Title: One of Us is a Traitor
Two years meet in a single night, and the fifth watch splits the old year from the new.
On New Year’s Eve, the streets appeared deserted, with only a few neighbors occasionally coming out to hang lanterns and paste “Fu” characters. However, behind closed doors, joyous laughter could be heard from every household. This was the most important day of the year. No matter what neighborhood disputes or financial conflicts existed, today they would temporarily cease, and families would gather for a reunion.
At the One Bowl Noodle Shop, the fragrance of cooked rice wafted early in the morning. Yu Jinnian took down freshly steamed round bean buns from the steamer. Since this was the Year of the Pig, he had specially colored the dough with pumpkin and shaped the buns like little pigs. The buns had noses made of white dough and eyes of mung beans, sitting adorably on a plate, each with its round nose raised in a cute fashion.
On this day, everyone—young and old—would wear new clothes to celebrate the new year. Sui Sui had been looking forward to this day for a long time. Aunt Xu had started sewing a new dress for her since summer. Although her illness had slowed her down, she managed to finish the dress two days before New Year’s Eve. As Yu Jinnian came out with the buns, the little girl happily ran out of her room, her eyes blinking in anticipation, waiting for someone to compliment her coral-colored floral satin dress.
Qing Huan also changed into new clothes, wearing a pleated skirt in lotus color, embroidered with small peony petals. Judging by the craftsmanship, it seemed she had sewn it herself. Walking further into the front hall, Yu Jinnian came across Min Mao, who had just been scolded by him the day before. The young master was dressed extravagantly, clearly eager to show off his wealth. After putting down the tray of buns, Duan Ming and Ah Chun arrived. Duan Ming dressed as he usually did, though tidier than usual, while Ah Chun looked completely different.
The previous day, after Yu Jinnian brought Ah Chun back and they had dinner, he noticed how dirty Ah Chun was. Since the noodle shop had no rooms for guests, Yu Jinnian asked Duan Ming to take Ah Chun back and look after him. Unexpectedly, Duan Ming, despite his rough appearance, was a meticulous and considerate man. In one night, he not only cleaned Ah Chun until he gleamed but also got him a set of new clothes.
Ah Chun, tugging at the snow-blue hem of his robe, blushed shyly and asked Yu Jinnian, “Do I look good?” Snow-blue was usually a color favored by women, but since Ah Chun was petite and had a delicate face, the outfit made him stand out in a pleasant way. It was no wonder he had been kidnapped to become a performer.
“You look beautiful, Ah Chun!” Yu Jinnian said with a smile, patting his head and offering him a bun.
Min Mao glanced at Yu Jinnian with disdain, “Why are you still dressed so plainly?”
Yu Jinnian chuckled, “I’m not that young anymore; why would I need to dress up?”
Min Mao frowned, “You’re not that much older than me!”
Yu Jinnian thought for a moment and realized Min Mao was right. Apart from Sui Sui, Yu Jinnian was indeed the youngest present. Qing Huan was the same age as him, while even the seemingly immature Ah Chun was two years older. As he pondered this, a soft chuckle came from behind him.
Turning around, he saw Ji Hong lifting the curtain with one hand, his expression gentle. “Jinnian, come here.”
Yu Jinnian set down the plate and hurried after him, grumbling, “What now? Are you going to tease me about being the youngest too?” Before he finished speaking, he felt something warm and soft draped over his exposed neck. Looking down, he found a crimson embroidered cloak, lined with fluffy white rabbit fur.
He turned around, feeling the warmth of the soft cloak pressing on his shoulders. The hem was embroidered with intertwined plum and bamboo patterns, finely crafted but not overly luxurious. He asked in surprise, “Where did this come from? I’ve never seen it before.”
“Everyone has new clothes, so you should too.” Ji Hong smiled mysteriously. “Do you like it?”
Yu Jinnian muttered, “I’m not a child anymore,” but the delight in his eyes was unmistakable. Judging by the size, the cloak fit perfectly, as if tailored specifically for him. Yu Jinnian wondered when Ji Hong had secretly ordered it but decided not to press the matter. Understanding Ji Hong’s intent to surprise him, he smiled, lifted Ji Hong’s face, and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. Happily, he said, “I like it very much, thank you. Now, when I get out of bed at night, I won’t be as cold as a mouse anymore!”
Ji Hong wrapped an arm around his waist inside the cloak, using his tongue to savor the taste of the boy’s gratitude. The kiss deepened, almost getting out of control before Ji Hong finally remembered it was New Year’s Eve, and there was still much to do. Reluctantly, he released the boy with a playful smile, “You’re the best-looking one here. Go on now.”
Feeling proud, Yu Jinnian strutted out with his new cloak, showing it off. Before long, he and Min Mao were playfully bickering, chasing each other from the front hall to the outside. They grabbed handfuls of snow, forming snowballs to throw at each other. Sui Sui ran out in her little dress to help Yu Jinnian, while Ji Hong, out of nowhere, placed a small rabbit fur hat on her head. At first, Ah Chun stood aside, afraid to get his new clothes dirty, but soon he gathered the courage to join the fun.
Laughter and shouting filled the area outside the shop as Min Mao, overwhelmed by their combined efforts, was pelted with snowballs until his face turned red. While dodging, he yelled, “Don’t be too proud! I’ll call Shiqing and Huayi for revenge—ahh! Don’t throw snow down my neck!”
Ji Hong, leaning against the doorframe in a heavy cloak, watched them play with a soft smile.
The One Bowl Noodle Shop was just across from the Fang Family Inn. Ming Xuefei opened a window and heard the laughter from the street, mixed with the loud yells of his foolish younger brother. If this were in the Xiangfu residence, Min Mao would have been reprimanded by now. He shook his head, “Let him be wild since it’s New Year’s.” He then dismissed Shiqing and Huayi, telling them to join in the fun. Afterward, he picked up a simple wooden cane by his bedside to support his still weak body and slowly went downstairs to see what was happening at the noodle shop.
As he turned the corner, he saw a red figure running through the snow, accompanied by the faint sound of bells.
He paused for a moment, then walked over to Ji Hong, who was leaning against the door. With a hint of jealousy, he said, “Doesn’t all that red annoy you?”
Ji Hong raised an eyebrow.
Ming Xuefei stood beside him, watching the group of young people playing wildly. Suddenly, he asked, “Shulan, I know you’re not someone who easily confuses right and wrong, but I can’t help but ask—are you trying to find some part of second brother in him?”
Ji Hong glanced at him, “What do you mean?”
Ming Xuefei continued, “When second brother died, I knew you couldn’t accept it. For the past ten years, that incident has weighed on your heart, becoming a demon in your soul, keeping you awake at night. But you have to accept that second brother is dead, and that incident wasn’t your fault. You can’t carry it as a burden anymore. Moreover…” He paused briefly, glancing at Ji Hong, who was still looking in the direction of the red-clad youth, and sighed. “You can’t use someone else to reminisce about second brother. No matter how much you try to make him resemble my second brother, no matter how much you favor him, he can never replace my second brother.”
Ji Hong finally looked away, laughing, “Xuefei, you’re being ridiculous. If we’re talking about who resembles second brother the most, it would be you. If all I wanted was someone who looked like him, why would I go searching elsewhere? Besides, I like him, so naturally, I want to treat him well. Should I treat someone else well instead?” He added curiously, “Why do you think I’m looking for a replacement for second brother?”
Ming Xuefei didn’t believe a word of it. While the young boy wasn’t around, he decided to get straight to the point: “I’ve seen that knife before. It was in Second Brother’s study, and he treasured it, always polishing it and never letting anyone else touch it. He said that knife was meant to be a gift for someone…” He looked at Ji Hong with concern. “Shulan, he’s your elder brother. Even though Second Brother is gone, you shouldn’t have those kinds of… thoughts about him.”
So that’s where the misunderstanding came from.
Ji Hong understood now, and with a helpless smile, he explained, “That knife didn’t belong to Second Brother. It was my mother’s keepsake, which Second Brother took from the First Madam to hold for me. Xuefei, you’re overthinking this.”
Ming Xuefei was dumbfounded, left speechless.
The group of youths had run far ahead. Ji Hong clapped his hands a few times and called out, “Jinnian, don’t get too caught up playing. Be careful not to let the snow soak your clothes. Come back now!”
From a distance, Yu Jinnian cheerfully responded and obediently stopped, making peace with Min Mao, who had been completely worn out. Leading Sui Sui on his left and the simple-minded Ah Chun on his right, they headed back together. The sky, dark as a raven’s feather, suddenly released tiny ice crystals. Yu Jinnian looked up in surprise, “It’s snowing again.”
Ah Chun, remembering a verse his brother taught him, called out, “A bountiful snow brings… soup noodles!”
Sui Sui corrected him earnestly, “It’s not soup noodles; it’s ramen.”
Yu Jinnian laughed so hard that he nearly doubled over, then seriously corrected them, “Ah Chun, Sui Sui, it’s not noodles. The saying goes, ‘A bountiful snow brings a prosperous year,’ meaning next year’s harvest will be abundant.”
The two youngsters nodded, half understanding.
Ji Hong extended his hand as the snowflakes began to fall, delicate and light, melting as they touched his fingertips. Before the first snowflake had fully melted, another landed. He curled his fingers and said, “Xuefei, to be honest, the first time I paid attention to him was because of a single osmanthus flower. The look on his face when he stood before me… it did remind me of Second Brother. But that was just a fleeting moment.”
Ming Xuefei listened quietly as Ji Hong continued, “I was an accident, never expected to be born. I endured, giving way, always doing things in secret for Second Brother, for our father, thinking it would repay them in some way. But no matter what I did, the look in their eyes always seemed to say, ‘Why wasn’t it you who died?’ I was exhausted, so I left a letter and ran away, heading south, not planning to return.”
Ming Xuefei couldn’t help but interject, “Yes, you ran off to live freely, while we and the Ji family searched for you, wearing ourselves out!”
“It wasn’t really free,” Ji Hong shook his head. “I just wanted to, at least once in my life, choose how I would die. Then, by some twist of fate, I ended up here. I originally just wanted to visit Cheng Bo, the old servant who once served Second Brother. But when I got here, everything had changed, and Cheng Bo’s entire family was gone.”
“…” Ming Xuefei sensed something off and frowned at Ji Hong, “What do you mean by that?”
Ji Hong smiled softly, “It’s nothing. If you truly consider me a close friend, then you should be thanking Jinnian for saving my life.”
Ming Xuefei was about to respond when Yu Jinnian, panting from running, returned with the two little ones trailing behind him, cutting off the conversation. Min Mao, still furious, was clutching a snowball, preparing to throw it at Yu Jinnian. Spotting Ji Hong standing by the door, Yu Jinnian dove toward him like a homing pigeon, laughing between breaths, “He really can’t take a beating!”
Ji Hong patted the boy’s head, checking to make sure his hair hadn’t gotten wet. Looking down at him, he asked, “You’re the wildest one here. Are you tired?”
“Fighting him? I could go for another three hundred rounds!” Yu Jinnian’s nose was red from the cold, but he remained full of energy, boasting proudly. Min Mao stomped his feet in frustration but, seeing that Yu Jinnian was now hiding behind Ji Hong, didn’t dare throw another snowball at him. All he could do was grumble, “Come out! Hiding behind Third Brother Ji doesn’t count as skill!”
Yu Jinnian grinned, “Sorry, but I’m just not skilled.”
Min Mao was utterly exasperated.
Sui Sui also ran over and tugged at Ji Hong’s pant leg, pulling off the little rabbit fur hat from her head and looking up at him with pursed lips, as if wanting to return it.
Ji Hong placed a large hand on her head, ruffling her hair. “It’s a gift for you.”
Sui Sui beamed and ran off with the rabbit hat in hand. Ah Chun followed closely behind, eyeing the hat enviously, hoping to borrow it. The two huddled over a table, whispering and eventually striking a deal. Sui Sui reluctantly allowed Ah Chun to wear the hat for a bit.
Meanwhile, Qing Huan and Duan Ming had already started preparing the dumplings. The fillings were ones Yu Jinnian had prepared earlier in the day, with three or four varieties to cater to everyone’s tastes, both meat and vegetarian. The wooden rolling pin thumped rhythmically on the bamboo board, and before long, Qing Huan had a stack of perfectly round dumpling wrappers piled neatly, waiting to be filled.
Yu Jinnian removed his cloak, shook off the snow, and hung it up to dry. Rolling up his sleeves, he joined in the dumpling-making.
There was a technique to making dumpling wrappers. Yu Jinnian didn’t like wrappers that were uniformly thick, preferring Qing Huan to roll them with a thicker center and thinner edges. This way, the dumplings would be sturdier and prettier, less likely to burst when boiled. Everyone gathered around the table. Those who knew how to make dumplings helped, while those like Ji Hong and Ming Ji, who had grown up in noble families and had never done such work, stood by, transferring the finished dumplings from the board to the steaming trays, arranging them in neat spirals. Sui Sui and Ah Chun played with sandbags and board games at a smaller table nearby.
Min Mao, still competitive with Yu Jinnian, refused to be outdone. He insisted on showing his skills, though the dumplings he made were lopsided and uneven. Once they hit the boiling water, they were sure to burst open. Ming Xuefei, watching, had a headache just imagining the mess. But Yu Jinnian didn’t discourage him, instead offering subtle guidance. Min Mao wasn’t stupid, and after a few more tries, his dumplings began to look decent.
Amidst the chatter and laughter, Yu Jinnian took a few copper coins, washed them in hot water, and tucked them into some of the dumplings. Whether the coins were truly clean was beside the point—the custom of hiding coins in dumplings was meant to bring good luck for the coming year!
In his previous life, Yu Jinnian’s adoptive father used to wrap soybeans inside the dumplings instead of coins. Part of it was for fun, but the other part was to encourage Yu Jinnian to eat more. As a child, Yu Jinnian truly believed that eating a soybean would bring him good luck, so he would always try to eat far more dumplings than usual, and after finding a soybean, he would earnestly make a wish, hoping for his father to have success at work. His adoptive father would tease him, saying, “If you’re making wishes for someone else, how is that different from not finding the soybean at all?”
These were just old memories. Thinking back on them today, Yu Jinnian realized how foolish he was as a child.
Ji Hong noticed Yu Jinnian’s dreamy expression and, taking advantage of the fact that everyone else was occupied in conversation, leaned in to steal a kiss on the boy’s ear. “What are you thinking about?” he whispered.
Yu Jinnian, unashamed, grinned brightly and said, “I was thinking about how cute I was as a kid!”
Ji Hong chuckled, whispering, “You’re still cute now.”
They could take their time wrapping the dumplings, but preparing the New Year’s feast couldn’t be delayed. Without the main dishes, especially the hearty meats, the carefully prepared ingredients would go to waste. Yu Jinnian instructed the others to keep the meat and vegetarian dumplings separate, then headed back to the kitchen to start cooking. Since it was still early, he put a bamboo and ham stew on to simmer and then began working on the more delicate dishes.
During the New Year’s feast, the food didn’t need to be extravagant or exotic; it just needed to have good symbolic meanings. Chicken and fish were must-haves, representing prosperity and abundance. Braised pork symbolized wealth and success. Other traditional dishes included Four Happiness Meatballs and Eight-Treasure Rice.
The fish was a “Tuan Tou Fang,” known for its tender meat and few bones, beneficial for the lungs. Yu Jinnian cut off the head and tail and then sliced the fish from the spine down to the belly into thick slices. Though the spine was cut through, the soft belly remained connected by a layer of skin. He then spread the fish out on a large round plate, arranging it in a peacock-tail-like display, with the head and tail at either end of the plate.
This dish was called “Fortune Peacock Fish.”
Next, he sprinkled salt, poured yellow wine and a little rice vinegar over the fish, and layered scallions and ginger beneath the belly to marinate it. The fish cooks quickly, and it’s best served fresh from the steamer, so he didn’t rush to finish it now. When the time came, he’d steam it, then drizzle hot oil mixed with fermented bean paste and chili sauce over it, garnishing with goji berries and scallions.
After setting the fish aside, Yu Jinnian squatted on a small stool in the kitchen, peeling shrimp. The river shrimp were small and a bit prickly, but the effort was worth it for the flavor. Once peeled, he mashed the shrimp into a paste and mixed it with minced mushrooms, sugar, salt, egg whites, and starch. Even the shrimp shells wouldn’t go to waste—he planned to fry them into crispy bites sprinkled with pepper and salt, a tasty little snack.
With the shrimp filling ready, Yu Jinnian washed a large white radish and cut it into sections, just the right size to hold in his hand. He didn’t aim for intricate carving, just shaping the radish pieces into small cups to hold the shrimp and mushroom mixture for steaming into “Jade Radish Cups.”
As he was carving, Ji Hong entered the kitchen, placing a tray of dumplings on an empty counter. He bent down to see what Yu Jinnian was doing. Yu Jinnian tilted his head up for a kiss, lingering on Ji Hong’s lips for a moment before pulling away. Then, as if nothing had happened, he continued carving the radish, softly teasing, “Be good, don’t disturb me while I’m working.”
Ji Hong sighed with a smile, amused by how Yu Jinnian could playfully turn the tables, despite being the one to initiate the kiss.
Four Happiness Meatballs, Eight-Treasure Rice, Fortune Peacock Fish, Jade Radish Cups, Sweet Fortune Cake, and Lucky Pastry Twists—dish after dish was placed on the table, each one symbolizing good fortune. From the kitchen to the dining table, it was an ordinary path, but the meal celebrated a festive New Year. What was originally expected to be a quiet gathering of a few people had somehow become a full house. Yu Jinnian set up a small altar in the courtyard, placing incense on the stand. Although he wasn’t particularly religious, some people in the noodle shop, like the two brothers from the Min family, were devout. They respectfully bowed toward the north, paying their respects to their elderly parents back in Xiadu, apologizing for not being able to serve them this year.
Yu Jinnian quietly asked Ji Hong, “Why don’t you join them in offering prayers?”
Ji Hong simply smiled. “I don’t believe in gods or Buddha.” He observed Yu Jinnian’s reaction closely but found that the boy was enjoying himself, without a trace of discomfort.
Saying one doesn’t believe in gods and Buddha was simple, but in this era, everyone revered deities. The saying “the gods are three feet above your head” was taken seriously. Claiming not to believe in gods was considered unorthodox, even heretical. Yet Yu Jinnian, who had learned to adapt to local customs, still held onto his rational, atheistic mindset. As such, Ji Hong’s words didn’t bother him at all—in fact, they made him secretly happy.
At least now, he wouldn’t have to tiptoe around sensitive topics anymore!
With the prayers finished, it was time to eat. Yu Jinnian fetched the aged lamb wine, cracked the clay seal, and a rich fragrance filled the air. The top layer of the liquid was pure and white as jade, its aroma sweet. As it was poured into cups, a light woody scent spread. Yu Jinnian, a self-proclaimed lover of alcohol, couldn’t resist taking a sip before the meal began. Min Xuefei, a wine connoisseur, usually appreciated good wine, but being unwell today, he could only watch others enjoy the feast while he ate the special meal prepared for him by Yu Jinnian.
In Yu Jinnian’s view, inviting Min Xuefei was simply to spare him from spending New Year’s Eve alone at the inn. Indulging in rich food and drink was not an option.
Two tables were pushed together, and everyone gathered for the meal, chattering noisily. Even Aunt Xu, who rarely left her room, was brought out to join in the New Year’s festivities. The noodle shop only had low tables and stools, unlike the grand estates of Xiangfu or Guogongfu, so the noble sons were packed together. In Yu Jinnian’s noodle shop, he paid no attention to status—masters and servants alike ate together, sharing the lively atmosphere.
Min Mao made a blunt observation: “This is way more fun than at home. There are so many rules in the mansion, it’s enough to drive you crazy.”
“You’ve been so wild these past few days. It seems like you need a good lesson,” Min Xuefei, already disgruntled by the plain New Year’s meal, couldn’t resist poking fun at his younger brother.
The New Year’s meal wasn’t just about the food; it was the lively atmosphere. In the end, Aunt Xu and Ji Hong found the coins in their dumplings, ensuring that their fortunes would turn for the better in the coming year. After a couple of cups of wine, Min Mao became even more talkative, recounting tales of his travels and the strange and wonderful people he had encountered. His lively storytelling, with embellishments from Shiqing and Huayi, made the evening more entertaining than a play.
Even Min Xuefei couldn’t help but smile.
After several rounds of wine, they played drinking games, dice, and bean gambling. Yu Jinnian had his fair share of wins and losses, but when it came to drinking, he was fearless. Cup after cup lined up, and he drank them all clean, while Min Mao was already getting tipsy. Ah Chun and Sui Sui, sipping on sweet rice wine, also managed to catch a bit of the festive spirit.
As midnight approached, the sound of firecrackers could be heard faintly in the streets. Qing Huan led Ah Chun and Sui Sui outside to set off firecrackers. Firecrackers came in various qualities, with the best ones wrapped in paper tubes and strung together, with sulfur and other gunpowder materials. When lit, they would explode with a rapid succession of pops—these were the precursors to modern fireworks. The cheaper ones used bamboo tubes filled with saltpeter and were tossed into the fire, producing a single loud bang.
For poorer children, there were simpler ways to have fun. Fresh bamboo segments could be thrown into a fire, and after some time, they would burst with a loud crack, though not as exciting as the ones with saltpeter.
But fun is fun, no matter how you do it.
It was Yu Jinnian’s first time playing with such traditional toys. He threw a few small bamboo tubes filled with saltpeter, then immediately ran off, fearing the bamboo would explode and hit his face. Ah Chun, on the other hand, was a seasoned expert, likely due to the many years he had spent playing with Jing Zhong. Not only did he know how to play, but he also had a variety of tricks. The other neighborhood children, who were also setting off firecrackers, gathered around to watch him, and soon Ah Chun was leading a pack of short-legged little kids, running from one end of the street to the other, looking very much like the king of the street.
Yu Jinnian took care of Aunt Xu, who was getting tired, helping her back to rest. Then, he brought out his precious pearl and gold beans, drawing a chessboard for Ji Hong and Min Xuefei to use. Although the setup was simple, it had its own charm. The group, having eaten to their hearts’ content, was about to wrap things up when two unexpected guests arrived at the noodle shop—Jiang Bingren and Shi Xing had also quietly snuck in. Seeing so many people in the shop, they initially thought they had come to the wrong place.
In just the time it took to drink a cup of wine, they had gone from complete strangers to getting along famously. Apart from Jiang Bingren, the others were already old acquaintances, making this gathering feel like a reunion after a decade of separation. It stirred up a lot of emotion, as ten years ago, the lines between master and servant were clearer, and even Shi Xing and Duan Ming were still young and full of life. Now, in the blink of an eye, Ji Hong and Min Ji had come of age, and even the once baby-faced Min Mao had grown into a chatterbox.
With the group staying up to keep vigil through the night growing larger, Yu Jinnian returned to the kitchen, preparing two more dishes and reheating the leftovers. Although the presentation wasn’t perfect, it tasted just the same. Still, he felt a bit guilty serving leftovers to the group of noble sons, all decked out in gold and jewels, who probably had never eaten anything like that in their lives.
As they continued drinking and chatting, Min Mao and Jiang Bingren seemed to hit it off. Both being carefree young masters, they had plenty to talk about when it came to indulging in the pleasures of life. Their conversation grew so outrageous that it almost gave Min Xuefei a stomachache from frustration, while Shi Xing looked on helplessly.
By the time the sky had yet to brighten, Sui Sui and Ah Chun, who had been playing all night, finally couldn’t stay awake any longer. After playing with their sandbags for a while, they both fell asleep. Qing Huan, who had been taking care of them the whole time, covered the two with small blankets and then leaned against the table to rest. With the children asleep, only the older men remained, drinking and playing drinking games in the front hall.
No matter how close the friendship, as the night dragged on and the wine flowed, everyone started to get drunk. Shi Xing was busy dealing with the increasingly rowdy Jiang Bingren, while Min Mao, holding a cup of wine, pushed his brother aside to sit next to Yu Jinnian. The two leaned over the table, speaking in hushed tones, though in reality, their voices were anything but quiet. They might have thought they were sharing secrets, but their loud voices could have broadcasted those secrets to the heavens.
Min Mao confessed that two years ago, he had broken one of his second brother’s prized glass porcelain cups but blamed it on his eldest brother. Min Xuefei, who had already been exasperated with his younger brother all night, was now livid hearing this confession. Yet Min Mao, oblivious to the danger from behind, continued to laugh foolishly and asked Yu Jinnian, “I’ve told you my secret. Now it’s your turn—one secret for another!”
Yu Jinnian tilted his head, trying to think of a secret he could share. But nothing came to mind. After a moment, he hesitated and finally said, “Well… I’m not from this world.”
Min Mao, still half-drunk, smirked, “Liar. Come on, I told you mine. You’re not going to back out, are you?”
Yu Jinnian thought, *But I am telling the truth. What am I supposed to do if you don’t believe me?* Realizing this wasn’t going to work, he wracked his brain for something else and then, with a burst of drunken inspiration, leaned in close, his breath heavy with the scent of alcohol, and whispered, “I… I have someone I want to marry!”
He immediately burst into laughter.
Min Mao perked up, his gossiping nature awakened. “Who is it? Which girl? Is she pretty?”
Both Ji Hong and Min Xuefei, who were playing chess nearby, turned their heads at the commotion.
Yu Jinnian grinned, still drunk, and teased, “Oh, she’s pretty—much prettier than you.” He used this to get a rise out of Min Mao, who, of course, wasn’t willing to let it go and insisted on knowing which girl he was talking about, vowing to see just how beautiful she was. There was no reasoning with a drunk person, and Yu Jinnian, equally drunk, stood up unsteadily from his chair, slurring, “Wait, I’ll… I’ll show you!”
He staggered two steps forward, then suddenly collapsed onto Ji Hong. Before Ji Hong could react, Yu Jinnian had already grabbed his chin and kissed him. Not satisfied with just a peck, when he felt no response, Yu Jinnian deepened the kiss, prying Ji Hong’s lips open with his tongue.
The hall fell deathly silent. The gold bead in Min Xuefei’s hand dropped onto the table with a clatter, while Min Mao sobered up in an instant. The entire room froze, except for Jiang Bingren, who was still making noise. Noticing the sudden quiet behind him, Jiang turned around, pointed at Yu Jinnian, and burst out laughing, “Ha, ha ha! We could do that too.”
Shi Xing immediately covered his face in embarrassment. “No, we can’t.”
Jiang Bingren pouted, “Why not?!”
Shi Xing sighed, “Fine. At home, okay? Let’s do it when we get home.”
The young lord reluctantly nodded, “Alright, at home then…”
Min Xuefei, who had long suspected the nature of the relationship between Ji Hong and Yu Jinnian, was more surprised by the boy’s boldness than anything else. He quickly regained his composure. Min Mao, on the other hand, was completely shocked. The wine cup in his hand slipped, landing on his foot with a thud. He had never imagined that the “person Yu Jinnian wanted to marry” and the one who was supposedly “much prettier” than him was actually the heir of the Guogong family. And what’s more, among the many noble ladies vying to marry into the Guogong family, none had dared to be as bold as this!
Min Mao grabbed Yu Jinnian by the shoulders, trying to pull him away like he was peeling an octopus off a piece of coral. “You can’t do this! This is too much! You’ll lose your head for assaulting a noble!”
Min Xuefei, watching this spectacle, couldn’t help but think that his brother wasn’t just playful—he was downright stupid.
Yu Jinnian, pulling back to catch his breath, leaned against Ji Hong and complained, “He’s so annoying.”
Ji Hong responded, “Ignore him.”
Yu Jinnian, now clinging to Ji Hong, refused to let go. Ji Hong had no choice but to pull up another chair beside him. Yu Jinnian finally settled down but continued to use Ji Hong’s arm as a pillow, occasionally rubbing his forehead against Ji Hong’s shoulder, asking for water or a hug. Min Xuefei remained calm, focusing on his chess game, while Min Mao stood there in a state of panic. “What… what’s going on?”
Jiang Bingren, still chuckling, kicked him playfully. “What’s going on? You’re just a fool… ha ha!”
The night passed in a raucous blur, and by dawn, the small bonfires that had fueled the firecrackers had burned down to piles of ashes, mixed with fragments of red paper and broken bamboo tubes. The air was filled with the faint smell of smoke, and the red lanterns hanging outside each door swayed, burning out their last bits of wax. Inside the noodle shop’s front hall, the scene was a complete mess, with everyone scattered in various states of exhaustion.
Suddenly, a small bump stirred under a large crimson cloak. A hand reached out from beneath the fluffy rabbit fur, pushing aside the cloak. A sleepy head popped out, rubbing its eyes and glancing around in a daze.
Yu Jinnian blinked blearily, his gaze landing on Ji Hong, who, even while slumped over the table asleep, still looked elegant. He turned and saw the chaotic scene around him—bodies sprawled everywhere.
Groaning, Yu Jinnian rubbed his head, which felt like it had been hit with a hammer. As fragmented memories from the previous night came rushing back, his eyes suddenly widened in horror.
*What did I do last night?!*