Chapter 204 – Spring Wine

After seeing off several envoys, Xu Chun was immediately surrounded by other merchants and some envoys from the South Seas. He had no choice but to make small talk for a while. Thinking about Xie Yi, he returned to the Star-Bathing Pavilion and saw Xie Yi flipping through his drawings on his desk. His heart pounded, fearing that one of his books wasn’t hidden well enough. His face flushed slightly as he approached and asked, “Ninth Brother, what are you looking at?”

Xie Yi had been bored and noticed that Xu Chun’s study was neatly arranged, with clean desks, a tidy bookshelf, his own calligraphy, paintings, and essays. Realizing that Xu Chun hadn’t neglected his studies even while training troops, he felt satisfied and said, “I didn’t know you came here so often. You’ve drawn quite a lot. There are so many fortifications on this island?”

Xu Chun looked down and saw that it was his hand-drawn map of some terrain on the island, and he sighed in relief. “We scouted White Coral Island for a long time before choosing it as our base. The mountains encircle the sea, providing a harbor for a large fleet of warships. There’s an island in the bay, naturally suited for establishing a naval base here. We erected a monument, raised a flag, surveyed and drew a sea chart. This can protect the capital and declare sovereignty over the barbarians.”

Xie Yi flipped through the pages. “Hmm, maritime rights are crucial to national integrity. You’ve done well. Your rebuttals today were excellent, showing real improvement. How did your painting improve so much? With just a few strokes, you depict a beautiful mountain landscape. Is this a pond?”

Xu Chun replied, “It’s a freshwater reservoir, built with facilities to filter out sand and silt, used to store rainwater.”

Xie Yi nodded. “Thoughtful planning. And this is the public office?”

Xu Chun affirmed, “Yes, this is the public office and barracks, as well as the machinery repair factory. This is for maintaining the warships. We also built a temple to the Heavenly Empress and a clinic. Some sheds were constructed near the pier in front of the temple for fishermen to take shelter and repair their boats. We stored rice, dried fish, and sweet potatoes for their use. The fishermen are simple folk, often replenishing the supplies when they return next time.”

“The kiln is on the edge of the eastern forest, but it can only produce simple bricks. Glazed tiles were transported from Jinhaiwei. We cleared some land here, but the island soil is barren, not suitable for much farming. We tried growing watermelons. As for crops, we experimented with peanuts, corn, potatoes, and other salt-tolerant plants.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Ninth Brother, you don’t know this, but they say there are many birds around this group of islands. Their droppings can be collected to use as fertilizer. They say it’s excellent fertilizer.”

Xie Yi remarked, “Then I’ll wait to eat the watermelons you grow.”

Xu Chun happily moved closer for a kiss. “Ninth Brother, let me taste it first.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly. The book he had tucked away in his sleeve would be appreciated more carefully later tonight. He was afraid Xu Chun would be embarrassed if he took it out now, as they still had people to see.

A leopard cannot change its spots; wherever Xu Chun lived and read, there would inevitably be books filled with improper illustrations. If you looked carefully, you could always find them. And these illustrations had become increasingly detailed. But it wouldn’t be right to blame him for neglecting his duties, as he handled his responsibilities well. This small, amorous hobby was allowed to continue unchecked.

Xu Chun was completely unaware that Xie Yi had confiscated another of his sketchbooks under the guise of giving him a treat. He gently kissed and caressed him for a while before finally looking at him with watery eyes, unsatisfied. “Your Majesty, shouldn’t you head back to the palace now…”

Thinking about all the ministers outside, he didn’t dare exert himself, feeling thoroughly unfulfilled.

Xie Yi glanced out the window at the sunset, knowing what he was thinking. He held Xu Chun’s wrist and slowly stroked it, feeling the calluses on his palm. Filled with affection, he was willing to indulge him. He stood up and said, “Let’s go. Have them lower the imperial carriage below so that Dinghai can get inside. After a while, Dinghai can disembark and return.”

Xu Chun’s eyes immediately lit up, and he stood up. “Then I’ll go down and send the imperial carriage onto the ship first. Ninth Brother, wait for me here. I’ll have them prepare hot water for you.”

Seeing Xu Chun’s eager expression, Xie Yi suppressed a laugh. “Okay.”

The brilliant sunset illuminated the sea, the shimmering water reflecting light like scattered gold foil across the sky and sea. The naval troops respectfully sent the Emperor back to the palace. The accompanying ministers boarded the ‘Myriad Years’ and ‘Thousand Autumns’ ships to sail home. Xu Chun saw the foreign envoys and foreigners depart on their vessels, leaving White Coral Island completely enveloped in twilight.

A blazing bonfire ignited on the beach, and under the fierce glow, only the naval troops remained. Those not on duty, especially those who participated in the drill, were granted fine wine, meat, and fruit to celebrate.

Xu Chun, who enjoyed considerable support from the troops, was soon surrounded by soldiers offering him cups of wine. He reluctantly drank three glasses before waving his hands to dismiss the enthusiastic naval soldiers. Slightly flushed from the wine, he returned to the Ten Thousand Phenomena Tower under the protection of Chunxi and others. Still uneasy, he summoned Sheng Changtian. “Commander Fang won’t dare drink, so order someone to bring them food and arrange accommodations.”

Sheng Changtian assured him, “Don’t worry. The base is now tight on the outside but relaxed on the inside. However, you should persuade the Emperor not to stay here.” He glanced at Xu Chun reproachfully.

Xu Chun chuckled, then went upstairs. Seeing Su Hua and the others outside, he smiled. “The Emperor has washed up and changed out of his formal robes inside, waiting for the Marquis.”

Xu Chun also told them, “Eunuch Su, I asked Cousin Changtian to reserve a tender lamb hotpot for you. You’ve worked hard all day, so rest a bit.”

Eunuch Su replied, “What kind of work have I done compared to the Marquis? He’s been busy receiving the imperial carriage, introducing everything, and organizing the grand inspection. It hasn’t been easy.” He gave Xu Chun a thumbs-up, and a sense of pride surged within him. After a few modest remarks, he hurried inside.

Inside, he found that Xie Yi had indeed taken off his dragon robe and was wearing casual clothes, his hair washed and loosely hanging down. He quickly went over, smiling. “Ninth Brother didn’t eat much tonight. Let’s go up to the rooftop terrace for a barbecue.”

Xie Yi smiled. “Alright.”

The two went up to the terrace, where the soldiers below continued to revel. In the flickering light of the roaring fire, shadows danced, and laughter and songs carried up with the sea breeze. The tunes were off-key, and some beat a rhythm with their swords, filled with joy after their victory.

The stars dotted the clear sky, and their reflections shimmered in the sea, illuminating the heavens and earth.

The transparent night enveloped the entire island and the boundless sea. Between the serene sky above and the lively scene below, there was a warmth between them.

A charcoal grill was set up on the terrace, covered with a smooth stone slab. Oil brushed over the stone revealed its natural patterns beneath. Xie Yi found it interesting. “What’s this?”

Xu Chun explained, “This is a stone-grilled meat dish I learned in the South Seas. When I first saw it, I always thought about having a chance to try it with Ninth Brother someday.”

He grabbed a bottle of wine nearby and poured it onto the stone. A sizzling sound accompanied the rising white smoke, mingling wine and oil aromas. Xu Chun picked up long chopsticks and placed a slice of thinly sliced lamb from an ice tray onto the stone. Soon, it turned brown. After grilling both sides and sprinkling spices, he dipped it in a carefully prepared sauce. The aroma was intoxicating, and he quickly offered it to Xie Yi.

Xie Yi ate it with a smile but then picked up a few thin slices of raw fish and large shrimp to grill. Watching the fish turn milky white and the shrimp gradually turn red, he admitted it was indeed a unique flavor. He asked, “Is there something special about this stone used for stone-grilled cooking?”

Xu Chun replied, “Volcanic stone, or so I was told. Ordinary stones easily crack, so volcanic stone from near volcanoes must be selected.” Skillfully, he grilled vegetables and mushrooms, adding, “This fire isn’t too strong, allowing the juices to remain in the food, making it tastier than boiling.”

As he spoke, Xie Yi poured two cups of Suhua Honey Wine and handed one to Xu Chun, who was surprised. “Ninth Brother, why are you drinking wine today?” Xie Yi usually practiced self-restraint and seldom drank.

Xie Yi said, “This is to celebrate Qingqing’s accomplishments. How could we not have wine? Qingqing has served the country and the people, established schools, built factories, consolidated maritime rights, and established a legacy for the ages. I shall raise a glass to Qingqing.”

He lifted the cup, his eyes sparkling under the starlight.

Xu Chun’s ears slightly heated. Although he had felt proud when Su Hua praised him earlier, hearing Ninth Brother’s compliments now made his face flush, and he stumbled over his words. “I’ve only done some trivial things, with many people helping me.”

Looking at Xie Yi’s focused gaze, he felt like he was drowning in a gentle sea. Softly, he said, “Especially Ninth Brother, who has always helped me. I know that.”

Xie Yi lightly tapped his cup with his finger. Xu Chun hastily drank the wine. Concerned about the health effects of alcohol, he had specially requested that they mix Suhua fragrance with turmeric to create honey wine. The taste was indeed rich and delicious. After one cup, the exotic fragrance filled his senses, making him feel light-headed and blissful.

Seeing Xie Yi also drink, he refilled their cups. “The second cup is to celebrate my dear Yu Lin, who has achieved great merit. His talents are evident, soaring through the clouds and seas. These past few days, seeing you in military uniform, your dignity is innate, which greatly comforts my heart.”

Xu Chun watched Xie Yi drink and remembered seeing him during the military review. He also finished his cup, whispering, “Your Majesty personally donned military attire to boost morale. How could we not be willing to lay down our lives for you?”

Xie Yi refilled the third cup. “The third cup is to celebrate the years we’ve known each other, the companionship in the rest of our lives, and the wish to grow old together, spending every year and season in each other’s company.”

Almost drunk, Xu Chun floated on cloud nine as he drank the third cup. Looking at Xie Yi, everything seemed hazy, like he was in a dream. He laughed and said, “Ninth Brother, I’m fortunate to meet a true gentleman.”

After drinking, a slight flush appeared on Xie Yi’s icy jade-like face. He smiled at Xu Chun. “So, after this grand inspection, you’ll return to the capital to serve, right?” Without Qingqing in the capital, I’ve been lonely. Moreover, the capital now needs your assistance.”

His long black hair hung down, and dressed in loose robes with an outer cloak, his ethereal beauty and elegant demeanor captivated Xu Chun. At this moment, he would agree to anything Ninth Brother said. He simply said, “Okay.”

Relieved, Xie Yi leaned forward to kiss his soft lips, and they kissed passionately under the starlit night. After a while, they cuddled and talked. Xie Yi then took out the sketchbook from his sleeve, flipped to a certain page, and whispered, “I saw this page in your drawing, which is quite innovative. Why don’t we try it tonight and appreciate it once?”

Dizzy from kissing and drinking too much wine, Xu Chun looked down and felt the light was dim, his vision blurred. He couldn’t see clearly and mumbled, “Can’t see clearly. What is this, Ninth Brother? Have them brighten the lights.”

Xie Yi didn’t expect him to be so drunk after a few cups of wine. Presumably, he had also consumed alcohol at the previous banquet and downstairs. Ignoring him, he closed the sketchbook and coaxed him. “Hmm, it’s not important. Later, I’ll teach you.”

After supporting him, he observed that Xu Chun could walk steadily. Half-carrying him, they entered the Star-Bathing Pavilion. True to the illustration in the sketchbook, they spent the whole night in appreciation, details omitted.