Chapter 172 – Flower Hut

Xu Chun was led all the way to a flower hut by Wu Fu. They walked along a small path where daylilies, roses, and jasmine flowers bloomed in abundance, bees and butterflies fluttered about, and wildflowers dotted the landscape. On the mountainside, climbing plants like honeysuckle, roses, nightshade, wisteria, and camellia covered the rocks, creating a breathtaking view of an endless sea of flowers.

Xu Chun said, “There’s actually such a wonderful place within the palace.”

Wu Fu smiled. He had been instructing the gardeners since the beginning of spring to prepare this flower hut, and had waited until today to finally welcome someone who could appreciate the beauty. However, he dared not say a word out of line, only cautiously guiding him deeper into the floral path.

But Xu Chun had drunk quite a bit, and the warm breeze and floral fragrance intensified his drunkenness, making him feel slightly giddy and more talkative than usual. “Grandpa Wu Fu, you and Grandpa Si De and Grandpa Liu Shun are all disciples of Grandpa Su. What about One, Two, and Three? Are there Seven and Eight?”

Wu Fu chuckled. “There aren’t. Si De Ge is actually the first disciple that Grandpa Su took in, and his real name is Zhao Sede. As for us two, our original names weren’t anything special, just common names like Doggy and Pillar. Grandpa Su gave us new names since we were young. He said that we were too young and prone to making mistakes while working in the palace, so he had us learn etiquette outside before bringing us in. Later, when we were assigned to serve you and His Majesty, that’s when we were officially brought into the palace. There are many people in the palace who want to become Grandpa Su’s disciples, but only those with good fortune can achieve it.”

Xu Chun laughed. “What kind of etiquette did you learn?”

Wu Fu replied, “Grandpa Su said that His Majesty prefers intelligent people and those with knowledge and talent. He made us study and read outside the palace, understand principles, and learn how to read people’s expressions and act accordingly before we could come in to serve others. We had only studied for a year when suddenly one day, we were sent to serve His Majesty at Bamboo Branch Workshop. The elders said that we were fortunate, and we should cherish this opportunity.”

Xu Chun laughed again. “Serving His Majesty is your good fortune, but what kind of good fortune is serving me?” In his heart, he pondered that Ninth Brother liked literate people, and although he wasn’t great at reading himself, Grandpa Su seemed to have impressive scholarly skills.

Wu Fu said, “How is it not good fortune? Look at the four elder brothers of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Which one doesn’t have a bright future? To meet someone like Master and Grandpa Su, who treat us well and teach us to read and write, is indeed fortunate.”

Xu Chun said, “It’s because you’re smart and ambitious, and when the right opportunity comes along, you seize it.”

Suddenly, Wu Fu fell silent and skillfully led Xu Chun into an exquisite open pavilion. The pavilion bore the inscription “Flower Hut” on a plaque above its entrance. All the glass windows were wide open, and curtains of sky-blue silk hung from them. Upon entering, the scent of flowers filled the air.

Xu Chun followed Wu Fu up the steps with a heart full of joy. The wooden steps were covered with light green mats that were spotless. Wu Fu stopped at the door and bowed slightly. “His Majesty is waiting inside for you.”

Xu Chun took off his shoes and walked in wearing only socks. Upon entering, his eyes lit up. The hall was spacious, with a pond full of lotus flowers opposite him. The scent of lotus was refreshing. Xie Yi was sitting cross-legged on a cushion, leisurely brewing tea. The water on the charcoal stove was bubbling gently, and the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Xu Chun noticed that Xie Yi had changed out of his majestic dragon robe into a jade-white silk robe that flowed gracefully over the mat. It seemed he had just bathed, as his hair was half-wet and draped over his back, making him look like a divine figure bathed in sunlight. Xu Chun felt a sudden wave of dizziness. Instead of sitting across from Xie Yi at the low table, he unhesitatingly sat next to him, casually leaning over and reaching out to wrap his arm around Xie Yi. “Ninth Brother, what kind of tea are you brewing? It smells so fragrant.”

Although Xu Chun usually acted casually, he still held some respect for Xie Yi and would usually be more cautious. But now, his actions were unrefined, treating Xie Yi like an old friend. Moreover, a faint smell of alcohol lingered in the air.

Xie Yi was somewhat surprised. He had been focused on brewing tea but turned to look at Xu Chun, noticing the flush on his face. He must have broken a sweat walking over, as beads of sweat dotted his forehead and nose. His eyes, though still as bright as ever, had a slightly hazy smile.

Xie Yi thought to himself, “He’s indeed drunk, and his courage has grown.”

He poured a cup of strong tea. “This tea helps to sober you up. Have a couple of cups, then go wash up.”

As he spoke, he picked a lychee from an ornamental jade dish on the table and slowly peeled the skin.

Xu Chun took the strong tea and downed it in one gulp, drinking like a bull. He tasted a hint of saltiness from lemon and Chinese plum, but he was still thirsty. Seeing Xie Yi feed him a lychee that looked like a piece of ice jade, he opened his mouth and ate it. Chewing with half-closed eyes, he found it refreshingly sweet and delicious. “Such rare lychees, the flesh is so thick. Where did you get them, Ninth Brother?”

Xie Yi explained, “The second son of the King of Guangyuan from Yizhou has also arrived in the capital. He brought lavish tributes, including these precious fruits that were sealed in ice boxes and stored directly in the ice cellar. Once they’re taken out, their color changes quickly, so they must be consumed as soon as possible.”

For a moment, Xu Chun didn’t connect the dots. After a while, he suddenly remembered something. “King of Guangyuan? Isn’t that Nong Da Ge’s younger brother? Why has he come to the capital?”

Xie Yi said, “Naturally, seeing Nong Siji’s great victory, he’s worried and rushed to the capital to investigate and express his loyalty to the emperor.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “Nong Da Ge risked life and limb to earn such great merit. This Second Prince thinks he can curry favor with our wise emperor by merely sending tributes. That won’t be easy.”

Xie Yi teased, “You’re quite the smooth talker. Aren’t you just worried that I might mistreat your Nong Da Ge? Your Brother Huo, Nong Da Ge, and Cousin Sheng, I’ve already bestowed honors upon them. Is there still something you’re not satisfied with?” As he spoke, he peeled another lychee and handed it to Xu Chun.

Xu Chun ate while talking to Xie Yi. “Ninth Brother, have some too, don’t just focus on me. I know that Ninth Brother treats me well, better than anyone else. For example, during the Longhu Gorge incident, I insisted on returning to provide support, thinking that Ninth Brother might be worried about my safety and that Commander Pei and Dinghai might try to stop me.”

Xie Yi said, “Hmm? Why would they stop you?” They follow your orders, they just protect you.”

Xu Chun looked up at him. “Ninth Brother, I thought you would restrict me, protect me, and prevent me from taking risks.”

Xie Yi slowly poured another cup of tea for him. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Since childhood, I’ve been restrained, always prioritizing the health of the dragon body. My clothes, food, residence, marriage, and daily activities were all subject to strict rules. If I didn’t abide by them, I would be punished by kneeling. At that time, I thought that living a life of honor under such restraint, even if it lasted a hundred years, would be meaningless.”

He looked at Xu Chun. “People share the same feelings. Little Lin originally lived freely, enjoying food, drink, and entertainment. He worked when he wanted to make money and rested when he wanted to relax, living a comfortable life. It’s rare for him to aspire to build a career, and he does so for me. If I were to impose restrictions on him and prevent him from fully expressing himself, it would indeed be a major buzzkill.”

Even though he had suffered much torture and fright, if he were to strictly confine Xu Chun, ultimately leading to a rift between them, it would have been no fun. Regardless, if something happened to Xu Chun, it would be due to fate not granting him more years. He wouldn’t need to continue following the will of heaven; instead, he would end his own life, perhaps in time to catch up with Xu Chun in the next life.

He suddenly called Xu Chun by his nickname, which startled him but also made him feel a sense of affection. However, he had drunk a lot, and his mind was slow. He just grinned at Xie Yi. “I understand Ninth Brother’s intentions now.”

He took advantage of the situation. “Does this mean, Ninth Brother, that you’re willing to let me continue staying in Jinhaiwei?”

Xie Yi said, “I still need to think about it.”

Xu Chun knew that this indicated a significant shift in his stance. He quickly snuggled up to Xie Yi and wrapped his arms around his neck, kissing his thin lips. After a while, Xie Yi smiled. “Go wash up. The water might cool down soon, and you’ve been standing all day. You’re covered in the smell of alcohol.”

Xu Chun knew that Xie Yi valued cleanliness. Indeed, he had drunk a lot today. Although the eunuchs had provided him with chrysanthemum tea to rinse his mouth, and he had just drunk two cups of tea, his body probably still reeked of alcohol. So, he hurriedly got up and headed into the side room.

Sure enough, inside was a bathtub filled with hot water containing sachets of mugwort and perilla. It seemed that even though the Dragon Boat Festival had passed, they still used mugwort for its aromatic properties to ward off evil spirits. He undressed and stepped into the wooden tub, immersing his entire body in the water. The fragrant scent filled his nostrils, and he felt warm all over. The alcohol began to affect him again, and he leaned against the edge of the tub, feeling his eyelids grow heavy.

In a daze, he sensed someone approaching from behind and adding hot water to the tub with a dipper. He assumed it was Wu Fu and simply closed his eyes to take a nap. The person untied his hair bun and wet it with the dipper, then rubbed in a cleansing powder and gently massaged his scalp and forehead.

It was so relaxing that his sleepiness deepened, and he hummed contentedly.

After about the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, Xu Chun, with his eyes closed, felt that his hair had been thoroughly washed. Then, the massaging hand slowly moved downward, lingering on the scar on his shoulder.

He was suddenly startled and reached out to cover the scar, looking up to see that it was Xie Yi standing behind him, his sleeves rolled up, looking at him with concern. “Does the scar still hurt?”

Xu Chun felt embarrassed. “No, it doesn’t hurt. I was just startled because I thought it was Wu Fu or someone else. Ninth Brother, why are you washing my hair? I didn’t know it was you, so I enjoyed it quite a bit.”

Xie Yi said, “The water is getting cold. Get up first. If you’re sleepy, go lie down on the bed inside for a more comfortable rest.”

Xu Chun quickly stood up, full of energy. While roughly wiping himself with a cloth, he said, “Ninth Brother, let me serve you!”

Xie Yi said, “You’ve already dozed off several times today. What can you serve? You’ve injured your vital energy and are deficient in qi. You should properly recuperate. Just rest. Let’s enjoy the flowers and have some tea.”

Xu Chun said, “I just slept, and now I’m full of energy.” Without bothering to put on a robe, he closely followed Xie Yi as they turned into the inner room. Indeed, a soft couch was adorned with fine silk cushions and fragrant with incense.

He pounced onto the bed, allowing the silky, slightly cool quilt to envelop his entire body. He sighed contentedly, rolled over, and smiled at Xie Yi. “Ninth Brother, I really am not sleepy anymore. Let me serve you.”

On one side, the glass window let in warm afternoon sunlight. It was already late afternoon, and the sun shone on his strong, youthful, and energetic body. Xie Yi had noticed just yesterday that Xu Chun must have endured considerable hardship during the military campaign and had likely undergone a growth spurt. All the excess fat that once made him look like a pampered nobleman had disappeared, leaving only solid muscles, which made his physique even more refined and elegant.

Xie Yi’s eyes darkened, and he slowly undid his belt. “You may serve the emperor once.”