On the mountain path down, Su Xuan apologetically said, “Miss Ming, I’m truly sorry for frightening you…”

Qin Chang Ge smiled slightly and replied, “Did I seem frightened? I actually found it quite exciting. Look, he went through such trouble to find you, and he was genuinely happy about it.”

“Of course he was happy,” Su Xuan paid no mind to her implied meaning and laughed, “He finally found the flower thief! That boy, he’s nothing like the Shui family… Though speaking of which, it’s fortunate he’s not like them. Despite being mischievous, he has some genuine character. If he were truly like that perfectly infuriating Third Young Master of the Shui family, I’d definitely turn tail and run far away.”

Qin Chang Ge watched his spirited and carefree demeanor, smiling silently to herself. She had no intention of reminding Su Xuan that if she hadn’t guessed wrong, on that lonely cliff above, a certain small, gesticulating youth was undoubtedly howling at the moon, swearing that he would definitely, definitely strip off Su Xuan’s pants and let that fellow who dared insult his supremely noble buttocks get a thorough spanking…

Thinking of this amused her so much she couldn’t help but smile. Su Xuan turned to see her profile tilted at an angle, bathed in a ray of orange morning sunlight. Under the gentle daylight, the beauty’s smile was pure and lovely as a lotus, about to bloom but not yet fully opened, filled with misty allure, and carrying a hint of cleverness. This was completely different from her usual mysterious and distant, gentle and indifferent smile. His heart couldn’t help but stir slightly, his gaze unconsciously softening. He felt the atmosphere at this moment was perfectly serene and peaceful, making him too lazy to speak. He only wanted to stand like this for a long, long time, forever watching this rare and beautiful smile.

For a time they were both silent, with only the rustling sound of wind through leaves in the quiet. Su Xuan suddenly raised his head, listening carefully for a moment, and uttered a surprised “Oh.”

Qin Chang Ge looked at him in puzzlement. He merely smiled and said, “Someone’s having a funeral.”

After a while, they could hear the faint sound of suona horns playing funeral music, and vaguely the wailing of mourning sons.

Qin Chang Ge praised, “What excellent hearing!”

With a carefree smile, Su Xuan elegantly bowed in modest acknowledgment. Ahead of them, a funeral procession had already appeared winding along the path.

All dressed in black, all men, with funeral banners, musicians, coffin bearers, and those carrying “burning offerings” – everything complete in this vast and mighty procession. There were even two monks with sorrowful faces chanting scriptures on the side. It looked like an ordinary funeral of a wealthy household in the capital.

However, among that sea of black-clad people, there was one person whose red robes with gold brocade trim blazed like fire, as if about to ignite those enchanting eyes that flowed like night’s dark allure.

“How is he here?”

Both exclaimed in unison. Qin Chang Ge and Su Xuan looked at each other, then said together, “You know him?”

Both couldn’t help but laugh. Qin Chang Ge said, “Prince Jing’an is famous throughout the realm – it would be hard not to know him.”

Su Xuan smiled, “I know him not because of his status. Last year in… ahem… at the Emerald Sleeve Pavilion in Cangzhou, Huaibei, I encountered him making a scene. He complained the girl was too ugly and affected his lute playing, demanding a replacement. He made the madam change four beauties in succession, and finally even brought out Liu Manru, the famous courtesan of Cangzhou. He still pursed his lips and shook his head, saying women who weren’t even as good-looking as men dared call themselves courtesans. The proud Manru nearly jumped from the building… Yet no one dared call him picky – who could blame him for his peerless beauty? I initially thought he was being excessive, but later saw the madam lose patience and call guards to attack, their methods vicious. I couldn’t stand by, so I fought alongside him and smashed up that establishment. Only afterward did I learn that place wasn’t just a brothel, but also involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, murder, and robbery… We became friends through fighting, you could say.”

As they spoke, the two had drawn near the procession. Qin Chang Ge dismounted and frowned with a smile, “Look at this man – attending a funeral in bright red. His contempt for proper etiquette really knows no bounds.”

But she heard no response from Su Xuan. Turning to look, she saw Su Xuan staring at the coffin with a strange expression. Only then did she notice that the coffin was merely about a foot long. Though made of precious wood with exquisite carvings, its shape was peculiar – was the deceased an infant?

Her gaze shifted to see the “mourning son” holding a black tablet with gold characters – a spirit tablet that brazenly read: “Spirit of Beloved Dog Mielang”…

Good heavens, this was a dog’s funeral?

Those carrying the spirit tablet, bearing the coffin, holding banners, playing suona horns, and chanting scriptures – all these earnest fellows were conducting a funeral for a dog?

Qin Chang Ge considered herself mentally strong after three lifetimes, but the current situation still left her speechless.

Su Xuan’s expression was even more indescribable.

Yu Zixi was famous throughout Yingdu for his wild and unrestrained behavior, often doing things others couldn’t do. But today’s… this this this… this was really going too far!

“You two, it’s been so long! What fine weather today – perfect for spring outings, sacrificial ceremonies, remembering people, and funerals. We really are kindred spirits,” Yu Zixi said, as if he hadn’t seen their expressions, smiling with swaying grace.

Su Xuan, being naturally open-minded, watched Yu Zixi silently for a while, then smiled helplessly and let it go, merely saying, “Your Highness, your household’s dog was truly blessed – living in extreme wealth, dying with honor and glory.”

“Naturally,” Yu Zixi said seriously, “This was my life-saving benefactor dog. If people can have funerals, why can’t dogs? Some of those nobles lying in coffins wrapped in gold and silver, I doubt they’re even as noble as my dog. My dog could catch rats below and kill wolves above, never abandoning the poor or fawning over the powerful. Close by, it brought joy; far away, it guarded the compound. Alive it could prevent thieves; dead it could provide meat. Compared to those corpulent parasites who hold positions without merit, it was far more useful.”

Su Xuan was stunned, then suddenly burst out laughing. “Wonderful! Only extraordinary people do extraordinary things and speak extraordinary words. But hearing this from you is rather strange – Your Highness, you yourself are ranked among the top-tier nobility!”

“Me?” Yu Zixi smiled, that smile carrying ambiguous meaning. “Naturally, I don’t count.”

He looked at Qin Chang Ge with twinkling eyes full of flirtation. “Beauty, why do you look so melancholy? Do you need this prince to comfort you?”

“Oh,” Qin Chang Ge replied with a half-smile, speaking slowly, “Your Highness, forgive this servant’s rudeness. This servant heard Your Highness’s speech and suddenly felt moved, thinking of the common saying ‘Heaven and Earth are not benevolent, treating all things as straw dogs.’ Now it seems this is completely wrong. It should be changed to ‘Heaven and Earth are not benevolent, treating all things as not being Prince Jing’an’s household dogs’ – that would be more appropriate.”

“Pfft.”

Su Xuan couldn’t help but laugh.

Looking at Qin Chang Ge with eyes bright as if lit by demonic flames, Yu Zixi said with great interest, “Su Xuan, let me ask you something.”

“Mm?”

“Do you like this girl?”

“Eh?”

“If you like her, though I might not necessarily yield, for the sake of our friendship, we could make a wager. Set a time period – you pursue her on odd days, I pursue her on even days. Whoever wins her first loses silver. If you don’t like her, I won’t be polite. Tomorrow I’ll petition His Majesty to speak with the Princess about granting me this palace maid as a concubine. How about it?”

Su Xuan looked at Yu Zixi with mixed laughter and tears. After watching him for a long time and seeing he wasn’t joking, he could only say helplessly, “Your Highness, I really cannot answer this question. First, Miss Ming’s will belongs to herself. We shouldn’t treat her like an object to be wagered over – that would be quite disrespectful. Second, I believe this concerns Miss Ming’s lifelong happiness, so it shouldn’t be limited to just the two of us, should it?”

Tilting his head in thought, Yu Zixi’s expression carried charming innocence amid his allure, his aura fragrant and intoxicating like honey, making one marvel that masculine beauty could be so exquisite. After pondering for a while, he shook his head, “That’s not right, Sect Leader Su. You seem to have already started pursuing her ahead of time – aren’t you trying to please the beauty? Unfair, unfair! – But then again, don’t you think that with our status, appearance, position, and talents, we represent the cream of the crop in this world? If this girl doesn’t choose between the two of us, what good options could she possibly find?”

At this point he suddenly remembered something, paused, and said with sudden understanding, “Wait, that’s not right either. It seems he also…” He suddenly gave an ambiguous smile but didn’t continue.

Clapping her hands, Qin Chang Ge smiled, “Excuse me for interrupting, but you two gentlemen seem to be discussing my lifelong future?”

With sidelong glances, Yu Zixi drawled, “Indeed. So what?”

“Sect Leader Su spoke well just now,” Qin Chang Ge smiled warmly. “Marriage is this servant’s lifelong matter. If Your Highness truly cherishes this servant, please give this servant some space to think and choose. You speak of odd days and even days – what kind of person is this servant to dare trouble two gentlemen to schedule days for pursuit? How about this – this servant will work a bit harder. Such a complex and difficult problem, let this servant handle it. This servant will think about Sect Leader Su on odd days and think about Your Highness on even days. How does that sound?”

…

“Clang!” Someone who had been listening to this bizarre conversation in stunned silence, wanting to laugh but not daring to, finally couldn’t hold back. One of Prince Jing’an’s household members dropped the brass gong in his hands to the ground with a crash.

“…His Highness has finally met his match…”

“This girl would really be perfect as our princess…”

“…A perfect match indeed…”

Su Xuan raised his head and laughed heartily, calling out, “Excellent!”

Yu Zixi glanced at him and said resentfully, “What’s so excellent? If someone else takes a fancy to her, how would we arrange the days?”

…

Carelessly picking at her fingers, Qin Chang Ge said casually, “What’s there to fear? This servant’s market value isn’t that high. Besides – there are twelve hours in a day.”

…

Su Xuan laughed so hard he nearly rolled off his horse.

“That’s settled then,” Yu Zixi wasn’t laughing but spoke with surprising seriousness. “If it really gets that crowded, don’t you dare assign me to after midnight – I don’t believe you can think of me while sleeping.”

“Your Highness is truly clever,” Qin Chang Ge smiled sweetly. “You saw through this servant’s plan so quickly.”

Yu Zixi looked up at the sun. Under the sunlight, his peach-blossom face was dazzlingly beautiful as he smiled, “This prince really can’t trust you. I might as well go ask the Princess to bestow you upon me… The time has come, and the burial ground is ready. I must take my leave to hurry to the burial.”

Su Xuan asked in surprise, “The burial ground is ready?”

Patting his stomach and pointing to an open space in the woods ahead, Yu Zixi said, “My stomach is ready – waiting for the dog meat burial. That clearing is spacious, perfect for building a fire to roast dog meat. Would you like to join us?”

…

Eyes wide, Su Xuan stammered, “You you you you’re going to eat this dog? Didn’t you say it was your benefactor dog and you were giving it a funeral?”

“Yes, didn’t we just have the funeral?” Yu Zixi innocently widened his beautiful eyes. “It’s already enjoyed the honor it deserved. Should I also build a grave? Who would remember to pay respects? Now I’m giving it its final journey, burying it in my stomach. From now on it and I are one body. Such high ceremonial standards – what’s wrong with that?”

Su Xuan looked silently toward heaven, then after a long while sighed weakly, “Right, you’re absolutely right…”

“Sect Leader Su, people say you’re free-spirited, but this prince sees you’re still somewhat rigid,” Yu Zixi patted Su Xuan’s shoulder. “Once dead, all turns to smoke – what use are graves and coffins? They’re just empty formalities for appearances. Rather than rotting in filthy mud, better to choose a good place to resolve oneself. Like this dog – I think it would be happy to be eaten by me. Like myself – I’d want to die in ice and snow, frozen in thousand-year ice layers, never decaying, preserving my beauty forever. How wonderful!”

He gazed northward in intoxication, lost in thought for a moment, then mounted his horse. With a crack of his long whip, he called out, “Let’s go!”

Su Xuan and Qin Chang Ge stood in place, watching his beautiful and enchanting figure disappear into the distance, both suddenly falling silent.

After a long while, Su Xuan murmured, “Behind his laughter and fury lies a different heart. This is a sorrowful man.”

Qin Chang Ge stood with hands behind her back in silent contemplation, gazing at the half-hidden golden sun in the red clouds on the horizon. She remembered years ago, on a battlefield littered with corpses, among wild smoke and grass, the blood-soaked Yu Zixi laughing wildly while surrounded by thousands, and when cold sword edges swept toward his chest, that dog called Mielang leaped up like black lightning with mad barking, letting a long spear pierce its body without caring, scattering blood in the swift wind, desperately lunging to bite through the enemy’s throat…

That dog had been with him from the moment he appeared. No one knew his background, no one could truly get close to him. Only that dog always looked at him with devoted eyes, following him like a shadow at all times. Back then, Xiao Jue had laughed and said that in this world, probably only that dog could tolerate Yu Zixi for the longest time – others simply couldn’t bear it.

Now Mielang was dead.

Was he grieving for this?

Yes, but not entirely…

Just as they returned to the Blazing Flame headquarters, an official hurried over and whispered, “Sect Leader…”

Frowning, Su Xuan sighed, “Another attack?”

The man nodded. Su Xuan said, “Have Doctor Yan go first. I’ll be right there.” He turned to Qin Chang Ge apologetically. She was already smiling, “Dawn has come. I should return too. Please attend to your business, Sect Leader.”

Moved by Qin Chang Ge’s understanding, Su Xuan smiled, “To be honest, recently the sect has been hosting a guest. Though young, he possesses outstanding talent and knowledge. In martial arts especially, he’s a rare genius. I discuss martial arts with him daily and feel I benefit greatly. Unfortunately, Heaven envies talent – he suffers from a serious illness. Each attack brings unbearable agony. My pure yang internal energy can provide him some relief… Tonight he’s having another attack, so I must attend to him. This person is truly exceptional. If you don’t mind, perhaps you could visit him together. We’re all extraordinary people – meeting would be fate, and if friendship develops, it would be another fine story.”

After thinking, Qin Chang Ge said, “Perhaps another day. Those with great talent are often proud and self-respecting. Being bedridden in pain and distress now, he surely wouldn’t want outsiders to see him. Let me visit after he’s fully recovered.”

With sudden understanding, Su Xuan’s gaze toward her became even more brilliant, “I was being thoughtless. You’re more considerate and understanding. In that case, I’ll have someone escort you back.”

Nodding in agreement, Qin Chang Ge stepped lightly out the door. Passing through the gardens, she glimpsed through a side door a quiet small courtyard with people moving about, carrying hot water, towels, and toiletries, yet maintaining complete silence. Thinking of how the man’s painful attack required Su Xuan’s urgent attention, it must be a serious condition, yet not even the slightest groan could be heard – he must be a resilient man. She wondered who he might be.

This thought flashed by as Qin Chang Ge stepped out the gate.

Outside the compound, a young official from the Blazing Flame sect, following Su Xuan’s instructions, was waiting for Qin Chang Ge to escort her back to Heng Records.

Qin Chang Ge smiled and agreed, following behind him through courtyard after courtyard, out of the Blazing Flame headquarters. Qin Chang Ge watched the man’s stride ahead and suddenly exclaimed, “Oh my!”

The young man turned at the sound. Qin Chang Ge wore an expression of regret, “I just showed Sect Leader Su our Heng Records’ new four-quarter twisted silk heavenly fragrance satin patterns, wanting to discuss with your sect about promoting this new southern silk together. I carelessly dropped the pattern book in the Sect Leader’s study. Oh no, I must go back for it.”

The young man froze, his color changing slightly, hesitating, “This…”

“Perhaps Sect Leader Su saw it and will catch up to deliver it,” Qin Chang Ge suddenly smiled again. “Then I wouldn’t need to make another trip.”

The young man’s expression changed again. After thinking, he said, “You needn’t go yourself. I’ll retrieve it for you.”

“How kind of you,” Qin Chang Ge smiled sweetly. “My pattern book isn’t very conspicuous – you’d probably have trouble finding it. Let me draw the cover design for you to see.”

The man looked anxious, and hearing it would be difficult to find made him more troubled. When Qin Chang Ge mentioned drawing a picture, he quickly agreed. Qin Chang Ge casually picked up a hard, sharp tree branch and drew intersecting swords and spears on the ground, smiling, “This is the cover – the latest embroidery patterns. Don’t you think it’s quite good?”

The man looked down, forcing a smile, “Yes, yes…”

“Yes, yes,” Qin Chang Ge smiled, then suddenly thrust the branch upward.

A terrible scream.

Blood sprayed wildly.

In violent convulsions, the man covered his eyes and fell backward, rolling and shrieking continuously. Qin Chang Ge smiled, her expression unchanged, slowly pulling out the branch.

With her movement, the man’s trembling became more violent, his screams nearly becoming whimpers. On the branch’s tip was a bloody eyeball.