Jun Wang gazed at the dark garden, eyes contemplative. He wanted nothing to do with the throne. Succession wasn't in his mind and never was. He had tasted both fame and fortune, growing up with a silver spoon. He had also seen the devious means people in the palace used. He had long ago decided to break free from that dangerous harbor. Sighing to the wind, he lamented human nature. Unsatiated, people who tasted riches always wanted more, their greed possessing their faculties. Very few could, once tasted, throw it away.

Right now the capitol was like the tumultuous waves of an angry sea. Ministers were scrambling to support the candidates with the most promise of winning the throne. Some even tried to curry favor with the Jun Wang, who was unresponsive, if not downright refusing. Thinking coldly of those ingratiating faces, Jing Shu felt disgusted in his heart. He would remain the simple general he was, supporting only the sick Crown Prince. Not many knew, his elder brother was well on his way to recovering. Crown Prince Qi had everything under control, the attempt at his life was easily hidden. Jun Wang’s face became grim. They were biding their time for now, but they would soon apprehend their wretched and deeply hidden enemies.

Jun Wang’s palm itched for a weapon, and a spear he went to the open space in his private courtyard to practise his martial arts. Jing Shu was not made for politics, and felt restless whenever his older brother told him to wait, and be patient. He could not stand the outwardly-smiling-inwardly-sneering court ministers. He would much rather face an army alone, with no sword. 

He went through a set of stances quickly, stabbing out like a viper and cutting like the wind. Only after thrusting his spear so many times that his arms felt heavy and his sweat coated his back did he stop. Panting lightly he went into his chambers where he dressed in casual clothes for sleeping and wiped his sweat. Feeling hungry from his exercise he went on the prowl for food. He had already dismissed his servants long ago and didn't care to summon any to his room to feed him.

On his way toward the kitchen he silently inspected the guard changes and looked over the mansion. When he made it to the back courtyard he saw a shadowy person standing there. His first reaction was to tense and reach for his sword, but he relaxed with a second look. The moon that had been hidden by the clouds revealed itself and cast it's beam on the figure. It was clearly just a child, he stood there staring at the stars, his fair skin looked soft in the moonlight.

The last of Jing Shu’s tension left and he felt an impression of this servant. He had been taken in a half year ago and was working in the kitchen. Jun Wangfu residence was very picky and thorough with their servants. Wangye would not tolerate informants or spies, he especially disliked those dishonorable practices. This child was recently orphaned from a simple farmer family, no association with those backstabbers.

Xin Lin was unaware his lord stood in the shadows beyond his vision. He only longingly focused on the starry sky. Although he had accepted his new life, he still felt a certain heartache every once in a while. Like when he couldn't recognize any of the constellations. He felt lonely, like the last of his kind viewing the changing seasons as a shadow. His figure seemed frail and forsaken standing there.

Jing Shu felt his heart squeeze inexplicably at the sight. He quickly brushed it off and stepped out of the darkness with loud steps, alerting Xin Lin of his presence. It didn't matter, Jing Shu had already seen many beauties in the palace, and he was unmoved by such a scene. Or so he told himself, as he was inexplicably drawn closer.

Xin Lin was startled and whipped his head towards the approaching person. When the moonlight hit the approaching man’s stern but handsome face Xin Lin couldn't help but be surprised. It was Wangye! What was he doing here, alone? He quickly bowed, flustered.

“Rise,” Jing Shu couldn't help but feel a strange tightness in chest when he saw Xin Lin bowing with a panicked face. “Can you cook?” But after all he had come here for a reason, and he was a straightforward person.

Xin Lin looked up, once again surprised. “This servant’s skills can't compare to the head cook, but your servant does know a little.” He used to cook in his past life, but hadn’t really attempted anything after waking up here.

“Make me some congee,” Jing Shu ordered without preamble, drinking in the open and myriad expressions on the servant’s face. Xin Lin looked flustered and a little worried. Jun Wang felt a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth, it was kind of cute.

Xin Lin quickly recovered himself and answered with a slightly jittery salute, proceeding into the kitchen. In his past life he had had little contact with people without his mask, and now that he had abandoned wearing it altogether, he was at a loss. It was easier to understand other people’s reactions when he was just acting, but it was exhausting to lie every moment. The people of Jun Wang manor were so kind and welcoming… Xin Lin didn't want to betray their trust, but it gave him anxiety. He had never trusted another human being till entering this body, and even that was debatable. Somewhere in his past life’s childhood his naivety had been beaten out of him. In place of it was an anti-social and jaded mentality, a little child scrambling for purchase in the rockface finding it harder and more unforgiving than he thought.

Brushing his thoughts aside Xin Lin set to work and lit the fire, preparing the rice. He got the water and poured it in the wok to get it boiling, tending and building the fire all the while. Jing Shu watched at the side as Xin Lin cut vegetables with ease and picked out spices to put in the congee. He was skilled, although a little clumsy, watching made Wangye feel domestic. He wondered what his life would be like if he had grown up as a commoner. Would he have done menial tasks just like this? Suddenly ‘Jun Wang’ felt like an empty title, one he had never really asked for in the first place. Throwing away his urge to sigh, Jing Shu contemplates his worries again. He’s probably going to drive himself into a corner, but if he doesn't think this to death he’ll never sleep. 

Xin Lin who was so nervous he was worried he’d scream if the oil popped too loudly, looks at his employer furtively. It didn’t bode well, that frown on his face. But the congee was done and all there was left was to serve it. Moving at a forced relaxed pace, Xin Lin placed the steaming hot bowl on the kitchen table before Wangye. Nervously he said “It’s really not much, I hope Wangye will not find it too lacking.”

“Hm,” was Jing Shu could bring himself to say, mind half taken by his worries. He bent down and took a spoonful of congee and blinked in surprise when it entered his mouth. It was really good! Jing Shu had grown up in the palace, his palate had been refined by the picky cooks who only strived for the best. But nothing he had ever eaten could compare to this simple but filling taste. It used only some rice and vegetables, no fancy decoctions or such. Just a plain farmyard congee. Jing Shu looked down at the bowl realizing it was empty, but his appetite had only been whetted.

“Is there anymore?” Xin Lin who had stood with his head bowed at the side looked up to Wangye staring unblinkingly straight at him. To say Xin Lin was surprised would be an understatement.

“Ah- yes, let me get it.” he stumbled on his words, inwardly scolding himself to get a grip. He had never expected that a man so high in the hierarchy would enjoy his mediocre cooking. He got another bowl and filled with congee, setting it on the table once again.

Jing Shu dug in, happily savoring the taste. Surprisingly he liked this best, no flashy ingredients needed, simply to fill the belly and make it feel warm. After the second bowl, Wangye also had a third and was disappointed when the wasn't enough for another. But thinking about for a minute, it was already this late and Wangye had business tomorrow, he could always get this small servant to cook it again.

“I will trouble you to be here again tomorrow night at the same time.” with those words Jing Shu stood and left.

Xin Lin let loose a breath, ah it was truly terrifying to be in the kitchen with Wangye! Why couldn't he just order the servants to bring it to his room, why bother to come to the kitchen?! Why ask Xin Lin of all people to feed him?! And on top of that he wanted to eat it again tomorrow night?! Disbelief flooded Xin Lin’s mind. What on earth had happened, Jun Wang was simply not conforming to the rules of society! Please don't come to mingle with the servants, please! Xin Lin almost had a cardiac event.

In the end, Xin Lin, despite his scare, could only go to bed and await his doom. Surely Wangye wouldn't be angry and just wanted to punish him tomorrow night, right?

The night passed slowly, and dawn turned the sky orange like every other morning. With the onset of day Wangye went to the military camp stationed outside the capitol.

Xin Lin was relieved when he heard this and thought Wangye might forget, so even if he showed up Wangye might not come and they would not meet. So Xin Lin would go as told, but not expect anything. This was for the best, the less contact they had the less Xin Lin had an opportunity to make a mistake.

Having left before sunrise Jun Wang had eaten breakfast early and most of the kitchen staff had been awake since. Now everyone in the manor had eaten so after cleaning up the was little to do, people just napped. Dage sat in a wicker chair in the back courtyard, dozing with a bowl of half-shelled snow peas in his lap. Xiao Hua listlessly yawned at the side as she also had a bowl of peas to shell. Xin Lin was more tired than them since even after Wangye left last night he had stayed up to clean. His bowl of peas had been finished already and he lay back on a wooden bench and slept in the sun. the way his lithe, young body stretched out was quite like a cat, the indolent posture gave his already good features a languid beauty. It should be said that at this age young boys tend to look more soft and cute than handsome, so it was easier to see him as a girl dressed as a boy. Especially since he already had an androgynous appearance.

Xin Lin was fighting a losing battle with Uncle Meng, and his eyes drooped heavily, giving off an ambiguous seduction. Xiao Hua at the side looked at him and lamented not being a poet or artist who could capture the sight in words or art. It was to this picture Wangye had entered the back courtyard followed by Xi Ying, his aid. Seeing Xin Lin his eyes widened and his heart stuttered all at once, he could not place this sensation. He stopped short, stunned, and just stared as Xin Lin’s eyes fell closed and he drifted off.

Xi Ying was also startled by the scene, it was hard to swallow. Being behind Jun Wang he had not seen Xin Lin nor could he see into the courtyard. But how could he not see that love-struck appearance that his lord sported? He didn't mind who Wangye fell in love with, for that matter, he didn't care if Wangye did. But at the moment it was too-inopportune. Him having that expression here of all places, there was only one explanation as to who had caused it. That serving boy had already been the cause of a few incidents, even if Xi Ying had never seen him. He was even skeptical of the gossip he had heard. In any case, there was no way that a marriage to such a low-born person would go down well in the best of times, not to mention now that the capitol was in chaos. But the biggest problem was, how would he keep Wangye on track? If his mind was clouded with lovey-dovey thoughts, how could Wangye keep a stern front to his soldiers?

Abruptly, Jing Shu backpedaled into his aid, and began to march away. Xi Ying finally saw a glimpse of the courtyard and instantly understood. He was momentarily unable to react, what a beauty!

Wretch

I'm posting this now so that the somewhat boring first chapter doesn't scare ya'll away! Hopefully the humor in this chappie doesn't just fall flat. While I find it funny I have no confidence in other people finding it funny... *crosses fingers* („ಡωಡ„)  Edit: I split this chapter in two because it double the size of all the others.