Romancing the Son of Heaven

Stratagem 19: Let Go of All Masks (5)

Seeing that his beloved wasn't talking, Qiu Ling reached over and took his hand, playing with his fingers absentmindedly. "Don't you worry. Since I told him that I had brought you here and that this was the first time for you to take part, I really doubt he'd connect this with you. He likely thinks that you are a person of the dragon realm. And anyway, I don't think he would make a big deal about this."

Jing He looked up at him, still not sure what to say about this. He was pretty sure as well that the owner wouldn't breathe a single word about this. After all, he had looked pretty scared. "It's alright. I trust that Longjun will make the right call in this regard."

Qiu Ling beamed when his beloved admitted that he trusted him on this matter. This seemed like a pretty big thing to him. If his beloved was not willing to trust him, then he would really need to reconsider his strategy. But like this, it definitely was a step in the right direction. "I'm happy that you feel that way."

Jing He slightly inclined his head but didn't say anything else. Instead, he turned to look at the window that was still covered by a curtain. Later on, the servants would likely open it for them so they could watch the play. He wondered just what would be shown today.

Seeing his gaze, Qiu Ling also looked over. "Judging from what we saw when we walked up here, I guess that this place will show different plays on the different floors."

Jing He nodded. "I also thought so. The first and second floor seem to show the same while the other three seem to have their own plays. I do wonder what it will be here though."

Qiu Ling smiled lightly. He really seldom had the chance to make Jing He talk about something freely. He definitely wouldn't let go of it now that the opportunity had presented itself. "Do you have a preference for that kind of play you'd like to see? Or maybe you even have a specific one in mind?"

Jing He wasn't quite sure how to say this. "Well ... Since it is the Jiyi Festival, they will only show plays that showcase actual historical events. I think that regardless of what it is, it is worth watching."

Qiu Ling tilted his head and gave him a deep look. "What a safe answer."

Jing He requited his look, not quite sure what to say to that. Was it a safe answer? The dragon king was probably right about that. But he had a history of giving that kind of answer, didn't he?

He lowered his gaze and held back a sigh. "Well, it is nonetheless true. I think it has a certain hopefulness to it, doesn't it? They aren't just stories that somebody thought up, stories that will inevitably end happily because the person writing it imagined it and wished for it to happen. Instead, they are stories that real people experienced. They are the truth. If they end well, then isn't that a better thing?"

Qiu Ling looked at him, wondering if there was some deeper meaning to this. After spending several years together, he did know Jing He well enough to judge that he was not somebody who spoke his true thoughts easily. But he also wasn't somebody who would necessarily lie. He'd much rather keep quiet or say things could mean all or nothing. He had perfected that kind of empty talk.

"I can see what you mean. But what if the ending isn't happy?"

Jing He looked down at the strong hand that was still holding his and a faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth. Yes, what if the ending wasn't a good one? "I guess there is no happiness to be had without suffering. Not everybody can have a happy ending."

Qiu Ling continued to look at him, pondering. "Is that ... a fear of yours?"

Jing He looked up at him, somewhat astounded. Had he said too much just now? He didn't know what to say for a moment and could finally only pose a question. "Why would Longjun think so?"