Morning sunlight streamed in through the window, and sparrows chirped noisily along the eaves.
Shu Fuyan awoke in Xiao Yi’s embrace.
The other man had yet to wake. Supporting himself on his arm, Shu Fuyan lowered his head to gaze intently at Xiao Yi.
He saw that Xiao Yi’s neck was densely covered with traces—a continuous string of kiss marks.
Shu Fuyan’s gaze flickered away, finding it hard to bear looking straight at them.
Shifting his body, Shu Fuyan wanted to step over Xiao Yi to get out of bed, but the moment he lifted the quilt, he was pulled back by a muscular, robust arm.
“Sleep with me a while longer.” Without opening his eyes yet, Xiao Yi pulled Shu Fuyan’s blazing body tightly against his own.
Desiring nothing more than to linger by Xiao Yi’s side every moment, Shu Fuyan naturally wouldn’t refuse this tenderness.
Thus, the two shared the same bed and slept for another hour.
When the steward sent someone to urge them, the two had already gotten out of bed.
Shu Fuyan’s original clothes were no longer wearable, so Xiao Yi found a new set of his own garments for Shu Fuyan to wear. Who would have thought that Shu Fuyan, having gained an advantage yet still acting spoiled, would push his luck and insist on wearing clothes that Xiao Yi had already worn.
Left between laughter and tears, Xiao Yi pinched the bridge of his nose and teased fondly, “Little greedy cat.”
Unwilling to show weakness, Shu Fuyan stretched out his neck to bite down on Xiao Yi’s fingertip as it was about to pull away. “This humble person will only be General Xiao’s little civet cat.”
The two frolicked and joked inside the room, leaving the steward outside the door blushing and his heart pounding.
Xiao Yi still had serious matters to attend to today, so he didn’t overly flirt with Shu Fuyan. After holding him close to whisper a few sweet, clinging words of endearment, he finally let go and opened the door.
“General.” Upon seeing the unmaskable kiss marks on Xiao Yi’s neck, the old steward’s face flushed crimson in an instant.
In a wonderful mood, Xiao Yi showed no coyness or concealment, openly exchanging a few murmurs with the steward before striding away.
Utilizing the gap in the doorway, Shu Fuyan caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi giving instructions to the steward, but because he was too far away, he couldn’t hear what they were saying.
Not until Xiao Yi completely vanished from Shu Fuyan’s line of sight did the steward step into the room, bending his back.
“Master Shu, breakfast has been prepared.”
Shu Fuyan nodded, his voice hoarse as he said, “I’ll be right there.”
Hearing that unusual hoarseness, both Shu Fuyan and the steward were caught off guard.
After a moment, the steward gave an awkward chuckle. Claiming he needed to go attend to the matters Xiao Yi had instructed, he took his leave first.
After the steward left, Shu Fuyan looked around. Xiao Yi’s room was excessively sparse, leaving a large open space that looked rather empty. Shu Fuyan pondered finding some time to move his own belongings in.
He had always enjoyed applying powder, yet Xiao Yi’s room didn’t even possess a proper dressing table. Shu Fuyan felt this was improper and decided he needed to tidy up and organize the room properly.
By the time Shu Fuyan finished breakfast and arrived at the front courtyard, the estate’s servants were bustling about busily, carrying chest after chest out of the estate.
Surprised, Shu Fuyan asked the steward who was directing the servants, “Is General Xiao moving house?”
Shaking his head, the steward explained, “Master Shu, you misunderstood.”
The steward handed over the compiled gift manifest for Shu Fuyan to review. “The General gave instructions: all of these worldly possessions are betrothal gifts from the General to Master Shu.”
Having placed the manifest in Shu Fuyan’s hands, the steward turned around and hurried out of the estate to supervise the servants moving the chests.
Betrothal gifts.
As if losing all his strength, Shu Fuyan’s hands trembled uncontrollably as he held the manifest.
“Five million cash, three hundred carrying-frames of betrothal gifts delivered, ten thousand taels of gold, hundreds of precious treasures, and numerous storefronts.”
With arduous difficulty, Shu Fuyan looked at the figures listed on the manifest. His heart felt as though it had been sliced open by a sharp blade, and honey poured inside; red blood and sweet honey swirled together, making it impossible to tell whether the sharp pain or the overwhelming sweetness prevailed.
Closing his eyes, Shu Fuyan tilted his head back, striving desperately to suppress the tears threatening to slip down his cheeks.
This was Xiao Yi’s attitude, Xiao Yi’s promise to him—how could Shu Fuyan not understand?
When officials in the imperial court married, even for a third-rank official, the highest tier of betrothal gifts amounted to no more than 150,000 cash. Even when high-ranking nobles pushed the limits, it barely exceeded 200,000 cash. Yet Xiao Yi’s very first gesture was a staggering five million cash.
With such a vast sum of money, he had likely staked the deep, multi-generational foundation of the Prince of Northern Suppression’s estate. Without batting an eye, Xiao Yi had nonchalantly bestowed it all upon him.
Lowering his gaze, boundless joy intertwined with bitterness welled up in his heart.
Given Xiao Yi’s utmost cherishing, what virtue or ability did he, Shu Fuyan, possess to deserve this?
If this matter were to reach the Emperor’s ears, Xiao Yi would inevitably face punishment. Yet knowing full well that doing so could bring catastrophic disaster upon the Northern Suppression estate, Xiao Yi had still done it willingly.
Reverently, Shu Fuyan tucked the manifest into his bosom.
Others regarded him as mere dirt; Xiao Yi treasured him as a precious jewel.
Shu Fuyan silently swore an oath: he would never let Xiao Yi lose.
Accompanying the carriages carrying the betrothal gifts, Shu Fuyan returned to Bamboo Retreat.
Perhaps because too many people had come to Bamboo Retreat, Xizhe had hidden himself away long ago.
For the moment, Shu Fuyan genuinely didn’t see Xizhe anywhere.
The packed chests neatly and orderly filled up the side rooms of Bamboo Retreat.
A sudden sense of trance washed over Shu Fuyan; everything had come so easily that he scarcely dared to believe it.
Not until the people from the Northern Suppression estate departed did Shu Fuyan remain immersed in his own world.
Xizhe leaped down from the high rafters. Patting the surface of one of the chests, he sighed repeatedly in amazement, “Not bad at all, Master Shu! Just one night of spring intimacy, and you’ve emptied out the bottom-of-the-chest treasures of the Northern Suppression estate.”
With a sneaky, crafty expression, Xizhe patted Shu Fuyan on the chest, covetous light flashing in his eyes. “Let me check for you whether these treasures are genuine or not.”
Speaking as he acted, Xizhe anxiously grabbed a tool, eager to pry open one of the chests.
“Don’t touch them,” Shu Fuyan said in a deep voice.
A hand exercised unyielding control over the arm with which Xizhe held the tool.
Irritated, Xizhe puckered his lips and complained, “He’s giving you so many good things, what’s wrong with sharing a little bit with me?”
Without yielding even half a step, Shu Fuyan maintained his grip on Xizhe’s arm.
Frowning in annoyance and still unsatisfied, Xizhe muttered, “Stingy.”
Unwilling to argue with him over such trivialities, Shu Fuyan issued a direct warning: “No one is allowed to touch Xiao Yi’s belongings.”
Shu Fuyan’s resolute and ringing words startled Xizhe. When had he ever seen Shu Fuyan act with such backbone? It was only ever when it came to Xiao Yi.
“Fine, fine, if you won’t give, you won’t give.” Xizhe tossed the tool aside.
“Last night… Hehe.” Xizhe’s hand slinked up onto Shu Fuyan’s shoulder, his tone dripping with ruffian playfulness.
Coughing lightly with a softened expression, Shu Fuyan said, “It’s done.”
Excitedly whistling a ruffian’s tune, Xizhe clumsily tugged at Shu Fuyan’s outer robe. “Is your body holding up okay? With Xiao Yi’s build, you must have really suffered.”
His complexion turning a mix of pale and dark, Shu Fuyan quickly swatted away Xizhe’s wandering hands and stated bluntly, “You can leave now.”
Crossing his arms, Xizhe let out an indignant huff. “Master Shu, you are truly heartless! Kick someone aside the moment you’re done using them—where is your sense of loyalty?”
He was a military strategist, after all; who went out of their way to chase away a strategist?
Shu Fuyan hadn’t genuinely intended to chase him off; instead, he led Xizhe out the outer doors, slid the bolt into place, and shut the doors tightly.
The two walked into the main hall and faced one another, looking levelly at each other.
“Three days from now, I will go to the Prince of Ji’s estate.” Shu Fuyan offered Xizhe a reassuring pill.
Xizhe’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Really?”
Shu Fuyan nodded. “Really.”
Xizhe’s expression suddenly shifted; lifting the curtain, he cautiously glanced out the window.
“What about the Prince of Jin’an?” Xizhe asked. “Do you have a way to shake him off?”
Pondering seriously for a moment, Shu Fuyan slowly supplied the answer: “Leave him hanging.”
Xizhe drew in a sharp breath, casting a peculiar glance at him. “Though the Prince of Jin’an has crippled legs, he is still a prince after all. Watch yourself—don’t think that just because you’ve latched onto Xiao Yi you can rest easy without worries.”
Everything Xizhe mentioned was something Shu Fuyan was already well aware of.
In the capital, far more people wanted Xiao Yi dead than wanted Shu Fuyan dead.
Thinking of Xiao Yi, Shu Fuyan’s state of mind grew unsettled.
Though they had parted for barely half a day, yearning immediately began to stir up chaos within him.
Standing up, Shu Fuyan walked toward a well-lit area.
“What are you doing?” Xizhe asked quizzically.
Without a word, Shu Fuyan took out the uncompleted interlocking heart jade and resumed carving.
Seeing this, Shu Fuyan slapped his forehead.
“There’s no saving you, Master Shu; you’re destined to fall completely for Xiao Yi.”
Hearing these words, Shu Fuyan’s carving movements paused for a beat.
After a moment, a cool, clear male voice sounded with delight, “I am willing to fall for him.”
Watching the once peerlessly astute and aloof young master become utterly bewitched and head-over-heels for a man, Xizhe felt like spitting blood.
Finding no amusement left in staying at Bamboo Retreat, Xizhe rubbed his nose with a huff and said, “I’m leaving.”
Without raising his head, Shu Fuyan replied, “Take your time, I won’t see you out.”
Xizhe felt entirely aggrieved—completely forsaking a friend for the sake of beauty!
Stroking the white jade, Shu Fuyan felt his heart grow incomparably soft.
Before meeting Xiao Yi, Shu Fuyan had believed he would forever be solitary and dependent on no one. After encountering Xiao Yi, his heart was suddenly filled to the brim with something called tender affection.
At first, he had only wanted to catch a glimpse of Xiao Yi, but once selfish desires were satisfied, ambition and longing grew infinitely.
Not only did he want to see him, but he also wanted to hold him, kiss him, and experience the scorching warmth of their entwined bodies.
Lifting his eyes to look at the sky, Shu Fuyan noticed it looked as though rain was about to fall once again.
Shu Fuyan silently chastised himself: if Xiao Yi were to discover his perverted madness, he would likely feel terrified of him.
Such a filthy version of himself must remain hidden from Xiao Yi’s awareness.
The wind grew stronger, swaying the small cluster of bamboo by the window and rustling fallen bamboo leaves across the roof.
Shu Fuyan longed to see Xiao Yi, yet because Bamboo Retreat concealed a heaven-shaking fortune, he dared not leave.
These were the betrothal gifts Xiao Yi had given him.
Thinking of this, Shu Fuyan smiled from the bottom of his heart.
Walking out to the courtyard, Shu Fuyan pulled the outer courtyard doors shut.
Tonight was a cold, rainy night, filled with roaring thunder and lightning.
Xiao Yi would come.
Returning indoors, Shu Fuyan replaced the quilt, mattress, and pillows on the bed with brand-new ones. Catching sight of the unemptied incense ash in the burner, his gaze darkened slightly.
Walking over to the incense burner, he emptied out the fine ash and stared at the burner for a few seconds. With a tight jaw, he efficiently loaded fresh incense into it.
As the flint ignited the incense, a faint sandalwood scent permeated the room, yet upon closer inspection, a faint, seductive trace of passionate desire could be sensed lingering underneath.
“Xiao Yi.” Sitting before the couch with vacant, absent eyes, Shu Fuyan continuously chanted those words like sleep-talk spilling from his lips.
Over and over again, there was only Xiao Yi’s name.
The night deepened, and the rain arrived.
Someone carrying an umbrella came walking toward Bamboo Retreat.
Inside the main chamber, candlelight flickered and ebbed, shadows shifted indistinctly, and the hazy, billowing smoke cast reflections that constantly danced and swayed across the wallpaper.
Xiao Yi’s gaze darkened, his fingertips gripping the umbrella handle growing ice-cold.
Closing his umbrella, he stepped into the main chamber, carrying the damp chill of the rain upon his person.
“Hnng…”
Pushing open the door, Xiao Yi was greeted by the sight of a beauty lying sideways.
With swift reflexes, Xiao Yi immediately shut the door, concealing the spring scenery within.
He saw a soul-stealing, fox-like spirit half-reclining on the bed not far away.
Shu Fuyan’s attire was disheveled, the thin gauze casually slipping down to his chest. With the majority of his shoulders bared, he wore a smile, his amorous eyes gleaming like fine silk as he breathed softly, bewitching, “General Xiao, this humble person has waited for you for a very long time.”
Struck abruptly by the portrait of the beauty reclining, Xiao Yi’s breathing turned ragged, his eyes terrifyingly red.
“You were waiting for me.” Xiao Yi’s voice was deep and hoarse, like an ancient, unchanging abyssal vortex.
Lifting his green robe, Shu Fuyan revealed long, straight legs as white as porcelain.
Blood rushed straight to Xiao Yi’s head; he was no Saint Liu Xiahui capable of remaining uncorrupted when holding a beauty in his lap.
Disregarding propriety, righteousness, and shame, Xiao Yi stripped off his outer robe and pinned Shu Fuyan down with eager readiness.
Half-kneeling beside Shu Fuyan, Xiao Yi grasped his chin and said fiercely, “Deliberately seducing me have you grown tired of living?”
Shu Fuyan blinked. “General Xiao is so handsome that this humble person… simply couldn’t help himself.” Those soul-stirring eyes were formed with such breathtaking beauty. Locking gazes with those eyes, Xiao Yi found himself utterly incapable of uttering another harsh word.
Muttering a low curse calling him a siren, Xiao Yi could no longer restrain his desire. Lowering his head, he bit down onto Shu Fuyan’s shoulder, fiercely branding him with his own mark.
Shu Fuyan let out a muffled groan; he hadn’t expected Xiao Yi to bite down with such vicious force, making it feel as though his bones were about to be crushed to pieces and swallowed whole.
Shu Fuyan’s shoulders trembled continuously, aching intensely. Even so, he remained unwilling to push away the crazed Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi was utterly possessed, sucking on the blood oozing from Shu Fuyan’s shoulder as if addicted, as though by drinking Shu Fuyan’s blood their very marrow and bones could merge into a single entity.
If Shu Fuyan was water, then Xiao Yi was a fish that could never leave the water. To lose a single second meant suffocating from a lack of oxygen.
Shu Fuyan’s frail constitution was truly weak; before Xiao Yi had even begun his meal, Shu Fuyan was already growing dizzy and lightheaded.
Realizing he had crossed the line and daring not indulge further, Xiao Yi lifted his head and pulled Shu Fuyan into his embrace with an apologetic expression.
“Did I hurt you?” Xiao Yi said self-reproachfully, “I thought I could control myself, but the moment I encounter you, reason deserts me.”
Blinking his long eyelashes, Shu Fuyan smiled and wrapped his arms tightly around Xiao Yi’s neck. “General Xiao is at the prime age of vigorous blood and youth, with neither a primary wife nor concubines. If you weren’t fierce with this humble person, I would instead start suspecting whether General Xiao has secretly hidden away a golden beauty in a private residence.”
As he spoke, Shu Fuyan’s smooth, long legs unconsciously brushed against Xiao Yi’s undergarments.
Though Shu Fuyan’s words carried barbs, they weren’t harsh; a brief moment of reflection was all Xiao Yi needed to understand his meaning.
Pulling him tighter into his arms, Xiao Yi pinched his waist with amused fondness. “I have only you, and no one else.”
Curving his eyes, Shu Fuyan paused for a moment before leaning in to press a kiss to Xiao Yi’s forehead.
“This humble person is the same.”
At this moment, both parties understood.
They were each other’s sole and unique existence.
Candlelight flickered luxuriantly, and garments fluttered halfway into the air.
Lying flat on his back, Shu Fuyan felt a mixture of fear and eager anticipation.
Patting his cheek, Xiao Yi asked, “Are you afraid?”
Shu Fuyan shook his head, cradling Xiao Yi’s head with his fingers threading through his dark hair as he answered with unwavering firmness, “I’m not afraid.”
Xiao Yi had intended to spare him out of tenderness for his frail body, not wanting to claim him too early; who could have known that once he stepped into the main chamber, everything would go completely awry.
Yet Shu Fuyan proved to be extraordinarily proactive. Vaguely understanding something, Xiao Yi chose not to pierce through the gentle warmth of the present moment.
“Fuyan, I will love you well.”
Shu Fuyan’s heart was filled to bursting; his only thought was for Xiao Yi to fiercely possess him, making him thoroughly and completely a member of the Xiao family.
“General Xiao… spring nights are short, and this humble person’s body is weak; I hope you will show some… pity.”
Shu Fuyan’s interrupted words were entirely swallowed up and buried between their lips and teeth.
Mercilessly pulling his hands apart and pinning them upward, Xiao Yi commanded, “Call my name.” The knuckles of his large palm exerted pressure, locking firmly between his fingers. Taking a breath, Shu Fuyan glanced sideways to see their fingers inextricably interlocked.
“Xiao Yi… Xiao Yi.”
In the deep ocean of desire, Shu Fuyan willingly consented to become a slave, building a warm bridge of moonlight for his beloved.
“I want to hear your voice.” Beneath the dim candlelight, Xiao Yi’s gaze was dark and obscure.
In a daze, Shu Fuyan heard Xiao Yi’s words; he nodded without voicing a sound.
Before long, the deep, husky, and masculine sounds of panting echoed throughout the room, rising and falling in waves.
The moonlit night was deep, and the wind blew with a cold chill.
Through the window paper of the main chamber, the dim light and shadows reflected the rising and falling tides of passion.
Springtime scenery was fully occupied, and the surging heat refused to fade away.