Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 49

Huo Fenghua sprang up from the desk in one hop and, under it, gave Feng Tianzong a vicious kick. In his embarrassment and fury just now, he hadn’t noticed anyone’s hurried footsteps approaching. He didn’t believe Feng Tianzong and Su Zeyang hadn’t heard them.

Feng Tianzong, however, looked perfectly calm. He and Su Zeyang stood up at the same time and called out, “Elder Brother.”

Feng Tiansheng froze. His gaze swept over Feng Tianzong and Su Zeyang, then shifted to Huo Fenghua. He frowned and said, “I heard you slipped back to the capital without permission, so I rushed over to see you, and this is what you’re doing in here?”

Feng Tianzong smiled as he answered, “Someone at home doesn’t understand the rules. I’m teaching him a lesson.”

When Feng Tianzong had insisted on marrying Su Zeyang, Feng Tiansheng hadn’t approved. Still, seeing how deeply attached they were, and that Su Zeyang was quiet and knew his place, he’d ultimately let it go. He hadn’t expected that, coming in a hurry today over serious business, he would find Feng Tianzong fooling around with his household concubine in the study. His expression immediately soured.

“You’re being ridiculous!”

Su Zeyang spoke up then. “Elder Brother, is the Princess feeling better?”

Feng Tiansheng’s expression softened slightly. “Somewhat. The physician told her not to go out, so she doesn’t catch another chill.”

Su Zeyang nodded. “Elder Brother still has things to say to Tianzong. I’ll go out first and have Steward Lu prepare lunch.”

Feng Tiansheng did indeed have things to say to Feng Tianzong. He nodded and said to Su Zeyang, “Thank you for the trouble.”

So Su Zeyang headed out of the study. Seeing that, Huo Fenghua immediately followed and said, “I’ll head out too. You two take your time.”

He caught up to Su Zeyang and, once they’d left the study, grabbed his sleeve.

Su Zeyang turned back to look at him. “Didn’t get enough spanking?”

Huo Fenghua froze.

Su Zeyang lifted his hand and gave him a hard smack on the butt. Huo Fenghua lurched forward, pressing tight against Su Zeyang. He simply wrapped an arm around him and said, “Fine, hit me. Just lighter.”

Su Zeyang stepped away and continued walking outward.

Huo Fenghua chased after him again, calling, “Senior Brother, wait for me.”

Inside the study, only the two brothers remained. There was no need to hide words anymore. Feng Tiansheng asked, “Since when have you and Huo Fenghua become this close?”

Feng Tianzong picked up the white-jade tiger Su Zeyang had set back on the desk before leaving. He held it, feeling the warmth lingering from Su Zeyang’s palm. After a moment, he said, “Elder Brother doesn’t need to worry about Huo Fenghua. He might not be what you imagine.”

Feng Tiansheng’s expression darkened. “What was Huo Fenghua like when he first entered the General’s Manor, and what is he like now? I’m afraid he’s colluding with Wang Chu’s side, deliberately getting close to you to catch the Feng family by the handle. You came back this time. If the emperor finds out, how will you clean it up?”

Feng Tianzong said, “I returned to the residence last night, and early this morning big brother already came. It’s hard not to draw attention.”

Feng Tiansheng looked at him. “So you’re blaming me for coming in person?”

“Elder Brother, that’s not what I mean,” Feng Tianzong said.

Feng Tiansheng frowned. “I’m saying all this for your own good. Su Zeyang was just here too. You were fooling around intimately with your concubine right in front of him. What do you think he’ll feel?”

Feng Tianzong’s fingers traced the white-jade tiger’s smooth-edged forehead. Suddenly he asked, “The Princess miscarried?”

Feng Tiansheng was startled. “That was a few days ago.”

“What a pity I can’t visit,” Feng Tianzong said. “Have Lu Xi send some nourishing medicines over. Consider it my token of concern.”

“There’s no need,” Feng Tiansheng said. “What the General’s Manor has, the Prime Minister’s Manor has too.”

Feng Tianzong looked at him. “Elder Brother, once Xichou is settled and what’s left of Shao Feijie’s forces are wiped out, I want to hand over my military authority and resign.”

Feng Tiansheng’s expression turned sharp in an instant. He stood and walked up to the desk, staring at Feng Tianzong. “What did you say?”

Feng Tianzong lounged back against the chair, one long leg draped over an armrest, posture casual. His expression was unusually blank, almost dazed.

“I’m just tired. Zeyang stays in the residence alone, and we can’t even see each other once a year. That shouldn’t be his life. I should be out in the martial world with him, living freely.”

“That shouldn’t be his life, but fighting on the battlefield should be yours!” Feng Tiansheng planted both hands on the edge of the desk. “Have you forgotten how we wandered when we were little, how much humiliation and hardship we suffered? Back then we swore we’d achieve merit and make a name for ourselves, that we’d never endure that kind of disgrace again!”

Feng Tianzong tossed the white-jade tiger up into the air and caught it again. “I’ve already destroyed Xichou for Donglin. Whether it’s the remnants of Xichou or foreign tribes beyond the borders, none of them are worth fearing. What more do you want me to achieve? Next I return to the capital to report in, and the emperor will certainly demand I surrender my command. If I refuse to return to the capital, that’s open rebellion and treason.”

Feng Tiansheng said, “Xichou’s remnants aren’t eliminated yet. What’s wrong with you leading troops in Xichou? The entire garrison in Xichou is made up of your men. As long as you don’t come back, you remain a deterrent to Donglin.”

Feng Tianzong asked, “For how long? Are you confident you can bring down the Wang family in a short time? By then, I’ll be stuck in Xichou with troops, refusing to return. The emperor will tie up you and the Princess, and Zeyang too, and use you as leverage to force me back to hand over my command. Then what should I do?”

The commander of the capital’s imperial guards was named He Zhongping, the brother-in-law of Wang Chu’s nephew by marriage, connected by kinship and, in the end, part of the Wang family’s sphere.

Feng Tiansheng stared at Feng Tianzong with a hard, furious look, as if exasperated at his failure to measure up.

Feng Tianzong let out a sigh. “Elder Brother, court struggle runs too deep. No matter how glorious it looks, it’s only temporary. You understand that in your heart. Why do you need me to persuade you?”

Feng Tiansheng’s voice was cold and heavy. “I don’t care that you married a male wife, but now you’re indulging in lust with men, losing ambition. You’ve probably forgotten every humiliation we suffered back then. Our Feng brothers are tied together at the root. One prospers, both prosper; one falls, both fall. You’d better make plans for the future!”

With that, Feng Tiansheng shoved open the study door and left as hurriedly as he’d come.

Feng Tianzong sat alone in the study for a while. Then Su Zeyang pushed the door open and came in. “Elder Brother left? I ran into him. He wouldn’t even stay to eat, so I had to see him to the carriage.”

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer. He lifted his head to look at Su Zeyang and extended a hand.

Su Zeyang walked over and took it. Feng Tianzong pulled him down to sit on his thigh.

Feng Tianzong wrapped one arm around Su Zeyang’s waist and gently stroked his cheek with the other. “It’s been hard on you, dealing with these affairs in the General’s Manor every day.”

“It’s not hard,” Su Zeyang said, resting his head on Feng Tianzong’s shoulder.

Feng Tianzong fell silent for a moment, then said, “In a while, no more than two years, I’ll take off this armor and roam the world with you, to the ends of the earth. How about it?”

“All right,” Su Zeyang said softly.

“All right?” Feng Tianzong murmured in his ear.

Su Zeyang replied, “As long as I’m with you, it’s all right.”

Feng Tianzong held him even tighter, as if he wanted to press him into bone and flesh. In a low voice he asked, “You like Huo Fenghua because you’ve been alone in the General’s Manor for so many years, and life’s been lonely?”

Su Zeyang lifted his eyes to him. “How could you think that? I know you like him too. Is that because you’re lonely as well? If you like someone, you like them. How would it only be because you’re lonely?”

Feng Tianzong kissed his forehead. “I was just afraid… There’s no need to say more. I only hope you won’t hide things from me in the future. Tell me whatever you’re thinking.”

Su Zeyang nodded. “All right.”

That night, before bed, Liu Yong came to Huo Fenghua’s small courtyard. Reluctantly, he called from outside, “Young Master Huo!”

Qingqing moved fast, throwing open the window and shouting out, “What is it, coming this late to find Young Master Huo?”

Liu Yong said, “The General requests your presence.”

Qingqing’s voice shot up. “Coming, coming right away!”

“Who said I’m coming right away?” Huo Fenghua was still brooding over Feng Tianzong spanking him today and making him lose face in front of Feng Tiansheng. He didn’t want to see him.

Qingqing didn’t care. She immediately tidied him up and shoved him out the door, then said to Liu Yong, “Young Master Huo is ready.”

Liu Yong had been waiting a long time already and was growing impatient. Under his breath, he muttered, “Ungrateful,” and turned to leave.

Huo Fenghua had no choice but to follow.

Feng Tianzong spent years on campaign. Whenever he returned to the General’s Manor, he typically stayed with Su Zeyang. But he also had a room of his own next to the study. The direction Liu Yong led him was precisely toward Feng Tianzong’s study.

Huo Fenghua grew suspicious and asked, “The General isn’t spending the night in Young Master Su’s room tonight?”

Liu Yong answered impatiently, “How would I know what the General plans?”

Huo Fenghua pondered it. If Feng Tianzong wasn’t spending the night with Su Zeyang but was calling him over, wasn’t he afraid Su Zeyang would be angry? Or had the two of them, because of him, finally ended up unhappy? Was Feng Tianzong calling him over to vent his anger?

His mind ran wild. He’d already stepped into the courtyard gate when he stopped and said to Liu Yong, “Eunuch Liu, please tell the General I’m not going after all.”

Liu Yong whirled around and bellowed, “What did you call me?”

Huo Fenghua hadn’t expected such a big reaction and blinked dumbly. “Eunuch Liu?”

Liu Yong stepped forward, face red with anger. “Who told you I’m a eunuch?”

Only then did Huo Fenghua have a sudden realization. “So you’re not a eunuch? Then Feng Tianzong still has you following Su Zeyang around to serve him?”

Liu Yong clenched his fists, as if he wanted to punch Huo Fenghua in the face. He suppressed it for a long time, then angrily shouted toward the room, “General, Young Master Huo has arrived!”

Feng Tianzong’s voice came from inside. “Come in.”

Liu Yong brushed past Huo Fenghua and left the courtyard.

Huo Fenghua fidgeted in place for a moment, thinking, ‘I’ve got this energy-sucking art. If he makes a move, I’ll drain his cultivation and vault the wall to run. What’s there to fear?’

With that thought, he steadied himself and walked up to push the door. Something seemed to be blocking it from inside. He pushed once and it didn’t open, so he raised both hands and shoved harder.

This time, someone opened the door before he could. Huo Fenghua couldn’t stop himself in time. He stumbled on the threshold and fell forward onto the floor.

Feng Tianzong stood at the doorway and said calmly, “I can’t bear such a grand salute. Rise.”

As he spoke, he reached out and shut the door.

Huo Fenghua glared at him and got to his feet, only to realize there was someone else in the room.

Su Zeyang sat on the edge of the bed and said to Huo Fenghua, “Come here. I’m going to make good on what I promised you.”

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 48

Qingqing had finished boiling the water in the courtyard, but she didn’t dare go into the room. Anxious, she paced back and forth around the yard a few times. Then she suddenly saw Feng Tianzong come out of Huo Fenghua’s room with a rather dark expression.

She bowed to Feng Tianzong. Only after he left the small courtyard did she hurry to the door, raise her hand and knock, and ask, “Young Master, may I come in?”

Huo Fenghua’s voice came from inside. “Come in.”

Qingqing quickly pushed the door open. She saw Huo Fenghua standing by the bed getting dressed. She went over and helped him put on his outer robe, asking, “Why was the General angry?”

Huo Fenghua glanced back at her. “I don’t know either. We were talking just fine, and then all of a sudden he got unhappy. I don’t even know how I offended him.”

Qingqing complained, “The General finally came over for once. How did you manage to make him leave angry?”

Huo Fenghua froze for a moment. “The way you say that makes it sounds like I’m fighting for favor in this General’s Manor.”

Qingqing said, “You’re the General’s concubine, after all. Fighting for favor is only natural.”

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help laughing. “You stay in this little courtyard all day and night. What nonsense are you thinking about?”

Qingqing lowered her voice. “I’m doing it for your own good. While the General is still in the residence, you should get closer to him these days. Maybe in the future he’ll treat you a little better.”

“All right, I got it, Sister Qingqing,” Huo Fenghua said.

After breakfast, Huo Fenghua had nothing to do in the small courtyard, so he wandered toward the central compound, thinking it’d be nice to find either Su Zeyang or Feng Tianzong and talk to someone.

But Su Zeyang wasn’t in his room either. On the way, Huo Fenghua ran into Su Zeyang’s maid, Zhu’er, who told him that Young Master Su and the General were discussing matters in the General’s study.

So Huo Fenghua headed for Feng Tianzong’s study. There was no one guarding outside, but the instant he stepped into the courtyard, he felt someone watching him from the shadows. He figured Feng Tianzong must have hidden guards lying in wait all around.

He walked to the window and secretly peeked inside. Not only were Feng Tianzong and Su Zeyang there, Steward Lu was in there too. And in the corner of the study, a man dressed in black was kneeling.

Lu Xi was facing the window and spotted Huo Fenghua at a glance, interrupting Feng Tianzong mid-sentence. “General, please wait a moment.”

Since he’d already been seen, Huo Fenghua didn’t bother hiding. He simply pushed open the door and went in.

Feng Tianzong was seated behind a wide rosewood desk. Su Zeyang and Lu Xi sat on chairs against the wall, one on each side.

Lu Xi asked, “Young Master Huo, what is it?”

Huo Fenghua said, “I was bored and just taking a walk. Don’t mind me.”

Feng Tianzong said to the kneeling man in black, “Continue. What’s the situation at the Wang’s Manor now?”

“General,” Lu Xi stood and clasped his hands to Feng Tianzong. “Do we need to ask Young Master Huo to leave?”

Feng Tianzong glanced at Huo Fenghua. “No need. Ignore him. We’ll continue.”

Huo Fenghua chuckled, walked over to the chair beside Su Zeyang, and sat down. Unhurried, he straightened his sleeves and listened to the man in black report.

Lu Xi frowned slightly, looking at Huo Fenghua.

The man in black said, “This subordinate has already stationed people outside the Wang’s Manor day and night to watch everyone entering and leaving. But so far there’s been nothing unusual, and there’s been no news that Wang Anzhi is unconscious.”

On Feng Tianzong’s desk was a paperweight: a vivid tiger carved from clear white jade. It had a fierce head with its tail lifted high. Feng Tianzong lightly stroked it with his fingers and said quietly, “Looks like the Wang family doesn’t want the news to get out.”

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help but speak up. “What if Wang Anzhi wasn’t poisoned at all?”

“Impossible,” Su Zeyang replied without hesitation, tone calm. “I fed the poison to him with my own hands. They won’t be able to cure it, and they won’t be able to identify the cause. They can summon as many physicians as they like, it won’t help.”

“Have you seen the Wang family invite doctors into the residence?” Feng Tianzong asked the man in black.

“Not yet,” the man replied.

Su Zeyang rested one hand on the armrest. His fingers were pale and long, nails smooth and rounded. He tapped the armrest lightly. “The Wang’s Manor has its own physician. They’ll try that first. If it can’t be treated, they’ll invite famous doctors from the capital. If that still fails, they’ll have no choice but to seek out priests and exorcists.”

The man in black asked, “Should this subordinate send someone into the Wang’s Manor to investigate Wang Anzhi’s condition?”

“Not now,” Feng Tianzong and Su Zeyang said in unison. As the words fell, the two of them exchanged a glance.

Huo Fenghua watched silently, thinking, You two really are in sync like husband and wife.

Feng Tianzong said, “Zeyang snuck into the Wang’s Manor to set the formation. They’ll definitely be on high alert now. If we barge in rashly and get caught, things will be hard to handle.”

Lu Xi asked in a low voice, “Wang Anzhi has been cursed. If Wang Chu connects it to the curse formation at the Feng family site, the first ones he’ll suspect will be our Feng family.”

Feng Tianzong’s brows were tightly knit. “They don’t have evidence, and neither do we. It’s mutual restraint. As long as Wang Anzhi doesn’t wake up, he has to weigh Wang Anzhi’s life. He won’t act rashly.”

Listening to them, Huo Fenghua crossed his left leg over his right knee and couldn’t help saying, “We do have evidence. That wooden box.”

All of them looked at him at once. Seeing everyone’s gaze drop to his leg, he quietly put it down.

Feng Tianzong shook his head. “Even if the emperor knows it’s real, he’ll never turn on the Wang family for the sake of the Feng family. Right now, in Donglin, the Wang and Feng families check each other. He’s wary of both sides, and he won’t move against either. In the end, he’ll just smooth it over or maybe give them a token punishment and then some sweet consolation.”

Huo Fenghua’s head started to ache from hearing all this. “So no matter what the Wang family does, the emperor won’t touch them?”

Feng Tianzong looked at Huo Fenghua, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. “Not exactly. There’s one thing neither the Wang family nor the Feng family can afford to touch.”

Huo Fenghua asked, “What is it?”

Su Zeyang suddenly said, “Come here. I’ll tell you.”

Huo Fenghua glanced at him and leaned closer, but Su Zeyang didn’t move, and there was a tea table between them. Since Su Zeyang stayed put, Huo Fenghua had to stand, walk over, bend down, and bring his ear close.

Su Zeyang breathed into his ear, right at the hollow. “Treason.”

Before Su Zeyang spoke, Huo Fenghua had already figured it out. Now he straightened up, and his mind jumped to Kangxi and Wei Xiaobao killing Ao Bai*, then to “Empresses in the Palace”, and all the palace dramas he’d watched. As for the power struggles and coups he’d supposedly studied in history books, he couldn’t recall a single one. For the first time, he felt that being uneducated really was a disadvantage.

*From The Deer and the Cauldron.

Feng Tianzong said to the man in black, “You may go. Keep a tight watch on the Wang’s Manor. Report at once if anything happens.”

“Yes!” the man answered, rising and leaving the study.

Not long after he left, Liu Yong hurried to the study door and knocked, saying something had come up in the residence and calling Lu Xi out. In an instant, only Feng Tianzong, Su Zeyang, and Huo Fenghua remained.

Before, it hadn’t felt like much. But once it was just the three of them, Huo Fenghua immediately felt an indescribable awkwardness.

Su Zeyang and Feng Tianzong were both silent. Huo Fenghua couldn’t hold his tongue and insisted on breaking the silence. Pointing at the paperweight on Feng Tianzong’s desk, he said, “General, the tiger on your desk is really nice.”

Feng Tianzong picked up the paperweight. “You like it?”

Huo Fenghua held out his hand. “Let me play with it.”

So Feng Tianzong casually tossed it. The transparent white-jade tiger flew toward Huo Fenghua, making his heart lurch. He hurried to catch it.

But halfway there, Su Zeyang reached out and caught it instead, holding it in his hand. Unhurried, he said, “Do you two have nothing you want to say to me?”

Su Zeyang wasn’t a fool. Before, Feng Tianzong had been able to tell at a glance that Su Zeyang’s attitude toward Huo Fenghua wasn’t ordinary. Now that Feng Tianzong was back, the relationship between Feng Tianzong and Huo Fenghua had clearly eased. Su Zeyang saw it even more plainly.

Feng Tianzong didn’t want to hide it from Su Zeyang. He said, “Before, I went with him to look for your master and ask about your whereabouts. At that time, we slept together.”

Huo Fenghua suddenly felt uneasy. He looked at Su Zeyang, not even sure anymore who had betrayed whom with whom.

Su Zeyang’s expression was blank for a moment. After a beat, he tilted his head slightly and said, “He’s your concubine. That’s only right.”

Feng Tianzong continued, “I saw the brand on his waist that you left.”

Su Zeyang nodded. “Mm. I like him.”

Neither Huo Fenghua nor Feng Tianzong seemed to expect him to be so blunt. But then Su Zeyang added, “I like him, and it doesn’t affect what I feel for you. Nothing between us has changed.”

Feng Tianzong stared at the desk, his expression complicated. After a long while, he let out a heavy sigh. “I understand. He’s someone people can’t help liking. And I don’t want anything between us to change either.”

Huo Fenghua couldn’t listen anymore. “Wait. Did either of you ask whether I like you two?”

Su Zeyang looked puzzled. “You said you like me. You’ve said it many times.”

Huo Fenghua was at a loss for words. He had said it plenty of times, and he’d always said it easily. He raised a hand and scratched his face, then suddenly slapped the tea table beside him and stood up. Facing Su Zeyang, he demanded, “Then do you still mean it, what you said about letting me do it?”

Su Zeyang lifted his eyes to him and said softly, “I mean it.”

Huo Fenghua immediately turned to Feng Tianzong. “See? He agreed. You agreed too. Nobody’s allowed to go back on it!”

Hearing that, Su Zeyang looked at Feng Tianzong, sounding incredulous. “You agreed?”

Feng Tianzong looked at Huo Fenghua and darkened his face. “I agreed?”

Huo Fenghua made a small, strangled sound, and cold sweat pricked at his forehead.

Feng Tianzong said in a low voice, “Come here.”

Huo Fenghua said, “What for?”

Feng Tianzong’s voice turned even colder, his expression severe. “Come here.”

Even though Huo Fenghua had just gained a whole body of inner energy, he was still afraid of him, especially when Feng Tianzong got serious. So, unwillingly, he walked over and asked softly, “General? What is it?”

Feng Tianzong patted the wide desk in front of him. “Lie on it.”

Huo Fenghua’s heart sank. He thought Feng Tianzong was about to do something right here. “That’s not a good idea, General.”

Feng Tianzong didn’t speak, only stared at him with a set face.

Huo Fenghua pressed his lips together and lay down on the desk.

Feng Tianzong lifted his hem and brought a palm down on his ass.

Huo Fenghua snapped, “What gives you the right to hit me?”

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer. He slapped him again, landing on his full ass through his trousers, a dull smack.

Huo Fenghua was both embarrassed and furious. Face flushed, he twisted his head to look at Su Zeyang and said bitterly, “You only dare hit me. You never dare bully Senior Brother!”

Su Zeyang toyed with the white-jade tiger. His translucent fingers and the jade tiger almost seemed to merge together. He said, “How do you know he’s never hit me?”

Huo Fenghua froze. “He has?” He didn’t even finish the word before Feng Tianzong’s palm came down again. The end of his voice lifted involuntarily, almost like a moan.

Right then, someone pushed open the study door and hurried in. “Tianzong, you’re back?”

Huo Fenghua hurriedly turned his head, only to discover the newcomer was Feng Tianzong’s elder brother, Feng Tiansheng.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 47

Huo Fenghua didn’t answer Feng Tianzong’s question right away. He simply pressed his palm to Feng Tianzong’s chest and felt his heartbeat. Feng Tianzong’s pulse seemed slower than most people’s, but it was steady and powerful.

He said, “If I say I’m leaving, what will you do? And if I say I’m not leaving, what are you going to do?”

Feng Tianzong’s voice was low. “If you want to leave, no matter what, I’ll send you off. If you want to stay, I’ll use every means to make you stay.”

Huo Fenghua paused slightly. He couldn’t feel any change in Feng Tianzong’s heartbeat, so he tilted his head up to look at him. “Aren’t you afraid that even if I stay, I’ll still be entangled with Senior Brother?”

Feng Tianzong seemed to let out a very faint sigh. “If that can’t be changed, then I’m willing to bear it.” In truth, Feng Tianzong had thought far more about this over these days than what he was telling Huo Fenghua now.

Between the three of them, it was hard to have a relationship that was completely equal.

In name, Su Zeyang and Huo Fenghua were his wife and concubine; legitimately, both belonged to him. But he’d never been willing to place himself and the people he loved in an unequal position. If, out of selfishness, he wanted both of them to remain at his side, then he also had to personally break his own possessiveness and accept the private feelings between Su Zeyang and Huo Fenghua.

Last night, when he’d been intimate with Su Zeyang, neither of them mentioned Huo Fenghua. But when he’d been keeping watch on the street before slipping into the carriage, he already knew the two people inside weren’t just sitting there talking innocently. This morning, when Feng Tianzong woke up and Su Zeyang was still asleep, Feng Tianzong looked at Su Zeyang’s face and suddenly thought of Huo Fenghua. He knew his own heart had been moved, and he also knew Su Zeyang had feelings for Huo Fenghua. That didn’t seem to change what existed between him and Su Zeyang, but thinking long-term still left him struggling to accept it.

Feng Tianzong was torn.

Huo Fenghua, meanwhile, was shocked. He hadn’t expected Feng Tianzong to be willing to yield to this extent for his sake. He said, “I thought you’d whip me with your lash.”

Feng Tianzong lowered his gaze to him. “It’s been a long time since I whipped you.”

Huo Fenghua heard the depth in his voice and suddenly felt something stir in his chest. He propped himself up with one hand on the bed, sat up a little more, leaned in, and kissed Feng Tianzong’s lips.

Feng Tianzong reached up, gathered his long hair, and his warm, strong tongue gently swept through Huo Fenghua’s mouth.

Huo Fenghua breathed softly. When they finally parted, he said, “I’m leaving.”

Feng Tianzong’s thumb brushed the corner of his mouth. “You don’t trust me, or you don’t trust Zeyang?”

Huo Fenghua sat cross-legged, his whole body slumped in a lazy sprawl. “No. I just want to open a gambling house, be my own boss. I don’t want to spend my whole life here.”

Feng Tianzong seemed amused. He let out a very light laugh, though his eyes held resignation. “Is a gambling house alone enough for you?”

Huo Fenghua asked him, “With Senior Brother, is that still not enough for you?”

Feng Tianzong was taken aback. Then he lifted a hand to pull Huo Fenghua’s inner robe closed, and tugged the quilt up to cover his chest. “I understand. I’ll arrange it immediately. When the time comes, you’ll pretend to be ill and fake your death. I’ll send people to get you out.”

Huo Fenghua asked, “You think we can fool Senior Brother?” If he died, Su Zeyang couldn’t possibly not come see him in person. Whether Huo Fenghua faked his death or they found a corpse to pose as him, Su Zeyang would definitely be able to tell.

“That’s why we have to think it through,” Feng Tianzong said. “We can’t rush it.”

Huo Fenghua reached over and held Feng Tianzong’s hand. “General, how long will you stay in the capital?”

Feng Tianzong’s rough thumb pad lightly rubbed Huo Fenghua’s soft palm. “If the war in Xichou stabilizes and Shao Feijie stays holed up and doesn’t come out for now, then I want to settle the matter of the curse before I leave.”

Huo Fenghua said, “That won’t be a matter of one or two days, will it?”

Feng Tianzong nodded. “Still, it needs to be as fast as possible. The longer I remain here, the easier it is for my whereabouts to leak. If His Majesty finds out, it’ll be disastrous.”

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help asking, “If the emperor doesn’t even trust you, then why are you still working yourself to the bone for him?”

Maybe many people around Feng Tianzong had thought that before, but Huo Fenghua was the first to say it so openly. Feng Tianzong raised a hand and covered Huo Fenghua’s mouth, pulling him into his arms. He spoke low by his ear. “Don’t talk nonsense. It’s one thing to say it to me, but you must never let anyone else hear it.”

With his mouth covered, Huo Fenghua made a few muffled noises, like he was trying to say something.

Feng Tianzong let go and leaned his ear toward Huo Fenghua’s lips. “What did you say?”

Huo Fenghua panted, “Are princes and generals born with special blood? Forget it. I know I can’t argue you out of it. Do whatever you want.” He took a few big breaths, then said to Feng Tianzong, “Since I’ve decided to go, I have two requests. I don’t know if the General is willing to agree.”

Feng Tianzong looked at him. “Say it.”

Huo Fenghua’s fingers gripped Feng Tianzong’s lapel. “The maid who serves me in my room—Qingqing. After I leave, help me find her a good family to marry into. Don’t let her become someone’s concubine. Find a man who’ll treat her well.”

Feng Tianzong answered, “All right. What’s the second?”

Huo Fenghua kept his eyes on him, his gaze darting restlessly. He pressed his lips together, clearly hesitating.

Feng Tianzong said, “If you have something to say, say it.”

This time Huo Fenghua truly felt nervous. He saw Feng Tianzong didn’t have his whip with him, but he still prepared himself. If Feng Tianzong got angry, he’d jump off the bed and bolt at once. He took a deep breath and said, “Let me sleep with Senior Brother for one night. Let me fuck him.”

Feng Tianzong didn’t answer. His face showed no expression either.

Huo Fenghua’s heart leapt into his throat. He braced himself for Feng Tianzong’s fury, but Feng Tianzong only pinched his chin with one hand, tilted his face up, and said in a voice that was somewhat cold and hard, “That’s your last request of me?”

Huo Fenghua could tell he was angry, but for a moment he couldn’t tell exactly what he was angry about. So he tested the waters and whispered, “I want to fuck you too. I just figured you wouldn’t agree.”

This time Feng Tianzong really was so mad he laughed.

Kinky Thoughts:

LMAO, Huo Fenghua reallyyyy loves poking the bear. Give him an inch and he’ll definitely take a mile… Though in this case, he’s definitely taking a few inches.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 46

“Where have you been these past few days?” Feng Tianzong asked Su Zeyang softly.

Su Zeyang said, “I went to see Master, then I came back to Yujing.”

“For the Feng family curse?” Feng Tianzong asked.

Su Zeyang wasn’t surprised that Feng Tianzong already knew. He simply nodded and continued, “That wooden box holding yours and Elder Brother’s birth data was a tribute item made by the Yu family woodworks. I heard that the palace keeps records of who each tribute item is bestowed upon, so after returning to the capital, I didn’t go back to the General’s Manor first. I found a chance to make a trip to the palace.”

Feng Tianzong lifted his head to look at him. “You’re too bold.”

“I know trespassing in the palace is dangerous, so I didn’t let anyone notice,” Su Zeyang said. “You can rest assured. Every one of that batch of Yu family boxes had a serial number. I checked the Directorate’s records for the one from Luofeng Ridge. It was delivered to Her Highness the Noble Consort’s Shoukang Palace.”

At present there was only one Noble Consort the emperor had formally appointed: Wang Chu’s daughter, Wang Anzhi’s elder sister, Wang Yun’er.

“The Yu family boxes have always looked plain and old-fashioned. If it was sent into Shoukang Palace, it probably wouldn’t catch the Noble Consort’s eye. Maybe at some point it got packed up with gifts and sent back to her family,” Su Zeyang continued. “Anyway, this matter definitely can’t be separated from the Wang family.”

Feng Tianzong drew a deep breath, then said, “I understand. You’ve already done enough on this. From here on, leave it to me.”

Su Zeyang lifted his head from Feng Tianzong’s shoulder. “This might be settled very soon. Wang Anzhi is unconscious, and the Wangs will definitely recognize the effects of the soul-snatching curse. They’ll go find someone who can break it. By tomorrow there will surely be news.”

“I understand,” Feng Tianzong said. “I’ll send people to look into what’s happening at the Wang’s Manor.”

Huo Fenghua had been propping his chin up with both hands, listening the whole time. Now he couldn’t help but speak. “Can I ask a question?”

Su Zeyang looked over at him. “What?”

Huo Fenghua asked, “Those three sets of birth data in the box, aside from the General and the Left Prime Minister, who’s the third person?”

Su Zeyang looked at him without answering. He was silent for a long time before finally saying, “You don’t need to know.”

Huo Fenghua asked, “Does it have nothing to do with me?”

“It has nothing to do with you,” Su Zeyang answered.

Huo Fenghua stared at him quietly, then straightened up, hands folded in front of him, looking like a little old man who’d suddenly felt a chill on a winter night. “Fine. Then I won’t ask.”

The carriage fell silent. Up front, the driver flicked the whip with one hand and held the reins with the other, steering them onto a quieter road. The wheels clattered fast over the stone slabs. Huo Fenghua lifted the curtain and saw green roof tiles and red walls of noble residences outside, and lanterns hanging along the walls.

“We’re almost there,” he said.

The carriage drove straight into the General’s Manor.

Lu Xi hadn’t gone to bed yet. He was waiting in the courtyard to receive them. When the carriage door opened, the first person to step down was Feng Tianzong.

“General?” Lu Xi lowered his voice, but the shock in it was impossible to hide.

Feng Tianzong nodded. “We’ll talk in the room.”

Su Zeyang came after him, but he paused, leaned close to Huo Fenghua’s ear, and said softly, “Don’t bring up that data again.”

Huo Fenghua froze and turned his head to look at him.

Su Zeyang suddenly reached out, pressed a hand to the back of Huo Fenghua’s neck, and pushed his head against his own shoulder. He kissed behind Huo Fenghua’s ear and murmured, “Listen to your Senior Brother.” Then he let go and stepped down from the carriage.

Feng Tianzong stood outside and held Su Zeyang’s hand to steady him down. After that, he reached a hand out to Huo Fenghua.

Huo Fenghua looked at his palm and felt a mischievous impulse. He jumped out of the carriage.

Feng Tianzong raised both hands, caught him midair by the waist, and set him down safely. When Huo Fenghua looked up, he saw a faint smile flicker across Feng Tianzong’s lips that quickly vanished.

Feng Tianzong let go, turned to take Su Zeyang’s hand again, then said to Lu Xi, “Uncle Lu, come back to the room with us. I still have things to tell you.”

Lu Xi nodded.

Huo Fenghua clasped his hands behind his back and leaned forward slightly, looking at them. “Then I’m heading back to my room.”

Su Zeyang turned back to him and said softly, “Rest early.”

Huo Fenghua lifted a hand and waved, then turned and walked alone toward the small side courtyard where he lived.

Tonight was a little chilly, but the moonlight was beautiful. When he reached the lotus pond in the inner courtyard, he stopped on the zigzag wooden bridge and looked up at the sky. A solitary crescent moon hung there, cold moonlight spilling over the land.

Back in his room, Qingqing still hadn’t gone to bed. She’d prepared hot water for him to wash.

“Qingqing,” Huo Fenghua suddenly said, “do you know the moon’s light isn’t really the moon’s light?”

Qingqing looked at him strangely. “Then whose light is it?”

Huo Fenghua slid his feet into the wooden basin of hot water and sighed in comfort before saying, “Moonlight is actually sunlight reflected.”

“Huh?” Qingqing came over and set the foot cloth on the chair beside him. “You’ve drunk too much, Young Master. The sun’s set at night. Where would sunlight come from?”

“It’s true,” Huo Fenghua said. “The moon doesn’t produce light. And the land we’re on is actually a sphere. The sun and the moon are both spheres too. The earth goes around the sun, and the moon goes around the earth.”

Qingqing snorted with laughter. “You’re really something. You can even come up with that.”

Huo Fenghua looked at her and sighed with regret. “I haven’t read much. I only know this tiny bit of astronomy, and I told you all of it, and you still don’t believe me.”

Qingqing grabbed the cloth and tossed it at him. “Hurry up and dry your feet, or the water’s going to go cold.”

After Huo Fenghua finished washing, Qingqing carried the basin out. Once she dumped the water, she would probably go to bed.

As a maid of the General’s Manor, even if she slept late, Qingqing still woke before dawn every morning. She’d tidy herself up first, step out to check on Huo Fenghua’s room, and seeing the door shut and him still asleep, she’d go to the corner of the courtyard to light the small stove and boil water.

The main kitchen had a large stove and hot water could be fetched directly, but their side courtyard was a bit far. By the time Qingqing carried a bucket over, it was often nearly cold. So she frequently boiled water herself on the little stove in the courtyard, especially once the weather turned cold.

Today, just as she crouched in front of the stove and got the fire going, she heard footsteps entering from outside. She stood up in confusion. At this hour, no one usually came to Huo Fenghua’s small side courtyard.

Dawn was only just breaking. Qingqing waited until the person stepped into the yard before she could see his face. Her eyes widened in shock, and even her speech went clumsy. “G-General?!”

Wasn’t General Feng still leading troops in Xichou? When had he returned? She had no idea. And what shocked her even more was that ever since Huo Fenghua had married into the residence as a male concubine, General Feng had never once set foot in this side courtyard. He and Young Master Su had always acted as if Huo Fenghua didn’t exist at all.

Feng Tianzong gave Qingqing a nod and asked, “Is he up?”

On this return to the residence, it was impossible to hide from every servant, but fortunately everyone here had been personally chosen and trained by Lu Xi, with strict orders that nothing leak out. At most, the servants dared to gossip among themselves; no one would speak carelessly outside. So Feng Tianzong didn’t avoid Qingqing.

For a moment Qingqing didn’t even register who he meant. When she came back to herself, she hurried two steps forward and answered, “Not yet. He slept late last night. Young Master Huo probably hasn’t woken up.”

Feng Tianzong nodded. “Then I’ll go in and take a look.”

Qingqing lifted a hand on instinct, as if to stop him, but she reacted immediately, dropped her hand, and silently stepped aside.

Feng Tianzong pushed open the door. A warm breath of air rushed toward him. He walked to the bedside and saw Huo Fenghua lying there, the quilt covering half his face. He was sleeping on his side, completely unguarded, looking utterly without decorum.

But after traveling together these days, Feng Tianzong had already grown used to seeing him like this. He reached out and stroked Huo Fenghua’s hair.

Huo Fenghua rolled over, pulled the quilt higher, and let out an annoyed little hum.

Feng Tianzong said, “You’ve got a whole body of inner energy, yet you’re this defenseless. I’m already sitting at your bedside and you still don’t wake up?”

Huo Fenghua finally opened his eyes to a thin slit and answered lazily, “You think I don’t know it’s you?”

Feng Tianzong reached out and pulled him up. Huo Fenghua lifted his arms to hook around Feng Tianzong’s neck, leaning into his chest, still half-asleep, and murmured, “What is it? Didn’t Senior Brother satisfy the General last night?”

Feng Tianzong only smiled slightly and didn’t answer. Instead, he said, “I have a question for you.”

Huo Fenghua looked up at him. “What?”

Feng Tianzong said, “Do you still want to leave?”

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 45

Wang Chu hurried over. He’d had some wine tonight, but he was still clearheaded. When he saw Wang Anzhi being hauled out of the pond by the household servants, his face immediately filled with anger. But the moment he spotted Su Zeyang and Huo Fenghua, he reined it in, turning instead to scold the servants for failing to look after the young master properly.

He ordered them to help Wang Anzhi away, and at the same time he also saw the red cloth floating in the water. Shocked and furious, he demanded, “What’s that?”

The two servants who had dragged Wang Anzhi out swam back toward the middle of the pond to grab the red cloth. The water wasn’t deep. Standing in it, they flipped the cloth over and discovered that what had been floating on the surface was a mannequin dressed in red. It looked eerily like the paper effigies burned for the dead.

Both of them jumped back in fright. One of them turned to Wang Chu and shouted, “Master, it’s a dummy!”

Wang Chu’s expression tightened. He first turned to Su Zeyang and the others. “It’s getting late. I won’t be keeping any guests today.”

Su Zeyang nodded, the first to respond. “Then we’ll take our leave, Right Prime Minister.”

Wang Chu’s tone was somewhat cold as he said to a servant behind him, “See them out.”

The servant hurriedly raised his hand toward Su Zeyang and the others. “This way, Young Masters.”

Huo Fenghua followed behind Su Zeyang as they headed out. Before leaving the inner courtyard, he saw that Wang Chu had already ordered the dummy fished out of the pond. Wang Chu was crouched by the water, inspecting it carefully.

The two of them left the Wang residence. The General’s Manor carriage was still waiting outside. After Su Zeyang got in, he reached out and pulled Huo Fenghua in as well. They sat facing each other inside the carriage.

Huo Fenghua studied Su Zeyang closely.

Su Zeyang leaned his head against the carriage window and closed his eyes.

“Senior brother,” Huo Fenghua called softly. “Are you hiding something from me?” Su Zeyang was absolutely not someone who would fear Wang Anzhi. Seeing him yield again and again tonight, Huo Fenghua felt there had to be a purpose to it, especially remembering Su Zeyang had said earlier he had something to do.

Su Zeyang opened his eyes and looked at him, speaking softly. “That red-clothed dummy was something I sank in the pond of the Wang’s Manor.”

Huo Fenghua wore an expression that said, I knew it. He leaned forward slightly. “And? What’s it for?”

Su Zeyang said, “Wang Chu should discover that the dummy has his son’s birth data pasted on it. If he’s careful, he’ll also find a few talismans pasted around the pond, sealed with wax on the outside to keep out the water.”

Huo Fenghua asked, “What’s it for? Another kind of curse?”

Su Zeyang said, “It’s a soul-snatching curse. It’s recorded in the same book as the curse array we saw at Luofeng Ridge.”

Huo Fenghua frowned slightly. “You want to curse Wang Anzhi to death? Why? Was that Luofeng Ridge array set up by him?”

Su Zeyang tipped his head back. “Even if he wasn’t the one who laid it, the Wang family can’t be unrelated. But I don’t want him dead. I just want to draw out the person behind the curse array.”

Huo Fenghua immediately understood. “A lost curse recorded in the same ancient book. If that person could set an evil array targeting the Feng family, then they can definitely remove the curse on Wang Anzhi. If Wang Chu wants to save his son, he’ll naturally invite that person over.”

Su Zeyang nodded slowly.

But Huo Fenghua suddenly grabbed his hand. “Senior brother, I remember Master saying that using this kind of vicious curse brings backlash.”

Su Zeyang lightly rubbed the back of his hand with his fingers. “Yes. That’s why I didn’t truly activate it. Wang Anzhi won’t wake up tomorrow because I drugged his wine tonight.”

Huo Fenghua froze.

With one hand still clasped with his, Su Zeyang reached into his robe with the other and took out a white jade wine cup. He raised it to eye level. “Tonight the Wang family hosted guests. Every table’s cups were identical. Plenty of cups were broken during the banquet. No one would notice one missing. No one would know Wang Anzhi was poisoned rather than cursed.”

Huo Fenghua looked at the cup. Su Zeyang’s long, elegant fingers closed around it, applying a little pressure. When he opened his hand again, the white jade cup had turned to powder. He cracked the carriage door open just a bit, and the powder sifted out between his fingers into the night outside.

When he drew his hand back, Su Zeyang touched Huo Fenghua’s face. Huo Fenghua felt as though he could still sense the cup’s dust lingering on Su Zeyang’s palm, slightly rough, yet oddly slick.

He stared at Su Zeyang’s face, the delicate lines of his features so perfect they seemed unreal. His heart raced. He lifted Su Zeyang’s hand, held it to his lips, and kissed it.

Su Zeyang gave a firm tug with the hand holding his, pulling Huo Fenghua into his arms. He pinched Huo Fenghua’s chin and kissed him.

Huo Fenghua’s soft tongue slipped into Su Zeyang’s mouth. His palm pressed to Su Zeyang’s throat, feeling the pulse beating there. The kiss turned fierce, until the carriage was filled with nothing but the sound of kissing and fabric rubbing. Huo Fenghua panted softly as he reached to pull open Su Zeyang’s collar. Su Zeyang’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if the wine’s heat was only now rising through him.

Suddenly, the languid, at-ease Su Zeyang snapped his eyes open. With one hand he flung Huo Fenghua behind him. He rose and shoved the carriage door open. Huo Fenghua saw a figure drop down as if from the air, agile as a leopard, and slip straight into the carriage.

The instant Su Zeyang saw who it was, all his guard fell away. Huo Fenghua even saw light flare in his eyes as he breathed, “Tianzong!”

Feng Tianzong shut the carriage door, sat down on the bench to one side, pulled Su Zeyang into his arms, and kissed him.

Huo Fenghua sat opposite them, propping his face in his hands as he watched.

When the kiss ended, Feng Tianzong still wouldn’t let go, lingering as his lips brushed against Su Zeyang’s. He asked intimately, “Where did you go? Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?”

“Tianzong…” Su Zeyang didn’t answer. He only buried his face in Feng Tianzong’s shoulder and drew in a deep breath.

Feng Tianzong stroked his hair, then lifted his head and looked at Huo Fenghua sitting across from them.

Huo Fenghua blinked at him.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 44

The guests who’d come to offer birthday congratulations were invited to move into the inner courtyard to take their seats. Huo Fenghua was holding a pastry in his hand, searching along the lakeside for Su Zeyang, but he couldn’t find him. As crowds of people passed by him heading inward, a young man suddenly grabbed Huo Fenghua by the wrist and said, “Huo Fenghua?”

Huo Fenghua looked at him. The young man was dressed in fine, luxurious clothes, and by his looks he seemed like the son of an official family in the capital. Huo Fenghua clasped his hands in greeting. “Hello, brother. Do we know each other?”

The young man let go, staring at him in confusion. “You don’t recognize me anymore?”

Huo Fenghua smiled. “My memory’s not great. I was locked up in the General’s Manor for so long that even people I used to know, I don’t recognize anymore.”

The young man looked him up and down, still full of doubt. After a moment he reached out and grabbed Huo Fenghua’s wrist again. “Come. Come with me.”

Huo Fenghua saw him heading toward the inner courtyard. He needed to go there to find Su Zeyang anyway, so he followed along. On the way, the two of them ran into Wang Anzhi, who was greeting guests. The young man lifted a hand and waved. “Look who I ran into!”

Wang Anzhi walked over with a smile. “Well, isn’t this Brother Fenghua? You haven’t seen him in ages. I was drinking with him not that long ago.”

“Oh?” The young man looked surprised.

Wang Anzhi led them farther in. “Since we’ve run into each other, we have to drink a few cups together tonight. You two sit first. Once I’m done here, I’ll come over.”

The inner courtyard was a large garden. One side had a pond too, though it was much smaller than the big lake outside, and the water seemed shallow, with only some aquatic plants floating around the edges. At this time, the garden was filled with banquet tables. Guests gathered around the round tables to sit, and a stage had been set up at the front. To celebrate Wang Chu’s birthday, the Wang family had hired the best opera troupe in the capital to perform “The Eight Immortals Congratulate the Birthday.”

Wang Anzhi and the young man brought Huo Fenghua toward a table near the pond. Halfway there, Huo Fenghua shook off the young man’s hand and said, “I still need to find someone.”

Wang Anzhi let out a laugh and asked, “Looking for your ‘sister’?”

The young man didn’t understand at first what Wang Anzhi meant, but then he laughed along.

“I saw him just now,” Wang Anzhi said. “Today I’m treating you to a drink. There’s no reason I need his permission. I’ll go talk to him for you.” With that, Wang Anzhi let go of Huo Fenghua and found Su Zeyang in the crowd.

Following his gaze, Huo Fenghua finally spotted Su Zeyang. Su Zeyang had casually chosen a table and sat down. Wang Anzhi walked over, murmured a few words to him, then pointed in Huo Fenghua’s direction.

Su Zeyang looked over and gave a slight nod.

Only then did Wang Anzhi grin and stroll back.

Huo Fenghua remembered Su Zeyang saying he still had something to do and couldn’t help feeling puzzled. At that moment the young man tugged at him again. Huo Fenghua didn’t resist, and the young man led him to sit at a table near the pond.

There were seven or eight young men at that table, all of them Wang Anzhi’s drinking buddies, the spoiled sons of the rich of the capital. Back when Huo Fenghua used to hang around with Wang Anzhi, he’d often drank and visited prostitutes with this group too.

Huo Fenghua’s appearance today naturally caused a stir. These young men, whose names he couldn’t even remember, pulled him down by the round table, all saying it had been ages, asking whether he’d been doing well living in the General’s Manor.

But no matter what they said, most of the “concern” was malicious. On the surface they called him brother, but inside they were curious about his identity as a male concubine. The concern was fake. The real point was to mock and humiliate him.

Huo Fenghua didn’t really care. When someone asked, he answered freely, without the slightest embarrassment.

The young man who’d brought him over said, “Brother Fenghua is truly a carefree soul.”

Huo Fenghua clasped his hands. “You’re too kind, you’re too kind.”

After a while, Wang Anzhi arrived too. The first thing he did after sitting down was pour Huo Fenghua a cup of wine. “You haven’t been out in so long. Shouldn’t you drink this one?”

Hearing that, Huo Fenghua picked up his cup and raised it to Wang Anzhi. “Brother Wang’s got a point. Not only should I drink, I should toast you first. Today is the Right Prime Minister’s birthday. With this cup, I wish him evergreen pines and cypresses, and a long life as lofty as the Southern Mountain!”

With him putting it like that, Wang Anzhi couldn’t very well refuse. He lifted his cup, clinked it with Huo Fenghua’s, and the two of them drained it.

As soon as the cup was set down, Huo Fenghua stood and refilled both their cups. He raised his cup again to toast Wang Anzhi. “This second cup, I wish the Old Madam robust health and blessings and longevity without end.”

Wang Anzhi shot him a look, then drank again.

When Huo Fenghua reached to pour a third cup, Wang Anzhi grabbed his hand. “What? Are you trying to get me drunk?”

Huo Fenghua smiled. “What are you saying? Today’s the Right Prime Minister’s birthday. Brother Wang should be the star of the show. These cups are just my heartfelt intention. If Brother Wang doesn’t like it, then forget it.”

Wang Anzhi looked him up and down. “Ever since you went to the General’s Manor, you’ve changed a lot. Every time I see you, you feel different.”

Huo Fenghua stared at his wine cup, lips curling. He leaned close to Wang Anzhi’s ear and murmured, “That’s the General’s ‘nourishment.’ Is that what Brother Wang wants to hear? Satisfied?”

Wang Anzhi gave an awkward chuckle. He’d meant to humiliate and mock Huo Fenghua but hearing him say it so frankly and without any shame made it feel strangely pointless. So he asked, “Looks like you and that Su Zeyang get along pretty well?”

Huo Fenghua nodded. “Pretty well. He’s the legitimate wife, after all. I don’t go provoking him.”

“Tsk,” Wang Anzhi snorted. “So you’re willing to spend your whole life in the General’s Manor as a male concubine?”

Huo Fenghua lowered his voice. “Then would Brother Wang be willing to point out a clear road for me?”

Wang Anzhi said, “If you’re willing, then I’ve got nothing to say. But if you’re not, you might as well come back and follow me again. The Feng family isn’t a place just anyone can slip into, but since you’re already inside, wouldn’t it be convenient to get a lot of things done?”

Huo Fenghua looked suddenly enlightened. “So that’s how it is. Give me a little time, Brother Wang. I still need to think it through carefully.”

After they whispered a few more words, the young men at the table began to toast one another, and the atmosphere warmed up.

At first, some couldn’t resist making jokes about Huo Fenghua’s status. Later, seeing he didn’t care, it faded. More often they reminisced about their carefree days in the capital. The more they drank, the more spirited they became.

Wang Anzhi draped an arm over Huo Fenghua’s shoulder and said, “Fenghua, do you remember Miss Linglong, the top courtesan at Zuixiang Pavilion?”

Huo Fenghua wasn’t actually drunk. He didn’t know why, but his body felt like a bottomless pit. No matter how much he drank, his mind stayed clear. Only his cheeks were flushed. He deliberately let his eyes look hazy and smiled, shaking his head. “Don’t remember.”

Wang Anzhi said, “You insisted on stealing her from me. I said, let her choose and she chose you. I’ve held a grudge ever since.”

Huo Fenghua burst into loud laughter.

Suddenly, a cool, clear voice spoke from behind him. “It’s time to go.”

Huo Fenghua immediately turned. Su Zeyang was standing there.

Before Huo Fenghua could say anything, Wang Anzhi flung his wine cup aside and stood, walking up to Su Zeyang. “I’m drinking with my brother. Why’s Madam Feng in such a hurry?”

Wang Anzhi had drunk quite a bit and was already muddleheaded.

On the stage, “The Eight Immortals Congratulate the Birthday” had finished, and the banquet had mostly broken up. Guests were leaving one after another. Only this table of young masters remained, still drinking and chatting, with a few maidservants standing by to attend them.

Wang Anzhi wasn’t speaking particularly loudly, but in the open garden his words were unusually clear.

Su Zeyang’s tone was calm. “It’s late. We should take our leave, Young Master Wang.”

Wang Anzhi reached out and shoved Su Zeyang on the shoulder. “I told you to stay with the women. If you want to leave, then leave by yourself.”

Seeing Su Zeyang stumble a step back, Huo Fenghua hurriedly stood, wanting to separate them. But Su Zeyang said unhurriedly, “Fenghua came with me. I should take him home. So tell me, Young Master Wang, what will it take for you to let him leave with me?”

Wang Anzhi laughed. “What will it take? Then come drink with me. Everybody in the capital says Feng Tianzong’s male wife is a great beauty. I’ve had plenty of pretty women serve me. I’ve never tried a pretty man. Serve Feng Tianzong the way you do and come serve me too. Let me try.”

His words were outrageously rude. If other guests heard them, it would be hard to contain. But the only people left in the garden were his pack of cronies. A few young men who were a little more sober came up to persuade him. “Brother Wang, you’ve had too much. You shouldn’t say nonsense.”

Huo Fenghua also tried to smooth things over. “You’re drunk. Go rest early.” He was about to call a maidservant over to help Wang Anzhi back.

But Wang Anzhi lifted a hand and shoved them aside, saying to Su Zeyang, “I’m serious.” Then he actually raised a hand and touched Su Zeyang’s face, clicking his tongue. “Tsk. Pretty smooth.”

Huo Fenghua narrowed his eyes, deeply displeased. One hand clenched into a fist at his side. Before he could speak, he heard Su Zeyang say, “Sure. I’ll offer Young Master Wang a toast. But once you finish this cup, please let Fenghua go home with me.”

Wang Anzhi dropped down onto a nearby stool, tugged at his robe, and said, “Pour.”

Huo Fenghua reached out to press on Su Zeyang’s arm, but Su Zeyang gently pushed his hand away. Su Zeyang picked up the wine pot, poured a cup, and held it out in front of Wang Anzhi. “I toast you, Young Master Wang.”

Wang Anzhi stared at his pale fingers and couldn’t help reaching up to touch them. He looked up at Su Zeyang and said, “Feed me.”

A young man beside them tried to stop him, murmuring, “Brother Wang, that’s enough.”

Su Zeyang lowered his eyes, his face unreadable. He brought the cup to Wang Anzhi’s lips and fed him the wine.

After Wang Anzhi finished the cup, he suddenly reached out and grabbed Su Zeyang, trying to drag him into his arms. Several people rushed forward to stop him. Someone shouted at the maidservants nearby, “Go fetch your master! Your young master is drunk. Don’t let him make a scene!”

Su Zeyang said nothing, only struggled.

A drunk person was frighteningly strong. Even with several people trying to restrain him, they couldn’t. Su Zeyang retreated toward the pond. Wang Anzhi chased after him trying to grab him but Su Zeyang dodged aside. When Wang Anzhi lunged forward, he fell straight into the pond.

The pond wasn’t deep, but the moment the drunk Wang Anzhi went in, he disappeared from view. Two servants immediately jumped in and hauled him up. Just as his head surfaced, someone on the bank pointed into the pond and shouted in alarm, “What’s that?”

Huo Fenghua also stood at the shore looking in. In the middle of the pond, a piece of red cloth floated up, bobbing up and down. It looked as if someone in red clothing were floating on the surface.

At that moment a maidservant shrieked, “Ah! There’s a dead body!”

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 43

Huo Fenghua bathed and changed in his own room, put on a fresh set of clothes, and neatly tied his long hair back. Seeing it was about the right time, he figured Su Zeyang’s meeting with the Prime Minister’s people should be over by now, so he left the side courtyard again and went to look for Su Zeyang in his room.

Su Zeyang still wasn’t there. He and Lu Xi were in the front courtyard. When Huo Fenghua arrived, Su Zeyang was having Liu Yong transfer the jade ruyi they’d found in the storeroom into a clean box.

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help asking, “Who’s this birthday gift for, anyway?”

“Wang Chu,” Su Zeyang said.

Huo Fenghua froze. “You’re going to pay your respects at his birthday banquet?”

Su Zeyang nodded. “After all, Tianzong and Eldest Brother are still officials of the court.” The surface courtesies still had to be done.

Huo Fenghua asked, “When?”

“Tonight,” Su Zeyang answered.

“Tonight?” Huo Fenghua hadn’t expected that. “You’re going alone?”

Su Zeyang nodded.

Huo Fenghua thought of Feng Tianzong. Feng Tianzong must already be in the city but he just couldn’t openly return to the General’s Manor. Tonight he’d probably come back to find Su Zeyang.

Huo Fenghua mulled it over. Once Feng Tianzong returned, Su Zeyang definitely wouldn’t be willing to be intimate with him anymore. It had taken real effort to get Su Zeyang to agree to let him have his turn once. If they didn’t do it in the daytime, he probably wouldn’t get another chance at night.

So he circled around Su Zeyang, taking a few steps, moving from one side of him to the other.

Lu Xi was in the middle of talking to Su Zeyang and got squeezed aside. He couldn’t help asking, “Young Master Huo, do you need something?”

“I have a few words I want to say to Young Master Su,” Huo Fenghua said.

Lu Xi looked him up and down, thinking Huo Fenghua sure had an awful lot he wanted to say to Su Zeyang in private, but he still said, “Everything’s ready. Tonight, just have Liu Yong accompany you, Young Master, and make the trip.” Then, still uneasy, he added, “If you don’t like staying over there, I’ll send someone to fetch you and say there’s something urgent at the Manor and bring you back early.”

“It’s fine. Steward Lu, you don’t need to worry,” Su Zeyang said.

Lu Xi nodded. “Then I’ll put everything in order. Young Master Su, if you have something to do, go ahead.”

Su Zeyang turned to Huo Fenghua. “What is it now?”

Huo Fenghua lowered his voice. “In your room.”

They returned to Su Zeyang’s room, one after the other. Walking behind him, Huo Fenghua reached back and latched the door shut, then stepped up and hugged Su Zeyang around the waist from behind. He whispered in his ear, “Senior Brother, now you’ve got time.”

Su Zeyang raised a hand to touch his face, but said, “Now there’s no time. I need to change and get ready to go to the Right Prime Minister’s residence.”

Huo Fenghua wanted to say, Come on, it’ll be quick, but the words reached his lips and he swallowed them back. It felt humiliating. He could only let go and sigh. “I’m not comfortable with you going alone. I’ll go with you.”

Su Zeyang lifted his hands and began to undress. “You’re coming with me? Missing your old drinking buddies?”

Huo Fenghua sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to stroke his smooth side waist. “No. I’m worried Wang Anzhi will bully you.”

Su Zeyang shot him a look. “You think he can bully me?”

“He runs his mouth,” Huo Fenghua said. “Who knows what he’ll say. It’s better if I’m there with you.”

Su Zeyang changed into a white outfit with subtle silver embroidery at the cuffs. It looked much more elegant. “If you want to go, then come. I know you can’t stand being cooped up in this residence.”

That line left Huo Fenghua momentarily stunned. After a while he looked up and asked, “If you know I can’t stand it, then why do you still want to lock me up?”

Su Zeyang gazed out the window, his expression going distant. “If you’re determined to leave, then go. It’s just a matter of how you leave. It has to be planned carefully.”

“Wouldn’t you miss me?” Huo Fenghua asked.

Su Zeyang said softly, “What good would missing you do? Your heart isn’t here. You’ve tried every way you can to run. Am I supposed to lock you up for my own selfish desires?”

Huo Fenghua reached out and caught his hand. “You shouldn’t be trapped inside these high walls either. Come with me.”

Su Zeyang clasped his hand back, but said, “I can’t.”

Huo Fenghua pulled him into his lap and Su Zeyang didn’t struggle. Huo Fenghua kissed him.

Su Zeyang returned the kiss, lingering and deep. After a moment he stood and smoothed his clothes where they’d wrinkled from sitting. “Wait a little longer. I need to think about how to handle this.”

Huo Fenghua stared blankly, looking hurt.

Su Zeyang looked at him and said, “If you keep making that face, I’ll lock you up and won’t let you leave.”

Huo Fenghua lowered his head and sighed. When he raised it again, his expression was clear and bright. “By the way, back at Luofeng Ridge, that curse formation had three slips of paper. Whose birth data was on the one in the middle?”

Su Zeyang unhurriedly adjusted his sleeves. When he looked up to answer, he only said, “This has nothing to do with you. Don’t ask again.”

Huo Fenghua frowned. “Fine, I won’t ask. Who cares whether the Feng family ends up with no heirs!”

By evening, Su Zeyang and Huo Fenghua took a carriage to the Right Prime Minister’s residence. It was Wang Chu’s sixtieth birthday, and he was hosting a huge banquet. Nearly all the dignitaries and nobles in Yujing had prepared gifts to pay their respects. Even the emperor had sent longevity peaches from the palace.

When they arrived at the Wang residence, the place in front was packed with bustling carriages and hordes of people.

There were too many guests that Wang Chu had no energy to pick a fight with Su Zeyang. He accepted the gift, exchanged a few perfunctory pleasantries, and invited them in to sit.

Just as Su Zeyang and Huo Fenghua reached the inner courtyard, a servant hurried after them and called, “Young Masters, please wait.”

At once, many guests turned to look.

Su Zeyang asked, “What is it?”

The servant didn’t recognize them. Uneasy, he said, “My Young Master says… He invites the two Young Masters to go to the side courtyard and stay with the women of the household.” Huo Fenghua glared at him, and his voice grew smaller and smaller.

Su Zeyang’s face showed neither pleasure nor anger. He nodded. “Please thank Young Master Wang for me. We won’t be going to the side courtyard. It would make the ladies uncomfortable. Tell Young Master Wang we’ll find a place to rest on our own.”

The servant glanced toward the front courtyard. Huo Fenghua saw Wang Anzhi standing in the crowd, looking their way with a half-smile that wasn’t quite a smile.

Huo Fenghua gave him a cold, mocking smile back.

Su Zeyang seemed not to have seen him at all. He turned and walked deeper inside.

Huo Fenghua followed behind, folding fan in hand, clicking his tongue with a “Tsk.”

“Don’t mind him,” Su Zeyang said.

Huo Fenghua asked, “We delivered the birthday gift. Why aren’t we leaving?” His skin was thick, but he still didn’t like being humiliated like this.

“I have serious business to handle,” Su Zeyang said softly. “You just eat and drink and enjoy yourself.”

Huo Fenghua snapped the fan open and fanned his face, puzzled what “serious business” Su Zeyang could possibly mean.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t a place to talk.

Passing through an arched gate beneath a rockery, they entered the inner courtyard. Only then did Huo Fenghua realize the Right Prime Minister’s Manor was much larger than the General’s Manor. In the middle of the vast inner grounds was a huge pond, complete with covered walkways and pavilions. Weeping willows were planted all around it, and guests were chatting under the willow branches and admiring lotus flowers.

Su Zeyang was the sort of person who drew eyes everywhere. But even more people began whispering the moment they recognized Huo Fenghua.

Huo Fenghua had once been a notorious playboy in the capital. Even as a hostage prince, he’d run with Wang Anzhi and other well-born youths for years, haunting brothels and taverns, always stirring up trouble.

In Yujing, plenty of people recognized him, whether they held office or not.

But ever since an imperial decree had married him to General Feng Tianzong as a male concubine, he’d never appear in the city again. No one expected to see him at the Right Prime Minister’s birthday banquet.

Someone asked in a low voice, “Who’s the man beside Huo Fenghua?”

Someone else answered, “That’s General Feng’s male wife, Su Zeyang.”

The first person seemed to realize it, then smiled ambiguously and praised, “A beauty. Both are beauties.”

Both beauties naturally meant Su Zeyang and Huo Fenghua.

Huo Fenghua stood there, fanning himself as he endured everyone’s stares. After a while he grew irritated and said to Su Zeyang, “I’m going to get some pastries.”

Su Zeyang nodded.

Huo Fenghua walked into the crowd. A group of middle-aged men had been chatting together, but when he approached, they immediately fell silent, watching him leave with disgusted looks before resuming their conversation.

On a stone table in a pavilion were delicately made osmanthus cakes. Huo Fenghua popped one into his mouth, finding it soft, fragrant, sweet, melting in his mouth. He immediately reached for another to bring to Su Zeyang.

Just as he stepped out of the pavilion, lanterns all around the pond were being lit. Night had fallen. It looked like the banquet was about to begin.

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Author: 哔哔 (Bi Bi) / Jin Gang Quan

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 42

Su Zeyang’s kiss felt different from Feng Tianzong’s. It was softer, with none of that aggressive possessiveness. He was like cool water—enveloping you, and yet capable of drowning you all the same.

Huo Fenghua tightened his arms around Su Zeyang, hooked his tongue and sucked, his fingers lightly tugging at Su Zeyang’s belt.

Very quickly, Su Zeyang caught Huo Fenghua by the collar and shoved him to the side. But Huo Fenghua’s feet stayed planted firmly on the ground. Su Zeyang couldn’t budge him. After all, Zixi hadn’t been famous for nothing; decades of cultivation weren’t a joke.

Su Zeyang looked a little surprised. And Huo Fenghua had already locked onto his wrist and forced him down onto the crates behind him.

Huo Fenghua was just about to let out a smug laugh when Su Zeyang, nimble as ever, slipped sideways, regained his footing, and twisted Huo Fenghua’s arm back. At the same time he lifted his foot and kicked behind Huo Fenghua’s knee, making Huo Fenghua obediently sit down on the crate himself.

Su Zeyang looked down at him. “In such a short time, where did you get so much inner energy?”

Huo Fenghua was angry at first. He’d gotten all that inner energy and still couldn’t beat Su Zeyang. But hearing the question, he couldn’t help grinning smugly. “Guess.”

“I can’t guess,” Su Zeyang said.

Huo Fenghua sighed. “You’re so boring. Have you heard of True Master Zixi in Fengming?”

Su Zeyang lifted his chin slightly as if searching his memory. Huo Fenghua, seeing that innocent expression, felt his heart stir and reached out to wrap an arm around his waist.

Su Zeyang then patted Huo Fenghua’s hair. “I think I’ve heard of him.”

Huo Fenghua said, “He’s actually a lecherous, shameless old monster. Master stole one of his golden pills and fed it to me, and I ended up absorbing decades of his cultivation.”

Su Zeyang said softly, “What golden pill could be that powerful? I’ve never heard of absorbing someone else’s cultivation. Show me.” As he spoke, he offered his hand to Huo Fenghua.

Huo Fenghua took it, kissed his arm once, and said, “How would I dare try? What if once it starts, it won’t stop?”

Su Zeyang was still puzzled. He pressed two fingers to Huo Fenghua’s pulse, trying to gauge his inner energy. But Huo Fenghua grabbed him in return, tugged him down, and pressed close to kiss him, murmuring intimately, “Is this really the time to talk about that? We clearly have other things we can do.”

Su Zeyang looked down at him. His long lashes trembled slightly, and suddenly he reached out and yanked open Huo Fenghua’s lapels, exposing a broad stretch of pale, clean chest.

Huo Fenghua sat on the solid wooden crate, tilting his head back.

Su Zeyang kissed his neck, one hand sliding up over his chest, thumb rubbing one nipple.

Huo Fenghua couldn’t help panting lightly. Meanwhile, his thoughts turned lively. His hand traced along Su Zeyang’s supple waistline, slid down to his ass, and gave a firm squeeze.

Su Zeyang shot him a look and took Huo Fenghua’s nipple into his mouth.

That was when Huo Fenghua said, “You abandoned me at Luofeng Ridge.”

Su Zeyang’s movements paused.

With grievance in his voice, Huo Fenghua continued, “You’ve been back in the capital so long, and you never came to find me. You didn’t even ask about me once.”

Su Zeyang straightened and looked at him. “The curse is a matter of great importance. I—”

“You do it for Feng Tianzong, but you wouldn’t do it for me!” Huo Fenghua cut him off.

Su Zeyang looked at him, confused. “Last time… were you uncomfortable?”

Huo Fenghua stood up too. “I wouldn’t say I was uncomfortable. But I want to make you feel good too, Senior Brother.”

Su Zeyang said, “Last time I did feel good.”

Huo Fenghua lowered his eyes. “You left me at Luofeng Ridge…”

Su Zeyang turned and sat down on the crate, unfastening the knot at his collar. “Come, then.”

Huo Fenghua lit up with delight. He lowered his head and kissed Su Zeyang, speaking indistinctly as he did, “You can’t take it back now.”

Su Zeyang answered softly, “Mm.”

Huo Fenghua tugged his clothes open, one hand pinching his waist, the other kneading his chest. Hearing Su Zeyang’s breathing grow heavier, he felt satisfied. He nibbled lightly at Su Zeyang’s shoulder. “Senior Brother, I really like you.”

Su Zeyang stroked the back of his neck, fingers catching in his hair, and sighed faintly.

Huo Fenghua wasn’t satisfied. “Do you like me?”

Su Zeyang opened his half-lidded eyes. “I do.”

Huo Fenghua didn’t ask whether he liked Feng Tianzong more or him more. Instead he said, “Then you have to remember me for the rest of your life.”

Su Zeyang leaned back, legs spread slightly, and answered, “Alright.”

Huo Fenghua lowered his head, about to undo his belt.

Suddenly, both of them heard footsteps coming this way.

That went without saying for Su Zeyang, but after gaining decades of inner energy from Zixi, Huo Fenghua felt his senses had sharpened a lot. The footsteps were still some distance from the courtyard, yet he could clearly judge their direction. He immediately lifted his head and looked at Su Zeyang.

Su Zeyang was looking at him too. With silent understanding, they both stopped, stood, and adjusted their clothes, tying their sashes.

By the time Liu Yong walked through the courtyard gate, Su Zeyang and Huo Fenghua were already continuing to rummage through the boxes.

Liu Yong crept up to the storeroom doorway and knocked on the open door. “Young Master Su, the Prime Minister’s residence has sent someone.”

Su Zeyang closed the lid of a wooden box and asked, “What is it?”

Liu Yong said, “It’s Xu An, the Prime Minister’s personal attendant. He says the Imperial Princess is ill and wants to invite Doctor Du from our residence to examine her.”

Doctor Du had once followed Feng Tianzong onto the battlefield as a military physician. His medical skills were excellent. Later, growing older and with no family, Feng Tianzong had invited him to live at the General’s Manor, to treat people in the household and also to let him spend his later years in comfort.

Su Zeyang said softly, “The Imperial Princess is ill?” He hesitated slightly, then said, “I’ll go see Xu An.” Something like that couldn’t simply be ignored.

After speaking, Su Zeyang looked to Huo Fenghua. “Will you keep looking for the jade ruyi here?”

Huo Fenghua looked displeased at being interrupted when things were getting good. “I don’t even know what you’re looking for.”

Su Zeyang said, “Then go back to your room and get yourself sorted out first. Steward Lu should’ve already passed the word along. Qingqing probably knows you’re back too.”

Hearing the name Qingqing so suddenly, Huo Fenghua felt a wave of longing as well. He nodded. “Then I’ll go see Sister Qingqing first.”

Huo Fenghua returned alone to his small side courtyard. When he pushed the door open, he saw Qingqing sitting on a stone stool in the yard, staring off into space. He called softly, “Sister Qingqing!”

Qingqing jerked her head around, stood up, and said, “You really came back?”

Huo Fenghua walked over with a grin. “I’m back! Did you miss me?”

Qingqing didn’t answer. She just looked at him. After a moment, her eyes turned red.

Huo Fenghua froze and said, “Don’t cry. Why are you crying the moment you see me?”

“Who’s crying?” Qingqing lifted a hand to wipe her eyes. “I thought you’d never come back.”

Huo Fenghua felt a sour ache in his chest. He asked her, “So these days… you’ve been here alone keeping watch?”

Qingqing said, “Yeah. Every day I have to clean the room and the courtyard. By the time I’m done, it’s already afternoon.”

Huo Fenghua took her hand and said softly, “Really, don’t cry. I won’t be staying long. I’m still going to leave.”

Qingqing froze slightly, glanced outside, and said in a low voice, “You still want to slip away?”

Huo Fenghua didn’t explain his plans in detail. He only said, “Don’t worry. Before I go, I’ll make Feng Tianzong decide for you and marry you into a good family.”

Qingqing didn’t even have time to feel shy. She just asked, “How will you leave? The General and Madam won’t let you go.”

Huo Fenghua said, “Don’t worry about that. Before I go, I still have some things I need to handle. When the time comes, I’ll prepare your dowry. Keep this secret for me. Don’t tell anyone, alright?”

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