Chapter 190: Extra (20)
Bai Jiu continued sending invitations for visits. He Dongting dodged him six or seven times out of ten, but Xie Yuanyuan met him every time, and her attitude toward Bai Jiu grew increasingly cordial.
Sometimes Bai Jiu would also run into Xie Siquan. Lately, Xie Siquan’s attitude toward Bai Jiu had improved significantly, especially after Bai Jiu had given He Dongting a firm lesson not long ago. Xie Siquan felt very pleased, taking Bai Jiu as one of his own—he had always disliked those bookish pretty boys who spoke little but could be infuriating, yet he never expected that a scholar could be outdone by another scholar.
As they interacted more, Bai Jiu gradually figured out Xie Siquan’s ways. The Xie family head was a simple man. Complimenting the Second Master, Xu Jun, would always ease his expression and make his tone gentler.
One day, Bai Jiu heard that Xie Yuanyuan had caught a slight cold, so he sent over some mountain ginseng. Sure enough, he ran into Xie Siquan there. Xie Siquan had only one sister, and if she caught a cold, it was a big deal. He would have wished to summon all the doctors in Western Sichuan to check her pulse. They were currently in need of this particular ginseng for medicine, and it happened that Bai Jiu had just brought some.
He Dongting received the ginseng and personally went to the small kitchen to decoct it. Xie Siquan patted Bai Jiu’s shoulder and led him aside for tea and a chat to express his thanks.
Bai Jiu replied politely, “It’s just a bit of medicine, nothing special.”
“This age of ginseng is hard to find in Western Sichuan. Even getting it from Rongcheng takes a few days. You don’t know, but when my sister gave birth to Jing’er, she left behind some chronic ailments. Over the years, we’ve always feared a relapse,” Xie Siquan poured him a cup of tea and raised it, “I owe you a favor.”
Bai Jiu said, “I have two pharmacies in the Lower City. Nothing else to mention, but I do have some good ginseng and deer antler. If your household ever needs any, just send someone to collect it.”
Xie Siquan said, “Good. I heard from Jing’er that you’ve been building the merchants’ guild hall recently. If there’s anything you need, just ask. I still have some influence in Western Sichuan City. Jing’er says your management of the three Northern Provinces’ guild is impressive; one day I’ll come and take a look to learn a bit.”
Bai Jiu reciprocated politely, “The Xie family head is truly a local hero.”
Xie Siquan proudly said, “Nothing like the Second Master.” He nodded toward the window, gesturing to show off. “There are eighteen streets in Western Sichuan City. The busiest one has already been bought by the Xu family. Their Jin merchants are truly formidable. Carved beams, painted halls, pavilions, and theater stages towering above—far grander than mine.”
Bai Jiu complimented a few things, and indeed, this worked better than praising the Xie family directly.
Xie Siquan asked, “Do you know how to ride a horse?”
Bai Jiu nodded.
Xie Siquan fiddled with a string of prayer beads, smiling. “Jing’er has been nagging me for so long, I’ve grown deaf. I’m not trying to make things hard for you; it’s just that the North has its rules. When you come to Western Sichuan, you must show some skill, earn respect. Don’t you agree?”
Bai Jiu nodded, “Yes.”
This was essentially a test. Bai Jiu treated it as a business matter, roughly calculating the southern ships and finances in his mind, thinking through cash flow and operations in a split second.
He then heard Xie Siquan say, “Since you agree, I’ll be direct. Here in Western Sichuan, respect is earned on horseback. At the horse-racing festival, you don’t need a title—just take a ranking.”
Bai Jiu was momentarily taken aback but soon smiled and agreed.
After leaving the He residence, on the way back:
An attendant helped the Young Master onto the carriage, frowning. “Master, I think the horse-racing matter needs careful consideration. The Xie family head is too rash.”
Bai Jiu smiled. “No matter, it’s just genuine nature.”
The Bai family had experienced too many intrigues on the frontier. Those around were often suspicious at the slightest disturbance. Bai Jiu understood their loyalty and didn’t blame them. He knew that only people like the Xie siblings could raise someone like Xie Jing—with a carefree and innocent heart.
Meanwhile, Xu Jun, on his way to the salt fields, was about to cross a bridge when he spotted a young man sitting by the river wearing a straw hat, with a chestnut horse nearby. The boy sat cross-legged on a rock, fishing.
Xu Jun recognized him and sent others ahead, taking two guards to approach via a side path.
The boy, one hand supporting his chin, was fully focused on fishing. Beneath the straw hat was a handsome face, and even in plain clothes, he looked exceptionally elegant.
Xu Jun walked over and smiled. “Jing’er? From afar you looked like yourself. Why are you here? I heard your mother is ill…”
Xie Jing’s fishing rod twitched. He reeled in a fish, which wriggled midair, and quickly placed it into a fish basket half-submerged in the stream. He tilted the brim of his hat with a finger. “Mother sent me.”
Xu Jun was puzzled.
Xie Jing explained, “Mother sneezed twice this morning. She knew something was wrong. Sure enough, father and uncle immediately sought doctors and started preparing medicine. Mother dislikes bitter tonics, so she had me secretly catch a few fish for soup.”
Xu Jun chuckled. “If she wants something, just have someone buy it in town.”
“First, Mother only likes the fresh fish from this stream,” Xie Jing cast his line again, sitting steadily. “Second, I also wanted a quiet escape.”
Xu Jun asked, “Why?”
“Uncle has been visiting frequently these past days. When he sees Bai Jiu, he speaks formally like him. If they argue, I wouldn’t know whom to side with, so I hide. And when I’m gone, they can’t argue—” Xie Jing rubbed his nose, whispering, “Actually, they argue for my sake, but I don’t want to show favoritism, so I hide, and the house stays peaceful.”
Not hearing anything meant there was no conflict. This was Xie Jing’s recent realization.
Xu Jun shook his head, smiling. “You are more perceptive than I thought. I should learn from you.”
Xie Jing caught a few fish, packed up, and mounted his horse barefoot with ease, waving goodbye. The steed ran like fire, making it obvious which family the boy belonged to.
Xu Jun instructed one guard to follow and ensure his safe return, then headed to the salt fields himself.
Back at the Xie residence, Xie Jing cared for Xie Yuanyuan for a few days. He secretly brought her favorite foods, and her minor illness soon passed. He Dongting remained tense, preparing nourishing soups for her each night, reminiscent of when Xie Siquan supervised Xie Jing’s tonics. Though Xie Yuanyuan wanted help from her son, Xie Jing made excuses to avoid the soups.
With evenings free, Xie Jing climbed over the wall to visit Bai Jiu.
He enjoyed talking to Bai Jiu about both present and past, and sometimes mentioned future plans. Bai Jiu always listened seriously, never dismissing his words as childish.
Looking at a map of rivers and mountains on the table, Xie Jing traced routes with his finger, eyes fixed. “I really want to see the outside world. Wanzhou seems interesting.”
Bai Jiu followed the finger, pointing a route patiently. “If you go to Wanzhou, take the waterways, though it takes longer. A shorter route is here.” He helped Xie Jing draw a detailed route, explaining local customs, prices, and how goods from Western Sichuan could be more cost-effective. From land to water, he spoke carefully, as if planning the next step of an adventure.
Xie Jing looked up at Bai Jiu. Sensitive to his emotions, Bai Jiu asked, “What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”
Xie Jing frowned. “Every year I write asking when you’ll come. I remember you said you’d come to see me and take me outside, but it never happened.” He felt Bai Jiu hadn’t thought of him. The words were on his lips but embarrassed him, so he bit his lip and held back.
Bai Jiu smiled silently, reaching to touch Xie Jing’s hair, but the boy turned aside. Bai Jiu leaned in and praised, “Jing’er, what did you use? It smells nice.”
Xie Jing glared. “You flirt!”
Bai Jiu nuzzled his cheek, smiling. “You always used to say that to praise me as a kid.”
Xie Jing remembered; it was what he used to say to curry favor with Bai Jiu. He smiled back.
He wrapped his arms around Bai Jiu’s neck, tilting his head: “Why didn’t you come sooner?”
“I had other matters to attend to.”
“More important than me?”
Bai Jiu looked at him, “You’re more important, so I came.”
Xie Jing felt reassured. He knew Bai Jiu had built a foundation in Western Sichuan and would be away for a long time. Looking at Bai Jiu, he found him perfect in every way. His uncle said no one in Western Sichuan could match the Second Master’s abilities—but Bai Jiu surpassed even him.
Bai Jiu lowered his gaze. In a husky voice, he said, “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll kiss you.”
“Huh?”
Bai Jiu leaned down and kissed him.
Being looked at like this by someone you liked, Bai Jiu couldn’t resist.
Xie Jing, young and impressionable, straddled Bai Jiu’s lap, looping arms around him freely. He felt ecstatic, having never been so intimate with anyone.
Soon, Bai Jiu’s breathing grew heavy. Xie Jing, playful with his tongue, sensed Bai Jiu’s hands stop moving through his clothes. He struggled to contain himself, having secretly read a few books and knowing a little, subtly urging Bai Jiu.
“…No.”
“Brother Bai, teach me.”
When Bai Jiu’s throat bore tiny teeth marks, he finally raised a hand to cover Xie Jing’s eyes, huskily saying, “Step back.”
Xie Jing’s sharp hearing caught the faint sounds passing over the roof. In the past, he might have thought it was cats or birds—but now…
His ears burned, face flushing crimson to his neck. He bit his lip. “Why do you have guards everywhere?”
Bai Jiu chuckled, lips close, “Embarrassing, but it’s for safety, given past incidents.”
“What incidents?”
“Met some people, got hurt.”
Xie Jing worriedly tried to pull back Bai Jiu’s clothes, then pouted. “You let someone get close?”
Bai Jiu thought seriously. “Actually, there was one.”
Xie Jing raised an eyebrow. “Who? What did you do?”
“He warmed my bed, soft and obedient, cried when I was harsh…”
Xie Jing frowned, trying to leave. Bai Jiu laughed quietly, “Can’t you tell, Jing’er? Even your jealousy is cute.”
Bai Jiu spoke of young Xie Jing years ago. Now he had grown, but still, when bullied, he would cry. Only now, it didn’t make Bai Jiu pity him. His eyes darkened, full of mischief, wanting to be teased more.
After a while, Bai Jiu’s clothes remained intact. Xie Jing’s were undone, hair loose, eyes still moist, looking like a spirit consuming one’s soul.
Xie Jing’s fingers tingled, eyes glued to Bai Jiu. He propped himself up to kiss him.
Bai Jiu dodged: “I haven’t rinsed my mouth.”
Xie Jing mumbled, “It’s mine, I don’t mind.” He kissed along Bai Jiu’s lips, jaw, and lower face, searching through clothes, saying indistinctly: “I’ll try too.”
Bai Jiu only groaned.
Xie Jing was a diligent student.
Bai Jiu squinted, raising a hand, finally resting it on the boy’s head, restraining himself while lightly praising.
Xie Jing thought: no wonder someone who read so many books is so creative.
And it felt really good.
Author’s Note:
There’s only one last chapter left. For those lurking, leave a paw print =3=
Good night, see you tomorrow.
