Chapter 1

In the twelfth year of the Tianming era in the Jin Kingdom, it was late June, and the height of summer was slowly retreating.

Twelve-year-old Gu Xiaodeng stood dazed at the gates of the imperial capital, Changluo City, his hand held by his sworn brother Zhang Dengqing, who was two years his senior. A month had passed since their foster father’s death, and Gu Xiaodeng was still steeped in the ache and shock of it.

Their foster father had been bedridden with a long illness that no medicine could cure, and he had breathed his last upon his herb-filled pillow. On his deathbed, he had taken out a jade ring and a bundle and entrusted them to his biological son Zhang Dengqing. Then, he had drawn Gu Xiaodeng to his side, held him tightly, and carefully recounted several matters of the past.

Their foster father told him that he was not his son. His true surname was Gu—the Gu of Prince Zhenbei Gu Yan, one of the Jin Kingdom’s three Non-Royal Princes, whose residence stood in Changluo City.

Twelve years ago, he said, a martial arts expert and female assassin had betrayed her sect and was pursued. She fled all the way to Changluo City and, desperate and reckless, hid inside Zhenbei Prince Mansion, the Gu family home. She stayed hidden for half a year. By coincidence, she gave birth on the same day and in the same month as Zhenbei Princess Consort. A wicked thought took root—she could not bear to let her own flesh and blood suffer. In an audacious act, she swapped her son with the Gu family’s newborn. Soon after she succeeded, her sect discovered her whereabouts and seized both her and the child.

That child, in other words, Gu Xiaodeng, was raised in that sect until the age of seven. The sect leader harbored a deep hatred for both mother and son. He didn’t kill them, but instead exploited them to the utmost. Gu Xiaodeng was fed strange medicines, soaked in foul concoctions, and was thus turned into a Medicine Person, his body flowing with Medicine Blood that could cure hundreds of illnesses. When he was seven, turmoil struck the martial world. The female assassin was prepared to die with the sect leader, and before her final act, she entrusted him to a friend.

That friend was their foster father, Zhang Kangye.

Zhang Kangye was a physician who could heal others but not himself. Plagued by injuries and illness, he had no desire and no courage to get entangled in the martial world’s conflicts again. Taking his own son Zhang Dengqing and Gu Xiaodeng, he escaped under the cover of chaos, changed their identities to traveling merchants, and lived a quiet life on the road with the two children. So they lived for five years.

The martial world was never short on conflict, and those who knew the secret of Gu Xiaodeng’s Medicine Blood were still searching for his trail. Zhang Kangye feared that once he died, there would be no one left to shield the two youths. He was afraid those people from back then would follow their scent to harm them. So he asked them to bring the tokens to Changluo City, enter the Gu household, reveal the truth, have Gu Xiaodeng’s identity acknowledged, and receive the Gu family’s protection.

Zhang Dengqing, already a little adult, agreed with a rasping voice.

Gu Xiaodeng had no memories from before the age of seven. He listened and could not come back to his senses for a long, long time.

The year Zhang Kangye rescued him, he had been soaking in a large medicinal vat, groggy and half-drowned. Zhang Kangye exhausted his medical skills to revive him, but when he opened his eyes, he had forgotten everything from before. With that forgetting, he grew up naive, foolish, and cheerful, truly believing he was the youngest son of a traveling merchant.

He didn’t want to dwell on those complicated conflicts. He only held back tears and asked, “Dad, why didn’t you tell me earlier I was a Medicine Person? Could my blood have saved you?”

Zhang Kangye’s arms tightened even more around him. In his final moments, too many ugly past events, too much guilt, regret, and tender love pressed down on him until he could barely breathe. There was so much he wanted to say, but in the end, he could not utter a single word. He only held Gu Xiaodeng and choked out the words “silly child” before his breath stopped.

After Zhang Kangye died, Zhang Dengqing followed his will. He cremated him promptly, gathered the ashes into an Exquisite Core Box, and without delay headed north with Gu Xiaodeng. For the past five years, they had lived a nomadic life in the Eastern Border’s river towns. The journey north was a thousand miles, through wind and rain and rough sleeping. Now, they had arrived.

Before them stood the towering walls of the imperial city, with its three successive gates. Right now, they were standing only before the first outer gate, while the Gu family was inside the third inner gate, in the West District where nobles and meritorious officials resided.

Gu Xiaodeng had never seen such lofty city gates, and he stared upward in a daze. Beside him, Zhang Dengqing was calm as ever. He took out the pre-arranged city entry permit, led Gu Xiaodeng inside, and found a small inn nearby to stay.

When night fell, the two brothers lay head to foot, head to tail, sharing a bed. Gu Xiaodeng pulled at his leg as he spoke. “Brother, Changluo City is so, so big.”

Zhang Dengqing patted his knee. “Scared?”

“Kinda. Brother, I just miss Dad. If Dad were still here, maybe we could do business here. There are so many people here, business would definitely be good.” Gu Xiaodeng was a chatterbox; even as drowsiness crept over him, he still hung on and murmured on and on, imagining a different life.

Zhang Dengqing was laden with worry. The more he listened, the worse it tasted. Finally, he gave Gu Xiaodeng a light pat. “Tomorrow, I’ll go ask around about Zhenbei Prince Mansion… Xiaodeng, once you go back to the Gu family, it’s best if you never mention those days as a merchant again. The rough-and-tumble of the martial world and the nobles of the capital—these are two entirely different matters.”

Gu Xiaodeng obediently nuzzled against him. “Oh, then from now on I’ll remember in my heart, but keep my mouth sealed.”

Zhang Dengqing gave a sound of agreement, and some of his pent-up bitterness and anxiety dissipated. He coaxed Gu Xiaodeng to sleep while his own mind was busy mulling over all manner of situations.

Before he died, his father had told him more, in greater detail. In truth, it wasn’t only Gu Xiaodeng who was coveted by a host of martial world villains; he himself was not safe either. Zhang Kangye had his own enemies from back then. In the martial world, it was a matter of principle: kindness must be repaid, vengeance must be exacted, and a son paying his father’s debts was as natural as the sky. If he were caught, he might well die even faster than Gu Xiaodeng.

Zhang Dengqing grew dispirited just thinking about it. His father really had no choice but to pit his son. Even Gu Xiaodeng’s foster mother, with her immense daring and skill, was also hard to bear.

Soon, Gu Xiaodeng fell asleep, warm and soft as a little puppy. In his dreams, there was the sound of dripping water. In Zhang Dengqing’s dreams, there was the sound of an abacus clacking.

The next day, Zhang Dengqing went out onto the streets to gather information. As a young merchant who traveled, he had long since gotten a grasp of worldly affairs. He roamed through alleys and streets for three whole days, walking till his feet blistered, and gathered a basketful of news.

Back at the inn at night, Gu Xiaodeng frowned as he massaged ointment onto his legs. “Brother, I could have gone out to gather news too. Why do you take everything on yourself? Look, the soles of your shoes are worn through.”

Zhang Dengqing was deep in worry. The small booklet in which he recorded things was nearly worn to tatters from his flipping. He took a long while to organize his thoughts, then grabbed Gu Xiaodeng and detailed what he had learned about the Gu family.

The Gu family was headed by Prince Zhenbei Gu Yan, who inherited the title from his father. He had surrendered his military command and now held only an honorary post, enjoying prestige but no real power in Changluo. The Princess Consort, Madam An, came from a family of scholars and honest officials. She and Gu Yan were deeply affectionate and had two daughters and three sons:

The eldest daughter was married and away. The second daughter, Gu Ruhui, was seventeen this year, currently discussing marriage. The third son, Gu Pinghan, was sixteen and the Heir. The fifth son, Gu Shouyi, was barely seven years old.

And the nominal fourth son, Gu Jinyu, was precisely the false young master who had taken Gu Xiaodeng’s place.

Gu Xiaodeng let out a “wah!” and interrupted Zhang Dengqing’s narrative. “Their names all sound so nice!”

Zhang Dengqing froze. “Is my name not nice?”

“Oh, yours is good too, mm-hmm.”

Zhang Dengqing slapped him lightly on the forehead. “You little punk, you interrupted me… let me finish talking all at once!”

Gu Xiaodeng shrunk his neck back, his eyes sparkling.

“Aside from the fifth son Gu Shouyi, who is too young to have any reputation, every other member of the Gu family is famous. Never mind the Prince and Princess Consort; the second daughter is currently discussing a marriage alliance with the Imperial Family. There’s not even a single sign of it being a done deal yet, but the odds are very high. The third son will be taking the Autumn Examination in two more months. I heard he’s very talented and will likely pass with flying colors. And this fourth son who took your place is even more famous—

“Three months ago, he was admitted into the Imperial Academy as its youngest student. He had only been studying there for two months when the current Crown Princess picked him out to become her study companion!”

Zhang Dengqing’s brows furrowed. “He’s that formidable, with boundless prospects at such a young age. Perhaps the Prince Zhenbei won’t give him up just for blood ties… The whole Gu family sounds like they’re not to be trifled with, and Gu Jinyu is the cream of the crop. Xiaodeng, you’re naive, foolish, and your only strong point is your good looks—how can you compare with Gu Jinyu?”

Gu Xiaodeng scratched his head and said seriously, “I’m pretty formidable too, Brother. I’m a Medicine Person, you know. My blood can cure so many illnesses…”

Zhang Dengqing’s pupils contracted. He immediately covered Gu Xiaodeng’s mouth and scolded in a low voice, “Silly boy, have you forgotten the rule of never revealing your wealth when traveling the martial world? My dad told you this to make you understand what sort of trouble you’re entangled in, to make you be on guard against villains who covet your Medicine Blood. It’s fine that you know, but you can’t say it out loud, understand? This matter is known only to you and me. From now on, you must never tell a third person. Have you got that?”

Gu Xiaodeng nodded. Zhang Dengqing issued several more warnings before he let go. Seeing his blank and obedient face, a lump suddenly formed in Zhang Dengqing’s throat.

The martial world was a tiger’s den, and the Gu family was a dragon’s pool. This little fool—how was he going to get by in the future?

Another eight days passed, and the date was the seventh day of the seventh month. This day was not only the Qixi Festival; it was also a day of great commemorative significance. A hundred years ago, on this very day of the seventh of July, an emperor of the Jin Kingdom established the first Male Empress in history and appointed the first Crown Princess. Thereafter, men could be emperors’ consorts and women could be emperors too—for example, the current Eastern Palace was occupied by the emperor’s eldest daughter.

The seventh day of the seventh month became a holiday of profound meaning, and Changluo was awash with lanterns and colorful decorations, boiling with excitement. Zhang Dengqing chose this grand festival day to make his move. Packing their belongings and taking Gu Xiaodeng by the hand, they passed through two more of the city’s triple gates at noon. Using the cover of the crowds, they arrived at the Gu family’s doorstep.

Zhang Dengqing, carrying a small bundle on his back, went to the gatehouse of the Gu mansion to seek an audience. He claimed to be a distant relative of the Gu family come to seek refuge. But even before he could take out the jade ring token, the gateman cursed him, calling him a beggar trying to scam, and kicked out mercilessly.

Zhang Dengqing had been practicing martial arts since childhood. Though he dodged the kick, he missed his footing and tumbled down the steps, staggering two paces back. He had inquired well in advance—the Gu family would certainly leave the mansion before dusk today to attend a banquet. If it absolutely came to it, they could block the horses on the street and show the jade ring token. At the very least, there would still be a chance to meet the Prince and Princess Consort face to face.

The comings and goings were lively. Zhang Dengqing patiently hid with Gu Xiaodeng in a secluded spot along the street, watching the endless stream of carriages come to pay respects at the Gu mansion’s main gate. They watched the nobles drift like clouds and their fine clothes like rainbows. After a while, two carriages pulled up at the Gu household. Among those who descended from the carriages was a youth around their own age. Even from a distance, one could sense he was extraordinary, refined, noble, and elegant.

Zhang Dengqing turned his head to glance at Gu Xiaodeng. For today’s outing, he had spent some money to spruce him up. Looking only at Gu Xiaodeng’s face, his features were delicate and fine. But when Zhang Dengqing squeezed his hand, his small palm was rough with calluses, and in these past two months, rushing day and night had left him sun-darkened.

Gu Xiaodeng looked rather simple-minded and blank as he gazed at Zhang Dengqing with heartache. “Brother, does your leg hurt?”

Zhang Dengqing feigned indifference and patted himself. “What could possibly happen? Rich people’s servants are all fat, their kicks are slow. I jumped nimbly and dodged him.”

Gu Xiaodeng had studied medicine under their foster father and had a sharp eye. “Who are you trying to fool? Me? I saw you walked back crooked. He might have kicked a tendon. How about we go back, and I’ll massage it for you.”

“Dummy, really, it’s nothing. Today is a great chance, how can we miss it!”

Conscious of how he had dressed up Gu Xiaodeng today, Zhang Dengqing restrained himself from playfully smacking his head or back as he usually did. Gu Xiaodeng, as always, touched his leg like a little puppy, both foolish and clever. “Brother, is acknowledging this family really a must?”

Zhang Dengqing’s throat tightened, and for a moment he could not speak.

Just as he was about to say something, Zhang Dengqing caught a glimpse of the gateman—the same who had kicked him—hastening down the steps toward a rather unremarkable little carriage that was slowly approaching.

He pricked up his ears and caught the gateman’s words:

“Fourth Young Master.”

Zhang Dengqing’s brows furrowed. He took hold of Gu Xiaodeng’s hand and whispered, “Xiaodeng, Gu Jinyu is sitting in that carriage. He’s back!”

Gu Xiaodeng poked his head out from behind him and saw that leisurely little carriage. He then glanced at Zhang Dengqing’s left leg, which was unconsciously tilted. He thought for a moment, then readied himself, preparing to stage a collision for his brother.

The small carriage crawled along sluggishly. Inside, the young Gu Jinyu had his eyes downcast. Outside the window, the gateman was murmuring fawning pleasantries one after another. He listened, silent, like a block of wood.

Suddenly, a commotion rose outside. Both the driver and the gateman were sternly scolding someone. A clear and agile voice pierced through the world of adults.

“Gu Jinyu, Gu Jinyu, come out for a moment. I want to see you! I am—”

Gu Jinyu lifted his eyes and listened quietly as the hubbub outside grew louder, until the clear call turned into a muffled grunt of pain.

Expressionless, he opened a carriage window. As he poked his head out, a customary, gentle smile surfaced on his lips. “What’s going on here?”

Outside the carriage, he saw two youths squatting on the ground. The older one was angrily scolding the gateman for kicking someone. The smaller one was clutching his stomach and curling into a ball, the short ponytail on his round head trembling slightly. At the sound of his voice, the boy lifted his small face, pale with a rosy flush. His shiny eyes curved toward him brilliantly.

“Gu Jin—Jinyu!” He stammered from the pain but still smiled as he greeted him. “Hello, I’m Xiaodeng! We were born in the same year, the same month, and the same day!”

Gu Jinyu’s eyes remained lowered, his heart undisturbed. He looked down upon him and scorned him.

Yet, years later…

He stubbornly believed that when others often said they wished not to be born on the same day but to die on the same day—between him and Gu Xiaodeng, wasn’t it only natural that, having been granted the fate of being born in the same year, the same month, and the same day, they should also seek the portion of dying in the same year, the same month, and the same day?