BMN : Chapter 18

As spring deepened, Jin Yi finished the two jars of plum wine that Fu Ming had given him. When the garden was full of vibrant red and green, Fu Ming received a gift in return from Jin Yi. It seemed to be the first time Jin Yi had ever sent anything to Fangmanting. Lu Fei, carrying the gift box, couldn’t hide her delighted smile, and Wanlan quickly came over to open the box. Inside were two sets of clothing, both being sturdy, martial attire.

Wanlan wondered, “Why would Master send such clothes to Gongzi?”

Lu Fei speculated, “Master is a martial artist. Perhaps he wants Gongzi to train with him?”

Fu Ming pondered, having some thoughts but not entirely certain. He instructed them to carefully store the clothes for now.

From last year to this year, Fu Ming had been in the household for over a year. Zhao Yan had grown a year older, and with the Old Madam’s permission, Ren Lan and Xinyue arranged a lively birthday celebration for him.

Fu Ming had prepared Zhao Yan’s birthday gift months in advance. When Zhao Yan received it, he kept looking through it, liking it more and more. It was a detailed illustration book titled “Poetry of Three Hundred Objects,” depicting various birds, beasts, insects, fish, flowers, and plants described in the poems. The intricate craftsmanship showed the giver’s immense care.

Not only did the young birthday boy love it, but the Old Madam and Ren Lan also praised it repeatedly. Jin Yi then said to Fu Ming, “It’s just a child. Why go to such trouble?”

Fu Ming replied, “Basic education should not be neglected. Zhao Yan is very gifted; it’s worth putting in the effort now.”

Jin Yi nodded and brought Zhao Yan in front of Fu Ming, telling Zhao Yan, “From today on, you should change how you address him. No more calling him ‘Uncle Ming.’ He is your father, just like me.”

Everyone was shocked. Fu Ming was stunned and, hearing Zhao Yan call him “father,” felt tears welling up.

Jin Yi wiped the tears from the corners of Fu Ming’s eyes with a handkerchief, then took Fu Ming’s hand and led him to the Old Madam. They both knelt, and the Old Madam, understanding the situation, offered her hands to support them, saying, “Since you are fated to be together and have found your bond, cherish each other well in the future.”

Zhao Yan seemed to understand and ran over, hugging his two fathers tightly, rubbing his little face against their legs, continuously calling out.

Ren Lan smiled and nodded from the side, her bright eyes glistening with tears. Xinyue patted her on the shoulder, silently expressing, “Miss, can you see? He now has someone by his side and is no longer alone. You can be at ease.”

As the guests dispersed, under the sparse moon and stars, Zhao Yan held Jin Yi’s sleeve and said, “Father, I have one small wish.”

Jin Yi asked, “What is it?”

“I want to sleep with both of my fathers tonight. Is that okay?”

Jin Yi looked at Fu Ming, who was unsure how to respond. Seeing that Fu Ming was merely confused but not opposed, Jin Yi said to Zhao Yan, “Okay. Where would you like to sleep?”

“Fangmanting! I’ve taken naps there in Father Ming’s room; it’s so comfortable!”

So the three of them returned to Fangmanting together.

Lu Fei and Wanlan, along with the other servants, were visibly happy, bustling around preparing everything. After helping the three settle in, the servants’ quarters were still filled with their cheerful chatter, more joyful than the chirping of crickets outside the green silk windows.

Inside Fu Ming’s room, the atmosphere had quieted. Zhao Yan slept in the middle, with Fu Ming on the inner side. As they lay down, Fu Ming felt nervous, his heart pounding as if it would leap out of his chest. Zhao Yan clung to his arm, his little face nestled in the crook of his elbow, and quickly fell asleep. Listening to the child’s steady breathing, Fu Ming gradually calmed down and drifted off.

Jin Yi, however, lying on the outside, remained wide awake as the moon rose higher. He turned slightly to watch the two sleeping peacefully inside, gently placing his hand on the blanket covering them, as if embracing them tenderly.

The next morning, when Fu Ming and Zhao Yan woke up, Jin Yi was already gone from the room.

There was a faint noise outside, and Lu Fei and Wanlan led two or three maids with basins and towels into the room to help them freshen up and dress. They informed, “The Master has been up and is practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.”

Fu Ming had one of the maids open the window, revealing Jin Yi in the garden. Dressed only in a white inner garment, he was using a branch as a sword, his movements fluid and sharp. Leaves and petals swirled around him, scattered by the force of his strokes.

After tidying up, Fu Ming led Zhao Yan outside to stand under the eaves, watching Jin Yi practice. As he finished his routine, Fu Ming looked at the scattered foliage on the ground and thought that if Jin Yi were to visit more often, they might need to rearrange the courtyard. He also wondered if they should set up a target range, considering Jin Yi’s proficiency in both swordsmanship and archery.

However, despite the bonding moment, Jin Yi did not stay at Fangmanting again for a long time. The courtyard retained its lush, secluded beauty as the season changed from spring to summer, with flowers turning to fruit and the greenery providing a cool respite from the heat.

Though Fu Ming did not need to escape the summer heat, Jin Yi planned to take him to Cuiwei Palace, a summer retreat located a hundred miles away in the Cuiwei Mountains. The Third Prince had already requested permission from the emperor to use Cuiwei Palace after the summer solstice, a request that had been granted.

Besides his concubines and children, the Third Prince invited several esteemed civil and military officials to accompany him, along with their families.

Before departure, Fu Ming instructed Wanlan to pack the two sets of martial attire gifted by Jin Yi, finally understanding their purpose.

As Wanlan packed the clothes, Lu Fei prepared other necessities. After everything was ready, Lu Fei approached Fu Ming, her cheeks flushed, and whispered, “Gongzi, there are two chests. In the one with miscellaneous items, there’s a hidden compartment containing two small bottles. They hold… items that you and the Master might need. If necessary, remember to retrieve them.”

Fu Ming asked, “Aren’t you coming with us? If we need something, you can just bring it to me then.”

“Oh, Gongzi, I might not be by your side at all times!” Lu Fei said, her face turning even redder. Wanlan chuckled from a distance, amused by their master’s obliviousness to certain matters.

Realizing what they meant, Fu Ming’s face also turned red. He quickly said, “I understand. Continue packing; I’ll go check on the Master’s preparations.” With that, he hurried out of the room.

Inside, Lu Fei and Wanlan exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

After the summer solstice, the group, including servants and guards, traveled in a grand procession of nearly two hundred people to Cuiwei Palace.

The journey from the capital to Cuiwei Palace was considerable. Under the scorching summer sun, riding horses was not advisable, so Jin Yi and Fu Ming shared a carriage.

Fu Ming read a history book from the previous dynasty, while Jin Yi read an ancient military text.

After finishing a chapter, Fu Ming pondered the fairness of the historian’s commentary when Jin Yi suddenly asked, “I’ve noticed you’ve been busy with writing lately. Do you have any plans?”

Fu Ming looked up from the book and asked, “What does the Master think of these history books?”

“They record the deeds and faults of emperors and ministers, the rise and fall of dynasties, serving as a beacon for the past and a lesson for the future.”

Fu Ming nodded. “What you say is true. But I think that’s not enough.”

Jin Yi’s interest was piqued. “How so?”

“History books and paintings record the deeds of emperors and ministers, their rights and wrongs, the rise and fall of dynasties. But they do not document the daily lives of ordinary people, their joys and sorrows, their mundane existence.”

“Daily lives? Mundane existence? What’s there to record?”

Fu Ming replied, “You aspire to be remembered in history for your achievements, so these mundane details may seem trivial to you. But for the countless ordinary people, living their lives without any hope of being remembered, their experiences matter. They lived, worked, experienced joy and sorrow… Perhaps, in the future, when people look back, they can glimpse the lives of those who came before, knowing that they too lived and felt deeply. It’s a form of remembrance.”

Jin Yi fell silent for a long time before saying, “So, you want to document the daily lives, the work, the joys and sorrows of ordinary people?”

Fu Ming smiled slightly. “Yes, for them and for myself.”

After another pause, Jin Yi said, “If one day I achieve greater things, I can ask the emperor to confer a title upon you, so you too can be remembered in history.”

Fu Ming appreciated Jin Yi’s ambition and smiled, “I’ll look forward to that day.” However, he had unspoken thoughts: being recorded in history as an adjunct to someone else, occupying an unnoticed corner, though honorable, was not what he sought.

They didn’t delve further into the topic.

 Jin Yi then described Cuiwei Palace, recounting how he had visited it with his grandfather and the emperor as a child. His vivid memories painted a clear picture for Fu Ming.

“Before we came, I requested Yunsheng Pavilion from the Third Prince. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Fu Ming felt a vague sense of anticipation. It dawned on him that he would be living with Jin Yi for nearly a month, and he remembered Lu Fei’s earlier words. His face flushed with warmth.

“Why is your face so red?” Jin Yi reached out. “It’s a bit warm. Are you feeling hot? Could it be heatstroke?”

Fu Ming quickly shook his head. “Just a little warm, nothing serious.”

Jin Yi poured a cup of cold tea for Fu Ming and fanned him with a folding fan. After drinking the tea, Fu Ming noticed the fan’s inscription, “One Sword Frosts Fourteen States,” and laughed. “This fan is from last year. It’s a bit worn. When we return to the capital, I’ll write you a new one.”

Jin Yi, smiling, said, “Though it may be worn, it’s still functional and doesn’t need replacing. Besides, we haven’t even arrived, and you’re already thinking about returning. Isn’t that a bit too eager?”

Fu Ming, catching the playful tone, smiled back. “You’re right. The Cuiwei Palace is such a wonderful(fairy) place; I’m hoping to stay longer, maybe even become an immortal if I’m lucky!”

Jin Yi, moved by Fu Ming’s playful wit, retracted the fan, gently tapping it between Fu Ming’s brows with a smile filled with unconscious tenderness. Fu Ming was taken aback, still processing the gesture when his brow felt a warm touch. Jin Yi’s lips brushed briefly against his skin, leaving a warmth that seemed to ignite a fire in his heart.

Gongzi = Master

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