Chapter 59: Amorous Affairs

Yuan Liu died suddenly in prison, and Chen Yang took care of his funeral. Following Xiao Chiye's instructions, he arranged a new residence for Yuan Liu's wife and children in Dan City and hired an excellent tutor for his son.

Xiao Chiye was bedridden until the snow melted in Qudu. By the time he could attend court again, Xi Hongxuan had already been promoted to be the Director of the Civil Service Department in charge of promotions.

J Shen Zechuan returned the military waist badge to Xiao Chiye. As Xiao Chiye took it, he couldn't help but scrutinize Shen Zechuan from head to toe.

"Thank you," Xiao Chiye said, pulling out the badge. "Sir Commander."

"I am not worthy of such praise," Shen Zechuan replied, his fingers curling slightly as if reluctant to part with it.

Xiao Chiye jiggled the badge and asked, "Have you grown fond of it?"

Shen Zechuan smiled and said, "Yes, I've gotten used to holding it these days."

Seeing that everyone had retreated to a distance, Xiao Chiye commented, "Merely touching my badge is rather unambitious of you."

With his hands behind his back, Shen Zechuan faced Xiao Chiye and said, "After a serious illness, Second Prince should know when to rein in your wild behavior."

"For over half a month, I've lived a life of abstinence," Xiao Chiye yawned under the warm sun, shifting his feet. "Yet that fickle lover I yearned for day and night hasn't even bothered to glance at me. Now that I'm out, I have to find a way to mend my heartache."

Shen Zechuan was cooled by the breeze as he replied, "You should forget about those who easily grow fond of others and have countless past loves. It's not worth wasting your youth on such a person."

Xiao Chiye asked, "What's wrong with him?"

Shen Zechuan answered, "Second Young Master."

Wanting to pinch Shen Zechuan's nape, Xiao Chiye found it inappropriate in public, so he said, "Well spoken, very well spoken. Second Young Master applauds you."

"Too kind," Shen Zechuan said modestly. "It's the thought that counts."

"You must have made an effort to investigate his past loves," Xiao Chiye said. "You do care."

"I didn't investigate," Shen Zechuan replied. "Just by drinking at Xiang Yun's, you can hear all sorts of romantic gossip. For instance, Second Young Master is a regular and a veteran in amorous affairs."

"Am I impressive?" Xiao Chiye asked.

"Very impressive," Shen Zechuan said, looking at him and softening his tone. "But hearing about someone is different from experiencing them firsthand. The person I've encountered doesn't seem like the legendary figure."

"Opportunities are scarce," Xiao Chiye raised his finger to hang his waist badge. "The more we play, the more familiar we become. We've tried 'savoring slowly' before; did you enjoy it?"

In Shen Zechuan's gaze, his lips pressed together.

Xiao Chiye smiled and said, "Looks like you still remember. You also remember what you promised me, right?"

"I'll convey your message to Xiang Yun," Shen Zechuan replied. "I'll help facilitate your connection and earn a cup of celebratory wine. Of course, I haven't forgotten."

"I knew I could rely on you," Xiao Chiye said. "If this works out, how should I thank you?"

"Just consider it part of your contribution," Shen Zechuan said nonchalantly, his gaze wandering along the stone slabs outside as he spoke absent-mindedly.

Han Cheng happened to emerge from the hall and waved at the two of them. A nearby eunuch hurried over.

"Gentlemen, His Majesty is waiting! Please come in."

Li Jianheng sat on the dragon throne, listening to officials discussing matters. Spring was just around the corner, and the planting of mulberry and hemp in various regions was a significant affair. During the meeting, the Left censor-in-chief of the Board of Examinations, Cen Yu, reported that there had been instances of citizens appropriating public drainage ditches in every district of Qu'du. As the snow began to melt, if these blocked channels remained obstructed, they would inevitably flood the streets during the rainy season.

This matter seemed too insignificant compared to the other discussions being held. Li Jianheng barely caught the details before dismissing it and turning his attention to the loud voice of the provincial administrator from Zhongbo.

Cen Yu attempted to speak several times, only to be interrupted each time.

As the court session ended, Cen Yu exited the palace. Suddenly, he heard someone calling out to him from behind. Turning around, he saw Shen Zechuan.

Shen Zechuan bowed and said, "I apologize for impertinently stopping you, Inspector Cen. I have a matter to discuss with you."

Cen Yu replied, "Inspector Shen, please proceed."

Shen Zechuan continued, "Just now, in court, I heard the Imperial Censor mention an issue with the drainage ditches. Were you referring to the sudden rise of water in the East Dragon Main Street residential area?"

Cen Yu gestured for Shen Zechuan to walk with him as he spoke, "Indeed, the Eastern Dragon Street's issue of encroaching on the official drainage canal has been around since the Xiande era. In previous years, it would also flood the residential areas in the spring. But since no one had ever died or any severe incidents occurred, nobody took it seriously."

Shen Zechuan gave a faint, wry smile and said, "I must confess to you, sir, that it is precisely there where I am residing."

Cen Yu was rather astonished and quickly asked, "Has it already flooded these past few days?"

Shen Zechuan remarked, "My humble residence is situated on higher ground. Due to the neighbors on either side extending their yards by encroaching on the public drainage ditch, their eaves now nearly touch mine. The water has been accumulating, unable to flow properly, and last night it spilled into my courtyard. This morning, before attending court, I made a special trip to inspect the surrounding residential area. The houses in the lower-lying regions are already submerged in water."

Cen Yu spoke with concern, "Should any epidemic arise, it would be disastrous. Putting aside the issue of flooding, due to the scramble for those few inches of land, residences are built closely together, with no brick walls in between; just wooden planks. If a fire were to break out, it would spell catastrophe."

Shen Zechuan pondered for a moment and reassured, "Your Excellency, don't worry. I'll discuss with Inspector General Xiao and see if we can report to His Majesty to send someone to resolve the situation as soon as possible."

"Cen Yu will also speak to the Grand Secretary again," Cen Yu said, starting to walk away. He turned back at the last moment and smiled at Shen Zechuan. "Thank you for your concern, Inspector. If this matter can be resolved promptly, it would indeed be a meritorious deed."

Shen Zechuan bowed in farewell.

* * *

The red plum blossoms in the courtyard had wilted. When Shen Zechuan arrived, Xiao Chiye was standing in the study, admiring the withered plum branches.

"The snow has been melting these few days, making everything damp," Xiao Chiye remarked, brushing aside a branch. "I'm afraid your residence is uninhabitable now."

Shen Zechuan had indeed been worried about this issue lately. He adjusted his collar slightly and changed his shoes, saying, "The yard is already flooded."

"Five years ago, when I passed by, Zhao Hui mentioned the problem of the drainage ditch," Xiao Chiye recalled, turning around. "I didn't expect that after so long, no one would have taken care of it."

"Well, the ones who suffer are just lowly scum anyway. It's time-consuming and labor-intensive to fix it," Shen Zechuan said with a mocking tone. "Who would willingly do it?"

"Didn't you plan on doing it?" Xiao Chiye looked at him and approached. "This year is Tianchen's first year, and there's an assessment of the Board of Censors' performance. If anything happens, all the officials in the court will vie to take charge."

"I wouldn't say that," Shen Zechuan leaned against the wall to step onto the mat, but Xiao Chiye blocked his way. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Hmm?"

Xiao Chiye bent down to pick up Shen Zechuan's boots, pressing on the leather surface. "Are the Imperial Guards so stingy that they can't even spare a pair of deer skin boots?"

Shen Zechuan's clean socks were half-soaked. Xiao Chiye called for someone to light a charcoal brazier, warming up the room. Shen Zechuan looked unwell today, apparently due to the cold.

"Deer skin boots won't withstand soaking either," Shen Zechuan moved his foot away, not allowing Xiao Chiye to touch it. He lowered his gaze at Xiao Chiye and said, "The low-lying areas on East Dragon Street are all slums. They're all submerged in dirty water now."

Xiao Chiye squatted down and looked up, saying, "Those brothels usually don't discriminate against customers and accept anyone with a few copper coins. They can't afford to pay taxes, always in debt. The people in the Ministry of Revenue who count copper coins for a living aren't any better, deliberately leaving them in the lurch."

"There are residential areas flooded too," Shen Zechuan said.

"We're used to waiting until spring when it'll all blow over," Xiao Chiye stood up and said. "There are many people willing to work, but too few willing to do thankless tasks. We didn't have lunch after the court session today, let's eat together."

A maid came to prepare wooden clogs for Shen Zechuan. Even wearing the clogs, he was still shorter than Xiao Chiye. Looking at Shen Zechuan's slender and delicate ankles in clean socks, Xiao Chiye thought of the medicine Shen Zechuan had been taking all along.

"You haven't gained weight even during the New Year," Xiao Chiye pushed open the door and led him outside.

"Busy to the point where I only sleep for two hours each day," Shen Zechuan tapped the wooden clogs lightly. "I thought the Southern Inspectorate was an idle position, but I never expected there to be so much intricacy involved with soldiers and craftsmen."

"If Xi Hongxuan can't protect you," Xiao Chiye turned his head, "switch your allegiance to Second Young Master sooner rather than later."

"Then you probably won't even get two hours of sleep," Shen Zechuan followed him. "Most of the remaining soldiers in the Imperial Guard inherited their positions from their fathers and rely on their ancestors' blessings. They wouldn't look twice at the military's perks."

These days, the snow was melting, making the courtyard damp. Xiao Chiye stepped over puddles and turned back, looking at Shen Zechuan for a while.

Shen Zechuan wore wooden clogs, and his moon-white robe would dangle into the water if he didn't lift it. It was already dark, and a bright white moon hung high in the distant sky, casting a clear glow around them that also made Shen Zechuan's reflection in the puddle appear delicate and appealing. As he spoke, he focused on the path, not noticing that Xiao Chiye had stopped. Still lifting his robe, Shen Zechuan skipped towards Xiao Chiye like a child, landing right in front of him.

Without hesitation, Xiao Chiye bent down, scooped up Shen Zechuan's waist, and hoisted him onto his shoulder. The wooden clogs slipped off Shen Zechuan's feet and Xiao Chiye picked them up, carrying them in one hand while supporting Shen Zechuan with the other as they headed back to the room where they had been drinking.

Chen Yang took a few steps back and gestured to the guards to silently dismiss everyone in the courtyard. Ding Tao, on the roof, dared not make a sound as he watched Second Young Master carry Shen Zechuan. Qiao Tianya and Gu Jin squatted on opposite eaves, coincidentally taking sips of their wine.

"You looked unwell this morning," Xiao Chiye said as he climbed the stairs and kicked open the door. "You're burning up. Are you sick?"

Shen Zechuan leaned on Xiao Chiye's shoulder, gazing at the moon on the ground. "Maybe."

"Conquering the world isn't something that happens overnight," Xiao Chiye continued, "Life is the most precious thing."

"It wasn't like that when you hated me," Shen Zechuan landed softly, his gaze fixed on Xiao Chiye. "Just a minor illness. A good night's sleep will do the trick."

Xiao Chiye didn't look at him as he removed his own shoes and outer garment. The maidservants filed in like fish and geese, laying out dishes on the small table.

After Shen Zechuan washed his hands, he reached for his collar again. Xiao Chiye reached over to pull it down, using his fingers to gently part the collar, revealing a hint of red rash.

"It's been too humid lately," Shen Zechuan pushed Xiao Chiye's hand away with the back of his own. "Neighbors are vying for space, blocking even the light from the eaves."

Xiao Chiye seemed unconcerned and merely hummed in response.

As they sat down to eat, Xiao Chiye said, "That residence of yours no longer suits your status. Why haven't you moved?"

Shen Zechuan replied, "It's close to the Temple of Vows, making it convenient to visit my master. Plus, it's on East Dragon Street, so I can easily keep an eye on Xi Hongxuan's movements."

Xiao Chiye watched him eat and suggested, "Master Ji Gang can't always stay at the Temple of Vows as a menial laborer. It would be more convenient for both of you if you moved into a new residence together."

Shen Zechuan said, "I'll look around for a suitable place recently."

In truth, he still had the residence of Grand Tutor Qi, but he couldn't live there now; it was too ostentatious. Moving was easy, but the challenge lay in Xi Hongxuan's watchful gaze. He dared not risk putting his master or teacher in danger.

It was already late after dinner, and the night air remained chilly. Shen Zechuan got up to take his leave. Xiao Chiye pushed open the window and whistled towards the roof.

Three guards and a fierce beast craned their necks to look in.

Xiao Chiye leaned against the window frame, watching Shen Zechuan retrieve his outer robe as he instructed them, "Close the door. Lord Commander isn't leaving tonight."

Shen Zechuan turned back.

Xiao Chiye did not smile. The rakish demeanor he displayed during the day seemed to have been dispersed by the night breeze. His eyes held a dense forest and heavy fog, appearing hazy and profound under the moonlight.

He was perhaps truly an expert in the art of love.

Shen Zechuan mused.

That gaze of his was more than enough.