The pain she endured and the struggles in her heart—no matter how anxious he was, he couldn’t bear them for her. Like the inevitable trials of life, enduring the tempering fire would lead her to a new realm, refined through hardship until she became unbreakable. From now on, she should be impervious to harm, and he would never let her suffer again.
He held her in his arms, gently stroking her face. She had truly suffered, gritting her teeth through the long night, traversing mountains and valleys—an exhausting feat for a girl. When the emotional anchor she clung to vanished in an instant, it was no surprise reality had crushed her.
The accompanying guards arrived quickly, not long after. The place was filled with shacks, filthy and chaotic, making it difficult to settle people properly. They had no choice but to pitch tents on the spot. Other matters could wait—first, they gathered around the brazier to warm her and had the overseer prepare rice porridge, so she could warm herself when she woke.
Seventh Lord, as usual, arrived late. By the time he got there, everything had already been settled. He took one look and frowned deeply. "No skill, yet daring to imitate an escape? Look at the state of you! What happened? Fainted from the cold?"
Hongce couldn’t say much and gave a vague response. This only angered Seventh Lord further, his voice rising. "This one here is loyal to a fault. He knew you were investigating the case and even forgot his duty to his master, risking his life to accompany you. How many times have I scolded him? He never listens—stubborn as a mule!" He turned to look at the figure lying weakly on the bed, pitiful and subdued, and fell silent. He moved closer, studying him while sighing. "Look at your own condition, yet you still act the hero! Twelfth Master, I’m not lecturing you as your elder brother, but if you wanted my men’s help, you could’ve at least informed me, given me some notice. Sneaking off with them in secret—do you have any idea what I must’ve thought? At the very least, I’m a prince. People address me as ‘Lord,’ but to you, I’m just a fool, an idiot brother who can’t tell right from wrong, is that it?"
Once Seventh Lord started airing grievances, the matter would spiral. Hongce replied, "Seventh Brother, your words cut me to the quick. It was sudden—Xiaoshu meant well. He said if the case was resolved quickly, we could head to Ningguta sooner. He knew you feared the cold and worried you’d suffer if delayed. Wasn’t that just his loyalty to you?"
Hearing it was for his sake, Seventh Lord’s resentment instantly melted away. He turned back to look at Xiaoshu—how utterly endearing he was in every way!
Hongce was still preoccupied with the three Wen brothers. Tens of thousands of Aha came and went, yet the mention of Wen Lu’s son serving as overseer brought back memories. Was he truly so unforgettable? If Hongce could remember, those who lived and worked alongside him surely wouldn’t forget.
He stepped outside and glanced over the grassland. With so many people, even if the manor head had given orders, long steeped in hardship, the promise of even a small benefit would surely loosen their tongues.
He let out a long sigh, the thick fog before his eyes mirroring his thoughts. If even one of the three remained, it would be a comfort to her.Call Sha Tong and relay the instructions to the guards to go out and investigate separately. Over the years, both Changbai Mountain and Ningguta had faced the same issue—the number of Aha had drastically dwindled. Upon closer inspection, there were hardly any able-bodied adults left; almost all were elderly, weak, or disabled. Criminals sentenced by the court were treated no better than livestock here, making it inevitable that indiscriminate killings and trafficking occurred... Trafficking might even be preferable, as it at least offered a slim chance of survival. He also had some recollection of the Wen Brothers. The sons of officials ranked second-grade or higher were born as Guards, and they had once practiced archery and horsemanship together, even facing off in Manchu Wrestling matches. Later, when he went to Khalkha and returned, he learned that the Wen family had fallen from grace. Had he known earlier that he would encounter the Wen family’s daughter, he might have lent a hand—at least the three brothers wouldn’t have ended up in such a state.
While the outside was busy with investigations, Seventh Lord inside the tent wasn’t idle either. He was cooling boiled water for Xiaoshu, clumsily pouring it back and forth between two bowls while muttering, “Boiling water scalds the mouth. I hate hot food the most. My mother always says I must’ve been a cat in a past life, unable to handle heat. Cat or not, only dogs eat anything hot or cold, right? I’ve got plenty of bad habits—you’ll find out soon enough if you stick with me.” He peeked over and kicked the foot of the bed. “About time, you should wake up now. Running around everywhere with people, then making me serve you—what luck you have! Even my mother hasn’t drunk water I cooled for her!”
His rambling eventually roused the person awake, and he quickly leaned over the edge of the bed to feed him. “Come on, open your mouth. Do you like chestnut flour? Eating chestnut flour in winter is tradition. When we return to the Imperial Manor, I’ll have someone steam some for you, alright?”
Dingyi was still disoriented, looking around in confusion, unsure of where he was. When he saw the person before him, he startled and hurriedly sat up, stammering, “Uh… Master… Master, why are you here?”
“I’m chasing a runaway servant. Who told you to sneak off without a word?” He pressed the rim of the bowl to Dingyi’s lips. “Take a sip. I’ll have someone bring rice broth later. Listen, can you stop acting on your own in the future? I know you’re just being loyal, wanting to wrap up the case quickly so I can leave this place, but discuss things with me first. I’m not unreasonable. Have I ever scolded you while you’ve been with me? Hmm? I always reason with you—ah, I love reasoning because I’m always in the right, unlike you, monkey holding a lamp…” As he rambled on, Xiaoshu sipped water and stared at him, making him feel a bit guilty. Had he been unreasonable before? He reflected for a moment but couldn’t pinpoint anything. Instead, he remembered his earlier idea. Stripping clothes wasn’t the right move now—too many eyes around. That would have to be done in private. For now, he’d just share his thoughts to give Xiaoshu a heads-up.
But how to bring it up? He felt a little embarrassed. Hesitating, he looked at him and said, “Xiaoshu, let me ask you something—do you have anyone you fancy in Beijing?”
Dingyi was flustered. “N-not yet, no one’s caught my eye. Why do you ask, Master?”
“Well, I know someone—very pretty, with big eyes and a high nose, excellent family background, plenty of wealth, more land and food than they can use, surrounded by servants… The most important thing is, this person is easygoing, never worries about anything, spends their time flying falcons, listening to music—living life to the fullest.”She didn't understand what he was trying to do. Having just suffered a major blow, she wasn't in the mood to engage with him. "Who is it that's so idle?" she asked.
Seventh Lord was taken aback, choking on his words. After a long pause, he finally recovered and said, rubbing his nose, "They've got money—why would they need to work? The court forbids bannermen from competing with commoners for profit—they're not even allowed to open shops! So what else can they do but eat, drink, and enjoy themselves? If they can live well and have fun, that's enough. Their fortune was bestowed upon them at birth—you can't expect them to cut their bones and return them to their fathers, can you?"
That made some sense. She nodded. "Then why are you telling me this?"
Seventh Lord spoke as if it were obvious. "I'm matchmaking."
Dingyi choked on her water, coughing into her hand. She thought to herself that Twelfth Master had said not to let Seventh Lord know, but he already had everything figured out. From his words, it was clear the other party was a man. She hadn't concealed herself well—when she heard that Ruliang and the others had all died, she had been too distraught to think of anything else. Though Seventh Lord was usually muddle-headed, he was sharp when it mattered. She had underestimated him.
"N-no, I'm still young. I don't want to find anyone. Thank you for your kindness, Master..."
Seventh Lord clicked his tongue. "You sound just like my great-aunt. She lived to a ripe old age, and when people asked, 'How old are you, venerable one?' she'd still say, 'I'm young, only ninety-nine.' Aren't you almost eighteen? It's time to find someone." After saying this, he suddenly seemed a little embarrassed and mumbled, "Actually, two men can live together just fine. Why force yourself to be with a woman? All they're good for is bearing children, and children can be had with anyone—it's not hard to get them... What's rare in life is mutual affection. When the feelings are there, gender doesn't matter. Being happy together is what counts. Life is fleeting—it's over in the blink of an eye."
Dingyi was even more confused. Two men living together? He still hadn't figured out her situation. Knowing she was a man and still trying to set her up—this nearly scared her soul out of her body. Trembling, she stammered, "Master, don't joke like this. It's not proper. I'm an honest person—I've never thought of going down that path. Introducing me to such a person, are you trying to ruin me?"
Seventh Lord looked wronged. "How is this ruining you? I only have your best interests at heart. Think about it—are you poor? Yes, you are. You have no money, can't give your master a good life—that's unfilial. Here's a way for you to fulfill your filial duties and never worry about food or drink again. Of course, I'm not saying you should sell yourself—I'm talking about genuine feelings, sincere intentions toward you. In all my life, I've never worried about anyone. If I fancied someone, I'd just beckon, and they'd come to me. But with you, I'm scratching my head, not knowing what to do. I even dream about you at night—that's how deep my feelings are..."
Dingyi was utterly stunned now. Pointing a trembling finger at him, she asked, "The person you're talking about... is you?"Seventh Lord inadvertently let it slip, and his old face, which hadn’t blushed in a thousand years, suddenly burned crimson. After a moment’s thought, he decided to just lay it all out—if he waited any longer, he’d fall behind Twelfth Master again. As a proper master, he still had considerable advantages. So, mustering his courage, he declared firmly, “That’s right, it’s me! What’s wrong with me? How am I any worse than others? I’ve got all my limbs, can hear and speak just fine—I’m more complete than anyone. I’ve got a good father and a good mother. My reputation for being outrageous is well-known, so no one expects much from me. I can do whatever I please. Unlike some people—pillars of the court, pillars of the nation—if you follow them, they’ll discipline you to death. Think about it yourself—the risk is too great, not worth losing your life over. Better to come with me. I’ll treat you to good food and drink, cherish and love you, and ensure you live more comfortably than my Princess Consort. How about it?”
What kind of nonsense was this? None of the blows she’d suffered before could compare to the sheer shock of this. What on earth was going through Seventh Lord’s mind? How could someone be so utterly unreasonable?
Seeing her silent, he grew anxious. “Don’t overthink it. I won’t mistreat you. I may not have much else, but I value loyalty and affection. Being with me is ten thousand times better than being with Hongce. Don’t be fooled just because he’s a Prince of the First Rank. If something goes wrong in Khalkha, he’ll be the first to suffer. ‘When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat pay the price.’ Do you still want to keep your head and eat? Just agree to be mine, and I’ll get you a house. Your job won’t change—you’ll still be a bird trainer. No one will dare say you’re just freeloading. What a great deal, risk-free and guaranteed profit!”
Dingyi was utterly dumbfounded. “…I never expected you to be like this!”
To be honest, Seventh Lord hadn’t expected it either. But wasn’t it all because of her? How could he deny responsibility now?
“I used to be an upright man who wouldn’t bend. How many sycophants sent young boys my way, and did I even glance at them? But then I met you! Honestly, you’re not even that outstanding—you’re not tall, and you’re stubborn as hell. But I’m bewitched—I just like you, what can I do? If you’ve got an antidote, give it to me, and I’ll swallow it without a word. I’m more anxious about this than you are! My Secondary Wife and Concubine are still waiting for me to produce an heir, but now all I can think about is you, damn it!” As he spoke, a sudden inspiration struck him. “Hey, I think you could pass for a woman in disguise. If you’re willing, I’ll give you a proper title, and from then on, you’ll have my undivided favor. How’s that?”
Dingyi was speechless, caught between embarrassment and helplessness. Dealing with this man was like being caught in a whirlwind—one moment he’d come up with one idea, the next another, leaving her torn between laughter and tears. The more she argued, the more worked up he got, spinning elaborate fantasies all on his own. She couldn’t tell him the truth—Twelfth Master had warned her against causing trouble. But if she didn’t, this lord would drive her to despair. Unable to take it anymore, she blurted out, “I appreciate your kindness, my lord, but I… never considered being with you. A real man should rely on his own two hands for a good life. Even if it means gathering firewood or twisting rope, I won’t sell myself!”
Seventh Lord looked shocked. “Who said anything about selling yourself? I have feelings for you—how is that selling yourself? Do you really not feel anything for me? I’m not bad-looking—I’ve got both eyes, same as Twelfth Master. What reason do you have to look down on me? Let me warn you—the more I can’t have something, the more I want to seize it. Don’t push me, or I might resort to force. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”This was downright shameless. Dingyi shrank back, "You can't do this, you're a Prince..."
"I'm also your rightful master. From head to toe, you belong to me, understand? Do you know what a bondservant is?" He pondered for a moment, "With clothes on, you might think you're your own person, but take them off and you're mine!"
"What kind of talk is this?" Her face flushed crimson, "I need to continue my family line..."
"Continue what? Your family's gone. If you don't, can your parents rise from the grave to scold you? Hey, what are you dodging for? You think I'll eat you?" Her resistant little movements infuriated him. Remembering how affectionate she'd been with Hongce, he decided to go all the way—grabbing her face with both hands, he planted a kiss squarely on those rosy lips.
OpenNovel