue, red, purple, and green; it was truly spectacular. This famous song was the first hymn of the ballad of Queen Sa’Bowing, a primordial goddess of the steppes. She rode an eight-legged snow beast and controlled the winds and rains, and with her help, empires thrived. This queen was beautiful and amorous, and accounted for a life of romantic affairs and intrigues with eighteen kings and emperors. She donned bridal gowns for eighteen weddings, never to the same groom, and through which she achieved an unsurpassed legend—The ballad praising the goddess’s bravery in the pursuit of love is still being sung on the steppes to the day—And this King Suher was the queen’s first husband. Originally, he was only the leader of a tiny tribe. One day, after he dreamed of the guidance from the Shaman Star, he wounded the Queen’s snowy steed, and excused her to stay and marry him in union. And hence, he never lost a battle until he became a great king. Yet thenceforth, this man placed all his heart on his own achievements and increasingly neglected the Queen. In her anguish, she turned for the love of the enemy emperor, and even produced a son for the other. In the end, King Suher was betrayed by his confidant, his lands fragmented into pieces, and he died in hopeless solitude.

Yujien presented such a song on the eve of their engagement; the blatant mockery was ever so explicit. Qu Lyn humphed and sneered with gritted teeth, “He compared me to Suher, wouldn’t he himself mistake a Keyner!”

Kevyner was the Queen’s gentle and obedient handmaiden. One day, as the Queen rode in her guiding winds, she encountered a youth in tenacious kneeling worship. From her query, he was a young herdsman of the Heavenly Mountains, with a mother bedriven at home, weak of the winds and cold. He was poor and his meager yurt was hard to patch, and hence he prayed for the eon-old Heavenly Mountain bise to only blow on himself and not disturb his mother. Moved by his filial piety, the Queen ordered the Heavenly Mountains to turn spring overnight. The youth was washed with joyous tears and kowtowed for three days. Pity induced love, and the Queen ordered her handmaiden Kevyner to the home of the youth to inquire on his intentions. But unexpectedly, Kevyner fell in love with the youth and the two eloped in secrecy. In her stupendous fury, the Queen tossed out the horn of her snowy steed, landing into a hundred li snowy lake, and devoured the two in whole. And thus, this small tragic interlude further diversified the splendor of the romantic hymns of the Queen. Because all the ancestors of the steppes’ heroes loved her deeply, but she only truly ever loved one person. And in the end, this person only had the deepest hatred towards her.

Qu Fongning had also heard of this famous tale, and thus urged softly: “Why doesn’t Master take advantage of the situation? Given time, there will only be his regret in the future.” He adjusted the ear loop and retreated to the side.

Qu Lyn preened himself before the mirror with poses and parades. “Then I would require the hand of the young master of the Ghost Army.” He smiled, and found the ear loop vivid with a six legged long-winged mantis, lurking intently at a golden cicada higher on the loop. “Does this thing have any names?”

Qu Fongning watched the swaying golden shadows from behind, and answered in obeyance:

“Yes, it’s called ‘the Mantis preys the Cicada.’”

~

The following day, Qu Fongning woke up especially early, wanting to solicit a little pity with his swollen face. However, the heavens did not follow his wishes. When he looked after the wake, the redness had all faded clear. He was, for a moment, amazed and stared into the broken earthenware for some time. “Healed so fast!” he huffed. And as he went into the city, a strange thought came into his head: “If I go tattle on the Princess now, would he take more of her side, or mine?”

As he wandered with his thoughts into the main ger, he found piles of silken weaves strewn on the floor, and Yujien standing by the end of the felt carpets with a slight knot in his brows, apparently in contemplation. He thus walked around it and inquired: “What is this?”

When Yujien saw him, his brows relaxed. “Your military merit,” he said.

Light glazed over his eyes. “Our silkworms are in production?” Qu Fongning said joyously. Yet, upon a closer look, he fell silent. The pile of silk weaves were coarse and dull in hue, yellow thread ends were showing everywhere, the longest spread no longer than seven or eight zhang, and the trimmings were a complete mess. To say it was silk, it was hardly convincing. “How can we sell this?” he said worriedly.

“Our northern girls are simple klutzes. It’s their first time taking on this delicate work. Extracting, boiling, threading, and weaving; they all lack the experience. This sort of meticulous work is not something you can hurry. We’ll just have to take this year as lessons learned,” said Yujien. He sat down and took him to arms, pulled over a spread of dull grey silk weave and fell in thought.

Qu Fongning rested on his shoulder, the tip of his feet tapping the cloud of soft weaves, and played by himself for a while. “Monkey,” Yujien kissed his hair and chided. Qu Fongning scratched him and gibbered two screeches. “Make you a new gown later,” said Yujien, and tightened his hold. And he pointed to the ball of weaves and kissed the nape of his neck. “Da-ge’ll put it on for you with my own hands, and then help you… take it off.”

Qu Fongning blushed red, but on his peek, he realized his gaze still settled on the semi-finished articles in his hand, and the words obviously came as a casual line. He suddenly understood something in his heart, and inexplicably, became very unhappy, broke off, and left.

He miffed for so for two days, and on the third day, Qu Sharraugh put out an order and sent him to deliver the list of gifts to the City of Ghosts. Yujien sat by the bed and pulled him over with a yank. “So what you are tiffing about now?”

He pulled Qu Fongning stumbling, almost to a totter. When he finally stood still, he turned all the way around and didn’t reply to his words. Resigned, Yujien had to give in. “What made you cross again? What is it you can’t explain to me? Why are you sulking by yourself?”

Qu Fongning twisted his neck to look out the doorway. “I just want to sulk by myself,” he said.

Yujien deliberated and made his voice even more gentle: “Is it because of what I said, you didn’t like it? Okay, I won’t say it again.” And he laughed: “Okay, it’s not like I’m really going to strip you.”

Qu Fongning still looked towards the outside, his tone didn’t improve at all: “My heart is unwilling, it’ll be useless even if you stripped me!”

“Speak properly to me!” Yujien lost his patience as well. “You’re this big now. How are you still clamoring with a child’s temper?”

It was as if a firecracker had been lit; Qu Fongning exploded with a blast: “I am a child! I’m not as mature and experienced as you are! I never had all those women as you did! If you think less of me being a child, then don’t be with me—” He only said a half, and Yujien already caught him to his lap once more. He tussled his fists and kicks with all his might: “I’m not going to accept you! Even if I die, I won’t accept you! I’ll never pay you any mind again…”

Yujien’s face fell dark and looked glacially down at him. Qu Fongning howled for a while and found the situation unpromising. No longer dared to kick and fist, he yielded a few pushes to his chest. And looking at his expressionless, cold look, he felt all the more frightened. Suddenly, the surrounding hold tightened, he was entirely enveloped into his arms, and a low rumble came above his head: “You’re really not going to accept me?”

As soon as he heard his weary and disappointed voice, his heart instantly fell apart. “You, you said I got… a little kid’s temper,” he stammered, his voice already softened much.

Yujien’s chin pressed by his ear and signed: “I’ve got no ways. I’ll just have to let you over and coax you in the future. How can I help it since I like you?”

Qu Fongning’s heart mellowed soft enough to dissolve. His hand also loosened and wrapped around his stocky back. Then he felt the subtle shake beneath his hands and suddenly knew, and gave it all to swing him away. “You liar!” he cried angrily.

Yujien was laughing beside himself, held his hand, and said with a smile: “Fine, no more romping. I’ll be gone soon, just let me have some peace please.”

Qu Fongning had brewed up a violent tempest that was just about to thunder, but as he heard this, he stilled at once. “Where are you going?”

“War.” Yujien regarded him, his smile unfading.

Qu Fongning was caught off guard and completely at a loss. “… War to where?”

“Western Liang,” said Yujien. “A few years ago, when Marquess Zhao was in power, they were pretty quiet. But ever since Li Daer, that failure, has come to power and conspired with the Lio Fox, they have been making bigger moves. These sorts of pups really need their four legs all broken through, by then, they will open their eyes to see who is the real master of the steppes.”

His tone was gentle, but Qu Fongning listened with a palpitating terror. And only after long did he ask, “Do you really have to go?”

“Not exactly,” Yujien said mildly. “But when Li Daer was the crown prince, we came to grips once, and I took out one of his eyes. It’s been years; he’d probably healed the wound and forgotten about the pain. Umm, last time, before I impaled his left eye, I sent him an eye patch. What should I send him this time?”

“A cane?” Qu Fongning said immediately.

“Real clever,” Yujien chuckled, and then asked, “weren’t you not going to pay me any mind again?”

Qu Fongning then finally remembered his unfinished temperament and instantly jumped to the ground. But the timing of the episode was past, and he could only buzz a question: “When will you be back?”

“Half-a-year on the short end, and two- or three-years on the long end. Why?”

This was wholly unexpected and made him jolt. He clasped his palm for a good while before starting a mumble, “So long! When you’re back, my son will be born!”

“Very well,” Yujien laughed and said, “remember to cradle him over and let me have a look. I’ll teach him the horse, and you’ll teach him the bow. How’s that?”

Qu Fongning’s heart was screaming, “No, not good at all!” But he could say nothing on his lips. Yujien grabbed his hand and took him towards the north-eastern end of the City of Ghosts, and rode into Ken Frigititas Division. This Division specialized in civil engineering, and also contained the Falcon Battalion, including kennels and falconry. As they arrived hither, he saw an enormous steel cable net canopying over the Falcon Battalion, and a dozen red-clawed steel eagles dwelling within. “The red eagle flies swift and knows its master. Once trained, it can deliver urgent military messages,” explained the battalion commander. Yujien made a strange whistle, and a huge red eagle spread its wings and landed on his arm.

Qu Fongning observed the eagle, haughty in demeanor, with iron feathers and steel wings, and wanted to stretch out his hand for a touch. As soon as his hand went forth, he was instantly bitten. “It doesn’t know you,” Yujien chuckled. He caressed the eagle along its back and slowly passed its claws onto his arm. That eagle apparently wanted to bully him; it nudged its razor iron beak to his head, putting on a show to peck his eyes. Qu Fongning bolted to pass it out of his arm and duck his body to the side.

“Get along with it for a couple of days and get familiar with it. I’m depending on it to write letters to you,” said Yujien, watching with amusement.

Qu Fongning was busy dodging and blushed at his words. “You’ll… write to me?”

“How will I have the time?” Yujien laughed. “A few fresh peaches will be enough for you.”

“I’d said I’m not a monkey!” said Qu Fongning, indignantly.

Yujien smiled, kneaded his hair, and bid the battalion commander: “Gyrfalcon, if you see him coming later, take two of the little ones for him to play. No need to mind him; let him get bit and pecked, leave him be.”

The battalion commander, with natural white hair, excelled in taming falcons, and was hence given the nickname Gyrfalcon. And over time, his real name was forgotten instead. Abiding the lord general’s orders, he naturally obliged. Yet Qu Fongning was exceedingly discontented. “How do you know I’m going to get bit and pecked for certain?” And at once he held his ground and inquired about the secrets of training eagles.

Yujien found him this novelty but didn’t give himself a couple of days of peace. It became either him prattling on and on with the trivialities of playing with eagles, or was clamored into headaches from his lip whistles. And the day before the campaign, as he was going through martial lists, he heard clatters from the stables and went out for a look. Qu Fongning was taking various rice wines and vegetable leaves, rolling them into the size of pinballs, and carefully saving them into his sleeves. Oyghrmuki stood by the side and judged: “Little Syr, eagles won’t eat these dumplings of yours. You are wasting good wine, better to let Old Oyghr have two sips. I’m thick with Battalion Commander Gyr, I’ll ask him to spare you one or two in secret. It’s no big deal.”

Qu Fongning didn’t even raise his head, and was not enticed one bit. “Grand Chamberlain Oyghrmuki, for this you don’t know. There is a big new eagle with a haughty temper, so arrogant that it’s not bothering with anybody. Battalion Commander Gyr told me how to deal with it; you gotta first be good to it, then be bad to it. If you are only good to it, it’ll think you need to have it, then it has your clutch, and it’ll never heed you anymore.”

Oyghrmuki listened with bemusement and asked: “And if you are only bad to it?”

“Then it’ll fly away!” said Qu Fongning.

Yujien walked towards the two and first gave Oyghrmuki a dismal look, showing that he had heard all of his cloddish talk. Oyghrmuki swallowed his slobber and scrambled to detour and run away.

He then got behind Qu Fongning and sniffed at his neck. “So you weren’t slacking in plays for these couple of days, learned quite some skills!”

Qu Fongning wobbled his head and raised a hum, and focused on rolling his pellets, but didn’t heed him.

“Ningning, the way to tame a man is more or less the same as training an eagle.” Seeing him putting on airs, Yujien said deliberately, “If you treat me this way, I’m going to fly away.”

Qu Fongning immediately turned his head around, but finding the tease in his eyes, he knew he was played for again, and sulked: “You go!”

But when Yujien was really leaving, he quietly dashed in and sat on his usual spot on the felt carpet, and rounded wide his eyes, watching Yujien dressing the black light armor, donning the grisly bronze mask, and taking Flowing Fire from the vesture wall. Standing with his lance, his valiant beauty was like that of a heavenly god. The drums thundered outside the doors; the time to strike camp must have arrived.

Yujien completed his assemblage and lowered in. “I’m leaving,” he said.

Qu Fongning’s cheeks had ballooned round, and nodded with ten thousand reluctances.

“This reluctant to part with me?” Yujien smiled, finding his eyes drenched in attachment.

Qu Fongning’s long lash-wings batted several times before he answered in a teeny “Mn.”

The sound of moving mail, Yujien already came before him, his voice also a little scorched: “This is being good to me?”

Qu Fongning greeted him with his raven black eyes, and on the rare occasion actually didn’t refute him, only his lips were almost bitten through.

The drums stopped, and the three corps readied to strike. “Be good and watch home,” said Yujien, touched his hair, and turned to exit the ger.

Qu Fongning’s emotions stirred, and he opened his mouth: “General, one moment.”

Before Yujien had reacted, he already flew over and looped around Yujien’s neck, tip-toed, and presented a kiss to the lips on his mask.

The twin pupils beneath Yujien’s mask instantly rounded profound and searing, and his entire body halted still before slowly wrapping around his waist.

“General, come on!” They heard Oyghrmuki’s urge from outside the drapes.

Yujien took him into a violent embrace, almost embedding him into his body. Qu Fongning’s face was also a hot plate, unknown to be from his racing heart, or from the scorch of Flowing Fire.

“Wait for me to come back,” he heard Yujien’s deep husky voice ring by his ear. And through the mask, he returned a print by his lips, and let him go.

Qu Fongning pressed on his mouth, and could only feel the temperature on his back blazing a flame. Though this kiss was divided by a sheet of ice, cold bronze, it made one felt more embarrassed than a real kiss.

He listened to the voices of soldiers drinking farewell wine by the gates, followed by the colliding rattles of tens of thousands of soldiers and horses, gradually going away and far.

He sat dazedly in the ger for a while, then practiced archery for another while, but could not bring up his strength anywhere. And before dusk, he slowly made his way back in solitude.

At night, when he arrived at the Nien House and as soon as Nien Hanr saw him, he was dug at: “Dour and dead, come a whammy face. Are you a widow who just lost the husband?”

He only just recovered a little energy to bully the weak, and held Nien Hanr down for a good round of abuse. “This old boy isn’t dead. How could I bear making you a widow?” he barked.

A session of feral bites, smooched Nien Hanr’s petallike lips full and red, and off he went.

But when he got back, he couldn’t fall asleep anyhow. He watched the square of moonlight on top of the yurt tip, until the stars filled the cosmos, the night turned deeper, and his heart also.

Uncle Hwei returned exhausted and by himself. Seeing his eyes shining black with light, he gestured at him: “Still awake?”

Qu Fongning’s lips shifted, wanting to speak, but stopped. After long, he started quietly:

“Mister… Xie, if I’m holding something back from you, are you going to be cross with me?”

Uncle Hwei had his back to him, his breathing even, seemed to be asleep. And after a long time, he lamented in a voice only he can hear:

“No.”

“A very big matter,” pressed Qu Fongning.

“How big?” Uncle Hwei still had his back to him. “Bigger than four capitals, thirty states? Bigger than two hundred forty prefectures, twenty-nine thousand li?”

“…. No bigger,” said Qu Fongning.

“Then sleep, I’ll never be cross with you,” said Uncle Hwei.

Qu Fongning voiced a small answer, tumbled for a while longer, and finally closed his eyes.

~

Chao’yoonr truly came with no small fortunes; after the written engagement, the two hundred hectares at Rolling Clouds Mountains all fell into Qu Lyn’s hands. Qu Sharraugh inspected the work at the mountain day and night, opening mines, tunneling the hills and blasting the rocks. Qu Lyn hence spent his days fooling around with Chao’yoonr, and spoiling her as if a royal princess. Qu Fongning once occasioned upon Qu Lyn standing before her ger, apologizing in downed voices, and had no end of silent chuckles. Qu Lyn himself was rather forthright, on one end stretched his legs for him to knead, and on the other lauded himself: “A true man can bend and extend, what’s the big deal of letting this cunt ride on my head for a couple of days?” He took over two lamb-butter jade bottles, unplugged the stoppers for a sniff, and bid them be sent to Chao’yoonr.

Qu Fongning watched the serum flowing within the bottles, in the hue of cherry, and leaned in for a sniff out of curiosity, only gleaning an exotic fragrance. “This is the return gift from the Crown Prince of Dali, Han Yuegui’s grand marriage, called the Jade Dew of Camellias, especially prime for coaxing little girls,” Qu Lyn said languidly, nipped a little tip, and spread it on his face.

Qu Fongning minutely twisted his brows. “Thank you, Master,” he said docilely.

Noises sounded from the outside. It was Cher Bien coming to find him in a hurry, making hand gestures like an octopus, as if one wouldn’t know him to be so anxious. Qu Fongning followed him out with a smile. “Second Bro, are you losing to Old Ha’s wagers again?” Cher Bien glowered at him. “No! Isn’t any booty your bro got nowadays gonna slam him down anytime?” And he made him a few hand gestures. “Uncle Hwei bid me to give you a message!” he said.

Qu Fongning was stunned on sight; it was the sign language meaning “Life dependent utmost urgency!”

“Where is he?” he snapped.

Cher Bien found his demeanor greatly affected, and stumbled as well. “Nien House,” he said.

Qu Fongning bolted the whole way. As soon as he passed the tavern doors, he saw Nien Hanr with two cheeks flushed red, eyes full of plum blossoms, and entirely wallowed upon the lap of an enormous, brawny military commander, and speaking saccharinely: “You want to ask about the matter of those black-topped carriages beneath Moli Pass? Give me a kiss, I’ll tell you all about it!”

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