Meow, meow, meow.
“Meow…”
A plump orange tabby cat swaggered down from the windowsill. It looked soft and fluffy, but it was quite domineering. Its round, paw-like feet, as if balls, swiped across the desk, leaving a few dirty paw prints on the unfinished letter. It sat down and began grooming its face, smoothing out its fur after a night of wild play, and then slowly waddled toward the bed.
The bed curtains swayed slightly, revealing the face of a sleeping young man. He slept soundly, though his posture was far from proper—one rounded shoulder peeked out from his undergarments, and one leg stretched out from under the blanket.
Little Dingdang looked up and, seeing that the other person wasn’t there, wiggled its bottom and leapt onto the young man’s chest with a tiger-like pounce: “Meowww…”
Yu Jinnian frowned at the weight on his chest, thinking in his sleepy daze that someone was waking him up. He groggily turned over, pushing the furry creature off, and muttered softly, “Ah Hong, let me sleep a little longer, just a little longer…”
Little Dingdang let out a dissatisfied howl, jumping back onto him and pressing down hard, then leaned in to sniff his neck.
“Hmm… so heavy!” Yu Jinnian murmured, his lips slightly red and swollen. Unconsciously, he licked the corner of his mouth and, still half asleep, rubbed against the cat, complaining in a soft voice, “Didn’t we play enough last night? I just woke up…”
“…” Little Dingdang gave him a hard stomp, rolled its eyes like a spirit, then turned and jumped off the bed, shaking its fluffy neck fur as it slipped out through a gap in the inner window. Spoiled during its time at the noodle shop, it now strutted around the Zhuhua Pavilion as if it owned the place.
The overnight rain had washed the vines under the veranda into a lush green, and the sunlight was just right. The chubby cat had spent the night wandering outside, flirting with who knows how many fine cats. Now, it was feeling quite pleased with itself, leisurely settling onto a sun-soaked step, where it curled up to sleep, swishing its tail.
“Jia-lang, my sister only mistook a poisonous mushroom for a moment, is it really necessary to lock her up for a whole day and night?” A woman in a pink dress hurriedly chased after a man, her face full of anxiety. “They say one day of marriage equals a hundred days of affection, and you were childhood sweethearts, so you should be even closer. My sister is injured, and now she’s sick. Even if you want her to reflect on her actions, shouldn’t you at least call for a doctor to see her? Jia-lang…”
“Han Xiao.” Lü Yanjia suddenly stopped and turned to glare at her beautiful face, as radiant as a blooming peach.
Han Xiao instinctively lowered her gaze, swallowing hard. After a moment, she steadied herself, bit her lip, and lifted her head to meet Lü Yanjia’s eyes.
Lü Yanjia stared at her for a while, then suddenly relaxed his brow and smiled strangely. “Han Xiao, you’ve been unusually talkative today. Have you been overworked these past few days?”
As he spoke, a servant boy in plain clothes came running up, hunching his back as he reached Lü Yanjia. When he saw Han Xiao’s tear-filled eyes, he hesitated for a moment before averting his gaze and addressing Lü Yanjia in a low voice, whispering something in his ear. Han Xiao only caught a few vague words like “that person” and “busy.”
Lü Yanjia’s face darkened as he cracked his knuckles in frustration, spitting quietly, “That sneaky fox! I came all this way, and he stood me up!”
After cursing whoever it was, his mood took a nosedive, his face turning even more sour. Han Xiao lowered her gaze, not daring to speak. Lü Yanjia glanced back at his newlywed concubine, whose face was as delicate as a rain-drenched pear blossom, and for once, a flicker of pity stirred in his heart. He restrained his temper and turned to leave, casually saying, “Alright, stop fussing. Go back and rest.”
Han Xiao, still unwilling to give up, said, “But…”
Lü Yanjia suddenly turned back and snapped, “Are my words no longer effective?”
Han Xiao: “…”
Lü Yanjia took a few steps before stopping abruptly again. He glanced back at Han Xiao’s submissive demeanor, and without realizing it, saw the shadow of his wife, Qi Wenjun, in her. He had married Qi Wenjun when they were both young, and now it had been seven or eight years. Though she lacked charm, she had never made any major mistakes and was always considerate and virtuous. Thinking of her, a wave of regret washed over Lü Yanjia, and he softened slightly, saying, “I’ll call a doctor when I return.”
Han Xiao finally smiled.
The Lü family, when traced back, originated from the Lü clan in the capital, a prominent aristocratic family. On the surface, they seemed prosperous, but internally they were decaying, torn apart by endless power struggles. By the previous generation, the family had begun to fall apart, and each branch had gone its separate ways, with Lü Yanjia’s branch returning to their ancestral home in the south.
However, the filth and intrigue of the family’s inner workings never truly ceased. Even away from the capital, it was impossible to find peace. Though Lü Yanjia was born of a lesser branch, he was proud and ambitious, unwilling to waste his life in petty domestic squabbles.
He had his own aspirations and talent, but because of his status as a son of a concubine, he was confined to a corner. Naturally, he was dissatisfied. As a young man, he began plotting for his future, and by his early teens, he had become the decision-maker of the household. He had also managed to marry the legitimate daughter of the Qi family. The Qi family was a renowned local clan, their ancestors having served as the former emperor’s tutor during his time as crown prince. Though their fortunes had waned somewhat, they still had connections in the imperial court. For the young, ambitious Lü Yanjia, who came from a lower background, this marriage was the best choice.
Yu Jinnian’s new wife was gentle and virtuous, adept at managing the household. Lü Yanjia couldn’t help but be moved, and after consummating their marriage, he enjoyed a few affectionate years with the Qi family’s daughter. However, after the death of the Qi family patriarch, Qi Wenjun’s eldest brother took over. He turned out to be a passive and weak man who avoided competition and only sought to live peacefully. Not only did he fail to help Lü Yanjia in his political career, but he also gradually severed ties with the court, frequently asking Lü Yanjia for advice on trivial matters.
Though Lü Yanjia and Qi Wenjun had shared hardships as a young couple, such minor affection couldn’t quell his ambition for success. Over time, his frustration with his stalled career turned into impatience with Qi Wenjun. He began to seek other avenues, slowly gravitating toward his aristocratic relatives in the capital, whom he had previously despised. Lü Yanjia was naturally intelligent and tactful, quickly earning the favor of the family patriarch, who secured a lucrative official post for him outside the capital.
What seemed like a fortunate turn of events to others was merely a source of frustration for Lü Yanjia. His ambitions were far greater than being confined to a small bureaucratic post, growing fat and corrupt. Ironically, Lü Yanjia learned by chance that the family patriarch had secretly aligned himself with a powerful eunuch in the inner court, recognizing the childless and rootless man as his foster father.
Lü Yanjia, though not particularly virtuous, prided himself on having some dignity. The mere thought of that painted eunuch made him want to vomit, and he couldn’t bring himself to follow the patriarch in recognizing such a man as a father. Thus, the opportunity that had opened for him within the family came crashing into a dead end.
During that period, Lü Yanjia lived in a fog of discontent, with no outlet for his anger. One drunken night, he slapped Qi Wenjun several times when she tried to dissuade him from drinking. He was so drunk that he didn’t know his own strength, and it wasn’t until the next day that he realized how hard he had hit her. Upon sobering up, he repeatedly apologized and begged for Qi Wenjun’s forgiveness.
Qi Wenjun, with her gentle temperament and the proper demeanor of a noble lady, understood well the idea that a wife must consider her husband as the highest authority. She regarded the beating as merely an unfortunate drunken outburst, and after feeling wronged for a while, she quickly forgave Lü Yanjia when he sincerely coaxed her—after all, even the older women in the courtyard advised her, “A wife must endure if she wants to maintain harmony and happiness.”
Qi Wenjun believed that after this incident, Lü Yanjia would focus more on her. But unexpectedly, that slap seemed to open new opportunities for Lü Yanjia.
The young master Lü was now constantly busy outside, and it wasn’t clear through what channels, but he eventually connected with an influential person of high status. This person admired him greatly, and after years of being stifled, Lü Yanjia’s fortunes changed. He rose quickly, going from a minor official in a small office to overseeing the Eastern Trading Market, responsible for managing trade between the eastern tribes and the Xia dynasty. It was no exaggeration to say that “luck was on his side.”
Perhaps power and wealth had clouded his judgment. After his rise to prominence, Lü Yanjia’s temper grew increasingly volatile, and he became prone to sudden bouts of anger and abuse, his moods unpredictable. Occasionally, when in a good mood, he would use his inspections as an excuse to travel south for leisure, giving Qi Wenjun a brief respite. It was during one of these trips, passing through Xinan County, that Lü Yanjia encountered Han Xiao on a painted boat.
At that time, he was in his prime, and his relationship with Qi Wenjun was no longer as deep as in their youth. Without children to bind them, their marital bond had grown paper-thin. When Lü Yanjia met Han Xiao, a singer with a completely different demeanor from Qi Wenjun, it was as though a string in his heart had been plucked, and he couldn’t shake the feeling.
If Qi Wenjun was a noble lotus, then Han Xiao was a vibrant poppy swaying in the wind. Lü Yanjia had spent years accustomed to the purity and grace of Qi Wenjun, and now, encountering the alluring charm of Han Xiao, it felt as though a splash of vivid red had appeared on a clear blue lake, stirring his emotions.
There was nothing unusual about this—many great men in history had wives and concubines by their side. Though Lü Yanjia was ambitious, he was not immune to such temptations.
Thus began the famous romantic tale of the “Seven Strings of Love.”
But as with all things, over time, no matter how beautiful a flower, it eventually becomes tiresome to look at.
Lü Yanjia withdrew his gaze and looked down at the cat snoring on the step. He frowned, and his servant immediately understood. The servant stepped forward and kicked the cat, cursing, “Where did this beast come from, blocking the master’s path!”
Little Dingdang, sleeping soundly, was kicked in the belly and tumbled down the stone steps with a yelp. But this cat wasn’t one to be trifled with. Before being bribed by Yu Jinnian with fish and treats, it had been a notorious bully in Xinan. Furious at being kicked, it fluffed up, its tail standing straight, and hissed menacingly at Lü Yanjia and his servant.
“Hey, you beast!” The servant lunged to grab it, but Little Dingdang darted between his legs with a swift leap. After a brief scuffle, the cat suddenly charged at Lü Yanjia, sinking its teeth into his leg while its sharp claws hooked into his trousers like barbs.
Lü Yanjia’s composed and arrogant expression finally broke under the cat’s attack. He growled in anger, “What are you standing there for?”
But Little Dingdang wasn’t about to sit still and be captured. It darted around, dodging the servants chasing it, causing chaos in the courtyard. In the commotion, the cat knocked over a birdcage, and the startled mynah bird inside began squawking, “Scoundrel! Scoundrel! Worthless thing! Worthless thing!”
Lü Yanjia’s face turned green with rage, and the whole courtyard descended into chaos.
At that moment, it was time for tea in the front hall. After a day of rain and spring outings, the scholars had composed numerous fine poems, and they were now gathered to compare their verses. Su Ting, though a scholar himself, couldn’t resist joining in the excitement, contributing a few lines without much embarrassment. In contrast, Min Mao, dressed like a dandy, struggled for half the day without producing a single decent verse, leading the others to dismiss him as merely a pretentious nobleman.
Meanwhile, no one was left in the bedroom. Only one lazy soul remained fast asleep in bed.
The door creaked open and then quietly shut again. Someone entered, carrying a tray of food. After glancing at the bed, they walked to the desk, intending to set the tray down, but noticed the papers that had been ruined by cat paw prints. The letters, originally meant for correspondence with the capital, were now covered in little plum blossom prints.
Ji Hong silently shook his head. But what could he do? The cat was used to behaving arrogantly under its owner’s protection. Ji Hong could only stack the letters neatly and place the food tray on top.
“Jinnian, Jinnian.”
Yu Jinnian lay on his side, hugging a pillow and clamping the blanket between his legs, sleeping in an unruly manner. Even after Ji Hong called his name, he merely turned over, sprawled out on the bed, half of his mouth open, with a faint blush on his pale, doughy face.
Ji Hong sat by the bedside, seeing that Yu Jinnian showed no signs of waking. He didn’t rush to rouse him, instead quietly lowering his gaze and observing him for a while. The weather had warmed slightly, and a fine sheen of sweat appeared on the young man’s forehead. Ji Hong gently wiped it away, his hand sliding down to the rosy lips. He paused, carefully brushing away a strand of hair stuck to the corner of Yu Jinnian’s mouth.
Last night had indeed been a bit excessive. After an exhausting trek outside during the day, Yu Jinnian had looked utterly fatigued. Despite that, he dutifully accompanied Ah Chun and Sui Sui on a shopping trip, then returned to prepare medicinal tea and small dishes. Once back in the room, he had been kept up until the middle of the night. How could he not be tired? It was no wonder he couldn’t wake up.
Ji Hong glanced at Yu Jinnian’s hand, which lay open beside him. He intended only to tuck it back under the blanket, but as soon as he touched his fingers, they curled up like the tendrils of a sensitive plant, wrapping around a few of Ji Hong’s fingers.
Ji Hong froze for a moment, lifting his gaze to see that the young man was still asleep.
He let out a soft, amused sound, a mixture of a laugh and a sigh, though his eyes betrayed emotions far deeper and more turbulent than his calm exterior. They were darker and more intense. He leaned down, so close that there was no space between them for even a breath, and only the faint heat of their breaths mingled in the air. A smile flickered in Ji Hong’s eyes as he lowered his head, sealing Yu Jinnian’s lips with his own.
One could only blame Yu Jinnian for sleeping with his lips slightly parted, leaving him defenseless and giving Ji Hong the perfect opportunity to invade. Ji Hong hadn’t intended to do more than a light kiss, but he couldn’t resist the temptation and deepened the kiss, prying open Yu Jinnian’s lips to tease and tempt the little thing hiding within.
Yu Jinnian finally reacted. In the middle of a serene dream, a sudden wave of heat overwhelmed him, suffocating him until he couldn’t breathe. He woke with a start, only to be frightened by the sight of a face so close to his own. In his panic, he bit down on the intruding tongue in his mouth.
Ji Hong winced slightly, tasting a bit of blood. He slid his hand behind Yu Jinnian’s neck, pulling him closer, and continued to kiss him with fervor for a while longer before finally pulling back just an inch or two. He hovered over Yu Jinnian, staring at him.
Yu Jinnian, shaken awake by the kiss, had gone from startled and confused to slowly surrendering to Ji Hong’s advances. His face now flushed with a soft pink, he stared dazedly at Ji Hong, still not fully awake.
“Are you awake now?” Ji Hong chuckled at his dumbfounded expression, wiping away a trace of silver from the corner of Yu Jinnian’s mouth. He then nuzzled their noses together and whispered, “If you sleep too much, you won’t be able to sleep tonight.”
Yu Jinnian suddenly found himself unable to form words. He blinked, watching Ji Hong get out of bed, and then, like a little tail, he sluggishly followed, slipping on his shoes and trailing behind him.
He took the wet cloth handed to him and wiped his sleepy face clean. It was only then that the thought of being hungry surfaced in his mind. Just as he looked up, a bowl of fragrant rice porridge, a few pieces of pastries, a plate of refreshing pickles, and a boiled egg were placed before him.
The pastries were small flower buns, their white, fluffy dough filled with soft, sweet red bean paste. After being wrapped, the buns were pinched with tongs to form delicate folds around the edges, with a goji berry nestled in the center of each flower before being steamed.
The freshly steamed flower buns were soft and sweet, delicate and intricate, as though they would crumble with the slightest touch.
Though there was nothing particularly novel about the contents of the buns, their appearance alone was enough to captivate anyone. In his dazed state, Yu Jinnian sat down to eat, absentmindedly holding one of the little buns in his hand.
When he turned his head, he noticed that his fingers were slightly red, as if he had burned himself.
“Shi Xing learned this from young master Jiang. I couldn’t master it fully, so I only helped out with the process,” Ji Hong explained casually, then moved on to peel an egg for Yu Jinnian. “Rest for another day. Tomorrow, we continue on our journey.”
“Mm,” Yu Jinnian mumbled. As soon as he opened his mouth, a piece of the egg was placed in it. The mischievous finger lingered at his lower lip for a moment too long before Ji Hong finally withdrew it. When Yu Jinnian saw that Ji Hong was about to repeat his teasing act, he clamped his mouth shut and mumbled through the egg white in protest, “I have hands and feet, I can do it myself…”
Ji Hong suppressed the indulgent affection in his eyes, reluctantly setting the egg aside. But he didn’t leave. He sat nearby, watching over Yu Jinnian as if supervising him.
“Yesterday… was it tiring?”
Yu Jinnian almost choked on his egg yolk. His face flushed as he avoided Ji Hong’s probing gaze, not wanting to answer that question at all.
Whether Ji Hong was truly oblivious or just deliberately teasing, he continued, looking perfectly innocent as he said, “You’ve just recovered from an illness, and I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard. Next time… I’ll go slower, so it’ll be easier for you.” His eyes lowered slightly, as if in disappointment. “If you really don’t want to, just tell me. I…”
Panicked, Yu Jinnian grabbed a flower bun from the plate and stuffed it into Ji Hong’s mouth. “I want to, I want to! Just stop talking!”
Ji Hong removed the bun from his mouth, a quiet smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Yu Jinnian ate his breakfast with a burning sensation in his stomach. Ji Hong’s words seemed to stir up the lingering sensations of last night’s intimacy, as if a swarm of tadpoles were thrashing around in his belly. By the end of the meal, he couldn’t even recall the exact flavors of the pastries or the side dishes—only that the rice porridge had the same sticky quality as Ji Hong’s gaze, the faint saltiness on Ji Hong’s fingers, and his whisper: “I’ll go slower.”
He licked the corner of his lips, remembering how he once teased Ji Hong about being incapable… Sigh, karma never fails.
After breakfast, he wasn’t sure what to do. Though Ji Hong’s teasing had left him a bit embarrassed, he still felt an uncontrollable desire to be close to him. He leaned on the desk, watching Ji Hong write letters. Ji Hong made no effort to hide the contents of his writing, but Yu Jinnian wasn’t interested in reading it. He preferred to admire his nobleman instead.
Today, Ji Hong wore a dark green silk robe, paired with ivory-colored pants, and donned a purple-gold headpiece. He still wore the jade hairpin that Yu Jinnian had given him, which contrasted with his usual refined elegance, adding a touch of authority and grandeur. As Ji Hong raised his sleeve and penned his letter, he tilted his head slightly to glance at Yu Jinnian, his eyes lowering just enough to reveal the hidden warmth beneath his regal attire. That one look melted away any ice in Yu Jinnian’s heart, dragging him back into the whirlpool of emotions.
A moment of tenderness turned into deep affection.
It wasn’t until nearly noon that Yu Jinnian suddenly snapped out of his daze and jumped up, shouting.
Ji Hong, noticing his frantic movements as he changed clothes and put on shoes, watched as Yu Jinnian sighed dramatically three or four times, then ran over and pinched Ji Hong’s cheek. “Beauty is a nation’s downfall! Truly, beauty is the downfall of nations!”
Ji Hong’s face twisted into an odd smile under Yu Jinnian’s grasp. “What’s the matter?”
While adjusting his belt, Yu Jinnian replied, “I need to get some medicine for Sui Sui today, and grind some into powder so we can take it with us on the road… I almost forgot.” Just as he said, “I’ll be quick,” there was a loud knock at the door.
“Young Master! Young Master!” Duan Ming called from the other side of the door. “Are you awake?”
Ji Hong asked on his behalf, “What’s the rush?”
Duan Ming responded anxiously, “The young master’s… cat has been caught. They’re about to beat it to death in the back courtyard!”
Yu Jinnian, who had been searching for his knife, froze upon hearing that Little Dingdang was in danger. Without even bothering to finish dressing properly, he bolted out of the room, shouting, “What?!” The knife was forgotten as he hastily tied his belt and ran toward the back courtyard.
Duan Ming followed, calling out, “Young Master!” but his shouts went unheeded.
When they arrived in the back courtyard, they found two servants laughing as they dangled Little Dingdang by a thin rope. Whenever the cat tried to turn and fight back, they would lash its back with a bamboo rod, laughing harder at its cries of pain. After they tired of playing, they lifted the cat higher, preparing to toss it into a pot of boiling water.
“Stop!” Yu Jinnian leaped forward, ignoring the scalding water, and just as Little Dingdang’s tail was about to touch the water, he kicked the pot aside. As the servants stood stunned, he grabbed the cat from them and held it tightly in his arms.
Little Dingdang, terrified, trembled uncontrollably in Yu Jinnian’s embrace.
Hot water splashed everywhere, burning the two servants and also splashing Yu Jinnian. The water spilled onto his feet, and though he was thinly dressed, he had never cared much about luxury, even after gaining the protection of someone like Ji Hong. He still wore the plain cloth shoes Aunt Xu had made for him. The thin shoes quickly soaked through, the heat seeping in and burning his feet, causing him to pull back instinctively.
The two servants, nursing their scalded hands and faces, cursed, “Who do you think you are, meddling in our business? Hand over that beast!” They lunged to grab the cat.
Little Dingdang couldn’t speak human language, but at that moment, it clung to Yu Jinnian’s shoulder, mewling pitifully like a child crying. Though it was a stray, Yu Jinnian had initially kept it around just for amusement. However, after spending so much time at the noodle shop, the cat had become like family, always causing trouble but growing close to everyone there.
Yu Jinnian had long been told that he was “lacking in family bonds,” a criticism that hurt him deeply. He refused to accept it, especially after what had happened with Aunt Xu. He had become even more stubborn about protecting those close to him. Everyone in the noodle shop, even a non-talking cat, was part of his family in his eyes.
And now, some strangers had dared to harm his cat. Gritting his teeth, Yu Jinnian protectively cradled Little Dingdang and kicked each servant in the chest.
It wasn’t that Yu Jinnian was particularly strong, but the servants hadn’t expected this slender young man to actually fight back, so they were caught off guard. Both fell back, landing flat on their backs in the puddle of water.
One of them groaned, “This beast bit our master! It deserves to die!”
Yu Jinnian stepped back and carefully examined Little Dingdang. He saw that the fur on the cat’s neck had been torn out in patches, revealing tender, pink skin underneath, with small dots of blood oozing from some spots. Furious, Yu Jinnian retorted, “Even animals have spirits. If you hadn’t hurt it first, why would it bite you? I haven’t even punished you for harming my cat, and you have the nerve to accuse it!”
Yu Jinnian’s words were not entirely wrong. The servant had indeed kicked the cat first, and now that fact caused a flicker of guilt to cross his face. But emboldened by his master’s backing, he straightened up and became bolder, no longer caring about right or wrong. He spat, “It’s just a beast! If my master wants to kill it, he’ll kill it! Who are you to meddle?”
The servant, now standing up, scrutinized Yu Jinnian more closely and recalled having seen him in the kitchen before. He naturally assumed Yu Jinnian was just a lowly servant or cook and therefore felt no need to be afraid of him. With a sneer, he mocked, “Look at you, soft and delicate. What are you doing keeping such a cursed thing? You’re just a lowly cook, and yet you dare interfere in my master’s business!” He reached out to grab Yu Jinnian, scolding, “Hand over that cursed creature, or I’ll kill you along with it!”
As soon as the servant’s hand touched Yu Jinnian’s sleeve, a whip cracked through the air with a sharp “snap,” striking the servant’s arm. The blow cut a blood-red line from his wrist to his forearm, despite the fabric of his sleeve. Yelping in pain, the servant looked down, expecting to see a whip, but it was only the very same rope they had been using to torment the cat.
Before he could curse, the one holding the “whip” stepped forward, followed closely by a figure as pale as jade. Dressed in a dark blue robe, the person appeared even more ghostly, with an icy expression that made him look like a messenger from the underworld. He walked down the steps calmly and gently moved Yu Jinnian aside, shielding him behind his back.
The other servant, though a little nervous at the sight, still clung to some hope of getting away with it. “Who do you think—”
His words were cut short as another crack of the rope-whip slashed across his waist, breaking apart the patched belt that held up his pants. His trousers fell loose, and his face flushed as he bent down to retrieve them. What was just a simple rope in Duan Ming’s hands seemed sharper than a blade. Disdainfully, Duan Ming tossed the broken rope aside and coldly sneered, “Just a couple of useless thugs. If my master wants to kill you, do you think anyone would stop him?”
He had thrown their own words back at them, leaving the two servants speechless.
Duan Ming flexed his wrist and turned to ask Ji Hong, “What now?”
Ji Hong glanced down at Yu Jinnian’s foot, then at the trembling cat in his arms, and coldly said, “The cat will be treated the same way they treated it.”
Just as they were about to leave, they ran into Lü Yanjia, who had just returned after having his wound bandaged. His face was dark and filled with malice, clearly angered by the humiliation his servants had suffered. As he spotted the two groaning servants being toyed with by Duan Ming, his expression twisted further. His gaze fell on the unfamiliar Ji Hong and the boy protected behind him. Lü Yanjia forced a smile, his voice seething with anger, “Who are you, sir? Surely you know, even if one strikes a dog, one must first look at its master?”
Ji Hong was slightly taller than Lü Yanjia, and he neither looked down nor bothered with any bravado. He simply lowered his eyes, his tone calm and indifferent as he said, “Dogs resemble their masters. Get out of my way.”
Even though “get out” was meant to be commanding, Ji Hong’s delivery was so flat and dismissive that it felt as though wasting words on Lü Yanjia would only dirty his tongue.
Lü Yanjia: “…”
Yu Jinnian, who had been fuming just moments before, nearly burst out laughing when he saw Lü Yanjia’s face flush red and then pale in anger. He almost forgot how icy Ji Hong could be, how ruthlessly he had dealt with Min Mao when they were children, and how merciless his words could be. Ji Hong’s arrogance was so intense that even someone as high-ranking as Lü Yanjia, praised by everyone, was nothing more than a “little man” in his eyes.
Lü Yanjia, thoroughly infuriated, felt the pain in his wound flare up again as if the cat had bitten him anew. Just as he was about to lose his temper, a maid suddenly came rushing down the stairs in a panic, her face pale as she stammered, “Master! Master! The lady… the lady—”
Lü Yanjia frowned, “What’s wrong with the lady?”
The maid swallowed nervously, trembling as she reported, “The lady has fainted!”
“What?” Lü Yanjia’s expression grew even more impatient. “She was perfectly fine just a while ago. What kind of trick is she playing now?”
Not long after, seeing that the maid he had sent to check on things hadn’t returned, Han Xiao also came running down in a panic. Ignoring the fact that Yu Jinnian and the others were still present, she threw herself to the ground, sobbing, “Jia-lang, Sister is seriously ill. She was already feeling unwell this morning, and now she’s fainted. You can’t even hear her breathing… Please, for the sake of the love you once shared with Sister Wenjun, go check on her!”
Lü Yanjia might not have been a good husband, but he cared deeply about his reputation. This trip had been presented as a leisurely spring outing with his wife and concubine, so even if he had ulterior motives, he had to maintain an appearance of love and harmony. Upon hearing that Qi Wenjun had truly fainted, Lü Yanjia, worried about his image, suppressed his anger. His face softened into a look of concern, balancing perfectly between calm and worry.
He bent down to help Han Xiao to her feet. “I’ll go fetch a doctor immediately,” he said, then turned to ask one of his attendants, “Where’s the doctor who was treating me earlier?”
The attendant hesitated before quietly replying, “He left…”
Lü Yanjia snapped, “Then go get him back!”
“About that…” The attendant looked troubled, glancing up at Lü Yanjia with hesitant eyes, wildly gesturing in hopes that he would understand.
Earlier, when Lü Yanjia had been bitten by the cat, the doctor they had hastily called was an elderly man. The doctor had only said a few ordinary things about wild cats being unruly and untrustworthy, but something in his words had apparently offended Lü Yanjia. Out of nowhere, Lü Yanjia had flown into a rage and kicked the old man in the chest.
Luckily, the old doctor was robust and survived the kick. Still, once he caught his breath, he was furious and stormed out, declaring that his skills were inadequate and they should find someone more capable.
The problem lay in the fact that Taoxi Town was no more than a small settlement, home to only a hundred or so families, most of whom were outsiders who had come to set up businesses. The town had only one pharmacy, a century-old establishment where the apothecary, the assistants, and even the errand boys all came from the same bloodline, deeply intertwined within the family. Offending just one of them essentially meant offending the entire family.
To request their help again, even if they did not shut the door in their faces, would already be a great favor. How could they hope to actually get the doctor to return?
Lü Yanjia seemed to realize this, and a pained expression crossed his face.
Han Xiao, noticing his hesitation, knew there was more to the situation, though she wasn’t aware of the specifics. However, Qi Wenjun’s condition could not be delayed any longer. Ever since the incident where she had been beaten by Lü Yanjia over some trivial matter, her health had been deteriorating. Several doctors had been called to attend to her, but they only diagnosed her with blood stagnation. Yet, under Lü Yanjia’s oppressive control, none dared to stay long, hastily prescribing some medication before leaving.
This trip had been forced upon her by Lü Yanjia, dragging her along despite her illness. Two days ago, she had been scolded severely over the poisonous mushrooms, and her already frail body finally collapsed. She hadn’t eaten or drunk anything in days, suffering in constant pain, and had visibly withered away.
Though Han Xiao was from a more humble background and was usually meek, she had become particularly close to Qi Wenjun, treating her like a dear sister since joining Lü’s household. Now that Qi Wenjun was gravely ill, and seeing Lü Yanjia’s tepid response, how could she afford to remain passive?
Just as Lü Yanjia was still mulling things over, Han Xiao suddenly pulled her delicate hands away from his grasp and ran toward Yu Jinnian, shouting, “Young master, wait!”
Yu Jinnian paused, turning back to her with a look of mild curiosity.
Without time for formalities, Han Xiao spoke directly, “I heard on Taoxi Mountain that you, young master, are a physician and know some medicine. My sister is gravely ill and in desperate need of treatment. Could I ask you to help her, please?”
Lü Yanjia was shocked that Han Xiao would turn to the boy. “Han Xiao!” he growled in anger.
But Han Xiao ignored her master’s fury and continued, “To me, my sister is more than family. If something happens to her, I fear I won’t be able to continue living. I don’t say this to threaten you, young master, but you have a kind heart, as shown by how you protected your cat. Surely you can understand how I feel.”
Yu Jinnian gently stroked the cat’s back, remaining silent, clearly still upset with Lü Yanjia.
Seeing his reaction, Han Xiao prepared to kneel in front of him.
Before her knees could touch the ground, Ji Hong subtly shifted behind Yu Jinnian, pulling him slightly aside so they both stepped out of her path, seemingly indifferent to her plea. Yu Jinnian’s loose hair hung down to his waist, and he still carried the cat in his arms. Standing beside the darkly dressed Ji Hong, there was an odd, yet striking allure about him. His normally youthful, clean face took on an unexpectedly cold and distant look.
Even his words were as cold as ice, “Wouldn’t it be better if she died? As long as she’s alive, you’ll remain a concubine. If she dies, you’ll have a chance to rise to the position of the legitimate wife. A perfect opportunity for a change of status… Silly girl, why would you ask me to save her?” He glanced at Lü Yanjia and added with a smile, “I don’t think your master has any intention of saving his wife either. Honestly, I’d advise you to just wait for her to pass away, and then—”
Han Xiao was terrified, having never even considered such thoughts.
Lü Yanjia, furious beyond words, cut him off, shouting, “Stop spreading your vile nonsense! I love and care for Wenjun deeply! Where do you get the idea that I wouldn’t save her?”
Yu Jinnian smirked and asked, “How am I spreading vile nonsense? Or is it that you’re afraid people will accuse you of favoring your concubine and abandoning your wife?” Seeing Lü Yanjia struggle to respond, Yu Jinnian pressed further, “If you’re not neglecting your wife, Master Lü, and given your own claim that you and your wife share a deep bond, why is it that a mere concubine is begging on her behalf, instead of you?”
Lü Yanjia froze, suddenly realizing he had fallen into a trap set by the young man.
But by the time he noticed, it was too late—he was already caught in the mire, unable to escape. His frustration turned to hatred, and he could barely suppress the urge to tear the boy to pieces with his gaze, imagining him as a dish of savory meat. But what could he do? He had only himself to blame for offending the apothecary earlier. Now, he was being humiliated by this pale-faced youth.
Swallowing his anger, Lü Yanjia ordered his attendant to go to the main hall and inquire if any physicians were present, offering a generous reward.
After a short while, the attendant returned, his face drenched in cold sweat. He whispered a few words into Lü Yanjia’s ear.
Meanwhile, the cat on Yu Jinnian’s shoulder meowed softly, rubbing affectionately against his neck. Yu Jinnian smiled gently and reassured it, “Don’t worry, little one. We’ll go back and take care of you soon.”
Just as they were about to leave, they heard a voice from behind, thick with humiliation and defeat, “Please wait, young master. Lü… Lü humbly begs you to treat my wife’s illness.”
Yu Jinnian stood with his back to Lü Yanjia, a smirk playing on his lips. He murmured to the cat, “Look, Little Dingdang, some people just won’t cry until they see the coffin. Now, what do you think? Should I agree to help him… or not?”
Of course, the cat couldn’t speak, but Lü Yanjia, half-bowing in shame, understood the boy’s taunt for what it was—a deliberate insult.
Little Dingdang extended its cool tongue and licked Yu Jinnian’s ear with a soft “meow.”
Ji Hong, standing to the side, could only lower his eyes, indulging in the young man’s mischievous whims.
With a playful smile, Yu Jinnian nodded and said, “Alright then, we’ll go take a look, as per your suggestion.”