Do not easily set a flag for yourself
Ever since there had been an extra little baby, Jinyouting had truly become livelier by the day. Everyone had been tormented to the point that the moment they heard the crying, they cried out in distress. Yet this baby especially loved to cry, and her voice had been as bright as if forged from gold and silver, so that her wailing could be heard from a distance. Even the wet nurse invited to serve her could not handle her. Once she finished feeding, she needed to hurry and place her back into Su Ting’s arms, otherwise she would definitely start sniffling.
However, although this little thing had loved to cry, she had not been delicate. She neither picked at her milk nor her clothing. She ate whatever was offered and, once full, she nestled in Su Ting’s arms and slept. Yet Su Ting, after all, had things to do and could not possibly hold her for all twelve hours of the day. Later, everyone came up with a lousy trick: they placed the little baby on Su Ting’s old clothes.
At first, this had some effect. The baby regarded the clothes as Su Ting and could remain quiet for a while. However, on one occasion, when Su Ting went out, the young servant responsible for looking after her fooled Xiao Haitang using this method. Who would have thought that while the servant dozed off for just a moment, Xiao Haitang actually rolled off on her own.
The baby’s little arms and legs were as soft as dough, still fragile, and it had been a close call that she did not suffer any harm from the fall. From then on, Su Ting no longer dared to entrust her to others. Wherever he went, he carried Xiao Haitang on his back, cautious and careful. He even raised the edge of the bed by two feet, to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Under Xiao Haitang’s torment, the heat of summer grew increasingly intense.
That summer had been unusually hot. It was said that farther north, there had been no rain for three months. The newly planted spring wheat had dried up one after another from the drought, and the farmers still did not know how they would make a living after autumn. To the south, sudden torrential rains had fallen, washing away several dikes, and a thousand acres of fine farmland were all flooded. Even the capital had been stiflingly hot. The air felt like a bowl of sticky, adhesive soup, and one could not feel any freshness when breathing it in. Even the flowers and plants in the garden hung their heads.
Fortunately, Ji Hong had raised a few ice men, and now they could be put to use. The river ice stored since last winter had been taken out in large chunks, crushed into pieces, and placed into the ice chests, then brought into the pavilion. As soon as the breeze stirred, it felt rather refreshing. Yu Jinnian, barefoot with hair tied high due to the heat, lounged crookedly on a rattan chair in the pavilion, bored and gazing at the red lotuses far away that had been withered by the scorching sun.
Jinyouting resided by the water, and it felt cooler compared to other places. This pavilion was built upon the lotus pond, half of it extended out in midair, supported only by several lotus-shaped stone pillars upon the surface of the water. Surrounded on three sides by water, it was indeed cool and pleasant. Because of this, those two noble gentlemen of the Min family came to escape the heat every few days. Of the two, Min Mao came most frequently, nearly taking root there.
That day, the gatekeeper came to report again that Young Master Min had arrived. Yu Jinnian assumed it was Min Mao once more and felt too lazy to get up and shout. He simply waved his hand for a servant boy to go welcome him. Who would have thought that when he turned around, the person he saw was actually the second young master, Min Xuefei.
Moreover, behind him followed a person wearing a veiled hat.
Perhaps the veil obstructed his vision somewhat. Min Xuefei, after walking forward two steps, went back to guide him. Upon turning into the pavilion corridor, he even reached out to hold his hand. That person initially felt somewhat reluctant, shrinking back twice, yet Min Xuefei had been quite firm, pulling his hand in, and they slowly strolled together toward the pavilion.
Yu Jinnian sat up, leaned over the back of his chair, and looked at them with a smile. When they reached the foot of the pavilion’s steps, he greeted them unhurriedly, “Ah! Could it be Second Sister-in-law?”
The veil trembled, and that person nearly staggered at the bottom of the steps.
With quick reflexes, Min Xuefei supported his waist, preventing him from making a “grand salute” to Yu Jinnian. Surprisingly, he did not bicker with Yu Jinnian this time. Instead, he led the man into the pavilion and picked a long bench close to the water to sit on, then reached out to lift the other’s veil, speaking patiently, “Alright, now that we are here, you can finally remove this thing, right? There are no outsiders here, and you have met this little divine doctor before.”
The person under the veiled hat finally stirred. He untied the ribbon beneath his chin and allowed Min Xuefei to lift the heavy hat, revealing beneath the gauze a young, gorgeous, and delicate face. He felt somewhat ill at ease, for previously, when meeting people, he usually knelt down or else maintained the bearing of a power-holding eunuch. This was his first time being led in by Min Xuefei as an ordinary friend.
Of course, it had been one thing that Min Xuefei was willing to lead him out to have fun. He himself had to show some self-awareness and not cause trouble for others. Thus, he had sneaked out of the palace secretly, and even deliberately found a veiled hat to cover himself. Firstly, to outsiders, seeing such a notorious eunuch entering and leaving a court minister’s mansion, what would that look like? Secondly, he was punished by being confined in a dark room for a month, and since his punishment period had not ended, it was truly bold of him to leave the palace so brazenly.
However, he had no other friends and never imagined he could have such an experience. As a result, he found it quite novel. He glanced around quickly, saw Yu Jinnian’s bare feet hanging beside the chair, and boldly followed those feet upward with his gaze, finally calming himself enough to gently open his lips and call out, “Little Divine Doctor Yu.”
Min Xuefei asked, “Where is Shuluan?”
“He was summoned into the palace.” Yu Jinnian said this while jumping down from the rattan chair, hastily slipping on his shoes as he walked toward the small kitchen. When leaving, he did not forget to make fun of Lian Zhi, “Second Sister-in-law, just wait. I will bring some iced drinks.”
Lian Zhi’s ears instantly burned red. He lifted his hand, wanting to call him back, but that youth had already run off like a rabbit, leaving only Min Xuefei standing beside him.
Yu Jinnian entered the kitchen and ordered someone to bring a block of ice. Using a specially made small iron scoop, he shaved three bowls of ice flakes by hand. The crushed ice particles were as fine and white as falling snow, piled high into the bowls, sparkling like jade mountains. After shaving the ice, he scattered the previously cooked yellow bean and glutinous rice mini dumplings around the ice in the bowls, poured over them chilled sweet dairy custard, then cut a few slices of seasonal fruit for color contrast, and finally pinched a small, emerald-green mint leaf for decoration.
This bowl of yogurt ice cream was not ice cream, but surpassed ice cream, and the ingredients were natural, making it extremely refreshing to eat. When Ji Hong was around, he was always disapproving of this or that. Since it had not yet reached the height of summer, he would not let Yu Jinnian indulge in iced treats, and he had strictly instructed the kitchen not to give him ice frivolously. Now that Ji Hong was not here, Yu Jinnian finally had the perfect reason to ask for ice openly. Claiming it was for entertaining guests, the young servants naturally had nothing to say and could only bring him the ice.
Yu Jinnian happily thought, who cares, I’ll just eat first and talk later! Even if he got scolded afterward, he would have Second Young Master Min and Lian Zhi along with him!
He brought the three bowls of iced yuanzi into the pavilion. Min Xuefei was bending down, whispering something to Lian Zhi. Whatever it was, that young Assistant Supervisor furrowed his brows in distress and shook his head repeatedly. At this moment, he looked up abruptly and saw Yu Jinnian returning with the tray of food and hurriedly stood up to take it.
“Assistant Supervisor Lian, no need to be so reserved. Here, everyone indulges themselves as if at home.” Yu Jinnian pushed the tray toward them and took one of the bowls for himself. He sat cross-legged on his exclusive small rattan chair. While rocking in it, he used a small spoon to take a taste of the crisp ice. Instantly, a chill of pleasure ran through him, and he repeatedly clicked his tongue in admiration, “In summer! Eating ice is the true way!”
Lian Zhi, seated on the bench, also scooped a bit into his mouth to taste. It had a rich dairy flavor, and the ice flakes melted as soon as they touched his tongue. The yuanzi were soft, glutinous, and springy. It was truly comfortable, just like the saying: “When jade shatters at the bottom of the dish, snow melts at the edge of your mouth.”
Never mind that he had already attained the rank of Assistant Supervisor of the Palace Bureau; each year, the allotted ice he received was not very much. Most of it had to be offered up to the grand eunuch Feng Jian, making eating ice a luxury. Besides, this year’s allotted ice had been all used up early at the Hot Valley Palace to produce pure water for Min Xuefei.
Therefore, this summer, he had no allotted ice at all. Although it was possible that some underlings would bring him tribute ice, summers in the palace were originally hard to endure. Those underlings only had a few small pieces of ice, not even enough for themselves to cool down. He had stopped taking their ice offerings years ago. To be able to eat this dairy ice treat at Jinyouting today was a blessing Min Xuefei brought him, something he would not trade for anything.
He had just obediently finished half a bowl of iced yuanzi when he heard Yu Jinnian send people down to the lotus pond to pick lotus buds, saying they would be used to make crispy fried lotus blossoms in the evening. Lian Zhi stared blankly as he watched Yu Jinnian blend in with the young servants, acting so carefree. Meanwhile, he himself still felt restrained, conscious of his different status and feeling out of place among them. Moreover, he was accustomed to rules. He had never experienced such a free and easy life. Fortunately, Min Xuefei coaxed him and chatted with him.
After Yu Jinnian picked out several lotus flowers and turned back, he heard Min Xuefei and Lian Zhi muttering words like “not possible,” “must see,” and “leaving the capital in a few days.” Lian Zhi pursed his lips without agreeing, even throwing a small tantrum, glaring at him with furrowed brows. Perhaps this behavior was already a rather extreme show of anger for Lian Zhi, but naturally, it meant nothing to Min Xuefei. Soon Min Xuefei straightened up and, ignoring his wishes, addressed Yu Jinnian: “Little physician.”
“What’s the matter? Is Second Sister-in-law not feeling well?”
Alright, so that explained why Min Xuefei had been willing to bring someone out, and even specifically bring them to Jinyouting to see him. It turned out that he had not come to the temple for no reason; he had come seeking a diagnosis.
Min Xuefei lowered his head to look at Lian Zhi. Forced and helpless, after hesitating for a long time, Lian Zhi stammered, “It’s nothing, just that it’s too hot and a bit itchy… no need to check. It happens every summer, nothing serious.”
Min Xuefei knew he was embarrassed to speak, so he dismissed the nearby young servants and said to Yu Jinnian, “Lian Zhi has developed a patch of red rash down below. Please take a look.”
This kind of red rash could be minor or serious, especially since it was located in that lower region. Yu Jinnian could not help but think of Bai Haitang. But Bai Haitang’s illness had a known cause. The palace rules were so strict that it should not be the same illness. Yet as a doctor, one could not blindly guess at the patient’s condition. Thus, he led them to a side room, dismissed everyone again, and asked Lian Zhi to remove his pants for examination.
“I can only feel assured once you’ve checked; otherwise, I won’t even feel at ease on the road.” Min Xuefei persuaded, “You know Yu Jinnian’s medical skills, and with his rejuvenating abilities, he has seen it all. He won’t treat you… with a cold eye.”
What Min Xuefei left unsaid was the fact that Lian Zhi was a eunuch. After spending time with Lian Zhi, he had come to understand more and more the gentle heart hidden beneath the seemingly harsh methods of this young eunuch, as soft as clouds in the sky. So far, he and Lian Zhi had progressed only as far as washing each other’s backs. Even when bathing, Lian Zhi wore a pair of short underpants.
Although Lian Zhi had never spoken of it, Min Xuefei knew in his heart that he still felt some inferiority in front of him because of his castration.
Min Xuefei also did not want to shatter the dignity Lian Zhi struggled to maintain, but matters of illness could not be ignored. Otherwise, in the palace, Lian Zhi would surely just muddle through without seeking an imperial physician. If it were a minor illness, it would be fine. But if it were something serious, by the time Min Xuefei returned from leaving the capital on official business, the best time for treatment might have already passed, and they would regret it for a lifetime.
Lian Zhi had always listened most obediently to Min Xuefei’s words, even to the point of having a morbid impulse of stopping at nothing and sacrificing himself as long as Min Xuefei was happy. In fact, this was entirely because this affection had been deeply buried in his belly for too long, and he felt that he could never draw close, so it was inevitably somewhat twisted. Now that the two of them were together, that state of having no sense of self had improved a lot, and he would even occasionally act spoiled or throw small tantrums, making Min Xuefei yield to him in turn.
It was just that this time it did not work. Lian Zhi glanced at him a few times and could only accept his fate, blushing as he clutched his waistband, loosening the belt of his trousers for the doctor to examine the affected area.
Yu Jinnian was also seeing a eunuch’s parts for the first time, but since it was just the testicles removed, there was nothing particularly strange. In his previous life, there were quite a few patients who, due to testicular cancer worsening, ended up having the entire set removed, so he did not show any unusual reaction toward Lian Zhi. He examined it carefully, and indeed found a small patch of fine red rashes near the groin at the inner thighs, but it did not look like any severe ailment. He even touched Lian Zhi’s lower abdomen with the back of his finger. It felt moist and hot, so he had some guesses in his mind.
Finally, as usual, he examined his tongue and pulse, asked about his medical history, then let him put on his clothes again, saying, “It really is not any serious illness, just a heat rash. These days have been hot, and this clothing is not very breathable, so getting a heat rash is very normal. Just take a warm bath, wash thoroughly, change into thin cotton trousers that absorb sweat, or better yet, wear nothing and let it air out. After a while, have Su Ting bring you some Liu Yi San to sprinkle on, and it will heal in no time.”
“If you are not in a hurry to leave, you may as well rest here for a while. This room is where the Second Young Master Min rests every time he comes, and it is some distance away from the main house I share with Ah Hong, so no one will disturb you, and it is very quiet.” These words were directed at Lian Zhi, so that having such a place to rest would keep him from feeling ill at ease.
Hearing that it was only a heat rash, Min Xuefei finally let out a sigh of relief.
Yu Jinnian did not bother them any further, and went out to instruct Su Ting about preparing Liu Yi San, taking the opportunity to check on the group of children gathered together, and to see whether the little baby wrapped in the small blanket had also gotten any heat rashes.
Before dinner time, Ji Hong returned as well. Hearing that Lian Zhi had come, he merely frowned slightly and nodded. After all, it was Min Xuefei’s own choice of person, and he had no reason to oppose it. It was just that Lian Zhi’s status was somewhat sensitive, which made him overthink some matters.
As expected, they had crispy fried lotus petals for dinner. Each pink lotus petal was coated in a batter made of eggs and flour, then fried until golden and taken out to drain. After absorbing the surface oil, it was still arranged layer upon layer on a white porcelain plate in the shape of a flower, sprinkled with a little salt and pepper. It was a scenic dish upon being served. This dish relieved summer heat and lightened the body. With one bite, it was crisp at first, and then a light and elegant sweetness faintly spread on the tongue, which could indeed be called a fragrant breeze sent by the lotus.
Since Lian Zhi and Min Xuefei did not come to dine with them, Ji Hong then ordered a few simple home-cooked dishes to dispel heat and had them delivered to their room. According to the servant’s report, when they went to deliver the food, their door was tightly closed, and the sound of water trickled inside. No one knew what they were actually doing.
Yu Jinnian laughed to himself. Min Xuefei was about to leave the capital to attend to official duties, so of course they were reluctant to part. He would not go and spoil the mood. He simply set the meal in the pavilion and ate alone with Ji Hong.
It was now mid-summer, and the days were long. Even without lighting a lamp, it was bright enough around them. He gesticulated wildly while talking to Ji Hong about what had happened in the shop today, about Xiao Haitang, and about what was going on at home, like a little crab showing off its claws. Recently, the renovations at the medical hall had gradually entered the right track, and Su Ting’s medical skills had also greatly improved. As far as these days went, he was very satisfied with his life.
Ji Hong sat beside him, constantly placing food into his bowl, as if determined to feed him into a two-hundred-pound fatty in one single meal. He himself only ate two petals of lotus and drank some cooling soup. Even so, he still spoke solemnly to Yu Jinnian, “Do not just keep yourself busy, you must eat more. This year’s summer heat is quite heavy, which hinders one’s appetite, but you must not be too indulgent. Meals and sleep must follow a proper schedule. If it is really too hot, have the servants fan you at night. Under no circumstances should you indulge in placing too much ice in front of the bed, as it is not good for your health.”
“……” What was this about? Why did he come back from the palace and turn into a chatterbox? Yu Jinnian tilted his head in surprise, as if wanting to see if this usually taciturn iceberg weirdo had been possessed by something strange.
However, he really could not see anything from his plain and ordinary face, so he let it go.
After dinner, he returned to the room. Even though there was ice placed in the center of the room, Yu Jinnian still felt stuffy and could not rest comfortably. But Ji Hong had never feared the summer heat, so he pulled out a folding fan from his sleeve, fully opened it and gently fanned him. Yu Jinnian enjoyed it, squinting his eyes and breathing comfortably. The cicadas buzzed noisily, but because there was a beauty like Ji Hong fanning him, the previously annoying sound now became the soundtrack of this moment.
Ji Hong quietly watched him for a while, imprinting his image at this moment in his mind. Finally, he reached out and pinched the young man’s fingers, speaking softly, “I have to go out in a few days.”
“Mm?” Yu Jinnian responded with a sound, thinking that Ji Hong went out every day, so why did he need to report such a small matter in advance? After thinking deeply, he realized that by “going out,” he probably meant leaving the capital just like that Second Young Master Min. He was startled wide awake at once, sitting bolt upright and asking, “Where are you going? Far?”
Ji Hong said, “Going south to control the floods. The departure date is not yet decided. The Emperor plans to have me take the Great Crown Prince out for some training.”
Yu Jinnian immediately volunteered, “I will go with you!”
Ji Hong shook his head, slowly stroking his tense spine, soothingly smiling, “There is flooding in the south, which is chaotic, and many situations cannot be explained clearly. You should stay at home and guard our household, take care of the people here, and look after yourself as well… In the shortest case, it will be a dozen or so days; in the longest case, it could be a few months. At the very latest, by early autumn, I will surely return before the Mid-Autumn Festival.”
Yu Jinnian was stunned.
Earlier, he had laughed at how Min Xuefei and Lian Zhi were reluctant to part, and who would have thought that he would face immediate retribution.
Early autumn? It had only just begun to be summer!