Chapter 13: Plague

---

As the carriages and horses ventured deeper into the grasslands, Yan Guan increasingly felt the chill in the air.

It was too quiet.

It wasn't until the soldiers dragged a body out of the hunter's house that the stillness was broken.

"Sovereign, there are blood spots and bruises on the face. It appears to be typhoid fever..." 

"Put on masks and go investigate immediately," Chao Ge's expression instantly turned cold. The people from the Medical Bureau quickly took out preventive pills and distributed them.

The worst fear had come true. Chao Ge's only consolation was that he had come personally. Otherwise, with the local officials’ indecisiveness, the casualties would have been much greater.

Now that they had reached the border, the population was sparse and people lived scattered. So the situation was slightly better than expected. Most people infected with typhoid had mild symptoms, though the old hunter who had died was just too old.

A physician hurriedly walked towards Wuritu's tent. "Master, there's a girl whose fever hasn't gone down even after taking medicine. Instead, it's gotten more serious."

Who would have thought that Wuritu wasn't in the tent at this moment? Only a few green-robed attendants were there, boiling the medicine. Upon hearing this, Yan Guan immediately stood up from behind the stove, "Master Wu is seeing another patient elsewhere. Take me to her first!"

The physician recognized Yan Guan and didn’t refuse his help. As the two hurried along, Yan Guan asked worriedly, "Have you already diagnosed her?"

"I have. She has chills and nausea, which are indeed symptoms of typhoid fever. She was given Guizhi Decoction earlier, which should have been correct, but her vomiting worsened."

When they arrived at the girl’s tent, to his surprise, Daxi was there as well, holding the girl’s hand, muttering anxiously, and even crying. Yan Guan didn’t have time to think about it and quickly stepped forward to examine her.

"The illness has penetrated the muscles, blocking the effectiveness of the medicine," Yan Guan placed the girl's hand back under the blanket. "Acupuncture at Fengchi and Fengfu points, then give Guizhi Decoction again."

Yan Guan pulled out silver needles from a cloth bag, sterilized them with liquor, and prepared to administer the acupuncture. "The acupuncture points are at the back of the head. It’ll be quick and painless."

Daxi supported Cao Du to sit up. The young man in front of them still had a bit of youthful innocence, but his gentle yet firm words inexplicably put people at ease.

Yan Guan's needlework was swift and precise. Cao Du, already feverish and drowsy, barely felt anything, but Daxi kept his eyes fixed on Yan Guan. After all, Liangzhou was a nomadic region, and its medical practices were not as well-established as in the Liang Dynasty. Techniques like acupuncture were rare.

After administering medicine to Cao Du, Yan Guan stood up to leave, as there were many more patients to care for. Daxi, worried about Cao Du, only murmured a soft thank you and didn’t get up to see him off.

Seeing him like this, Yan Guan couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy. So, this is Daxi’s beloved? They truly seem to share a deep bond.

The patients from the surrounding locations had all been gathered at this location, and the officers of the Medical Bureau were so busy that they lost track of time. Yan Guan, who had been practicing health preservation [a healthy lifestyle] since childhood, had never stayed up this late. Being at an age where one grows and gets sleepy easily, he was exhausted to the point of passing out. Though he appeared to still be sitting in front of the pot, his eyes had long glazed over.

When Chao Ge entered the tent, he immediately saw this scene, and a rare smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Yan Guan," Chao Ge called out. After a few seconds, the person in front of him finally pulled his dazed gaze away from the pot, and responded blankly, "Huh?" He even forgot to address him as "Master."

Chao Ge couldn’t hold it in any longer and let out a soft laugh. This time, Yan Guan snapped fully awake and quickly stood to bow. Chao Ge waved him off, "Forget it. I’ve come to ask for some medicine."

Realizing what he meant, Yan Guan hurried to fetch the medicine for him. For several days now, Chao Ge had been leading patrols around the area - searching for any missing patients, setting up quarantines, and distributing medicine. He probably hadn’t had a full night’s sleep for a few days either. Given his constant contact with patients, drinking some preventive medicine was indeed necessary.

Chao Ge downed the medicine in one gulp, but the dim candlelight couldn’t hide the bluish-black exhaustion beneath his eyes. "How are the patients here?" he asked.

"Most have mild symptoms and have shown improvement after taking the medicine. The more severe cases have been specially arranged for care in separate tents."

Chao Ge nodded. "Good. You’ve worked hard. Once the situation here stabilizes, you should return to the capital," he said, his tone a bit stiff.

What did he mean by that? How could he ask him to leave alone? "No," Yan Guan refused without thinking, "There aren’t enough doctors here. Many are still young and lack experience in treating plagues. I have to stay."

"Are you saying they're young, and you're not?" Chao Ge retorted with a hint of anger. At first, Yan Guan had followed him here of his own accord, but now that things had stabilized, he still refused to leave.

The atmosphere grew tense. Chao Ge took a step forward, his tall figure completely overshadowing Yan Guan, his voice lowered, "You're smart. You can’t possibly be unaware of the reason."

Yan Guan recalled that night. Of course, he knew, but he couldn't believe that Chao Ge would truly regard him so highly.

Romantic feelings would become his weakness.

"Don’t make things difficult for me." Chao Ge leaned in closer to Yan Guan, his hand gently stroking his face, carrying a hint of tenderness. Yan Guan's face, chilled by the cold wind, felt the warmth of Chao Ge's hand.

It shouldn’t be like this. A ruler of a nation shouldn't treat someone who was either a plaything or a male concubine in this way. Yan Guan’s eyelashes trembled slightly, the answer was clear, but he didn’t dare face it.

"Why are you so stubborn," Chao Ge sighed helplessly. "The court is full of tangled power struggles. I don't know what will happen. I can’t make promises to you, nor can I keep you by my side day and night, carrying you in my pocket or hanging you at my waist." Chao Ge paused, and Yan Guan felt the pressure around him intensify.

His cheek was rubbed gently, a gesture full of disappointment. Finally, Yan Guan spoke, "There will be danger... I'm afraid someone will use me to threaten you."

"I won’t betray the people of Wugan."

Chao Ge’s meaning was clear. He couldn’t bear to part with Yan Guan, but as the ruler of a nation, his responsibilities were far greater. If it truly came to a dilemma, Yan Guan would be the one sacrificed. Therefore, Yan Guan had to return to the capital, where someone could protect him.

In fact, using Yan Guan to hurt and slander Chao Ge was a childish plan, but Chao Ge didn’t dare to take the risk.

A few days later, Daxi came to find Yan Guan, looking quite relaxed. It seemed the girl had recovered.

"Cao Du has fully recovered, and I have to thank you," Daxi placed a bracelet in Yan Guan's palm. "She strung this jade herself. It's not worth much, just a little token of appreciation."

Since Daxi said that, Yan Guan didn’t refuse and accepted it. "It's quite beautiful. Why does it look like water?" The jade was smooth and glossy. The beads on the bracelet weren’t large, but each one was clear and pure, clearly requiring a lot of effort to make.

"Yes," Daxi said, a little proud, "Cao Du is quite skillful, just like her name."

"Cao Du? Does her name mean 'clever'?"

"Exactly," Daxi’s eyes sparkled with joy. "I plan to propose in the spring and take her to the capital."

Yan Guan hummed in response, then suddenly asked, "What does the master’s name mean?"

"Majesty."

Yan Guan smiled, "It truly fits."

Speaking of this, Daxi remembered his earlier idle chat with Geqi. "I heard you're about to return to the capital soon? It's the master's order."

Yan Guan sighed, "Yes, the master insists I leave. Once the patients have stabilized and the physicians from the Medical Bureau are able to manage, I'll be on my way."

Daxi stared at Yan Guan for a long while, then suddenly clicked his tongue, "So? You understand the master's feelings now?"

Yan Guan touched the jade bracelet, smiled, but said nothing.

Daxi, never one to hold back, blurted out, "Have you slept together?" [Da…Xi!]

Yan Guan froze, then his face flushed bright red. "W-What are you saying? Daxi, you... you'd better go back and take care of Cao Du..."

Daxi smacked his lips, thinking to himself, ‘I thought something had happened between them.’

Yan Guan, mortified to the core, scolded lightly, "Does Brother Daxi treat Cao Du like this too, so recklessly?"

"Hey, don’t say that!" Daxi immediately became anxious, "Cao Du and I follow proper conduct. Our feelings are pure! Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you."

Yan Guan hadn’t seen Chao Ge for a few days, but he had heard that he went to the border. Yan Guan started preparing to head back to the capital. The team had more than a dozen messengers, led by Dai Qing.

"Little Doctor Yan, have you packed your things?"

"Yes, yes," Yan Guan hastily slung his bag over his back and mounted his horse, following Dai Qing.

"We've met before, do you remember?"

Yan Guan nodded, "We had a brief encounter at the temple. I didn't catch your name back then."

"Dai Qing. But don’t go telling unrelated people about me."

Yan Guan was startled. If his name was so important, why had he casually told him? He quickly swore not to say a word.

Dai Qing laughed heartily, amused by how nervous Yan Guan became.

"Oh, by the way, there's something I need you to take care of. When we return to the capital, please inform the Second Prince of my arrival, and also deliver some official documents to him."

Yan Guan naturally agreed.

Previous Chapter                            Table of Contents                            Next Chapter

Chapter 12: Sangta

---

The next morning, Daxi brought the meal. Chao Ge didn’t say anything, but it was Daxi who couldn't hold back and asked, "Lord, are you upset? Before, Yan Xiaoguan used to eagerly bring the food and watch you finish it."

‘Eagerly? He’s just too moral and treats me like a patient,’ Chao Ge thought angrily. "It’s nothing. Did you notify Yongning Hall?"

"I did. Are you really not taking Yan Guan?"

"I'm not."

Daxi was helpless, his expression worried, wondering if the Lord’s first love would just end without a trace. After bringing the items back to the dining room, he saw Yan Guan standing by the railing, looking out. So he stepped forward to greet him.

"Daxi," Yan Guan smiled and pointed to the carriages in the distance. "Are you leaving soon?"

"Yes, everything’s packed."

Yan Guan nodded.

Looking at him, Daxi bit his lip and said, "You should go with him. The Lord might need you."

Yan Guan was startled and turned his head, but his expression remained calm: "But the Lord ordered me to return to Yongning Hall." Daxi was a little anxious. Yan Guan, feeling some pity, asked, "Is it very important? If I need to go... it's not impossible."

Last night, Yan Guan had tossed and turned the entire night. Chao Ge, the ruler of a nation, could take lives easily, and getting a man would be even more effortless. He couldn’t escape, no matter what.

"Ah, Brother Daxi, I just don’t know how to face the Lord," he sighed.

"Oh? Did the Lord bully you?" Daxi teased, with a hint of mockery.

Yan Guan hadn’t expected him to be so sharp and could only change the subject. "Going to Sangta—is it very harsh there?"

Daxi shook his head and looked toward the distant snowy mountains. "Beyond them lies the beautiful Sangta Grasslands. There are herds of cattle and sheep, lush water and grass. People gather around bonfires to sing joyfully, praising the gifts of Changshengtian (Eternal Heaven). At night, the stars are very bright, and you can even see ghostly green fireflies and glowing stones." Daxi paused, his expression suddenly softening, "And of course, my beloved is also there."

Yan Guan blushed a little. He still wasn’t used to the Wugan people's direct expressions of love.

"It sounds wonderful. Even if something happens, the Lord will take care of it, right?"

Daxi smiled, "Of course. I’ve never seen the Lord fail at anything." The people of Wugan held deep admiration for their young king. "In your Liang Dynasty’s words, this is called 'preparing for a rainy day,' isn’t it?"

Yan Guan jumped down from the steps and looked up at Daxi. "I understand now. I’ll ask the Lord to let him take me with him."

Daxi was clear-headed about the important matters. He knew that if Yan Guan had come to beg him to go along, it meant that this journey wouldn’t be easy. He thought to himself that he would simply consider this as repaying a favor.

But things didn’t go quite as he expected. Before Yan Guan could even find Chao Ge, someone from Yongning Palace arrived.

"The Lord said his illness is already cured and has sent someone to take you back to the Second Prince," said the gentle maidservant.

"But..." Before he could finish, the maidservant took hold of him. "Alright, just go quickly. The Second Prince is still waiting."

Upon returning to Yongning Hall, the ever-concerned Second Prince naturally didn’t let him off easily. He asked a series of detailed questions, confirming that the elder brother's illness had indeed improved.

When Yan Guan mentioned that Daxi hoped he would accompany Chao Ge to Sangta, Chao Lun was silent for a few seconds. Then, with some hesitation, he asked, "If no one from Yongning Palace had come for you, would you be willing to go?"

"Of course. I was already planning to ask the Lord for permission."

Chao Lun frowned, suddenly stood up, and pulled Yan Guan into the inner chamber. "Listen carefully to what I’m about to say. I have a way to ensure you can stay by my brother’s side, but you must promise to guarantee his safety. There’s likely to be an outbreak of plague in Sangta this year, and I’d feel more at ease with you watching over him."

Yan Guan quickly suppressed the surprise in his heart—this information absolutely couldn’t be leaked.

"My brother must have treated you well. You mustn’t..."

"That won’t happen, Your Highness, don’t worry," Yan Guan interrupted him. "I come from a good family. Since I studied medicine as a child, I was taught that human life is of the utmost importance. If there really is an outbreak of plague, I cannot just save myself and ignore others."

Chao Lun was somewhat relieved and immediately went to find Daxi. The two of them discussed it and decided to bring him along anyway—after all, with one more person, he wouldn’t attract much attention.

In short, by the time Chao Ge realized, they had already traveled hundreds of miles. Even if he wanted to act out, it was too late.

Yan Guan was hauled into the carriage, and Chao Ge, with a dark expression, asked if Chao Lun had forced him to come. Yan Guan had never seen Chao Ge suppress his anger like this, and nervously murmured that he came of his own accord.

"I told you to go back, and you insisted on coming?! How stupid are you? What—didn’t you get enough of a lesson last night?"

Yan Guan choked, quickly sneaking a glance at Chao Ge’s expression before lowering his head again. It was the first time he had seen him so furious.

Chao Ge wasn’t letting him off easily. "Did I not make myself clear enough? Or do you think I’m some kind of righteous gentleman?"

"The Second Prince said there might be a plague, and they’ll need me," Yan Guan said hurriedly when he saw Chao Ge was about to speak again. "Of course I’m scared, but when it comes to saving lives…"

Yan Guan’s confidence faltered, and his voice grew softer and softer. He had been in Liangzhou for six months, and the people around him had actually treated him pretty well. He was well-fed and clothed, and had even made some friends. Many of their families lived in Sangta, so naturally, he was worried for them. If there was something he could do, it would be worth it.

Chao Ge stared at him for a long time, but in the end, didn’t say anything more.

Yan Guan lowered his head and stared at the wooden lattice pattern on the carriage window, deep in thought. Was it really just the compassion of a healer, or a case of repaying a kindness?

The group traveled on and off for several days, eventually reaching the Sangta Grasslands. Yan Guan spent most of the journey following the Medical Bureau cart. When he got tired, he would get on the cart and lie down for a while. The older gentlemen laughed at him, calling him a little kid.

"I'm seventeen!" Yan Guan protested, feeling indignant.

"You are not even as big as my grandson," Wuritu laughed. His grandson was fifteen, so he was clearly teasing Yan Guan for being short.

Yan Guan wasn’t happy about it and thought to himself, ‘I wasn’t considered short back in Yangzhou! It’s just that people from Liangzhou grow so tall, it makes me look shorter.’

As they made stops along the way to rest, the snow on the grasslands hadn’t melted. Yan Guan trudged through the snow, his feet sinking deeply with every step, as he made his way toward the tent.

The weather really didn’t look good. It’s been far too cold this winter. If the cattle and sheep froze to death, once the snow melted in the spring, wouldn't those carcasses start to spread diseases?

"Sovereign, several households have already lost half their cattle and sheep to the cold," Geqi reported back with a few subordinates after scouting.

"Did they bring the felt blankets and bedding straw?" asked Chao Ge.

"They were taken, but the wind is so strong at night that it often blows the tents away."

How could this happen? This weather was really strange.

"Send more people, and distribute the clothes and medicines first. Call Dai Qing over."

"Yes," Geqi replied and went off to carry out the orders.

Not long after, a lean, young man lifted the tent flap and entered. "Your Highness, everything is frozen, and the dirt and rocks are difficult to dig through."

"Dig anyway. The enclosures aren't stable. Do you want to wait for the wind to blow the cattle and sheep to death? As for those already frozen, buy them at market price and burn them all. Do not bury them on the spot."

This kind of weather is rare. Even the herders, despite their preparations, couldn’t have predicted it.

Even so, Chao Ge’s group was limited in number, and the households on the edges of the Sangta Grasslands couldn’t be attended to. Meanwhile, the plague spread quickly, with one case leading to a hundred others.

"It’s still this cold even after spring has started," Yan Guan muttered. He was bundled up, stepping carefully on the crunchy ice.

"The Lord said we should continue walking East. The Scouts reported that there are signs of disease there," Wuritu said, busily sorting through the herbs.

"Why does the Lord put himself in danger? Wouldn’t it be better to let subordinates take a Physician there? He could return to the Court sooner and take charge of the overall situation."

Wuritu shook his head and quickly bagged the herbs. "Perhaps he has his own considerations. How can we know?"

They had been in Sangta for four or five days, and Chao Ge’s group had traveled south. Though some herders had been affected by the snowstorm, the relief efforts had been timely, and there were no casualties. The frozen cattle and sheep had been properly handled.

Chao Ge had been away from the capital for nearly a month. The snowstorm was so fierce that the messenger hawks couldn’t fly through, and communication with the capital had been almost completely cut off. Yan Guan couldn’t understand what kind of Prophecy could make Chao Ge take such risks. If it was a plague, it would get far worse.

Previous Chapter                            Table of Contents                            Next Chapter

Chapter 11: Revelation

---

The Second Prince’s maternal uncle, currently the man with absolute power in the Ba-Yun Clan, had once been a close friend who fought side by side with Chao Ge.

Chao Ge forced a half-hearted smile, casually raised his cup for a toast, and said, “May the new year bring you good health.”

“I heard the lord plans to head south?”

Chao Ge was growing irritated, as one person after another kept asking about this. “Since you already know, why bother asking?”

In the Wugan language, "Bulagan" means "leopard," and the man himself was indeed both sharp and cunning. “Is the lord in a bad mood?” 

Chao Ge’s expression finally shifted slightly. Though he smiled, the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Watch yourself, Bulagan,” he said lazily, though he didn't seem truly angry.

“I’ve overstepped,” Bulagan quickly reined in his expression and retreated without delay. As he turned and left the hall, Chao Ge did not miss the flash of arrogance that crossed his face.

Chao Ge rubbed his brow. This wasn’t the first time Bulagan had tested him - today’s encounter was actually rather routine. They were probing the limits of his tolerance towards the Ba-Yun Clan, using the flimsy excuse of their youthful friendship. But Chao Ge wasn’t a kindhearted man to begin with. How merciful could someone who’d walked through mountains of corpses and seas of blood be? This indifferent attitude of his was nothing but a tactic of warfare—humble yet proud. The Ba-Yun Clan would never let go of the opportunity to interfere with his trip south to Sang Ta. He was waiting for them to make a mistake.

Chao Ge returned to Hui'en Hall, feeling a bit weary. Yan Guan, who had been crouching by the stove, immediately stood upon hearing the footsteps.

Chao Ge's heavy wolf-fur cloak, laden with wind and snow, fluttered as Yan Guan approached to take it. However, Chao Ge gently brushed his hand away. “It’s fine, I’ll do it myself,” he said, walking a few steps ahead, putting some distance between them.

Yan Guan lowered his hand and followed him. Ever since the first night he'd stayed up on watch in Hui'en Hall with the Lord, this routine had become fixed. But when there was a lot of official work, Chao Ge would often dismiss him early. Yan Guan still didn’t quite understand, or rather, he didn’t dare to dwell on the more romantic possibilities. Maybe the Lord just felt too lonely working alone.

Once Chao Ge had settled into his seat, Yan Guan promptly served him tea.

Taking a sip, the slightly bitter tea rolled over Chao Ge’s tongue before leaving a hint of sweetness. Outside, the snow was still falling, and the wind battered the doors and windows, making them creak. Inside the study, this little corner of the world was momentarily warm and peaceful.

Yan Guan noticed Chao Ge slowly setting down his cup and thought, "Could the Lord be drunk?" He had indeed drunk a lot, and his reactions were a bit slower than usual.

“My lord?” Yan Guan couldn’t help but ask, “Shall I pour you more tea? If you’re working on documents tonight, I’ll turn up the oil lamp.”

Chao Ge didn’t respond. Instead, he stared directly at Yan Guan. The intensity of his gaze made Yan Guan uncomfortable, forcing him to lower his head and avoid meeting his eyes. It was fortunate he did so, or he might have been burned by the overwhelming desire in the lord’s eyes.

Chao Ge’s gaze trailed down Yan Guan’s bowed head, resting on a sliver of neck exposed above the dark fur collar. Just half a palm’s width of skin, yet it inexplicably reminded Chao Ge of how Yan Guan’s waist had looked back when he had worn women’s clothing - half-hidden under the veil. Chao Ge felt a heat rise in his throat, though he knew it wasn’t from the tea.

Chao Ge’s Adam’s apple moved slightly as he swallowed. He closed his eyes and said, “Have you ever had Wugan wine? You’ve been here half a year now,” his voice a little hoarse.

“Does mare’s milk wine count?”

Chao Ge chuckled, “Only children drink that,” making Yan Guan’s face flush a little.

Tonight, Chao Ge had drunk too much liquor, and the warmth inside the room seemed to create an atmosphere where indulgence felt permissible. Though Chao Ge was drunk, he knew it wasn’t real drunkenness. But seeing Yan Guan standing before him, so obedient, like a little lamb, he thought maybe he could give it a try.

“Come here,” Chao Ge said, and Yan Guan’s body trembled sharply. He saw the look in Chao Ge’s eyes.

Yan Guan almost wanted to bolt for the door. He cursed himself for being foolish, for ever thinking that Chao Ge treated him with special favor merely because of his insignificant medical skills. The oppressive aura of the king had never felt as intense as it did now. Yan Guan couldn’t move his feet, the same paralyzing fear from that day in court when the judge’s gavel slammed down seemed to return, sending shivers through him.

Yan Guan stood there, frozen.

Chao Ge realized the little lamb had disappeared, and now before him was someone covered in icy thorns. His excitement instantly deflated, like he was conceding, “Don’t be afraid of me. I just want… to hug you, that’s all.”

Yan Guan still didn’t move. Chao Ge couldn’t fully conceal the frightening possessiveness he harbored. Even if it was only for a moment, Yan Guan feared he might be torn apart and devoured.

Suddenly, Chao Ge reached out, pulling Yan Guan into his arms with one swift motion. “It’s just a hug, can’t even do that?”

Yan Guan froze in place, shocked to hear the tone in Chao Ge’s voice, which almost sounded aggrieved. Chao Ge didn’t make any other moves, merely holding him, his arms wrapped around Yan Guan’s shoulders and waist.

“Tomorrow I’ll be leaving for the south. Someone from Yongning Hall will come to take you back,” Chao Ge said.

Yan Guan was left speechless, but Chao Ge continued speaking, as if talking to himself, “Just stay quietly in Yongning Hall. Don’t stand out, don’t let anyone notice you. If you can stay safe...”

Chao Ge’s words were disjointed, but miraculously, Yan Guan understood. He never imagined that one day he would become the King’s Achilles' heel. These words seemed to be spoken to him, but in truth, Chao Ge was saying them for his own benefit. He didn’t want anyone to notice his special feelings for Yan Guan, nor did he want Yan Guan to be hurt because of them, or for himself to be restrained by them.

The shadow of the prophecy made by the oracle lingered, refusing to fade. Chao Ge furrowed his brows deeply and tightened his hold on Yan Guan, burying his face in the crook of his neck. The warm breath tickled Yan Guan, who instinctively turned his head to the side.

Unexpectedly, Chao Ge reacted as if he had been provoked. His hand, which had been resting on Yan Guan’s waist, suddenly gripped the back of his head, pulling him back into place. Yan Guan’s pupils contracted as their noses brushed against each other.

Chao Ge rarely desired anything. The throne and power were never his ambitions, and he had no particular preferences in food or clothing. People said their ruler was easygoing, but in reality, people like him were the hardest to deal with. Because once he did want something, he would fixate on it, never letting go.

After all, right now, all he wanted was Yan Guan. He desired so little—couldn’t he be satisfied just this once?

Chao Ge, thinking like this, suddenly moved his legs and jolted Yan Guan.

Yan Guan's body swayed, and before he could react, the light before his eyes dimmed.

Chao Ge kissed him fiercely, with no technique, driven purely by feeling. It was rough, domineering, and rude, making Yan Guan feel as if he was meeting this man for the first time. Chao Ge sucked on his lips, prying open his teeth with his tongue in an overbearing invasion. Yan Guan trembled with shock but had no room to retreat. The gap in their strength was vast; Chao Ge’s muscular arms, taut with passion, left no escape.

Chao Ge felt a surge of sparks light up his nerves. He had fantasized about being physically intimate with Yan Guan more than once, but he hadn’t known that even something as simple as kissing could make him so addicted—like tasting something so good he couldn’t stop. He held on tightly, like a wolf clamping down on its prey, refusing to let go.

Yan Guan felt pain from the kiss, letting out a muffled whimper. Chao Ge loosened his grip slightly, but his invasion only intensified. His tongue swept through Yan Guan's mouth, still unsatisfied even after a full exploration. Chao Ge pinched Yan Guan's face, reluctantly pulling away. As he withdrew, a silver thread of saliva connected them, and Chao Ge casually wiped it away with his thumb, his eyes glued to Yan Guan's face.

Yan Guan’s face flushed a deep red, most likely from anger, and he couldn't even manage a word.

After a long pause, Yan Guan spoke, “Your Highness is drunk. You should rest early.” His tone was distant, making Chao Ge both frustrated and helpless.

The boy’s face still had a youthful innocence to it, his lips swollen from the kiss, and his complexion pale and soft. No matter how he looked, it was a face that evoked pity and tenderness. Yet, in reality, he was fiercely stubborn. Otherwise, how could he have survived the thousands of miles to make it here to Wugan?

Chao Ge knew he had made a mistake, but only a coward would blame his loss of control on strong wine. The truth was, he wanted this too much. The road ahead was uncertain, and he feared he might never see Yan Guan again. Let him be hated, let him be despised—Chao Ge thought. At least with tonight's false warmth, he could be happy for a while.

“Yan Guan,” Chao Ge released him but grabbed hold of his sleeve. “You can hate me, but please don’t despise me.”

Yan Guan froze, lowering his eyes. “How dare I harbor resentment? Both thunder and rain are bestowed by Your Highness. Your grace in allowing this humble servant to serve you is already a great favor.”

Chao Ge felt a sharp pang in his heart. The image of Yan Guan learning to braid his hair, holding a cat, secretly eating snacks—these fragments of memory felt painfully disconnected from the person standing before him now, who called himself nothing but a humble servant. Given his age, liveliness should have been natural, but with what he had gone through, being reserved had become his only path to maturity.

The words were polite and grandiose, but Chao Ge knew that once the surface was torn away, the crude desires underneath were something Yan Guan couldn’t bear to face.

---

Footnotes:

“Let even an affectionate Goliath get himself tied to a small tender thing, dreading to hurt it by pulling, and dreading still more to snap the cord, and which of the two, pray, will be master?”

― George Eliot, Silas Marner

Previous Chapter                            Table of Contents                            Next Chapter

Chapter 10: New Year

---

Chao Ge’s ten-day period of offering prayers at the Shrine ended, and Liangzhou welcomed the first day of the New Year.

“Master,” Yan Guan bowed to Chao Ge, “this morning’s meal includes braised radish and pork ribs, barley porridge, lamb buns, and glutinous rice flower tea.” Chao Ge had been vegetarian for ten days, with not a drop of oil in his stomach, and Yan Guan, pondering what to add to the meal, did not want to make it too greasy.

At night, there was a banquet to host the officials, so it needed to be a bit more formal. Chao Ge, with his back to Yan Guan as he braided his hair, merely nodded in response.

“Can you braid hair?” A sudden question caught Yan Guan off guard.

Yan Guan naturally could not, as after arriving in Liangzhou, he had not even bothered to tie his hair properly, simply gathering it together with a cloth strip.

Seeing that Yan Guan was standing there, unsure of what to do, Chao Ge understood he couldn’t and called out, “Come here, I’ll teach you.”

Yan Guan moved over and stood behind Chao Ge. “String these on,” he was handed a few turquoise beads.

Yan Guan obediently did as told, afraid of pulling Chao Ge’s hair too roughly, and moved very carefully. Chao Ge, emotionless, watched the reflection in the copper mirror. The young man’s features were calm and gentle, focused as he threaded beads onto the end of Chao Ge’s hair. Suddenly, a memory of the Confucian classics he once studied came to mind. The people of Liang seemed to have a unique attachment to hair—an expression of romantic love, much like the fleeting beauty of wind, flowers, snow, and moon. Now, as someone held his hair in their hands, Chao Ge felt a secret sense of pleasure stir in his heart. [I can’t with this guy]

Before long, a few turquoise beads had been threaded on. Chao Ge withdrew his gaze, took the ends of his hair, and swiftly braided two locks together. “Did you understand? Give it a try.”

Yan Guan, imitating his actions, clumsily picked up a few strands of hair and intertwined them, finally securing it with a bright red coral bead.

“Hmm, not bad,” Chao Ge praised him, and while doing so, grabbed a handful of amber and agate from the box and placed them into Yan Guan's hands.

“Auspiciousness and good fortune,” Chao Ge said, lifting his palm as if to pat Yan Guan’s head. But after hesitating for a moment, he curled his fingers back and lowered his hand.

Yan Guan, stunned by the sudden bounty, didn’t even notice Chao Ge’s movements. In a daze, he echoed, “Auspiciousness and good fortune.”

Seeing Yan Guan’s dazed expression, Chao Ge almost wanted to laugh. Feeling a lightness in his heart, he said, “You don’t need to prepare any more meals today. Let’s go for a stroll outside the palace. The streets should be lively.”

Unexpectedly, Yan Guan shook his head. “I don’t know how to talk to people, so I’d rather not go. The palace is lively enough.”

Chao Ge, being much taller than him, observed his expression for a moment to ensure he wasn’t upset, then simply let it go.

“Have you gained weight?” Chao Ge suddenly asked.

“Huh?” Yan Guan hadn’t expected that question and mumbled vaguely, “Mm, the meals from the kitchen are quite good.”

Chao Ge was very pleased. He thought to himself that the older staff in the palace really knew how to take care of people. Yan Guan had been with Chao Lun for so long without gaining weight, but after only a few days here, his complexion had already improved so much. [That’s only coz Daxi moonlights as a town-crier]

Yan Guan felt a bit anxious, thinking, Does the Master dislike his attendants getting fat? After hesitating for a moment, he nervously suggested, “I’ll eat less in the future.”

Oh no! Chao Ge, who had taken the trouble to instruct the nannies to take good care of him, realised Yan Guan had misunderstood. He quickly said, “Absolutely not! The winters in Liangzhou are harsh. If you don’t gain some weight, you’ll freeze to death!” Chao Ge’s face was serious, showing no hint of embarrassment at using such a severe warning.

Yan Guan widened his eyes in surprise but obediently nodded in agreement.

After they went outside, Yan Guan found a fragrant sachet to carry the items with him. Just as he finished, he bumped into Geqi, who was coming on shift. “Where’d you get that!” Geqi asked. 

His sudden movements when stashing the items must have looked suspicious, like someone caught in the middle of doing something sneaky, which led to the misunderstanding. Yan Guan hurriedly explained that they were a gift from the Lord.

Geqi crossed his arms and stared at him for a while, but in the end, he let him go. 

As soon as Yan Guan was out of sight, he rubbed the goosebumps on his arms and took off running. Geqi is so scary. ‘The master is much kinder,’ he thought to himself, completely unaware of how strange his wording was.

The kitchen was busy preparing for the evening banquet, so with nothing to do, Yan Guan wanted to help. But he ended up being shooed away. Feeling at a loss, he held the large cat the nanny had handed him. “Take it for a walk,” the nanny had said, so Yan Guan, not knowing what else to do, wandered aimlessly around the palace with the cat.

He didn’t dare go too far, as the New Year’s banquet meant heightened security everywhere. It was cold outside, so Yan Guan found a quiet corridor to sit down. The building had a floor heater, and the warmth radiated through the walls. Leaning against the wall, Yan Guan lazily stroked the cat.

He couldn’t tell if the cat was just fat or simply old, but its throat sounded like a boiling kettle, purring away. Yan Guan found this amusing and said to himself, “What’s your name? Li Nu,” as he picked up the cat and squeezed its paw. [貍奴 (Línú) - lit., cat-servant/slave]

The cat, ever prideful, acted like it didn’t hear a thing. It gave a big yawn, licked its paw, and burrowed back into Yan Guan’s arms, determined to continue its interrupted dream.

Yan Guan didn’t disturb it again, thinking, ‘In the whole palace, this cat is the freest. It’s something to be envied.’

The window of the palace behind the corridor had been quietly opened. Chao Ge leaned against it, and who knows how long he had been watching through the narrow window slit, no wider than half a palm.

Outside the corridor, snow continued to fall. Yan Guan was leaning against the wall but didn’t feel cold, burying his chin into the cat’s thick fur. From a distance, he looked like a handsome young man wrapped in a scarf. Chao Ge, inside the room, was sweating profusely from the heat, yet he still ordered the floor heater to be stoked even higher.

Daxi couldn’t stand the heat anymore. “Master, why don’t you let Yan Guan come inside?”

Chao Ge wiped the sweat off his brow, his gaze unwavering. “The cat follows its master. If he comes inside, it’ll just run off and hide,” he said, smiling.

Daxi thought to himself, ‘The Lord’s fallen for someone and lost his wits’. He couldn’t understand it. According to the customs of the grasslands, if you liked someone, you just told them directly. There was no need for all this beating around the bush.

Only Chao Ge understood that if he showered Yan Guan with flowery words or grand promises right from the start, it would be meaningless—what the people of Liang would call frivolous. He might not be a perfect gentleman, but his feelings for Yan Guan were sincere and deep. He hid them cautiously, not wanting anyone with ill intentions to notice and harm Yan Guan because of it. Yet, in the end, such restrained desire either leads to crippling self-doubt or an insatiable urge for possession and control…

Seeing that the snow had lightened, Yan Guan patted his sleeves, and got ready to leave. But he suddenly heard a noise from the palace behind him. A corner of a lotus-patterned robe peeked out from around the corner, and Yan Guan quickly set the cat down and bowed in greeting.

Just as he extended his hand, a broad and warm palm gently lifted him up. “No need. How did you end up here?” The voice carried no displeasure, and it seemed like the speaker was just making casual conversation. 

“I was walking around with the cat. I didn’t know Master was here…”

“Pastries, they’re still warm. Have some to fill your stomach. There’s still a little time before the banquet starts,” as he spoke, a plate of pastries was placed in front of him.

Yan Guan thanked him and, holding the plate, followed behind Chao Ge. Daxi winked at him, signalling for him to eat while it was still hot. Yan Guan picked up a piece and popped it into his mouth. It was a chestnut cake, warm and fragrant. He started counting the pieces, intending to save a few for the kitchen staff.

The person walking ahead seemed to have eyes on the back of his head. “Stop counting. The kitchen staff will have plenty to eat at the banquet.”

Yan Guan’s face turned red, and he mumbled an acknowledgment before stuffing another piece into his mouth.

When they returned to Hui’en Palace, the plate of pastries had been completely eaten. Yan Guan, feeling as satisfied as a well-fed cat, thought no one was watching. He stood in the corner, using his finger to pick up the crumbs on the plate, then licked them off with the tip of his tongue. 

Chao Ge’s gaze froze for a moment before quickly shifting back to the documents in his hand. But in his heart, it was as if a cat’s tail had lightly brushed against him, leaving him with a soft, ticklish feeling that he couldn’t shake. [aiyooo]

In the end, he couldn't resist and waved Yan Guan over. He had noticed Yan Guan's casually tied-up hair when he had tricked him into braiding his hair that morning.

Chao Ge reached out and pinched a strand. "So, still can’t braid, huh?"

Yan Guan was startled. “Ah, uh…,” he actually remembered how, but he never thought about tidying himself up.

The next second, his vision dimmed as Chao Ge stood up, blocking the light. From somewhere, he produced a string of red agate beads. Before Yan Guan could recover from the shock of the Lord personally braiding his hair, the translucent red beads were already woven into it.

“Th-thank you, Master…,” Yan Guan stammered, barely able to speak coherently.

“Go figure out how to braid it yourself,” Chao Ge stopped at the right moment, knowing that pushing too hard might scare him away.

Yan Guan retreated to the side once again. Chao Ge rubbed his fingertips, feeling a bit of regret. Watching Yan Guan struggle to smooth his loose hair, Chao Ge almost burst out laughing.

The New Year’s banquet was held in grand style, and Chao Ge went to the main hall early.

The front hall was bustling with activity, the clinking of cups and lively conversations filling the air. But in the inner chamber behind the great hall, silence hung heavy, and everyone quietly observed each other's expressions. Finally, the stillness was broken.

"Master, forgive my bluntness, but travelling south to Sangta at the start of the New Year, whether or not there will be an outbreak of disease… Such rumours are damaging."

Chao Ge's expression remained calm. "I’m aware, but Sangta is far from the capital and is a strategically crucial location. If I don’t personally go, I fear it will leave room for troublemakers to stir up unrest."

Tseten, sitting off to the side, remained silent. It was clear that Chao Ge had already informed him of his plans beforehand.

The minister still wanted to persuade further. "If no epidemic arises and the Lord leaves the capital, the Second Prince will be unable to handle everything alone. Wouldn't that just create an opening for the schemers in the court? And if an epidemic does break out, those people will start spreading rumours about the throne and the Lord. Rumours can be terrifying, Master, please think carefully!"

"My decision is made. Today, I am simply informing you all. After the New Year, Tseten will assist the Second Prince in handling the court’s affairs. All of you here are capable ministers of the court—I trust you won’t fail in managing this. When I went to Liang Dynasty for half a month, things were handled the same way, and we will do the same now."

Chao Ge had been in power for five years, and even as a young man, he had been influential in his territory. Now, he commanded even more authority. The ministers understood that there was no changing his mind, so they could only bow and take their leave.

In the front hall, the banquet commenced. Chao Ge knew he wouldn’t enjoy their endless chatter, so he only sat for a short while, drinking a few cups of wine. He didn’t like watching these people’s hypocritical flattery. Since the important matters had already been discussed, he was about to leave when someone stopped him by the arm.

"Master, wishing you health and prosperity in the New Year—shall I offer a toast?" There weren’t many people who could boldly stop him like that. It was Ba-Yun Bulagan

Previous Chapter                            Table of Contents                            Next Chapter