With a wave of his hand, he sent away cars and houses.
Today, the weather was not cold. Time passed quickly from Jiangnan to Xijing, and it was almost late spring as the blooming flowers in front of Zhaoyang Palace burst forth in clusters of deep and light red and white, glistening with freshly tended dew. Concubine Ji loved these flowers, so they were cultivated year-round in Zhaoyang Palace, and cared for as if they were more precious than people. Ji Hong, draped in a spring cloak, brushed past one flower with his finger, and laughter came from behind: “Green clouds and white satin, scarlet fans and Tang red, pick whichever you like, and let Bai Lin cut it for you to take back.”
Although not so young anymore, Concubine Ji had not let the years in the palace take away her youth; she still looked beautiful, having shed the cuteness of her early days in the palace, now tempered by palace rules into a dignified and virtuous demeanor. When she met other palace concubines, she could still present an air of high status. Now, seeing her family, she revealed her affectionate nature.
Ji Hong turned around, first calling out “Your Highness,” then changed to “Sister.”
Although the emperor granted palace tokens, Ji Hong rarely entered the palace. He received news through eunuchs and palace maids. One reason was that he disliked the palace atmosphere, and the other was that he didn’t want to get involved in such matters. However, he had to make a trip today for a certain person. Concubine Ji was surprised to see him come voluntarily, but it was also within reason. She hurriedly instructed her close maid Bai Lin to prepare tea and meals, serving up some snacks, and only after they settled down did they start conversing.
Concubine Ji had already heard some rumors and could roughly guess the reason for Ji Hong’s visit today.
In just a few words, she understood that Ji Hong had come to inform her about someone in his household—a person who was good or bad, just that one. Though that person was currently only “someone in the household,” it was impossible for them to remain just that in the future. His previous lack of ambition did not mean he would not have it in the future. Furthermore, if his matters succeeded, she would be promoted to empress, and he could achieve his desires, resulting in mutual satisfaction.
So Ji Hong was letting her know this information in advance; whatever he did outside would not hinder the palace but would instead help it, so he only hoped that the palace wouldn’t ally with outsiders to obstruct him.
Since he was there, he could not leave too hastily. After discussing important matters, they had to chat about family matters and inquire about each other’s well-being, like what supplements he had taken lately… Thus, by the time they finished, it was already noon. Concubine Ji still wanted him to stay for lunch, but Ji Hong gently declined. She didn’t insist and instead gifted him two boxes of high-quality gold thread bird’s nest for him to take back, saying it was for his nourishment. In truth, it was a roundabout way to send a greeting to that “someone in the household.”
At that moment, the concubine was still unaware that his “someone in the household” was actually a youth; otherwise, she wouldn’t have sent a nourishing delicacy that only girls loved to eat.
Ji Hong did not mention it, only thanking her on behalf of Yu Jinnian, just as he had arrived in the morning, he now left under the scorching midday sun.
Bai Lin sent him out of Zhaoyang Palace and returned, noticing her mistress seemed deep in thought. She couldn’t help but mumble, “Your Highness must be looking forward to the family member coming to the palace for a visit. Today, the heir finally came, but it was for an outsider. And he said something like… ‘I don’t ask for your help, but please don’t hinder me,’ is that right, Your Highness? What does the young lord intend to do?”
Concubine Ji sighed, “It’s our Ji family that owes him. Whatever he likes now, I won’t interfere.”
Bai Lin didn’t understand, saying, “What do you mean owe him? Aren’t we all family? When one flourishes, we all flourish; when one suffers, we all suffer.”
Concubine Ji smiled, saying no more.
This was the first time she saw Ji Hong so serious and determined.
Since Ji Yan’s incident, Ji Hong has been neither competitive nor greedy, which sometimes makes her anxious. However, given the difference in their positions, being half-siblings, she felt unable to help much. Now that Ji Hong had his own plans, she felt a weight lift from her heart.
—
Hurrying back to the residence, Ji Hong still missed lunch. Just as he stepped into Kanghe Courtyard, he removed his spring cloak and tossed it to a servant, inquiring about Yu Jinnian’s condition today, what time he had gotten up, what he had eaten, what he had done, and how his eyes were. A series of questions left the servant bewildered. Duan Ming quickly followed up with detailed answers, mentioning that Qing Huan had sewn him a black gauze hat to shield his eyes. He had strolled around the courtyard that morning, playing with the birds in the trees. Now he was tired and hadn’t eaten lunch, so he went to take a nap.
He also mentioned that Young Master Min had come by but had been turned away at the gate because the master had instructed him not to let anyone in. He had been kept waiting outside Kanghe Courtyard for a good half hour before he got angry and left, not having waited for Ji Hong’s return.
Ji Hong directly ignored the matter regarding Min Xuefei, only frowning at Yu Jinnian’s current state: “Sleeping all day and night turned upside down, why are you going to take a nap again?” He took a few steps into the bedroom and saw the youth lying on the Luohan couch with his belly exposed, a gauze hat covering his face, and one hand dangling off the edge of the couch. Ji Hong quietly walked over, sat beside him, lifted the gauze hat, and pinched his cheek.
Yu Jinnian mumbled something, turned over, and opened his eyes to look at him: “Um, A Hong… where did you go?”
“I went to the palace for a bit; it was nothing serious. I heard from Duan Ming that you haven’t eaten yet?” Ji Hong lowered his head and kissed his lips, determined to cure his night owl habits. Yu Jinnian was very reluctant, leaning from his shoulder to his knee, twisting uncomfortably as if he had lost all his bones, refusing to cooperate. Exhausted, he rambled about having a headache, eye pain, and back pain—anywhere but a place that didn’t hurt.
Ji Hong was annoyed but could do nothing about him; he couldn’t let him continue sleeping either. Otherwise, if it became a habit, it would be even harder to correct. He exerted considerable effort to set the youth up properly, noticing he was about to slump over again, so he gently pushed him back up, coaxing and persuading, “Jinnian, how about you eat something with me? After eating, I’ll take you out for a stroll; there are many fun places in Xijing. Will you drink? I have a fine bottle of drunken spring from second brother.”
“……”
Well, he was indeed a drunkard. As soon as he heard about the drunken spring, he immediately perked up, eagerly looking at Ji Hong and asking when they could go.
Ji Hong shook his head with a smile, unable to resist giving him a quick kiss, then deliberately put on a serious face and told him to eat first. He then ordered Duan Ming to bring over three or four light dishes directly to the Luohan couch. After a moment’s thought, since cooking from scratch would take some time, he also instructed them to stew the gold thread bird’s nest they had received from the palace, using osmanthus honey as a sweet glaze.
By the time the dishes were served, Ji Hong had already allowed Yu Jinnian to rest for a while. However, Yu Jinnian was still lethargically leaning to the side, numbly chewing on the food Ji Hong had put into his mouth, his eyes half-closed, nearly dropping his face into the dish several times. Ji Hong teased him, making it difficult for him to get a few bites down, and patiently coaxed him to eat half a bowl of bird’s nest.
Yu Jinnian was in any case just waiting to be fed. After a meal, he probably didn’t even know what he had eaten. Though drowsy, he still had some thoughts; even with his eyes closed, he was concerned about that one pot of drunken spring.
The Luohan couch was covered with a thick soft blanket. Ji Hong had the remnants of the meal cleared away and instructed someone to fetch a few outfits. He closed the door and proceeded to undress Yu Jinnian piece by piece. Drowsy and confused, Yu Jinnian didn’t even realize he should be shy. Taking advantage of the changing, Ji Hong indulged in some lewd actions. Yu Jinnian blew out a breath and, after a short while, jolted awake, not knowing how to feel ashamed.
This finally made him more alert, his eyes misty and red as he glared at Ji Hong.
Ji Hong wiped his hand right in front of him and asked, “Are you awake now?” This left Yu Jinnian so embarrassed that his tongue became tangled. After that, the little one finally became obedient. Ji Hong personally helped him into new clothes and tied the curved knife around his waist. With that attire, he looked like a young master from a wealthy family. After some thought, still feeling uneasy, Ji Hong took off his rose-patterned white jade belt and tied it to the youth’s waist.
While people might not recognize Yu Jinnian’s face, they would certainly recognize the Ji family crest around his waist, and no one would dare act too recklessly.
Once everything was ready, he placed a gauze hat on him, called in Qing Huan to take along things he might need, and then they prepared to set out.
On the way through the streets, Yu Jinnian began to regain some energy, leaning against the window frame to look outside. However, with the layer of black gauze blocking his view and his poor eyesight, he couldn’t see much. Nevertheless, he could sense the vibrant scenery of the capital from all directions. This was completely different from his experience in Xinan County; the small southern town was always damp and felt soft, easily invoking a sense of laziness.
After watching the sights for a while, Yu Jinnian leaned over to Ji Hong’s side to look. The shops and vendors on both sides, the colorful silks and red satins above, captivated his gaze.
Ji Hong pulled him back a little, worried that the uneven ground ahead might cause him to fall out.
As they turned a corner, Duan Ming suddenly stopped the carriage. Yu Jinnian was puzzled that they had stopped not at a restaurant selling drunken spring, but at a struggling inn on the brink of closure. Before he could ask, Duan Ming lifted the curtain and handed in a thick booklet. Ji Hong took a look and casually handed it to Yu Jinnian, saying, “Let’s start with this one. You can look through it and tell me which one you like.”
Yu Jinnian looked at him in confusion, unsure of his intention. He opened the booklet and leaned over, squinting his still-recovering eyes, trying hard to see. Only then did he realize what he was holding, and his eyes widened in disbelief. He felt as if he was being… unreasonably supported by someone. This was just the first proper date, and they were already providing cars and houses so generously.
Seeing Yu Jinnian standing still, Ji Hong assumed his eyesight was poor and that it was a bit much to ask him to read it himself. He took the booklet back and began reading the pages aloud for him. After a few pages, he simply closed it and tossed it aside, instructing Duan Ming to drive them to inspect the establishments in person. When they arrived, he would give some comments before taking Yu Jinnian inside to look around, evaluating the location, the owner, and the character of the account manager. He had a good sense of all these establishments, and none were wrong.
He also had his own selfish motives; planning to move to Jinyouting in a few days, he only brought Yu Jinnian to see the shops near Jinyouting, not venturing farther. Even so, they only managed to visit less than half of the shops listed in the booklet by the end of the afternoon. Ji Hong introduced many things, but Yu Jinnian had already forgotten them, his mind only filled with thoughts about “how vast Xijing truly was” and “how wealthy Ji Hong truly was.”
Seeing the youth truly exhausted, Ji Hong finally took him to a small tavern known for selling drunken spring.
Yu Jinnian had always thought that such a famous liquor would be found in a large, well-decorated tavern, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be just a modest, elegantly decorated small tavern named “One He Tavern,” meaning that within the tavern, regardless of the quality of the wine, they only served one he (a measurement). If one wanted to drink more, it depended on whether the owner took a liking to them—if the owner liked them, they might even get a jar for free; if not, even a drop of clear wine might be considered too much.
As soon as Ji Hong entered, the owner glanced up and immediately waved his hand: “We don’t sell to those who don’t know wine! Get lost!”
This was what it meant to have no connection with the owner.
Yu Jinnian had already caught the enticing scent of fine wine wafting through the tavern, unwilling to leave. Just as he was about to argue for another chance, he heard someone shout from the street, “A’Xi! A’Xi, don’t scare your mother…” Turning around, he saw a richly dressed woman in brocade hurriedly jumping down from a long-parked carriage, holding a two- or three-year-old child in her arms, the child wrapped in a small brocade cloth, only the fluffy head peeking out.
But Yu Jinnian noticed that the child seemed to be convulsing.
It was unclear what had gone wrong, but this wealthy lady was without even a maid or servant by her side. The woman appeared frantic, unsure of what to do. She gently touched the child’s small face, softly crying out, “My lord,” and repeatedly calling, “A’Xi.”
Yu Jinnian furrowed his brows and retracted his steps toward the tavern, pushing through the crowd as he walked over.
By the time Ji Hong recognized who the lady was, Yu Jinnian had already approached her.