【Inner Cabinet Study of the Chengtian Hall】
Today’s sunlight was dazzlingly bright. The wind of early winter carried a warm softness—just the kind of weather perfect for sitting around a stove and eating hot pot.
“Reporting to the Grand Commander, I have something to report.”
Shen Qingci had been waiting outside the inner study of Chengtian Hall since early morning. After timing it precisely for a gap when Commander Zhao had no meetings, he quickly stepped forward.
“Speak.”
As expected of our boss-level commander—he never wastes even a fraction of time on anything outside military affairs. Even his words are short and absolute.
Shen Qingci silently grumbled in his heart while carefully watching every subtle change in Zhao’s expression.
“Thanks to the Commander’s blessings, Brother Chang Geng, under the careful care of the elders and the nourishing meals in the camp, has gradually recovered. His complexion is rosy, and his body and mind are healthy.”
As he spoke, he carefully observed reactions, not daring to relax even slightly.
“But recently, this subordinate noticed that whenever night falls and everything is quiet, Brother Chang Geng often sits alone by the dorm window, gazing at the stars and murmuring to the bright moon.”
“What does he say?”
Commander Zhao’s brows faintly furrowed.
If not for Shen Qingci’s years of training in “observing superior bosses to maximize survival rate,” he would never have caught that subtle change.
“After close observation, I learned that Brother Chang Geng is homesick for food from his hometown. After careful inquiry, I found that what he misses day and night is a dish from the Jiangnan region called ‘hot pot.’”
“What is that?” Zhao Chengyuan asked, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes.
“Hot pot is a method of eating where ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables are cooked in a large bronze or clay pot filled with constantly boiling broth, heated over a flame, and eaten immediately after being blanched.”
This explanation had been painstakingly learned by Shen Qingci from Li Xuan.
“Continue.” Zhao Chengyuan slightly raised his left brow, clearly interested.
“This subordinate, grateful for Brother Chang Geng’s contribution in the Purple Verdict Flower incident, wished to prepare this long-desired delicacy in the name of the Commander’s care for subordinates, and also reward Brother Old Zhan for his efforts.”
His tone was proper and flawless—crediting subordinates while attributing merit to the superior. Survival instinct fully activated.
“I therefore request two days of leave so I may accompany Brother Chang Geng and Old Zhan to the market to purchase ingredients and cookware, and properly treat him.”
After speaking, he secretly glanced up.
He saw Commander Zhao fall into thought, as if imagining a warm scene where everyone—especially Li Xuan—was gathered around a hot pot gratefully thanking him.
A private fantasy of a domineering commander’s hidden tenderness.
After a moment, Zhao Chengyuan cleared his throat.
“Ahem… approved. Go to Deputy Lu Changfeng to withdraw public funds. Say it is a reward from me to subordinates.”
“Thank you, Grand Commander!” Shen Qingci’s mouth curled into a fox-like smile.
“Subordinate will prepare plenty of good ingredients so Brother Chang Geng can enjoy himself fully, and will personally report that it is the Commander’s grace!”
After leaving the study, Shen Qingci wiped the sweat from his forehead, his mind screaming:
This mission is going to shorten my lifespan! If the master hadn’t ordered me to lure Chang Geng out of the camp, I wouldn’t be so terrified!
Luckily, Commander Zhao has always been soft toward Chang Geng. I really am too smart!
Li Xuan, still completely “out of the loop,” was forcibly pulled out of the camp by Shen Qingci and made to wear a veil hat.
Behind them followed a “human luggage bag”—Old Zhan, personally assigned by Commander Zhao as a bodyguard.
The three walked through the bustling market.
Shen Qingci’s eyes rolled, another scheme forming.
“Brother Chang Geng, since you’ve just recovered, you shouldn’t overexert yourself. Rest here at the tea stall. Old Zhan and I will go buy ingredients and return quickly.”
He leaned in and whispered:
“The Chu family’s Young Master Chu has been ill recently. After hearing of your injury, he was very worried. He asked me to inform you and wishes to meet you to confirm your condition. You should take this chance to visit the Chu residence.”
Before Li Xuan could react—
Shen Qingci had already grabbed Old Zhan with a pained expression.
“Brother Zhan! There are too many ingredients, I can’t carry them alone—help me!”
Old Zhan hesitated. His mission was to never leave Li Xuan’s side.
But Li Xuan himself stepped in.
“Brother Zhan, help Xiao Shen. I’ll be fine here in broad daylight. It’s just a short while.”
Old Zhan reluctantly agreed and was dragged away.
At almost the same time, a small, elegant carriage stopped in front of Li Xuan.
The Chu family steward bowed respectfully.
“Mr. Li, our young master has been waiting. Please enter the carriage.”
Li Xuan, unsuspecting, got in.
Chu Residence
Chu Wanyan had been waiting at the gate for a long time.
He wore a moon-white brocade robe embroidered with faint silver vines. His light brown hair shimmered like honey under the sun.
When he saw the carriage approaching, joy filled his eyes.
The moment Li Xuan stepped out—
It was as if the world gained a filter of blooming flowers and sweet fragrance.
“Chang Geng!”
Chu Wanyan rushed forward in three steps, pulling Li Xuan into his arms tightly.
The long-suppressed longing made him cling like a wronged child, rubbing against Li Xuan’s shoulder.
His embrace was soft like clouds, carrying a faint cold yet sweet fragrance that enveloped Li Xuan completely.
Li Xuan stiffened instinctively.
“Uh… weren’t you sick? Why do you look so energetic?”
Chu Wanyan immediately let go, eyes turning red.
His light brown pupils were misty like melting amber, trembling with teardrops.
“I was worried about you… I couldn’t sleep for several nights. My heart felt blocked, even my inner energy went out of control.”
He pressed a hand to his chest, voice soft and fragile.
“I wanted to see you immediately, but I was afraid of disturbing your recovery. Now that I see you safe… I can finally breathe, but I still don’t feel well.”
Li Xuan softened instantly.
“Did you see a doctor?”
“This is a heart illness. Medicine won’t help,” Chu Wanyan said softly.
“Only your purification power can relieve it.”
He then led him inside.
Inside the warm hall, a copper hot pot bubbled in the center.
The rich aroma of spicy broth immediately made Li Xuan’s stomach growl.
“Wow!”
His attention snapped instantly.
“Beef hot pot? It smells amazing!”
Thin slices of beef, tripe, duck intestines, mushrooms, vegetables, and dipping sauce were perfectly arranged.
Chu Wanyan smiled as he served him food.
Li Xuan quickly forgot all hesitation and started eating happily.
Chu Wanyan watched him, satisfaction filling his eyes.
This was his scenery. His alone.
After some time, Chu Wanyan coughed softly.
“Cough… I still feel unwell.”
“Are you okay?” Li Xuan immediately asked.
“I can’t eat too much spicy food… it makes my chest hurt,” he said weakly.
Li Xuan immediately offered to help with purification.
Chu Wanyan leaned closer, their bodies almost touching.
“Put your hand on my chest.”
Li Xuan hesitated, then placed his hand inside his clothing.
Warm skin met his fingertips.
Chu Wanyan shivered slightly, then relaxed, leaning into him.
“Long time no see… you’ve gotten thinner.”
His voice was soft, intimate.
Li Xuan’s heart began racing.
Something is wrong with this guy today… this feels like a textbook green tea situation… but he’s too good-looking.
The purification power flowed.
Chu Wanyan’s breathing grew uneven.
His restraint was breaking.
He whispered:
“…not enough.”
Li Xuan froze completely.
His mind short-circuited.
He was thinking:
Am I supposed to be the top or the bottom?!