It was another year past but the emperor’s health remained the same. His headaches were at times, good and at times, bad. He was getting on in the years and after two years of being tossed about, he had drunk more medicine than tea. Recently, he had been forced by circumstances to sit in court and manage the government. His age showed, his temples were graying. Even when his headaches weren’t flaring up, he wore a dispirited and dejected look.

The Emperor’s health was of concern to the state and the entire country. Naturally, the slightest bit of carelessness could not be allowed. In addition to Lin Qingyu, Chu Zhengde and Lin Rushan also regularly took the emperor’s pulse. In previous dynasties, there had been concubines who bribed the imperial physicians to try and assassinate the emperor. The emperor never trusted any single imperial physician. All of Lin Qingyu’s prescriptions for the emperor were first reviewed by the Imperial Hospital and only after it has been confirmed to have no problems would it be used.

This was how it was for the emperor and the same went for the crown prince. It was a pity that their own bodies were not up to the mark. Despite being so carefully provided for, they have yet to show any major improvement.

On the fifth day of the New Year, Xi Rong, bringing gifts, visited the General’s Mansion to pay his New Year’s greetings. This time, he came alone. Xiao Jie now held the title of feudal king. If, like he had done so in the past, he appeared as a guest at the General’s Mansion, who knows how many censors’ attention he would attract. Xiao Jie held Gu Fuzhou in great esteem and liked meeting with the beautiful doctor; though he wanted very much to come, Xi Rong would not let him.

Lin Qingyu did not care for Xiao Jie so long as Xi Rong came. This time, he invited Xi Rong to sit with him to drink tea and Xi Rong did not refuse.

Lin Qingyu said, “Did Steward Xi like the gift I gave to the prince?”

“If I didn’t, how could I have come specially to the Mansion to thank you?”

Lin Qingyu said politely, “I thought Steward Xi was just here to pay his New Year’s greetings.”

“I’m curious. How did Madam get Nan’an Hou and the Empress to speak?” Xi Rong picked up the tea cup, took a sip and said with a smile, “This really is good tea.”

“So long as the gift is delivered, why should Steward Xi concern himself where it came from?”

“I just wish to know. Can I take it that the Empress and Nan’an Hou are both on the side of the prince?”

Xi Rong was already speaking about it openly but Lin Qingyu refused to follow, saying only, “Steward Xi need only help the prince with all his heart so that he may regain the Emperor’s favor. Let other people worry about the rest of the people.”

Xi Rong knew who this “other people” was. He could see that Lin Qingyu wanted to be the one to control the overall situation. He and Xiao Jie were undoubtedly nothing more than two pawns in his hand. After everything is done, whether these two pieces would be kept or discarded, no one knew.

Dealing with Lin Qingyu was tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin. But if he wanted to achieve his goals, he had no other way.

Besides, it was not yet certain who exactly was the tiger.

Xi Rong revealed a smile and said, “With Doctor Lin’s words, His Highness and I can rest assured.”

The two chatted for a while over tea. Finally, Xi Rong got up and took his leave. Before leaving, Xi Rong asked, “The General and his wife have given the prince such a great gift. I’m afraid the return gift I brought today is far from enough. I do not know what the General is asking for, whether it is soldiers or power? I ask that the Madam inform me so that His Highness might make good on his promise in the future.”

Lin Qingyu said, “There is no need to worry, Steward Xi. All the General wants is to be a wealthy idler who no one dares to mess with.”

“What about you, Madam?”

“Me?” Lin Qingyu hadn’t thought about this question yet. He had done so much, in large part out of self-preservation. If Xiao Cheng and the emperor hadn’t coveted him, if they hadn’t pressed Gu Fuzhou at every step, he probably wouldn’t have gone this far.

When all was done, Gu Fuzhou could realize his dream of being a salted fish until his dying day. Even realizing his dream of being a eunuch wouldn’t be impossible. But what about him, what did he want?

Thinking of the “Spring Banquet” greetings they’d exchanged on the first day of the new year, Lin Qingyu quickly had his answer. “Firstly, I want to study medicine without any distractions. Secondly… I want to always be with the General.”

Conspiring against the state was a grave crime punishable with the death of an entire clan. Gu Fuzhou and Lin Qingyu taking such a big risk and putting so much thought into this made Xi Rong think they wanted half the power of the Xiao Clan. Normally, he would only think that Lin Qingyu was merely being perfunctory with him, using such polite words. But when he saw the inadvertent warmth in Lin Qingyu’s cold eyes, he actually believed it a little.

Xi Rong said doubtfully, “Is it that simple?”

Lin Qingyu smiled lightly. “It’s that simple.”

After seeing Xi Rong off, Lin Qingyu called out “Huan Tong”, but it was Hua Lu who came. Lin Qingyu asked her to go to the kitchen to pass on a message. A sheep was to be slaughtered and they were to prepare fine mutton slices. The General wanted to eat mutton hot pot tonight. Gu Fuzhou mad mentioned it before going to bed last night and he remembered. Mutton was a great supplement, it could invigorate and benefit one’s qi. It was very suitable for eating in winter.

Hua Lu replied, “Yes”. Lin Qingyu asked casually, “Where’s Huan Tong?”

Hua Lu said: “Huan Tong’s cold has gotten worse and he’s been resting in his room since this morning.”

Lin Qingyu’s brows furrowed slightly. “If it’s a cold, why didn’t he come and see me?”

“Who knows?” Hua Lu shrugged, “He probably doesn’t want to trouble the Young Master.”

Lin Qingyu found Huan Tong in the wing-room. A servant like him, a page boy who closely served the master, lived very close to the main house. Lin Qingyu didn’t treat Huan Tong like he treated the other servants. The general’s house had few masters and many rooms; there was no need for Huan Tong to room with the other servants.

Lin Qingyu knocked on the door. When he heard a “come in”, he pushed open the door and went in. Huan Tong was lying on the bed. Seeing that it was the Young Master who had dome, he hurriedly made the get up but who knows where the wound was, his face twisted and he cried piteously, “You-Young Master.”

“Don’t move.” Lin Qingyu walked to the bed and put the back of his hand against Huan Tong’s forehead to check his temperature, “This isn’t a cold. What’s wrong with you?”

Huan Tong’s face flushed red and he stammered, “I accidentally fell and hurt myself.”

“Then why did you say it was a cold?” Lin Qingyu said coldly, “Have you learned to lie to me?”

“No!” Huan Tong knew that he couldn’t hide it from the Young Master. He endured the pain and said, “It happened yesterday when I was in the kitchen. I was careless and got kicked by a sheep…”

“Where did you get kicked?”

Huan Tong looked down sadly. Lin Qingyu understood and couldn’t help laughing. “Does it hurt?”

Huan Tong nodded. “It hurts so much. I thought I was going to die.”

For ordinary men, this truly was unbearable pain. “Take off your pants and I’ll have a look.”

Huan Tong has followed Lin Qingyu since he was a child. It stood to reason that he had nothing to be ashamed of in front of him. But in Huan Tong’s eyes, the Young Master was like an immortal. He didn’t want the Young Master to see unclean things and so he hesitated to move. In the end, Lin Qingyu’s threw him a cold look and he took off his pants.

Lin Qingyu used a clean wooden stick to push it aside, touching it a little. Huan Tong hissed, taking in a sharp breath. His legs were shaking non-stop. He was really in pain.

The sheep had kicked quite hard and the wound was red and swollen. Medicine needed to be used.

While looking at it, Lin Qingyu’s heart was as calm as still water. Sure enough, other people’s bodies were nothing but lumps of flesh to him. Only Gu Fuzhou’s body could make his hand feel rotten.

“I’ll have someone deliver the medicine to you. After applying it for a few days, the swelling should go down.” Lin Qingyu looked out the window, “What time is it?”

Huan Tong said, “It should almost be Shenshi.”

It was still too early for Gu Fuzhou to return to the Mansion. Lin Qingyu thought about it and ordered Yuan Yin to prepare the carriage. Yuan Yin asked, “Is Madam going to the Imperial Medical Office?”

“No, I’m going to the military camp.”

The capital’s military camp of the capital was located ten li away from the city. It was a camp for cavalry that protected the safety of the capital. Gu Fuzhou worked miracles maneuvering troops but he refused to step foot on the battlefield. The emperor then asked him to oversee the drills of the cavalry, making the best use of him while he was in the capital.

It was the first time for Lin Qingyu to come to the camp. As soon as he got off the carriage, he felt sharp eyes cast their eyes towards him. A guard with a sword barred his way. “Who is it?”

The groom said, “This is the General’s wife.”

“Wife?” The guard looked Lin Qingyu up and down. He’d heard that the General’s wife was a beauty and the man in front of him was indeed every inch a beauty. The carriage he rode in on was also the carriage of the General’s Mansion. The guards were well-trained and even though he knew that this was the General’s wife, he still handled matters according to the rules. “I will have to ask the Madam to undergo facial recognition first.”

“Facial recognition?” Lin Qingyu wondered, “What is that?”

“Oh, uh, only those who look familiar to us can enter. New faces must register first and then report to the General.”

While Lin Qingyu was registering, someone had already notified Gu Fuzhou. As soon as he put down the brush, he heard a familiar voice. “Qingyu.”

Gu Fuzhou in the barracks is completely different from Gu Fuzhou at home. His long hair was tied up, not a single strand left loose. His outline looked as though it had been carved; his figure tall and straight. He he walked towards him in large strides, his dark red cape fluttered behind him.

Gu Fuzhou stood in front of Lin Qingyu, looking down at him. “Why did you suddenly come?”

Lin Qingyu knew that Gu Fuzhou had to put on an act while in the capital’s military camp. “I’m here to take the general home.”

If they were at home, Gu Fuzhou would already be smiling so wide, the corners of his lips would be sent flying. But at this time, he did not have much of a reaction, only his eyes held a smile. “I still have an hour to go before I can leave. You can accompany me until then.”

Lin Qingyu followed Gu Fuzhou into the camp. His temperament was cold but his appearance was bright and handsome. This contrast created an irresistible attraction and he created a strong sense of presence no matter where he went. Most of the men in the barracks big, burly and rough fellows. Where would they ordinarily be able to see such a beauty? Everyone wanted a second look but they revered general and in turn, they held the General’s wife in awe as well. They all firmly restrained themselves from staring.

Gu Fuzhou brought Lin Qingyu into his tent and after waving the others away, he immediately revealed his original form. He took Lin Qingyu’s hand and sat down, saying with a smile, “What a wonderful day today is! Doctor Lin actually came to pick me up from work. Could it be that you came here to check up on me?”

Lin Qingyu said, “Huan Tong was kicked by a sheep and I thought of you.”

“Huh? How are these two things connected?” Gu Fuzhou asked, puzzled, “I have never been kicked by a sheep.”

Lin Qingyu smiled and said nothing. He looked around the tent and saw that it looked very prim and proper. He asked, “What do you normally do here?”

“Feed the horse, lift weights, sleep.”

Lin Qingyu understood, “In short, skipping out on work.”

“You can’t say that.” Gu Fuzhou played absent-mindedly with the fur collar of Lin Qingyu’s marten coat, “I have also made great contributions to this cavalry camp.”

“For example?”

“I invigorate and boost the morale of the soldiers. I a bright beacon when the soldiers are in low spirits.” Gu Fuzhou stood with his hands behind his back, a serious expression on his face, “Only by training to your utmost can His Majesty sit on the dragon throne in greater comfort; only by taking less of the provisions can the imperial concubines’ headdresses be made even more resplendent. The road is long and winding but the men of our Dayu is never afraid of hardship, never afraid of weariness. By giving yourself a chance, you give the Dayu a chance. A person’s life is but the glimpse a white horse through a chink in the wall. Laziness in one’s youth spells regret in old age. Everyone wants to be idl but it is only through exerting oneself that someone, one will overcome indolence. There is nothing a determined person cannot accomplish…”

“You’re making them do what you yourself can’t.” Lin Qingyu spoke for the many soldiers who admired Gu Fuzhou, “You despicable stranger.”

“It can’t be helped. Who made it so that hot-blooded men loved hearing stuff like this?” Gu Fuzhou had said a lot and was now feeling a little thirsty. There were no tea sets in the barracks, only waterskins. Gu Fuzhou opened the waterskin and took a sip. He asked Lin Qingyu, “Do you want a drink?”

Lin Qingyu took the waterskin. He then took out a handkerchief and wiped the mouth of the bag. He was about o drink when Gu Fuzhou took it back.

Lin Qingyu threw him a puzzled look. Gu Fuzhou raised his head and took another sip. He then stuffed the waterskin into Lin Qingyu’s hand and said, “Drink.”

Lin Qingyu stared at the mouth of the waterskin and at an angle that Gu Fuzhou couldn’t see, his lips curved. “It seems like I’m not thirsty anymore.”

“Does Doctor Lin not even want to touch this general’s mouth indirectly?” Gu Fuzhou sneered coldly, “Why, afraid it would ruin your mouth?”

Lin Qingyu nodded. “A little bit.”

Gu Fuzhou laughed angrily. For the first time, he showed his domineering side in front of Lin Qingyu. “Today you must drink this water, Lin Qingyu. Else, you can’t leave.”

Lin Qingyu raised his eyelashes. “If I want to leave, will the General stop me?”

Gu Fuzhou raised his hand, but before Lin Qingyu could react, the man took off his hairpin. Outside, were people from the cavalry, Lin Qingyu naturally couldn’t go out with his hair down.

Gu Fuzhou twirled the hairpin between his fingers and then held it firmly in the palm of his hand. “I’ll return it to you after you drink.”

Lin Qingyu looked at Gu Fuzhou. “Why do you like taking people’s hairpins so much—is this a habit you developed in your hometown?”

“It’s a habit I developed on you.” Gu Fuzhou said coolly, “If I touch you anywhere else, I’m afraid you’d call me a lecher so the only thing I can take advantage of is your hair.”

So long as it’s not a habit he’s developed on other girls. Lin Qingyu took the waterskin, raised his head and took a sip. He asked, “Are you satisfied?” He didn’t even know what indirect touch meant.

Gu Fuzhou was satisfied but also not completely. He said with a not-quite smile. “Unexpectedly, Doctor Lin still dislikes me.”

Lin Qingyu comforted him, “I don’t dislike you. I was joking with you.”

“Really?”

“If I dislike you, would I still let you in my bed?

Gu Fuzhou was finally persuaded. He helped Lin Qingyu re-tie his hair. “Doctor Lin has now also learned to joke.” He asked pointedly, “Who did you learn it from?”

Lin Qingyu didn’t give the answer Gu Fuzhou wanted to hear. “Naturally, I learned from Huan Tong. Huan Tong loves to joke. It’s not like the General doesn’t know.”

Gu Fuzhou laughed softly and said, “Did you really come here to pick your husband up from work, Doctor Lin? Or to infuriate him to death in the military camp?”

When the time came, the two of them went home together. In the carriage, Lin Qingyu and Gu Fuzhou talked about Xi Rong’s visit. Gu Fuzhou concluded, “Now, we have the Empress in the inner palace, the Nan’an Hou among the civil servants, a lot of generals among the military and even Xi Rong and Xiao Jie have climbed on board. It could be said that all is at the ready, all that is needed is an east wind.”

Lin Qingyu added, “The Emperor has me by his side.”

Gu Fuzhou understood what Lin Qingyu meant and reminded him, “You are not the only imperial physician by the emperor’s side. And the others are no vegetarians.”

Lin Qingyu said, “If I want to lay a hand on the Emperor, I won’t be doing so through his medication.”

Gu Fuzhou recalled what Lin Qingyu had been working on during this period. “You’re thinking of using Gu?”

Lin Qingyu nodded. “Chu Zhengde only knows a thing or two about Gu. If a strange Gu were to be planted in the emperor’s body, he might not become aware of it.”

Gu Fuzhou thought for a while, and said, “I think the key lies in Xiao Cheng.”

“Why?”

“As long as Xiao Cheng proves unworthy of being crown price, even if you don’t use a Gu on the Emperor, the Emperor would depose him.”

The author has something to say: Indirect kiss, dame!