A raincoat wind and snow to the small garden

Chapter 16: Closeness (V)

Chapter 16
For Xiang Xiaoyuan, Xuanqisi is not a government office, but more like an institution for cultivating talented people.

Classics, history, calligraphy copying, swords, spears, clubs, internal energy and breathing exercises, and even the art of disguise, as long as you want, there is nothing you can't learn in Xuanqisi.

When the Xuanqi Division poached someone, they must have figured out their entire three-generation family history. Using a large pension to bribe their family meant severing their ties of support. From now on, they'd become the emperor's lackeys, unable to leave the capital without an imperial decree.

At least Xiang Xiaoyuan will have to spend the rest of his life in Xuanqisi.

If he could rely on tasks to accumulate points and advance to the rank of Class A disciple, he might even be able to ask for favor from the king, buy a house and fertile land in the capital, and become a prominent official in the capital.

For Xiang Xiaoyuan, who came from a commoner family, this was undoubtedly a good way out. Even if she had other selfish motives, the most important thing at the moment was to accumulate as many points as possible and climb to the A-level.

Xiang Xiaoyuan thought that once she reached Class A, she would be able to join the Twelve Secret Guards.

Wasn't Huai Yu the head of the secret guards? Following someone he knew would definitely get him twice the result with half the effort, and he would also have the opportunity to see the emperor sooner rather than later.

Xiang Xiaoyuan would often retreat to the library after dinner, poring over the "Collection of Injury Examinations," a collection of documents left by generations of coroners. Whenever a body was brought to the Xuanqi Division, Xiang Xiaoyuan would be the first to examine it, analyzing whether the victim had died from a sharp object or poisoning. He would also perform the Xiangri umbrella method on the wounds or perform a body wash.

Xiang Xiaoyuan rarely had the opportunity to relax and study. In the past, she had to get up at dawn every day to feed the chickens, then take the butcher knife to the butcher shop to slaughter pigs to sell. At night, sometimes when she got off work early, she would go to the private school where Liu Juncheng taught and sit there to listen to the teacher reading with the children.

The sound of reading was clear and pleasant to the ears, with beautiful rhythm. The thin Xiang Xiaoyuan squatted outside the school, silently following with envy.

Every time Liu Juncheng saw Xiang Xiaoyuan, he would hand her the tracing book so that she could copy it and practice calligraphy at home.

Xiang Xiaoyuan had to read and write without telling her aunt. One reason was that her aunt didn't like her being smarter than Qiao Jie'er, and the other was that she was afraid that after Xiang Xiaoyuan became sensible through study, she would no longer be willing to be the one to take care of the family business.

Therefore, Xiang Xiaoyuan would always avoid her aunt with a guilty conscience. She would use every opportunity to read, sometimes writing on a sand table, sometimes copying books in the snow. When someone passed by, Xiang Xiaoyuan would kick away the snow and destroy the poems she had copied with her frozen hand, so that no one would notice.

Xiang Xiaoyuan seldom bought pens, ink, and books. Her private money was limited, and she had many girl's things to buy, such as cloth strips for making menstrual belts, ginger slices, and sugar cubes. She only had a few cents in total for the whole year, so she had to spend them frugally.

But Xiang Xiaoyuan also has her own way. When she cooks, she will burn wood branches into charcoal and use it instead of ink sticks. In this way, she can use charcoal to write on the ends of rags. After writing all over the cloth, she will wash it with stream water, wait for the cloth strips to dry, and it will be brand new and can be used several times.

Only by studying whenever you have the chance can you recognize words and sentences, finish reading the book on coroner's duties, and pass the examination to become a member of the Xuanqi Division.

Xiang Xiaoyuan thought about the past and sighed quietly. She hid her left hand deep in her rabbit fur glove and carefully turned the pages of the book with her right hand, twisting a thin piece of paper.

Xiang Xiaoyuan sat on a low stool, leaning against the open wooden window and reading a book. A porcelain basin filled with scarlet charcoal was placed at his feet. Behind him were rows of bookshelves filled with voluminous volumes. On the desk were a cup of coarse tea brewed with chopped lychees, a plate of dried lychees given by Yan Yun, and a bowl of osmanthus sugar pills.

Whenever I feel hungry while reading, I will have some snacks from Xiaoyuan to fill my stomach. Life is very comfortable.

She had nothing to do and hadn't started taking on any government duties yet, so she could stay here as long as she wanted.

Reading day and night is such a boring thing for Lin Qiyu, but for Xiang Xiaoyuan, it is a dream come true.

She had money to buy paper, pens, and inkstones, and money to buy snacks and night food. She could even afford to light a charcoal brazier, buy new clothes, and use a thick cotton quilt. She would no longer live a hard life.

Xiang Xiaoyuan was very busy studying criminal law with the seniors. When Yan Yun and Lin Qiyu found Xiang Xiaoyuan, she had just finished examining a corpse.

Xiang Xiaoyuan took a Suhexiang pill to remove the corpse's qi, changed into the clothes he used to dissect corpses, washed his hands and face, and then came to see his friends.

"Why do you have time to come to the morgue to see me when you are not practicing martial arts in the training grounds?"

Yan Yun smiled and said, "I just finished practicing stick techniques and was about to go home. I wanted to talk to you on the way."

Yan Yun had practiced martial arts since childhood, and she had come to Xuan Qi Si to cultivate the art of martial arts. If Yan Yun showed her ability, she could even join the army and achieve great things.

This was Yan Yun's long-cherished wish, and she became more and more dedicated in practicing martial arts.

But Lin Qiyu is different. He has never liked practicing martial arts since he was a child. This time, his parents were reluctant to leave his brothers and sisters behind and forced him to come to the capital.

As for his strengths, his only advantage was probably his dexterous hands, so he volunteered to learn the art of disguise and the Western Hu language, so that he could have the opportunity to work in the Honglu Temple in the future.

Lin Qiyu's choice was actually quite foresighted. After all, all the young men were being dragged into the martial arts world. If he didn't make plans for himself soon, he would have to get up at 3:00 a.m. to practice martial arts like Yan Yun.

Lin Qiyu couldn't stand it. If he didn't get enough sleep, his flower-like face would age rapidly... He wasn't a freak like Crown Prince Xie Yunxue. How could he possibly stay young without taking good care of himself? It was said that Xie Yunxue rose every day at the hour of Mao to review documents, followed the court officials in handling state affairs, and only rested at the hour of Hai. Despite such toil, he still looked so handsome and elegant. It was truly enviable.

Yan Yun held Xiang Xiaoyuan's hand and said, "The Lunar New Year is coming up in two days. Duke Zheng will be celebrating his sixtieth birthday during the Lunar New Year, and he has also sent invitations to the disciples of our Xuanqi Division. I thought Xiaoyuan had never been to a birthday banquet hosted by an aristocratic family in the capital, so this is a good opportunity to take you out for some fun."

Lin Qiyu was only familiar with Yan Yun and Xiang Xiaoyuan in Xuanqi Division, but Xiang Xiaoyuan was busy and hadn't come to see them for several days. It would be nice for everyone to get together during the New Year holiday.

Lin Qiyu was afraid of regretting it, so he hurriedly said to Xiaoyuan, "Don't worry about not having enough money for a birthday gift. I'm preparing gifts right now, and adding your name to the gift list is no big deal. If I refuse, it will become estrangement! We are all fellow disciples, so we have a bond. But what's wrong with going out for a day? You guys in the countryside don't open shops for New Year's, do you?"

Xiang Xiaoyuan thought about it and realized that even at her aunt's house, she had a bowl of chicken soup on New Year's Day, so she really didn't go out to work.

She has a lot of things to plan in the future, so getting to know more people and understanding the rules and etiquette of the wealthy and powerful families will be beneficial in every way.

Xiang Xiaoyuan didn't refuse. She smiled and said, "Okay."

Yan Yun hugged Xiang Xiaoyuan in surprise, hooked her arm around her shoulders and said, "That's great. Let's get together. Don't worry, I'll be with you on your birthday. No one will dare to touch you."

Xiang Xiaoyuan smiled faintly: "Of course I know that Senior Sister Yan is protective of her people. With you leading me, I'm not afraid of anything."

Yan Yun was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes. She felt that Xiang Xiaoyuan was as lovely as her own sister. She pinched her face and sighed with satisfaction, saying that she was indeed very soft.

Lin Qiyu saw the two of them quarreling and abandoning him, feeling jealous: "What about me?"

Xiang Xiaoyuan said sincerely, "Senior Brother Lin is also a very good person."

Lin Qiyu laughed: "That's more like it!"

On the way back to No. 9 Courtyard from Xiaoyuan, I was still thinking about going to Duke Zheng's Mansion to celebrate his birthday in two days.

Twenty years ago, the Wei Kingdom was a land of separatist military governors, each commanding its own army. Aristocratic families were powerful enough to rival the imperial power, and rebellions were common. Had it not been for Duke Zheng Huai, who led the Zheng family army and swore to defend Emperor Xie Zhen from siege, the prosperous state we see today would not exist.

Zheng Huai had a life of military service and made great achievements. His Zheng family was full of heroes and was highly valued by Xie Zhen. Therefore, when the imperial power was consolidated, Xie Zhen summoned Zheng Huai to the capital. Although this move deprived the Zheng family of their military power, the emperor did not want to disappoint the old meritorious official, so he conferred the title of first-class duke on Zheng Huai and gave his family members high positions and generous salaries.

As long as Zheng Huai is sensible, does not collude with foreign nations, and does not form cliques with warlords, the emperor will treat the three generations of Zheng's family with kindness, considering his past merits.

The first thing Xiang Xiaoyuan did when she arrived in Beijing was to understand the official system of the court. Therefore, she knew very well that the Zheng family was highly trusted by the emperor and was indeed a powerful family in the court. Duke Zheng's birthday would definitely be very lively. No wonder even Xuan Qisi dared to send invitations to win them over.

Xiang Xiaoyuan was attending an official banquet for the first time, and there were many things she didn't understand. She wasn't timid, but she was worried that the slightest negligence would offend the dignitaries. Now she had to take root in the capital, so she had to be careful in everything.

Xiang Xiaoyuan absentmindedly fed Ejiao a carrot. She tied the donkey to the stable and turned to leave. Seeing that Xiang Xiaoyuan had no second meal, Ejiao angrily butted her lower back with the donkey's head.

Xiang Xiaoyuan was caught off guard and was shocked.

"No wonder you're the cheapest among the dozen or so donkeys. You're so greedy that the owner can't wait to sell you!"

Xiang Xiaoyuan felt a burning pain on her back, and she was so angry that she slapped the donkey on the head.

Afraid that the donkey-hide gelatin would make it stupid and waste two cents of silver, Xiang Xiaoyuan fed it a carrot as if to comfort it.

Xiang Xiaoyuan was chased away for no reason, and grimaced in pain. He went into his room and took a bottle of medicinal oil, intending to heal himself.

Before she could close the door, she heard some noise coming from the next room in the distance.

Xiang Xiaoyuan guessed it was Huaiyu who had returned, so she quickly poked her head out of the window and greeted him happily, "Huaiyu!"

Huai Yu went out today and killed a minister of the Ministry of Rites. The crime committed by this man was related to cheating in the imperial examination. It would be a shame to make it public and discourage students all over the country. After much thought, only assassinating him could punish the treacherous minister and warn his followers, thus minimizing the impact of the incident.

Huai Yu quickly dealt with the man with just three sword moves.

When he went out today, he was wearing a red ghost mask from Nuo opera, with the hideous ghost horns sticking up high, stained with a little bit of bright red human blood, which he had not had time to go back to the room to wash off.

The piercing murderous intent in the boy's eyes had not yet faded when he suddenly heard a shout.

He turned and glanced at Xiaoyuan, his phoenix eyes filled with a fierce anger that frightened the smiling little girl to her death. Seeing the surprise in her eyes, Huaiyu was silent for a moment, but then reached out and removed the mask. Behind the mask was a cold face, the corners of the narrow eyes stained with a hint of blood. He raised his finger to wipe it away, leaving a terrifying red mark.

Xiang Xiaoyuan whispered, "Are you going on the mission?"

The blood stains on the Mingyue Sword had not been wiped clean and were still dripping. She had no intention of escaping from such a dangerous person, which showed that she was very brave.

Seeing that she was still in the mood to chat, Huaiyu said "hmm" lazily.

Xiang Xiaoyuan waved at him: "Huaiyu, come here."

The little girl's gestures when calling people were tricky, a little casual, and a little intimate, as if she was calling some kittens or puppies.

Huai Yu was stunned for a moment, but still took a few steps closer with his long legs.

"doing what?"

The young man's clear voice drifted towards her, and he was already in front of her. His dark eyebrows were lowered, and his white jaw was close to Xiang Xiaoyuan's full double bun. He exuded a bitter orchid fragrance.

Xiang Xiaoyuan asked, "Huaiyu, if we're celebrating Duke Zheng's birthday, are there any particular requirements for clothing?"

Huai Yu frowned: "Are you going to Duke Zheng's residence?"

He thought that she would stay in Xuanqisi for the New Year.

Xiang Xiaoyuan nodded: "Senior Sister Yan and Senior Brother Lin will go, and they will take me with them."

"You have a very good relationship with them." Huai Yu felt a little unhappy for some reason.

"We're all from the same sect of Xuanqisi, so naturally we're close." Xiang Xiaoyuan grabbed the boy's sleeve and said, "You haven't answered my question yet. What kind of clothes should I wear?"

Huai Yu said coldly, "Just don't be too plain."

After saying that, he planned to go back to the house to wash up. His body was covered in blood, which made Huaiyu, who always loved cleanliness, very unhappy.

But Xiang Xiaoyuan still didn't let go of his clothes.

Xiang Xiaoyuan asked again: "Are you going?"

Asking Xiaoyuan if he wanted to go out together helped Huaiyu to suppress the inexplicable unhappiness in his heart.

He said, "I had important matters to attend to, so I couldn't go out that day... But His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is sympathetic to the old ministers, and he will visit the Duke of Zheng's residence during the New Year to bring some imperial gifts."

Xiang Xiaoyuan was stunned, and Xie Yunxue's cold and pale face appeared in her mind.

Instead of waiting to complete tasks for Xiang Xiaoyuan to accumulate points, climb to the position of Class A disciple, and win a chance to meet the emperor, it is better to get close to the crown prince.

If Xiang Xiaoyuan and Xie Yunxue had a close relationship, perhaps she would be able to get the upper hand and have the opportunity to meet the emperor earlier... Thinking of this, Xiang Xiaoyuan decided that she must be thick-skinned and get along well with Xie Yunxue. After all, Xie Zhen was his father.

Xiang Xiaoyuan didn't speak for a long time, and Huaiyu had lost his patience.

He pulled back his sleeves. "Are you done asking?"

Xiang Xiaoyuan: "I'm done."

Just as Huaiyu was about to leave, his robe was grabbed by someone again.

Huai Yu's face was cold as he glanced at the culprit: "Anything else?"

Xiang Xiaoyuan raised her head miserably and pleaded, "Huaiyu, my waist is injured and the medicated oil can't be applied. Can you help me?"

Huaiyu suppressed his unhappy feelings and asked her, "How did you get hurt?"

"Bumped by a donkey..."

Huai Yu: “…” He asked unnecessarily.

The boy didn't want to pay attention to Xiaoyuan, but she begged him hesitantly, her eyes full of tears, her eyelashes curled up, blinking seductively, as if she was in great pain. Her forehead was covered with sweat, and she bit her pink lips lightly, trying her best to endure it.

Especially the hand that was grabbing his robe, which was getting tighter and tighter, with no intention of negotiating with him at all.

Huai Yu was anxious to get rid of this hot potato, so he could only agree to it: "Hurry up, I have things to do."

"well!"

He closed the window toward Xiaoyuan and welcomed Huaiyu into the room.

She thought that the injury was on her vest and she couldn't reach it with her hands. Since she had to trouble Huaiyu, she naturally had to ask him for help.

So Xiang Xiaoyuan unbuttoned his thick rabbit fur coat without thinking.

Before Huaiyu entered the room, the boy lowered his head and saw the girl's round shoulders and narrow back. The material of her tunic was so thin that the candlelight revealed the outline of her waist.

Xiang Xiaoyuan was wearing a small shirt under her jacket, so it didn't expose her underwear, so she wanted to take it off again.

At this point, the middle garment was peeled off, revealing round shoulders, with a faint pearly plumpness visible. The girl's collar bone was hung with the thin strap of the vest, and the clever ribbon was red like fire, but Xiang Xiaoyuan was very white, and her snow-white skin was dazzling, like snow millet in the yard.

Huai Yu stood there in a daze. He quickly drew his sword and used the hilt to pick up Xiang Xiaoyuan's shirt, scolding her, "You're a girl, don't you understand the rules of gender separation? Even if you're not afraid of me, you shouldn't be so rude!"

Xiang Xiaoyuan was yelled at for no reason. She felt wronged and endured the pain until she choked with sobs: "I just thought it would be easier for you to apply the medicine..."

Huai Yu heard a hint of tears in her words, pursed his lips and spoke in a slower tone, "No need to take off your shirt, I can find a place."

He took a hairband from the table and bound it over his eyes. Using his long sword as a weapon, he followed the sounds and approached the small garden.

"Give me the medicine."

Xiang Xiaoyuan knelt obediently beside the couch. She turned around and poured the medicated oil into Huaiyu's palm.

The slightly cool medicinal oil was poured down. Huai Yu's palms were cold, but the medicinal oil soaked into every texture of his palms. After a while, it became slightly warm.

Huaiyu rubbed Xiaoyuan's neck through the cloth, rubbing it down section by section. Every time he passed an inch, he would ask her, "Is it here?"

He shook his head at Xiaoyuan.

Realizing Huaiyu couldn't see, she added, "A little further down."

Huaiyu said nothing, and moved another inch until he was close to the tailbone, then he stopped.

Xiang Xiaoyuan was finally tickled in the right spot, and she groaned in pain.

The little girl's voice was soft and sobbing, and her body temperature passed through her soft inner clothes and reached Huai Yu's cool fingertips.

Huaiyu was inexplicably burned and his knuckles trembled.

Soon, he lifted up his clothes and covered it with his palm soaked in medicated oil.

Xiang Xiaoyuan's wound was finally covered by the warmth. She sighed with satisfaction. As expected... If you are injured, you should take medicine as soon as possible, otherwise you will be the one who suffers.

She carefully felt the ups and downs and rubbing of the boy's palm. The soft flesh was pressed hard, and the touch was both painful and comfortable.

Not only Xiang Xiaoyuan felt hot in the waist, but Huaiyu also felt the heat in the palms of his hands.

He was clearly just applying the medicine, but at the moment when he was rubbing the oil in, he suddenly thought of... Xiang Xiaoyuan was too short and even her waist was very thin. He stretched out his five fingers, as if he could control her, but she was so thin that he could hardly hold her.

(End of this chapter)