Chapter 14: Stirring of Feelings

Leaving the “Cloud Ascending Hall,” Beigong Qiyi slowly exhaled. After these years, that man’s presence had grown even more dignified and imposing. He clenched his fists tightly, then gradually relaxed them, revealing a smile whose meaning was elusive. He glanced back at the tightly shut vermilion doors carved with soaring dragons, then strode briskly down the long steps of white jade, without a backward glance.

“Master.” As soon as Beigong Qiyi descended, Ximo approached. Beigong Qiyi tapped Ximo’s forehead and smiled, “Come with me.” Ximo nodded obediently, following Beigong Qiyi toward “Serenity Residence.”

The “Serenity Residence” had changed dramatically since he last left. The floor was now paved with mutton-fat white jade; the once elegant green screen paintings of court ladies had been replaced entirely. In their stead stood gold-trimmed screens depicting twin dragons playing with a pearl, and the golden edges were inlaid with a neat row of pigeon-blood rubies, each about the size of a thumb. The old reddish-brown rosewood bed was now a pale blue stone jade bed large enough to accommodate four grown men. The bed’s netting and curtains were vivid red, embroidered with golden threads. Even the tables and chairs had been replaced with fine agarwood, and the teapots and cups were now made of emerald green glass jade.

Beigong Qiyi could only smile wryly at his room, transformed into a palace of jade and gold. He turned to the awestruck Ximo and said, “Enough, there’s a small bath in the back room. Go wash up first.”

“And you, Master?” Ximo asked.

“Your master…” Beigong Qiyi raised an eyebrow with a sly smile. “Lizhui Villa has a grand bathhouse. These past years away, I’ve missed that bath dearly. Besides…” He paused, winked at Ximo, and teased, “Perhaps I’ll have a beauty for company.”

Ximo’s cheeks flushed. He snorted softly at Beigong Qiyi and turned to head to the back room. Beigong Qiyi touched the tip of his nose, walked to the bed, and ran his hand along the stone jade surface. It was cool to the touch—perfect for the sweltering summer. He wondered how it would feel in winter, and the thought brought a slow smile to his lips.

He had not lied to Ximo; he had indeed longed for the bathhouse at Lizhui Villa, fed by natural hot springs. In his previous life, Bai Qiyi had loved soaking in hot springs, and the natural ones at Lizhui Villa were especially comfortable.

The spacious bathhouse was filled with fragrant incense. White smoke drifted lazily, candles burned everywhere, and the pool was circled by white jade columns, each rising straight to the ceiling. The tops of the columns were carved into open fan shapes, resembling the palatial halls of shells and pearls—a sight of incomparable beauty. Yet Beigong Qiyi’s gaze was fixed solely on the man in the pool, whose bare upper body was exposed, eyes closed in feigned sleep.

The man’s muscular torso was dotted with beads of water. His jet-black hair cascaded across his fair, robust chest, the tips dampened by the water. His chiseled face was tilted slightly upward, revealing glimpses of a white neck beneath the long hair. His full lips, tinted by the spring water, appeared lush and inviting. Beigong Qiyi’s deep, dark eyes grew even darker, and at that moment, Beigong Juechen slowly opened his misty green eyes and looked at Beigong Qiyi, raising an eyebrow.

A surge of heat shot straight to Beigong Qiyi’s core, and his throat involuntarily moved.

“Why aren’t you coming in?” Beigong Juechen closed his eyes again, his voice lazy and hoarse. Beigong Qiyi pressed his palm hard, suppressing the heat within, then calmly undressed, loosened his hair, and descended the carved white jade steps into the water.

Beigong Juechen glanced at him, his tone indifferent. “You’ve really grown up.” Beigong Qiyi was momentarily stunned, then realized what he meant. He didn’t mind, only curved his lips and walked leisurely toward Beigong Juechen, each step sending ripples across the water.

“In a few days, it’ll be your birthday. You still remembered to come back for it,” Beigong Juechen said, eyes closed, voice languid. Beigong Qiyi sat beside him and laughed, “Come to think of it, this is the first birthday we brothers have celebrated together in sixteen years.” As he spoke, he placed his hand on Beigong Juechen’s shoulder and leaned against him. “I wonder what gift you’ll give me this year, big brother?” The skin beneath his palm was warm and smooth, the muscles clearly defined. Mischief rising, Beigong Qiyi slowly traced his hand from shoulder to chest.

Just as his hand moved lower, Beigong Juechen grabbed his wrist. “What kind of disreputable friends have you made these years? Your tricks are getting bolder.” His tone was flat, betraying no emotion. Beigong Qiyi withdrew his hand and sat upright, eyes lowered in a smile. “Surely you know what sort of friends I keep, brother.”

Beigong Juechen raised his slanted sword-like brows and spoke lowly, “Do you know Chu Muji’s true identity?” Beigong Qiyi scooped up a handful of water and poured it over himself, answering calmly, “Of course. He’s the third son of the current Prime Minister—the legendary genius who rarely appears in public.”

Beigong Juechen poked the youth’s firm, pale chest and chuckled, “You’ve grown sturdier. Dealing with court officials requires more caution.” Beigong Qiyi lifted his gaze, lips curving into a faint smile. Drops of water glittered on his striking features, damp hair clinging to his skin and shining softly. A few strands hung by his cheeks, giving him a forlorn beauty. He took Beigong Juechen’s hand, still touching his chest, and murmured, “Thank you for your concern, brother. I will be careful.”

His expression feigned gravity, voice low—yet he was completely unclothed, his black hair tangled messily over his body. The sight made Beigong Juechen burst out laughing, all the usual sternness vanishing from his face. Beigong Qiyi was momentarily entranced, thinking to himself that this man’s smile was truly—one glance, and a hundred charms blossomed, outshining the beauties of the imperial harem. Staring at Beigong Juechen, he murmured, “Now I understand why the king neglects his morning court for someone like you.”

Brows furrowed, Beigong Juechen withdrew his hand from the youth’s grasp, his voice cold. “Are you comparing me to a concubine who wins favor with her looks?” Beigong Qiyi quickly shook his head, “Brother, you are of utmost importance, unmatched in this world.” Beigong Juechen looked at his sycophantic demeanor and laughed, cursing, “You really know how to talk. Fine, I won’t meddle with your Ximo anymore.”

Beigong Qiyi pouted, “Brother, Ximo is only my attendant, not a lover.” Beigong Juechen spread his arms along the pool’s edge, as if embracing the youth. “What, not to your taste? Then what do you like?” Beigong Qiyi leaned back, resting against Beigong Juechen’s strong arm, and pondered, “Hmm… I think someone like you is just right.” With that, he quickly darted to the other side of the pool.

Sure enough, as soon as Beigong Qiyi finished speaking, a wave crashed over him, sending ripples across the entire pool. His long hair was soaked, clinging messily to his face and body, leaving him utterly disheveled. Beigong Qiyi wiped water from his face and pouted at Beigong Juechen, “Brother, you really mean it.”

Beigong Juechen snorted coldly, “If you keep talking so recklessly, I’ll let you soak in the water till you learn your lesson.” With that, he stood up. Droplets trailed down his fair, muscular body, unexpectedly alluring. He picked up a dark green robe, wrapped it around himself, and his hair, now dry and sleek, fell over his chest. With his back to Beigong Qiyi, he said quietly, “I’ll be going now.”

Beigong Qiyi watched the man, not averting his gaze until the figure disappeared. He clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and submerged his head in the water, surfacing only after a long moment. Swimming to where Beigong Juechen had sat, he touched the jade where the man had leaned, his lips blooming with a vivid smile.

The youth’s beauty was unrivaled. A cinnabar mark shone on his brow, blood-red. Eyes closed, his lips curved in a wicked, enchanting smile as he whispered, “Brother, what I said just now was no jest…”

Who knows where love begins, but once it does, it grows ever deeper. For the living, it is worth dying; for the dead, it is worth living again.