The Death Soldier's hearing was excellent—even by the faint moonlight, he could make out the writing clearly.
"Mm."
Only after hearing Bujing Nu's response did the crow turn its head, blink its pitch-black eyes, and flap away.
This morning's breakfast was also quite light and plain. Xia Ji greatly enjoyed the cucumber and shrimp dish before her. Bujing Nu sat to one side, holding his spoon and eating very casually, as if playing around. Xia Ji felt something was off today. She turned to glance at him, and he tilted his head, smiling as he looked back at her.
It would have been fine if he just looked at her, but his gaze kept drifting downward. Xia Ji found it inexplicable. Bujing Nu only glanced a couple of times before smiling and continuing to eat his own meal.
"So awful, no flavor at all."
He sat in a lazy posture, and from the start had been eating the only sweet dish—pine nut corn—but even that he ate carelessly. A few bites, a couple of chews, then a mouthful of rice, another couple of chews, swinging his legs playfully. He called his crow over and scooped some corn onto the table.
Letting the crow eat the corn.
Xia Ji: …
"So awful, isn't it?" He talked to the crow, which was happily munching on the corn.
Xia Ji closed her eyes and spoke up for the third time: "Bujing Nu, if you don't think it tastes good, you can call the restaurant to cook for you again, or add a few dishes you like."
"No," he grumbled in a strange tone, "I want to eat the same as Hangiang."
"Then stop complaining," she said, for it was making her lose her appetite, "and eating light food is good for the body—healthy, and leads to a long life."
"Long life, oh," he scooped another spoonful of corn, the crow watching him expectantly, but he ate it himself and stuck his tongue out at the crow with narrowed eyes, "I won't live long anyway, so being healthy is useless."
What does that mean?
Xia Ji frowned at him: "Are you sick?"
"No."
What a lunatic.
Xia Ji ignored him and ate her own meal. Today was a clear sunny day, and she could hear birds singing outside. After finishing her meal, she took a sip of soup, and was full.
"Hangiang is done eating?"
"Mm." Done eating, and it was time to go back to lying in bed. The day before, she'd asked Bujing Nu to bring her two books, but he'd clearly picked them at random—he'd brought military strategy texts. Today Xia Ji wanted to ask him for some interesting storybooks, because otherwise she had nothing to do, and it made her want to sleep in every day.
"Then let's go out," Bujing Nu tossed his spoon aside. "Let's go, Hangiang."
"Huh?"
Bujing Nu stood at the doorway looking at her. Xia Ji pointed at herself: "I can go out too?"
"Mm, I'm taking Hangiang out. There's something I need to do today—we'll be out for two days. I won't leave you at home."
Actually, if Bujing Nu was going out for two days, she'd be quite happy staying in the residence by herself…
But then she remembered the mission—within three days, she had to kiss Bujing Nu's face. This couldn't be delayed. Delaying would deduct Luck Value, and with low Luck Value, she could easily die.
Xia Ji was afraid Bujing Nu might suddenly change his mind and want to go alone. She hurriedly said: "Then let me change my clothes. Wait for me—don't leave first."
"Mm."
Bujing Nu nodded. He stood at the doorway but didn't leave for a while. Xia Ji held her clothes, unable to change and unable not to. Bujing Nu had always been obedient and considerate before—he knew she didn't want him watching when she changed. Whenever she was about to change, he would leave on his own.
"Wh-what's wrong?" Xia Ji sat on the bed, the curve of her chest like freshly steamed white buns.
Bujing Nu's beautiful phoenix eyes stared at her for a moment, tilted his head, and turned to leave.
This was the first time Xia Ji had ridden in a carriage with Bujing Nu, the first time going out together—all firsts.
She was a bit nervous about going out, and had nothing to cover her face, but at least Bujing Nu was by her side, and now she was sitting in the carriage, not having to see anyone. Xia Ji felt much more at ease.
This was also her first time riding in an ancient carriage.
And just by looking, she could tell the carriage they were in was very high-class. There was even a tea table inside, with tea sets on it, and a food box filled with pastries.
Xia Ji had initially lifted the carriage curtain a little to look at the scenery outside, but seeing sights completely different from the modern world, she felt an inexplicable tightness in her chest.
Before, staying in the residence with Bujing Nu, she could still numb herself.
Now she felt it more and more keenly—because of her own death, she had come to an unfamiliar dynasty, an unfamiliar world. The antique streets, the passersby dressed completely differently from modern clothing, and on the streets there were even many slaves kneeling with grass leaves stuck in their hair, waiting to be bought and sold.
Xia Ji didn't dare look anymore. She closed the carriage curtain and calmed her mood.
But her mood was still somewhat gloomy. She wanted to eat some pastries to cheer herself up. She opened the food box—the pastries inside were quite beautiful and fragrant.
Xia Ji's mood brightened considerably at the sight of good food. She picked up a peach-shaped pastry—it smelled wonderful and was exquisitely made, the outside seemingly white bean paste dyed with peach-colored pigment. Just as she was about to take a bite, Bujing Nu's voice drifted over from beside her, gentle and soft.
"I'll taste it first."
Xia Ji: ?
She hadn't looked at Bujing Nu sitting beside her since earlier, because he had been extremely quiet ever since getting on the carriage. His silence was strange—so much so that one might almost forget there was a second person in the carriage at all.
Xia Ji turned her head in a daze. Bujing Nu curved his lips, a beautiful smile on his face. His clothes today matched Xia Ji's—both blue—except his was sapphire blue while Xia Ji's was a very pale cerulean.
He had worn this sapphire round-collar brocade robe before; it made him look strikingly beautiful and radiant. When he'd worn it previously, Xia Ji had even complimented him.
But Bujing Nu's personality was truly too vile and eccentric. His strange disposition made people constantly forget how handsome he was. For instance, right now, Xia Ji could only look at him with speechless exasperation.
"You—if you want some, just take it yourself."
"I want to taste it first."
Xia Ji: …
"Fine, fine, you taste it first, go ahead!" Xia Ji was inwardly exasperated beyond words, shoving the peach pastry at him. Bujing Nu ate it from her hand. She'd thought he would finish the whole thing, but he only took one bite.
"No poison. Hangiang can eat now. But don't eat too much—there should be plenty more of your favorites later."
N-no… what?
Xia Ji blinked in confusion, holding the half-eaten pastry in her hand. Bujing Nu had already lowered his head.
It was only then that Xia Ji noticed what Bujing Nu had been doing all this time.
He was bent over, his slender, fair hands weaving a cord.
A red bracelet design, woven with such precision that Xia Ji was astonished. She had once worked at a gold jewelry store when job hunting—working there required knowing how to weave cords. She'd stayed a few days, but her hands were too clumsy; she simply couldn't do it well.
What Bujing Nu wove was even better than what the veteran employee who'd taught her had made. It looked practically machine-made.
And while weaving, he was completely silent—no talking, no humming those eerie tunes. He just kept his head down, weaving, his ink-black hair falling loose. He looked more and more like a doll carved by a master craftsman.
Xia Ji didn't eat the pastry. Bujing Nu had said poison—even if she was craving it, she found it rather frightening. The chicken wing stuffed with rice had already taught her a lesson; she wouldn't stumble a second time over food.
The destination was quite far.
They rode until afternoon, and Xia Ji's rear end was sore from sitting. Even with cushions, these ancient carriages were far too punishing on the body.
Bujing Nu was exceptionally well-behaved.
He had been weaving the cord the entire time.
It wasn't until the carriage stopped that his cord was just finished. He bit off the long thread with his teeth, completing a bracelet.
"Give me your hand."
He grabbed Xia Ji's hand. Before she could even react, Bujing Nu slipped the bracelet he'd been weaving the whole journey onto her wrist.
A red-and-white bracelet, very beautiful. And the size… was frighteningly perfect.
He chuckled softly twice, gripping Xia Ji's hand. "Get off the carriage."
"I—I just get off like this? Is that okay? Don't I need something to cover my face?"
"No need. Hangiang is so beautiful."
Xia Ji: …
This was the first time she'd been directly complimented as beautiful. She instinctively wanted to say thank you, then quickly shut her eyes.
—No, wait. Thank you for what?
"I mean, won't anyone recognize me?" She voiced her worry plainly. "My family… if anyone finds out I'm still alive…"
"Mmm…" Bujing Nu had been about to step down from the carriage, but he turned back. He studied Xia Ji's face for a moment, then leaned in, pressing his cheek against hers.
Ever since Xia Ji had pressed her cheek against him that one time, he had grown very fond of doing this to her.
In the dim twilight, Xia Ji couldn't help but glance sideways at the young man's profile.
She steeled herself, wanting to turn her head.
Turn her head… brush her lips against his cheek, endure it for the span of a cup of tea… Would that work?
"I'm here. Hangiang need not fear. If I let my woman live in constant worry, then I'd be utterly useless," Bujing Nu said, embracing her. "Whoever wants to kill Hangiang, I will kill them. Is that alright?"
Xia Ji was slightly stunned, lifting her head within his embrace. On the young man's shadowed, beautiful face was a faint smile, his ink-black hair obediently draped over his shoulders.
That light, airy tone laced with a smile really sounded like he was joking.
But coming from Bujing Nu, it felt… different.
Because this madman, so utterly divorced from normal people, could probably truly do anything.
Xia Ji looked at him and nodded. Imperceptibly, her heart settled.
The carriage was too tall, so Bujing Nu carried her down. Xia Ji hadn't expected their destination to be so luxurious.
Even to her, a modern person, it was exceedingly lavish.
It looked like a restaurant, three stories tall. The building seemed to be inlaid with gold, growing ever more resplendent under the setting sun, each floor adorned with white jade railings.
Above the railing, female musicians played pipas while dancers with bare white arms twirled their slender bodies in graceful motion.
Viewed from a distance, they looked like celestial maidens seated upon jade terraces, so beautiful that the common folk below gathered to watch and cheer. Xia Ji tilted her head up, almost stunned by the sight.
Bujing Nu didn't spare them a glance. When a dog blocked their path, he kicked it, and the dog fled with its tail between its legs as if it had seen a ghost. He led Xia Ji into a small alley beside the tavern and kicked open a hidden door.
"Hangiang."
Where the hidden door stood open, an old screen blocked the view. He pressed something cool into her hand.
Xia Ji looked down—it was a gold leaf inscribed with characters.
"I have my own business to attend to. Take this and go upstairs, Hangiang. I'll come find you at night. Don't wander off." He stared at her face for a moment longer, then finally smiled. "And don't say anything foolish, sister."
"Huh?"
With that, he parted from her directly. Xia Ji instinctively wanted to call out to him, but as she hurried after him, she found herself in a bustling area—right at the entrance of the first floor. Bujing Nu had already vanished like a ghost.
Xia Ji stood alone, dazed amidst the noisy crowd. Catching sight of many people entering, she lowered her head in fear.
Though she knew her original self was a concubine's daughter who never left the house, she was still terrified of being found out. Standing there seemed too conspicuous—before long, a waiter hurried over, first eyeing the clearly expensive clothing on Xia Ji.
"Miss, which noble household do you belong to? Did you get lost on your way to Tianfeng Hall? I'll take you there right away."
"I…" Xia Ji's head was spinning. Remembering the gold leaf in her hand, she had nothing else to offer. The waiter spotted the gold leaf, his gaze fixed on it. Taking a look, his expression grew even more ingratiating.
"We've been waiting for you for quite some time, miss! Please, upstairs!"
"Ah… oh…"
Xia Ji raised her sleeve to partially shield her face and hurried up the stairs. Glancing down at the many people below—all dressed in impressive attire, laughing with deep, resonant voices—they all seemed to be figures of considerable importance.
She thought for a moment, then tested the waters: "Quite a crowd today."
"Yes indeed," the nimble waiter replied. Though it was early autumn, he was already drenched in sweat. He wiped his face with the cloth draped over his shoulder, a hearty smile on his face. "The prince is hosting a banquet. To see so many distinguished guests—this is a blessing I've earned over three lifetimes."
The prince is hosting a banquet?
This Bujing Nu, really—he never tells her anything!
She wanted to pry for more information, but by the time she thought of it, they had already reached the second floor.
The entire second floor was filled with fragrance—the kind of powdered perfume women commonly used. Women in scant clothing, waiters, and young girls moved through the corridors. Xia Ji's steps grew increasingly stiff as she looked around nervously.
The waiter kept walking until they reached the first door, where he called out: "Madam, the Changsheng girl sent by Prince Beikang's estate has arrived!"
Wh—what? Changsheng??
"Quick, bring her in!"
The madam's voice from inside was shrill and loud, startling Xia Ji, who was already thoroughly confused.
What does this mean?
Did Bujing Nu sell her?? And even give her a stage name?
Her face went pale with panic. She instinctively wanted to turn and run, but the waiter was right beside her: "Hey, Changsheng, where are you going? Go on in—the madam has been waiting for you."
"I…"
She looked at the door, then back outside, nearly despairing. This insane Bujing Nu—did he really sell her?
He sold her??? That damned man! What about her mission? She hadn't finished her mission yet!
"Changsheng, please come in!"
Just then, hurried footsteps approached from inside, and the door curtain was pushed aside. Xia Ji saw her first ancient brothel madam—a plump woman around thirty or forty, with powdered face, painted lips and brows, flowers pinned in her hair, dressed in pink. She had large eyes, and her smile was surprisingly ingratiating.
Not at all like someone who'd encountered a trafficking victim.
"I… I…" Xia Ji's heart was in chaos; she was one step away from bolting.
"Is this old woman not worthy of Changsheng's notice?"
The madam took Xia Ji's hand—soft and plump—and began leading her inside.
"Changsheng, come take a look first. This old woman has prepared everything for you. You were a dancer in the capital before, and now you're someone from Prince Beikang's estate. Being sent to our establishment and looking down on it—that's only natural.
We would never dare mistreat you. We're not like those other places that grind people down. Once you're here, you'll be the top courtesan of Tianfeng Hall.
Right now we have two top courtesans—you'll be the third. The war just ended, and business is booming. Coming here now, recommended by Prince Beikang himself—Tianfeng Hall will never treat you poorly!"
Top… top what?
As she spoke, the madam, as if afraid Xia Ji might flee, wrapped an arm around Xia Ji's waist, a hint of surprise flickering across her face.
"Miss Changsheng's waist is a bit thicker than our Heavenly Wind Hall's girls! Has the capital's taste changed these days?"
Xia Ji: …
What are you doing?!
Xia Ji hurriedly tried to turn away, glancing around to see several plates of fine pastries and clear tea on the table before her.
The enthusiastically warm madam leaned in with a smile, examining Xia Ji's face: "Miss Changsheng, do have some pastries first. This old servant will tell you all about our Heavenly Wind Hall, and we'll serve the main meal in the afternoon."
Xia Ji: …
"Alright…"
She closed her eyes, recalling Bujing Nu's lazy, languid words as he braided rope in the carriage earlier.
He'd said she'd have plenty of delicious things to eat in a little while.
Xia Ji: ……So that's what he meant
Xia Ji stood stiffly as the madam went over to pour her tea. Her expression was rather awkward, and it was precisely at that moment that a hard object struck her forehead.
"Hiss!"
A hard clatter sounded as something fell—it was actually a hazelnut. The round hazelnut rolled and rolled, and Xia Ji clutched her head, quickly looking up.
She looked up, but there was nothing there.
"Miss Changsheng, do come sit over here." The madam beckoned to her.
Xia Ji was forced to learn a great deal about Heavenly Wind Hall—what time they rose during the day, what they ate, when they slept at night, how many attendants served beneath each top courtesan, and how if one wished to meet a distinguished guest at night, one could, but if unwilling, no one would force it.
For a distinguished guest to summon a top courtesan, they had to request her for seven consecutive days. The top courtesan wouldn't receive guests for the first three days, but in the following days could play music or dance. If the guest wished for greater intimacy, they'd need to spend lavishly to feast the entire Heavenly Wind Hall for three consecutive days. Only after all that could they, according to the top courtesan's wishes, spend a night of passion together…
Xia Ji sat there dazedly as if listening to a story, and the madam asked: "Is it also this tradition on Miss Changsheng's side?"
"Mm……Yes…"
"It seems the capital is the same as Jinling." The madam watched Xia Ji eat her pastries, then rose and fetched a guzheng. "I've heard Miss Changsheng excels at singing and dancing, with both beauty and talent. Would Miss Changsheng play a tune for this old servant first?"
"Huh! Cough, cough, cough!"
Pastry crumbs got stuck in her throat, and Xia Ji hastily took a sip of tea to wash them down, her fair face flushed bright red.
She glanced at the madam, then looked down at the guzheng.
Actually, she had indeed learned the guzheng before—though only for a short while, and she knew a few well-practiced pieces. After growing up, whenever work stress became overwhelming, she would furiously play "Battle of the Typhoon" in her rented apartment during hours that wouldn't disturb others.
She played with such booming, surging force, full of resentment and fury, with a world-destroying momentum. Friends who listened to her play "Battle of the Typhoon" over video calls would freeze in shock, then break into applause, saying that if she'd been in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" with that rendition, Zhuge Liang wouldn't have needed to borrow the wind from heaven.
That piece carried such killing intent that it could probably scare off Cao's army with the music alone.
Perhaps for that reason, she couldn't quite remember how to play anything else—but "Battle of the Typhoon," that highly difficult guzheng piece, was etched into her muscle memory.
Meeting the madam's expectant gaze, Xia Ji accepted the guzheng, set down her pastry, wiped the crumbs from her lips, rolled up her sleeves, bent over her body, and—carrying all her resentment toward Bujing Nu—
Furiously began to play "Battle of the Typhoon."
She played until the bustling first floor gradually grew quieter, the madam's fawning smile slowly stiffened, the entire second floor fell into dead silence, and several dancing girls and musicians came to the doorway one after another to watch in shock, none daring to utter a word.