Chapter Six: Honest Companionship

Bustling and splendid—this was Liu Zhanyan’s first impression of the capital of the Liu Kingdom. The streets teemed with people, lively and crowded, the faces of both peddlers hawking their wares and the townsfolk passing by brimming with smiles. A sense of happiness and contentment suffused the entire city; even the relationship between the officials and the commoners was harmonious. Gazing through the carriage window, Liu Zhanyan could see soldiers chatting amiably with the townspeople.

So this was where Junlin resided. It was a wonderful place, Liu Zhanyan thought to himself.

Tieqing, driving the carriage, suddenly turned his head to ask, “Young master, where shall we go?”

Without hesitation, Liu Zhanyan replied, “To the Grand Diviner’s residence.”

The area in front of the Grand Diviner’s manor was likewise bustling. Tieqing parked the carriage and helped Liu Zhanyan inside. Before long, a servant came over to settle the horses.

Before the servants could announce their arrival, the Grand Diviner himself came running over, swept Liu Zhanyan into his arms, and said merrily, “Yanyan, you’ve finally come!”

The Grand Diviner was a good deal shorter than Liu Zhanyan, who stood over seven feet tall. The old man’s head barely reached Liu Zhanyan’s chest, his temples silvered, a long beard cascading down. At this moment, clinging playfully to Liu Zhanyan, the Grand Diviner could only be described as an old child at heart.

No sooner had Liu Zhanyan set foot in the manor than Liu Junlin arrived. He caught sight of his beloved master clinging to Liu Zhanyan. Striding forward, Liu Junlin grabbed the old man by his blue robes and lifted him away. Liu Zhanyan, standing aside, could hardly keep from laughing.

After handing his second master off to Uncle Wen and Tieqing, Liu Junlin took Liu Zhanyan’s hand and led him into a side chamber in the inner courtyard. He lit the brazier, and as the two found themselves alone, Liu Junlin’s ears flushed a faint red. He touched his nose, suddenly shy. “Senior brother, what brings you here?”

Liu Zhanyan, amused by this rare glimpse of Liu Junlin’s embarrassment, replied calmly, “I came to see the Grand Diviner.”

At these words, Liu Junlin looked up at him, disappointment in his voice. “Oh.” So he hadn’t come for him, after all.

With Liu Junlin’s head bowed, his expression unreadable, silence fell between them, and the air turned heavy.

Liu Zhanyan rolled his eyes with a sigh—what a fool. Stepping forward, he pulled Liu Junlin into a tight embrace, arms circling his waist, his chin resting perfectly on Liu Junlin’s shoulder. He whispered into his ear, “I missed you—missed you so much. After reading your letters, I missed you even more. I couldn’t help it, so I came to find you.”

Liu Zhanyan thought he couldn’t have been more direct. Surely this man understood?

Liu Junlin’s whole body trembled violently, his face flushing scarlet, the pounding of his heart loud in his ears, quickening with every beat. Could it really mean what he thought? He dared not hope.

Suddenly, Liu Junlin pushed Liu Zhanyan away and retreated to a corner, where he crouched down, burying his face in his knees, silent.

Liu Zhanyan stared in surprise, then his mouth twitched. What was this supposed to mean? It was as if he was seeing again that teary-eyed little dumpling from their first meeting. Surely not, he thought, but with a helpless sigh, Liu Zhanyan went over and crouched beside him, lifting Liu Junlin’s head with some effort. As expected, Liu Junlin’s eyes were red beyond words. “What are you doing?” he asked. They liked each other; wasn’t mutual affection a wonderful thing?

Liu Junlin’s voice was hoarse. “Are you making fun of me?”

Gazing into Liu Junlin’s misty eyes, Liu Zhanyan braced himself for what he was about to do. He leaned in, closed his eyes, and pressed reverent kisses to Liu Junlin’s eyes, his nose, his cheeks... and finally brushed his lips against Liu Junlin’s. Soft—softer than he had imagined. As Liu Zhanyan was about to pull away, Liu Junlin suddenly tackled him to the ground.

Liu Junlin’s eyes were deep and dark, almost frightening in their intensity. He cradled the back of Liu Zhanyan’s head with care, lowered himself, and tentatively touched Liu Zhanyan’s lips with his own. His senior brother was right there in his arms, a flush blooming on his face, eyelids trembling but making no attempt to evade him.

Joy surged in Liu Junlin’s heart—he must be the happiest man alive. Some things, held back too long, once released could never be restrained again. Liu Junlin kissed Liu Zhanyan tenderly. Liu Zhanyan’s lips parted, and he slipped inside, entwining their breath, kissing until Liu Zhanyan could scarcely breathe. At last, he stopped, collapsing onto Liu Zhanyan’s shoulder with a muffled laugh, though his voice still carried the tremor of tears. “Senior brother, I was so afraid you wouldn’t want me...”

Liu Zhanyan’s heart softened. He almost scolded him, but swallowed the words. Never mind. He lifted his hand and gently patted Liu Junlin’s back in rhythm, coaxing softly, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here—I’ll always be here.”

After a moment of silence, Liu Junlin whispered, “Senior brother, I love you. I want to spend my life with you.”

At those words, Liu Zhanyan’s hand paused. Then he wrapped both arms around Liu Junlin. “Yes.”

From that day on, Liu Zhanyan never returned to Zixu Daoist Temple. Five years later, the new emperor, Liu Junlin, ascended the throne, while the former Grand Diviner, Qingshan, passed his mantle to Liu Zhanyan and departed to wander the world.

In the Liu Kingdom, the new emperor’s first morning audience was always a matter of great importance.

Yet Liu Junlin had not expected this first court session to leave such a bitter taste.

Hardly had the audience begun when a minister stepped forward. “Your servant has a petition.”

Liu Junlin replied, “Proceed.”

The minister said, “The harem cannot be left without a mistress for even a single day. Your Majesty has reached the age to choose a queen.”

At these words, Liu Junlin’s face instantly darkened. The minister, head bowed, continued, oblivious to the emperor’s expression. “If Your Majesty could resolve the matter of the queen upon reaching your majority, it would indeed be a double blessing for the realm!”

Liu Junlin said nothing. The court fell into an uneasy silence. Eventually, the minister retreated awkwardly, and the other officials, taking the hint, avoided the topic, turning instead to discuss reforms and public welfare. The first court session ended much earlier than usual.

Liu Junlin had suggested that Liu Zhanyan move in with him, but Liu Zhanyan insisted he felt freer at the Grand Diviner’s residence. Upon reflection, Liu Junlin let the matter drop.

After court, Liu Junlin hurried to the Grand Diviner’s manor, still simmering with frustration. But at the sight of Liu Zhanyan napping in a lounge chair by the window, all his vexation melted away.

Autumn had set in, and even the lightest breeze carried a chill. How could he be so careless with his own well-being? Half exasperated, half concerned, Liu Junlin gathered Liu Zhanyan in his arms and laid him on the bed. Over the years, Liu Zhanyan had grown increasingly prone to sleep, and though Liu Junlin noticed, he could do nothing. More than anyone, he understood Liu Zhanyan’s stubbornness—once he made up his mind, nothing could change it.

Liu Junlin resolved to do the only thing he could: stay by his side, protect him, indulge his every whim. Even if there were only a handful of days left to them, he wanted nothing more than to spend each and every one together.