Chapter 58 – Armlet

“The funeral has been arranged. The Prince saw to the burial and returned home, but he’s still in mourning. He hasn’t left the estate, but Xia Chao delivered a letter for us. According to Xia Chao, although the food has been vegetarian, Lady Sheng is very meticulous. She’s made sure there’s a variety of beans, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. During the first seven days, the Prince didn’t eat much due to receiving guests, but later on, his eating and sleeping have stabilized.”

Su Huaibei reported cautiously, not daring to show any hint of a smile on his face. Ever since the Emperor returned from the imperial villa, his expression had been stern. Su Huaibei knew he hadn’t done well with his assignment, but since the Emperor hadn’t mentioned it, he was even more reluctant to bring it up himself. He was just trying to do his job carefully, tailing the Five Blessings and Six Prosperities and keeping a close eye on Bamboo Branch Workshop, hoping that the Prince would send a message eventually.

Today, he finally received the letter and hurriedly brought it over with care.

Xie Yi opened the box and was surprised to see a thick stack of letters from Xu Chun. However, his facial expression immediately softened as he took them out to read. They were written over several days, collected into a large pile. The handwriting wasn’t particularly neat, ranging from plain paper to jade water paper and Xuan paper.

“Brother Jiu, our Great-Grandmother passed away suddenly, and I couldn’t bid you farewell properly. Chun Xi told me you’ve already left the imperial villa. The weather is getting hotter, Brother Jiu, please take care of your health.”

“The atmosphere at home is strange. Father and Mother seem distant. Father is now in mourning and defers to Mother, fearing her greatly. It seems like she holds something over him. Eldest Aunt has never appeared, claiming to be severely ill. Even for such an important event as Big Sister’s, she didn’t come. It’s disappointing considering how Grandmother always favored her.”

“In my free time, I can’t help but think of Brother Jiu. I yearn for you deeply. You’re a gentleman, Brother Jiu, so please don’t blame me for being disrespectful. My feelings are simply uncontrollable.”

“Uncle came over with Second Cousin and Third Cousin. They brought many gifts for me. I didn’t have time to carefully select them, so I chose some from the gift list. I also had Qiuhu and Donghai pick out some good ones for you. Please don’t refuse them. These days, you’ve given me so many wonderful things—a painting, a sword, rare books, and even calligraphy. Brother Jiu, you’ve been generous to me. I don’t have much to offer, so I’ll return a few items for protection. Brother Jiu, please keep them carefully and don’t reveal them casually.”

“Third Cousin said that the Sheng family is familiar with the South China Sea route. It’s very stable, and the local customs and scenery along the way are interesting. The landscapes are beautiful, and the products are splendid. The profits from a single round trip are enormous. If Brother Jiu has no pressing matters, why not choose a month or two to go sailing with me? Imagine traveling with you on a fast boat, riding the blue waves, and exploring the vast world together. Wouldn’t that be delightful?”

Xie Yi slowly folded the page and put it back, then asked Su Huaibei, “Has someone from the Sheng family come to the capital to mourn?”

Su Huaibei replied, “Yes, Lady Sheng’s brother, Sheng Tongyu, came with his second son, Sheng Changyun, and third son, Sheng Changtian. Sheng Changyun mainly manages the East China Sea route, while Sheng Changtian handles the South China Sea route. Both are tall and skilled in martial arts. They started working on ships at fourteen years old and are very capable. Sheng Changyun is taciturn, cunning, and meticulous, whereas Sheng Changtian is brave, belligerent, and loves taking risks.”

Xie Yi nodded. “The Sheng family does know how to raise people.”

Su Huaibei continued, “Xia Chao also sent over a lot of things. Would His Majesty like to see them? There are many exotic novelties from overseas, including clocks, various toys and utensils. This old slave doesn’t even recognize the purpose of some of them—there are also two firearms.”

Xie Yi suddenly looked up. “He sent them openly?” So the self-defense items mentioned in the letter referred to firearms? Xie Yi found it both amusing and perplexing, momentarily at a loss for words.

Su Huaibei sighed. “Indeed. They were sealed in a box, and when Liu Shun opened it, he was startled. Knowing they couldn’t be delivered to the palace, he could only report it to this old slave. I had to rely on Fang Zixing to obtain permission from the Ministry of War to bring them into the palace for Your Majesty… The weapons are still with Fang Zixing. We need Your Majesty’s approval before we dare to present them.”

Xie Yi nodded and sighed. “He’s bold enough to send firearms, yet when he saw He Zhixiu being demoted, he was so scared that he wouldn’t enter the court no matter what. He’s timid, but he dares to send firearms to others… It’s sheer audacity.”

Su Huaibei chuckled. “If it were anyone else, I doubt he’d dare to send them. This must be something the Sheng family gave him for self-defense. It’s very precious. Instead of keeping it for himself, he’s giving it to His Majesty. This shows that he considers His Majesty as one of his own.”

Xie Yi remarked, “So the Sheng family goes to such great lengths to marry into noble families. With such power, it’s no wonder local officials would be wary. Incompetent and cowardly officials might not be able to control them, leading to suppression. But I remember that a few days ago, Governor Xia Wan of Min Prefecture sent the first batch of tributes procured by the Sheng family, which included several firearms. At the time, I distributed them among the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of War, and the Divine Arsenal. The Sheng family was indeed considerate.”

Su Huaibei merely smiled and didn’t respond.

Xie Yi muttered to himself, “Given that maritime merchants carry such powerful weapons for trade, pirates must also possess such force. If our military doesn’t strive to train troops and develop weapons, it won’t be surprising if we’re attacked from the sea one day. The Naval Academy should place greater emphasis on teaching the use of firearms and cannons.”

Su Huaibei bowed and said, “Your Majesty sees far and wide, with sharp eyesight.”

Xie Yi instructed, “Have Fang Zixing make contact with the Sheng brothers.”

Su Huaibei replied, “As ordered.”

Xie Yi added, “The Ministry of Works already has some. Take these two firearms to the Imperial Household Department for testing. See if we can replicate them.”

Su Huaibei was overjoyed and quickly knelt down. “This old slave obeys Your Majesty’s command.”

Seeing his reaction, Xie Yi couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re itching to get your hands on them, aren’t you?”

Tears streamed down Su Huaibei’s face. “This old slave failed in his duties, yet Your Majesty entrusts me with such a significant task. How can I not devote myself entirely to repay Your Majesty’s grace!”

Xie Yi was amused and frustrated. “Get up. I’ve been under your care since childhood. You’ve served me faithfully for years. There’s no need to commit suicide for an old shameless man. I won’t hold it against you.”

Su Huaibei realized that the Emperor was actually very concerned about the matter. It all boiled down to the Prince. The old woman committed suicide out of fear, and the Emperor must be worried that the Prince would bear resentment in the future. Given his reticent nature, he wouldn’t blame Su Huaibei for this. Feeling even more guilty, Su Huaibei vowed to do everything in his power to resolve the issue.

It would be good for the lonely Emperor to have someone he cares about by his side!

Xie Yi picked up a brush to write something but put it down again. He asked Su Huaibei, “What’s the schedule for later?”

Su Huaibei hurriedly replied, “Visiting the Hanlin Academy, paying respects to the Sage, and hosting a banquet for the Hanlin scholars. It was in the memo submitted by the Ministry of Rites that you approved.”

Xie Yi said, “Instruct the servants to prepare the sedan chair and change my clothes. Let’s head to the Hanlin Academy first.”

Xie Yi changed into a bright yellow mandarin robe for the ceremony and boarded the sedan chair to reach the Hanlin Academy. The president of the academy led all the scholars in a kneeling welcome. Xie Yi only ordered them to rise, looking at the talented individuals before him with some relief. He noticed Zhang Wenzheng and Fan Mukun among them and instructed the president of the academy, “Only two of the top three scholars are here, which isn’t quite complete. Since He Zhixiu performed well in the case, summon him to accompany me.”

Someone went to fetch He Zhixiu while Xie Yi led everyone to pay respects to Confucius, their teacher. He then ordered writing materials to be prepared and inscribed “Practical Learning for the World” and “Benefiting All Under Heaven,” using a style called ‘flying white.’ The dry brushstrokes were bold and vigorous.

The Hanlin scholars praised him endlessly, but deep down, they understood that the emperor was known for being moderate in desires, frugal, and pragmatic. He preferred capable and diligent officials and didn’t favor those who were learned in Confucian principles. When reading memorials, he didn’t focus on elegant prose but rather on the practicality of the policy proposals.

No wonder most of the scholars with excellent literary skills were engaged in editing books and histories or serving in the Ministry of Rites. However, those with practical abilities were quickly promoted to the six ministries, appointed to govern the four borders, tour the nine provinces, or enter the cabinet.

Everyone was thinking hard about their own prospects. When He Zhixiu arrived to pay his respects, Xie Yi kindly asked him to compose a poem. Everyone speculated that this former Zhuangyuan (the top scholar in the imperial exam) had been disgraced and demoted to the Ministry of Justice after being punished at court. How many months had passed? No one knew through what channel he had caught the current Emperor’s attention, but he seemed to be in the Emperor’s good graces once again.

However, when everyone presented their poems, Xie Yi had them stuck onto a screen and, accompanied by the scholars, went through each one, granting them collections of poems, tea leaves, brushes, inkstones, fine paper, and palace brocade as rewards. Then, under the guidance of the scholars, he strolled around the Hanlin Academy. When they passed by the chess room, he suddenly suggested, “There’s still some time before the banquet. Is there a scholar who excels at chess? Let’s play a game.”

Everyone fell silent for a moment, but Fan Mukun stepped forward and bowed. “Your subject is willing to serve Your Majesty in a game of chess.”

Xie Yi’s expression was calm. “Very well. A seat shall be granted. The rest of you may play chess or engage in poetry recitation as you wish. By the time the game ends, the banquet shall commence.”

He sat on a couch, and Fan Mukun approached. An eunuch had already placed a footstool for him to sit half-reclining. He invited the Emperor to move first.

Xie Yi held a black piece and made his move. Fan Mukun followed without hesitation. Having accompanied the Emperor since childhood, they often played chess together, and they were familiar with each other’s strategies.

As black and white pieces moved back and forth, everyone became dazzled.

The scholars below the stage sat around the chess tables on mats, either playing chess, composing poetry, or savoring tea. Zhang Wenzheng had already shown his skills earlier and was now standing quietly with He Zhixiu in the corridor, sipping tea. “They say Dongye entered the palace to study with the Emperor since childhood. Indeed, no one can match their friendship.” There was a hint of jealousy in his voice.

He Zhixiu watched as the Emperor, sitting on the throne, maintained a dignified posture. Beneath his prominent eyebrows, his eyes were deep and his gaze cold. Each move the Emperor made was like thunder, displaying his majesty. Fan Mukun, bowing his head to serve the Emperor in the game, was refined and elegant like a tree of jade, but… Thinking back to the young nobleman he saw during the funeral, dressed in simple robes, childlike in nature, yet dazzling in his charm, his natural elegance surpassed anything else. Compared to him, the difference was clear.

He Zhixiu smiled inwardly. To truly be in the Emperor’s heart, one needed to be innocent and genuine, with a pure heart. He spoke meaningfully. “Dongye has a refined character and high integrity, but if the Emperor truly favored him, he would have been promoted and appointed long ago. Why would he have to wait until now to enter the court through the imperial examinations? It hasn’t been easy for Dongye.”

Zhang Wenzheng agreed. “Brother Jianwei is indeed insightful. The Emperor is like a mountain towering above the sea, majestic and dignified. He excels in managing people and doesn’t seem to favor those who hide their sharpness and maintain simplicity. Looking at the official gazettes, the Emperor prefers ministers who are straightforward, outstanding, and energetic. For instance, Xie Feiyu. The elders at home used to talk about how the Emperor suppressed the feudal lords when he was guarding the border. They said that the current Emperor is unafraid of proud ministers and arrogant generals but fears mediocre and lazy officials whose abilities don’t match their ambitions, making them difficult to manage.”

Realizing that Zhang Wenzheng was right, He Zhixiu looked at him with newfound admiration and respect. “Brother Shouzhi has a profound family background and keen eyes.”

The two men conversed in hushed tones below the stage, unaware that the chess game above was already halfway through. Xie Yi held a chess piece in his hand but didn’t place it on the board. He said calmly, “Minister Fan has already lost. There’s no need to continue.”

Fan Mukun looked up with a smile. “If Your Majesty grants me the opportunity, I might be able to turn the situation around.”

Xie Yi put the chess piece back in the box and said indifferently, “The game hasn’t ended, but this is already a gesture of courtesy from me.” He stood up slowly and walked towards the window, watching the small green fruits of the ginkgo tree outside and the dark green leaves fluttering like butterflies.

A breeze blew through the courtyard and into the window. Fan Mukun caught a faint scent. He looked at Xie Yi, who was standing by the window, his wide sleeves fluttering in the gentle wind, and was captivated.

Xie Yi merely leaned on the window and glanced at the sky, then instructed, “Begin the banquet.”

The banquet didn’t last long. The Emperor only tasted a little wine before rising to return to the palace after the third round of drinks.

After the banquet, the scholars knelt to see the Emperor off. They exchanged a few words among themselves before dispersing.

Only Fan Mukun remained in the courtyard, lost in thought, with a wistful expression. Seeing him standing there in a daze, He Zhixiu and Zhang Wenzheng assumed he had been scolded by the Emperor during the chess game and went forward to comfort him. “Dongye, did you make any mistakes in front of the Emperor today?”

Fan Mukun seemed to snap out of his reverie and spoke softly. “Nothing. Being able to meet the Emperor face-to-face without any distance was already a great honor.”

He regained his composure and turned to He Zhixiu. “Brother Jianwei, congratulations on regaining the Emperor’s favor. You are indeed close to the Emperor’s heart. I wonder what kind of case you handled that earned the Emperor’s praise in front of everyone. Could you tell us about it so we can broaden our horizons?”

He Zhixiu clasped his hands in a polite gesture. “I dare not, I dare not. Brother Dongye is joking. I’m cautious every day, walking on thin ice, not daring to relax for a single moment. The cases I handle are trivial matters. I believe the Emperor summoned me because you two were present, seeking completeness. You should be grateful to the both of you.”

Zhang Wenzheng was impressed. “Brother Jianwei, you’ve been in the Ministry of Justice for only a few days, yet you’ve become more grounded. This set of bureaucratic language is truly awe-inspiring. And yet, you’re someone who perseveres through hardships, not afraid to show your true colors and withstand ridicule. I find it hard to criticize you even if I wanted to.”

Both Fan Mukun and He Zhixiu couldn’t help but laugh. After exchanging a few more casual words, they parted ways.

Fan Mukun then went to seek an audience with Xie Fei and humbly requested a favor. “I’ve been busy editing and printing my father’s manuscripts these days, and there are many questions and omissions. As you know, Concubine Jing was personally taught by my father. I would like to ask Prince Xie to intercede on my behalf to request the Emperor’s grace, allowing me to visit Concubine Jing in the Imperial Ancestral Temple to ask her some questions. If I can supplement and perfect the manuscripts, I can complete the collection of poems and essays, fulfilling a long-held wish.”

Xie Fei was somewhat hesitant, but seeing Fan Mukun’s sincerity, he relented. “I’ll find an opportunity to ask the Emperor. The Emperor spent fifteen days fasting at the Imperial Ancestral Temple not long ago, so he might agree, but I can’t be certain.”

Fan Mukun paused. “I noticed that the Emperor seemed somewhat gloomy during his visit to the Hanlin Academy today, his mind wandering.”

Xie Fei replied, “The Emperor is deep and unfathomable. Only Dongye, who has accompanied the Emperor since childhood, can discern such subtleties.”

Fan Mukun let out a bitter laugh. “Back when I used to play chess, throw arrows, ride horses, and go boating with the Emperor, compose poetry while admiring paintings, I took it all for granted. Now, I can’t even finish a game of chess with him. Such is life.”

Xie Fei consoled him. “You’ve been affected by your family’s circumstances. Now that the Emperor promotes talent, with your abilities, you will surely be given an important position sooner or later.”

Fan Mukun cupped his hands. “Thank you, Brother Feiyu, for mediating on my behalf. The Emperor held my late father in high regard and bestowed upon our family a scroll with the inscription ‘You Are Salt and Plum,’ written in his own hand. If my father’s poems and essays can be compiled, I will certainly present them to the Emperor for review.”

Xie Fei sighed. “Prime Minister Wending was a man of upright character and broad learning. Unfortunately, his life was cut short! However, I heard that Xu Sifan’s family is currently mourning, so your book printing project might be delayed.”

Fan Mukun replied, “The mourning period for a parent’s death lasts only a year, and besides, the printing project is not solely managed by Xu Sifan. It shouldn’t cause any problems. The manager who handles the printing workshop’s affairs is very astute and capable.”

Xie Fei shook his head and whispered, “You don’t know the whole story. On that night, Su Huaibei led people straight into the Jingguo Duke’s mansion, and the next day, the Duke’s family announced the death. The capital is too small.”

Fan Mukun’s expression changed. “Is this true? Do you know the reason?”

Xie Fei replied, “How could it not be true? But I don’t know the details, and I don’t dare to pry. The Ministry of Rites still presided over the funeral rites, so I suppose nothing major has happened. The sudden illness of the Dowager Duchess of the Jingguo Duke’s family is quite mysterious. When we attended the funeral, look at Xu Gu’s expression. Think back to the banquet where he was appointed heir to the eldest branch by imperial decree. Now, the eldest branch’s main wife, Lady Bai, claims to be sick and doesn’t leave her quarters. Her daughter, who married into the Han family, is also rumored to be seriously ill. Both the Bai and Han families are tight-lipped about the matter. They are related by marriage, yet they seem estranged from the Xu family. When you think about it, too many events have occurred in the Jingguo Duke’s household over the past year. Therefore, I suspect Xu Sifan might not be in the mood to oversee your book printing project.”

Fan Mukun fell silent, realizing that Xie Fei was indirectly seeking information from him. He cupped his hands and said, “I was unaware of this matter. Once I finish proofreading the manuscripts, I’ll meet with Brother Sifan to gauge his intentions and make plans accordingly. Regarding Concubine Jing, please convey my regards to Prince Feiyu.”

Xie Fei returned the gesture. “No need for formalities.”

Xie Fei was loyal to his promise and reported to Xie Yi the next day. Xie Yi said, “Prime Minister Wending’s poems and manuscripts? They should be printed. Give me a set once they’re done. Isn’t it almost the fifteenth? When you visit the Empress Dowager, bring Fan Mukun along. Let him meet Concubine Jing on his own.”

Xie Fei smiled. “They will certainly be presented for Your Majesty’s review.”

It was a trivial matter, and Xie Yi waved his hand dismissively. Xie Fei continued to report, “Previously, the Jingguo Duke oversaw the construction of the fasting palace. Now that he’s in mourning, the construction has temporarily stopped. The Office of Imperial Clan Affairs said that the Emperor wants me to take over. I went to check it out the other day, and the Duke was very meticulous. About eighty percent of the construction is already complete. Should we wrap it up now?”

Xie Yi casually replied, “Go ahead. It’s not a significant matter. Do as you see fit.”

Xie Fei was puzzled. The Emperor had personally instructed the construction, but now that he had taken over, the Emperor said it wasn’t important?

With no other matters to report, he took his leave. True to his word, he sent someone to notify Fan Mukun to get ready.

Fan Mukun prepared the manuscripts and two boxes containing transcribed copies. On the designated day, he indeed went to the Imperial Ancestral Temple with Xie Fei.

The Imperial Ancestral Temple was heavily guarded. Despite Xie Fei’s assurance, Fan Mukun underwent a thorough search. The book boxes were repeatedly inspected before he was allowed inside.

When Concubine Jing saw Fan Mukun, her eyes welled up with tears. The siblings cried bitterly for a while before Fan Mukun explained the matter of the manuscripts to her. Concubine Jing said through her tears, “Father’s manuscripts, I still have many. I’ll sort them out carefully and have Prince Xie convey them to you. This should have been done long ago, but now… I am under the Emperor’s grace here, cultivating in seclusion. I can only ask you, Brother, to put in more effort. I’m filially disobedient and have disappointed Father. Now, I can only do my utmost to sort out the manuscripts and prevent Father’s works and theories from being forgotten.”

Fan Mukun was silent for a moment before asking, “That day, when Prince Duanping Xie Ling passed away, Father suddenly took poison. Sister, your position as empress was abolished, and you miscarried the imperial prince. The Fan family has been in mourning and closed its doors ever since. Even now, the Empress Dowager and you are confined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. I still don’t know what happened.”

Concubine Jing’s face paled. “It’s simply a case of victors and vanquished. You shouldn’t dwell on it. You’re exceptionally talented. Don’t worry about me and Aunt. Focus on carrying on Father’s legacy and advancing the Fan family’s reputation. That will give us peace of mind.”

Fan Mukun looked at his sister. Despite her seclusion in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, she wore no hairpins or ornaments, only a light blue cloak. Her skin was fairer than snow, her features finely drawn, and her aura was ethereal. She was indeed a beauty worthy of the nation. He whispered, “Sister, did the Emperor ever… favor you?”

Concubine Jing was startled and looked up at him, her face icy. “Who told you that? The Emperor would never discuss such matters with you… Could it be… Did Father leave any handwritten notes behind…” Her face turned pale with guilt and shame.

Fan Mukun felt a chill when his sister mentioned his father. “Father only left a note telling me to study diligently. He warned that a large family brings great misfortune. He advised me not to enter the court, to marry in the countryside, and to pass on the family through farming and reading. But I couldn’t bear to leave you all behind, so I still entered the court. It was just a guess.” He looked at Concubine Jing’s expression and felt his heart grow cold. “So, the imperial prince in your womb wasn’t the Emperor’s. That’s why Father committed suicide to atone for his sins?”

Concubine Jing raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Not from Father’s posthumous writings… How could you guess that?”

Fan Mukun looked at his sister, feeling a mix of pain and disgust. “So it’s true? Father really died for you… I… I’ve secretly blamed the Emperor for being cold and indifferent… heartless and unfeeling…”

Concubine Jing sneered. “That’s not wrong. He’s heartless and unfeeling. He’s not even human!”

She pondered for a moment and then questioned Fan Mukun, “Why did you guess that? Could it be that the Emperor… has issues with his body? He’s never favored the palace concubines and hasn’t appointed any empresses or concubines until now. I’ve long suspected that he’s incapable of intimacy, which is why he’s so cruel and merciless, with a heart as hard as stone.”

Concubine Jing’s face was stern. Recalling that day when she slightly pleaded for mercy, all her maids were beaten, leaving her without anyone to serve her for days and no one daring to do anything for her, resentment surfaced on her face.

Fan Mukun, however, spoke softly, “Sister, could it be possible that the Emperor prefers men?”

Concubine Jing was taken aback and looked up. “How could that be? He hasn’t shown any interest in eunuchs or…” She suddenly stared at the handsome and delicate Fan Mukun. “Could it be… Does the Emperor have feelings for you?”

Fan Mukun hurriedly said, “It’s not like that, Sister. Please don’t make wild speculations…”

Concubine Jing looked at her brother, a gentleman with a refined appearance like jade. His demeanor was elegant and leisurely. Suddenly, she stepped forward and grasped his hand. “Ah Mu, the entire Fan family depends on you! You’ve accompanied the Emperor since childhood and share a deep bond with him. If the Emperor truly prefers men, you should endure the humiliation and navigate the situation for the sake of saving Aunt and me!”

Fan Mukun recoiled as if burned. He glared at his sister with anger and disgust. “Sister! How could you be so shameless! You’ve already implicated and harmed Father. Now, you want me to disgrace myself and ruin my future?”

Concubine Jing muttered to herself, “No wonder he never considered me. Ah Mu, your guess is correct.” She said sternly, “Ah Mu, for the sake of the entire Fan family, how can you bear a little humiliation? Temporary disgrace leads to a century of glory and grace. If you wait for advancement through the imperial exams, it could be decades before you enter the inner circle. By then, Aunt and I will have grown old and died here! If the Emperor despises the Fan family, I only hope for your safety. But now that there’s a chance, Ah Mu, you must seize the opportunity. The Emperor’s likes and dislikes are decided in a single thought.”

Fan Mukun felt a wave of nausea in his chest. His once graceful and clear-sighted sister had transformed into a madwoman! Just moments ago, she was earnestly advising him not to worry about the Empress Dowager and herself, urging him to follow their father’s path and glorify the family name. Yet, upon learning that the Emperor might have a preference for men, she was immediately willing to cast aside all propriety and morality, forcing him to do the unthinkable!

With a sudden surge of determination, he stood up, clutching his father’s manuscripts tightly to his chest. He abruptly turned around and left the suffocating prison that was the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

At the Jingguo Duke’s residence,

Xu Chun had just received the return gift from Xia Chao. Opening the box, he found a golden armlet inside. The armlet was shaped like a coiling dragon, its scales intricately carved. He picked it up and slipped it onto his left arm, where it fit perfectly.

His heart filled with joy as he unfolded the note. It contained only a few lines: “Having received your generous gift, I send this armlet in return. Dear Chun, wear it as if I were holding your arm, just as if we were together every day.”