Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 61 : Collapse

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As the hour of yin approached, it suddenly rained. Chen Yang washed up in the resting hall. After wiping his face, he looked outside to see a drizzle of misty rain adorned with tiny flakes of snow. 

“Have the kitchen heat up the stove.” Chen Yang instructed to his left and right. “Serve up the medicine for colds while it’s hot, then prepare the ginger soup. Has Master and the Judge’s official robes been steamed? Send them over quickly. It’s raining and snowing today, and the ground is slippery. Be careful when you go in and out to serve; don’t fall, lest you make a disgrace of yourself.”

Before the day broke, those who served in the courtyard were already moving. Chen Yang held up an umbrella and made his way to the kitchen to check on the day’s breakfast. When the cook saw him, he hurriedly got the attendant to get the lunchboxes. 

“I heard last night that the Judge had fallen ill. So I made fish soup this morning, along with some light side dishes. I’ve also prepared rice porridge and steamed twisted rolls.” The cook personally handed the lunchboxes to Chen Yang. “These are breakfast for you gentlemen. All of you have been on guard the entire night last night. Drink something hot to dispel the chill.” 

Chen Yang laughed when he touched the lunchboxes and said, “Alright. You even prepare shaojiu wine for Gu Jin. I shall thank you on his behalf! Get someone to serve up Master’s breakfast without delay. I’ll hurry over to wait on him first.”

The cook sent him out, and the attendant wanted to continue sending him on his way. Chen Yang turned the latter down and hurried back to the courtyard with his umbrella up. 

The three meals of guards like them cannot be touched by anyone else. They could only take turns to get it themselves. This was a hard and fast rule that had been laid down back in Libei. 

Chen Yang arrived at the courtyard and called down the other three men. They opened the lunchboxes and stood together to have their meals. 

Biting on the steamed bun, Ding Tao looked at the house and said, “Master is up.” 

Gu Jin said, “Is the horse carriage ready? He’s running a little late today.” 

Chen Yang nodded and said, “I didn’t expect it to rain today. Master still has to soak in the rain later when he arrives at the palace and waits to sign his name. His Excellency the Judge’s cold won’t go away for quite a while. Does he not plan to take a leave of absence?”

Who’s he asking?

Gu Jin and Ding Tao looked at each other, then simultaneously looked at Qiao Tianya, who had come along for the free meal. 

Qiao Tianya drank the porridge in one mouthful and held up a finger. Before he could speak, the other three said in unison, “Swallow!”  

He swallowed and said, “He won’t dare to take even a day off. My master is still considered a newly appointed official. How would he dare to be the first to take leave when the senior above him is still fine? He can’t be busier than the Commander-in-chief, can he?”  

Ding Tao said, “You Imperial Bodyguards are really no-good. Even when it comes to falling sick, you have to talk about seniority!” 

Qiao Tianya said, “It can’t be helped. Everyone at the top and bottom is watching.” 

As the four of them ate and chatted, the door on the other side opened. The maidservants entered and exited with serving trays in hands. 

Shen Zechuan was drenched in sweat after being embraced by Xiao Chiye for the entire night. The rashes on his neck had not gone away.