Because of the prominent family’s reputation, the public’s evaluation of this Third Master became somewhat harsh. They said that Fu Tingyi had no merits and only relied on being born into a good family—isn’t he seeking immortality? Maybe one day he’ll stumble upon something and ascend to immortality in broad daylight!
Regardless of the Qin family’s situation, Fu Shen always respected this third uncle. Whether he was truly detached from worldly affairs or intentionally keeping a low profile, the Ying Guo Gong mansion’s low-key approach in recent years had reduced many of Fu Shen’s concerns.
He signaled Yan Xiaohan to push him in front of Fu Tingyi, raised his hand in salute, and said, “Third Uncle.”
On his nephew’s joyous day, Fu Tingyi was still wearing a Taoist robe. In recent years, he often fasted and practiced vegetarianism, looking thin and frail, with a wisp of long beard under his chin, truly resembling an immortal. Despite the previous major disturbance, he remained indifferent, closing his eyes and reciting Taoist scriptures until Fu Shen called out to him, whereupon he slightly opened his eyes.
Fu Tingyi’s eyes gleamed with spirit, his tone ethereal: “No need to bow to me. Your parents’ memorial tablets are in the family ancestral hall. If you wish, you may go pay respects.”
It was unclear who he was speaking to, and without waiting for a response, he rose and, with a sweep of his robe, floated away.
Even the Flying Dragon Guards looked at Fu Shen with sympathy: their chief investigator had been orphaned since childhood, without family, which was already tragic enough.
Fortunately, Fu Shen didn’t mind. He had already met the elders at the Golden Terrace with Yan Xiaohan, and the rest was inconsequential. Now that everyone had left, he was ready to depart.
The wedding feast continued until late at night. After sending off the last batch of guests, Yan Xiaohan said to Fu Shen, “Leave the cleanup to the servants. Come stay at my residence first.”
He knew Fu Shen had no attachment to the Hou mansion and wouldn’t refuse his invitation. Unexpectedly, Fu Shen hesitated and declined: “No need. I should have told you earlier, but I was too busy: after the wedding, I plan to move to the countryside villa to recuperate. I’ll write you the address later; if you have anything, you can find me there.”
Yan Xiaohan’s pupils contracted slightly, though his voice remained calm: “Leaving right after marriage? Did I not treat you well?”
When he saw the large red lanterns at the Yan residence entrance, Fu Shen finally came to his senses, feeling that Yan Xiaohan might have been a flower picker before joining the Flying Dragon Guards—General Fu probably never expected that after being iron-willed for so many years, he would surrender so smoothly, without even stammering.
Several rooms were connected, forming a spacious large room. The room was empty, with no furnishings, only a large jade-built bathing pool in the center of the floor. By candlelight and rippling water, the carved lotus and lifelike swimming fish at the bottom could be faintly seen.
“This…”
Yan Xiaohan pushed Fu Shen closer and explained: “Your leg is inconvenient for a bathtub, and it’s easy to fall without support, so I had people modify this pool. Do you… like it?”
Fu Shen was stunned by one “surprise” after another. Before he could fully understand the meaning of this pool, Yan Xiaohan walked behind him, knelt down to be at eye level, placed his hand on Fu Shen’s knee, and seriously said: “Jing Yuan, I’ve repaired the courtyard, planted the wutong trees, and now… I’m just waiting for the phoenix to arrive.”
The “phoenix” who not only didn’t come but wanted to fly elsewhere: “…”
He suddenly wanted to ask Yan Xiaohan if he knew what “Ye Gong loves dragons” meant.
What made him so sure that he was the phoenix Yan Xiaohan wanted?
“But the smoothed steps, the large pool, and the sincerity in his eyes were all genuine.
“This won’t do, Brother Yan,” Fu Shen suddenly leaned forward, touching Yan Xiaohan’s forehead with his cool, dry fingertips, smiling: “To attract a phoenix, you must sing ‘Phoenix Seeking Phoenix’.”
Yan Xiaohan raised one eyebrow, meeting his gaze thoughtfully, clearly meaning: You seem experienced. Then you sing.
Fu Shen laughed.
They were separated by only a thin layer, yet both tacitly stopped. The delicate balance could only be precisely grasped by those within it – perhaps the feelings had not yet reached deep enough to be smooth and natural, or perhaps these two had extraordinary patience, wanting to find the true answer through countless confrontations and probes.
Because the imperial court did not allow consummation, that night they still slept as before, with Fu Shen in the bedroom and Yan Xiaohan in the side room. This reversed host-guest relationship had become a convention at some point, and everyone in the Yan residence was accustomed to it. Even though today their status was officially established, Fu Shen could only be considered properly settled.”
Early the next morning, before the two masters of the Yan residence had awakened, someone knocked heavily on the door. Yu Qiaoting stood outside, looking grave: “Apologies for the interruption. I have urgent matters that require an immediate meeting with the Marquis.”
The housekeeper asked him to wait in the flower hall. Soon, Yan Xiaohan pushed Fu Shen out from the inner room. Both looked well, clearly having not been wild the previous night. Normally, Yu Qiaoting would have teased them, but today, before Fu Shen could ask “Have you eaten?”, he spoke to Yan Xiaohan: “Marquis, I have some critical military intelligence to discuss with the General.”
Yan Xiaohan, understanding the situation, said “Excuse me” and left to prepare breakfast.
However, just today, Mu Boxiu’s headless corpse was found in a dry well in a village on the outskirts of the capital. A missing person case and a murder case involving a court official are by no means comparable. Yan Xiaohan asked: “Has the head been found?” The scout replied: “Not yet. The local authorities have sealed off the entire village and are searching with all their might.” Yan Xiaohan: “Go check the files from Shuntian Prefecture and dig into his ancestors. I will immediately enter the palace. Have Jiang Shu bring two people to keep an eye on the village, without revealing their identity, and investigate secretly. This involves the Southern Yamen, and His Majesty may not want the Flying Dragon Guard to intervene.”
” The scout took his leave, and Yan Xiaohan hurried to the palace, too busy to eat properly, quickly having a couple of snacks before changing clothes. When he was ready, Fu Shen and Yu Qiaoting had just finished their conversation. Seeing his appearance, they asked in surprise: “Are you going out?” “Official business,” Yan Xiaohan explained concisely, then leaned down and gently hugged him, whispering close to his ear: “I know you’re leaving today, sorry I can’t see you off. Breakfast is prepared outside, eat before departing, and be careful on the road. Take anything you like from this residence. I’ll come see you once I’ve handled these matters.” Fu Shen patted his shoulder lightly, sighing: “I think you should just lie in a box and come with me.” They both laughed spontaneously. Yan Xiaohan stood up straight and cupped his hands to Yu Qiaoting: “I’ll take my leave first. Respected General, please take care of Jing Yuan.” The general, said mechanically: “Certainly, certainly.” At the end of the hour of the snake, a horse-drawn carriage stopped in front of a villa at the foot of Changleshan on the outskirts of the capital. From the outside, this villa was no different from an ordinary mountain estate, surrounded by mountains and water, with a quiet environment. “
