This also provided Kaifeng’s elite families a prime opportunity for matchmaking. Many officials and merchants brought their womenfolk to Dragon Pavilion Lakeside to admire the young men’s prowess.
Song and Liao customs differed in marriage: betrothed couples couldn’t meet beforehand. Official and folk cuju matches became key venues for spouse selection.
With Xiang Xian’s return this year, plus Xiao Kun, they instantly stole the show. From afar, Xiao Kun moved like a gale, darting across the field; no one else could even brush his robes, and even Xiang Xian barely kept up several times.
Though on opposing teams, the two still exchanged passes. When Xiang Xian approached, Xiao Kun tested him with a kick. Xiang Xian received it and flipped backward in midair for an inverted shot, drawing thunderous cheers from the crowd.
Xiao Kun laughed too.
Gao Qiu couldn’t stand it. “Are you two here to play cuju or toss embroidered balls?”
Laughter erupted from players and spectators alike.
Xiang Xian promptly passed the ball straight to Xiao Kun and whispered, “Take it easy—watch you don’t lose.”
Xiao Kun passed it back to Gao Qiu, letting him score a few times, but it grew dull. Xiang Xian knew Xiao Kun loved to play but lacked partners; this rare chance left him unsatisfied. The same went for Xiang Xian—if alone, the rest were no match, turning it into mere showmanship.
With Xiao Kun there, it became fun. They traded passes seamlessly. Gao Qiu, no great player otherwise, had good sportsmanship. Seeing their flirtatious exchanges, Xiao Kun unleashed Cloud-Traversing Lightness Skill, stepping through the air to leap high and deliver an inverted shot. Cheers exploded; even Gao Qiu shouted wildly in support.
In the end, others tired out, while Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian leisurely vied for the ball, untouchable by the rest who could only watch from afar.
As dusk fell, the gong sounded, ending the match. Xiao Kun claimed the prize money and distributed it to the Kaifeng commoners on the spot, sparking fresh waves of cheers.
Despite midwinter, everyone sweated profusely. The two finally squeezed through the crowd.
“After today, matchmakers will swarm the Exorcism Division,” Xiang Xian said. “Wu Yingzong! Hurry home and cook!”
From across the throng, Wu Yingzong shouted back, “I’ll grab takeout from Forty-Two Shop! Master!”
Xiang Xian pointed at himself and Xiao Kun, signaling them to go ahead. As Zhao Gou approached, Xiang Xian waved him off. “We’ll visit your residence later to pay New Year’s respects!”
Zhao Gou left.
With their martial robes tied at the waist and upper bodies in thin shirts, slick with sweat, Xiang Xian saw Xiao Kun’s unsatisfied expression and suggested, “Let’s go home and bathe.”
Xiao Kun nodded, grabbed Xiang Xian’s martial robe, and wiped his face with it. Xiang Xian roared with laughter, and they strolled back arm-in-arm. Moments later, Xiang Xian took his hand; this time, Xiao Kun didn’t pull away. Like two children, they swung their joined hands as they walked.
“Which Kaifeng families would take me as a son-in-law?” Xiao Kun asked.
Xiang Xian felt a pang of jealousy. “Fancy a particular father-in-law? Cai Jing has court influence, Zhong Shidao commands troops, Gao Qiu’s family rides high in office, the Li Family has wealth. As for the Zhao Family… they say Princess Roufu is the most beautiful—being a prince consort wouldn’t be bad.”
Xiang Xian rattled on, but Xiao Kun didn’t engage. Back at the Exorcism Division, Xiang Xian stripped as he walked; hot water awaited. He soaked in the tub while Xiao Kun quickly shed his cuju clothes and rinsed nearby.
“Does your Xiang Family have any suitable marriage prospects for me?” Xiao Kun turned his head and raised a brow at Xiang Xian.
“None,” Xiang Xian said. “I’m an only child, no siblings. Distant relatives are all grown; the young ones are too small.”
“If you had a younger sister,” Xiao Kun said casually, “I’d marry her. No one else.”
Xiang Xian: “Don’t take advantage of me!”
Xiao Kun laughed, but suddenly the Stone Lions called from outside.
“Auspicious Star High and Bright—”
“See? The matchmakers are here already,” Xiang Xian said. “Wait! The Chief Emissary and I are bathing!”
“—Lord Guo has arrived!”
Xiang Xian cursed inwardly, wondering what trouble this was. Guo Jing entered but didn’t go to the main hall, waiting in the front courtyard.
“Just back from cuju,” Xiang Xian said, wrapping a bathrobe as he emerged. “Lord Guo, please come in.”
Guo Jing waved it off. “I already explained yesterday’s matter for you.”
“The Crown Prince visited today too,” Xiao Kun added, arriving.
“Oh?” Guo Jing handed over a paper. “You didn’t agree, did you?”
Xiang Xian took it without unfolding. Xiao Kun stood beside him, shoulder-to-shoulder, eyeing Guo Jing. Nominally, Guo Jing remained their superior, overseeing the Gold Stone Bureau.
“We politely declined,” Xiao Kun said.
“Hmm,” Guo Jing replied. “Good. There’s a letter here—a case that needs someone to handle.” He gestured for Xiang Xian to read it. “I’ll be off.”
Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian bowed in farewell. Xiang Xian unfolded the letter and glanced at it.
“What is it?” Xiao Kun asked, changed into fresh clothes.
“Business trip,” Xiang Xian said. “To Chang’an.”
The year’s first assignment arrived: head to Chang’an to investigate the black ghostly shadow appearing in the city at midnight, and the case of the Chang’an Prefect’s entire family dying violently on the winter solstice at midnight.
