Chapter Forty-Four: The Gate of Repose

Farewell to Brushing Breeze; Xian Ge Yue simply decided to head home. As for Wang You, he thought he would wait until Qin Mo returned before addressing it. But he had barely set foot in his own residence when an unexpected guest blocked his path.

All traces of a good mood vanished in an instant.

The palace attendant, Yang Yun, had been waiting for some time. “Your Highness Yue, His Majesty summons you to the Hall of Precious Virtue.”

“He can summon whomever he likes. I have matters to attend to and will not accompany you.” With that, Xian Ge Yue brushed past Yang Yun and strode away.

Yang Yun, holding his horsetail whisk, lowered his head and stood his ground, unhurried. “His Majesty said that if you refuse to come this time, he will have the Demon Empress personally fetch you.”

Xian Ge Yue halted abruptly, his face dark as ink. “Lead the way.”

If his mother had to come for him, he’d rather be dead.

It was always the same—endless lectures about the difference between legitimate and illegitimate sons, or that the Sea of Desire would one day be his. To hell with the position of Lord of Heaven; he had no interest in it.

The eldest, the second, the third—who didn’t want it? Whoever wanted it could have it. Why trouble him? Truly exasperating.

Yang Yun kept his eyes down, only guiding him silently to the Hall of Precious Virtue.

There, the three princes—King Yong, King Yu, and King Mu—were already assembled beneath the jade steps.

Lord of Heaven, Xian Bu Yue, sat high above, with the Grand Chancellor, Shao Zhen Wu Yi, standing at his side.

As the two approached and completed their formal greetings, Yang Yun announced, “Your Majesty, Fourth Prince Yue has arrived.”

Xian Bu Yue signaled for Yang Yun to step aside, his brow furrowing at the sight of Xian Ge Yue’s careless demeanor.

“What is this attitude? You spend your days idling about. Can’t you learn from your elder brothers and help ease your father’s burdens?”

King Yong was born to Consort Li of the Western Palace—not the principal wife, but as the eldest, he held certain precedence. King Yu, son of Lady Wang, whose mother was not favored, was nonetheless scholarly and earned his father’s appreciation.

The third, King Mu, was born to Lady Qing.

As Lord of Heaven, Xian Bu Yue had only a few women besides his principal wife, the Demon Empress. Each had borne a son, and all were treated fairly. Yet among his sons, he favored Xian Ge Yue most.

For cunning and capability, none among the four could match him. He was also the most likely to ascend to the divine realm.

The brothers understood well that Xian Ge Yue’s ambitions lay elsewhere; should he transcend to godhood, the throne would still be theirs. While there was some rivalry, the bonds of seniority and fraternity held.

All in all, the brothers maintained a relative harmony.

Seeing father and son bickering once more, King Yong stepped forward. “Father, Yue is still young. Please don’t blame him. Give him some time; in the future, he will surely mature.”

“You needn’t speak for him. If I don’t teach him a lesson today, he’ll forget his own name!” Xian Bu Yue rebuked.

“Hmph! If you want to hit me, just say so. Come on, right here.” Xian Ge Yue tapped his chest, rolling his eyes.

“Yue, could you just hold your tongue and yield for once? Spare us brothers the trouble of cleaning up after you every time.” The brothers pleaded silently—couldn’t he, just once, play nice?

Shaking free from their grasp, Xian Ge Yue huffed, “Why should I yield? I’ve done nothing shameful!”

“You dare say that? Where have you been these days, and how did you get that injury? Speak!” It was bad enough for the young lord of the Sea of Desire to be so unruly, but now he frequented brothels as well. If he hadn’t caught Qin Mo hurrying back to the palace, bloodstained, he wouldn’t have discovered the extent of his son’s mischief.

“Damn Qin Mo, can’t handle a simple task and even sold me out. What good are you?”

“Blame yourself, not others. You cause trouble and then blame your companion? Shameless!” Xian Bu Yue’s anger was genuine, but more than that, he was worried.

For generations, the Xian family had produced only this rare talent; he must not be ruined by a woman’s wiles.

“Alright, alright, I admit my mistake, fine? Can I leave now?” Damn you, Qin Mo, just wait.

“Achoo!”

In the harem, the Demon Empress regarded Qin Mo with leisurely interest. “What’s the matter?”

Qin Mo rubbed his nose, glancing nervously at her. “N-nothing, just a sudden itch.”

It was over; his master must be blaming him now.

“If nothing’s wrong, recount everything you’ve seen by the prince’s side lately.” Her tone was gentle, but the last four words were bitten off sharply.

Qin Mo shivered and bowed low. “Yes, Your Majesty…”

Back in the Hall of Precious Virtue, the Grand Chancellor Shao Zhen Wu Yi spoke up. “Since the prince is so knowledgeable in matters of the heart, why not select a few ladies for him, to balance yin and yang and attune with the energies of heaven and earth? With beauties by his side, perhaps he will cease his unruly conduct.”

Xian Ge Yue’s eyes widened. “Hey! Shao Zhen Wu Yi, you’re going too far!”

Nonsense. Women were nothing but trouble. Just look at his own mother and one would understand.

Xian Bu Yue glanced at Shao Zhen Wu Yi and, after a moment’s thought, nodded in agreement. Raising an eyebrow, he leaned back on his throne. “My minister speaks wisely. Yang Yun, issue my decree: have the Supervisor of Ceremonies see if there are any suitable ladies for the Fourth Prince. If so, present the list at once.”

Yang Yun bowed. “As you command, Your Majesty.”

“Wait. I do not agree to this.” Xian Ge Yue jumped forward.

“Yang Yun?” The man on the throne was clearly displeased.

“Please wait, Your Majesty.” With that, Yang Yun withdrew.

Watching him go, Xian Ge Yue gritted his teeth. “I can’t marry a woman.”

“Why not?”

“Because… because…” Because what? He could not think of an answer.

Xian Bu Yue pressed, “Because of what?”

Clever boy, trying to outwit his father. He’d grown.

“Because…” Xian Ge Yue grew anxious, then caught sight of the ever-composed Shao Zhen Wu Yi. He blurted out, “Because I like men. In fact, I think the Grand Chancellor would make an excellent partner.”

“What? You little scoundrel!” Daring to tease even the Grand Chancellor—did he think his father was dead?

Shao Zhen Wu Yi calmly restrained the furious Xian Bu Yue. Gazing at Xian Ge Yue, he said, “If my humble self is worthy of your favor, I would not mind sacrificing my own body. But are you certain? If you are, I can move into your chambers at once. What do you think?”

Let’s see how you escape my grasp once you’re in my palace.

“Haha… ha… Grand Chancellor, you’re joking. I was only making a jest. Why take it seriously?” Xian Ge Yue forced a laugh, as if he’d swallowed a handful of bugs—utterly nauseated.

“Is that so? I was only joking as well.”

“…”

Shao Zhen Wu Yi lifted his gaze. “Now then, will Your Highness explain how you received your injury?”

“Well… it’s just, you know, manly matters. I was careless and got caught. But it’s nothing now; someone has already removed the hidden danger. If you don’t believe me, send someone to check.”

He spread his hands, utterly defiant.

Xian Bu Yue shook his head in secret—who did this child take after? He called toward the door, “Summon the imperial physician.”

Yang Yun replied at once, “As you command.”

He had not gone far; after years of service, there was an unspoken understanding between lord and servant. At Xian Bu Yue’s first word, he knew what to do and played along.

Soon, the physician arrived and took Xian Ge Yue’s pulse.

“Is it serious?”

The physician bowed. “Your Majesty, His Highness was afflicted with a gu poison, but thanks to an expert, the danger is past. With a few days of rest, he will be well.”

Hearing this, Xian Bu Yue finally relaxed.

Xian Ge Yue said, “Since there’s nothing wrong, may I leave now?”

“Go! Just seeing you here is an eyesore.” Xian Bu Yue barked.

Who was it just now who wouldn’t let him leave? Now he was unwanted—so hypocritical.

King Yong, King Yu, and King Mu quickly approached. “Father, since Yue is unharmed, we’ll take our leave.”

“Go, and don’t follow that rascal’s example or you won’t even know how you died.”

“Yes.” The three suppressed their laughter, bowed, and quickly exited the hall. Only when they were far away did they burst into open laughter.

This time, their fourth brother had truly been bested.

“Your Majesty, I take my leave as well,” said the physician.

“Granted.”

In an instant, the hall was almost empty.

Xian Bu Yue descended the jade steps, Shao Zhen Wu Yi close behind, Yang Yun maintaining a discreet distance.

Outside, Xian Bu Yue walked with his hands behind his back. “Grand Chancellor, what do you make of this?”

Shao Zhen Wu Yi lowered his gaze, hands folded into his sleeves. “Your Majesty has already made up his mind; I am unworthy to offer my shallow opinion.”

“Enough, when I ask, you may speak freely. Good or ill, you will not be blamed.”

“Then I shall speak, Your Majesty?”

“Proceed.”

“To employ gu poison so skillfully—only the evil practitioners of Eight Winds Island are capable of such arts, especially one known as ‘Insect’. But this person, along with the Red Widow and Chang Daizi, vanished years ago, and he is a man. Yet His Highness was ensnared by a woman.”

Xian Bu Yue stopped abruptly. “Do you mean to suggest this woman is connected to him?”

Shao Zhen Wu Yi bowed low. “Your Majesty is perceptive.”

“Then, in your opinion, how should we proceed?”

“Your Majesty might observe for now. Since His Highness has already ordered Qin Mo to investigate, it shows he has a plan. It would be wise to watch and see how he handles the matter—an excellent test of his ability to adapt. Furthermore, if this woman is truly linked to ‘Insect’, then the Red Widow and Chang Daizi are surely involved as well. The gu arts of these three are insidious and difficult to guard against. Any rash action could bring endless trouble.”

Xian Bu Yue was silent a moment, then nodded. “What you say is reasonable. We’ll proceed as you suggest.”

...

The next day

Brushing Breeze stood before the palace among the mountains, gazing down at the vast snowy valley.

Suddenly, the empty valley shimmered and twisted.

Moments later, a figure emerged from the air, bowing low. “Forgive me for keeping you waiting, sir. It was remiss of the Rest Gate.”

Brushing Breeze returned the salute. “A guest abides by the host’s rules; since it is tradition, I will comply.”

“Please, sir, this way.”

“After you.”

They entered together, and the air stilled once more.

Within, the view was a world apart: green hills and clear waters, lush meadows as far as the eye could see.

Disciples and followers sat meditating beneath the trees or fished by the stream, only to release their catch again.

“Forgive us if we seem rustic.”

“Not at all—your people have attained true freedom, which I greatly admire.”

“You are too kind. Just ahead is the residence of Uncle Five Thieves and Brother Yun.”

“Thank you. May I ask your name?”

“Thank you for your courtesy, sir. I am Wu An, a humble Taoist.”

With that, he called into the house, “Uncle, a distinguished guest has arrived.”

At his words, the door opened and an elder emerged, greeting him formally. “It has been years since we last met. How have you been?”

Brushing Breeze swept his sleeves and supported the old man. “As a junior, I do not dare accept such honor. Please, master, rise quickly—do not humble me so.”

“Very well, very well. Wu An, please prepare some simple vegetarian dishes. I would like to catch up with our guest.”

“As you wish.”

Thus, the two entered to reminisce while Wu An went to prepare the meal.

Once settled, the elder offered fresh tea. “Just some wild mountain herbs—please don’t disdain them.”

“How can you say that, Master? Thanks to you, I have the privilege of tasting this five-grade tea. May I ask, which grade have you served me today?” Brushing Breeze inhaled the fragrance—truly exquisite.

The elder smiled. “A minor skill, unworthy of your praise. With your ability, sir, is there any grade you have not tasted?”

After a pause, he continued, “May I ask the purpose of your visit today?”

Brushing Breeze sipped his tea and set the cup down. “I have come on behalf of your disciple…”