Xiao Jiming pulled his cloak tight under the lantern light. Chaohui stayed behind him, saying, “By now, it should be about time for him to return. The people sent to fetch him said the young master rode off alone—why hasn’t he come back yet?”
Xiao Jiming exhaled the cold air and silently watched the sky for a moment. “He’s always done this when something bothers him—riding freely beneath the Hongyan Mountains. That habit dies hard.”
Chaohui said, “The Forbidden Guards are at least a proper post.”
Xiao Jiming turned his gaze. “Do you know what Father regrets most in his life?”
Chaohui shook his head honestly.
Xiao Jiming said, “It’s that Ah-Ye was born too late. Three years ago, we were ambushed beneath the Hongyan Mountains. Father’s reinforcements hadn’t arrived. Ah-Ye led the twenty cavalry originally assigned to guard him, crossing the Hong River at night, slogging through the mud half the night, burning the Bian Sha army’s supplies. When I saw him, he was filthy, stinking, his legs soaked and wounds festering. He was only fourteen. I asked if he was afraid. He said he had enjoyed himself thoroughly. Father often said the Lu family are hawks of the desert, the Xiao family are dogs of Li Bei. I never liked that, but afterwards, every campaign felt like we were chained dogs, no longer the fierce freedom of years past. Today, after so many battles, I’ve lost that bloodiness. The Xiao family isn’t dogs, but the only one left with wolfish spirit is Ah-Ye. He dreams of the mountains of Li Bei, yet here he must forget the freedom of riding. Father and I have wronged him.”
Chaohui was silent for a moment, then looked at Xiao Jiming. “Young master, there’s no need to belittle yourself. The young master is naturally reckless—not suited to be a defensive general. Whether he had been born earlier or later, Li Bei could not have been entrusted to him. Command requires tempering and resilience, a will as steadfast as stone—qualities you cannot provide.”
Xiao Jiming fell silent.
The wind tonight was strong, making the lanterns sway. The two waited another half hour before seeing someone riding in from afar.
“Your Highness!” the rider shouted as he tumbled off his horse. “Something has happened to the young master!”
Chaohui immediately drew his sword. “Where is the young master?”
Half an hour earlier.
Shen Zechuan, shackled, was pushed down the steps by the small flag bearer.
“Sing,” the small flag urged him from behind. “Quick, sing a few lines!”
Shen Zechuan said nothing, glancing at the figure crouched in the shadows. Seeing the Eastern Sea Hawk, his chest tightened, and he pressed his lips together, standing still.
Xiao Chiye said, “Stand closer.”
Shen Zechuan exhaled a cloud of breath, slowly stepping forward, coming within a few feet of Xiao Chiye.
Xiao Chiye rose, his gaze frightening. “Who is your mother?”
Shen Zechuan replied, “A dancer from Duanzhou.”
“You can sing?” Xiao Chiye’s eyes sent chills down the spine. “If Old Dog Shen didn’t teach you, someone had to teach you something else.”
Shen Zechuan lowered his head, avoiding him, saying, “…I cannot.”
“Lift your head.” Xiao Chiye nudged the lantern with his foot. “Afraid of me?”
Shen Zechuan had no choice but to look up, smelling the scent of alcohol.
“Not singing is fine. Find me something.”
Shen Zechuan opened his hands, showing his shackles.
Xiao Chiye frowned. “Just like that?”
Shen Zechuan crouched and gathered handfuls of snow.
Xiao Chiye stared at his hairline. “Stand up again.”
Shen Zechuan pushed against his knees and rose.
“Squats are fine, legs unharmed. Was this careful treatment by the brocade guards, or is your life just cheap?”
“Of course, life is cheap,” Shen Zechuan muttered. “Lucky.”
“Doesn’t make sense.” Xiao Chiye’s riding crop pressed against his chest. “That one kick almost ended this life. Your skill is remarkable.”
The cold of the crop made Shen Zechuan tremble and shrink further. “Barely surviving… barely surviving. Second Young Master, why trouble a lowly man like me? What’s done is done. Punishment is deserved—just spare me.”
“Truth?” Xiao Chiye asked.
Shen Zechuan, on the brink of tears, nodded vigorously.
Xiao Chiye withdrew the crop. “Anyone can speak words—who knows if they’re true? Then learn to bark like a dog a few times. Bark well, and tonight I’ll spare you.”
Shen Zechuan said nothing.
The small flag was terrified, pushing Shen Zechuan again.
Hesitant, Shen Zechuan said, “…Just to you alone?”
“Get lost.” Xiao Chiye said sharply.
The small flag, relieved, rolled a few times in the snow, then stood a short distance away.
Shen Zechuan timidly moved closer. “…If you spare me, I’ll spare you.”
Snow suddenly scattered. Xiao Chiye grabbed Shen Zechuan’s arm, pressing it down hard. His face was grim. “A fox shows its tail—I see through your act!”
They toppled into the snow. Shackles dangling, Shen Zechuan kicked Xiao Chiye in the abdomen, scrambling upright. “The emperor ordered my confinement. Yet the Xiao family dares defy the decree and threaten my life. After tonight—”
Xiao Chiye seized his throat from behind, forcing him to lift his head, smiling shortly and fiercely. “You think you’re a golden pagoda to accompany the dead? You dare! I’ll crush you like grass!”
Struggling, Shen Zechuan flipped the shackles over Xiao Chiye’s neck, using all his strength to push him to the ground. Xiao Chiye failed to anticipate it, and when he raised his arm, Shen Zechuan kicked his chest—they rolled uncontrollably.
“Crush me like grass?” Shen Zechuan hissed, locking eyes with Xiao Chiye amidst the chaos. “The chance is lost. Who is the hunting dog, who the young rabbit—no one can tell!”
“Who dares assist in secret!” Xiao Chiye’s murderous intent rose. “I kill one, I kill all!”
The small flag was terrified, yelling, “My lord! You cannot kill him!”
“Yes!” Shen Zechuan shouted, “Tonight, it is Second Young Master who will kill me!”
“Shut your mouth!” Xiao Chiye swung to block him.
Shen Zechuan bit hard, tearing the flesh of Xiao Chiye’s hand.
Xiao Chiye coldly said, “Think you can cover your tracks with trickery? This skill is no ordinary one!”
The small flag could not intervene, shouting for help.
Shen Zechuan’s teeth bled, yet he refused to release his grip. Xiao Chiye, now sober, seized him by the collar and dragged him out. The pain at his hand reminded him vividly of Shen Zechuan’s defiance.
“Your Highness!” Chaohui rode up, shouting.
Xiao Chiye glanced and saw his elder brother dismounting, running toward them. In that instant, he felt shame as though stripped bare, reduced to nothing.
Xiao Jiming knelt, and Shen Zechuan immediately released him. Xiao Chiye’s hand was bloodied, marked with deep teeth impressions.
“What got into you?” Chaohui asked, noticing the injuries.
“Return him to confinement,” Xiao Jiming commanded.
Chaohui lifted Shen Zechuan and carried him back. Xiao Jiming then turned to the small flag. “Tonight’s events must not be spoken of. I will take responsibility with the emperor.”
The small flag kowtowed repeatedly, saying, “It’s entirely up to Your Highness!”
Xiao Jiming stood. Chaohui had returned Shen Zechuan, and addressed the small flag, “Thank you to all the brothers of the Forbidden Guards for safely returning the young master. Guarding on a winter night is no easy task. I offer you warm wine, and I hope you will not refuse.”
The small flag complied without hesitation.
Xiao Jiming finally looked at Xiao Chiye, but said nothing.
Xiao Chiye, hands still bloody, wanted to speak, but his elder brother had already mounted and left.
“Big brother.”
Xiao Chiye muttered, but Xiao Jiming rode away without a word.