Chapter 98 – Fish Lanterns

The night was silent as Xu Chun listened to Xie Yi’s analysis of the case. His appearance, once akin to a celestial being, now carried a hint of cold determination from someone at the pinnacle of power. This coldness, however, only intensified Xu Chun’s fascination and infatuation, drawing him deeper into its allure.

“So what do we do now?” Xu Chun asked. “I heard Brother Fang say that we should release Lady Chu. Won’t she be in danger again?”

Xie Yi shook his head. “Knowing she’s under our watch, and with their recent losses, they’ll likely move closer to Li Meiyao. We just have to wait patiently. After the Zhongyuan Festival, we’ll go to the hunting palace. We don’t need to worry about these matters.”

Xu Chun was surprised. “We’re not investigating the case anymore?”

Xie Yi was unconcerned. “This person has held back for so many years; it shows they lack courage. A rebellion requires a surge of boldness, chaos from all directions, then they strike when the time is right. Once they lose heart, there’s no turning back. With peace reigning in the land, it’s clear he has no chance. He’s probably more worried about getting caught than anything else. My patience is legendary. Now that Chu Ji is in my hands, there’s nothing to fret over.”

He looked at Xu Chun, his voice tinged with melancholy. “I’ve never truly lived. Am I supposed to waste my time on these people?”

Xu Chun felt a pang in his heart. He asked, “What about Brother Fang? He’ll have to accompany you to the hunting palace, right? He won’t be investigating the case either?”

Xie Yi replied, “I’m not taking him. He has two responsibilities: to investigate the case and to be with his sister-in-law. With Wu Yinghou absent, he needs to protect the household somewhat. There’s no need to bring him along. Besides, he’s a downer. Let’s enjoy ourselves.”

Hearing the emperor say ‘us,’ Xu Chun’s heart swelled with sweetness, and he smiled brilliantly. “I’ll follow whatever Ninth Brother arranges.”

Unconsciously, he moved closer to Xie Yi, almost entirely leaning against him. Seeing Xie Yi in his dark blue cloud-patterned robe with his sleeves rolled up high, feeding him soup with a porcelain spoon in hand, his movements were steady, and his slender fingers were distinct.

For some reason, despite the lingering pain in his waist from the previous night—when Xie Yi typically restrained himself and didn’t indulge every night, especially since they had just rested together—he felt an uncontrollable tenderness and desire. While drinking the soup, he suddenly reached out and gently touched Xie Yi’s wrist, caressing it softly.

Xie Yi, whose mind had been preoccupied with the case, was highly sensitive to touch. He immediately looked at Xu Chun, seeing his slightly parted, moist lips after sipping the soup, and his clear eyes shimmering with affection. Their gazes met, brimming with emotion, and Xie Yi’s breath hitched. Setting down the spoon, he leaned in and said, “My soup seems less sweet than yours.”

Their lips met in a gentle kiss, tasting the sweet broth.

A mere taste wasn’t enough to satisfy them. The kisses grew, sliding from their lips to their necks, while palms caressed each other’s backs tenderly. In the midst of their embrace and passion, Xu Chun’s face flushed red, his breathing uneven, soon turning into soft pants. Xie Yi supported him and whispered, “Let’s return to the room and rest.”

Xu Chun’s eyes were misty as he murmured, “Alright.”

The night was cool like water, the autumn moon faintly visible, nearing the Zhongyuan Festival. All the bed curtains had been replaced with clean ones. Xu Chun watched the silver moonlight fall onto the new silk quilt, rolling and undulating, reflecting a pearly luster under the light.

The night was filled with passionate love-making, deeply intimate and loving.

When Xu Chun woke up the next day, Xie Yi had already left for court. It was the fifteenth of the seventh month, and he had to return home to spend time with his parents. Meanwhile, Xie Yi had instructed Su Huai to prepare a variety of fresh fruits, lotus roots, pastries, fish, crabs, palace brocade, autumn dew white wine, and more, for Xu Chun to take home.

Xu Chun knew this was Xie Yi’s way of giving gifts to his family for the festival, and he was pleased, accepting without refusal. He took everything back home. Indeed, Madam Sheng was delighted. “Your father was just saying how he invited a Taoist priest to survey the garden with a few guests. They planned to prepare a vegetarian feast. These fresh fruits and lotus roots are perfect. Have the kitchen make something and send it over.”

“You can take the food to the feast and pay your respects. Later, you’ll surely meet friends to see the lanterns. You might as well deliver the meal while his guests are present. If he’s in a good mood, he’ll feel honored and won’t hold you back. It’s a good opportunity to greet him and leave.”

Xu Chun agreed, knowing that Madam Sheng handled Xu Anlin effortlessly. He ordered Xia Chao to take the items to the kitchen, urging them to prepare quickly, then personally led a group to the garden.

Reaching Cui Ping Garden, he saw numerous rocks piled up, stone steps constructed, and lush green moss growing thickly, likely purchased by Xu Anlin from the south. The pavilions were staggered, the rock formations rugged, the water glistening, and the lush vines winding around the jagged peaks, creating a serene scene.

As he approached, he heard someone say, “See how this emerald peak stands tall like a screen, spreading its wings like a phoenix, dignified and majestic. Beside it, a small peak supports the mountain as if bowing to a general. Behind, there’s a ridge resembling seven stars arranged like a dragon, coiling in strength. This is the image of proximity to the dragon’s visage, fitting for a lineage of officials, bearing golden seals and jade tablets, destined for the ranks of nobility. Coupled with mountains and water, it’s suitable for a prosperous family, with imperial consorts emerging, bringing glory to the household!”

Xu Chun thought, This must be some fraudulent old Taoist, deceiving my father with feng shui.

He entered and saw Xu Anlin discussing animatedly with a group of guests and an old Taoist priest in front of a rock formation, his face flushed with excitement. Xu Chun bowed respectfully and greeted, “Son pays respects to Father.”

Xu Anlin, who had been thoroughly charmed, was even happier to see his most accomplished son. He laughed and said, “I was just saying how I haven’t seen you lately, but here you are today. Come and meet Daoist Xuchenzi. He’s quite skilled in geomancy. Today’s guidance has been truly enlightening!”

Xu Chun thought, It’s the same old Taoist I encountered at Sui Xi Lou!

Fang Zixing had been searching the city for him! And here he was, hiding at their house to cheat meals and drinks!

Seeing Xuchenzi smile and wave his fly whisk in a sage-like manner, “Old Daoist greets Your Highness. Your Highness is young and accomplished, a true phoenix among dragons, destined for greatness!”

In the marquisate, he was indeed a man of gold and jade, yet he still went through the motions, making Xu Anlin beam. Xu Chun silently criticized him while bowing. “Greetings to Daoist Xuchenzi and esteemed scholars.” He told Xu Anlin, “Today, I brought back some fresh fruits, lotus roots, water chestnuts, and pastries for Father’s Zhongyuan Festival. Mother said Father invited a deity to survey the land, so she prepared a vegetarian feast. Son came to invite everyone to the meal.”

Xu Anlin’s face lit up with pride, quickly inviting the guests and Xuchenzi to the Zhegui Pavilion. The table was laden with exquisite vegetarian dishes, fresh fruits, and lotus roots. The ripe pears and oranges, the size of fists, were comparable only to tributes, along with rare fruits like longans, grapes, and loquats, seldom seen in the capital. Xu Anlin beamed with delight and asked Xu Chun to sit and entertain the guests.

Amidst more empty talk, Xuchenzi, the old Taoist priest, dazzled them with tales of auspicious residences he’d seen and famous gardens he’d advised on. He praised Xu Chun’s appearance and declared Marquis Wu to be a man of great fortune. He talked about heaven and earth, weaving an engaging narrative.

However, Xu Anlin, being filial, didn’t drink too much, having only a few cups of wine, then excused himself. He ordered Xu Chun to escort Xuchenzi out. Xu Chun complied, leading Xuchenzi out of the forest, where he suddenly bowed deeply. “Your Highness! Please save me!”

Xu Chun was taken aback.

Xuchenzi continued, “I’m innocent. The capital is searching for me everywhere, leaving me nowhere to hide. That’s why I sought refuge at your estate.”

Xu Chun said, “If you’re innocent, why fear? If you have something to hide, it’s inappropriate to seek shelter at my residence. We’re strangers. Why would I risk harboring you?”

Xuchenzi replied, “To be honest, Your Highness, I do know some physiognomy and geomancy. When I first met Lady Chu, I sensed a hint of good fortune. I let my sect’s female Taoist take her in. It was ordinary for years, until I arrived in the capital recently, thinking to visit her. But I noticed a sudden glow on her face, purple aura sprouting at her eyebrows—a sign of meeting a noble benefactor!”

“I was surprised and intentionally stayed at Sui Xi Lou, wondering what kind of fate awaited her. Then I met Your Highness. Your appearance is truly astonishing! Naturally endowed with wealth and honor, blessed with longevity and dignity, your destiny is beyond words!”

Xu Chun was speechless. “Are you still deceiving people at this point?”

Xuchenzi said, “How dare Old Daoist lie. That night, I saw the whole city’s soldiers searching, with gunpowder and bombs. Such a massive operation couldn’t be ordinary. I thought this unimaginable fortune must correspond to Your Highness. But as a simple Taoist, if caught at Sui Xi Lou and imprisoned, I might get entangled in some trouble. Wisdom dictates self-preservation, so I hurriedly fled. Your Highness, please save me! Old Daoist wishes to serve Your Highness, following behind like a shadow, ready to serve. I’ll help plot a grand endeavor for Your Highness!”

Xu Chun chuckled, glancing at Dinghai, who waved his hand, signaling several guards to step forward. “Sorry, Master, but you should first clarify your innocence at the Ministry of Justice.”

Xuchenzi was stunned.

Xu Chun suppressed a laugh. “Minister He of the Ministry of Justice is astute and capable. If you’re truly innocent, just go ahead. He won’t wrongfully punish or force confessions. Rest assured! Also, aren’t you worried about Xuanwei Daoist Priest? You can finally meet.”

Xuchenzi was incredulous as he was led away by Dinghai and his men to the Ministry of Justice.

Xu Chun then bid farewell to his mother and hastily rode back to the palace.

On the way, he saw countless lanterns decorating the city like stars in a river, and the waters were filled with lotus lanterns. He felt a pang, remembering the scene of releasing lanterns in Minzhou. He wondered how his cousin and others were doing now. Recalling that night, he seemed to have glimpsed Ninth Brother, already deeply enamored and yearning for him.

Xie Yi was waiting for him in the palace. Seeing him arrive, he took him to the stargazing platform to view the lanterns. The wind was crisp, and the moon bright. Xie Yi observed the stars, laughing, “I heard from Dinghai that you caught that old Taoist?”

Xu Chun couldn’t help but laugh at the memory of Xuchenzi’s words, recounting his observations and remarks at the Jingguo Marquisate today. Xie Yi smiled slightly. “Indeed, he’s quite close to the dragon’s visage. It’s the image of sharing a pillow with the nation, a fortune beyond words. He wasn’t wrong. It seems he has some skills. Since he wants to serve a noble person and plot a career, why not give him a chance?”

“Let’s have He Zhiqiu thoroughly interrogate him. See if he’s truly skilled or has ulterior motives. If it’s merely luck and for his prediction of natural wealth, deep blessings, and longevity, let’s give him a chance.”

Xu Chun held Xie Yi’s hand and whispered, “Thankfully it’s Ninth Brother, with whom I share no doubts. If others heard that old Taoist’s nonsense, wouldn’t our family suffer?”

Xie Yi said, “I won’t punish anyone for idle talk. But such people do have the ability to sway hearts. If it’s just a coincidence, I think we can make use of him. After He Zhiqiu interrogates him, we can send him to Li Meiyao. Let him use his talk of unimaginable fortune to coax the people behind to come out.”

Xu Chun hadn’t expected Xie Yi to immediately consider using Xuchenzi upon hearing his words. He was filled with admiration. “Ninth Brother, how does your mind work?”

Xie Yi paused, then laughed. “Is Little Lin blaming Ninth Brother for overthinking, burdened with worldly affairs, unable to fully enjoy the lanterns with you?”

Xu Chun hurriedly said, “How could I blame Ninth Brother? You said you’ve never truly lived. Now that you have a rare moment of relaxation, I naturally hope Ninth Brother can set aside worldly concerns, free of worries, and live carefree.”

“But before, I didn’t know Ninth Brother’s identity. I just thought if Ninth Brother worried less, perhaps transcending the mundane, retreating to a life of leisure and wealth, we could live without troubles. Now I realize Ninth Brother has faced constant danger since youth, exhausting himself. If he ever relaxed his vigilance, perhaps we wouldn’t have this era of peace. How could I blame Ninth Brother for being thoughtful and diligent?”

Xie Yi had been reflecting on wasting precious time on trivial matters, unable to fully immerse himself in pleasure. Xu Chun was still young, and his own temperament might dampen the atmosphere. As the emperor, while Xu Chun accompanied him in the palace, he often had to attend court and review documents, unable to fully focus on him, which made him feel guilty. But Xu Chun’s words resonated with him, offering comfort.

He took Xu Chun’s hand. “Then let’s go see the lanterns.”

He personally held Xu Chun’s hand, leading him to the highest point of the stargazing platform. Upon reaching the top, Xu Chun exclaimed in surprise.

A locust tree stood at the center, its pink velvet flowers blooming splendidly. Hanging from the branches were countless glass lanterns, perhaps a hundred, crystal clear and radiant. Each lantern had a tiny golden-red koi fish swimming beneath the candle flame, clearly visible.

The tree was a dazzling display of lights, shimmering and colorful. The small golden fish swayed in the light, like golden flames burning in the water, fantastical and clear. Born into wealth, Xu Chun had seen countless magnificent lantern pavilions since childhood, but this was the first time he felt truly awed, as if in a crystal palace surrounded by treasures, a world of glass.

Xu Chun carefully examined it for a while, his eyes shining as he turned to look at Xie Yi. “Is this a glass fish lantern?”

Xie Yi smiled faintly. “It symbolizes my Little Lin, though not yet prominent, shines like a dragon pearl. Ninth Brother awaits the day your scales form, entering the Five Lakes.”

Xu Chun’s heart surged with emotion as he reached out to gently touch the lamp, unable to let go.

In the dim corner, Su Huai was attending with Wufu and Lili on the staircase, watching the emperor lean toward Xu Chun’s ear, whispering something. Xu Chun picked a fish lantern and held it high, his eyes as clear as stars. The emperor wore a full smile, his demeanor like jade, and they stood together like divine partners.

Su Huai turned to Fang Zixing, sighing, “The glass fish lanterns rushed for production during the New Year, and the baby carp were carefully raised in warm springs. Originally intended for the Lantern Festival in Minzhou, they’re finally being used now.”

Fang Zixing said, “These are newly raised baby carp, right? I remember a full tank was transported before, but they had to be released in ponds on the way back, or they would have died.”

Su Huai: “…That’s why you’re a buzzkill. No wonder the emperor isn’t taking you to the hunting palace!”

Fang Zixing continued to muse, “They’ll all be released tomorrow, just for tonight’s viewing. Back then, I saw my brother bring a string of jasmine gold flower garlands frozen in ice blocks from Nanyang for my sister-in-law. He said they were offered to Buddha in Nanyang, called egg flowers, with creamy white petals and pale yellow centers, fragrant. They quickly wilted in the capital. I wonder why he went through so much trouble. My sister-in-law said it was the thought that mattered.”

Su Huai said, “That’s why your brother has a wife and children, and you don’t.”

Fang Zixing: “…”