Chapter 39

The Crown Prince ultimately decided to follow along.

His excuse was: "Xie Lingshu is, after all, the master of a city; one must show him some level of courtesy."

Wen Biesang raised no objections, nor did he strictly forbid Cheng Yun from coming.

As they boarded the carriage, Wen Biesang glanced at the crisp, golden robe Cheng Yun was wearing. Although the style differed from formal court attire, it still shimmered brilliantly, clearly the product of intricate craftsmanship—imposing and magnificent.

"Xie Lingshu requested a secret meeting. Why are you dressed so conspicuously?" Wen Biesang worried that their private rendezvous would be discovered.

"Since he chose Linxian Pavilion, he must have already done his research. With this face of mine, no matter what I wear, I am bound to be recognized."

Linxian Pavilion was Song Qianfan’s territory. Wen Biesang had long known the Crown Prince frequented it, and Xie Lingshu was likely aware of this as well, which meant the Crown Prince’s appearance there would not seem overly abrupt.

Even so, Wen Biesang still felt that wearing such attire to drink and make merry was beneath the dignity of a prince. He said nothing more, his expression thoughtful.

Inside the carriage, Cheng Yun tentatively leaned toward him. "A-Sang?"

"Yes."

"What do you think Xie Lingshu wants to see me about?"

"I don't know."

"Could it be because of you?"

Wen Biesang looked at him and said, "If he intends to vent his anger on my behalf, that is possible."

"..." Cheng Yun paused, leaning closer, and said, "Look, Qi Song helped you beat me yesterday, and you even locked me out in the cold for the night... Can you let go of your anger regarding the past now?"

Wen Biesang nodded.

Cheng Yun continued to lean in until his shoulder pressed against Wen Biesang’s, his voice soft: "In your last letter, did you tell Xie Lingshu that I was treating you poorly?"

"No."

Cheng Yun felt a stir in his heart. "Were you afraid he would worry?"

"No," Wen Biesang replied. "I don't discuss such things with him."

Cheng Yun couldn't help but chuckle. "You don't discuss them... So, to you, he doesn't really count as a friend?"

"Compared to you, he is my best friend."

"..."

Cheng Yun pulled his shoulder away and fell into total silence.

Arriving once more at the moon gate of Zuixian Pavilion, the difference this time was that Wen Biesang was not questioned by the young women guarding the entrance. As the Crown Prince had said, his face was the pass to Linxian Pavilion. As soon as they stepped out of the carriage, the women parted to both sides and curtsied.

As the two walked inside, Song Qianfan immediately ran down from above. "Your Highness, what brings you here at this hour?"

Cheng Yun was startled, and Wen Biesang looked toward him as well. Judging by Song Qianfan’s expression, he seemed unaware that Xie Lingshu and Xie Nihong had even entered the city, let alone that they had come to his establishment.

Wen Biesang said, "A guest at the Moon-Ascending Terrace invited us."

It was not surprising that Song Qianfan didn't know; aside from his circle of friends, some guests did not go through him to book private rooms. Song Qianfan looked up toward the highest floor.

There was a small pavilion at the very top of Linxian Pavilion, with a five-foot-high railing that blocked almost all line of sight from below. In the summer, Song Qianfan and his friends loved that spot, but in the depths of winter, with the biting wind, few people went up there.

Realizing this, Song Qianfan immediately dismissed his servants. "I’ll take you up."

As they crossed the stairs, Wen Biesang saw Qi Ping'an lazily sunning himself by the window, while Chang Xingzhu was sketching something on paper.

"Why isn't the young Marquis going home?" Wen Biesang asked, feeling curious, as they seemed to be there every time he visited.

"Princess Qingyang is strict; he doesn't like to go back," Song Qianfan said with a smile. "The Marquis just came by in person earlier with an imperial physician. Seeing that he was healthy enough staying here, he stopped bothering him."

Cheng Yun glanced over as well. "He’s been behaving well this year, not giving his aunt cause for concern."

"Indeed. He hasn't had an episode all winter. Just two days ago, he was still bragging about wanting to join the army in the spring."

"Chang San has already run back from the Northern Frontier, yet he’s the opposite—always trying to head that way."

The three of them climbed the spiral staircase and reached the Moon-Ascending Terrace.

The wind was strong on the terrace, and the doors and windows of the small pavilion were tightly shut. Song Qianfan went to the door and knocked gently. Quick, light footsteps sounded from within, and the door creaked open. A young woman with a purple silk scarf draped over her shoulders appeared. As their eyes met, Song Qianfan’s mind went blank.

Xie Nihong immediately smiled. "Brother, look, I knew he would bring A-Sang up himself."

"Xie, Lady Xie..."

"Oh, come in quickly." Xie Nihong opened the door wider, her gaze shifting to Wen Biesang, her eyes brightening further. "Hurry, it's windy out here, it's warm inside."

Wen Biesang did not stand on ceremony and stepped inside first. The curtain was lifted, and a man with the elegance of the moon emerged from the back, a faint smile in his eyes. "A-Sang."

"Xie Lingshu," Wen Biesang said directly. "Why did you come here?"

His tone was flat, devoid of the joy of a reunion, causing the expressions of both Xie Nihong and Xie Lingshu to fall slightly.

The latter replied, "I came to see you."

Cheng Yun immediately watched Wen Biesang. Wen Biesang walked over without hesitation. Xie Lingshu added, "Turn around."

Wen Biesang turned in a circle before him. Xie Lingshu seemed relieved and extended a hand toward him. Just as Wen Biesang was about to reach out, his waist was suddenly hooked by someone, forcing him to step back. Cheng Yun stepped past him and said, "City Master Xie."

Xie Lingshu looked up, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Crown Prince Cheng Yun."

"I heard from A-Sang that you specifically requested to see me?"

"Indeed." Xie Lingshu turned slightly and gestured to the side. "Your Highness, please sit."

Cheng Yun took Wen Biesang’s hand and walked straight inside. Wen Biesang sat beside him without objection, though his gaze remained curious.

Xie Lingshu said, "Master Song, if you would be so kind as to serve the meal."

"Certainly!" Song Qianfan immediately left, returning shortly after, his face slightly flushed as he sat beside Xie Nihong. Xie Lingshu took his seat gracefully, right next to Wen Biesang.

Cheng Yun picked up a teapot, poured a cup for Wen Biesang, and handed it to him. "Drink some; it will warm you up."

Wen Biesang blew on it, lifted the cup, and touched it to his lips.

Xie Lingshu poured a glass of wine and faced Cheng Yun. "I heard about the Crown Prince’s encounter with the Dream Demon. I was truly worried about A-Sang’s safety. It was only after receiving A-Sang’s letter that I could finally set my mind at ease. This drink is to thank Your Highness for letting bygones be bygones and taking care of A-Sang."

Cheng Yun’s eyelid twitched. He instinctively looked at Wen Biesang, who looked at Xie Lingshu with confusion. "What 'letting bygones be bygones'? Regarding the Dream Demon, he has already apologized to me. It was clearly his fault."

Song Qianfan immediately looked at Cheng Yun, his expression one of shock. Xie Lingshu also appeared surprised.

Cheng Yun felt his composure slipping. He kept a cold face and said, "Let’s not talk about the past. Song Qianfan, where is the food?"

"I'll go urge them again!" Song Qianfan immediately rose and left the terrace.

Xie Lingshu shifted his gaze from Cheng Yun to Wen Biesang, smiling slowly. "I have only heard that the Crown Prince is of noble status, but I did not expect his character to be so worthy of admiration. Regardless, I must thank you for your care of A-Sang during this time. My sister and I intend to purchase a residence in Shengjing, so we will not trouble the Crown Prince any further."

Wen Biesang immediately asked, "You are staying in Shengjing?"

"Your affairs are our affairs!" Xie Nihong said. "When we heard you were wanted, my brother and I were frantic with worry. You should move out of the Crown Prince’s mansion and stay with us. My brother can build two large swings, and during the New Year, we can lie in them and watch the fireworks!"

Wen Biesang’s eyes brightened, but before he could speak, Cheng Yun interrupted. "That is not possible."

Everyone turned their eyes toward him. Cheng Yun said sternly, "Zhou Cangshu views A-Sang as a thorn in his side. If he lives with you, your identities will surely be exposed. If word gets out that the City Master of Junzi City is buying property in Shengjing, what if it causes suspicion from the Qi Kingdom?"

Wen Biesang grew quiet. Xie Nihong also felt there was some truth to this and instinctively looked at Xie Lingshu.

Xie Lingshu maintained his breezy, indifferent demeanor. "Now that A-Sang has been titled Lord Fengming, we can disguise ourselves as his stewards and maids. As long as we have the proper documentation, we won't be discovered."

Wen Biesang nodded. Cheng Yun continued, "You are being too naive. What kind of person is Zhou Cangshu? Even the Stability Bureau hasn't been able to fully uncover his secrets. Do you really think you can evade his eyes and ears?"

Just then, the door was pushed open, and a series of exquisite dishes were placed on the table.

Xie Lingshu glanced at Cheng Yun a few more times, his eyes darkening slightly. "Your Highness, are you unwilling to let him go?"

"It is not that I am unwilling," Cheng Yun said, looking at Wen Biesang. "I have already discussed the pros and cons with A-Sang privately. Remaining at the Crown Prince’s mansion is the most beneficial and safest option for him."

Xie Lingshu looked to Wen Biesang for confirmation. The latter nodded slowly. "Yes, we discussed it."

Cheng Yun felt a weight lift from his heart. He picked up his chopsticks and placed a piece of stir-fried beef into Wen Biesang’s bowl. No sooner had he done so than he saw Xie Lingshu pick up a slice of lotus root and hold it directly to Wen Biesang’s lips.

Wen Biesang opened his mouth, took it, and began to crunch on it.

Cheng Yun: "?"

Xie Nihong laughed from across the table. "A-Sang, how does the food in Shengjing compare to that of Junzi City?"

"It’s all delicious," Wen Biesang said, showing no discomfort at being hand-fed. "The flavors in Shengjing are a bit like what my mother used to make."

"When we go back, I'll find a chef from Shengjing for you," Xie Lingshu said, peeling a shrimp. Cheng Yun had been a step faster, but just as he hesitated between putting the shrimp in Wen Biesang's bowl or feeding it to him, Xie Lingshu had already extended his hand and fed it to Wen Biesang instead.

Xie Nihong watched with envy, and just as she was about to peel a shrimp for herself, she noticed a few peeled shrimp had already been placed in her bowl.

Song Qianfan, sitting beside her, was blushing, his head lowered as he ate his meal in silence.

Cheng Yun wanted to feed Wen Biesang several times, but each time he raised his chopsticks, he lowered them again. He could only watch as Xie Lingshu acted with extreme familiarity, and Wen Biesang showed no resistance at all.

His expression gradually darkened.

Seeing this, Song Qianfan suddenly raised his wine glass. "As the host of Zuixian Pavilion, I propose a toast to everyone! This meal is on me!"

Wen Biesang stood up to join in, and the others followed. The glasses clinked, and they downed their drinks.

"I never imagined that one day I would be sitting at the same table, drinking with the City Master of Junzi City and the Crown Prince." Not giving Cheng Yun a chance to remain sullen, Song Qianfan continued, "Let me toast everyone again!"