Chapter 13

December 15th, Winter Solstice.

Mu Gesheng carried a food box, as usual avoiding the main gate of the Chai residence. He leaped across rooftops and eaves until reaching the warm pavilion, where he tapped on the window. "Sanjiutian, you in there?"

The window opened, and Chai Shuxin frowned at him. "What are you doing here?"

Amid the fluttering snow, Mu Gesheng held up a red umbrella, grinning as he raised a food box. "It's the winter solstice today. The second one took the fifth to Guanshanyue for fun, and the study doesn’t serve meals. I’m here to mooch some dumplings."

"Get lost."

"Come on, I’m not freeloading—I brought dishes. The second one just came up with a new recipe, and I went through hell to snatch this much from the fifth one’s mouth. Considering how much I’ve been thinking of you, let me crash for a meal, huh?"

"Go down and use the main entrance." Chai Shuxin turned back toward his room. "Brush the snow off your shoulders before you come in."

Though Chai Shuxin lived in a heated chamber, the room held little warmth. The walls were austerely plain, with a small desk placed before a white paper screen. On the desk sat a basin of clear water and a vase of half-pruned plum blossoms.

"I'm not criticizing you, but even in the coldest days of winter, your place is bleaker than a monk's cell in Baishui Temple." Mu Gesheng glanced around. "Judging by the layout, there should be underfloor heating—why aren't you using it?"

"The plum blossoms are at their best now." Chai Shuxin held a pair of pruning shears. "If the temperature rises any higher, they'll wither too soon."

"So this is your family's Yae Kanbeni?" Mu Gesheng's eyes lit up, "I've heard Master mention that the Chai family favors plum blossoms, and the plum trees of Chai Manor can proudly bloom amidst frost and snow. No wonder your garden is subtly fragrant today—it's the season for them to flower."

Unlike wintersweet, red plum blossoms are not particularly cold-resistant. The Yae Kanbeni of Chai Manor is a premium variety meticulously cultivated over generations, capable of blooming even in snow. The Chai family has always cherished plum blossoms, seeing their noble purity as a reflection of their own character. It's said that the plum trees in Chai Manor are fertilized with rare materials, imbuing them with medicinal properties. When ground and refined, they become rare medicines with unique effects.

"Rare to see you take a liking to something," Mu Gesheng said cheerfully. "No wonder a few potted plum landscapes arrived at the study the other day—were they from you?"

"Those were the finest specimens this year," Chai Shuxin replied, sitting at the desk as he snipped off a branch with a crisp "snip." "Yae Kanbeni is a treasure worth cities. Those pots were for the Master—don't you dare sell them for money."

"You're too late, Lao Er snatched them all to make plum blossom cakes." Mu Gesheng sat opposite, opening the food box he brought, "Here, your money."

Chai Shuxin's scissors slipped, turning the elegantly standing plum blossom into a lopsided, neck-craning tree.

"Don't glare at me—I didn't do anything this time!" Mu Gesheng quickly clarified, "Lao Wu's been teething lately and nearly gnawed those plum blossoms raw. Now the whole study's covered in drool marks—even Lao San's account books have his slobber on them."

After a long pause, Chai Shuxin muttered, "Like an ox chewing peonies."

"What can you do? You can't really hold a grudge against a kid."

"Phoenix fledglings take fifty years to take human form. In terms of age, even you might be younger than him."

"Rare to see you so serious about this." Mu Gesheng said curiously, "What, should we beat him up or something?"

"I wouldn't do such things, but you certainly might."

"...Alright, I did beat him up, and then Lao Er stopped giving me food. He treats Lao Wu like his own son now, while I might as well have been picked up off the street." Mu Gesheng wore a helpless expression. "Lao Wu’s been picky lately, nitpicking everything. I’ve been eating his leftovers every day."

Chai Shuxin seemed skeptical. "You’d eat someone else’s scraps?"

"Can’t just waste it. After all, it’s Lao Er’s cooking—it’s never bad." Mu Gesheng sighed. "Lately, Lao Er and Lao Wu have been at odds. No matter what he makes, Lao Wu won’t eat it. Every day, there’s a whole table of food, and I’m left to clean up the mess. I’ve even put on some weight... But never mind that. Try the plum blossom cakes I brought—Lao Er steamed them this afternoon. They’re still warm."

The food box held a tray of white pastries, carved into plum blossom shapes. The skin was paper-thin, faintly revealing the rosy filling inside—truly fresh and tempting. Chai Shuxin glanced at them, set down the flower shears, and said, "Wait a moment."

"Aren't you eating?"

"First, brew the tea."

A small red clay stove, snowmelt boiling clear tea.

"Finally warming up a bit." Mu Gesheng lifted the teapot, pouring boiling water, "This place of yours now finally feels lived-in, no longer like some ascetic's meditation hall."

Chai Shuxin sat opposite, grinding herbs in a white stone mortar on the table. The pruned plum blossoms he had picked earlier were mixed with medicinal ingredients and crushed together. Mu Gesheng watched him work, "What are you doing?"

"Shortly, it will be the third quarter of the Hour of the Goat. According to the Chai family's medical practice, this is the time to soak one's hands to focus the spirit." A basin of clear water sat on the table as Chai Shuxin poured the ground herbs into it, the water gradually darkening.

Mu Gesheng had heard of this before—the Chai family of physicians treasured their hands beyond measure, not only wearing gloves daily but also soaking their hands every day. Today, he was witnessing it firsthand. "You're using cold water? In the dead of winter, wouldn't that harm your hands even more?"

"The Chai family's prescriptions vary with the seasons—both the herbs and the water used." Having finished grinding the medicine, Chai Shuxin glanced at Mu Gesheng, seeming somewhat hesitant. "If you're done eating, you should leave first."

"Going out? Where to?"

"Sister is making hot pot today, you should go take a look."

"How unusual, even in the coldest winter days you'd chase me to run wild in your family's garden?" Mu Gesheng raised an eyebrow, "I'll stay right here, not going anywhere."

"You've eaten too many plum blossom cakes just now, need to walk slowly to aid digestion..."

"You ate some too, didn't you? If we're going, we're going together."

When it came to verbal sparring, Chai Shuxin was clearly no match for Mu Gesheng. After going in circles for a while, Chai Shuxin had no choice but to give in. He pushed open the window with a resigned, "Suit yourself."

Before Mu Gesheng could get another word out, a flurry of snowflakes smacked him square in the face.

"Damn, I'm starting to think you've got a real mean streak sometimes," Mu Gesheng sputtered, hastily shutting the window as snow dripped from his hair. "Like a little kid sneaking up to trip people... pfft."

A burst of earth-shattering laughter erupted from the warm chamber.

"I was wrong, I was wrong—don't be angry, hahahahahaha—" Mu Gesheng surrendered between fits of laughter, wisely retreating to the opposite side of the room as he pounded the wall in mirth. "Is this also a tradition of your Medicine Family during the coldest days?—Must everyone paint their nails?"

Earlier, when Chai Shuxin removed his gloves, Mu Gesheng nearly spat out his tea. During their previous fights, the darkness of night had obscured the colors. Now he saw clearly—the other's hands, with their distinct knuckles, bore crimson nails on all ten fingers.

No wonder Chai Shuxin had tried to send him away!

"Actually, it's nothing." Mu Gesheng gasped for breath, laughing. "Lao Er is quite knowledgeable about fragrances and powders too—you two should have plenty in common."

Chai Shuxin remained silent with a frosty expression, watching Mu Gesheng laugh himself nearly breathless, looking very much like he would grab a blade and cut the man down the moment he finished soaking his hands.

Cold fury simmered in the youth's eyes as his hands soaked in the porcelain basin, his knuckles flushed crimson like flames licking at his fingertips. Plum blossoms drifted in the water, reflecting against his snow-white robes, almost drawing out a touch of striking brilliance.

"Young Master Mu may not know this, but Shuxin uses an ancient medicinal recipe, not ordinary rouge. The Chai family has always treasured their hands—nails included—and all physicians in our household follow the same practice." A gentle voice drifted over as a graceful figure ascended the stairs. "No wonder the warm pavilion feels so cozy today—it turns out Young Master Mu has come."

Mu Gesheng immediately stopped laughing and stood up straight. "Sister Chai."

Chai Shuxin was soaking his hands and couldn't rise, so he bowed his head in greeting, "Elder Sister."

"Take your time chatting. The household is quiet today—no need for formalities." Chai Rendong smiled faintly, "I only came to ask what you'd like for dinner."

Mu Gesheng immediately replied, "Imperial hotpot."

"Easy enough. Dumplings and the hotpot will both be prepared." Chai Rendong chuckled, "And you, Shuxin?"

"Everything elder sister makes is wonderful." Chai Shuxin said, "But standing too long in the kitchen harms your health. Don't overexert yourself."

"How has elder sister Chai been feeling lately?" Wood Gesheng chimed in, "Shall I lend you a hand in the kitchen?"

"I only cook occasionally, it's no trouble." Chai Rendong waved lightly, teasing, "As for cooking—I've heard of Young Master Wood's famous red date onion carp soup."

Chai Shuxin: "Hmph."

"Not at all, not at all." Mu Gesheng replied with shameless charm, "Then I'll trouble Sister Chai for her hospitality."

The Chai estate spanned vast grounds, with a tranquil area at its heart enclosed by nine-fold winding corridors. Though the Medicine Clan had many members, only the direct Chai bloodline—currently the two siblings—resided within these corridors.

The warm chambers where Chai Shuxin and Chai Rendong lived stood not far apart. As night fell, lanterns illuminated the winding corridors while snow whispered outside. A single plum branch stretched beneath the eaves, its sparse shadow slanting across the walkway.

Mu Gesheng walked ahead of Chai Shuxin, boldly taking the lead as if he owned the place. The corridors twisted and turned, yet he navigated them with familiar ease. "You know the way?" Chai Shuxin asked.

"I don't recognize it." Mu Gesheng took down a lantern and held it in his hand, "But the aroma of food has been wafting from afar. At the study, I rely on the smell to figure out where Lao Er has set up the meal today. Follow your nose, and you won't go wrong."

Sure enough, the two soon left the corridor and arrived in front of the warm pavilion where Chai Rendong lived. Although the two pavilions had similar layouts, Chai Rendong's room was filled with warmth. The round table with a waistband was laden with dishes, and in the center was an exquisite brass stove, on which simmered the first-class pot Mu Gesheng had been longing for.

Chai Rendong was arranging the dishes. Seeing the two enter, she first handed each of them a tangerine. "The dumplings will be ready soon. Have some snacks first to tide you over. There are also persimmons in the bamboo basket. The chestnuts are warming in the stove—take them out slowly and be careful not to burn yourself." Worried about the stove fire, she hurriedly turned and went back to the kitchen.

Chai Shuxin handed his tangerine to Mu Gesheng. "There are pine nuts in the sugar box. Help yourself if you want some, but don't eat too much—dinner is about to start." With that, he also headed to the kitchen. "I'm going to help A-Jie. Don't follow me."

Mu Gesheng held the orange candy box and a basket of persimmons, blinking as he felt for the first time what it was like to receive the same treatment Zhu Yinxiao enjoyed during meals.

Though childish, being a grown-up kid was damn satisfying.

Mu Gesheng, who had never known the meaning of shame, leaned comfortably onto the soft couch, sipping tea by the fire while peeling an orange into the shape of a flower.

Yet before he could take more than a couple of bites, the phone on the tea table rang. Unable to answer it himself, he waited for Chai Rendong to emerge from the kitchen and pick up the receiver. Just as he was about to excuse himself, he was stopped—"It's Young Master Song," Chai Rendong whispered, covering the mouthpiece. "He's asking for you."

"Second brother?" It hadn't even been half a day since they last met—what could Song Wentong possibly want with him? Mu Gesheng picked up the receiver, "Speak if you have business, kneel in respect if you don't."

Song Wentong's call was likely from Guan Shanyue, with background noise mixing pipa melodies and the sound of shuffling cards, "Fourth brother, have you seen the fifth?"

"Cooking midnight snacks? Wasn't he following you to experience the pleasures of the gentler quarters?"

"I turned around to grab some dumplings, and the brat vanished!" Song Wentong snapped. "Today's his transformation day—I'm worried this jinxed little thing got kidnapped again. He didn't run off to your place, did he?"

"The Chai residence and Guanshanyue are half a city apart—if he was going to get kidnapped, it would’ve happened by now." Mu Gesheng watched the drama unfold with glee. "I told you not to take him along. How old is he, anyway? To him, a pair of mandarin ducks on red silk isn’t as interesting as a chicken coop."

"I’m being serious here!" Song Wentong’s voice rose an octave. "Get over here and help me find him!"

"Hard pass." Mu Gesheng replied without hesitation. He stuffed an entire orange into his mouth, puffing out his cheeks as he mumbled, "You can starve me, but you can’t stop me from eating."

"Mu Gesheng! Lao Wu is missing!"

"Give me food."

"Old Five is the Star Child!"

"Didn't you say Old Five was better than me?"

"Will you fucking stop already?!"

"Damn you."

"......"

A loud crash came from the other end of the phone, followed by dead silence. Mu Gesheng reckoned Song Wentong was so furious he was smashing things to vent his anger.

He leisurely swallowed the orange in his mouth, his accent finally returning to normal as he drawled, "Has the little one learned to walk yet? Don't worry, he can't crawl far. Check under the beds—Guanshanyue has so many of them, take your time."

Before the words had even finished, Chai Shuxin walked into the room carrying a soup tureen. "I'm about to eat. Whatever it is, it can wait until after my meal." Without waiting for a reply from the other end, Mu Gesheng hung up the receiver and casually unplugged the phone.

Chai Shuxin set down the tureen. "What happened?"

"Nothing. Lao Er just wished me a happy winter solstice."

Chai Shuxin looked at him, his expression clearly skeptical of the man's casual fib, yet he said nothing.

Chai Rendong returned to her room and changed into a pine-smoke-colored cheongsam, then took her seat with a smile, lifting a wine cup. "It's a holiday today—no need to stick to mealtime formalities. You all don't have to stand either. Let's eat."

Wine poured into cups filled the room with warmth.

The meal lasted well into the night. As the heavy snow finally ceased, Chai Shuxin escorted Mu Gesheng out to the corridor before asking, "What did Mozi want with you?"

Mu Gesheng raised an eyebrow. "I thought this matter was already behind us. Why bring it up again now?"

"It's rare for me to have a meal with my elder sister."

"I see." Mu Gesheng nodded, no longer hiding the truth. "Over an hour ago, Lao Er called from Guanshanyue saying Lao Wu has gone missing."

Chai Shuxin frowned. "Xingxuzi is missing?"

"Why is everyone making such a fuss?" Mu Gesheng waved his hand dismissively. "Relax, we all reported to the teacher before coming down the mountain. Unless it's the appointed day, the teacher wouldn't have let us out. No one's going to catch Lao Wu and throw him into a pot."

"Regardless, the disappearance of the Star Child is no small matter." Chai Shuxin clearly wasn't at ease. "I'll go with you to search."

"You'll come with me?" Wood Ge Sheng burst out laughing. "Are you sure you want to accompany me to Guan Shan Yue? The head of the Medicine Family paying a late-night visit to the pleasure quarters—wouldn't that make your elders blow their tops?"

Chai Shuxin paused, his expression uncharacteristically conflicted.

Wood Ge Sheng took his time enjoying the other's reaction before leisurely saying, "Alright, enough teasing. I brought the Mountain Ghost coins—we can divine a reading later to find out where that fifth brother of ours has run off to." Then he stopped in his tracks. "But before that, there's something I need to ask of you."

"What's the matter?"

Before the words had fully left his mouth, the gates of the Chai residence were violently kicked open. Standing outside with murderous intent was none other than Song Wentong.

Mu Gesheng swiftly ducked behind Chai Shuxin and pushed him forward, saying, "Help me win this fight."