As Xinhua approached Dr.Jingji's apothecary shop, she spotted Jinse and Wuye talking about something, tucked beneath a canopy to remain out of the rain. Xinhua couldn't help the stray thought that popped into her head. Wondering if Jinse was in the form she saw last night if he would smell like a wet dog out in this rain. She tried to stifle a snicker but Jinse heard her and glanced over.
Busted now, might as well say hello, Xinhua thought to herself as she smiled and waved. Once she was closer, she tilted her umbrella back as she stepped part way beneath the same canopy. "I hope you two aren't up to no good."
"And if we were?" Wuye smirked. Jinse smacked Wuye's arm, "Ow, I was only joking!"
"Just don't get caught by anyone else, I won't be able to save you," Xinhua couldn't help but giggle at the exchange. "You two are quite close, huh? You act like brothers. I would know."
"Were they really like that?" Jinse raised a brow. "They always seemed so sweet to each other."
"Once they both grew gravely ill, it stopped being very common but when they were little I remember them doing that whenever they tried to hide something from me or mom." Xinhua's smile took a more nostalgic air. She glanced at Wuye, "You'll tell me all about him on our trip right?"
"No!" Jinse glared at both of them.
Wuye just smirked mischievously and winked at Xinhua.
"I will kill you," Jinse growled at Wuye.
"You like me too much," Wuye stuck his tongue out.
Just like brothers, Xinhua tried to stifle a laugh. She cleared her throat trying to compose herself once more. "Why are you two out here and not in there?" Xinhua gestured towards the shop.
"Xueye was still asleep and I wanted to pick this guy's brain about training our mutual friend," Jinse shrugged.
"Anything useful?" Xinhua was curious but she wasn't going to pry too much more beyond this. She would certainly hear about it later.
"Plenty actually, he may act like a nutcase at times but he's a good teacher," Jinse clapped his hand onto Wuye's shoulder. "It was what he did in a sect an eternity ago."
"Please don't bring that up," Wuye groaned. His countenance grew as gloomy as the sky, "That was another life…"
"If you are going to tell her stuff about me then I get to tell her about you," Jinse nudged him playfully.
"I haven't even said anything yet…" Wuye whined.
"I know you will regardless," Jinse huffed.
"Ah, that reminds me," Xinhua glanced around to ensure no one nearby was listening. "I mentioned to Lord Qiuji that you are coming with. He will be accompanying us as extra protection under the name Luoshi. In any case, I told him that you are part of a sect with strict rules so he wouldn't wonder why you weren't helping against any ruffians."
"Not a bad cover I suppose," Wuye shrugged but he seemed a little distant.
"I know I probably should have asked you before, sorry," Xinhua's smile softened.
"No, it's perfect! Honestly it would have been the cover I went with should he have asked directly," Wuye returned to his bright carefree attitude. "Old memories surfaced, is all."
"If it bothers you, just say it," Xinhua huffed. "I'll make it up to you."
"I promise it's fine," Wuye's smile turned sweet. "I'll tell you all about it should we happen to be alone at some point on our little outing and you'll understand."
"Alright," Xinhua nodded. "But don't push it, you don't need to tell me, only if you are ready. In any case, I was going to discuss with Xueye about our travel plans. Would you two like to join me?"
"I do want to know how he's doing," Jinse nodded, looking rather eager.
"I'll stay put, best not overwhelm him too much, right?" Wuye's smile was soft and caring. "He hardly knows me right now and I think it would be best if he sticks with those close to him until we leave. It would help him avoid stress. The spirit may still be active since it had the briefest chance to wake up and was still triggering after his ability was restored."
"Then shouldn't you check for that?" Jinse's expression shifted to concern.
"Not like I can do anything about it and it'll stress him out to think about it. Keep him happy and warm and everything will be fine." Wuye waved his hand back and forth. "I'll be here if you are really that concerned when you see him. At the very least, I can chase off death."
"Wait, you don't mean…" Xinhua looked appalled at the thought of Wuye actually trying to chase off Jingshen, the God of Death.
"I will if I have to," Wuye giggled. "But no, I don't intend to let the Young Master ever get that close in the first place."
"Won't that get you in trouble?" Jinse grumbled.
"It'll be fine, I promise!" Wuye beamed. "Go on, just keep me up to date when you leave."
"You got it," Xinhua tugged Jinse in the direction of the apothecary shop.
"Xinhua," Jinse grumbled but went along. "Don't let that idiot get himself into trouble while you're away. He always talks about this stuff being fine but I'm pretty sure that sort of thing is against all those fucking rules the heavens impose."
"I'm not as familiar with them the way you seem to be but I'll try," Xinhua shook her head and shrugged.
"Just ask him about it and if he's evasive like that then it's probably a no go," Jinse pinched his brow. "You are good at reading people so I'm sure you'll pick up on it pretty easily."
"He is surprisingly easy to read actually," Xinhua giggled. "I'll do my best."
Xinhua and Jinse stepped inside the apothecary shop, let in by Dr.Jingji. He motioned for them to follow him upstairs to find Yushi tending to a pot in the kitchen. The novelty of the emperor in such a domestic light was just so amusing to Xinhua. Even after finding out he had been the one taking care of Xueye in such a manner, she hadn't quite seen it with her own eyes since she went to speak with Shizhe that final night Xueye stayed at the Crystal Estate. All this time it was just a funny thought but she also couldn't help but think it was as sweet.
"For some reason I never imagined you cooking," Xinhua said with a warm smile. "Certainly smells nice."
"I can, but I won't take credit for this," Yushi chuckled. "I was just making sure nothing burned while the doctor fetched you two."
"Now you have me curious, Shujing," Jinse smirked. "What would someone like you cook?"
"Did you forget I come from humble origins?" Yushi shrugged. "I just know some things my father taught me."
"I would like to try sometime," Jinse smirked, knowing he wouldn't go for it but still wanted to pester him a little.
"For you, not a chance," Yushi said flatly.
"You're no fun," Jinse pretended to pout.
"Are they still not up yet?" Xinhua glanced at the closed doors a little worried. She knew they were in good hands here but her brothers were everything to her so she couldn't help but fret a little.
"Xueye is changing, he'll be out in a bit," Yushi explained. "Qingkong is still asleep." Yushi could hear Qingkong's steady breathing even through the closed door. His hearing almost seemed even sharper than before with the rainfall. He could even clearly hear Xueye grumbling to himself still over his purchase.
Yushi knew he should have been slowly working his way up in extravagance because of reactions just like this but if he couldn't be there to keep Xueye warm, he was more than happy to send him off with something that should do the trick, even if Xueye would be upset with him. If that tailor had anything left over of the fire weave he would have had them make Xueye much more than just a mantle, knowing full well Xueye would lose his mind over it. He had hoped that Xueye wouldn't know what it was, but he should know better than to underestimate the young man's knowledge of what's on the market.
"How long has he been in there?" Jinse's eyes narrowed at the door. He had to ask, having also heard Xueye's constant grumbling even if he wasn't quite sure of everything he was saying.
"However long it's taken for me to make this congee," Dr.Jingji stated, taking over from Yushi. "It's pretty much done. Should be enough for everyone if you two if you want some as well."
"What did you do?" Jinse leered at Yushi.
"Why do you assume it has anything to do with me?" Yushi grinned at him, feigning innocence. He was glad he could also get under Jinse's skin a little. "Perhaps he's just taking his time."
"It doesn't take that long for someone to change even with the amount of layers he usually wears," Jinse crossed his arms. "So what did you do to make him hide?"
"He got him a ridiculously expensive gift," Dr.Jingji stated calmly as if he were talking about the weather.
"Ratting me out already? So cruel, doctor," Yushi sighed.
"It's honestly a wonder Xueye's fit didn't wake Qingkong," Dr.Jingji shook his head in dismay. "I'd rather you two arguing like children didn't wake him either since he needs the rest. He woke up sometime after you left. He and I spoke for some time but he grew weary again. I think he overdid it yesterday while he had more energy."
"Sorry," Yushi was rather disappointed in himself for even turning Jinse's usual game back on him. He did feel awfully childish now that the doctor pointed it out.
"What did you get him?" Xinhua asked quietly as she tilted her head. She really wanted to know what would get her brother so riled up as the doctor had said.
"Well," Yushi paused, glancing at both doors. He suspected they both would also react quite loudly. He knew Jinse likely would know what it was and if Xinhua did, she'd likely chastise him over it.
"Later," Dr.Jingji picked up on his hesitation and came to a similar conclusion. "Xinhua, why don't you see if you can coax Xueye out so he can eat."
"Will do," Xinhua nodded with a smile. She drifted over to the door Xueye was shuffling about behind and knocked softly. "Didi, food is ready."
"Xinhua?" Xueye cracked open the door and peeked out. "Just a moment, I'll be right out." Xinhua put her foot in the door before he could close it. It startled Xueye at the suddenness of it. "Jiejie?!"
"Let me help," Xinhua noticed something was off about the way Xueye looked, but it was only a glimpse, yet it startled her. She figured she could call attention to it if it really was of concern. However, she wanted to be certain she wasn't imagining that haunting visage she saw on her brother's face.
"Alright," Xueye stepped behind the door as he opened it enough to let her in the room. The moment she was inside she closed the door before he could. "Is something wrong? You're making that serious face."
"Come here, by the fire," Xinhua pulled him over. When Xueye's face was shadowed, she thought before his face was whiter than his hair and rather gaunt, but in the light it was a little flushed and completely soft edges. Surely she wasn't so tired she was hallucinating. "You're okay, right?"
"I'm doing fine this morning, I promise," Xueye smiled warmly. "That dreamless sleep felt like it did wonders actually."
"You definitely feel much warmer," She ran her thumb back and forth over the back of his hand. "Surely it was just the lighting…"
"Xinhua?" Xueye tilted his head, a mixture of worry and confusion on his face. "Tell me what is on your mind?"
"For a moment I thought you looked rather similar to mom in her final days…" Xinhua pressed her hand to her forehead. "Over here you look fine. I am a little tired but…"
"Maybe you did see it…" Xueye mumbled with a faint look of recognition in his eyes. "For a brief moment, when I first came back in here, I thought I looked quite different than I do now when I caught a glimpse in the mirror. I also thought it was a trick of the light since I couldn't get it to happen again."
"We really need to discuss leaving as soon as possible," Xinhua's expression darkened. If it was a spirit inside of him, partial or not, she knew there was a possibility of possession. She read about some of the ways a spirit inhabits someone after she returned home last night back in Shizhe's library when she felt restless. She wondered if what they saw was just that.
"Maybe you're right…" Xueye suddenly felt a chill at the thought of this getting worse, even if he felt fine.
"You look rather nice in that, by the way," Xinhua noticed the layers of darker blue silks that draped over his form with silvery patterns embroidered into it and azure accents. It was a lot fancier than he typically wore but the style wasn't too dissimilar.
"Shujing got it for me…" Xueye felt the chill quickly fading at the thought of how sweet the gesture was, even if he was upset about the other half of the gift.
"This is what you got in a tizzy?" Xinhua was trying to contain a laugh.
"It's not…" Xueye glared over at the offending box he folded the mantle back into, though he was starting to consider he may need it sooner rather than later if that brief chill he felt returned.
Xinhua curiously opened the lid and as it rose so too did her eyebrows. She let the lid fall back into place and covered her mouth. She also realized just what that was based off the heat that emanated from the box that was equal in warmth to the fire.
"There's no way…" Xinhua was so close to marching out there and dragging Yushi back to the palace to demand he explain himself. Sure, it could help Xueye but the cost surely should put his identity at risk.
"He referred to it as trivial." Xueye grumbled. "The fact he has that much to spend like it's nothing, no wonder he doesn't charge for the information he deals in."
"Yeah…" Xinhua was still in disbelief. She would definitely be giving him an earful about it later.
Xueye opened the lid on the box and picked it up. It really was so warm to the touch. It felt nice, even in his hands. He was even starting to feel sensation returning around his old wound. He hadn't realized it was still numb until he felt the faint ache again. He wasn't sure which was better, the numbness or the ache.
"He's far too generous…" Xinhua shook her head to snap herself out of the daze. "Still, it should help you, especially where we are going."
"Yeah, I know," Xueye sighed heavily, holding the mantle close to him. "It just feels wrong to accept something like this."
"I get a funny feeling you will need to get used to it from him," Xinhua pinched her brow.
"I don't think I ever could…" Xueye closed his eyes. "I have to repay him somehow, for all this kindness!" He looked at her with bright determination in his eyes.
"You will in time," Xinhua smiled sweetly. "Come on, we have much to discuss, and food to eat."
"O-okay…" Xueye still didn't move.
"What is it?" Xinhua could see him hesitate.
"I just didn't want to go back out there while I was still upset over this." Xueye held the mantle up. "I want to express my appreciation, not yell at him more before we have to leave. I just still feel so riled up I guess."
"Don't let him forget then," Xinhua shrugged. "You can enjoy it and get upset at him. He kinda deserves it if I'm being honest." It felt a little treasonous to say but she was always going to be more loyal to her brother than Yushi. She suspected he didn't mind that fact, else he wouldn't have let her run off with Xueye for who knows how long, even if it was in part to protect Xueye. "You can say thank you for now and then yell at him all you want when you get back about what a reckless purchase it was." She said a little louder, knowing full well Yushi was likely able to hear it.
"I suppose I can manage that much," Xueye giggled, finally following her to the door. "He does owe me an answer…"
"Hold on, for what?" Xinhua closed the door again, though she had only opened it a crack.
"He has been saying he has something to tell me for a while now," Xueye started fiddling with the mantel in his hands. "And he said he knows how I can repay him since I won't let that go but he won't tell me until after we come back. He said I'm not ready yet…"
Maybe it was the weariness but Xinhua felt her frustration welling. She really was going to have to yell at Yushi for the first time, wasn't she? She was at the very least going to bring it up to Shizhe so she could try to talk sense into him while they were gone, should the Master Diviner deem it necessary when she could foresee the outcome again.
"Don't get mad," Xueye could see the subtle way her brow twitched when she was angry.
"I'm not mad," Xinhua said with a strained smile.
"Be nice to him," Xueye didn't believe for a moment she would just let it go. "I insisted because he didn't want anything in return. He never does and that's what's so frustrating, because I want to be able to take care of him too…"
"I think you already do, more than you know," Xinhua's smile softened to something more real and full of sweetness. "I heard he was quite frustrated this morning. He seems so happy now, being here with you."
"I did see the doctor was bandaging him up…" Xueye mumbled softly. "Maybe he is a little more hurt than he said."
I see I have more than one person to yell at later, those idiots! Xinhua thought begrudgingly to herself. It was going to be a long day. She shook her head and sighed. "I guess I'll have to see about ensuring he doesn't push it. He should be resting with this rain going on anyways."
"Oh, I should have thought of that!" Xueye's eye drifted to the window, recalling what shape Yushi was in as it was raining at the Crystal Estate. "He really should be home resting."
It also brought to the surface what Yushi had called out as he was half asleep. It made him wonder if he really was the one Yushi intended to call "treasure" given the new pet name for Xueye. Even with those blatantly obvious, longing looks and hints, Xueye still had a small voice of doubt in the back of his mind. The little bit of anxiety he could never shake from all the damage done to him in the past. Going back to one such place where the worst betrayal of someone he thought he loved didn't help that fact. A distant disappointment he felt should he really be wrong about what he thought Yushi wanted from him.
Xueye pulled the mantle closer to him. These dreadful thoughts were bringing such a sensation of cold coursing through him. He needed to stop thinking about this. He shook his head and wrapped the warmth emitting mantle around his shoulders. It felt nice, even if it didn't entirely stave off the cold, it very much took the edge off.
"It really is warm," Xueye couldn't help but whisper as a small smile slipped out.
"Hey," Xinhua drew close and wrapped her arms around him. She may not know what conflict was flickering through his head just then but she thought he could use a hug. "We'll get you through this together, okay?"
"Yeah…" Xueye returned her embrace, clutching onto her tightly.
Eventually they stepped outside the room and Xinhua glared bitterly at Yushi before her brother stepped out from behind her. He flashed her a brief apologetic smile with a faint flush gracing his cheeks that clung to him upon overhearing that Xueye wanted to also take care of him. He could tell she was finally going to scold him the way the other upper court members did when he did something impulsive. While he dreaded what her sharp tongue might have to say, he was a little proud she was finally settling in enough to feel she could.
When Xueye came into full view a different kind of pride surged forth in him. He knew the silken robes would suit Xueye but he was happy to see Xueye had even put on the mantle he'd been so upset about. Yushi was truly enamored at the sight of Xueye wearing almost everything he'd bought the young man. It was just missing the hairpin, but he hadn't worn it yesterday in favor of the braid which had since been taken out, allowing his hair to trail freely behind him.
"I see why he would be upset now," Jinse shook his head and sighed. Buying that mantle was likely to Xueye not that different from Jinse buying out the Meigui Trading Company's debt regardless of the cost difference. Of course Xueye would be upset, he's never taken gifts easily in the first place. The more expensive the gift, the more Xueye would resist or deny it. "However, it is perfect for the situation. Had I considered that there was anything made of fire weave in the city I would have snatched it up for him too."
"Haven't you been reading the company's ledgers?" Xueye narrowed his eyes and huffed. He couldn't stand these two and their flippant financial decisions on his behalf.
"Older ones, yes," Jinse chuckled, seeing straight through his bitter thoughts on the subject. "How in the world did the company get their hands on such a rarity?"
"A question for father unfortunately," Xueye looked dismayed. "I didn't know there was anyone who would even buy it at all, outside of the more affluent clans." Xueye glared at Yushi who still didn't seem upset in the slightest. Xueye sighed and stepped closer to Yushi. "Even so, thank you…"
"Anything for you," Yushi said with a voice sweeter than honey.
Xueye quickly looked away and towards the doctor who was just smiling at their interaction. He was starting to wonder if he was going to catch a break today at all.
"Come and eat," Dr.Jingji waved him over, deciding to throw him a lifeline to escape upon seeing the desperate plea in the young man's face. "Now, just because you have that doesn't mean you should push yourself."
"He won't have to, now that I'm here," Xinhua chimed in from the table as she picked up the scroll that contained the contract. "I'll arrange anything we need to depart."
"Xinhua!" Xueye sat next to her with a huff as he set his bowl on the table.
"Don't 'Xinhua' me," she chastised with a mocking tone. "You should focus on resting up enough to travel."
"She's right," Dr.Jingji brought her a bowl of congee and set it next to her. "Even if you feel fine now it will take a lot out of you. Don't you recall how weak you and your mother got every time you traveled to me when I was outside the city?"
"Yes but I'm not so weak anymore," Xueye huffed.
"Maque thinks it best you avoid stressors as it may trigger another reaction like with your father." Jinse snatched up the other spot next to Xueye before Yushi could. He felt a smug satisfaction upon seeing Yushi glare at him.
"Since Shujing pointed it out, I noticed I start to feel cold when I just think of things that bother me…" Xueye pulled the mantle a little tighter around his shoulders. "It just feels weird not planning the little details for a trip that's supposed to be for me."
"Well it's not like you don't have a say in it," Xinhua giggled, as she pushed the contract over to Xueye. "Before we get into that, have a look at this before I go. Let me know if I need to change anything or it suits what you were intending. I can revise it easily if I have to. Now, I think we should leave in the next couple days, since we don't know a lot about what this is or if it'll get worse. I just hope it's enough time for Luoshi and Maque, since they will be coming with."
"Maque can leave at the drop of a hat, don't worry about him," Jinse snickered. "That guy is always ready to pick up and go."
"Knowing Luoshi, he'll likely be ready by the end of the day at the soonest but you may want to check in to be certain," Yushi nodded. "If anything urgent comes up, tell him I will handle it."
"I guess that just leaves me to arrange matters for Qingkong," Dr.Jingji sighed.
"You too?" Xueye blinked in surprise. The doctor nodded with a gentle smile.
"I can ask if Shizhe and Lady Li would look after him," Xinhua spoke up rather quickly. The idea of leaving her sick brother behind at the mercy of her father and who knows what else just didn't sit well with her. He was in just as much danger as they were, if not more so. She would much prefer he remain in a place well guarded.
"I thought so as well," Yushi nodded. "I doubt she'll say no, but if it works better he can also stay at the Crystal Estate and I can arrange for someone trusted to look after him while I am attending to any duties that need my attention."
"I just need to go over his current treatment with Lingyao when she stops by later today," Dr.Jingji considered any other preparations she might need help with, considering leaving her a written guide to their regular customers' more complicated medicines. He doubted that girl would leave the shop closed when she wasn't taking care of Qingkong even if he insisted. "I admit having him reside in the palace would put my mind at ease, should there be something Lingyao can't handle surely the palace physician can."
"Honestly surprised you trust her more than your replacement," Jinse chuckled softly.
"She's more familiar with his case," Dr.Jingji explained. "I just need to teach her the latest blend and the last remaining adjustments to make while I'm away."
"Also while he was replaced physically, skill is another thing entirely," Yushi shrugged. "She's the first person Dr.Jingji has ever trained to mu knowledge and not for lack of trying on others' part." Yushi smiled, recalling how desperately Riluo wanted to help Dr.Jingji when they were younger. If Master Zan didn't scoop Riluo up then he likely would have pestered his way to being his apprentice back then, just as Lingyao has. "Whatever he sees in her is special and she's likely more qualified than the physicians that mainly deal with cuts, bruises and at worst broken bones."
"Why the hell don't they hire someone more qualified?" Jinse scoffed.
"Because he's the only one who is," Xinhua gestured to the doctor. "You'd be hard pressed to find any doctor better than him in all of Meihua. Well, on the mortal plane anyways." There were two of the most famous doctors in all of Meihua now counted among the gods in the form of the Moon Goddess and the Earth God. It was difficult to reach what they achieved in their mortal lifetimes.
"Surely there are others in corners you may not have found," Dr.Jingji shook his head.
"Perhaps, but until then, should the need arise we'll keep bothering you from time to time," Yushi flashed a cheeky grin.
"You better," Dr.Jingji scoffed. He certainly hadn't in more recent years. In some ways he was grateful for Xueye bringing his attention to the rise in Yushi's problems he'd likely been trying to hide for so long. Dr.Jingji wished he'd known better than to trust Yushi at his word, or even Riluo.
"How much time do you think you'll need?" Xinhua asked the doctor to be certain.
"Provided she doesn't have too many questions, I should be ready by tomorrow," Dr.Jingji nodded.
"What about you Xueye?" Xinhua asked softly. "Is tomorrow too soon or do you want to rest another day?"
"If I need to, I can just rest on the ship," Xueye chuckled. He started unraveling the scroll with the contract that Xinhua brought and started reading it through. It was the main concern he had with regards to the company while he was gone.
"No going to the office!" Xinhua narrowed her eyes on him.
"I won't," Xueye rolled his eyes briefly before resuming the review of terms. "At most I'll pack."
"If you don't until I check in later I can help," Xinhua nodded. "I'll head out soon to finish arrangements and bring that back," Xinhua pointed at the contract.
"Thank you, Xinhua," Xueye smiled warmly at her, setting the contract down. The whole thing was pretty typical to their usual contracts but this one had more detailed stipulations on protection of the assets. It was perfect. The fact she was taking charge so he didn't have to fret over everything was also something he appreciated, even if part of him wanted to help. He didn't feel as anxious with her planning everything. She seemed to have everything already planned in her head so he felt his assistance would likely be more of a hindrance at this point. Even so, he didn't want her to overdo it. "Make sure you get rest too, okay?"
"Of course, don't you worry," Xinhua couldn't help but return the sweet smile.