Chapter 154: Recuperation
Lord Bai Jiu stayed in Sichuan with Xie Jing, rarely even stepping out of the Xie residence. All official business was handled within the courtyard where Xie Jing lived. A guest room had been converted into a temporary study, connected directly to Xie Jing’s living quarters so Lord Bai Jiu could check on him in just a few steps.
Once Xie Jing’s condition improved slightly, Lord Bai Jiu had a soft daybed moved next to the study so he could work while keeping watch over him.
Whether in the North or in Shanghai, all matters, big or small, were relayed to them by the Eastern Courtyard staff—via letters, messages, or official documents. For urgent matters, Lord Bai Jiu would send Bai Mingyu to handle them.
Bai Mingyu had long since healed from his injuries. In the underground tomb, he had only been starved for two days, and though he had a head wound, it was only superficial. Miss Hongqi had tended to him with nourishing soups, and with good food, he looked healthier than ever.
Because of the Shuiniu Town incident, several elders from the Bai family in the North delayed their southern trip by several months. They agreed to wait until Xie Jing fully recovered, by which time the weather would be warmer and business easier to conduct.
Days in Sichuan passed leisurely, with time stretching lazily.
At first, Xie Jing couldn’t let go of others, having nightmares for many nights in a row. When asked, he couldn’t describe them clearly, only trembling slightly while clinging to those around him, breaking into cold sweats. After a few days, he gradually realized where he was and began to recognize those near him.
Once Xie Jing felt better, he suggested Lord Bai Jiu return to Shanghai to work. There were many matters at the factory there waiting for Lord Bai Jiu’s arrangements. Xie Jing could see that, though no one mentioned it, people coming and going in this courtyard were always in a rush.
Lord Bai Jiu refused, saying: “I can handle everything here just as well.”
Xie Jing hesitated.
Lord Bai Jiu then picked him up, placing him on his lap, wrapping him in his arms while reviewing documents together. Using a pen, he marked several items on contracts and instructed his subordinates to take them back for revision. No matter who came in, Lord Bai Jiu had no intention of letting go.
Sichuan’s winter was particularly cold and damp, with a biting chill, and without floor heating, it was harsher than the North. Lord Bai Jiu wore a thick cloak; Xie Jing nestled inside it. When someone entered, he would burrow further into Lord Bai Jiu’s embrace, hiding.
Xie Jing intended to hide from others.
Lord Bai Jiu noticed and chuckled quietly, holding him close: “Perfect, keep me warm.”
The visitor spoke for a long time while Lord Bai Jiu held Xie Jing, listening and quietly arranging tasks.
Once the person left, Lord Bai Jiu looked down: Xie Jing had fallen asleep in his arms.
After a few days of rest, Lord Bai Jiu had someone go to Rongcheng Mansion to bring Li Yuan back.
Li Yuan, upon returning, came directly to the courtyard to see Xie Jing. He behaved properly; seeing Lord Bai Jiu holding Xie Jing, he only glanced briefly before lowering his eyes, avoiding any further eye contact.
Lord Bai Jiu said: “A couple of days ago, a merchant convoy went to Rongcheng Mansion, so we brought Li Yuan back on the way. It’s good to have someone around to talk to you, keep you company.” He paused slightly, then continued: “Actually, he should have come to Sichuan a few days ago, but some events occurred, a bit dangerous. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry.”
Xie Jing asked: “What happened?”
Lord Bai Jiu looked at Li Yuan, who immediately lowered his head: “I… I was watching the warehouse in Rongcheng for Lord Bai Jiu. I stayed in the warehouse and didn’t notice anything unusual. Perhaps because the items were valuable, a few thieves were attracted, but they were dealt with—nothing serious.”
Xie Jing didn’t understand and was about to ask further when Lord Bai Jiu peeled a slice of orange and fed it to him, coaxing: “These are gifts prepared for your uncle. I thought, since he’s helping, we shouldn’t be too stingy.”
Xie Jing paused for a moment, then realized, his face flushing.
Lord Bai Jiu kissed him lightly and chuckled: “You guessed it, didn’t you?”
Xie Jing slightly dodged, avoiding the affection.
Lord Bai Jiu asked: “What’s wrong?”
Xie Jing paused, then remembered he was in Sichuan—there was no need to be reserved or hide from anyone anymore. His dodging motion stopped halfway, and he slowly turned back, lifting his head to return the light kiss, whispering softly that it was nothing.
Now he was mostly fine; the effects of the fungal infection had largely subsided.
Yet sometimes, memories of the past would still come.
Whenever they did, he would look up at the person beside him.
Xie Jing lifted his eyes slightly, his gaze containing only one person.
Lord Bai Jiu thought he was acting cute, leaned down to kiss him again, laughing lightly as he rubbed Xie Jing’s head: “Hurry and get better, there’s still so much to do.”
