Chapter 1: The Powdered Gentleman¹
[Translator’s Notes:
1. The Powdered Gentleman : This is a classical Chinese idiom referring to He Yan, a famously handsome scholar-official from the Three Kingdoms period. His complexion was so fair that people suspected he wore face powder. The title is used to describe Fu Yunzhi as an exceptionally beautiful man.]
After the start of summer, the capital’s climate grew so hot it was as if the entire city had been placed in a searing wok. The willow trees lining the roads drooped listlessly. The dry air and flammable materials made fires all too common, like the one in Jingde Alley that had raged for an entire night.
Although the fire caused immense property damage, the General of the South, Qi Xiao, had led his personal guard to control the scene in an orderly and swift manner. As a result, no one had died, and the number of injured could be counted on one hand.
At this moment, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, Qi Xiao stood silently before a shop that had been burned to near-rubble, his expression a storm of shifting emotions. Judging from the remaining wooden framework, this pile of ruins had once been a restaurant.
The restaurant’s former owner, Boss Chen, looked at Qi Xiao and joked, “Ai, it seems General Qi won’t be able to buy breakfast from me anymore.”
Though Qi Xiao’s expression remained stern, his tone was tinged with a barely perceptible anxiety. “Boss Chen, the government will provide compensation to the fire victims and help rebuild the shops.”
Boss Chen shook his head. “Ai, I’m getting old. After this fire, there’s not much left here for my wife and me to worry about. We can just take the silver as travel money and go to Jiangnan to find our son and daughter-in-law.”
Qi Xiao’s face turned ashen. “So… you won’t be selling food anymore?”
“That’s right, that’s right,” Boss Chen replied. “My wife and I have decided to go travel and see the sights! These old bones of mine are done working, done working.”
“…” Qi Xiao felt a despair he hadn’t experienced even when his novel’s stats and earnings were frozen in his past life, or when he was surrounded by enemy forces on the battlefield in this one.
That’s right. The valiant and formidable General Qi had originally been a homebody who wrote “domineering CEO” web novels. On a rare trip out, he’d been caught in an earthquake and lost his life. He thought that was the end, but when he opened his eyes, he didn’t see King Yama. Instead, he had transmigrated into ancient times, becoming the infant “Qi Xiao,” the only son of the Langxuan Kingdom’s General Qi. After growing up, he inherited his father’s title and became a high-ranking ancient official.
And at this moment, General Qi was extremely anxious.
It’s over, it’s over…
If Boss Chen wasn’t cooking anymore, where was he going to buy Yunzhi’s favorite crab roe buns?!
He had tried so many restaurants, but only Boss Chen’s white congee could make Yunzhi eat with a smile, always wanting more!
Besides Boss Chen’s unforgettable dishes, which were perfectly suited to the tastes of the Fu family’s Second Young Master, Fu Yunzhi, there was also his wine—Lan Niangzi. No one knew how it was brewed, but Fu Yunzhi had become addicted after trying it once. Annoyingly, Lan Niangzi wine was only sold at this one establishment, a single jug was only good for one or two drinks, and it was only sold to regular customers. Because of this, Fu Yunzhi often had to swallow his pride and ask Qi Xiao for it.
Perhaps Qi Xiao’s expression was too grim, because Boss Chen offered comfortingly, “If the General truly can’t bear to part with this old man’s cooking, you can always come to Jiangnan to learn my craft when you have the time.”
As if a light had just switched on in his head, Qi Xiao clapped his hands together. “How about this: I’ll have my lieutenant travel south with you, Boss Chen, and learn your techniques along the way.”
Boss Chen was utterly astonished. Could it be that General Qi truly loved his cooking that much?
Just as he was exchanging pleasantries with Boss Chen, one of Qi Xiao’s lieutenants scurried to his side and whispered, “General, a scout reports that Second Young Master Fu has gone to Raoliang Pavilion.”
Qi Xiao felt like he was about to lose his mind. On one hand, Boss Chen was quitting; on the other, someone was out chasing skirts!
The proprietor of Raoliang Pavilion went by the stage name Mingyue Cheng. She was formerly the star courtesan of the Hundred Flowers House, but after buying her freedom, she opened Raoliang Pavilion for people to enjoy music and appreciate songs. As a former star, Mingyue Cheng was, of course, stunningly beautiful, but what people truly raved about was her voice—gentle and melodious, a true delight to the ear.
At this moment, Fu Yunzhi was seated in a private room at Raoliang Pavilion, listening to its number one songstress, Mingyue Cheng, sing Jiangnan. The room was filled with tender, flowing notes and lyrics, making one feel as if they were amidst the beautiful landscapes of the south.
BANG—
Just as the song reached its crescendo, the door was violently kicked open. Qi Xiao stood in the doorway, his sharp gaze fixed on the two people inside.
Fu Yunzhi had a fondness for red, and today was no exception; he was dressed in vivid red silk. His long, dark hair was casually pinned up with a jade hairpin. He was lounging languidly against a soft couch, a folding fan waving gently in his hand. Mingyue Cheng stood before him, and it was hard to say which of them was more dazzling.
Seeing the intruder, Fu Yunzhi showed a flicker of surprise. “Qi Xiao?”
“Fu Yunzhi,” Qi Xiao said, “come back with me.”
Fu Yunzhi shot him a glance and said coolly, “I haven’t finished listening to the song.”
Qi Xiao strode forward and pulled Fu Yunzhi up by the arm.
“Let go of me! Qi Xiao, you dare to grab me?!”
Without a word, Qi Xiao dragged Fu Yunzhi out of the room. Mingyue Cheng simply smiled, making no move to stop them.
Only after they had left Raoliang Pavilion did Qi Xiao release his grip on Fu Yunzhi’s arm. “You are a student of the Prime Minister, engaging in romantic dalliances at a place of entertainment like this. How improper!”
Fu Yunzhi waved his fan and let out a few cold laughs. “Great General, I was not here for romantic dalliances, but for official business! Isn’t the state sacrifice next month? Envoys from all nations will be here to pay tribute. The Teacher has put me in full charge of the ceremony, and I was preparing the songs and dances for the reception banquet.”
Qi Xiao demanded, “There are so many singers at Raoliang Pavilion. Why did you have to choose Mingyue Cheng?”
Fu Yunzhi raised an eyebrow. “There are so many singers at Raoliang Pavilion. Why couldn’t I choose Mingyue Cheng?”
Seeing Qi Xiao fall silent, Fu Yunzhi poked his chest with his fan, his tone full of provocation. “Heh, you really do have a thing for Lady Mingyue, don’t you?”
“What?”
“Every time I come to see Lady Mingyue, you get angry. Before, when I said I wanted to buy her freedom from the Hundred Flowers House, you not only flew into a rage but also beat me to it and paid for her release yourself. If that isn’t love, what is?”
Fu Yunzhi continued, “No wonder you’ve been as chaste as jade, avoiding matchmakers like the plague. It turns out your heart already belongs to someone.”
Qi Xiao’s face was a mask of calm, but inside, his heart was a raging sea.
A bookworm should act like a bookworm! Why is he so infuriating all the time!
“I do not have feelings for Mingyue Cheng. I just wish you would be more mindful of your reputation.”
Fu Yunzhi clicked his tongue. “Who’d believe that? You don’t have to be so coy. This young master has no desire to compete with you. Besides, Raoliang Pavilion isn’t a brothel. It’s a respectable place for listening to music.”
Qi Xiao didn’t argue further, only saying, “Your face is so pale. Are you cold?”
“Is the Great General trying to change the subject? It’s summer, how could I possibly be cold? It’s probably from drinking on an empty stomach. I just look a bit unwell.”
Qi Xiao frowned. “Drinking on an empty stomach?”
“Why are you being such a mother hen?”
The night was utterly still, save for the sound of the night watchman’s gong. The two walked along the deserted street. Qi Xiao glanced back and saw Fu Yunzhi, face full of arrogance, fanning himself without any intention of speaking.
Not giving up, Qi Xiao asked, “Are the preparations for the ceremony going smoothly?”
“They’re fine.”
“If you need help, just ask me.”
“Mm.”
“I…”
“If it’s nonsense, please be quiet.”
“…”
They walked the rest of the way in silence. When they reached the gates of the Fu residence, just as Fu Yunzhi was about to push the door open, Qi Xiao couldn’t help but ask, “You seem particularly happy today?”
Qi Xiao had noticed that although Fu Yunzhi still wore his usual haughty expression, there was a rare hint of a smile in his eyes.
“You could tell?” Fu Yunzhi said. “I am quite happy. After all, I caught you red-handed today. Now that I know who you like, I can hold it over you in the future.”
Qi Xiao said helplessly, “Even without leverage, I would give you anything you want, do anything you ask, as long as it’s within my power. Aren’t we the closest of friends?”
“Tsk.” Fu Yunzhi shot Qi Xiao an uncomfortable look before slipping through the gates.
Qi Xiao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
The moment the manor gates boomed shut, Fu Yunzhi could no longer hold himself up and slid down against the door panel.
“Second Brother! Second Brother, what’s wrong? Yiqing, come quickly!” Seeing Fu Yunzhi’s pale face as he leaned against the door, his sister, Fu Yuncai, was terrified and immediately called for her husband, the physician Zhou Yiqing.
Fu Yuncai and Zhou Yiqing worked together to help Fu Yunzhi to his room.
“This smell… Second Brother, you’ve been drinking again? Didn’t Yiqing tell you not to touch alcohol! Don’t you know what it feels like when the Gu² in your body acts up?!” Smelling the alcohol on Fu Yunzhi, Fu Yuncai was so angry she wanted to slap her own brother.
[Translator’s Notes:
2. Gu : A venomous parasite from southern Chinese folklore, often used in black magic and poisons. There is no direct English equivalent, so the term Gu or “Gu poison” is commonly used in translations.]
Lying on the bed, Fu Yunzhi was drenched in a cold sweat. The pain wracking his entire body left him breathless, robbing him of the strength to bicker with his sister.
Zhou Yiqing’s expression was just as grim. After telling his wife to prepare hot water, he sat by Fu Yunzhi’s bed. “Why did you drink?”
Fu Yunzhi replied, “I already drank yesterday. I figured since a flare-up was coming anyway, I might as well drink some more. So today at Raoliang Pavilion, I didn’t hold back.”
“Then why did you drink yesterday!”
Fu Yunzhi averted his gaze. “Qi Xiao brought me Lan Niangzi wine yesterday.”
Zhou Yiqing rolled his eyes and said viciously, “If you can’t control your own mouth, then you can just suffer through it tonight!”
Just then, Fu Yuncai returned with a basin of hot water. “Second Brother, Inspector Qi came looking for you just now, saying he needed to borrow something, but I sent him away. General Qi hadn’t left for some reason, so I suppose Inspector Qi went to borrow from him instead.”
Seeing that Fu Yunzhi had already passed out, Zhou Yiqing waved a hand at his wife. “Your brother is in this state. Don’t bother him with these things.”
Fu Yuncai sat beside her husband and asked, “Second Brother and General Qi’s bond is so deep. Why do you think he won’t tell the General about his illness? Wouldn’t it be nice to have another close person caring for him?”
Zhou Yiqing gave a helpless smile. “Your brother acts aloof and looks down his nose at everyone. How do you know he and General Qi are actually close?”
Fu Yuncai was taken aback.
“I don’t know… but the only friends Second Brother sees regularly are General Qi and the Emperor, right? They did grow up together, after all.”
Zhou Yiqing ruffled her hair and continued, “Forget General Qi, your brother hasn’t even told his own parents. The only reason we know is because we were there when the Gu flared up. He’s probably doing this because he doesn’t want others to worry about him. And besides…”
Zhou Yiqing fell silent.
And besides, perhaps he doesn’t want to put General Qi in a difficult position because of what the cure for the Gu requires…
