Chapter 9: Temple

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While Chao Ge was at the temple, his subordinates weren't idle either. Chao Lun was sent by his elder brother to handle New Year's affairs, stuck in Yongning Palace day after day, not even allowed to leave the palace gates.

As he was attending to governmental matters, someone reported that the Consort Dowager had arrived. 

"Mother?" Chao Lun stood up to greet her.

Ba-Yun Taifei stepped over the threshold and entered with a slight smile on her face. "The New Year is approaching, so the little princess and I came to see you," she said, gesturing for the servants to present gift boxes.

Although Chao Lun was her biological son, he had been raised by his father from a young age. After Chao Ge ascended the throne, he became cautious of the power of the previous dynasty and avoided letting Chao Lun grow too close to the Ba-Yun family, so the two of them rarely saw each other and weren’t particularly close. Thinking of this, Consort Ba-Yun couldn’t help but resent Chao Ge. If not for him, her son would have been the king already, and she would be the most honored Huangtaihou (Empress Dowager) of Wugan.

"You didn’t need to bring gifts, just coming is enough, Mother," Chao Lun said as he lifted Chao  Bao. The little girl was about to turn nine after the New Year, chubby and round, making it a bit difficult for Chao Lun to carry her.

Chao Bao, however, wasn’t shy and immediately tried to climb onto her brother's shoulders. "Hey, hey, hey, don't pull on me, I can't hold you!" Chao Lun, afraid she might fall, hurriedly called for her to come down.

Ba-Yun Taifei's expression also changed, and she sharply reprimanded Chao Bao.

Reluctantly, Chao Bao got down. "Big Brother can still carry me and fly. Why can't you?"

Chao Lun was momentarily speechless. How could his strength compare to his elder brother's? But, of course, he wouldn’t admit it out loud. "Oh right, Chao Ge sent a lot of New Year's gifts. I'll take you to pick some," he said, satisfied as he saw his sister’s attention shift.

Ba-Yun Taifei didn't follow them but instead focused on the scattered documents on the desk. "Has the Second Prince been working on these things for the past few days?"

"Yes, with the Sovereign confined to the temple, many of the internal and external New Year affairs are being handled by His Highness," said a servant assigned to Chao Lun by Chao Ge, deliberately trying to win favour in front of the Ba-Yun Taifei.

Who would have thought Ba-Yun Taifei would snort coldly? "All these trivial matters—who couldn’t handle them?" This response not only rejected the compliment but also embarrassed Chao Ge. 

The servant thought to himself that Ba-Yun Taifei was aiming too high while lacking real skill. The Second Prince was still far from being capable of ruling. How else could he develop if not by starting with the finer details? The Sovereign’s efforts were truly being wasted.

The servant forced a smile and stood quietly to the side, his mind racing.

Chao Lun returned carrying Chao Bao, followed by several people carrying a row of gift boxes. Seeing this, Ba-Yun Taifei couldn't help but scold Chao Bao softly, blaming her for taking so much without understanding the situation.

"It’s fine. Big Brother gave plenty, and I still have more. If Chao Bao likes it, let her take it," Chao Lun reassured.

"The Sovereign seems to be paying close attention to you," Ba-Yun Taifei said, her tone oddly sarcastic. Chao Lun looked up at his mother and forced a slight smile.

Although he usually engaged in frivolous matters, he was, after all, the Heir, and his sharp instincts were not lacking. How could he not know about the dirty dealings between the Ba-Yun family and the royal family? However, due to his age, he couldn’t harden his heart and could only pretend to be ignorant. But since Consort Ba-Yun spoke that way, it left him feeling uneasy, and the atmosphere grew cold. Ba-Yun Taifei didn’t stay long.

After Ba-Yun Taifei left, Chao Lun was filled with frustration. No matter how many times he tried to organize the accounts, they never made sense. Seeing his agitation, the servant standing by his side comforted him, "Your Highness, there’s no need to rush. Take your time, and things will eventually fall into place."

Chao Lun turned to look at him and asked, "But what if I never manage to figure it out?"

"Our dynasty has many talented people. Surely someone skilled in calculations can assist you, Your Highness. When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten. Besides, don’t you still have the Sovereign?"

Chao Lun sighed, "My elder brother handles countless affairs every day, never taking a break year after year. How could I trouble him further?"

Chao Lun held a near-reverential admiration for Chao Ge, almost like one would for an elder. This was a fact that still angered Consort Ba-Yun but left her powerless. An heir that couldn’t be controlled was of no benefit to them.

While Chao Lun was overwhelmed with the complicated New Year's matters, things weren’t going smoothly for Chao Ge either.

The temple was dimly lit, and the servants moved quietly, fearing they might anger the spirits. The surrounding stone walls were etched with bloody totems, their dark red strokes appearing ominous and fearsome in the shadows. Yan Guan carried the meal inside and was startled by the wild and brutal atmosphere, his breath faltering for a moment. It wasn’t until he set the food in front of Chao Ge that he calmed down.

Chao Ge noticed Yan Guan’s unease and said, "Next time, have Daxi bring it in."

Yan Guan, eager for an excuse to leave, nodded and knelt on a cushion, shrinking like a quail.

As Chao Ge was eating, he heard someone enter. The newcomer was a lean young man whom Yan Guan had never seen before.

"Sovereign," Dai Qing bowed to Chao Ge and cast a curious glance at Yan Guan.

Yan Guan thought that they must be discussing important matters, so he tactfully got up and left.

"The carriages and horses heading south are all prepared."

Chao Ge watched Yan Guan’s departing figure and replied absentmindedly, "You’ll accompany the army as well. People in the court know who you are, so after the business there is done, return to the capital secretly with the messenger."

"Understood," Dai Qing responded. Trying to gauge Chao Ge’s intentions, he asked, worried, "Sovereign, leaving for the southern inspection during the New Year—won’t this unsettle the people and play right into the hands of the Ba-Yun family?"

Chao Ge shook his head, his expression darkening, "I can’t take the risk of neglecting the welfare of the people. If an epidemic really breaks out and rumours spread, that’s when the public will truly become unsettled."

No one could influence Chao Ge's decisions, not even Caidan had been able to change his mind.

"How is it over in Sangta?"

Dai Qing shook his head, "The hawks we released haven’t returned, and I suspect they’re lost."

Could the wind and snow there already be that severe? It took at least half a month to travel to and from Sangta. The vanguard had already been sent, but they wouldn’t arrive so soon. Hawks were faster, but sadly they likely froze to death mid-flight. No word had yet come from Sangta.

Chao Ge put down his chopsticks, lit an incense stick, and bowed deeply toward the statue in front of him, saying, "May the Divine Lord protect our people." The vast temple echoed with his words, sounding like both a sigh and a lament.

Not long after, Dai Qing came out holding the food box, and Yan Guan, who was standing by the temple door, quickly stepped forward to take it.

"You look unfamiliar. Are you new?"

Yan Guan took a moment to respond, speaking awkwardly in Wugan dialect, “yes”. 

Dai Qing raised his eyebrows in slight surprise, "From Liang Dynasty?" There weren’t many servants from Liang in the palace. Without a unique skill, it was impossible to stay. Thinking back to a previous conversation with Daxi, he connected the rumors to the person in front of him, "Oh~, you’re the one the Second Prince sent to the Sovereign."

Yan Guan wanted to argue, but when he looked up and saw the smile on Dai Qing's face, he closed his mouth. So, it was a joke at his expense. Yan Guan couldn't help but grumble inwardly, wondering how the people around the Sovereign—Chao Lun, this man, and even Daxi—didn’t seem very serious.

"Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. You're a physician, right? I’m leaving now," the young man said without malice.

Yan Guan sighed quietly and carried the food box back.

Chao Ge had to stay in the temple for ten days. Every time Yan Guan entered that place, he felt a sense of oppression and discomfort, so later Daxi was sent in instead, leaving Yan Guan happy to have some peace.

"Hmm? That little guy from before didn’t come today?" Dai Qing, who delivered messages to the temple every day didn’t see Yan Guan this time, so he asked Daxi who was cleaning up nearby. 

Chao Ge glanced at him and replied, displeased, "He doesn’t feel comfortable coming here. What are you so concerned about?"

Dai Qing shrugged, "I teased him once last time, and he almost took it seriously. It was kind of funny."

Chao Ge was not pleased, "The customs between the North and South are different. Stop messing with him." 

Daxi, listening nearby, almost burst out laughing but quickly excused himself, pulling Dai Qing out with him.

Dai Qing followed behind Daxi, chewing on the thought for a while before finally catching on. With a few quick strides, he caught up with Daxi and playfully bumped him on the shoulder, “Hey, hey, are those two...?”

“They aren’t,” Daxi replied with a serious expression, thinking to himself that their Sovereign (Chao Ge) was dead set on a slow-burn romance, letting feelings grow naturally over time. But who knew when that little spark would be reciprocated? Right now, there’s not even the slightest sign.

“Not? Then why is Chao Ge so jealous?” Dai Qing asked.

Daxi coughed, leaned in, and whispered, “I feel like the Sovereign is interested, but that Yan Xiaoguan doesn’t have the same thought.”

Dai Qing’s eyes lit up as he put an arm around Daxi’s neck, “Tell me more! How can you tell? The Sovereign's iron heart blooming with affection after a thousand years, that’s rare!”

Chao Ge didn’t know his two loyal subordinates were gossiping about him behind his back. But sometimes he unconsciously or instinctively showed his feelings, and it was hard to suppress. Fortunately, Yan Guan wasn’t familiar with Chao Ge and just assumed it was a difference in customs between foreign people.

In Huien Palace, with the master away, Yan Guan had little to do besides preparing three meals a day. He spent most of his time holed up in the kitchen, studying medicinal recipes and dishes.

Outside, the wind and snow howled, but inside, it was warm. Yan Guan sat by the stove, warming himself, his face glowing red from the heat. The old housekeeper brought him a bowl of lamb soup and smiled as she watched him drink it.

It had only been a month since he came to Huien Palace, and Yan Guan had already gained a bit of weight. His once thin face had filled out a bit, finally giving him the appearance of a proper young man. Before, he always looked pitifully frail.

The kitchen staff never skimped on his meals, sometimes even spoiling him a little too much. The housekeeper treated him like the palace cat, determined not to stop until he was plump and healthy.

“Ay, poor thing,” the housekeeper said, stroking the fat cat in her hands, though her eyes were on Yan Guan. Her Wugan dialect was so singsongy that it sounded like she was singing. Yan Guan tried to understand, but couldn’t, so he just smiled at the old lady.

“Aiya, the old woman says you’re ‘poor’,” the butcher at the chopping block explained while rhythmically hacking away at the meat.

“I’m not poor,” Yan Guan said, confused, lifting his head from the large bowl, only to see the housekeeper’s smile deepening.

“She’s complimenting you, you get it? It’s like in your country when people say ‘adorable’ or ‘rare’,” the butcher clarified. Embarrassed, Yan Guan buried his head back into the bowl. Liang people were more reserved, and Yan Guan had never been complimented like this before.

---

Footnotes:

Imperial Hierarchy (Ming dynasty onwards) goes:

1. Empress (皇后; huánghòu)

2. Imperial Noble Consort (皇貴妃; huángguìfēi)

3. Noble Consort (貴妃; guìfēi)

4. Consort (妃; fēi)

5. Concubine (嬪; pín)

The Imperial consorts of the former emperor would be addressed as dowager (太; tài) according to their rank. A consort would be called consort dowager (太妃; tàifēi).

An empress who outlived her husband would become empress dowager (皇太后, huángtàihòu) and would be known as “imperial mother (母后皇太后, mŭhòu huángtàihòu)”. If the new emperor's birth mother was one of the former emperor's consorts, she would also become empress dowager and would be known as “sage mother (聖母皇太后, shèngmŭ huángtàihòu)”, as well as being posthumously honored as empress. 

Consort Ba-Yun is NOT the empress dowager. She was a Consort, that’s why Chao Lun was personally raised by the late King. She was hoping to be honoured as “huángtàihòu” after her son ascended the throne, but Chao Ge ruined her plans.

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Chapter 8: Taking Care

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Yan Guan was very tired and fell asleep as soon as he returned to his room.

The next day, remembering Daxi's instructions, he got up early and ran to the kitchen.

He ground some hawthorn and barley into powder, boiled a large pot of it, and used it as a tea substitute. He also made millet porridge, and when he saw the bubbles rising in the pot, he quickly cut a pumpkin into small pieces and tossed them in. The mutton soup was ready. Yan Guan recalled how they did it in Yangzhou’s eateries. He broke up some steamed buns and soaked them in the soup until soft—a method likely passed down from the capital.

An old woman in the kitchen saw Yan Guan busying himself and couldn't help but come over. "New servant? This breakfast... so little meat and no milk. How is the Lord supposed to eat?"

Yan Guan tried to decipher her dialect but could only understand bits and pieces. He vaguely mumbled, "I'll give it a try."

He carried the food back to the palace. A guard knocked on the door for him and announced.

"Come in."

Yan Guan walked around the screen and placed the tray on the table.

Chao Ge was faced away from him, undressed and washing. Having trained in martial arts since he was a child, Chao Ge’s broad shoulders and smooth muscles were striking. Several scars meandered across his back, not too dark, but they didn’t detract from his overall appeal. They seem to be from long ago, Yan Guan thought.

Chao Ge pulled on his outer robe and turned around, causing Yan Guan to quickly avert his gaze. With nowhere else to look, his eyes settled on the humble breakfast, which suddenly seemed rather plain.

"Lamb soup? I've had it a few times in the Forbidden Palace."

Seeing that Chao Ge wasn’t displeased, Yan Guan breathed a sigh of relief and explained, "You’ve just returned from Yangzhou, where the food is heavy and oily. That’s why your digestion is off. If we gradually adjust your meals, you'll get used to it."

"This hawthorn and barley tea can be drunk like regular tea. I made a big pot," he added with a hint of pride.

Chao Ge curved his lips slightly and he graciously ate everything.

Just past noon, Yan Guan brought another food box to the main hall.

Daxi took the box from him and asked, "What did you make?"

"Chicken soup with Chinese yam, stir-fried lettuce, and some noodles."

"Is that enough?"

"His appetite was about the same this morning. Eating too much isn’t good either," Yan Guan glanced at the box again.

Daxi nodded, but as they approached the study, he suddenly paused, turned around, and handed the food box back to Yan Guan. "You take it in."

Yan Guan didn’t know why but obediently complied.

Daxi stood on tiptoe, peeking in, and thought to himself, ‘Lucky I reacted quickly. If I’d gone in and Chao Ge didn’t eat well, the Second Prince would come complaining to me again. But Xiao Guan is different. He’s likable at first glance—he'll definitely get Chao Ge to eat.’

Chao Ge, hearing the noise, glanced up and relaxed a little when he saw it was Yan Guan.

"Lord, please eat now."

"Mm, put it on the tea table."

Yan Guan did as instructed, thinking to himself, ‘He doesn’t seem that hard to persuade? Maybe there’s less work today?’

Chao Ge ate quickly, and Yan Guan, standing by, hesitated several times before finally speaking up. "Lord, eating too fast isn’t good for your digestion."

Chao Ge didn’t say anything but did slow down a bit. Realizing he had overstepped, Yan Guan kept quiet from then on.

"Let Daxi take the food box back. You stay here."

"Okay," Yan Guan greeted Daxi, unsure of what else to do, and then returned to stand behind Chao Ge.

"Go sit over there and pour me tea every half an hour."

Yan Guan sat on the cushion, staring at the water clock to count time. Though he came from an ordinary family and had never served high-ranking officials, he knew a bit about etiquette and propriety.

‘I’ve never heard of a servant being allowed to sit in front of their Lord, not having to handle brush and ink, and only needing to pour tea every half an hour. It almost seems like he’s just finding an excuse to keep me around?’

Yan Guan shook his head, thinking, ‘Where is my mind going?’ After pondering for a while without understanding, he attributed it to the differences in customs between Wugan and Liang Dynasties.

Yan Guan ended up accompanying Chao Ge in the study all day. In the evening, he went out to make dinner, and Chao Ge ate promptly. Yan Guan became even more convinced that the previous meals had just been unappetizing, which was why the Lord wasn’t eating well.

As the candles in the study were changed again, Yan Guan poked the coals in the tea stove and inched closer to the warmth.

The study was large, and despite the circle of charcoal basins, it still didn't feel warm. Yan Guan exhaled a puff of mist, rubbing his hands together and tightening the collar of his coat.

Chao Ge, crossing over some books, looked up and noticed that even though Yan Guan wore a thick official robe, it still seemed cold.

"Geqi," Chao Ge called out.

A guard, someone Yan Guan had seen many times before, entered from outside.

"Your Lordship's orders?"

"Bring two more charcoal basins and place them in front of me."

Geqi left to fetch the basins, and Yan Guan took the kettle to pour tea for Chao Ge.

The charcoal basins were placed in front of Chao Ge, and Yan Guan naturally sat to the side, enjoying the warmth. He subtly scooted his cushion a little closer.

Chao Ge noticed his small movement and smiled faintly.

At midnight, Yan Guan yawned and stared blankly at the water clock, clearly drowsy.

Chao Ge glanced over at him, the dim candlelight softening around Yan Guan. The flickering charcoal fire illuminated his face with a warm glow. For some reason, Chao Ge suddenly felt a subtle warmth in his chest.

"You can go back," Chao Ge said softly, his tone carrying an unintentional tenderness.

Yan Guan snapped out of his thoughts and immediately straightened up, shaking his head in refusal. "The Lord hasn't rested yet."

"I'll be staying here tonight. You can go back."

Yan Guan had no choice but to rise and take his leave. When closing the door, he turned his back, but through the crack, he caught sight of Chao Ge's slightly tired expression. The study was so large that even the candlelight seemed insufficient to fill the space, making the figure seated within it appear lonely. Realizing the fluttering feeling in his chest, Yan Guan quickly lowered his gaze and turned away.

The door closed softly, and the study fell into solitude. Chao Ge lifted his head and stared for a few seconds before lowering it again.

Time passed quickly. On the day of the Little New Year, there was a lively bustle in the palace. Chao Ge, who rarely took a day off, still had to visit the temple to pray for blessings.

"From today until the New Year, the Lord must eat vegetarian food and kneel in the temple to pray for the people," Daxi explained to Yan Guan.

No wonder, Yan Guan thought, recalling how busy Chao Ge had been in the past few days.

"I understand now. The meals will be adjusted accordingly."

Daxi glanced at Chao Ge, who was talking to Jue Mu by the mountain. "The Lord’s appetite seems much better these days."

"Mm, but the Lord refuses to take medicine. Otherwise, he could recover faster."

"Refuses medicine? Why?"

Yan Guan shook his head, unwilling to ask. 

Daxi thought to himself that the Lord had never minded taking medicine before. "That’s Jue Mu, the mother of all living beings," Daxi casually chatted with Yan Guan.

Yan Guan, intrigued, widened his eyes and sighed, "So powerful. Does that mean the Lord will be worshiping her in the coming days?"

Daxi laughed. "No, Jue Mu is praying to the Gods for instructions from Eternal Heaven . Some of the Clansmen will be coming later. It’s going to be a big ceremony, so stay put and don’t wander off."

"Mm, I won’t walk around."

In the days that followed, Daxi and Yan Guan built a good rapport. Daxi was quite lively in private, and since Yan Guan was around the same age as his younger brother, he took a little extra care of him.

The ceremony was indeed grand, but it was far off. Yan Guan leaned against the carriage and stood on tiptoe for quite a while, reluctant to leave.

Today, Chao Ge wore a black robe, with mink fur on the cuffs and collar. His chest was embroidered with fish, dragon, and water cloud patterns, and he wore a red embossed belt adorned with lotus flower motifs. The wind on the mountain was strong, which made the robe flutter, but his back never bent even slightly. His solemn and dignified appearance made Chao Ge stand out even more among the ministers.

He knelt at the altar, listening to Jue Mu’s prayer.

After the ceremony, Chao Ge followed Jue Mu alone into the forbidden palace. 

"What does the Lord wish to ask this year?" Jue Mu had the ability to communicate with spirits, and asking for divine answers was a tradition.

"First, ask about the health and safety of the people. Second, ask if the governance is smooth. Third, ask if I have any personal faults."

Jue Mu showed a faint smile and closed her eyes.

"The people are suffering, the yin of the Clan will bring disaster to the government..." a hoarse voice echoed heavily in the room.

Jue Mu suddenly displayed an expression of pain. "My Lord..."

Chao Ge held his breath, not daring to disturb her, waiting for the second half of the sentence which did not come.

Jue Mu opened her eyes and gradually regained clarity.

It wasn’t a good omen. Chao Ge’s face darkened. And there was no answer to the third question. He didn’t know whether it was a good sign or a bad one.

"My Lord, the calamity originates from the southeast, and it will also fade there." 

Southeast? What’s in the southeast? The southeast of Liangzhou borders the Liang Dynasty. Is it a war?

Jue Mu showed a trace of reluctance. "The third question is about oneself. The gods have not spoken, perhaps this is the key to resolving it."

Jue Mu was very old and had seen many members of the royal family. Some emperors had even used spiritual means for personal gain. There were few rulers like Chao Ge, but unfortunately, his fate seemed grim, which made Jue Mu worried.

Chao Ge listened to Jue Mu’s words without loosening his brow. After thanking her, he left. The prophecy lingered in his mind, and it didn’t ease even after returning to his chambers.

Daxi, observing carefully, walked closely behind Yan Guan. “The Lord’s expression isn’t right.”

“Is it because of the Prophecy?”

“Perhaps,” Daxi replied with concern. “After all this time of peace, will trouble rise again?”

“Don’t worry. The Lord is diligent and capable. Nothing bad will happen,” Yan Guan reassured him.

After returning to the palace, Chao Ge didn’t speak a word about what happened. He immediately entered the sacred temple and summoned Cai Dan.

“Elder, please sit.” Chao Ge waved his hand, signaling those nearby to prepare tea.

“I plan to go to the Sangta Grasslands.”

Cai Dan was secretly alarmed, but he knew this had something to do with the prophecy. “When will you depart?”

“After the new year. Arrange for transportation now. Jue Mu said the calamity originates from the southeast.”

“What? The southeast borders the Liang Dynasty, could it be… Could it be…?” Cai Dan grew restless, but then reconsidered, thinking it shouldn’t be that way. “Liang and Xia signed a peace treaty two years ago. It’s time for recovery. It doesn’t make sense for war to break out again.”

Chao Ge’s eyes were shadowed, “Maybe it’s not war. This winter seems to be unusually cold.”

The Sangta Grasslands, located at the southern edge of Liangzhou, were lush with water and grass. It was the largest pasture in Wugan, and hundreds of thousands of people relied on it for their livelihood.

“You know how my uncle died,” Chao Ge’s words seemed a bit blasphemous, but Cai Dan couldn’t help but shudder.

The previous king of Wugan had died of an epidemic after a secret inspection trip to the south, which cost him his life.

“Don’t worry, my lord. The arrangements for the new year have already been made. We will make sure to guard the court well.”

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Chapter 7: Tangerines

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Yan Guan was carrying a basket of tangerines as he walked towards the sleeping chambers.

“Be careful! These were brought from the south, and are not easy to come by. If you bruise or damage them, you will be punished,” Mama warned. [mama - head maid]

Naturally, Yan Guan became even more cautious.

Back in Yangzhou, tangerine was the one fruit you could eat as much as you wanted. They cost only six or seven wen per jin (~500 grams), and the quality was even better than these. But Liangzhou, with its harsh winters and dry conditions, couldn’t grow orange trees.

Yan Guan swallowed, suddenly missing Aunt Yang’s candied oranges.

Just as he was arranging the fruits in the gilded bowl, a loud voice announced the arrival of The Lord at the door. Chao Lun, who was lazing on a wolfskin rug, immediately jumped up and hurried to greet the visitor. Following Mama’s instructions, Yan Guan quickly rushed to prepare tea.

“Why is Elder Brother here?!” Chao Lun asked, his eyes glued to the line of chests behind the visitor.

“Are you really happy to see me?”

“What do you mean? Of course I’m sincere!” Chao Lun barely acknowledged Chao Ge as he eagerly approached the chests the moment they were put down.

Chao Ge’s eye twitched. “It would be more believable if you weren’t so focused on those things.” 

Meanwhile, Chao Lun had already draped himself with agate beads in one hand and gold-glazed glass in the other. Chao Ge paid him no further attention and turned to enter Yongning Hall.

Upon seeing the guest enter, the attendants inside immediately bowed in greeting.

With one glance, Chao Ge noticed Yan Guan standing by the table serving tea. He was really hard to miss: slender and pale, looking somewhat thinner, but still healthy after a bout of recent illness.

Chao Ge sat down in the main seat, and one of the servants took the teapot from Yan Guan’s hands to pour milk tea. With nothing left in his hands, Yan Guan lowered his head and stood obediently behind Chao Ge.

Not long after, Chao Lun entered, gleefully showing Chao Ge the jewelry and treasures.

The room was heated with several charcoal braziers. After drinking some hot tea and joking around with Chao Lun for a while, Chao Ge began to feel a bit warm. He tugged at his collar and gave it a shake.

Mama noticed this and asked, “Master, are you feeling warm? Perhaps you should change into something lighter.”

Chao Ge nodded and stood up, turning his body to the side.

The servants around him were all holding tea pots or trays of fruit. The only one with empty hands was Yan Guan, who was shrinking into the background as if he found something fascinating on the floor.

“Yan Guan?” Chao Ge called out after waiting a few moments with his hands outstretched.

Yan Guan jerked in surprise, almost doubting his own ears. How did Wugan King know his name?!

Seeing him startled like a frightened squirrel, Chao Ge couldn’t help but chuckle.

Yan Guan quickly stepped forward and stood in front of Chao Ge, reaching out to untie his belt. The belt was wide and long, wrapped around three times, and Yan Guan practically had to hug him to remove it.

Standing up straight, Yan Guan only barely reached Chao Ge’s chin. When Chao Ge glanced down, he caught a glimpse of Yan Guan’s eyebrows and noticed the old branded scar had almost faded, leaving only a dark red mark. ‘Good that it’s gone,’ Chao Ge thought. ‘He never deserved that in the first place.’

Yan Guan swiftly untied the belt and raised his hands to unfasten the overlapping buttons on Chao Ge’s robe. He didn’t dare look around, his eyes fixed dutifully on the buttons, but (he didn’t realise that) someone was watching him…

Chao Ge didn’t push too hard, afraid to scare him away. He only glanced down for brief moments between the blinks.

After unfastening the buttons, Yan Guan circled behind Chao Ge to remove the outer robe, and a maid stepped forward to hand him a lighter garment.

When Chao Ge sat back down, Yan Guan had already disappeared, likely off to hang up the robe.

Behind the screen, Yan Guan nervously tidied the outerwear, his thoughts in turmoil. They really looked too similar… But how could the esteemed Wugan King have extended a hand to help a lowly slave like him?

When the rainstorm had struck at the hunting grounds, he had met a kind person who brought him back. Yan Guan had always remembered that benefactor. Later, when he snuck into the banquet with Chao Lun, he couldn't even dare to raise his head, let alone look at anyone’s face. But today’s fleeting glimpse confirmed what Yan Guan had been reluctant to accept—the person who had ridden the horse and brought him back was none other than the Wugan King.

‘So that’s the kind of person the King of Wugan is,’ Yan Guan thought. ‘No wonder Maji said his rule was peaceful. He must be a good ruler as well.’

Feeling a bit more at ease, Yan Guan finished his task and followed the maids to the kitchen to fetch the food.

Chao Ge ate a few pieces of braised lamb but soon grew tired of it, setting down his chopsticks and peeling an orange.

Chao Lun, his mouth greasy from the scallion-fried rabbit, asked, “Not eating anymore?”

“Feeling a bit greasy.”

“Hmm? You’ve never minded the grease after all these years. Did your taste get spoiled during your trip to Yangzhou?”

Chao Ge smiled, “It’s just my digestion hasn’t been great lately.”

“Have you seen a doctor?”

“I know my own body. It’ll pass in a few days.”

Unhappy, Chao Lun turned to question Daxi, the attendant, “How have you been taking care of my elder brother?”

Daxi replied apologetically, “Second Prince, the Master has been so busy lately, he barely eats. We’ve tried to persuade him, but to no avail.”

“All right, all right, I’ll eat properly. You don’t need to worry,” Chao Ge said, cutting off the conversation.

Yan Guan, standing nearby, overheard everything. The Master had been to Yangzhou?

He secretly glanced up at Chao Ge. His complexion didn’t seem too bad, so there shouldn’t be a major problem with his stomach and spleen (digestive system).

After the meal, with the New Year’s affairs piling up, Chao Ge didn’t linger.

“Master Fuzi will come tomorrow to continue your lessons. Behave yourself.”

Chao Lun reacted as if struck by lightning, “Elder brother, the New Year is just a few days away!”

“You can take a day off on New Year’s Eve,” Chao Ge said, putting on his thick outer robe. “You’ve certainly neglected your studies for over half a month, while I was away in Yangzhou.”

Chao Lun sulked. Those first few days after Chao Ge’s return, he had given him and his group of rowdy friends quite the lecture.

Feeling cornered but still defiant, he proposed, “Elder brother, you’ve worked hard all year. How about tomorrow I take you out of the palace for some fun? The common folk are having a lively time around now.”

“If I want to go out, Daxi will accompany me. I don’t need you.”

Chao Ge was not in the mood for further conversation. He knew if they continued, Chao Lun would start pestering him.

Seeing his brother about to leave, Chao Lun sprang up.

“What now?” Chao Ge asked, exasperated.

“Uh, uh…” Chao Lun’s gaze darted around the room and landed on Yan Guan, who had been standing idly in the corner.

Sorry, Yan Xiaoguan. [xiao means “little”. It’s a nickname]

“Elder brother!” Chao Lun raised his voice, causing Yan Guan to look up at him. “Elder brother, your digestion has been poor, and those around you aren’t really suited to take care of that. Why not have Yan Guan stay by your side? He knows a bit about medicinal diets.”

Daxi, trying to keep a straight face, thought to himself, ‘I can’t force the Master to eat, can I? But if Yan Guan stayed, it might work in someone’s favor’, so he chimed in, “Master, having someone around who understands nutrition might indeed be beneficial.”

Chao Ge replied, “Is the Medical Bureau out of people?” He obviously understood Chao Lun’s intentions — to plant someone next to him so that he would owe a favor, giving Chao Lun an excuse to skip his studies.

“Yan Guan is from the medical bureau. Besides, you always find it a hassle to see the doctor. Wouldn’t it be more convenient to have someone close by to make you some stomach-nourishing tea and soups?”

Chao Lun thought, with Yan Guan’s abilities, it wouldn’t take long to nurse big brother back to health. Besides, he was only “borrowing,” not “giving” him away. Once big brother recovered, Yan Guan would naturally return.

Yan Guan swallowed nervously, thinking, Second Prince really is… really is…

Chao Ge tilted his head and glanced at Yan Guan, who was still studying the floor. “If that’s the case, fine then.”

Chao Lun’s face lit up with joy. “Then I...”

“Finish your studies properly, and I’ll let you leave the palace for a few days.”

Chao Lun grabbed Yan Guan and patted him heavily on the shoulder twice. “Take good care of my brother! You’re not allowed to come back unless you’ve nursed him back to health.”

Yan Guan was utterly confused. How had he suddenly been ordered to stay by Chao Ge’s side?

Chao Ge, who had been listening from the side, found it amusing. Not allowed to come back? So this kid was essentially lending him to me? He wasn’t so generous that he’d ever give him back.

In a daze, Yan Guan followed Chao Ge into Huien Hall.

“Do you know medicine?” Daxi switched to the official Mandarin and asked Yan Guan.

“Mm, my father taught me.”

When Yan Guan first arrived, he couldn’t speak the Wugan language well, but now he was much better. Daxi’s Mandarin sounded even more refined than Chao Lun’s.

“The master rises at dawn (mǎo shí, 5-7 am), and by 5:15 am, the meal must be ready. Lunch is often delayed until afternoon (wèi shí, 1-3 pm), and he eats very little for dinner,” Daxi explained to Yan Guan.

Yan Guan frowned and nodded, thinking to himself that, judging by the master’s condition, this eating schedule was indeed abnormal. “When the master has a free moment, I’ll give him a diagnosis.”

“That would be good,” Daxi smiled at Yan Guan, dimples appearing on both sides of his cheeks.

Yan Guan waited outside the hall until evening. Finally too sleepy, he sat against the doorpost. The guards changed shifts several times before he heard the sound of furniture being moved inside.

Suddenly, the door opened without warning. Yan Guan rubbed his sore bottom and quickly stood up, turning to face the door.

Chao Ge looked at him with a bit of surprise. “You’re still here?”

“I was waiting for Master. If I can give a diagnosis now, I can prepare the meals and medicinal soup for tomorrow.”

Chao Ge seemed to sigh. “Come inside.”

Once they were in the sleeping quarters, there wasn’t a single attendant present. Yan Guan guessed that Master probably didn’t like being attended to closely, so he quietly took a few steps back.

Chao Ge sat on the bed and extended his hand to Yan Guan.

Yan Guan carefully checked his pulse and asked a few questions. He already had an idea in mind and was about to speak.

“I won’t take medicine.”

Yan Guan was stunned. If he didn’t take medicine, relying only on diet and tea would make recovery much slower. But since the master had said so, he agreed, “In that case, I’ll bring the meals tomorrow.”

“Do as you see fit.”

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