Chapter 8

His eyes were beautiful, with a unique charm he didn’t understand. Though they were an ordinary black, prolonged observation revealed a faint blue tint, like celestial azure stones reflecting a strange, enchanting light in the sun.

The Xizhou Chronicles brought back from the Su Yue Residence were numerous.

These Immortal books were endless. Initially, they seemed like very thin volumes, but as soon as one started looking back over the past five years, recording changes in spiritual energy, the races of the immortal residents, the migration of celestial beasts, changes in magical artefacts, trade, taxes, and so on... there were three or four thousand items, with a lot to read every year.

Ting Shu asked, "Are you going to read all of this, Gongzi?"

Ning Shiting replied, "I'm not in good health. I just arrived and don't have much time to go out. Spending some time reading the Xizhou Chronicles will help me understand the local conditions."

Ting Shu clicked his tongue and said, "How long will this take? Even if it's the Wangye’s order, Gongzi still needs to take care of his health first. Do you remember when you fainted at the snowy border last time? The Wangye asked you to help investigate the enemy's food supply routes, and you stayed up for days to find them. But afterwards, the Wangye said he didn't want you to exhaust yourself like that..."

"Ting Shu, that's enough," though his voice was still calm and pleasant.(1)

The child looked up and saw Ning Shiting also looking down at him, with a gentle smile but none of the usual subtle embarrassment.

The study was filled with warm sunlight, the windows open, letting the airflow through. The Qing Wang’s Mansion was secluded and peaceful. When one breathed lightly, there was only the sound of turning pages, the occasional flapping of birds outside, and the ripples in the pond.

Ning Shiting leaned over the desk, dipped his pen in ink, and began writing. The soft brush tip made a shāshā rustling sound as it met the paper.

He remained in this position for half the day before he finally closed the book, stood up, and stretched his back.

The morning bustle had passed. The people of the Qing Wang’s Mansion were efficient, and in a few hours, they had removed all the thresholds from the main residence and the Shizi's residence. They were now moving to the other courtyards to avoid disturbing Ning Shiting while he read.

The renovation of the stairs and pavilions was not just about smoothing the steps. It involved changes to the main structures of the Qing Wang’s Mansion, and making these changes aesthetically pleasing and seamless was a significant task.

The craftsmen hired by the Qing Wang’s Mansion had come up with more than ten plans, which needed Ning Shiting's approval.

Ning Shiting stretched his muscles in the study, then took the design plans and a heavy bag of celestial herbs to deliver them.

He and Ting Shu were out earlier today, and he hadn't had a chance to deliver the morning's herbs.

Someone else could have done this, but if anyone else went, Gu Tingshuang might have thrown the items away.

This fourteen-year-old boy had a rebellious nature, clear about what he liked and disliked, and would not be bullied.

Yet, because of this, he was straightforward and easy to understand.

He harboured hostility towards Ning Shiting, but because of this, he would keep what Ning Shiting sent, signalling openly and secretly that he would continue to confront him.

Ning Shiting had just finished his meal and didn't call Ting Shu or the immortal crane.

The sun was slowly moving west but was still bright. The wind picked up, gently blowing his hair and clothes.

The people who had been busy in the Shizi’s residence in the morning were gone, and it was very quiet now.

As he entered the garden, the first thing he noticed was that the garden had visibly expanded.

Weeds were removed, abandoned and piled-up debris taken out, and the once foul-smelling pond was now clear. The view was much more open and spacious. Overgrown branches were pruned, letting more sunlight in, making it bright and refreshing.

As Ning Shiting stepped into the garden, he heard the panting of a small beast from the corner. A silver-white ball of fur quickly ran to his feet, pouncing on his hem.

The fluffy paw pads grabbed his knees, and the grey wolf eyes' shone brightly.

The little wolf was smart. Since his last warning, it cleverly avoided touching his hands or licking his face.

Ning Shiting, usually expressionless, now had a smile on his lips.

He took out a glove from his sleeve, put it on, and lowered his head to ask, "Do you still want this?"

Last time, Gu Tingshuang had returned this item to him.

Ning Shiting had many more of these, all made during his free time. Jiaoren naturally loved pearls and gemstones, and although he usually appeared elegant and gentle, in terms of clothing and accessories, he occasionally indulged.

The silver wolf wagged its tail eagerly, indicating it wanted the glove.

Ning Shiting gave it to the wolf again.

He then crouched down and gave the round, fluffy wolf a good rub.

"Do you like wolves? Or, like those people in the streets, do you just love their fur?"

The voice of a young boy came from the other side.

A wheelchair slowly slid out from indoors, and the boy lowered his eyes to look at him, his eyes filled with a cold and mocking look.

Ning Shiting petted the little wolf carefully. With the glove on, he couldn't hold the animal close and nuzzle it like a normal person would.

Gu Tingshuang stared at him.

Jiaoren are poisonous, so has anyone ever held or comforted him intimately?

This thought quickly passed.

Ning Shiting let go of the little wolf and lowered his eyes to pick up the items he had brought, walking towards Gu Tingshuang.

Feeling a bit embarrassed to be caught in such a scene by a younger person, he recalled that when he was in the military, his brothers knew he liked these furry little animals. They would bring him a live rabbit from their hunts for him to keep.

Ning Shiting was a vegetarian, and they wouldn't eat rabbits in front of him. They pretended to disdain him, but secretly, they would bring him various things, treating him like a little didi.

He wasn't good at expressing himself and would just lower his eyes slightly when teased.

"I like little wolves, and I also like their fur."

He answered frankly, prompting a cold, ambiguous laugh from Gu Tingshuang.

"Hypocritical and pretentious. Are you always trying to please every side?"

Ning Shiting didn't respond.

He looked at Gu Tingshuang.

The boy emerged from the dark room, wheeling himself into the sunlight. A teacup at the door indicated he had been basking in the sun all afternoon.

"I'm here to bring Shizi’s medicine."

Ning Shiting shook the medicine bag in his hand, "Shizi still hasn’t brewed the midday and evening doses yet, right? May I come in and brew them for Shizi?"

Gu Tingshuang didn't speak, just stared at him.

The Jiaoren with blue-silver hair walked past him, seemingly taking his silence as consent, and gently placed a thin booklet beside him.

"These are some designs for the mansion's renovation. Shizi, please review them and choose your favourite. If you don't like any of them, then..."

"I don't like any of them."

Before he could finish, Gu Tingshuang interrupted, looking at him with a straightforward and malicious gaze.

Gu Tingshuang casually scattered the papers, letting them flutter in the wind. Some even fell into the pond.

The little silver wolf happily chased the papers in the wind, but Gu Tingshuang called it back.

He hadn't even looked at the designs.

Ning Shiting paused, then said, "If Shizi has any preferences, let me know and I'll draw them. But this isn't urgent. When the renovation starts, it will be noisy for a while. If you have any ideas, send… the little wolf to inform me in the study, or you can come over yourself."

Gu Tingshuang remained silent.

Ning Shiting checked the small stove and saw that the medicine residue had turned black after two days.

Ning Shiting carefully carried it out and emptied it into the pond. These celestial herbs wouldn't pollute the water; instead, they would enhance the spiritual energy within.

Ning Shiting had no cultivation abilities, not even basic purification spells.

He fetched water from the well, washed the medicine pot and bowl, wiped them clean, refilled the water, dissolved the herbs, and placed them on the stove to brew. Soon, the room was filled with a pleasant fragrance.

The room was quite messy, with things scattered everywhere.

Gu Tingshuang, because of the wolf cub, often allowed it to run around, causing a scene of chaos.

The mansion staff had only cleaned the courtyard, not daring to enter his room without permission. Only when dealing with the bodies of two guards had they used purification spells to clear away the heavy bloodstains.

Ning Shiting picked up a dirty, overturned teacup from a chair, looked at Gu Tingshuang, and asked, "May I help Shizi tidy up the room?"

For a moment, the boy's cheeks flushed red, which, combined with his sullen expression, looked a bit comical.

He growled lowly, "Scram! Who gave you permission to come in?"

Ning Shiting remained calm, his voice gentle without being overly cautious, nor did he display the arrogance of his current position.

"It will all be fine in a moment."

"..."

His movements were indeed swift. Though he appeared weak and delicate, with the dainty demeanour of a Jiaoren, his actions were efficient, a habit formed from being by Gu Tingshuang's side.

Others could use small spells, from purification to summoning little paper figures to help them organise, but he did everything himself.

If he was even a bit slower, he wouldn't be able to keep up with others.

Ning Shiting was somewhat thin, his back straight, and when his hair fell down and obstructed his view, he would casually tie it back with a slender silver ribbon.

He placed things where they could be easily reached, even for someone sitting in a wheelchair.

He opened the windows to let in the sunlight, allowing the breeze to freely roam the room.

In a short time, Ning Shiting had tidied up the room, without entering the inner chamber, only cleaning the outer room where Gu Tingshuang usually stayed.

When he finished, the medicine on the stove was just ready.

The medicine stove was a relic left by the Wangfei, capable of automatically burning phoenix fire and three true fires, making it quicker to cook things.

Ning Shiting uncovered the medicine pot, saw that it was almost ready, and poured out a bowl.

He then used a larger water tank to pour a shallow layer of clear water, letting it cool slowly.

Gu Tingshuang sat silently outside in the courtyard, his sharp eyes fixed intently on him.

When the time was up, Ning Shiting tested the temperature of the medicine with the back of his hand.

He dipped a spoon into the medicine, letting a drop fall on the back of his hand. The clear brown medicine rolled off his fair skin; the temperature was just right.

It was slightly hot for a Jiaoren, but just the right temperature for an ordinary person to drink.

The Jiaoren brought over the medicine, his beautiful eyes gentle and calm, "Shizi, please drink it first."

Gu Tingshuang reached out, and Ning Shiting, slightly lower than him, half-kneeled to help him receive it smoothly.

Gu Tingshuang took the bowl with one hand, and with the other, he directly grasped Ning Shiting's hand, which hadn't yet been retracted, and forced the medicine into his mouth!

Their skin touched through a thin layer of gloves.

The bowl was full, and the sudden movement spilt half of it onto the Jiaoren, with maybe a couple of sips left that could reach Ning Shiting's mouth.

Gu Tingshuang's eyes were dark, quietly watching him.

Ning Shiting looked quite dishevelled, almost kneeling before him, his wrist firmly held. The medicine dripped from his mouth and chin, warming and reddening his pale lips.

The Jiaoren’s body temperature was low, which was evident from his fingers. This temperature must be quite hot for him, right?

The medicine burned as it went down, making Ning Shiting shiver, his eyes involuntarily welling up with tears.

Gu Tingshuang saw his face up close for the first time.

The first time was in the wedding chamber, where Ning Shiting was covered with a red veil and gauze. The dim candlelight at night had prevented him from seeing his face clearly.

He only remembered those bright, clear eyes.

The second time was when he returned what the little wolf had fetched. Ning Shiting stood in the doorway, backlit.

Even now, he didn't know his name or his identity, only that the servants called him "Gongzi."

They had never met before, but this person, aside from wanting to establish a "benevolent stepmother" image upon entering the mansion, always seemed somewhat off.

Every time Ning Shiting looked at him or spoke to him, it felt as if... he had known him for a long time.

He even knew his preferences. The food sent these days was all what he liked, unlike before when there were always things he didn't care for.

Just like that night, now those eyes reflected his image. Though there was a hint of wateriness, after a brief moment of surprise, they quickly returned to gentleness.

He choked, coughing a few times. Whether from being burned or coughing too hard, his face turned red. His previously pale cheeks, with a thin sheen of sweat from his recent activity, carried a faint fragrance.

...Crying?

It was really delicate.

Gu Tingshuang watched him for a while, seeing he was fine, then slowly took the bowl from his hand and finished the remaining medicine in one gulp.

"Consider this sip a toast to you. Offering tea is an old custom. If you want to forgo this courtesy, I refuse."

Ning Shiting stared at him in a daze.

His eyes were beautiful, with a unique charm he didn’t understand. Though they were an ordinary black, prolonged observation revealed a faint blue tint, like celestial azure stones reflecting a strange, enchanting light in the sun.

Gu Tingshuang's tone grew slightly heavier, "What are you staring at me for? What, like that night, or like the man who died yesterday, are you trying to seduce me again? What's in the medicine? If you don't tell me, I'll have the little wolf bite your neck off right now! I don't understand Jiaoren tricks. If you try to enchant me again, I'll gouge out your eyes next time."

He had examined the Shennong book for a long time, finding explanations for every herb. However, the interactions of mixed herbs and their possible side effects were unknown to him.

The poisonous Jiaoren had tried countless drugs, his mind much deeper in this regard.

He had Ning Shiting drink the medicine first to see his reaction.

The person in his grip was still coughing, each cough reverberating through his lungs.

For a moment, it felt as if the person before him had turned into a frail paper figure, easily crushed and broken.

Ning Shiting spoke softly, "Jiaoren enchanting people with their eyes... is a myth, not true."

"Wha..."

Ning Shiting's voice was hoarse as if speaking was difficult, but it remained gentle, "I wouldn't... enchant people with my eyes. That night in the wedding chamber, I made you sleep with a fast-acting sleep incense I prepared."

At that moment, a complex mix of emotions flickered in Gu Tingshuang's eyes, quickly turning into a dark, oppressive rage, "Scram!"

Ning Shiting seemed puzzled by his sudden anger, but his outer garment was soaked, and he had indeed stayed long enough.

Ting Shu must be looking for him.

He rose gently, a bit helpless, "Shizi, please drink your medicine properly next time. There's nothing else in it. If you need anything, I'm usually in the study, so you can find me easily."

There was no need to argue with a child.

In his past life, when he first entered the Qing Wang’s Mansion, Gu Tingshuang was even harder to appease, but he had forgotten that. He only remembered how this child later expressed acceptance and affection clumsily, bit by bit.

Seeing Gu Tingshuang's temper and behaviour now made him feel a bit nostalgic, even a bit amused.

Ning Shiting left.

Gu Tingshuang remained stiff, unable to recover for a long time.

The little wolf circled under his knees, not understanding why he suddenly froze, trying hard to jump onto him.

Something in his heart seemed to shatter with Ning Shiting's light words.

An ice wall, an impregnable barrier, was erected with sharp defences, yet the expected enemy never arrived. Premature defences instead exposed something.

It was a deep-seated, four-year dormant stir.

— "I wouldn't... enchant people with my eyes."

Gu Tingshuang looked down at his hands.

The young man's slender, thin fingers still had some medicine on them.

Medicine that Ning Shiting had choked on, rolling from his slightly parted, deep red lips, carrying lingering warmth.

The Author has Something to Say

Persimmon: I was tempted

Ningning: No you weren’t

Persimmon: No, I was, you scheming Jiaoren

Foot Notes

1. He actually uses an idiom here: 沒大沒小 (méidàméixiǎo) which is kind of like “who’s big, who’s small”? It means “to have no sense of who has seniority” in this situation.