Xie Zhe was stunned for a moment, both angry and amused. “That mouth of his—just because he has no money himself, he says this official lacks joy.”
The gatekeeper stole a glance at his master’s expression, which was strangely peculiar as never before, and stammered, “He also said… if you laugh upon hearing this, then ‘would you be so merciful as to see him? They all say the Commander not only excels in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting but is also one of the top handsome men in the capital. Caiqing especially admires you and wishes to see you once to feast his eyes, so he can go out and praise you everywhere.'”
Xiao Yun was taken aback, then burst into laughter.
Even though these words came from the burly gatekeeper’s mouth, Xiao Yun could still detect a hint of shamelessness that came with being young. He couldn’t help but imagine the person, contrary to his outwardly reserved and dignified appearance, tugging at Xie Zhe’s sleeve, and found it inexplicably amusing.
He was clever indeed, praising only one’s talents and refinement, never mentioning power or status.
Xie Zhe fell completely silent after hearing this, his face flushed with embarrassment as he lowered his head in contemplation.
No one had ever dared speak to him like this before; everyone else was always trembling with fear, treading on thin ice.
But this one was different.
Seeing Xie Zhe’s bashful, almost maidenly expression, Xiao Yun laughed heartily. “If you want to see him, go ahead. Come, come, I’ll make room for him and let me hear how he manages to amuse the Commander.”
He ordered the eunuch to carry the memorials and strode briskly toward the inner chamber.
“Your Majesty!” Xie Zhe called out. “This is improper!”
He was both anxious and amused—the emperor making way for a Candidate Scholar, what kind of spectacle was this?
“He came to see you, not me. What’s improper about it? I’ll be inside reviewing memorials and come out after he leaves. Don’t say a word. Since he’s teasing you like this, why not tease him back? How can the dignified Commander be taken lightly by some little thing?”
This was already a royal command. Xie Zhe sat uneasily in his chair, wrestling with himself for a moment, feeling like a fussy woman, and gritted his teeth. “Let him in.”
The eunuch gently lowered the bead curtain of the inner chamber.
Seeing no one around, Xie Zhe secretly glanced at the bronze mirror, adjusting his hair crown and robes.
…
More and more people gathered at a distance outside the Commander’s residence, whispering among themselves. Many young ladies, drawn by reputation, quietly sighed for Xie Caiqing.
Rushi suppressed his anger and whispered, “Young Master, let’s go back…”
“Wait a little longer,” Jiang Huaichu interrupted him.
He seemed oblivious to the occasional mocking laughter around him, standing there composed and unperturbed.
Only Rushi, standing beside him, knew how much pressure there was in persisting with something that might very well fail while being watched by so many.
Yet the young prince remained unflappably calm.
The vermilion gate opened a crack from within.
The murmurs around them instantly grew louder. “I told you he insists on aiming too high—”
Unexpectedly, this time it wasn’t just the gatekeeper squeezing through the crack. Instead, two servants each struggled to pull open half of the door.
The entire Xie residence gate swung open for Xie Caiqing.
The gatekeeper hurried forward, respectfully guiding the way. “This way, young master.”
Suddenly, silence fell behind them.
…
Jiang Huaichu was led into the room and discreetly glanced around. Not seeing Xiao Yun, he was not surprised.
Today, he had come specifically for Xie Zhe.
Since Xie Zhe agreed to see him, Xiao Yun must have left first.
Xie Zhe sat upright by the chess table, his appearance refined and clear. Jiang Huaichu was momentarily taken aback upon seeing him, thinking that this person’s demeanor and aura bore a slight resemblance to his imperial brother. Unconsciously, his expression softened and relaxed.
Xie Zhe secretly curled the corner of his mouth and coughed lightly.
Only then did Jiang Huaichu belatedly realize he had been staring at his face. Feeling it was impolite, he immediately averted his gaze, pretending the incident had never happened, and exchanged simple pleasantries with him.
Xie Zhe was slightly surprised inwardly. In his impression, Xie Caiqing was eloquent and glib, but the person before him was as calm as still water, with a faint, appropriate smile gracing his lips. Every word and action was impeccable.
For a man, he was unnervingly stunning. Even from a distance, he was captivating, let alone up close. His face could withstand scrutiny from any angle, appearing natural and flawless. His entire being was as meticulously crafted as a fine brush painting, while his eyes and temperament resembled the layered depths of a landscape painting. When silent, he exuded a gentle yet cool aura, a contradictory blend that was hard to resist. He even carried a hint of the unique obedience characteristic of his age, making it impossible for anyone to remain cold or harsh toward him. Unconsciously, one would find themselves growing fond of him.
Xie Zhe inexplicably thought of Prince Qi, who was known for his fondness for male companions. If he were to lay eyes on Jiang Huaichu, he would likely cherish him like a treasure, holding him on his lap and granting his every wish. There would be no need to seek help from his own residence.
Ashamed of this thought, Xie Zhe coughed dryly under Jiang Huaichu’s puzzled gaze to cover his embarrassment.
Jiang Huaichu looked at the chessboard and said, “Were you playing chess with someone earlier, sir?”
Xie Zhe feigned surprise. “Why couldn’t I have been playing both sides alone?”
Jiang Huaichu smiled. “The left side should be yours—steady yet dynamic, flexible and varied, using softness to overcome strength, encompassing all possibilities.”
Xie Zhe regarded him with newfound respect. “You understand chess?”
“Only a little.”
“That’s too modest,” Xie Zhe paused briefly before probing, “And what about the right side?”
Inside, Xiao Yun paused while placing a memorial.
Jiang Huaichu said, “I fear my words might offend him.”
“It’s fine,” Xie Zhe replied, glancing subtly toward the beaded curtain. “Go ahead and speak.”
Jiang Huaichu’s eyes curved slightly. “The person on the right plays without adhering to any established patterns, following his own whims and forming his own style. His moves are fierce, decisive, and without regret, as if he carries an army of thousands in his heart. He is likely more suited to battlefield combat. As for chess, a leisurely pastime, he probably finds it dull and merely disrupts your refined enjoyment, sir.”
Xie Zhe coughed inexplicably.
Inside, Xiao Yun wore a faint, amused expression.
Xie Zhe turned his back to Jiang Huaichu, adjusting the vase on the shelf. A fleeting smile touched his lips as he said calmly, “So, do you prefer my style of play, or… his?”
Xiao Yun was taken aback, suppressing a laugh. Xie Zhe, that scoundrel, was truly relentless in teasing Xie Caiqing, digging a pit for him without holding back.
Jiang Huaichu’s heart tightened abruptly. He discreetly glanced around once more, his gaze lingering briefly on the beaded curtain concealing the inner chamber. Then, as if nothing had happened, he said, “I dare not deceive you, Caiqing prefers his.”
His voice was elegant, like the sound of jade beads.
Xiao Yun nearly dropped the memorial in his hand.
Xie Zhe had expected him to either flatter by saying “I prefer yours,” thus offending the emperor, or cleverly evade the topic. He never imagined Jiang Huaichu would inadvertently express a preference for the emperor right in front of him.
Intrigued, Xie Zhe turned around and deliberately adopted a cold expression. “Why? Didn’t you just say he had no interest in chess and disrupted my refined enjoyment? Or do you think I am inferior to him?”
He sneered coldly, “If you look down on this official, then why did you come begging at my door? Isn’t that just unnecessary!”
“Your Excellency, please calm your anger. Caiqing did not mean that,” Jiang Huaichu said sincerely. “It’s just that people are always easily attracted to those with personalities completely opposite to their own. You and him clearly dislike each other, yet you still play chess together—it must be because of this. Caiqing shares a similar temperament with Your Excellency, so we are bound to be most compatible and harmonious. However, one can’t help but yearn for someone like him.”
Xie Zhe: “…”
Only he would dare say they “dislike each other.”
Thinking that the person was still behind him and this remark was truly offensive, he tried to save face, saying, “This official does not dislike him.”
“You do,” Jiang Huaichu hesitated slightly but still spoke earnestly. “He probably says it outright, while you don’t say it aloud but secretly think it in your heart.”
Xie Zhe: “…” Suddenly so blunt at this moment.
“…” Xiao Yun, behind them, struggled to hold back his laughter.
Clearly, Xie Zhe had set a trap for Xie Caiqing, but somehow Xie Caiqing had turned the tables and dug a big pit for Xie Zhe instead.
Xie Zhe wanted to quickly move past this topic and said indifferently, “Since you are skilled in chess, accompany me for a game.”
Jiang Huaichu agreed, and the two took their seats.
Xiao Yun, hearing no movement outside, began reviewing memorials. He skimmed through them rapidly, tossing aside those he rejected outright and writing flamboyant approvals on those he accepted, so his pace was extremely fast.
By the time he had finished, there was still only the faint “tap-tap” sound of chess pieces falling on the board outside.
They played in silence, yet they didn’t seem bored at all.
Judging by the pace of the moves, they were truly evenly matched. Probably, Xie Zhe would ponder for a long time, Xie Caiqing would ponder for a long time, and they might even exchange a knowing smile—how harmonious.
Xiao Yun thought to himself that he really had found Xie Zhe a chess companion.
To play for so long, Xie Caiqing’s chess skills were at least as good as Xie Zhe’s, if not better, especially considering that Xie Caiqing might be deliberately holding back to spare Xie Zhe’s pride.
He wondered how Xie Caiqing would fare against him.
This thought flashed through his mind briefly. Xiao Yun, restless with nothing to do and unable to go out, thought for a moment and reluctantly coughed.
Xie Caiqing’s eyes showed a hint of confusion.
“…” Across from him, Xie Zhe, who had been hesitating over his move, suddenly covered his mouth and coughed violently.
Xie Caiqing quickly offered concerned inquiries.
Xie Zhe pretended to be natural and said, “It’s nothing, just choked.”
“It’s getting late, you should go back now.”
His attitude toward Xie Caiqing had become noticeably warmer.
Perhaps with His Majesty’s “unpleasantness” as a comparison, Xie Caiqing seemed like a gift from heaven sent to keep him company and relieve his boredom—calm in temperament, patient, focused, and evenly matched in chess.
Not to mention his eloquent words, just sitting across from him was indescribably pleasing to the eye. Feeling unusually content, Xie Zhe hesitated for a moment and actually took the initiative to ask, “What do you want?”
Xie Caiqing: “I ask Your Excellency to repair my qin for me.”
“…” Xie Zhe was taken aback and gave him a deep look. “Nothing else?”
“There is.”
Xie Zhe’s expression cooled slightly as he waited for him to continue.
Xie Caiqing smiled faintly. “May Caiqing come in the future to keep Your Excellency company and relieve your boredom with chess?”
Xie Zhe was stunned, realizing what he was up to, and gritted his teeth without speaking.
“Your Excellency’s surname is Xie, and Caiqing’s surname is also Xie—what a great destiny.” If Your Excellency does not speak, Caiqing will take it as your agreement.”
Xie Zhe remained silent.
Xie Caiqing tugged at his sleeve.
“What impropriety is this! How audacious!” Xie Zhe exclaimed in shock, angrily trying to pull his sleeve back.
Xie Caiqing did not respond, only tugged at it once more.
“……” Xie Zhe shot him a glance, meeting a face so handsome that even a man would find it hard to refuse, and thought to himself, “This is truly unbelievable.” He said, “We’ll discuss it another day. Now, let go of me at once!”
Xie Caiqing knew better than to push his luck and obediently released his grip. He had used this same method to coax his elder brother in the past, so it came naturally to him.
After Xie Caiqing left, Xiao Yun lifted the curtain and stepped out, casually asking, “What did he say?”
“Did Your Majesty not hear?” Xie Zhe regained his composure and respectfully reported every word.
Xiao Yun sat to one side, toying with a new waist pendant as he listened.
“Speak louder just now, I didn’t catch it.”
Xie Zhe raised his voice slightly.
“That part was too fast.”
Xie Zhe paused, then repeated it.
A moment later.
“Stop, stop, stop. You missed a sentence here, missed a sentence,” Xiao Yun said.
“……” Xie Zhe’s lips twitched, but he calmly raised his voice and declared, “He said he likes you, admires you! Likes! Admires! Didn’t Your Majesty already hear it? Why must I repeat it?”
Xiao Yun smiled lazily. “Does anyone ever tire of hearing flattery?”
“……” Xie Zhe said, “If Your Majesty enjoys hearing him say nice things, why not transfer him to the Hanlin Academy? Let him whisper sweet words in your ear every day.”
Xiao Yun raised an eyebrow, appearing genuinely intrigued by the suggestion.
Xie Zhe continued, “He’s clever, but he stubbornly avoids mentioning his desire to become the Zhuangyuan. Coming here at this moment is clearly an attempt to outshine the Zhang family of Yuangi.”
Xiao Yun studied him for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips. “He didn’t bring it up with you, yet you bring it up with me. What’s the matter? Did the Commander find him quite charming? Taken a liking to him?”
Xie Zhe thought to himself that he could never hide anything from His Majesty. He coughed lightly and said, “Everything is at Your Majesty’s discretion!”
Xiao Yun said nothing more and called for a eunuch to bring the memorials, preparing to return to the palace. After taking a few steps, as if remembering something, he turned back and asked, “Was he wearing my jade?”
Xhe Zhe was taken aback and began to recall Xie Caiqing’s waist. Only then did he remember that Xie Caiqing had worn a jade tassel that day. Not daring to deceive, he replied, “No.”
The previously pleased expression on Xiao Yun’s face vanished instantly. He glanced at Xie Zhe, who seemed distracted thinking about Xie Caiqing, and let out an almost inaudible, derisive chuckle before turning and leaving.