Chapter 205 – Kite

When Xu Chun woke up in the morning, he heard the clear cries of seabirds in the distance, but he couldn’t immediately recall where he was. He was tightly wrapped in a soft, warm silk quilt, which sparked memories of the chaotic events from last night.

He remembered Xie Yi sitting cross-legged there, his god-like body radiating a captivating luster like jade.

He covered his slightly throbbing head and sighed, unsure where Jiu-ge had gone. The palace was taken care of; he knew Jiu-ge would have arranged everything, so there was no need for worry. But he still lingered in bed, reluctant to get up after last night.

He remembered being embraced from behind by Xie Yi, who adjusted his posture. The aroma of frankincense enveloped him, a scent so dense it seemed to permeate every inch of space around him.

He remembered sitting cross-legged, as if breathing in mist, feeling damp yet warm. The frankincense wine disrupted his thoughts continuously, leaving him dizzy and drenched in its intoxicating effects, like a well-brewed wine with bubbles rising gently from its depths.

He couldn’t see Xie Yi and turned his head in dissatisfaction, only to be kissed gently on the nape of his neck by Xie Yi, who nibbled on his earlobe, as if rewarding him. His earlobe tingled with each touch. Then, Xie Yi held onto the armlet on his arm, turning him to face him, their legs entwined at Xie Yi’s waist.

His scalp and crown still felt the remnants of last night’s uncontrollable ecstasy. As his desire built up with each unfulfilled longing, he might have made some noise, quite loud indeed. His mind overwhelmed by layered desires, Jiu-ge kissed him and bestowed upon him a divine pleasure.

Pleasure surged through him like lightning, from his spine to his crown, even his soul seemed to boil and transcend. He shuddered, perhaps even cried, though he didn’t remember, but he did recall Xie Yi gently kissing his cheeks, wiping his face with a warm towel, and softly asking if he was happy.

Xu Chun covered his face, feeling his cheeks burning hot, when suddenly something struck him. He hastily threw off the quilt and got out of bed, not bothering to put on clothes, and rummaged through the secret drawer in the bookshelf. Sure enough, he couldn’t find his album of joyous Buddha drawings. His ears burned red, and he wished he could instantly board a ship and return home.

As he saw the door curtain move slightly, he looked up to see Xie Yi entering, fully dressed, smiling at him. “What are you looking for?”

Xu Chun dared not say, only stammering, “What time is it? The sky is already bright, shouldn’t we head back to the palace?”

Xie Yi said, “No rush, let’s have breakfast before boarding the ship. Would you like some soup to help with the hangover? I’ve had lotus root porridge prepared for you.”

Xu Chun didn’t dare meet Xie Yi’s eyes, his gaze darting around. “Sure… I’ll go wash my face first.” He reached for the clothes hanging on the bed frame, dressing haphazardly. Knowing he was blushing again, Xie Yi stepped out first but instructed the chamberlain to bring in hot water for him to wash up.

When Xu Chun, now properly dressed, sat down at the table, holding the bowl of soup obediently and drinking quietly, Xie Yi picked up a steamed cake for him. “Eat slowly, there’s no rush. I’ve already given orders to have the guards send word to the officials accompanying us to conduct inspections. I’ll ask about them this afternoon.”

Xu Chun’s eyes lit up. “Doesn’t that mean I can spend half a day alone with Jiu-ge again?”

Xie Yi nodded. “Yes, we can take our time returning on the ship, enjoying the scenery.”

Xu Chun was somewhat disappointed. “On the ship… there’s not much fun…” He felt dejected that Jiu-ge had come out, but he hadn’t prepared sufficiently. He hadn’t expected Xie Yi to suddenly decide to stay on the island, assuming they would travel back and forth with the ministers by ship.

Xie Yi smiled. “But with you by my side, there is joy.”

It was an extremely affectionate statement, but Xu Chun’s face suddenly flushed red. He lowered his head, focusing on eating the silver fish and lotus root powder soup.

Xie Yi couldn’t resist teasing him. “Last night, Yuan Lin promised me something. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

Xu Chun’s gaze flickered. “What thing? I was drunk… I can’t remember…”

Xie Yi looked wistful. “Last night, you clearly promised me to return to the capital and serve…”

Realizing what it was, Xu Chun hurriedly said, “I remember, I remember. Since I promised Jiu-ge, I will definitely return to the capital. Everything at Jinhaiwei is now on track, and the capital isn’t far away. I can manage both simultaneously. But where does Jiu-ge want me to serve?”

Xie Yi said, “Currently, the central government has the cabinet overseeing the six departments, along with the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, the Board of Foreign Affairs, the Imperial Academy, the Astronomical Bureau, and others assisting in governance. I plan to establish a new Military Affairs Office to oversee all military affairs related to the army and navy, including military schools and administration.”

Xu Chun was surprised. “Isn’t this essentially the function of the Ministry of War?”

Xie Yi replied, “The Ministry of War is constrained by the cabinet, with tedious procedures and too many outdated customs. I’m impatient to wait for them to change gradually, so I prefer to start anew. This Military Affairs Office won’t have its own headquarters; instead, it will have duty rooms within the palace, close to Suiyu Hall, for easy access to meetings with military ministers. Military ministers will only be selected from princes, grand ministers, and cabinet members, without dedicated positions. This way, it won’t consume additional military funds.”

Xu Chun hesitated for a moment. “Is Jiu-ge planning to have me lead this Military Affairs Office? I’m afraid my prestige is still lacking.”

Xie Yi reassured him, “You won’t be the sole target. It will be Duke Wu Ying, with you as his deputy. Additionally, select ministers from the cabinet familiar with military affairs, such as Lei Ming, and suitable individuals from the imperial family.”

Xu Chun understood. “No wonder you recalled Duke Wu Ying to the capital. That’s why.” Jiu-ge wanted to reform the military system and consolidate military power.

Xie Yi continued, “This way, we can concentrate on reorganizing the army and navy. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. After the abolition of the feudal lords, the military system has been in chaos. I’ve been too busy to deal with it, but now that foreign enemies are eyeing us greedily, we can’t delay any longer.”

Xu Chun became excited. “Jiu-ge is absolutely right! Judging from what that Lucian country mentioned yesterday about seeking a sea outlet, they must have coveted our territory as well. They just kept a close watch on us and then went after other places.”

Xie Yi nodded. “Indeed, I didn’t know their queen was also a woman.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “She was crowned not long ago. She inherited her husband’s throne, and I heard she received support from the church and the military. There’s even a rumor that she personally killed her own husband.”

Xie Yi gazed at Xu Chun thoughtfully, as if lost in contemplation. Xu Chun added, “The world is vast, truly filled with wonders.”

He thought of another saying, “There’s also that arrogant general from Qinsil Country. Although he was arrogant, one of his statements resonated with me. He said it was a famous quote from their country: ‘A battleship is the best ambassador.'”

Xie Yi commented, “Their ambitions are quite straightforward. In the past, we spread our teachings among the overseas countries, believing that those who crossed the seas came to pay homage to China. We never considered that they might be malicious guests. Therefore, we cannot afford to be careless.”

Xu Chun said, “Nanyang still pays tribute to our dynasty.” He then laughed, recalling something else. “Speaking of Nanyang reminds me of Nonsi Ji. Now, his father really keeps sending people to flatter him. He sends items to the crown prince almost every few days. When it’s cold, he sends winter clothing; when it’s hot, he sends fruits. Nonsi Ji told me he finally understands what it feels like to be favored by his father. Even I benefited greatly from this.”

Xie Yi asked, “When does he plan to return?”

Xu Chun replied, “Why would he want to return! He’s eyeing the position of governor-general of Fujian and Zhejiang now. With Duke Wu Ying returning to the capital and relinquishing his post, Nonsi Ji is currently in charge of military affairs in Fujian and Zhejiang. However, you haven’t appointed him to a position yet. He’s itching for it but worries whether Your Majesty suspects him. That’s why he’s in a hurry to send fruit to you.”

Xie Yi laughed. “I was worried he would leave, and since the military system needs reform, I temporarily withheld the appointment. He doesn’t plan to return?”

Xu Chun explained, “He’s not that foolish. If he returns, he’ll be demoted in a matter of minutes. He knows that his father values him because he holds military power. How could he easily abandon it and return to be at the mercy of others? I heard that Prince Nong’s second son is now studying at the National University in the capital. They’re competing to curry favor with Your Majesty.”

Xie Yi nodded. “In the past two years, he’s been responsible for establishing trade ports in Yizhou, and the results have been excellent. He’s smart and adaptable. King Guangyuan has indeed raised two fine sons. No wonder they’re fighting each other.”

Xu Chun boasted proudly, “It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s wise leadership. King Guangyuan has two sons, but they’ve both come to curry favor with Your Majesty and serve under Your Majesty.” He couldn’t help laughing as he thought about it. “They might be so content here that they won’t even covet the throne of Yizhou anymore… For example, Nonsi’s older brother is clearly unwilling to leave now. Perhaps one day, the Principality of Guangyuan can be abolished as well.”

He was lost in reverie, filled with pride, but then sighed. “Fame, wealth, and status truly captivate the heart. Even I feel a bit giddy just thinking about Jiu-ge entrusting me with the Military Affairs Office.”

Xie Yi looked at his face and chuckled. “It’s just the Military Affairs Office, and you’re already so delighted.” What would happen in the future?

Xu Chun looked at him with a smile. “Jiu-ge, I didn’t realize before how enjoyable it is to work. Seeing the schools built under my efforts, watching the construction of warships and the creation of machines, although it’s tiring, it truly instills a sense of ambition and determination as a man should have in this life.”

Xie Yi laughed. “I just feel you’ve been working too hard.” He reached out to hold Xu Chun’s hand, feeling the calluses on his palm. In the past three years, Xu Chun had led the army, established banks, managed mechanical factories, and handled this naval base. Although Zhang Tanhua helped with the schools and Sheng Changtian relieved him of worries regarding the navy, he knew that Xu Chun had personally supervised every aspect, negotiating regulations, training officers, supervising craftsmen, braving wind and waves, without rest during summer or winter.

Knowing how tirelessly Xu Chun worked outside, Xie Yi felt moved but couldn’t bear to let him continue toiling outside. Smiling, he said, “Let’s eat and then board the ship.”

Xu Chun didn’t think much of it and only laughed. “There’s nothing exhausting about it. Everyone works hard. Countless people are striving and working hard – with a future ahead of them, everyone is highly motivated. This time, Jiu-ge’s visit has truly boosted their spirits. In the future, Jinhaiwei will definitely become stronger and stronger.”

Xie Yi listened with a smile, and the two got up, putting on their outer robes, and left with their attendants to board the “Taiping,” heading back toward Jinhaiwei.

Xu Chun cherished this rare opportunity to be alone with Xie Yi, pointing out various projects on the island and explaining them to him. He talked about how the sweet water reservoir and the water channels were almost destroyed by heavy rain but were saved by the soldiers and craftsmen who worked together to transport stones and bags of soil to reinforce them. He shared story after story, while Xie Yi listened attentively, occasionally asking questions, seemingly deeply interested in everything Xu Chun had thought about and done over the past three years.

After talking for a while, Xu Chun felt thirsty. Seeing that Su Hua and the chamberlains were absent, he knew they had intentionally left them alone. So, he went to pour himself a cup of tea but suddenly noticed a huge, brightly colored kite floating above the ship.

Before he could react, he laughed and said, “Jiu-ge, look outside. I wonder which soldier is in a romantic mood, flying a kite. Look at that big dragon!”

Xie Yi smiled. “I taught them to fly it. Is it beautiful?”

Xu Chun was taken aback, leaning out the window to look closely. Indeed, he saw Su Hua directing the chamberlains and guards below, all flying kites. Even Sheng Changtian brought soldiers to join in. The vividly painted kites floated gracefully in the sea breeze, soaring high, enlivening the entire sky.

He was thrilled. “This is fun! Jiu-ge, let’s go outside and fly kites too!”

Xie Yi smiled. “Alright.”

He watched as Xu Chun happily dashed out, selecting a kite. He was young, already a commander-in-chief, yet still enjoyed the excitement.

He looked up at the dragon kite in the sky and thought to himself: After three years of letting it fly through wind and rain, it’s finally time to bring it back home.