No matter how anxious he was, he couldn’t share her pain and inner struggle. Like the necessary hardships of life, once tempered by fire, one reaches a new realm—steel forged through a hundred refinements. From now on, she should be impervious to weapons, and he would never let her suffer even the slightest hardship again.
He held her in his arms, caressing her face. She had endured so much, gritting her teeth through a night’s journey. Climbing mountains and crossing ridges was too physically demanding for a girl. With her spiritual support suddenly vanishing, it was inevitable that reality would crush her.
The Geshiha who accompanied them also arrived quite quickly, not long after. This place was full of shacks, terribly filthy, making it difficult to settle people properly. They could only set up tents on the spot. Without worrying about other matters first, they gathered braziers to warm her and had the task leader prepare rice soup for when she woke, to help warm her body.
The Seventh Prince, as always, arrived fashionably late. By the time he got there, everything had been settled. He came over for a look and frowned deeply. “No ability yet trying to escape? Look at this miserable state! What happened? Frozen unconscious?”
Hong Ce couldn’t say much and responded vaguely. This angered the Seventh Prince, whose voice rose, “This one is loyal and righteous. Knowing you wanted to investigate the case, he disregarded his master and risked his life to accompany you. I’ve scolded him so many times, but he doesn’t listen at all. He’s as stubborn as a mule!” Turning his head to look, he saw the person on the couch looking wilted and pitiable, so he stopped talking and sat beside him, examining him while sighing with interest. “Look at your physique, yet still trying to act tough! Twelfth Brother, not to lecture you as an elder brother, but if you wanted my person to help, you should have at least informed me, so I’d know what was happening. Taking him away quietly like this, do you know what I thought? At the very least, I’m a prince. People who see me must address me as ‘lord,’ but to you, I’m just a fool, a stupid brother who doesn’t understand anything, right?”
When the Seventh Prince started settling accounts, many entanglements would follow. Hong Ce said, “For Seventh Brother to speak this way makes it impossible for your younger brother to live. The situation developed suddenly. Xiao Shu was well-intentioned, saying the case would be resolved sooner, allowing us to reach Ningguta earlier. He knew Seventh Brother feared the cold and was concerned about his master being delayed and suffering. Isn’t that also filial devotion?”
Hearing this, that it was all for him, the Seventh Prince’s dissatisfaction immediately dissipated. He turned back to look down at Xiao Shu—truly adorable in every way!
Hong Ce still thought about the three Wen brothers. Among the tens of thousands of Aha people coming and going, the moment Wen Lu’s sons were mentioned, Task Leader Ren could recall them. Were they so memorable? If he could remember them, those who lived and ate together would surely not forget.
He went out to look at the field. With so many people, even if the estate manager had given instructions, those who had been long immersed in suffering could be enticed with small benefits to reveal the truth.
He sighed deeply, a mist of fog before his eyes. If even one of the three remained, it would be a comfort to her.
He called for Sha Tong and instructed the Geshiha to split up and investigate. Over these years, both Changbai Mountain and Ningguta faced the same problem—the Aha population had decreased dramatically. Looking at them one by one, there were few able-bodied adults; almost all were elderly, weak, sick, or disabled. Those criminals punished by the court, once here, were no different from livestock. It was inevitable that arbitrary slaughter and trafficking occurred… If they had been sold, it might be better, offering a glimmer of hope. He had some impression of the Wen brothers. Sons of officials above the second rank became imperial guards upon birth. In the past, they had practiced horsemanship and archery together and had crossed paths at the archery ground. Later, he went to Khalkha, and upon returning, learned that the Wen family had fallen into disgrace. If he had foreseen meeting the Wen family’s daughter and extended a helping hand, at least those three brothers wouldn’t have ended up in their current state.
While investigations were busy outside, the Seventh Prince inside the tent wasn’t idle either. He let the boiling water cool for Xiao Shu, awkwardly holding two bowls, moving back and forth, muttering, “Boiling water scalds the mouth. I hate eating hot things. My mother always said I was reincarnated from a cat, unable to eat hot food. Cat is fine; only dogs don’t mind hot or cold, right? I have many bad habits; when you’re with me in the future, you’ll know. Is it about time? You should wake up. Running around with people all over the place, and after all that, your lord still has to attend to you. How fortunate you are! Even my mother never drank water cooled by me!”
With his endless chatter, he eventually talked the person awake. He quickly moved to the edge of the couch to feed him. “Come, open your mouth. Do you like chestnut powder? Eating chestnut powder in winter is an old custom. When we return to the imperial estate, I’ll have someone steam it for you, ah.”
Ding Yi was still confused, looking around, not knowing where she was. Then, seeing the person before her, she was startled, hastily sitting up, stammering, “Um… my… my lord, how did you come here?”
“I’m chasing a runaway slave. Who told you to run off quietly?” He pressed the edge of the bowl against his lips. “Take a sip, and I’ll have someone bring rice soup. Can you stop making decisions on your own in the future? Although I know you have a loyal heart, wanting to resolve the case early so your lord can leave this place, before acting, discuss it with your lord first. I’m not an unreasonable person. While you’ve been by my side, how often have I scolded you? I always reason with you. Ah, I love reasoning the most because I can stand my ground, unlike you, teetering like a monkey with a lantern…”
As he rambled on, Xiao Shu watched him while drinking water, making him feel self-conscious. Had he said something wrong? Had he been unreasonable before? After some self-reflection, unable to figure it out, he remembered his earlier idea. Undressing wasn’t appropriate now, with too many eyes around. This had to be done privately. So he decided to share his thoughts, to let him prepare.
But how to begin? He felt a bit embarrassed. He hesitated, looking at him. “Shu, let me ask you something. Do you have a sweetheart in Beijing?”
Ding Yi was at a loss. “I… I haven’t found anyone yet. Why do you ask, my lord?”
“I know someone here, beautiful with big eyes and a high nose bridge, from a good background with money, family estates that can’t be exhausted, commanding servants… Most importantly, this person has an easygoing temperament, rarely worries about anything, raises hawks, listens to music, living quite energetically.”
She didn’t understand what he was trying to do. Having just experienced a major shock, she had no interest in engaging with him on this, so she said, “Who is this unproductive person?”
The Seventh Prince was taken aback by his response, stunned for a while before coming to his senses. Touching his nose, he said, “Someone with money doesn’t need to produce anything! The court doesn’t allow bannermen to compete with commoners for profit; they’re not even permitted to open shops. So all they can do is eat, drink, and be merry! Being able to eat well and enjoy oneself is enough. Good fortune is brought from the womb; you can’t expect them to return the bone to their father!”
That made sense, so she nodded. “But why are you telling me this?”
The Seventh Prince spoke matter-of-factly, “I’m matchmaking.”
Ding Yi choked on water, covering her mouth as she coughed, thinking silently that the Twelfth Master had warned not to let the Seventh Prince know, but he seemed to understand everything. From his description, it was obvious the person was a man. She hadn’t disguised herself well enough; hearing that Ru Liang and the others were all dead, she had lost her composure and hardly cared about anything else. Though the Seventh Prince could be confused, his mind was sharp when it mattered. She had underestimated him.
“No, no, I’m still young and don’t want to find anyone. Thank you for your kindness, my lord…”
The Seventh Prince clicked his tongue. “You sound like my great-grandaunt, living until her hair turned white. When people asked, ‘How old are you, ma’am?’ she would say, ‘I’m young, only ninety-nine.’ Aren’t you almost eighteen? It’s time to find a match.” After saying this, he suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and mumbled, “Actually, two men living together can live very well. Why must one pair with a woman? Women are just for bearing children, and children can be born to anyone. Getting children is easy… What’s rare in this world is mutual affection. When feelings arise, it doesn’t matter if it’s a man or woman. Being happy together—a human life passes like a white colt through a crack, gone in the blink of an eye.”
Ding Yi was even more confused. Two men living together? He still hadn’t understood her situation. Knowing she was a man yet trying to match her, truly frightened her soul away. Trembling, she said, “My lord, don’t joke. This won’t do. I’m a clean and honest person; I’ve never thought of going down that path. Introducing this person to me—aren’t you harming me?”
The Seventh Prince felt wronged. “How is this harming you? I have your best interests at heart. Think about it: are you poor? Yes, you are. You have no money and can’t provide a good life for your master—that’s unfilial. Here’s a way for you to fulfill filial piety and never worry about food and drink again. Of course, I don’t mean for you to sell yourself. I have feelings too, and I’m sincere toward you. In all my years, I’ve never worried about anyone. If I liked someone, with just a beckon, she would come on her own. With you, I scratch my head not knowing what to do. I even dream of you at night—how deep my feelings are…”
Ding Yi was completely stunned now. Pointing a finger at him, she asked shakily, “Are you saying that person is yourself?”
The Seventh Prince had inadvertently let it slip. His old face, which hadn’t blushed in a thousand years, suddenly flushed red. Thinking about it, he decided to be clear—any later, and he’d be behind the Twelfth Prince again. As a proper master, he still had significant advantages. So, mustering his courage, he confirmed, “Yes, it’s me! What’s wrong with me? How am I inferior to others? I’m not missing arms or legs; I can hear and speak—I’m as complete as anyone. I have a good father and a good mother. With my wild reputation, people don’t have expectations of me, so I can do as I please. Unlike some people, pillars of the court and beams of the state—if you went with them, you’d surely be disciplined to death. Think about it: taking such a risk isn’t worth your life. Better to be with me. I’ll provide you with the best food and drink, cherish and love you, and ensure you live even more comfortably than my princess consorts. How about it?”
What was this? All the shocks she had experienced weren’t as stunning as this one. What on earth was in the Seventh Prince’s mind? How could the same person be so unpredictable?
Seeing her silence, he became very anxious. “Don’t think anymore. Your lord won’t mistreat you. I have nothing else but loyalty and righteousness. Being with me is ten thousand times better than being with Hong Ce. Don’t be fooled by his title as 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, even the fish in the moat suffer—do you still want to keep your head to eat? Just come with me, and I’ll set up a house for you. Your job doesn’t change; you’ll still be a bird… handler. No one would dare say you eat without working. See what a good deal it is, a sure win without loss.”
Ding Yi was utterly dumbfounded. “…I never thought you were such a person!”
Honestly, the Seventh Prince hadn’t thought so either. That he had become like this—wasn’t it all because of him? Could he dare to shift the blame?
“I used to be an unbending person. How many flattering horsemen sent me young male entertainers, and did I even look at them? It’s just that I’ve met you now! You’re not outstanding—not tall and stubborn-minded. I’m bewitched but I like you, what can I do? Do you have an antidote? If you do, give it to me, and I’ll swallow it without a second word. I’m more anxious about my state than you are. The side consorts and concubines at home are still waiting for me to produce sons, but now my mind is filled with you, oh heavens!” As he spoke, a flash of inspiration struck him. “Hey, I see you can fool people wearing women’s clothes. If you’re willing, I’ll give you a position, with exclusive favor and a private chamber, how about that?”
Ding Yi was speechless, both embarrassed and helpless. Meeting such a person, who came up with one idea after another, was both laughable and exasperating. The more you reasoned with him, the more enthusiastic he became, thinking and supplementing until he could paint a beautiful scene. She couldn’t tell the truth—the Twelfth Master had warned against it, fearing trouble. But not telling the truth meant this lord could provoke her to vomit blood. She really couldn’t bear it anymore and bluntly said, “I appreciate your kind intentions, my lord, but I… haven’t thought about being with you like that. As a man, to live well relies on one’s own hands. Even if it means bundling firewood or making fire ropes, I can’t sell myself!”
The Seventh Prince was surprised. “Who said anything about selling yourself? Your lord has feelings for you—how can that be called selling yourself? Do you have no feelings for me at all? I don’t look bad either, not missing an eye compared to the Twelfth Prince. Why do you look down on me? Let me tell you, the more I can’t get something, the more I want to seize it. Don’t push me. If pushed too far, I’ll take you by force. Don’t regret it.”
Isn’t this just rascally behavior? Ding Yi shrank back. “You shouldn’t be like this. You’re a prince…”
“I’m also your rightful master. From head to toe, you belong to me, understand? What does ‘bondservant’ mean?” He thought for a moment. “With clothes on, you’re your own, but without clothes, you’re my person!”
“What are you saying?” Her face reddened. “I need to continue my family line…”
“Continue what? Your family has no one left. If you don’t continue it, will your parents rise from the grave to scold you? Hey, why are you dodging? Can I eat you?” Her small movements of resistance angered him. Remembering his intimacy with Hong Ce, he decided to act without hesitation. Extending both hands, he cupped his face and aimed for those ruddy lips, kissing them.