Chapter 59

The little wolf snuffled and sniffed, trying to burrow between the two of them.

Gu Feiyin always had a little habit, that is, he always liked to either arrive in advance or delay or postpone his appointments. He refused to tell anyone of his whereabouts. Even with numerous trusted aids at his doorstep, he was also habitually coming and going all alone—that is to say—unsociable.

While Ning Shiting was in Dongzhou, every whim had him waiting, which was also due to this bad habit.

Sometimes, he would say he was coming over but then wouldn’t, and sometimes he didn’t say and would come anyway.

At that time, he would always bring some Heavenly Pond Flower Mud, which was used by the Jiaoren, for Ning Shiting. If he arrived unannounced, he’d say it was to give him a surprise. When he came in the middle of the night, he would leave the item in his room and then silently go out to patrol the camp, rousing Ning Shiting’s other servants for debriefing.

He would sit in the command tent, listening to reports through most of the night. If he was satisfied, he’d go to rest and sleep, and the next morning, he’d have Ning Shiting attend to him as he freshened up. But if he was displeased, or dissatisfied with Ning Shiting’s conduct in his absence, he would sit outside his room with a cup of tea, lingering for a long time until Ning Shiting awoke and noticed his presence, then came over to debrief and offer his apologies.

Thinking about it now, rather than Ning Shiting not noticing his guard against him, it would be more accurate to say that he had found a justified reason for such behaviour.

He felt it was only natural that, as someone in a high position, he should be vigilant about everything. Gu Feiyin was someone who had experienced betrayal from his own subordinates, crossing the line of life and death countless times. There was a reasonable explanation for his coldness.

The clash of metal and the familiar sound of celestial horses trotting in the courtyard resonated clearly.

Ning Shiting’s first thought was that Gu Feiyin had arrived, but Gu Tingshuang was still in his room.

Gu Feiyin did not like his son, Gu Tingshuang. When he was around, Ning Shiting had hardly ever heard him mention him. The only time he brought it up was just before sending Ning Shiting to Xizhou this time, asking if he needed any adjustments upon moving into the residence.

At the time, Gu Feiyin hadn’t given it much thought: “Whatever works best for you, make adjustments as you see fit. Once you’ve entered the residence, you’re half a master of my estate.”

Ning Shiting reminded him, “What about Xiao Dianxia, then? The Shizi’s residence?”

Ning Shiting’s initial intention was merely to inquire about Gu Feiyin’s son, who had stunted spiritual roots, wondering if he needed any special care or attention.

Gu Feiyin had thought for a moment and replied, “You mean that useless person? Such a trivial matter—just handle it as you see fit.”

Then, almost as if surprised, he added, “It’s been years. I thought he had already passed along with his mother. But, A’Ning, you don’t need to worry or care about others’ opinions during this trip. I brought you into the household to wed you upon my return, not to have you play the role of a mere concubine to anyone.”

Memories from long ago began to surface.

Ning Shiting was almost certain that the sounds outside meant Gu Feiyin had returned early, and his first order of business would likely be to find him.

Besides, Gu Tingshuang being in his room late at night would undoubtedly arouse Gu Feiyin’s suspicions. Xianzhou people lived long lives, so Gu Feiyin had little need to groom an heir. He was naturally distrustful, and since Ning Shiting’s arrival in Xizhou, he’d heard even more about it. For instance, some of Gu Feiyin’s subordinates had once suggested that he should show more familial affection, perhaps by paying more attention to his ailing son, but he had publicly reprimanded and exiled them, saying, “It’s a long way before I approach ascension, and he’s a complete waste with no spiritual roots. If you wish to curry favour with him, feel free to leave; I don’t tolerate divided loyalties in my ranks.”

Ultimately, Gu Feiyin’s aversion to Gu Tingshuang seemed to stem from his wife. That marriage did not seem to have been one Gu Feiyin had desired, yet it was one he couldn’t refuse.

However, even Ning Shiting knew little about the wedding that took place some sixteen or seventeen years ago—it happened before he was born—he could only speculate that the fierce resentment Gu Tingshuang later showed toward Gu Feiyin, including moving out of the Gu estate and abandoning his title, was likely related to some unresolved matter involving the Wangfei.

In a past life, he had once tried to delicately probe Gu Tingshuang for some insight, hoping to find a way to help him. But Gu Tingshuang had given no answers, merely saying that his family matters were none of Ning Shiting’s concern.

Seeing that father and son were about to cross paths, Ning Shiting hastily yanked Gu Tingshuang toward the bed, a bit roughly spreading the quilt over them both.

Luckily, due to the recent heavy snowfall and Ning Shiting’s aversion to the cold, his servants had thoughtfully layered two or three extra quilts on his bed, more than enough to cover the two of them. The bedding was piled up densely behind the canopy, hiding Gu Tingshuang completely.

In his quick and sudden movements, the Jiaoren had startled Gu Tingshuang, who squirmed uncomfortably. Mistaking it for resistance, Ning Shiting grew anxious and, as if sharing a secret understanding, lightly traced the character on Gu Tingshuang's chest with his fingertip: “Obedient.”(1)

With a slightly flustered and annoyed yet gentle look, he lowered his eyes.

Gu Tingshuang became motionless.

Silent, Ning Shiting then reached out and covered Gu Tingshuang’s mouth. He suddenly remembered that Gu Tingshuang’s wheelchair was still at the bedside and, just as he was about to rush out to hide it, Gu Tingshuang pulled him back, tugging him deeper into the bedding.

The teenager’s warm breath brushed against his neck, and he gripped Ning Shiting’s waist to keep him still. As they hid under the covers, Ning Shiting heard the wheelchair being moved, his heart skipping a beat—there wasn’t supposed to be anyone else in the room. And then, he heard Gu Tingshuang chuckle.

Gu Tingshuang laughed silently, but Ning Shiting could feel the faint tremor of his chest.

As he wondered, a large, furry mass suddenly jumped onto the bed, pattering around until it reached the top of their heads.

It was the little wolf.

The little wolf snuffled and sniffed, trying to burrow between the two of them.

The moment it appeared, Ning Shiting understood. Gu Tingshuang must have instructed the wolf to move the wheelchair into place. If Gu Feiyin questioned it, Ning Shiting could simply say that the Shizi’s wheelchair was broken and had been sent to his room for repairs.

Ning Shiting’s heartbeat sped up, and he finally relaxed with a sigh of relief.

Behind him, Gu Tingshuang remained silent, seemingly amused by the sight of Ning Shiting in such a flustered state. Observing quietly, he simply waited for the situation to unfold.

While Ning Shiting was still fumbling nervously, Gu Tingshuang found the time to scold the little wolf.

The little wolf persistently pawed at the pillow, trying to wedge itself between them, but Gu Tingshuang ruthlessly stopped it. One hand held Ning Shiting's waist firmly, while the other placed the wolf in front of Ning Shiting’s chest, making it stay put.

Wrapped in layer upon layer of blankets and with the little wolf’s fluffy warmth, it was almost unbearably hot.

Gu Tingshuang, on the other hand, was feeling warm himself but found it comfortable being close to Ning Shiting, who, being a Jiaoren, wore only a thin sleeping robe and felt cool to the touch.

Trapped in the corner by Ning Shiting, Gu Tingshuang decided to settle in comfortably. Listening to the sounds outside, he suddenly had a mischievous thought.

He didn’t need any heightened senses to understand Ning Shiting’s worries clearly.

Unlike Ning Shiting, he neither hated nor held a grudge against Gu Feiyin. This father had come into his life conveniently, but he didn’t care much for him.

Seeing how nervous this Jiaoren was, he decided to play along and help him bluff his way out of this. Besides, he figured he’d end up with Ning Shiting owing him another favour.

He whispered, “What if my father finds us and sees that you’re hiding me under your quilt? Wouldn’t he think you’re sneaking someone in, ng?”

Ning Shiting froze, his face flushing rapidly, followed by a wave of warmth spreading over his whole body—

He hadn’t even thought of that. How could this child’s mind be so wicked?

He raised his hand, intending to give Gu Tingshuang a light slap, but Gu Tingshuang swiftly caught his wrist.

Having teased him, Gu Tingshuang then put a finger to his lips and whispered, “Xū… Don’t say a word. My father is coming. Don’t… let him find out.”

Foot Notes

1. 乖 (guāi) is the hanzi he writes. This word is often used for children. For him to do this here, it’s a bit like it’s a bit like writing “good boy” or “clever boy”.