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Chapter Text

Xue Yang knew what sort of a man he was. He understood his shortcomings and he understood his very mediocre prospects.

He was the last remaining representative of his house and the estate he owned wasn’t a big or a lavish one.

The only relative he could rely on was his one cousin on his mother’s side - Mo Xuanyu - which was more than Xue Yang expected given how quickly his family numbers had dwindled. His mother had passed away giving birth to his younger sister that perished within the fortnight. His father had died a few years later when his son was barely of age and being an only child himself couldn’t offer any more benefits or connections after his passing.

His son couldn’t complain too much of his hand in life though. His relationship with Xuanyu was more brotherly than anything. The boys had grown up close to each other since early age.

Jin Guangyao was a close friend as well, being the other cousin of Mo Xuanyu, and since their age was the same Xue Yang had granted himself the friendships of both Yu Lina and Jiang Wanyin. The former being the one he shared his more sarcastic and cynical point of view and the later being the one he shared his more humorous and mischievous side.

Those two friendships granted him the kind treatment of Jiang Yanli who was always polite and sweet and Wei Wuxian’s who had joined him on a few of his less than stellar childhood shenanigans.

Xue Yang didn’t consider himself a highly respectable or desirable person but he considered himself fortunate enough to be liked for his true character instead for maintaining propriety through pretense.

Sadly, however free he felt to express himself truthfully he couldn’t deny it made him very ineligible. If he had been wealthy his character wouldn’t have been considered so lacking. If he had a better character his lack of grand fortune would have the chance to be overlooked. Yet he was one very mouthy, very abrasive and very direct individual with a good estate but not enough to be forgiven.

That was only one more reason for him to further his friendship with Yu Lina. They had found themselves in more or less the same situation. Their characters did not answer the expectations favorably and none of them could claim to be truly wealthy even if their connections were nothing to scoff at.

They enjoyed joking about it with each other even if their respective cousins didn’t enjoy that humorous approach. Both Mo Xuanyu and Jiang Cheng demanded that both Xue Yang and Yu Lina had options and were not supposed to give up on their prospects. The sentiment even though not shared was highly appreciated.

Xue Yang was aware that Yu Lina had her affections set on Nie Zonghui and considered him unattainable. It was only one more thing that they shared. Because Xue Yang had himself set his eyes on none other than one of the king’s personal advisors: Song Zichen.

The irony was that Zichen was more or less as wealthy as Xue Yang himself but he was a war hero and so highly regarded by the king that Xue Yang couldn’t even dream about a possibility for his feeling to be reciprocated.  Of course, the other issue was that Song Lan had more or less the opposite character. He was quiet and stoic, and honest, and honorable… His office gave him an inevitable air of superiority that he did not intend to gain but nonetheless wore with humility. It didn’t help that he was exceptionally handsome which had led to a great amount of times when Xue Yang had had to glare at him to mask his appreciative staring.

It had somehow progressed into an animosity that Xue Yang had entered only for the excuse it gave him to engage Song Lan in conversations.

That was until he observed the attention Song Lan delegated to another of the king’s advisors - a man that had joined the ranks a little prior to the start of the season: Xiao Xingchen.

If anyone asked what type of a person Xingchen was Xue Yang would say he was the closest a man could get to Jiang Yanli. Xingchen was approachable, polite, kind and open minded. The few times Xue Yang had engaged him in conversation Xiao Xingchen didn’t reprimand him for his rough manner of speech or the jabs he threw around. On the contrary, the man had laughed and only shushed Xue Yang so his words would not be heard by those they were directed at.

Even if Xue Yang wanted to be jealous of Xiao Xingchen for Song Lan’s affections it proved futile. Xue Yang liked the white clad man too much to feel any sort of hatred towards him.

It also didn’t seem like Xingchen harbored any sort of feelings towards anyone and treated Song Lan just the same way he treated Xue Yang himself.

Therefore when Xingchen declared his eligibility and Song Zichen seemed quietly interested in pursuing him, Xue Chengmei decided to partake in the race. He was aware his chances were terribly slim but he presumed the rivalry would grant him more opportunities to spend time with Song Lan. And even if at the end Song Lan managed to win Xingchen over, Xue Yang would step aside with no hard feelings or dissatisfaction since he would have been granted his own try.

He understood that using Xingchen this way was less than kind or fair but the option for Xingchen to develop feelings for him had never even crossed Chengmei’s mind.

So much so that it had been Yu Lina that had pointed it out. It served to change nothing at all in Xue Yang’s plan.

Lina didn’t try to discourage him. Instead she found it in herself to warn him:

“Just as long as you’re careful to hurt neither them nor yourself. Mind it, your convictions might prove wrong.”

Xue Yang had tried to laugh but she had read right through the pretence. The expectation he would be the only one hurt was left unaddressed.

Chapter Text

Xiao Xingchen was not really a man for mischief. But he was not really a man, not for it.

He was not one to meddle but he was not one to not meddle either.

He knew very well that at times both could be insensitive, terrible, hurtful even. But he also knew that sometimes they were exactly what was required.

To say Xiao Xingchen was a vain person though would’ve been a dreadful lie. He was not opposed at all to the attention he was given and was mostly pleased at how well he was received at his new employment and at court but he was in no way relying on flattery to uplift himself.

He had declared his eligibility because his mother wished he would do it but she also didn’t pressure him into marrying before he found love so he wasn’t at all against doing as she wished.

Still, he had no plans to wed at the time and even if there were indeed some people whose presence he enjoyed in the ton, he was yet to feel anything more than platonic interest.

He was also bright enough to notice when he was approached with intentions that were decisively not romantic even if by some reason they were made to seem such. That was what helped him read the truth behind Xue Yang’s advances. Not that he shared it with the man himself. Xingchen could also read exactly where Xie Yang’s affections lied and could understand the other’s real intentions.

Zichen was another, much more complicated matter though.

Because Zichen was guarded with his feelings. It was not that he lacked them. Xiao XIngchen actually presumed his emotions were more so turbulent than not and that was what had made the man train in stoicism. He had to control himself. It was most likely one of the requirements for his employment.

Song Lan was also a veteran from the war and whatever he had seen there seemed to have stayed with him because he obviously disliked conflict. Whenever someone started talking to him in a less than polite manner, Song Lan ended the conversation and removed himself. He didn’t rise up to challenges of any sort and those were not that unlikely since there were indeed people who wanted to take up his place in service to the crown.

Xiao XIngchen knew many people respected Zichen and many people admired him but the numbers of those who wanted his position for themselves were even larger. The man in white had heard people trying to get a rise out of Zichen. He had heard people speak to him in mock politeness. He had seen people disregard him or ignore him in an effort to compromise him. None of those things managed to move him. ZIchen remained completely unaffected.

The more XIngchen learned about him the more he realised that Zichen could actually deal with these people with one hand tied and needed all his self control to hold back.

The only people that managed to get Song Lan out of his shell were his fellow advisors and Ye Baiyi, of course. In their presence Song Lan took the mask off and let his true character seep through. He did it so often that it became obvious what sort of a person he actually was. One only had to pay a little attention.

Xiao XIngchen was paying that attention. He saw. Song Lan had a dry sense of humor and a lot of scepticism. He was not really witty like Hei Xiazi but he was smart and he never held back his retorts. He was not as vividly kind as Shen Wei but no one he cared about would miss his affection because he was obvious with it if not lavish. Song Lan noticed things and catalogued them for later use.

Xiao Xingchen himself was subjected to that treatment a bit after he was employed at the court when he was still not very familiar with the required etiquette. It was Song Lan that had given him a short overview of what he should and shouldn’t do.

Song Lan was certainly not as fiercely competent and prepared as Zhou Zhishu  but he was dutiful and diligent and always present when he was needed. He was one of the most steady people at court and just as much trustworthy.

All in all Xiao Xingchen wanted to make friends and from what he had seen so far Song Lan was a splendid choice. Not simply for his connections or position but because he was a good man with a good character even if he demanded to hide it behind the exterior of a brick wall.

That was the main reason Xingchen allowed Song Lan to give courting him a try even if he doubted it would lead to anything further than friendship. He did like his fellow advisor but there was no spark between them whatsoever and he had the feeling he was being approached only because he seemed like a good option.

Xingchen made sure to explicitly state he had no particular desire to marry. He was adamant to point there was barely any hope for the courtship to end up in a positive way and therefore no promises could be offered.

It was rather particular how Zichen reacted to that statement. He didn’t seem saddened, disheartened or disappointed. He nodded in understanding, a tiny smile on his lips.

“I ask for a chance. From that point onwards we would see whether it would work or not.”

Xingchen had felt relieved at that but still a bit bewildered.

Not because he wanted Song Lan to be in love with him. He doubted there would be any probability for such feelings so early in their acquaintance. But it bothered him still and he paid even more attention to the advisor just so to solve the riddle of his behaviour.

That solution presented itself in a rather unexpected manner.

Xiao Xingchen got to see Song Lan in the presence of Xue Yang.

They shared no more than three sentences but the brick wall exterior was shattered as if by a wrecking ball. Whatever jabs were thrown at him Zichen returned them. His emotions and reactions were open. It lasted just a few minutes but it was so jarring that Xiao Xingchen couldn’t help but stare.

It took him a little time to make the decision but when Xue Yang came to speak with him it formed and took roots.

Song Lan wasn’t going to waste Xingchen’s time on purpose. Song Lan was indeed going to lose it by engaging in a futile courtship but he was not aware of its futility at all.

Worse even, Xue Yang wasn’t aware of that futility either.

Maybe they needed a little help to make it obvious to them…

Xiao Xingchen was not a meddling person, he wasn’t a particularly mischievous person and he didn’t presume he knew better than others. But in this very situation he felt like some meddling and mischievousness were in store. And he did indeed know better.

So much better.

There was one issue though. He was more or less a newcomer to the ton. He barely knew anyone and he was a little bit at a loss where to turn to if he ended up in the requirement of some assistance.

Before he even realised what he might need help with he was presented with the solution from both sides.

He had never before heard of someone being referred to as the queen of chaperons but when he met her and spoke with her he became certain she was indeed the answer to all of his needs.

*

Accepting both the courtship of Song Zichen and Xue Chengmei wasn’t very hard for Xingchen. His mother approved both but expressed high doubts he would end up with either.

“Song Zichen is highly respected and regarded by the king. Some men at the ton dislike him because he attracts a lot of attention to himself and therefore away from them. He takes a lot of less than savory quips in perfect stride. He seems like a very good choice but I do not see you as more than friends.”

“How come, mother?” - lifted his eyebrows the young man.

Baoshan Sanren had given him a particular look above her reading glasses.

“You are a softhearted romantic. You are the type to swoon over grand gestures of love. Song Zichen is a steady man who wouldn’t offer you that because he would be doubtful of it. He is not as pure hearted as you are.”

“What about Xue Yang?”

The woman smiled at her son.

“Chengmei is a storm in a bottle. Very bright, very active, very mobile and very unwillingly contained. He is anything but naive or pure hearted. He has both his legs so firmly on the ground you’d think he bears the weight of a whole castle. He wouldn’t give you any romance either because he is already sold elsewhere.”

Xingchen was not ashamed at how large his eyes became at his mother’s declaration.

“You know?”

“My boy! While you had spent all that extensive time studying I spent time observing the ton where you would enter with your eligibility in hand. Of course I know where Xue Yang’s eyes linger and where he goes to act as the most insufferable little puck. I’ve also seen how his shenanigans never fail to bring forth their desired outcome. I do not understand why these two boys would rather go for you instead of simply talking to each other in anything but jabs… Maybe I am just too old and too straightforward. Maybe while they court you you will have the chance to find out their reasons.”

The young man lifted his eyebrows coyly.

“Are you suggesting I meddle?”

His mother blinked unimpressed.

“Are you suggesting I do not know how much you want to? I just called you a softhearted romantic. You are dying to see those two ride off towards the sunset together.”

“I doubt I am the only one.”

“Who do you have in mind?”

“When they pledged their courtships I asked them who would chaperone because I am not familiar with anyone. Since you’re so well versed in the ton, could you guess who they pointed at?”

Baoshan Sanren huffed. She rolled her eyes as elegantly as humanly possible.

“If Yu Lina agrees to chaperone for the two of them she would risk her reputation.”

“She told me her - as she called it - magic only works on couples who are meant to be so she sees no issue with doing as requested.”

“Ah!” - exclaimed the lady. - “So she knows more than she lets on.”

“Isn’t that only natural? She’s one of Xue Yang’s closest friends.”

“I would say that the two boys are very obvious but I know how few are the people who actually look and how few are those who notice and how further fewer are those who use their brains to form a proper conclusion… I would presume she could be a valuable ally if you decide to be an extensive romantic and use your dual courtship for the greater good.”

“I hope to gain some friends along the way, mother. Wouldn’t that please you?”

“If you happen to have some innocent fun while making sure it harms no one I’d say it would.”

*

The one thing that Xiao Xingchen considered vital in his quest was to be very transparent and honest. Accept at sharing his decision to meddle, of course.

His intention was to tell both his suitors that they were not the only one.

Xue Yang as the second contender was delivered the information straight away and he surprised Xingchen by telling him he was aware.

“ZIchen told me.” - said simply the man when asked how he knew.

His tone was so flat and displeased Xingchen had to hold back his laughter.

It was only afterwards that he sat down to reconsider and realise what the reason for that particular delivery coming from a very outspoken person actually was. It made Xingchen lose all his humour.

Xue Yang was perfectly blinded to the way Song Lan treated him and what it actually meant.

Xiangchen was itching to act as quickly as he could and it was only his mother’s profound judgement of his desire that managed to derail him.

“You have only met them a few weeks ago! How do you presume to convince them to believe your words? You do not know their history and their reasons. Do not rush!”

Instead he decided to go and execute his decided-upon transparency and tell Song Lan he would not be the only one courting him.

The problem of course was that he had to do it in the presence of a chaperone. He couldn’t just go to a man who declared courtship without a third party.

Well, technically he could and most likely no one would know but Xingchen wanted to give the impression he was taking all this seriously.

Therefore he wrote to Song Lan and Yu Lina with a request for a meeting at the park in the same afternoon.

It was not even lunch when Song Lan sent his acceptance note. Yu Lina was slower in confirming but she did send her own note nonetheless.

“Son, keep in mind this girl is bright.” - told him his mother before he left. - “If you find yourself in a need of help, I would say you should give her a chance. I would presume she would like to assist her friend in procuring the man he wants. She’s also a proper option for a friend. Humorous, from a good family, I am very fond of her grandmother. We always have the best chats.”

Xingchen nodded enthusiastically to his mother, not bothering with an answer besides a peck on the cheek and left in a hurry, wishing to be the first to come.

When he reached the part of the park where he was supposed to meet the other two he was surprised to see Yu Lina already dismounting her horse in a very peculiar manner. She was riding a lady saddle and instead of seeking any assistance she just slid off the side, landing softly on her feet as if she was born doing that same thing.

She patted the animal, whispered something to it and swung its reins over a tree branch before approaching.

“Good day!” - she greeted with a small smile. - “You’re here early.”

“Good day to you too as well, Yu-gunyang.” - bowed politely Xingchen. - “I thought I was supposed to. Since I requested this meeting.”

“Well…” - she shook her head, smile not leaving her lips, eyes twinkling. - “As a chaperone I am the one supposed to come early so the courting parties are not left alone.”

“Shouldn’t we avoid being together by ourselves?” - frowned the young man wondering why he never thought about it before.

She giggled in such a way that if they had seen and heard it, the more rigid followers of the appropriate etiquette would’ve been scandalized.

“I am a chaperone, Xiao-ye.” - she pointed out humorously. - “Maybe the most common one among the younger people in the ton. No one would presume you are interested in courting me. But even if I wasn’t employed in that particular way, we would’ve still been perfectly safe. I am considered more or less of a spinster already. I am the perfect representative of a woman with no prospects but good connections. No one wants to marry me but no one wants to displease me either so they do not actually call me spinster to my face and only mutter it loud enough for me to hear by mistake. I promise you. There is nothing more entertaining than the face of a gossiper who was caught calling me unsightly unwise of my immediate presence.”

Xiao Xingchen frowned at the declaration and asked utterly bewildered

“Why would you be considered unsightly?”

“Because I am not rich enough to excuse my lack of beauty and not beautiful enough to excuse my lack of wealth.”

“Yu-gunyang also has the habit of being way too witty for her critics.” - pointed out a firm low voice from the side

“Ah, Song-ye, you flatter me.” - chuckled the woman displaying one hasty but still very elegant curtsy. - “I hope you would refrain from wasting all the sweet talk on me.”

Song Lan bowed so none of the other two could see the smile on his face.

“I am in a good mood today so I will not be very bothersome.” - pointed out Lina in a cheery tone.

“We are much obliged to you.” - deadpanned Zichen and she hid her laughter behind her fan.

“I take it you have something to discuss together so I will walk a few steps behind you. Do keep in mind that I do not take my task lightly and would keep an eye on you.”

Zichen bowed again while Xiao Xingchen was recovering from the surprise that declaration left him in. He knew Lina was Xue Yang’s friend. Wasn’t she much more interested in procuring for her friend what he desired instead of assisting Song Lan in courting another man?

But when they took the first steps of a slow trek on one of the alleys, XIngchen thought that she couldn’t and most likely wouldn’t sabotage them. That would get Xue Yang nothing at all besides the displeasure of Song Lan. Either way this was their first official outing within courtship so perhaps it was enough for Lina that she was present and had the opportunity to observe.

“You wanted to tell me something.” - spoke up ZIchen when the silence dragged.

“Indeed.” - woke up from his reverie the other. - “I do not want to be deceiving or to seem like that. I am aware that courtship doesn’t necessarily mean an attachment and as long as there is no engagement I am free to allow others to approach me. But I accepted your courtship officially and feel that I have to let you know you are not the only one who has expressed their desire for the same treatment.”

Song Lan hummed to show he was listening. Nothing in his behaviour gave away what he was thinking on the matter so Xingchen wasn’t sure what to think himself.

He had begun though so he went on:

“I have allowed that second courtship as well. I was honest with you when I told you that currently I harbour no special feelings for anyone at all. I have told the other person the same thing as well. That is the reason I considered it acceptable to be courted by two men at the same time. I have also informed the second person that I have agreed to your offer and he expressed no particular dissatisfaction with the competition between you.”

“Very well.” - muttered Zichen, voice calm and controlled, no emotions lingering there whatsoever.

XIngchen went on:

“I would give the both of you an equal chance. I do not intend to be unfair or unjust. I didn’t even withhold from him that I didn’t enter eligibility with the goal to marry the same year. I was clear my intention was to enter matrimony only when I find the appropriate partner for myself. It might not be either of you but I am not opposed to getting to know both of you better.”

Zichen didn’t say anything to that. He made no sound whatsoever.

“I hope you aren’t disappointed and understand my reasoning.” - pointed out Xingchen carefully.

“Indeed.” - nodded Song Lan with a tiny smile. - “You were very clear when you told me that a courtship doesn’t guarantee anything. I have no objection. It is your decision whether to accept a second courtship or not.”

“I also believe you should be informed exactly who that person is. I have already told him about you as well.”

The apprehension on Xingchen’s face made Song Lan frown but he agreed.

“I would know even if you do not tell me but I’d much rather if I learn it from you.”

Xingchen tossed a look at Yu Lina, walking slowly behind them. She wasn’t looking at them but he had the feeling she was not at all distracted.

He lifted his voice just marginally so to make sure she heard him:

“The second man that expressed his interest in me Is Xue Chengmei.”

Song Zichen stopped on his tracks as if he was suddenly turned into a stone statue. His calm and serene expression was nowhere to be found anymore. His eyes turned stormy and he clenched his teeth. He looked as if he was almost angry.

Xiao Xingchen could see in his periphery the very intrigued measuring look of Yu Lina directed towards the advisor.

“Xue Yang?’ - questioned Song Zichen with a voice full of tension.

“Yes.” - nodded the man in white not offering any excuse or explanation.

He didn’t ask Song Lan whether he minded. He didn’t ask Song Lan for permission or agreement again. The man in black himself did not comment at all. He only tossed a look at the woman behind them.

“Did you know?”

She shook her head, eyes piercingly, defiantly set on the other’s black ones.

“No! I knew of the intention not of its execution or acceptance.”

“But you’ll chaperone for them?”

She shrugged almost innocently.

“I see no reason not to. I am doing it for the two of you, aren’t I?”

Song Lan’s face didn’t have the time to express his emotions before Xiao Xingchen grabbed the opportunity that presented itself.

“Or maybe the three of us could meet together without the need of a chaperone?”

For a brief second there was impenetrable silence. Then Lina erupted in a laughter so loud it got her a few startled judgmental looks from the other people around the park.

“I must admit I find your suggested solution most clever, Xiao-ye.” - she said giddily. - “But there is no chance for me to leave you all alone. I am not so charitable to pass on such entertainment.”

“You think I’ll agree?” - questioned Song Lan skeptically when he finally found his voice again.

“I think I have seen enough courtships to know how you should treat the person you court and fulfilling their wishes is by far one of the most common patterns of behaviour. Of course, you are no common sort of a man, neither is Xue Yang  and I am now much inclined to think Xiao-ye here is also far from that. But which one of you has enough experience or knowledge of courtship to go against the most widely used approaches?”

“You think I’d like to have Xue Yang present when I meet Xiao-ye?” - asked the advisor even more skeptically.

She gave him a bright smile to which he almost pouted.

“I think you know Xue Yang. And I think you are also aware that this suggestion Xiao-ye offered would reach his ears.”

“Only if you tell him.”

“Didn’t Xiao Xingchen say it himself?” - smiled even wider Yu Lina and Song Lan sighed audiably. - “He wishes for transparency and equality between his two suitors. I would only share this information for the sake of that.”

Zichen gave the woman one very tired but not unkind gaze.

“Yu Lina, make sure to marry as soon as you can.”

“We both know it’s impossible… Still I am inclined to ask you why.”

“A husband would keep you busy.”

She giggled and patted him on the arm lightly.

“Chaperoning does that very well so you shouldn’t worry. Also you can go on with your walk. Give a start to your proper courtship before it becomes a bit more overcrowded and a lot more interesting for me.”

Xiao Xingchen couldn’t help but laugh at the exchange.

“Shall we?” - asked Song Lan after a few shakes of his head towards the woman.

“Indeed. You can tell me about the approaching balls since I would obviously have to prepare now that I am absolutely incapable of not attending.”

The two men turned back towards the path and took off. Behind them Lina opened her fan to hide the smile her measuring gaze was accompanied by.

Xiao Xingchen tossed her a meaningful look behind his back hoping she would understand. He was inclined to think she did.

Chapter Text

“I do not think this is a very wise decision.” - pointed out Mo Xuanyu, voice careful and measured but no less frank than usual.

“Which part?” - questioned Xue Yang as if he was speaking of the weather.

He knew all there was to know about his idea and he had already told himself every single thing that could go wrong. He was aware thought that he would have to suffer through his cousin’s listing as well.

“I do not like the fact that you’re using Xiao Xingchen to get closer to Song Lan.”

“I have given him no promises and I didn’t express anything more than simple interest. He isn’t dying to have me either, so I do not think you should worry.”

“But I think I should because you haven’t told him you’ve already set your eyes elsewhere.”

Xue Yang huffed in such a manner a few of the other people taking a stroll in the park turned around to give him a bewildered look. He offered them one of his wide demonstrative smiles that failed to reach his eyes.

“Shall we be very honest about this little matter? I do not have any chance to impress Xiao Xingchen. He is a very sweet and kind person who knows barely anyone. This is one of the ways to gain more connections and presumably win over a few friends. He has no feelings for me and he won’t develop any because I am everything but his type… Well, I don’t think there is anyone so unfortunate to have me as their type so my point stands. I will not fall for him for obvious reasons so there won’t be any issue either.”

“What if Xiao Xingchen falls for Song-ye? What if Song-ye answers those feelings?”

Xue Yang gave his cousin one very pointed look.

“Xuanyu, that is not a problem.”

“How is that not a problem, you utter fool?” - whisper shouted Mo-ye. - “Are you willing to give up the man you love so easily?”

Chengmei rolled his eyes in the most unbecoming way he could.

“I cannot give him up because there is nothing to give up. Zichen doesn’t give a damn about me and we’re both very well aware of that.”

“Then what is this whole charade about?”

“Last resort?” - shrugged Xue Yang. - “I am willing to try one last time before I finally accept the impossibility. I also like to give courting a try. It’s not like I would have any other chance.”

“You do not know that!” - raised his voice Xuanyu.

He hated that topic and he hated how often they needed to discuss it.

“You remember how I presumed I would not have any options, don’t you? Look at me now! I am getting married in a few months!”

Xue Yang pointedly held back from calling the other naive but his gaze gave it away so well as if he had spoken up.

“Are you comparing your character with mine? Are you really comparing your character with mine?”

“You can try and behave a little…” - chastised him softly Xuanyu.

Chengmei laughed so loudly and boisterously that it won them another bout of questioning looks.

“And what? Pretend my whole life? Play a role till the end of my days? Who would believe me though? People here already know me. That’s why I went for Xingchen - he doesn’t. And this is the very reason I’m certain he won’t develop any feelings for me. Soon enough he would be told how terrible an option I am so he would pull away but till then I’m going to indulge a little.”

Mo Xuanyu stopped in his tracks to face his cousin.

“I do not want you to do anything that would harm your reputation so I do appreciate that you have no intentions of playing around with Xiao-ye’s feelings. But I am much more afraid that you would end up hurting yourself more than you already do. I don’t like seeing that.”

Xue Yang shrugged and grabbed his cousins’ elbow to move him along.

“You can always try to close your eyes. Or even better - go to Huaisang, he is sure to find a way to distract you.”

“Why?” - questioned with vivid displeasure the other. - “You’re doing great at distracting me yourself. I am currently willing to let you break your own heart and maybe your head too.”

“See?” - chuckled Xue-ye. - “it’s not so hard to allow me to do whatever I want. Also, rest assured you’re not the only one who warned me of possibly hurting myself.”

“Lina doesn’t count!” - muttered petulantly Xuanyu. - “She’s hardly any different than you!”

“She’s got better manners!” - argued merrily Chengmei.

It was Mo Xuanyu’s turn to release a huff that made a few people give them startled looks.

“Only when she wants to.”

“Not that it has brought her any luck. Why would it bring me?”

The other didn’t answer. The only thing he did was sigh heavily and let his lips downturn.

“Oh, don’t give me that look!” - muttered Xue Yang. - “I have to return you in a good mood or Huaisang would have my head. And that is an accessory I’d like to keep in my possession.”

“Are you afraid of him?” - chuckled his cousin.

“Honestly? No! But I am aware that if I end up displeasing Huaisang there would be Nie Mingjue and even worse - Nie Zonghui to deal with me.”

“You think Zonghui-ge would be worse?”

“Oh, I do. I am perfectly positive!”

“How come?” - questioned Xuanyu, eyes back to their usual brightness.

Chengmei congratulated himself before answering:

“I know Lina and I trust her taste.”

It made his cousin laugh so merrily Xue Yang was sure his head would stay in place.

*

Chengmei understood that he had placed himself in a rather particular situation. He knew there was no chance for him to develop any romantic feelings for the man he had chosen to court. He did feel guilty about it but he had already begun the game and he couldn’t back away now.

He also understood that the way he had positioned himself he risked becoming a witness to Song Lan falling in love with another man which admittedly had the potential to hurt tremendously. Yet Xue Yang couldn’t fool himself either. If it was not Xiao Xingchen it would inevitably be somebody else and he would still have to see it with his own very eyes.

The worst part was that he had no plan, no idea how to approach courtship, what to do, how to do it. He didn’t even know who to ask because just as much as he didn’t know he didn’t want to admit it.

Even more so: if he ever addressed it with someone he risked it reaching his cousin and Xuanyu would only worry, nag, worry some more and end up involving his fiance. The last thing Chengmei wanted was the perceptive and coy Nie Huaisang sticking his proverbial nose in this particular matter.

Not because Huaisang would be unkind, would chastise and criticize him or would mock him. No, Huaisang would go on analyzing and then planning which was a problem in and of itself. Because Huaisang’s plans always involved other people and wouldn’t that make things even more humiliating.

Xue-ye was aware of how pathetic he was. He had gone and fallen for the most unattainable of men. It was enough that Lina knew, he didn’t want anyone else to realise it. He had worked hard to make it seem there was only animosity between him and Zichen.

Since it couldn’t be helped Xue Yang had to accept he was reduced once again to that one thing he usually relied on: improvisation. Sometimes he wondered whether that habit of his was not the source of most of his problems.

*

Even if Xue Yang had barely any ideas how to approach courting he was aware there was a saving grace even for those like him. It came in the face of the annual events of the season that allowed those who had interest in each other to meet, to mingle and even to dance if they were up to it.

Xue Yang usually wasn’t. Not because he was a poor dancer. Quietly on the contrary, his teacher had always praised him for his natural talent and ability to hold a conversation even while following the most complicated of steps. The issue in his case was that he doubted his invitations would be ever accepted or even welcomed so he abstained.

Lina thought had promised to dance with him when she joined the marriage market. It was one of the reasons he didn’t really approve of all the rigid rules for those who were yet to debut and he had expressed it many times rather loudly.

There had even been an occasion in which he discussed it with the king himself and Ye Baiyi had spent a good few minutes chuckling merrily at Xue Yang’s rather sarcastic remarks.

“I do not wish those who aren’t ready to join the market to be bothered.” - explained at some point the king, voice kind and not at all offended.

Xue Yang - tossing a look at Wen Qing - had begrudgingly agreed it was a good idea. He was aware she kept herself outside of the market only because she understood her position. Many men thought that if they married her they would manage to get their grubby hands on the second Wen estate even if it already belonged to Wen Qionglin. There were people in the ton that seemed to believe he was easy to manipulate and would never deny anything to his sister and by extension - her husband.

“It’s a proper excuse, I guess.” - pointed out Chengmei in the end. - “I know someone who likes to use it.”

Ye Baiyi had offered him another chuckle for his effort in humoring him.

“I hope I have defended my decision well before such a tough crowd as you, Xue-ye.”

Chengmei had used all his rarely displayed elegance to bow to the king all the while pretending to not notice Song Lan at the monarch’s side.

“I say what I think and I say it as it is.” - he pointed out simply. - “I hope you understand I do not mean offence by it. Either way no man is without fault and however great he might be a king is but a man.”

Ye Baiyi placed a hand on Yue Yang’s shoulder with a smile.

“Indeed, I am but a man and I am not without faults or mistakes. Neither are you. But being honest with me and speaking your mind isn’t one.”

Xue Yang had bowed once again. That was why he didn’t see the piercing, probing, questioning gaze Zichen gave him before remembering to turn around and follow the monarch.

*

Xue Yang did prepare for the annual Lan ball. He even put his clothes on and was this close to leaving when his presence was requested in the stables. If there was anything that Xue Yang loved besides Song Lan, Mo Xuanyu and his friends, it was his horses.

*

Song Lan didn’t particularly enjoy the balls but he didn’t mind them enough to miss them even if the king had offered he did.

Song Lan simply didn’t see the point of his own participation besides standing next to Ye Baiyi to assure his safety.

This time though things were different. Not that he presumed he would enjoy himself more but he was in the middle of an official courtship and one of its usual sides was partaking in all the annual events and spending them together. Of course that meant he risked spending time with Xue Yang as well but it seemed inevitable so ZIchen wasn’t going to complain or regret it.

Song Lan had even solved years ago the one real issue he had with formal events: the necessity to choose a proper outfit. Ever since he began dressing solely in black, he ceased experiencing any of the torment others spoke about. He presumed one of the reasons Hei Xiazi and Nie Zonghui completed what was informally known as “The black triad” was much the same as his. Ye Baiyi and Xiao Xingchen probably had similar ideas behind dressing mostly in white but the necessity to stand out had made the king wear a lot of silver as well.

This time around Zichen did his best to at least choose better cut attire. He felt that if he didn’t it would mean disrespect for the man he was courting and even if he was admittedly not in love with Xingchen, Song Lan didn’t wish to neglect or mistreat him.

*

Xiao Xingchen was looking forward to his first ball in the ton mainly because he understood it would tell him a lot about the people he would spend his time surrounded with. Zichen had informed him what he could expect from a Lan event and Xingchen liked the concept well enough. He appreciated structure and clarity, he appreciated elegant simplicity and he even more so appreciated the fact that he wouldn’t have to sit between people he had never met before.

There was another positive for him and that was the fact he was part of the king’s entourage. It meant he was already in Zichen’s company when they entered and Zichen was attentive enough to give him whispered introductions to most of the main guests. The descriptions were a little dry and not always humorous but Xingchen appreciated highly both their brevity and clarity. Even if it made him wonder what Xue Yang would’ve said if he had been beside them.

It was only when they sat at the table and managed to toss Mo Xuanyu a look that both men realised Chengmei wasn’t present at all. Xiao Xingchen gave a quick glance to Song Lan to gauge his reaction.

The usually stern and controlled face was obviously displeased, a frown curling the man in black’s forehead. In the depths of his dark, dark eyes Xiao Xingchen read something akin to disappointment and he wondered whether Song Lan was even aware of it.

“He should’ve been here.” - pointed out Zichen with profound dissatisfaction in his voice. - “He declared his courtship of you publicly so he cannot neglect you.”

“Perhaps he has a reason. Maybe he isn’t very well with the Lan family?”

“He is well received here. Lan Xichen’s husband is one of his close friends. He’s even respectful with Lan Qiren because of that.”

“Then there must be another reason.” - shrugged Xingchen simply.

He had a little bit of mixed feelings. On one hand he regretted that he would miss an interaction between Zichen and Chengmei and therefore he wouldn’t be able neither to observe nor to meddle. On the other hand he felt that Song Lan’s vivid displeasure was not as much on his behalf but more so because he was actually disappointed he wouldn’t see Xue Yang that night.

“You don’t understand!” - pointed out the man in black taking his company out of the reverie. - “It is an unwritten rule to attend the annual events when you’re courting. He is slighting you. It’s like he is telling the ton that you aren’t worth his sincere efforts. It is basically an offence.”

Xingchen stared at the other’s frown and his eyes, still roaming the room as if Xue Yang would somehow crawl out under the table to declare his absence solely a part of an elaborate jest. Zichen’s previously bright eyes had turned dull and whatever good mood he possessed had evaporated. He didn’t go on with his tirade and his distracted state for the rest of the dinner cemented Xiao-ye’s presumption his new friend was not really displeased on his behalf. If he had been, he would've done everything in his power to make Xingchen feel better. He would’ve gone on talking to him to take his mind away from the imaginary slight. He would’ve tried to engage him in a conversation with some of their other companions around the table. He would’ve even asked him how he liked the event so far. But no. Zichen had closed off in his own mind, doubtlessly rolling there the thought of what had made Xue Yang act like that.

Song Lan did try to be a better company when they went to see the fireworks display but Xingchen could tell it was a draining effort. He appreciated it though and tried to serve himself as a distraction for his displeased friend.

It worked only so much.

Because when they entered the Gusu dance hall Zichen made a beeline towards Yu Lina, bowed with a hasty politeness and asked her quietly:

“Do you happen to know what has kept Xue Yang from attending this event while he is officially in the middle of a courtship?”

Lina’s face fell at the accusatory notes in Song Lan’s voice.

“I do not know.” - she said softly - both to him and to Xiao Xingchen.

Song Lan lifted his eyebrows almost disbelievingly.

“He didn’t tell you?”

She sighed and moved closer to Zichen, patting soothingly the arm of Gu Xiang who was accompanying her in the absence of her brother at the ball and was currently becoming somewhat alarmed.

“I know he planned to come.” - clarified Ye-gunyang. - “He told me so himself. He had never missed it before. I am sure he has a reason.”

Song Lan gave her a long measuring look. It was not that he presumed Yu Lina would lie to him but she was Xue Yang’s closest friend.

“Would Mo Xuanyu know?”

“I don’t think so. He asked me the same thing you just did while we dined.”

Zichen gave her a nod but he still didn’t seem convinced.

“You don’t look worried.”

It turned her gaze exasperated and mildly offended.

“Song-ye, I do not think you can read minds. I am worried but I see no reason to bother the other guests with my particular feelings. What I know is that if there was a serious matter we would’ve been notified so far. But if you are worried you can go and see for yourself what had kept Xue Yang away. I know I will in the morning.”

“You’ll wait till then?”

The exasperation in the grayish-blue eyes turned helpless.

“Song Lan, I never thought I would have to remind you of this but I am a woman. Even one so unpleasant and unattractive as me would be a fool to ride alone in the middle of the night. Neither would I expect you to go see for yourself right now because I understand your circumstances. You cannot leave the king and you cannot leave Xiao-ye either. So I presume we’re both obliged to wait.”

Zichen blinked a few times at her words as if they served to wake him up.

“You are right.” - he nodded, face solemn. - “This was unbecoming of me. I apologize.”

She released a long sigh but when she spoke again her voice was unexpectedly both gentle and kind:

“I do take offence to the presumption that I do not care for my friends. And I am not even going to tell you that your opinion of me is irrelevant. Still, I appreciate the fact that you care as well. Whatever your reason for that, I appreciate it. Yet, I must request you do not jump into conclusions without obtaining all the facts.”

He bowed at her words and repeated his apology.

She shared a very pointed look with Xiao Xingchen above Song Lan’s lowered head.

Before leaving alongside Gu Xiang who had witnessed the scene with no particular understanding and very unexpected patience, Yu Lina accepted Zichen’s apology and shared another meaningful look with the man in white.

Walking away she pulled Jiang Cheng’s sleeve to whisper in his ear:

“We’ll visit Xue Yang before we return home tonight.”

Her cousin gave her a nod and a reassuring smile. It only helped so much.

She was so lost in her own mind that she barely felt how a figure in black slid next to her:

“What was that about?” - asked Nie Zonghui in his most nonchalant voice.

“Xue Yang.” - she answered briefly, not in the mood for an extended dialogue.

Zonghui hummed in understanding.

“For someone who fights with him any time they meet, Zichen is surely much too invested.” - pointed out the man. - “Maybe he enjoys it?”

Lina lifted her face to give Zonghui a wide-eyed look. The half smile he answered with was utterly devastating.

*

Song Lan didn’t wish to be unjust and didn’t wish to roll in his own assumptions. He did his best to offer Xiao Xingchen a good time at the Lan ball, he did his best to keep a close eye on the king as well but when it was all over and Ye Baiyi was safely in the palace, the man in black got on his horse and took off.

If he had to wake Xue Yang up to get an explanation, so be it.

Chapter Text

Xiao Xingchen ended up having a good time at the Lan annual ball, even though his hopes had been higher for sure. Still, when he saw Song Lan leave the palace right after escorting the king, the advisor couldn’t hold back both his smile and his regret.

He knew he would miss one very interesting turn of events and hoped he would manage to at least extract the intel later.

*

“We will be taking a detour.” - said Jiang Cheng to Nie Mingjue while walking towards their carriages.

“Of course!” - nodded lord Nie. - “You need to take Gu-gunyang home.”

“And then we need to go check on Xue Yang as well.” - pointed out Jiang Cheng.

Nie Mingjue turned around to give a look at Yu Lina only to spot his cousin doing just the same.

“Is it something Zichen said?” - questioned Zonghui.

Lina offered no comment but a clear, bright voice at her side supplied with no failure:

“Song-ye said Lina-jie seemed to not be overly concerned with Xue-ye’s absence.”

“Song Lan said that?” - blinked bewildered Nie Zonghui.

He knew his friend. Zichen wasn’t rude.

 But he also knew Lina and she wasn’t indifferent in regards to her friends.

“He was simply worried and since I didn’t know anything, he got a little displeased with me. He apologized though, and more than once.”

Zonghui hummed as that explained everything perfectly.

Mo Xuanyu lifted his eyebrows very highly on his forehead and decided to play a fool:

“Why would he be worried? He and my cousin are always at each other’s proverbial throats and I expect them to reach a point where they would not be content with just the proverbial ones.”

Lina gave him such a look his charade was rendered perfectly unsuccessful.

On the contrary, Huaisang grasped the opportunity with the hand that wasn’t holding a fan. He leaned close to his future husband and whispered so only the two of them heard:

“Some people’s taste in flirting is rather unique. And I do not mean only the two subjects of the current conversation.”

Thankfully Mo Xuanyu was trained in receiving such remarks so he didn’t react outwardly at all. The humour only touched his eyes and that was enough for his fiance.

“Would you like to come with us, Xuanyu?” - asked him Lina. - “We can bring you home afterwards.”

He gave Huaisang a look before agreeing and climbing in the Jiang carriage.

*

Song Lan expected to find the Xue estate dark and quiet but when he entered the courtyard he could see there were candles lit on the first floor.

He took off his horse, rushed up the stairs and knocked on the door.

It was opened just a minute later by a servant who seemed rather perplexed and quietly tired.

“Where is your lord?” - asked straight away Zichen as if he was some sort of a very close family friend who happened to visit every week without a failure.

The servant didn’t bat an eye.

“The stables, sir.” - he said. - “If you have an urgent matter with him, I will take you there.”

Zichen blinked at the answer and the influx of images it brought.

No reasonable person would even dream of offering to take him to the stables if Xue Yang met his less than savory liaisons there, that was certain. Xue Yang liked to dance on the edge of the complete lack of manners but he never crossed the line. Therefore Song Lan was inclined to conclude there most likely was no danger to witness a lovers’ rendezvous.

It only made him even more perplexed though. What would be happening in the stables of all places that would keep the master of the house away from an annual event in the middle of his first ever courtship?

“Lead the way.” - almost barked the advisor and the man did just that with no reaction to the rudeness.

It was the first time Song Lan set foot in Xue Yang’s ancestral home. The first time he took a look at the simple decorations, lit by the servant’s candle, the first time he realised the place was not grand, not lavish, not in any way extravagant. It was simple, it was comfortable, it had a big garden and large, large stables.

The closer they got, Song Lan began hearing louder and louder mutters. There were servants coming and going, there were horses neighing, it seemed far more lively than the Lan ball had been.

Then they entered and the advisor saw something he never presumed he would.

It was Xue Yang, hair in an unusual even for him disarray, blazer thrown at the side, vest unbuttoned, shirt sleeves rolled, kneeling on the floor next to a horse that even ZIchen of all people could tell was in the middle of labour.

“It’s Yun’s first time.” - pointed out the servant. - “It’s proving to not be an easy one.”

The two men watched as if mesmerized for a moment before Xue Yang lifted his head and gave Song Land the most wide eyed look he could muster.

“What on earth are you doing here, Zichen?” - he shouted.

“Checking what your reason to stay home was, Chengmei.” - answered dryly the advisor.

“Hopefully it’s obvious now.” - pointed out Xue Yang sarcastically, turning his eyes back to the horse.

“I was going to scold you for mistreating Xingchen. You are not supposed to miss a ball while courting. It’s a slight towards him.”

“Why?” - questioned absentmindedly Xue-ye. - “Are you going to tell me you do not appreciate that I allow you to make a better impression?”

Song Lan huffed.

“We agreed on equal terms of courtship.”

Xue Yang snickered.

“Don’t you know I’m very charitable, Zichen?”

“I know you are mannerless, Chengmei.”

Xue Yang lifted his face to show his uninvited guest a pair of crazed eyes.

“I raised this horse from a baby. I fed her her first mouth full. I am not going to leave her now when she’s giving birth and she’s scared and she might die, just to come to some silly ball. You can call me whatever you please for that, Zichen! Mannerless, disrespectful, disgracefull… See if I care!”

Song Lan let out a long, long sigh before taking his own blazer off and tossing it aside to join Xue Yang’s.

Rolling his sleeves much like his host had, he simply asked.

“Tell me how to help.”

Chengmei gave him such a look it seemed he thought his guest had lost his mind.

“Tell me how to help, Xue Yang. I would not like to see two horses die tonight.”

The other sighed and started barking orders. Each and every one of them was followed impeccably with no complaints.

Three more hours later Yun had managed to give birth to her foal, who happened to be as black as night except for a beautiful white mark on his forehead.

*

They were in the drawing room, exhausted to their cores and drinking a cup of freshly brewed mint tea each when Xue Yang finally supplied:

“Yujin, his father, is fully black, that’s why the baby isn’t white like Yun. At least he has something from her so she isn’t sad.”

“You think she would care?”

“Of course! She carried him inside her, she suffered to birth him, she should!”

“Would’ve she loved him any less if he was completely black?”

Xue Yang shook his head.

“No! But she would’ve been sad he carried nothing from her. She would be gone some day. This is a memento. Both her parents were white.”

Zichen hummed, bewildered by their topic and the fact that this might have been their first ever conversation where neither of them was willing to make it a clash of wits. Maybe their exhaustion was way too grand to steer them towards the usual direction…

They sat there for a little bit longer before the same servant that had let Song Lan in the estate appeared at the door, tossed a curious look at its two inhabitants and entered to deliver whatever message he had.

“Xue-ye, a while after Song-ye came to visit, Mo-ye, Yu-gunyang and Jiang-ye also came to ask after you. I explained what had happened and invited them inside but they declined and left.”

Chengmei frowned with confusion.

“Why would they come?”

“They said they were worried since you missed the Lan ball.”

“They could’ve come in the morning! Who knows when they finally got home! Didn’t they ask to enter?”

“Not when I told them Song-ye is already here.”

Zichen held his face carefully neutral at the news because he felt it would be much too unbecoming to jump from the sofa and shout in the face of someone else’s servant.

Xue Yang sighed tiredly.

“Did they say whether they would come back in the morning?”

“I asked and they said they will come back in the afternoon so you get to rest at least a little.”

“Smart!” - yawned the lord of the house.

The servant stood there waiting for further instructions with no sign of being uncomfortable.

“Go sleep.” - waved his hand Xue Yang when he managed to restore proper command of his mouth.

The man exited and the host turned to give his guest a look that would’ve been measuring if it wasn’t sleepy.

“Zichen, I have more than one bedroom so you can stay and sleep before you go back to the king. I can send someone to inform the palace.”

Song Lan took a long look at the man beside himself.

“I also have clean linens." - added the host indignantly as if that was ever a topic of conversation. - “And the rooms have locks inside.”

“I have slept in stables.” - pointed out the advisor.

Xue Yang huffed a laugh before deciding it was too much of an effort.

“Mine are too luxurious so it is either a bedroom or nothing. Or maybe you have slept sitting so you can do it once more?”

“I have but I wouldn’t recommend it.”

“So a bedroom it is.” - nodded Xue Yang, eyes almost closing. - “I would hate it if you declare me a poor host so I won’t offer you the floor.”

“I have already tested that as well.”

“Were you a drunkard in your youth, Zichen?”

The man shook his head.

“No, Chengmei. I’m simply not a noble man.”

His host shrugged like a vagabond.

“It’s not what it’s made to be so you’ve missed nothing. Also the king likes you. There are noble men, very rich mind you, who cannot claim that honour. Like Wen Ruohan or Jin Guangshan. Imagine being one of those.”

“I’d rather refrain.” - declined Song Lan dryly. - “I have no taste for nightmares.”

Xue Yang laughed not that unlike a drunk man before standing up rather clumsily and spoke up in a successful imitation of an inebriated jester:

“Look, Zichen! There are miracles! You found your sense of humour!”

“However hard I might look, a sense of humour is invisible, Chengmei. What is very obvious though is how much you need to go and sleep.”

“Mhm!” - agreed his host and blinked blearily. - “So would you stay? Should I take you to my best, most clean room?”

“Isn’t that supposed to be yours?” - questioned the advisor before he could hold himself back.

A sleepless night always made him careless with his words.

“No!” - shook his head in a scandalized manner Xue Yang. - “The best room was my parent’s. I will only take it up if I get married.”

“Not when you do?”

“No.” - shook his head again Xue Yang though it seemed he regretted it afterwards. - “If is much more suitable. The chances aren’t great. Either way, I can give you that room if you want it. It’s nice. You’re a posh man now, Zichen, serving the crown and all. Who knows how lovely your rooms are in the palace…”

“I will not stay.” - said the advisor wishing to take himself away from this particular topic. - “I must return. Even if I just go to rest, I ought to be there if my presence is required.”

Xue Yang frowned as if the news he was given were unfortunate.

“Can you ride after the night we had? Won’t you fall asleep on the saddle?”

“No.” - shook his head Zichen, fighting a smile. - “That is a place I have never slept at before.”

Xue Yang gave him a sceptical look.

“There is always a first time for everything.” - he muttered and then lifted a finger at Song Lan’s face. - “Wait a moment.”

His legs were wobbly and his steps a little uncertain but Xue Yang managed to ring and another servant - different from the previous one - entered the room.

“What can I do for you, Xue-ye?”

“Song-ye is riding to the palace. You go ride with him so he doesn’t fall asleep on the saddle. Then come back.”

The man lifted his eyebrows in bewilderment but didn’t disagree. Instead he turned towards the guest and spoke up as if they happened to be a pair of old acquaintances:

“Song-ye, I will go get my horse and I will wait for you at the front gates in three minutes.”

A bow later the man was gone.

Zichen stood there in the middle of Xue Chengmei’s drawing room absolutely stunned.

“What?” - questioned his host in a great but futile effort to be rude.

The advisor turned towards him and took a long careful look at his disheveled, exhausted state that made him far less abrasive than usual. Song Lan was willing to bet it also made Xue Yang more susceptible and he decided to test the theory right away.

He grabbed the man’s elbow and pulled him carefully towards the door.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m taking you to your room so you do not fall asleep on the stairs!”

“You don’t even know where it is!”

“I’m about to learn since you’ll tell me!”

“And what are you going to do with that knowledge?” - questioned Xue Yang with a tiny stunned voice.

Song Lan had no answer so he kept his mouth shut. They reached the room surprisingly quickly despite Chengmei’s feet dragging sluggishly.

His guest opened the door and pushed the host inside.

“I’ll tell Xingchen why you missed the Lan ball.” - said Song Lan in lieu of a goodbye. - “Get some sleep. I want to know what you named the foal when you do that so make sure to tell me.”

Xue Yang lifted towards the man in black a pair of dark brown eyes and Song Lan realised that even the bags under them couldn’t mask their beauty.

“Sleep well, Chengmei.” - he said to hide his feelings and turned around.

“Sleep well, Zichen.” - answered his host after a beat. - “But not on your saddle.”

Song Lan couldn’t help it. He chuckled all the way to the main gate and then held back on his way to the palace.

The last thing he thought of before he finally went to sleep was the smile Xue Yang shared with him when the foal was finally born, alive and well.

*

Song Lan did return so early in the morning he actually managed to rest a little.

Usually after a ball the king didn’t rush his advisors to join the early breakfast and the man in black decided to delegate the time to sleeping instead.

His absence didn’t go unnoticed though.

“Say, Xingchen…” - spoke up thoughtfully one mildly sleepy Ye Baiyi. - “I believe Zichen came back with us after the event.”

“He did.” - nodded Xiao-ye, perfectly unbothered by the question.

“He bid you good night as a proper courtier, I presume?” - went on the king.

“I have nothing to complain about in regards to his treatment of me.” - smiled mildly the advisor.

Lin Qiushi - prince and heir to the throne - gave Ruan Nanzhu - his companion and private guardsman - a questioning look. They both were new to the court so the sole possible answer was a shrug.

The only other advisor at the table - Shen Wei - kept himself focused on his breakfast as if nothing worth his while was happening around him. He was tasked with a particular investigation in the company of one way too attractive man so he had enough on his plate already.

Ruan-ye pointed discreetly at Shen Wei and Lin-wang got the hint straight away. The two returned to the food, resigning themselves to simply listening.

“I wonder then…” - went on Ye Baiyi, face turning more and more coy by the second. - “Why is Zichen, strict, punctual Zichen not here right now. He’s usually first at the table.”

“That is information you must request from him, your majesty.” - didn’t bat an eye Xiao Xingchen.

“But I’d love to require your speculation on the matter.”

“He might have been more tired this time.”

“He didn’t dance.”

“Maybe his other obligations earlier yesterday are to thank for that.”

The king munched on quietly for a while.

“I am certain that Zichen would tell you later. Do supply me with the intel if you please.”

Xiao Xingchen chuckled.

“I wouldn’t unless Song-ye allows it.”

“Even if I command it?”

“I can always lie.”

“I would know if you do.”

“For that you might have to make Song-ye explain himself to you and even if I do not know him that well, let me express my doubts he would.”

Ye Baiyi sighed.

“Are you listening to this, didi?”

“I am indeed, Yi-ge.” - answered Lin Qiushi immediately.

“This is what happens when you choose good advisors. They are witty, they play mind games, they deflect, they refuse to fulfil direct orders.”

“And they take their cues directly from the king as well.” - nodded in perfect understanding the heir.

The monarch lifted his chin in a mock display of regal pride:

“Someone should take upon themselves the heavy dreadful task of giving a good example.”

*

Song Lan woke up far less tired than he thought he would. He went through the motions of getting ready, knowing with utmost certainty his tardiness was already noticed and noted, he would be questioned about it and the king would use it to tease him.

Being aware of what awaited him and its utter inevitability the man in black didn’t rush. He ate his breakfast with outward calmness, rolling in his mind the events from the previous night.

He was somewhat ashamed of himself for presuming the worst with no particular evidence, however turbulent his relationship with Xue Yang was.

Zichen thought to himself that he actually owed the other an apology. He owed one to Yu Lina as well, even if he had already expressed his regret for snapping at her. He made a mental note to do it in the presence of his friend Nie Zonghui to avoid having to express regret at his own behaviour twice.

He wondered whether Xue Yang would be angry at him for the insinuation he had made. He wondered whether Xue Yang would gloat at his mistake and even more so at his apology. He wondered whether Xue Yang would dismiss this whole ordeal as if nothing had happened at all.

Something told the advisor his three presumptions were perfectly plausible and even more plausible was for them all to happen.

Sighing heavily, Song Lan seized his stalling and took the short stroll towards the king’s study where he was surely expected with a lot of impatience.

*

Ye Baiyi was staring out the window towards the garden in the same company from the morning when Song Zichen finally saw fit to join them.

The king could read on the face of his advisor both the minor vexation and the major resignation.

“I am glad you decided to grant us your presence at last.” - went straight to the point the monarch.

For once the man in black allowed himself to answer however he pleased consequences be damned:

“I am glad you appreciate the favour.”

Ye Baiyi couldn’t help but laugh. He wasn’t going to give in though.

“It seems to me the time you spent in the company of Xue Chengmei had improved your constitution, Zichen.”

“Debatable.” - retorted dryly the advisor but the remark had struck a cord within him.

He did all in his power to hide it but Xiao Xingchen was there, he was observing carefully, he was smart enough and he didn’t miss it.

“Did you rest well?” - asked sweetly the prince and his tone made it very obvious he was both teasing and being truly interested.

Zichen sighed and shrugged.

The men around him shared a few chuckles but left him generally at peace after that.

*

Xiao Xingchen didn’t like to be kept in the dark so he resigned himself to ask after he wasn’t offered the information willingly right away.

At the end of the day after Zichen had put up with some more lighthearted teasing, his fellow advisor stopped him before they both left the dining room.

“Pray tell, Song Lan, wouldn’t you share why you’re so tired?”

The man in black gave his fellow advisor a look, trying to keep to himself the fact he was caught off guard.

“I do not require it because I would like to intervene in your life or simply sooth my curiosity. I agreed to enter a courtship with you and I believe that allows me the leeway to be interested in how you fare.”

Zichen kept his mouth shut and his gaze just the right amount of bewildered.

Xiao Xingchen smiled and used his one real weapon.

“I believe it would be somewhat of a disregard to me if you do not at least share a little. A courtship’s goal is a relationship and a relationship’s goal is to share a life. Therefore I think I am allowed to ask why you slept poorly. Especially since I saw you leaving the palace after escorting the king.”

Song Lan clenched his teeth. He should’ve known his late night escape wouldn’t remain unnoticed.

He opened his mouth and Xingchen lifted his eyebrows to push him to finally speak up.

No sound came out though. Zichen wasn’t certain what was making him hesitate but he didn’t really wish to answer. He didn’t wish to tell what he had gone to do, he didn’t wish to share what he had done and most of all he didn’t wish to say how it made him feel and he feared that it would inevitably show if he spoke about it.

Zichen didn’t wish to hide his mistake in accusing Xue Yang of disrespecting the man they were both courting. That was the last thing on his mind.

Zichen simply wanted to keep to himself the confusing mixture of feelings bringing a foal to life alongside Xue Yang had inspired in him.

There was no escaping the probing eyes of Xiao-ye though.

“I was wrong.” - sighed Zichen at last, resigning himself to telling a portion of the truth.

“You were wrong?” - frowned his companion. - “What about?”

“I went to see why Xue Yang missed the ball. One of his horses was having a lot of trouble in the middle of labour so he stayed to help.”

The man in white smiled a little coyly.

“I am glad to see you agree that a horse is more important than me.”

Zichen blinked, drowning in confusion.

“You were not in any danger. If he hadn’t stayed to help both the mother and the child would’ve died.”

Xiao Xingchen’s face didn’t change even the slightest. Song Lan frowned.

“You were not in any danger at the ball.  - repeated Zichen pointedly. - “I was present as well. I admit I hardly make the most cheerful company though I do try to at least be decent. Xue Yang wasn’t really slighting you.”

“How would the other guest know though?” - questioned in a deceptively sweet tone Xiao-ye.

“They wouldn’t if they do not speak with Xue Yang but either way his actions would only bring harm to his reputation and not to yours.”

Xingchen sighed and his face turned somewhat sad.

“I wish it wasn't so though.” - he pointed out, eyes no longer coy at all. - “He doesn’t deserve a reprimand. Quietly on the contrary, he deserves praise but I highly doubt it would ever be delivered.”

Song Lan blinked tiredly at the whiplash that Xingchen’s behaviour presented him with. But he was back to full alert when his companion stood up from the dining table, gave him one last look and muttered:

“Still, I’m sure Xue Yang would highly appreciate your willingness to defend him. I surely do! Good night, ZIchen.”

The man in black waited before the sound of Xiao-ye’s steps died out before he picked the wine bottle and poured himself a careful measure. It was just enough to make him suffer smoothly through the conversation with himself he was in a terrible need to have.