In this way, a muddleheaded, half-willing and half-unwilling Jing Shao swore to be brothers with the Huainan King. The three of them sat in the green bamboo pavilion for the whole afternoon, as if they had known each other all along. They covered topics from the treasure sword to the art of war, from culinary delicacies to beauties, from street talk to poetry and song, all the way until sunset; only then did they say goodbye to each other. Gu Huaiqing told them that he was staying at Wading Water Courtyard, so if the two had time, they could look for him.
Looking at the backs of the two people as they left, Gu Huaiqing stood with his hands behind his back, and a smile gradually formed on his face. Cheng Wang and his husband each had their strong points. They may be nothing to worry about if they were separated, but together, they were the perfect combination. One who was academic and one from the military, one bravely charging ahead and the other planning the schemes. If these two became enemies, he was afraid it would be very troublesome.
"Wang Ye, will you return to Danyang tomorrow?" An imperial guard led a horse over and asked.
Danyang City was the main city of the Huainan fiefdom, neither far from nor close to Pingjiang.
"No; you send the news back." Gu Huaiqing stretched and smiled. "Things aren't urgent, so just have them deal with it."
Hearing this, the bodyguard choked on his saliva for a moment. "Things aren't urgent, so just have them deal with it." If the matter wasn't of utmost urgency, he wouldn't need to bring the message to Pingjiang! If Lord Huaixiang heard this, he would probably faint from anger again.
* * * * *
Jing Shao and his Wang Fei walked back. It hadn't felt like it when they first came here, but on the way back, they found that this road was really quite long. It was late and there was nowhere to hire a sedan chair. The two walked for a while on the limestone path. Mu Hanzhang was a little tired. Jing Shao touched his face and bent down to carry him.
"Get up, I'm all right. It would be improper for you to carry me on your back." Mu Hanzhang looked around and saw that all the vendors on the street had closed their stalls. The road was empty, and only the street of musical establishments on the other side of the river still bustled with noise.
"Hurry and climb on, or else I'll have to carry you in my arms," Jing Shao said, about to stand up and pull Mu Hanzhang into his embrace.
Mu Hanzhang was helpless, and could only get onto his back. It felt very awkward as he wrapped his arms around Jing Shao's neck; he felt embarrassed and at a loss.
Jing Shao hitched up those slender legs, stood up, and walked slowly down the limestone path that was lit up by the setting sun. The light reflected off one side of the Qingshui River, which was quiet and serene. Jing Shao adjusted the person on his back and patted his butt to console him.
With the swaying pace, Mu Hanzhang gradually relaxed. A warm body temperature was transmitted through their clothes. Jing Shao's shoulders were very broad, and resting a chin on one was very comfortable. Contented, Mu Hanzhang relaxed and swung his feet lightly.
"Tell me, why did the Huainan King want to become sworn brothers with you?" Mu Hanzhang looked at the clear, sparkling water pensively.
"He is the hardest to figure out." Jing Shao rubbed his face against the cheek resting on his shoulder. "He does as he pleases, and he's two-faced; he flips between good and bad as fast as you can flip through the pages of a book. Maybe he just thinks it's fun."
"En..." The man on his shoulder gave a vague response, as if still thinking.
"Did you notice something?" Jing Shao gently jostled the man on his back.
