Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 45 : New Blade

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Blush.

Shen Zechuan’s heart was originally as still as deep waters, but at this moment, even he was shaken by that word. Xiao Chiye’s handkerchief, which lay in his sleeve pocket, was like a fire that had been stuffed within. It inexplicably obeyed Xiao Chiye’s commands and sent the flames burning all the way up to his ears. He knew that the slight redness flushed on the snowy paleness of his skin was particularly striking. Even if he denied it, it would convince no one.

He seemed to be caught by Xiao Chiye in a certain predicament where bright mirrors surrounded them on all sides. The way Xiao Chiye looked was as if he wanted his true colors to be revealed, and his protective shell to be cast aside.

Shen Zechuan licked his lips to get rid of the troubling dryness. He balled up his fists and ignored such a provocation from Xiao Chiye, refusing to give Xiao Chiye a chance to pry further.

“It’s time to sleep.” Shen Zechuan declared, “Let’s call for them.”

Xiao Chiye felt Shen Zechuan’s “I’m ignoring you” reaction to be like a scratch that tickled him so suggestively that it stirred up his desire to press home the attack after his victory. However, if he were to emerge victorious, he could not rush it; impulsiveness would only make it easy for him to fall into traps. So he let him off this time and said, “Both shifu have their own arrangements, so there’s no need to worry about them. If you want to sleep, the East Wing has been vacated.”

Shen Zechuan stood up right away.

Ji Gang and Zuo Qianqiu were so dead drunk that they were still not sober the next day. Shen Zechuan carried Ji Gang onto the carriage and took him back.

Xiao Chiye watched the carriage ride away and said to Chen Yang, “Keep your eyes closely on the Eight Great Clans these two days. See who’s on the move.”

Chen Yang nodded in acknowledgment of his order.

🍀🍀🍀

Accompanied by the swaying of the carriage, Shen Zechuan closed his eyes and rested. The carriage made a detour, and midway through the journey, they swapped to an unremarkable horse-cart before arriving at Zhao Zui Temple.

Qiao Tianya carried Ji Gang on his back and followed Shen Zechuan into the courtyard. Ge Qingqing had been waiting for a long while. When he saw them, he hurriedly stepped forward to receive them.

“It’s alright.” Shen Zechuan assured. “Shifu is just drunk.”

Grand Mentor Qi, who was standing under the eaves, instructed, “Qingqing, help Ji Gang inside and let him sleep it off.”

Ge Qingqing took Ji Gang from Shen Zechuan and carried him into the house.

Qiao Tianya strode forward in a few steps, went on his knees in the snow, and asked, “Has Grand Mentor been doing well?”

“All is well upon seeing you.” Grand Mentor Qi lifted his hand and said, “Now that you have already changed your name to Qiao Tianya, that indenture is no longer of any use, yet you are willing to stay for that bit of sentiment. I should thank you.”

“To Grand Mentor Qi, what happened in the past was merely an effortless lift of your finger. But to me, it was a kindness that saved my life.” The merriment on Qiao Tianya’s face vanished. He added, “During the year of Yongyi, when Emperor Guangcheng had corrupt officials killed, my father and brother were both framed by others. If Grand Mentor had not been judicious and discerning enough to offer a helping hand, the twenty lives of the Qiao Clan would have died unjust deaths before the Meridian Gate.”