Yan Xiaohan silently followed him in bowing, and they turned to face each other and knelt. Fu Shen reached out to pour two cups of wine, handing one to Yan Xiaohan, saying: “Brother Yan, thank you for waiting for me today.”
Yan Xiaohan: “No need to thank me. It was expected.”
Fu Shen said: “After my ancestors passed away, the former Emperor decreed to paint meritorious officials’ portraits in the Qilin Hall, and his portrait was personally held by my father on the golden platform.
“Back then, Prince Shu wanted to send my second uncle’s portrait into the hall, but unfortunately…” He shook his head, “According to protocol, only close relatives can hold a portrait into the hall.”
“Fu Shen joined the military at eighteen, commanding the North Yan cavalry for over five years. I dare not boast of great achievements, but I believe I have not let down heaven, earth, and human hearts.”
Unfortunately, fate is unpredictable, and I’m afraid I can no longer lead troops. My military career ends here.”
He raised his wine bowl, touching Yan Xiaohan’s with a “ding”.
“That year before I went to war, you made a wish hoping I would hate you for a lifetime. Now that wish no longer works – I don’t hate you anymore, Brother Yan.”
“Now it’s my turn to make a wish.”
Yan Xiaohan lowered his eyes, looking at him gently, as if he would immediately fetch stars and moon at Fu Shen’s slightest word.
Fu Shen gazed at him, slowly and solemnly saying: “I hope that after my death, my portrait can also remain in the Qilin Hall, and at that time, you will personally hold it to the golden platform.”
Only close relatives can hold a portrait into the hall.
After a long silence, Yan Xiaohan did not respond, only saying: “On such a joyous day, why speak of such inauspicious words?”
“Death is inevitable and need not be avoided,” Fu Shen seemed unconcerned by his answer, his gaze serious and sharp: “If you agree, you will naturally be my only close relative.”
Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan – one wild, one calm; one seemingly carefree, one always thoughtful; one worthy of merit in the Qilin Hall, one destined for the record of sycophants… two people worlds apart, finally converging at the same turning point.
