Chapter 52#
Good Medicine. Little Pei’s head hurts.#
“You dare to kill someone?” Wang-shi was first shocked, then enraged. “Men! Hold this degenerate down!”
The steward by the door came to his senses and was about to rush out to summon the guards when a cold shout rang out from the courtyard:
“Enough!” Pei Jintang hurried over, glanced at the chaotic flower hall, and said in a low voice, “Mother, haven’t you made enough of a scene?”
Wang-shi snapped, “You intend to defy your father and mother as well?”
“Your son wouldn’t dare, but when weapons and cudgels are drawn in the household, I had to come and see.” Pei Jintang said, “Father and Mother wish to arrange a match for Xiting, there’s no need to force it. A proper discussion would suffice.”
Wang-shi laughed in fury, “A parent’s command, a matchmaker’s word—he must obey whether he likes it or not!”
“… Xiting is a person, not a tool for you to form alliances through marriage.” Pei Jintang’s lips moved faintly, his voice very soft. “Qinghe is a person, not a tool for you to form alliances through marriage.”
The great courtyard had no secrets. The moment Pei Jintang stepped out, he only needed to grab someone and ask to learn what had happened. He looked at Pei Yan and Wang-shi, saying, “Young Marquis Mei is a libertine. Today he takes Qinghe as a concubine, tomorrow he’ll cast her aside. Do you think by forging this marriage you can build a bridge to the Mei family? I fear in a few days, they’ll forget they ever wanted a daughter of the Pei family.”
Pei Qinghe hadn’t been raised under Wang-shi’s care, so naturally Wang-shi had no affection for her. Pei Jintang turned to Pei Yan. “Our Pei family has only this one daughter, yet Father can’t even spare a shred of kindness and nods to push her into a pit of fire?”
Bu Suying hadn’t known about this matter. Hearing this, she couldn’t help but glance at Pei Yan, whose face flickered pale and green, as if struck to the heart. She suddenly remembered when Qinghe was born, Pei Yan holding this little daughter with a face full of tenderness, saying that their family had only this one daughter, and she must be raised with care, and in the future, she would be matched with a good family to live a life of wealth and contentment.
So many years had passed, and Pei Yan had forgotten everything.
Pei Xiting didn’t miss the grief on Bu Suying’s face and couldn’t help reaching out to hold her slender shoulder. Bu Suying turned back, smiled at him, silently reassuring him.
Pei Yan remained silent, while Wang-shi was furious: “Are you blaming your father and mother?”
“If parents are unkind, how can they expect filial children?”
At Pei Jintang’s words, Wang-shi stepped back twice, sat back in her chair, and stared at him in disbelief. Pei Jintang didn’t look at them again. He turned to Pei Xiting and said, “Let’s go.”
“No one is to leave.” Wang-shi said. “Pei Jintang, Pei Xiting, don’t forget your surname!”
Pei Jintang’s jaw tightened. He was about to speak when a young servant hurried into the flower hall and said, “Master, Madam, someone from the Longhe Department has come. They say they request Clerk Pei to return to the yamen at once!”
As he spoke, a young man with a slender build quickly entered everyone’s view. A cross-blade hung at his waist, and his bearing was sharp and cold. No one dared to block his path as he walked.
The newcomer first glanced at Pei Xiting, confirming he wasn’t seriously injured, then cupped his hands to Pei Yan. “Apologies for the unannounced visit. Please don’t take offense, Vice Minister Pei.”
Pei Yan dared not take offense, but before he could speak, Wang-shi said, “The Longhe Department may wield power, but that doesn’t give it the right to barge into another family’s residence.”
Pei Yan’s eyelid twitched. He was about to reprimand Wang-shi when the newcomer smiled and said, “The yamen has urgent business, but we couldn’t locate Clerk Pei. I had no choice but to make a special trip to invite him. In critical moments, our department can use its token to enter the palace directly and seek an audience with the Crown Prince—let alone the Pei residence. The word ‘trespass’ isn’t quite accurate.”
Wang-shi suppressed her anger and said, “The Longhe Department may be formidable, but this is the Pei family’s domestic affair.”
“The Longhe Department does not interfere in clan matters. But since Clerk Pei has entered the Longhe Department, he is first a member of the Longhe Department, and only then a member of the Pei family. If our department didn’t intervene, Clerk Pei would naturally be subject to the Pei family’s instruction. But since our department chooses to step in, I must ask the Pei family—” The newcomer paused slightly, casually gripping his blade handle. “—to step back.”
Fearing that Wang-shi might say more, and knowing that the people of the Longhe Department were tigers and wolves, Pei Yan quickly interjected: “Xiting, go back and attend to your duties!”
Pei Xiting didn’t acknowledge him. He nodded to Pei Jintang in thanks, helped Bu Suying, and turned to leave.
“Bu-shi is not to leave. She is a concubine of the Pei family.”
Pei Xiting whipped around, the murderous look in his eyes startling Wang-shi’s heart. Yet she lifted her chin slightly, looking at him coldly, and said, “Bu-shi is a proper concubine of the Pei family. While the head of the family cannot sell her, there is a written contract. She cannot defy the head of the family.”
The newcomer frowned slightly but didn’t say anything, since the concubinage contract did indeed have such restrictions.
Pei Xiting gritted his teeth, about to speak, when Bu Suying reached out and grasped his wrist. She looked at him softly and said, “Xiting, don’t be afraid. You go.”
“I’ll take care of your mother. Nothing will happen to her.” Pei Jintang said.
“… Second Brother, please have a physician come to treat Mother’s injuries.” After Pei Jintang nodded, Pei Xiting looked at Bu Suying and said hoarsely, “Mother, don’t be afraid. Wait for me.”
Bu Suying’s tears fell immediately. She let go of his hand voluntarily.
Pei Xiting glanced at her, then turned and left. He walked quickly, as if eager to flee this place, or as if he was holding back a fire that would explode the moment he delayed a single step.
Leaving the flower hall and entering the small garden, Pei Xiting caught a glimpse of a pale-yellow skirt fluttering behind a rockery—not the fabric a maid or nanny would wear.
Sure enough, someone poked her head out from behind the rockery—it was Pei Qinghe.
“Third Brother.” Pei Qinghe trotted up to Pei Xiting, looked up at his terrible expression, and said worriedly, “You… are you alright?”
In an instant, Pei Xiting understood why Pei Jintang, who had been confined to his courtyard, had appeared in the flower hall. He said, “You tipped off Second Brother?”
“I came to pay respects to Madam and deliver tea and snacks. When I heard the conversation in the front hall, I suspected something was wrong, so I went to Second Brother’s courtyard, using the excuse of delivering snacks to ask him to help.” Pei Qinghe said.
Pei Xiting frowned. “Then Wang-shi will surely know it was you who sent word.”
“It’s fine.” Pei Qinghe shook her head and smiled. “She can’t kill me, anyway. And Second Brother is still in the residence. Third Brother, you saved my life by rejecting the Mei family’s marriage proposal. I may be weak, but I must repay you to the best of my ability.”
Pei Qinghe was at the age of fifteen or sixteen, with an apricot-shaped face and snow-white cheeks. She had fully inherited the gentle, frail air of Li-shi and Pei Yan. She looked as delicate as a willow swaying in the wind, but her eyes sparkled brightly. Seeing Pei Xiting staring at her, she made an effort to pull up the corners of her mouth, as if to show she wasn’t forcing herself.
But no matter how resilient and grateful a girl was, as long as she bore the surname Pei, there would be a second or third “Mei Xiu.” A little bird in a cage, waiting only to be sold for a good price. A dull ache throbbed faintly in Pei Xiting’s forehead, but his face was expressionless. He only asked, “I hear you know how to make incense?”
Though Pei Qinghe didn’t understand why he suddenly asked that, she immediately replied, “Yes. Any incense formula that can be found in the outside world, I know six or seven out of ten.”
“It’s getting cold. Can you make a warming incense to be placed indoors? The fragrance should be mellow, long-lasting, soothing, and calming.” Pei Xiting looked at Pei Qinghe. “If you make it well, I’ll help you send it to someone.”
Pei Qinghe was quick-witted. She understood his meaning almost instantly, her eyes lighting up. She immediately bobbed a curtsy and said, “Thank you, Third Brother. I will do my best and make it as quickly as possible.”
Pei Xiting hummed in acknowledgment, turned, and left.
Pei Qinghe turned sideways and watched him go until his figure disappeared. Then she rubbed her eyes and went back.
Pei Xiting strode quickly out of the Pei residence. A carriage was waiting at the gate. He recognized it—it was the same one they had taken to Baoci Chan Temple.
The man behind him said, “Clerk Pei, please get in.”
“… Mm.” Pei Xiting came back to his senses, nodded in response, walked to the carriage, lifted his robe, and climbed in.
The man pushed open the carriage door. The Crown Prince was seated facing the entrance, a vermilion brush in hand. Pei Xiting pressed his lips together, bent down, and entered the carriage. He took the left seat but didn’t speak.
The Crown Prince looked up. Seeing Pei Xiting’s red, swollen forehead and his tense shoulders and neck, he said, “Go to Physician Liu’s residence.”
The man responded, closed the carriage door, and turned the carriage around.
Pei Xiting said, “It’s nothing serious. Just stop by any pharmacy. We don’t need to trouble the Imperial Physician.”
The Crown Prince drew a scarlet stroke on a memorial, closed it, and set it aside. “Physician Liu lives on Baitou Street. It’s close to the pharmacy.”
Pei Xiting kneaded the cushion and said, “How did you come to be here? Are you keeping tabs on me?”
“Are you upset?” the Crown Prince countered instead of answering.
“No. Didn’t it help me out of a tight spot?” Pei Xiting smiled, which pulled at his cheek, stretching the skin until his scalp ached. He touched his forehead and pointed at the porcelain pot on the small table. “May I have some tea?”
The Crown Prince said, “It’s not tea. It’s large agate grape juice. Drink if you like.”
Pei Xiting was quite fond of grapes. He picked up the porcelain pot, poured a cup, and took a couple of sips. “So sweet.” He refilled the cup and downed it in one go.
“It’s a palace item. If you like, I’ll have a basket sent to you later,” the Crown Prince said.
Pei Xiting pondered this remark. He couldn’t help leaning closer to the Crown Prince, looking up at him eagerly. “Your Highness, are you trying to cheer me up?”
“You endured grievances at home. If I scolded you on top of that, wouldn’t it send you flying straight to the sky?” The Crown Prince turned his head and met Pei Xiting’s moist, slightly reddened eyes. He was still for a moment, then raised the hand that held the brush and gently brushed the back of it against the outer edge of the swollen redness. “Where did you hit it?”
Pei Xiting preened. “Iron head technique.”
The Crown Prince found the look rather silly. He withdrew his hand and said, “Where was Yuan Fang? How did you end up using such a formidable skill?”
“I sent him to Yangliu Street to pick something up. When I got back, he wasn’t in the courtyard, so I came alone.” Pei Xiting saw the Crown Prince marking each memorial with an X and couldn’t help asking, “Your Highness, does this mean they’re all rejected?”
The Crown Prince tacitly agreed. “Ninety-nine out of a hundred words are nonsense.”
Pei Xiting chuckled. “Then I guess ninety-nine of those words are half greetings and flattery, and the other half are citations and padding to make it look impressive?”
“Exactly. A waste of ink,” the Crown Prince commented.
Pei Xiting was amused. Then he felt the Crown Prince really had a tough job, wading through garbage information every day. He made an “eh” sound and asked curiously, “Your Highness, do you have someone who helps you review the memorials?”
“Of course I do.” The Crown Prince glanced at him. “Looking to move to a new position?”
“How would I dare? I can’t review memorials.” Pei Xiting muttered. “I’m just concerned about Your Highness, afraid you’ll overwork yourself.”
He said it candidly and frankly, casually and sincerely. The Crown Prince was silent for a moment before humming in acknowledgment, but he didn’t say more.
“By the way, I heard that Physician Su went to the Eastern Palace this morning. Are you ill?” Pei Xiting asked. The Crown Prince’s brush paused, but he didn’t look at him. Suspecting there might be something private that shouldn’t be known to outsiders, Pei Xiting quickly added, “I wasn’t deliberately prying into Eastern Palace affairs. I heard that Secretary Lu was ill, and he told me he got the prescription from Physician Su at the Eastern Palace this morning. That’s why I asked.”
The Crown Prince closed his eyes briefly. “It’s nothing. The autumn is dry. I’ve got some internal heat.”
Pei Xiting felt relieved. “As long as it’s not an illness.”
But then he thought—even if the Imperial Hospital was insufficient, the Eastern Palace had its own imperial physicians. Why would the Crown Prince send for Physician Su?
Pei Xiting sensed something was going on but didn’t press further, afraid to intrude on the Crown Prince’s privacy.
The carriage soon stopped. Shortly after, the mansion gate opened, and Physician Liu’s voice came from outside the carriage: “Your servant was unaware of Your Highness’s arrival and failed to greet you far in advance. Please forgive me, Your Highness.”
Pei Xiting got down first. Seeing Physician Liu bowing sideways to him without lifting his head, he quickly stepped aside. He wasn’t the Crown Prince, after all.
The Crown Prince descended afterward and said, “Rise. I came unannounced; it is I who have disturbed you.”
“Your Highness’s presence brings glory to my humble home.” Physician Liu straightened up, looking up to see the Crown Prince’s expression as usual but the person beside him looking unwell. He understood immediately and stepped aside. “Please, Your Highness. And this gentleman…”
“Pei Xiting, clerk of the Longhe Department.” Pei Xiting cupped his hands. “Sorry to trouble you, Physician Liu.”
Physician Liu returned the greeting. “Clerk Pei, please.”
Pei Xiting followed the Crown Prince into the Liu residence. Although smaller than the Pei mansion, it was elegant and quiet, filled with the scent of medicinal herbs.
The Crown Prince told Physician Liu not to worry about entertaining them, only to treat Pei Xiting’s injuries. Physician Liu dared not speak further and led them into the pharmacy.
Pei Xiting was made to lie on a couch, examined, covered with cool medicinal paste on his head, and even had a few acupuncture needles inserted.
The Crown Prince walked over to the couch, stood still, looked at Pei Xiting’s listless expression, and said, “Are there any other injuries? Show them to Physician Liu.”
“I took a few rattan lashes on my back.” Pei Xiting said. “Just some ointment will do.”
“Is Clerk Pei a physician? If not, please take off your clothes and let me see the wounds so I can determine the best medicine.” Physician Liu said from the side.
Pei Xiting said “Oh,” reached up to undo his belt, slipped off his outer robe, and turned sideways, pulling his inner robe down to his back to reveal the marks.
Each welt was over two fingers wide, red and swollen with subcutaneous bruising. Against his pale back, they were startling at first glance.
The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed slightly. He stepped forward, stood in front of Pei Xiting, pushed his hair aside, and said, “Bring the Snow Jade Ointment.”
“…” Physician Liu had to say, “Your Highness, although Snow Jade Ointment is precious and best for preventing scars in external injuries, Clerk Pei should first apply medicinal compresses and then use blood-activating medicines to treat the wounds properly.”
Pei Xiting, momentarily dazzled by the narrow waist so close to him, said, “Whatever Your Highness says must be best. Treat it that way.”
“Don’t speak,” the Crown Prince said, gently pinching Pei Xiting’s nape. “Listen to the physician.”
Pei Xiting said, “Whatever you say.”
Physician Liu was inwardly shocked by how favored Clerk Pei was in the Crown Prince’s eyes, but his face betrayed nothing. He immediately went to prepare the herbal packs.
When the medicine was applied, Pei Xiting flinched all over. The Crown Prince said, “Does it hurt?”
“A little.”
Bu Suying had taken two lashes. Being a woman, it must hurt even more. Pei Xiting pressed his lips together. He had already made up his mind. He would get Bu Suying out of the Pei family.
“Hold on, Clerk Pei. It won’t hurt for long.” Seeing Pei Xiting’s grim expression, Physician Liu tried to soothe him. He was about to call someone to hold the packs in place while he prepared the ointment when, to his astonishment, the Crown Prince naturally took the pack from his hand and sat down sideways behind Clerk Pei.
“…” Thunder rolled in Physician Liu’s heart. He immediately said, “Your servant will withdraw for a moment.”
Pei Xiting also felt uneasy, especially after Physician Liu left, leaving only the two of them. The Crown Prince sat behind him, his calm gaze falling on his back.
The Crown Prince was a gentleman, open and upright. But he himself was a lecher who needed fire-suppressing medicine!
Pei Xiting sighed inwardly. About to change the subject to distract himself, he heard the Crown Prince say, “What happened?”
Pei Xiting hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to care about Pei family trivialities. But then again, the Crown Prince had already come in person… Even if he was shielding him, did he have to be so attentive and thoughtful?
At this thought, Pei Xiting’s heart pounded, and his imagination ran wild uselessly.
“Mm?” The Crown Prince pressed when no answer came.
Pei Xiting snapped out of it. “Oh. They wanted to arrange a match with the daughter of Assistant Minister Wang. I refused.”
“Pei Yan’s wife is a daughter of the Wang family, isn’t she?” Seeing Pei Xiting nod, the Crown Prince instantly grasped the crux. He said coolly, “You were right to refuse. This marriage is not the best choice for you.”
“If I truly love someone, I wouldn’t care about those interests.” Pei Xiting said. “I don’t have to get married, nor do I have to fall in love. Unless I meet someone I genuinely like, I won’t sell myself, not even for untold riches and honors.”
The Crown Prince frowned slightly. “What do you mean, ‘sell yourself’?”
“The wording may be crude, but the meaning isn’t.” Pei Xiting laughed unconcernedly.
The Crown Prince asked, “And then? How did it come to blows?”
“They wanted to carry out a family punishment on me. I naturally refused, so we fought.” Pei Xiting paused. “My mother stepped forward to shield me and got hit too. She would also be implicated. I was seething, so I smashed the flower hall.”
He had expected the Crown Prince to call him unfilial or reckless, or say he was too violent. Instead, the Crown Prince only hummed and said, “Have you considered what this might do to your reputation if it gets out?”
“I’m not a sage. I don’t demand a good reputation.” Pei Xiting said. “If I’m forced to act against my will every time, I won’t accept it. I’ll fight back with all my might. Even if I’m at my wit’s end, I still have death as a last resort.”
He was a free bird. His only concern was the sky before and behind him.
Physician Liu returned. The Crown Prince removed the pack and stood beside Pei Xiting.
Physician Liu gently applied ointment to Pei Xiting’s wounds, wrapped them in a thin layer of medicated cloth, and finally handed a cloth bag to Pei Xiting while giving instructions. “All the medicines for internal and external application are inside. The methods and contraindications are written on the paper.”
“Thank you, Physician Liu.” Pei Xiting dressed. “Sorry for the trouble today.”
Physician Liu quickly said it was no trouble, respectfully saw the Crown Prince out of the mansion, and only wiped the sweat from his brow after the carriage had left. He truly envied the Pei family for having such a son—this boy was about to soar to the heavens.
Pei Xiting wasn’t about to fly. After returning, he flopped face-down onto the bed and listlessly closed his eyes.
Yuan Fang smelled the medicine, distinguishing the herbs for external injuries. Frowning, he said, “Where did you go?”
Instead of answering, Pei Xiting asked, “Did you see Lingling?”
“I gave him the earrings. He loved them. When he heard you designed them yourself, he asked me to tell you: ‘Since you gave me these two pairs, don’t make the same ones for anyone else.’” Yuan Fang said.
Pei Xiting let out a soft laugh. “I see. How did he look?”
Yuan Fang hesitated for a moment. Pei Xiting noticed immediately and sharply turned his head, staring straight at him.
Pei Xiting had worked himself into this state. Yuan Fang originally wanted to hide it, but seeing this, he had to say it. “When I got there, he had a fever. His face was burning red, his lips had bloodstains, and his neck was bitten by some insects—several bruises. He said he’d be fine after resting for two days and told me not to tell you.”
“… Hah.” Pei Xiting sighed. “Just as I guessed.”
Yuan Fang said, “What do you mean?”
“Back when I made that bet with Mei Xiu, Lingling and I were too close. His Highness Zong was slightly displeased, but Lingling didn’t notice. That’s why I barely said goodbye when I left. Maybe there’s another reason, too.” Pei Xiting said.
Yuan Fang said, “So His Highness Zong beat him?”
“…” Pei Xiting blinked. “Fang, you’re an innocent boy—I know you didn’t sneak a peek at my picture books while I was away.”
Fang said expressionlessly, “I glanced at one, but I didn’t sneak. You left them on the table without putting them away. I thought they were your usual drawings. How was I supposed to know they were dirty things?”
“What do you mean, dirty things? Making out and having sex is just as much a way to express affection and satisfy desires as you gnawing on buns and meat pies. Of course, not every bun or meat pie is something you want to eat, so making out and having sex also require choosing a clean, good partner. You can’t just eat any random bun or meat pie, so you can’t just make out or have sex with anyone.” Pei Xiting said with a straight face. “Got it, little classmate Fang?”
Yuan Fang said, “Your analogy is very vivid. I understand.”
Pei Xiting was gratified.
“So,” Yuan Fang said, “how did you get injured?”
Pei Xiting: “…”
They stared at each other. Pei Xiting surrendered.
He had to briefly explain what happened. When he didn’t hear Yuan Fang speak, he said, “Don’t dwell on it. I was the one who sent you away. Think of it as fate that I was going to get beaten today.”
If Yuan Fang had been there, he certainly wouldn’t have let Pei Xiting take that lash. Hearing this, he only said, “I’m away for half a day, and something happens.”
Pei Xiting said, “But you can’t follow me every second. I’m late and leave early every day. I can’t even pin down the exact time I leave the Longhe Department. You can’t just wait outside for half a day, can you?”
Why not?
The next day, Yuan Fang delivered Pei Xiting to the yamen gate, set his backpack on the ground, placed a small stool, and began… carving wood.
Pei Xiting stood beside him. “… Bro, what are you doing?”
“Carving wood.” Yuan Fang gave him a “are you blind” look, his hands moving skillfully, though he was a bit regretful. “If it weren’t inconvenient, I’d rather make cakes. I could take them back, fry them for dinner, and feed the leftovers to the little beggars.”
He glanced at Pei Xiting, quite smug. “Li Meat Pie? Not my specialty anymore.”
Pei Xiting chuckled. He thought it was indeed a good idea. He was about to say something when a familiar voice came from behind.
“What are you standing here for? Go inside.” Uncle Wei approached with a few ducks. Seeing Yuan Fang unfamiliar, he couldn’t help but say, “Oh! Where did this handsome lad come from?”
Yuan Fang had revealed his identity and whereabouts, so today he hadn’t bothered with disguise. He was indeed in a very clean, handsome form.
Pei Xiting smiled and introduced them. “This is Uncle Wei, the chef at the Longhe Department. Uncle, this is my friend Yuan Fang.”
The two exchanged greetings. Uncle Wei asked curiously, “Why are you here carving wood?”
“He wants to protect me up close, but he can’t enter the Longhe Department, so he brought a stool to sit here.” Pei Xiting said.
Uncle Wei’s first glance had taken in Pei Xiting’s forehead. He just assumed the young man had been in a fight outside. Hearing this, he guessed that Pei Xiting had run into some trouble, but he didn’t pry. “That can’t be helped. It’s a government office inside.”
Yuan Fang said, “It’s nice here. Peaceful.”
“Then stay seated. At noon, I’ll bring you a meal too.” Uncle Wei said.
Yuan Fang had long heard Pei Xiting praise Uncle Wei’s cooking. He immediately thanked him. Pei Xiting patted his shoulder and followed Uncle Wei inside.
That day, You Zong was at the yamen. After finishing his duties in the Documents Tower, Pei Xiting went to the front hall to grind ink for You Zong.
You Zong finished reviewing the documents before he said, “Speak.”
Pei Xiting smiled shyly. “I just came to grind ink for you.”
You Zong glanced at his forehead, smeared with greenish-yellow medicinal paste, and said with a smile, “Well, you’ve finished grinding. You can leave now.”
“Could I trouble you to deliver something for me?” Pei Xiting stopped pretending. He took a small brocade pouch from his sleeve. “I couldn’t sleep last night, so I drew a book marker.”
If it were an ordinary person’s personal item, You Zong wouldn’t casually agree to deliver it to the Crown Prince. But Pei Xiting was different.
“Fine. Leave it here.” You Zong said.
Pei Xiting thanked him and gently placed the book marker in an empty spot in front of him. He couldn’t help touching it, then looked up to find You Zong watching him.
He withdrew his hand. “Sir, what is it?”
“Don’t go gallivanting lately. The external injuries are minor, but you need to take care of your head.” You Zong said.
Even Sir You knew about him being beaten at the Pei residence. Pei Xiting smiled and scratched his ear. “Got it. Thank you for your concern, Sir.”
You Zong nodded. Pei Xiting bowed and withdrew.
As he left the courtyard, he heard a commotion ahead. Soon, Little King came trotting over, stopping in front of Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting looked at it in surprise, then instinctively glanced toward the moon gate ahead. But no one was there.
Little King was displeased at being ignored. It bumped its head against Pei Xiting’s leg and opened its mouth as if to bite. Pei Xiting, startled, quickly begged the tiger king for mercy, crouched down, and rubbed it. “Did you sneak out on your own?”
But that shouldn’t be possible. In broad daylight, even if Little King had wings, it couldn’t have flown here unnoticed.
Little King rubbed its head against Pei Xiting’s hand. Pei Xiting thought it was just being affectionate. But when he touched its head, he felt something off. He quickly lifted the little watermelon hat—there was indeed something inside, a note tucked under it.
Pei Xiting unfolded the note. A line of calligraphy, firm yet gentle, casual and free. The words were equally unrestrained.
“Play with your little brother for a while.”
Pei Xiting rubbed the words on the paper. Suddenly realizing something, he glared at Little King, who was of the same generation as him. “Who wants to be your brother? I want to be your dad!”