Chapter 6: A Lake Excursion

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The moment Yu Huan spoke, Shen Xunqing’s eyes narrowed even more. The room fell into a heavy silence. After a long pause, he finally said, “Just change quickly. It’s only a piece of clothing.”

Yu Huan frowned, studying Shen Xunqing’s expression. He sighed quietly to himself and nodded. Shen Xunqing raised an eyebrow and turned to wait outside.

Listening to the footsteps behind him, Shen Xunqing glanced back. Just as he had guessed, the little grim reaper in white looked incredibly striking. The pure white attire made his fair skin seem even paler, and the faint color of his lips deepened slightly. At just one glance, Shen Xunqing found he could not look away.

In his two lifetimes among mortals, he had grown accustomed to seeing his own reflection in those dark, profound eyes. But now, all he saw was vigilance, unease, and a subconscious disdain.

Shen Xunqing focused, lifted his head, and smiled at Yu Huan. Without hesitation, he took Yu Huan’s hand and led him out, indifferent to the change in Yu Huan’s expression.

Yu Huan’s body stiffened. Having spent the past few days with Shen Xunqing, he understood his nature well. He glanced around; the maids and servants nearby kept their heads down, busy with their tasks. Yu Huan looked at Shen Xunqing before him, his gaze quietly dimming.

Shen Xunqing held Yu Huan’s hand as they left the estate, boarding a carriage heading out of the city.

Within the imperial city—

An old Taoist priest in a gray robe, with sharp features and restless eyes, twirled a duster in his hand as he carefully sniffed the faint scent lingering in the air. He stepped forward a few paces, then retreated slightly.

The old priest surveyed the surroundings, then suddenly glanced to one side and smiled slyly. He strode toward that direction, seemingly taking only a few steps before arriving in front of the Shen Prince’s mansion. Stroking his beard, he gazed at the faint, shimmering barrier above, sneering, “So that little fox was hiding here all along. How easy you’ve made it for me!” He furrowed his brows, calculated swiftly with his fingers, the curve of his lips growing wider as he muttered, “All top-grade tonic materials! All top-grade!”

The priest stroked his beard, his eyes darting about. He chuckled lightly before his figure gradually faded away. With his current form, he was certain he could not pass through the barrier. It was more practical to wait here patiently.

Outside the imperial city—

Shen Xunqing and Yu Huan sat quietly in a carriage, each on their own side. Yu Huan gazed out at the scenery after a long time, while Shen Xunqing watched him. The atmosphere was strangely peaceful.

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This odd tranquility was finally broken by the driver’s call, “Master, we’ve arrived.”

Shen Xunqing stood and stepped off the carriage first, followed by Yu Huan. The driver obediently stayed by the carriage, waiting silently.

Yu Huan found it strange—why had Shen Xunqing brought him to such a gloomy forest? Before he could ponder much longer, the scene ahead suddenly brightened. The dense woods opened up to reveal a hidden lake, visible only by standing on tiptoe.

The water was crystal clear, revealing fish and shrimp playing beneath the surface. Lotus flowers bloomed abundantly on the lake, and today was the perfect time—the blossoms were in full splendor. Unlike the usual pale pink lotus, these were pure white.

A line from a poem came to mind, perfectly capturing the image of the white lotus:

“They must envy the washerwomen,
Fading red robes, who has lightly mistaken?
Leisurely and elegant, a graceful and tender beauty,
Waiting coquettishly to speak.
Meeting across the riverbank by chance,
Like an accidental acquaintance,
Seeming to transmit a pure heart.
Afraid the Xianggao pendant will fall apart,
Green clouds stretch ten miles,
Swept away by the western wind.”

Gazing at the distant white lotuses, Yu Huan’s recently troubled mood eased somewhat. Rarely did he show such a genuine smile. Shen Xunqing, who had been watching him closely, was momentarily stunned before he, too, smiled.

Beyond the white lotuses lay an island in the lake’s center, with a pavilion said to offer the best view of the sunset.

“There are boats prepared ahead. If you’re still interested, we could take a ride to enjoy the scenery of Drunken Sun Lake,” Shen Xunqing said softly, as if afraid to disturb the harmony between Yu Huan and the picturesque view.

Yu Huan nodded, smiling as he replied, “Alright.”

Shen Xunqing then led him toward the boat dock. He did not try to take Yu Huan’s hand again, keeping a comfortable distance—not too far, not too close. Perhaps due to the environment, both of them felt much more relaxed.

Shen Xunqing’s thoughts drifted far away. He could not remember how long it had been since he had felt this leisurely and content. Most of his time was spent figuring out how to pass the hours. He had almost never experienced a moment like this—thinking of nothing, simply spending time with another person.

They quietly boarded a small boat. The boat was truly tiny—apart from the rower, just enough room for two to sit facing each other. Yu Huan surprisingly spoke first.

“I grew up in a small mountain village. Due to a special constitution, I was called a demon child since birth. My parents have both passed away. My mother’s last wish was for me to take the exams and pass, to fulfill my father’s longstanding hope.”

Yu Huan’s eyes were dark and still. The boat gently rocked on the lake’s surface as his cool voice slowly faded into the air.

“I am nothing but a poor scholar, with nothing to offer. You’ve only met me twice. Why would you do such things?”

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Shen Xunqing’s lips curved slightly. “Such things? Do you really want to know why?”

Yu Huan pressed his lips and nodded.

Shen Xunqing smiled playfully, twirling a stray lock of hair between his fingers. “Will you believe whatever I say?”

At his words, Yu Huan looked at Shen Xunqing. “If you say it, I will believe it.”

Shen Xunqing raised an eyebrow, propping his chin with one hand as he gazed at Yu Huan. “Since you say that, I’ll speak plainly. I had a dream, in which you and I were lovers twice over, living through two lifetimes…”

Upon hearing this, Yu Huan suddenly felt a sharp pain at his temple. “Mr. Shen, be careful what you say. If others heard this, they’d think you were mad.”

Shen Xunqing leaned close to Yu Huan. “So? What do you think of that?”

The proximity was overwhelming. Yu Huan hastily stepped back, causing the boat to rock violently. Shen Xunqing lost balance and fell onto Yu Huan. Their noses nearly touched, their eyes locked, and a faint sweet, metallic taste filled the air. Shen Xunqing helplessly covered his mouth and climbed off Yu Huan, shouting out, “What’s going on?”

The boatman did not answer. Shen Xunqing stood and went to investigate. A shadow fell over them—a boat at least ten times larger than theirs had collided with them. Then came a familiar voice.

“Brother Xunqing! Brother Xunqing! It’s Qianqian! I didn’t expect such fate to bring us together! Quickly, lower the ladder so Brother Xunqing can come aboard!”