Chapter Six: The One I Love

From a distance, the small town of Qinghe appeared peaceful and tranquil, wisps of smoke curling gently into the air. Wang Jiu finished preparing the meal, asked the Qilu couple to eat first, and carried a bowl of rice porridge back to the room. The Qilu couple, heavy sleepers, knew nothing of last night’s events; Wang Jiu excused himself by saying Xiao Jiu was unwell, and so brushed off their questions.

The delicate fragrance of food reached Xiao Jiu, who slowly opened his eyes as awareness returned to him. His body was weak and aching, a dull soreness lingering behind him; the memory of last night’s passionate encounter still clung to his mind. The moment he met Wang Jiu’s gaze, he dove under the covers in an instant.

Biting his lip, Xiao Jiu’s cheeks were flushed, torn between embarrassment and regret. How could he have been so forward? Would this old fox think he was too wanton? The scene was all too reminiscent of the times in his childhood when he’d argued with Ye Min.

Wang Jiu set the porridge aside and sat at the edge of the bed, drawing both Xiao Jiu and the covers into his embrace. Through the quilt, he buried his face into Xiao Jiu’s neck, his voice tinged with laughter and satisfaction. “I’m very happy,” he said.

Xiao Jiu was dazed, letting Wang Jiu pull back the covers. His body was clean, dressed in fresh clothes—it seemed Wang Jiu had already tended to him. Xiao Jiu’s face felt feverishly hot as he awkwardly hugged Wang Jiu back, gently stroking his hair in silence.

Wang Jiu picked up the porridge, lifted a spoonful, and blew on it before feeding Xiao Jiu, his movements smooth and natural, as though he’d practiced countless times. Xiao Jiu, in a bit of a daze, finished the small bowl quickly.

Warmth spread through Xiao Jiu’s belly as he saw the careful tenderness in Wang Jiu’s eyes. It felt unexpectedly comforting; perhaps there was some truth in what the other man had told him.

Wang Jiu pulled Xiao Jiu into his arms and softly said, “Xiao Jiu, in a few days, you should return home.”

Xiao Jiu was startled. Wanting to go home was one thing, but being told to leave by Wang Jiu was quite another. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

Wang Jiu toyed with a lock of Xiao Jiu’s hair and smiled. “No, I want you to go home and inform your parents. I will come soon to formally propose marriage.”

Propose marriage? So he really saw Xiao Jiu as the one being married off? Unacceptable! Xiao Jiu’s eyes flashed with a plan. Since he’d be returning first, he’d hold the upper hand. He obediently replied, “Alright.”

A wave of drowsiness washed over him. Wang Jiu didn’t disturb him, carefully tucking him in and watching over him as he drifted to sleep. He pressed a lingering kiss on Xiao Jiu’s slightly swollen lips, quietly closed the door, and let his smile fade.

Downstairs, he greeted guests with the Qilu couple. Suddenly, Qilu called out to him, holding a wooden box. “Someone just asked me to pass this on to you. A friend of yours?” he asked.

Wang Jiu accepted the box, a cold chill spreading in his heart. “Thank you, Uncle Qi. Yes, he is an old friend.”

Qilu nodded and went about his business. Wang Jiu retreated to a corner. Inside the box was a pottery vessel, covered in cracks—Tao Hong?

He turned around at the sound of footsteps and recognized Uncle Tao, who had come to collect wine. Sweat broke out on Wang Jiu’s palms as he approached. “Uncle Tao, how has Tao Hong been lately?”

Uncle Tao waved his hand with a chuckle. “She’s the same as ever. The girl spends all her time shut up in her room. Who knows what she’s busy with!”

Wang Jiu replied quietly, “It’s not good to stay inside all day. If you have time, you should take her out for a walk to lift her spirits.”

Uncle Tao was somewhat comforted—his daughter, at least, had good judgment, even if this young man’s background was questionable and his heart seemed elsewhere. “Alright, I’ll remember that. I’ll go check on her now.”

Wang Jiu saw Uncle Tao off with a smile, then returned to his room, his expression icy. Before long, the box in his hand was consumed by cold energy and vanished without a trace. Only then did Wang Jiu go back to his chores.

A few days later, Xiao Jiu’s health had mostly recovered. Wang Jiu hired a carriage to send him back to the Xiao family, having already informed the Qilu couple, who were happy to see things progressing between the two youths.

Wang Jiu and Xiao Jiu boarded the carriage together, heading out of Qinghe. On the journey, Wang Jiu kept reminding him, “Your travel money and pastries are in the compartment. Try not to stop along the way...”

Xiao Jiu, exasperated, interrupted, “Alright, alright, I know.” He wrapped his arms around Wang Jiu’s slender waist and added, “Isn’t there anything else you want to say?”

Wang Jiu held him tightly. Xiao Jiu thought nothing of it, assuming Wang Jiu simply couldn’t bear to part. Suddenly, Wang Jiu pressed a hard kiss to Xiao Jiu’s neck, leaving a red mark. Xiao Jiu winced, “You old fox!”

Unexpectedly, Wang Jiu whispered in his ear, “Get home safely. Wait for me to come and propose.”

Like he’d wait, Xiao Jiu thought, though outwardly he nodded. As the carriage rolled away from Qinghe, Wang Jiu prepared to disembark, his retreating figure inexplicably tugging at Xiao Jiu’s heart.

Xiao Jiu pulled him back, uneasy. “Will you really come for me?”

Wang Jiu smiled. “Don’t worry. Once the driver returns and remembers the route, I’ll set out.”

Xiao Jiu pinched Wang Jiu’s cheek and bit his pale lips in mock threat. “Don’t you dare lie to me! My family is formidable—no matter where you run, I’ll find you!”

Wang Jiu’s heart ached, but he held Xiao Jiu’s hand, kissing his fingertips. “I’m already yours. What are you worried about? It’s getting late—set off quickly. The sooner you get home, the sooner I can depart.”

Xiao Jiu pouted, turning away, grumbling, “Then why not come back with me? It’d be simpler.”

Wang Jiu replied, “I need to prepare properly and win your parents’ approval.”

With that, Xiao Jiu had nothing more to say. Wang Jiu alighted, and Xiao Jiu, leaning on the carriage window, secretly lifted the curtain for one last look—only to see that Wang Jiu had disappeared. Xiao Jiu’s mouth twitched. That old fox—just wait until he returned!

The carriage hardly stopped on the journey. Pressing on, they reached the Xiao residence within two or three days.

After dismissing the driver, Xiao Jiu hurried to his father’s study. Ignoring the uncles and elders discussing matters with Xiao Muran, he burst in and shouted, “Father! I want to get married!”

The elders, teacups in hand, spilled their drinks in a chorus of shock. “Young master, what nonsense are you talking about?”

Xiao Muran spat out his tea and slammed his hand down, splintering the desk. “You little rascal! What did you say?”

Xiao Jiu feigned nonchalance, picking at his ear and repeating, “I said I want to get married. Why so surprised? Kids my age next door already have children!”

Face dark, Xiao Muran dismissed the others. “That’s enough for today. Everyone, please leave. I have something to discuss with my son.”

As the others filed out, one paused beside Xiao Jiu, whispering, “Little Jiu, why didn’t you tell your mother first? Are you daft?”

Xiao Jiu realized that might have been smarter, but he was in a hurry, so he let it go. When the door shut, he met his father’s gaze. “Father, cancel that mission.”

At the mention of the mission, Xiao Muran’s brows rose, his demeanor calming. He knew his foolish son could never best Ye Min. “Why?” he asked.

Xiao Jiu grinned, carefree. “Because I’ve taken a liking to the target. That makes him a member of the Xiao family, so naturally the mission should be canceled.”

With a snap, the pen in Xiao Muran’s hand broke in two. Xiao Jiu’s words were like thunder in his ears. Disbelief twisted his features as he demanded, “Say that again. Who do you want to marry?”

Xiao Jiu looked puzzled. “Father, is your hearing failing? I already said—I want to marry that wine seller, Wang Jiu from the Qilu Tavern! I’ve even picked the date! Isn’t your son thoughtful? Went out for a bit and already found you a daughter-in-law...” As he watched his father’s face redden, Xiao Jiu’s voice trailed off, his feet edging toward the door.

As expected, the next moment, Xiao Muran roared, “You little rascal!”

Xiao Jiu flung open the door and bolted, heading straight for Madam Xiao’s quarters, even vaulting over walls. His father’s temper was truly fierce this time!

Luck was on his side—after just a few walls, he ran into Madam Xiao on her way to the study. He threw himself at her, spun her around, and buried his face in her embrace. “Mother, I missed you so much!”

Xiao Muran was defeated in just a few breaths. Madam Xiao, holding her forehead, looked at the all-too-familiar scene before her. Ignoring Xiao Jiu’s words, she asked, “Well, what trouble have you gotten into this time?”

Xiao Jiu pouted, whispering, “Nothing! I didn’t cause any trouble—I just want to get married.”

“Married?” Madam Xiao felt a headache coming on. She smiled. “Whose daughter is it? Bring her back for your mother to meet first, alright?”

Xiao Jiu laughed awkwardly. “Mother, you’re a little mistaken. The one I like is a man.”

In an instant, Madam Xiao’s face turned cold. “Muran, go get your father. Xiao Jiu, come with me!”

Xiao Jiu bowed his head slightly. This wasn’t quite how he’d imagined it would go...

Madam Xiao led Xiao Jiu into the ancestral hall. “Xiao Jiu, kneel!”

Xiao Xian, arriving even faster than Xiao Muran, demanded, “What on earth is going on?”