Xueye had finally collected himself enough to set off to their next destination. He began to shed the blankets he'd been bundled in and began to fold them until the doctor came over and took them from him, dropping them in the seat Xueye was just in unceremoniously. Dr. Jingji then wrapped a scarf around Xueye, knowing he'd likely still be cold through the day.
"Thank you doctor, but you don't-," Before Xueye could finish his sentence Dr.Jingji held his hand up.
"It doesn't matter if I need to or not, you are going to take this with you," the doctor stated firmly. "Since it seems to come and go I thought you might need something else for now to help you retain what heat you can. I would send you out with these," Dr.Jingji gestured to the blankets, "However, I know it would draw unwanted attention given how nice it is out today."
"You are too kind, doctor," Xueye smiled meekly. He knew there was no room for argument. He didn't have the energy to do so regardless.
"Think nothing of it," Dr.Jingji shook his head. "Now, tomorrow I want you to come here first thing in the morning, even if you are feeling better."
"I will," Xueye nodded.
"You two, take care of him," Dr.Jingji said in a tense commanding tone. "If this gets worse, bring him right back here."
"Doctor," Xueye grabbed his hand. "I'll be fine."
"Even so…" Dr.Jingji sighed, worry still apparent across his expression.
"He's safe with us," Yushi rested a hand on Xueye's shoulder and flashed a reassuring smile to the doctor.
"We'll keep a close eye on him," Jinse nodded with a rather gentle smile that was unusual from him, but a comfort nonetheless.
"Thank you," Dr.Jingji let out a breath. His unease didn't fade but knowing that Xueye would be with the two that cared most about him was a small comfort. He could trust that they would take care of Xueye and fetch him if things got worse.
Dr.Jingji went downstairs with them, "Before you leave, take some of these with you." Dr.Jingji moved over to the small pot of snowdrop flowers and trimmed a few off, handing them to Xueye. "Your mother's favorite after all."
"Thank you doctor," Xueye smiled wistfully. He was starting to feel those overwhelming emotions well up again as his gaze caught on the flowers in his hands.
"Now, off you go," Dr.Jingji gently guided Xueye towards Yushi and Jinse who were waiting at the door.
"It was a pleasure to see you again doctor," Yushi said with a smile. "We should meet again under better circumstances."
"I agree," Dr.Jingji nodded, a tense look over taking him. "I very much would like to speak with you alone this week if you have the time."
"I'll make time," Yushi nodded.
It was well into the afternoon now as they ventured out. The streets were starting to get busy again as most people tended to filter their way back home after spending time at shrines or graves of their loved ones. Evening would likely be upon them when they returned.
Things were quiet among the three since they left the apothecary shop. For Xueye, it was all he could do to just remain calm. He was still slowly digesting all that happened thus far today. The fact a spirit dwelled within him sounded like something out of fiction. He felt so out of his depth with it all. A small part of him looked forward to visiting Vual again but he felt nervous over the circumstances and the potential problems that could arise in the company while he was away. Thoughts of Vual also brought him back to the events surrounding his mother's death that had him so emotional in the first place.
Jinse and Yushi happened to be thinking similarly. Neither of them wanted Xueye to have to travel alone in all of this but they both had reasons they couldn't leave personally as much as they both wanted to go themselves.
Yushi intended to allow Xinhua to join Xueye should she want to go, however he wanted someone else he trusted to go as well. Shizhe was in no shape to travel. Most of the upper court would be out of the question anyway considering they would be traveling to another country they are on rather neutral terms with since the new queen took the throne in the past couple years. If they were being tied up with bureaucracy it would be quite difficult to protect and help Xueye. He would have to ask the upper court for their opinion upon his return.
Yushi's gaze lingered on Xueye. The young man seemed fixated on the flowers in his hands. Even with his head tilted downwards, Yushi could tell Xueye was struggling internally from the tension in his body and the way he shifted the flowers about was not unlike how Xueye fiddled with his sleeves when he was nervous or upset. What Yushi would give to make all of Xueye's problems go away.
Yushi reached out and placed a comforting hand on Xueye's shoulder. Xueye glanced up at him. Xueye's expression was so distant. Yushi couldn't help but worry.
"Do you need a moment?" Yushi asked, hoping that Xueye would be willing to take a break since they had been walking for some time now, rising to the higher levels of the city to reach the plateau just shy of the highest one the palace sat upon.
Xueye shook his head and in a broken voice barely above a whisper, "We are almost there."
As Xueye pressed on ahead of them, Yushi exchanged a look of concern with Jinse. Jinse seemed to be holding back as such a depth of conflict flickered across his face. It was obvious they both wanted for Xueye to rest but it was difficult to deny Xueye's wish to visit his mother's grave. It felt like it would just hurt him more.
Just on the edge of the city, atop a cliff that overlooked the sea sat a smaller graveyard. A few families still lingered about, paying respect to their departed loved ones and ancestors and making offerings. In a quiet corner with a view of the ocean through the iron fencing was a lone willow tree with just one grave set apart from the rest.
Xueye stopped suddenly, staring wide eyed at the last person he expected to be there. His father.
"What the hell is he doing here?!" Jinse whispered harshly.
"We can come back a little bit later," Yushi suggested quietly.
Before Xueye could even decide what to do, Lord Meigui looked in their direction. Briefly a look of disdain flickered across Lord Meigui's face but since other people were around it was quickly hidden behind a polite smile.
"You took your sweet time getting here," Lord Meigui said calmly. His eyes narrowed upon Jinse and Yushi, both of whom didn't bother to hide their distaste for Lord Meigui. "You brought company."
"I-I wasn't certain that anyone else would be here. I didn't want to go alone…" Xueye's voice was shaken. Anxiety had his heart pounding, surely he was up to something and he knew that Jinse would be temperamental and Yushi had started losing his patience for the man as well.
"After what you said in your office I have a hard time believing you are here for your wife," Jinse immediately interjected. "What are you doing here?"
"I am, actually," Lord Meigui closed his eyes. His sense of calm was eerie especially in the face of being called out. "It was an emotional time, in the wake of my son's assault. You have to understand."
"How dare-!" Jinse was about to step forward but Xueye grabbed his arm. Jinse looked down at the young man who just shook his head. Jinse groaned bitterly as he stepped back behind Xueye.
"Are they why you are so late?" Lord Meigui asked with a raised brow.
"No," Xueye shook his head. "They were early but I…" Xueye hesitated. He was afraid to let his father know of any weakness. He would have to eventually since he had to leave. He let out a shaky breath, "I awoke feeling unwell and as a result we took longer than I intended to while visiting Dr. Jingji and Qingkong."
"What a shame," Lord Meigui seemed even more delighted upon hearing of Xueye's misery. The shift was subtle, onlookers wouldn't notice but the three standing before him could see the subtle smug air about Lord Meigui. "Perhaps you should take time to rest. I'll be sure to take care of the company in your absence."
Xueye stiffened. He was even more concerned about leaving but it wasn't sure if he could delay or how long before the cold ate away at him. He didn't want to waste away as his mother had, trying to work to protect all the family had built, not when he was learning to live again.
"He is to return to Dr.Jingji tomorrow. Then it will become clear to what extent he needs to rest and recover then," Yushi finally spoke up with a strange calm, despite sharing the same sentiment in wanting to snap back at Lord Meigui just as Jinse had. He could tell Lord Meigui was keen on poking at Xueye's vulnerabilities. Yushi wasn't about to let him make Xueye's day any worse, especially when the young man has already been on the edge of breaking.
"Father?!" Xinhua's voice raised with urgency as she approached, anger apparent on her face. "You shouldn't be here!" She stepped in front of Xueye, glaring fiercely at him.
"I was just leaving," Lord Meigui's eye twitched at her presence. He knew how to pick his proverbial battles. With three people guarding Xueye it wouldn't be wise to provoke them any further. "I've paid my respects to your mother."
"Only years after her death do you bother to show her any," Xinhua scoffed under her breath as he walked past them.
None of them moved or spoke until Lord Meigui was some distance away and people that were nosy about the commotion Xinhua caused stopped paying attention. Xueye grew weak in the knees, he would have fallen if not for all three of the others reaching out to steady him. He trembled as the anxiety started hitting him harder and chills started overtaking him once more. He didn't know if it was just the distress he'd been feeling but the shivering seemed to happen with his worst moments today.
Xueye could see Xinhua was speaking to him but he couldn't hear a word. He was certain the other two were likely trying to as well but, no matter how much he tried to focus, nothing came through. He was guided with no resistance to sit at the base of the tree to recover from his daze. Jinse and Yushi lingered nearby but were trying their best to give him room to breathe.
"I should have been here sooner, I could have chased him off," Xinhua pinched her brow and started pacing a little. "It took a bit of time to convince Lady Guangming that she couldn't come along."
"Stubborn as always," Yushi shook his head.
"What was he after?" Jinse grumbled bitterly.
"Hard to say, but it's fortunate Lady Meigui arrived when she did." Yushi shrugged. "I think he wanted to get under Xueye's skin knowing he's vulnerable today. Unfortunately, Xueye has been having a rough day."
"If he kept prying, I might have torn that bastard to bits!" Jinse growled.
"And how would you keep Xueye safe from prison?" Xinhua scolded him half-heartedly.
"I suspect you two wouldn't let me waste away in there," Jinse smirked, gaze lingering longer on Yushi.
Yushi rolled his eyes, "In front of so many witnesses on a sacred day such as this I don't think we could if we wanted to."
"Don't put ideas in his head," Xinhua huffed. She was quiet for a beat, looking at Xueye as he trembled, curled in on himself much like the branches of the willow his back was against. "What happened to have him so out of it?" Xinhua looked terribly worried.
"He was already vulnerable for reasons you know," Jinse sighed, flopping back in the grass. "But we also discovered that his wound from Vual may contain something that's been causing him to be so cold following his nightmares and it has been lingering through the day today. It was suggested he may need to seek a solution in Vual."
Yushi carefully and slowly took Xueye's hand, in hopes of not startling him but providing some semblance of grounding comfort. Glazed lavender eyes followed the movement, clarity slowly coming to them the more Yushi's fingers enveloped his hand. Xueye's hands were like ice but Yushi knew he couldn't rush Xueye in returning to his senses.
"Slow breaths," Yushi motioned for Xueye to match his breathing the moment Xueye seemed a little more aware. Xueye matched the steady pace and the distance between his body and mind seemed to return to normal much quicker. He came to realize he felt as though he were out in the snow without all the layers he was wearing.
"C-cold…" Xueye said weakly, pulling his robes tighter around himself with his free arm.
Jinse sat up rather quickly, partially startling the young man. "Sorry," Jinse flashed an apologetic smile as he pulled off the purple robe he usually wore very loosely over his shoulders and wrapped it around Xueye's. "Hopefully this helps."
"T-thank y-you…" Xueye's teeth were practically chattering.
"I'm starting to think this can't wait," Yushi held his free arm out as an invitation for Xueye. Xueye hesitated but only for a moment when another wave of chills tore through him, he craved Yushi's warmth.
"I'm inclined to agree," Jinse moved to sit closely on the other side of Xueye taking his other hand.
"I-I need to make p-preperations…" Xueye closed his eyes, taking in the warmth of both Yushi and Jinse was the most soothing relief. "T-the herbs…"
"You still haven't spoken to Lady Mingmai, have you?" Xinhua crossed her arms. She started thinking of all the ways to help. "I could meet with her in your place, have it arranged so that all you have to do is sign should you find everything to your liking."
"Maybe…" Xueye trailed off, exhaustion creeping in once more.
"I think that would be wise," Yushi nodded. "Perhaps discuss the details more tomorrow." Yushi wanted to help get things sorted for him but Xueye deserved to rest, to avoid any further stress for the day. It would also allow Yushi to speak with Xinhua and the upper court about it all.
"Of course I agree," Xinhua nodded with an understanding smile. She finally sat in front of them, placing a hand on Xueye's knee. "Whatever is going on, we'll get through it together. Try and take it easy for now."
"Mn," Xueye nodded.
"Jinse, might I speak with you for a moment?" Xinhua asked.
"But…" Jinse glanced at Xueye with worry.
"It's okay, I already feel warmer," Xueye mustered up a weak smile.
"Alright," Jinse sighed in defeat. They both got up and walked away. Xinhua didn't stop until they found a corner where no one would overhear. Jinse was just glad it was still close enough that Xueye was in sight. "If it's about visiting the Master Diviner I've already been informed by our friend there."
"I'm surprised he found a moment to do so," Xinhua smirked. "I had more I wanted to discuss." Her expression fell. "With my new position I've been tasked as an investigator for the time being. You are tied to at least two of my investigations at the moment and I wanted to ask you some questions."
"I don't mind, but today?" Jinse raised a brow.
"Well if he has to go to Vual it may be my only chance. If you don't go with him, I'm going to see if I can." Xinhua crossed her arms.
"I suspect you won't have a problem asking for time off," Jinse smirked, glancing back at Yushi and Xueye. "As much as he wants to, I doubt he can leave. Just like me." Jinse looked sad about the fact.
"Normally you drop everything for him, what has your hands tied now?" Xinhua tilted her head.
"I'll explain later, I'm guessing you will be there with the Master Diviner after all," Jinse lightly teased.
"Obviously," Xinhua scoffed.
"So what is it you want to ask me so badly it can't wait?" Jinse was quite curious how he would be tied with more than one of her investigations. He was adept at getting out of trouble so he had little doubt that there were any problems he couldn't worm his way out of, especially with Xinhua.
"Well, the first is quite relevant to our visit here," Xinhua's expression was dark as she looked at her mother's grave.
"You found out then?" Jinse's eyes widened. He knew she was brilliant but not even the doctor seemed to have realized right away.
"You've been looking into the books of past transactions for a while now, right?" Xinhua crossed her arms. "I was wondering if you found out what it is he's been using."
"I've been trying, but it's likely it's under the table," Jinse sighed. "I was hoping to find something vague to question him on. It could be accompanied with those mystery shipments they get, but even their contents were eventually added to the inventory and it's always from different sources, so I'm not certain it would be a solid lead. I'm hoping to be present whenever the next one arrives but there's no pattern to them that I've noticed so far."
"Unfortunate, but if you do find anything or need a second opinion bring it to me right away." Xinhua nodded.
"I'm surprised they would task you with something so personal," Jinse smiled, proud of her accomplishment in getting to where she can easily look into just what she'd always wanted to in an official capacity.
"It's because I'm so close to this that Lady Shanfeng chose me," Xinhua chuckled. "Since I had already been looking into my father's suspicious dealings she trusted I would know this case best."
"Good to know she can recognize talent," Jinse chuckled.
"Flattery won't get you out of the other thing that came to my attention," Xinhua shook her head. Her expression grew serious. "Jianhong…" Xinhua studied his expression for any reaction, aside from what looked like lingering resentment, Jinse's expression betrayed nothing else. "I want to know if you had a hand in his death."
"It was an accident, right?" Jinse shrugged. "That's what his lackeys told me when they were fetching the money owed."
"So I've heard," Xinhua wasn't sure she believed him but she had nothing but a hunch to go on. "But the very night your people started dismantling their main operations. Same hour even. The days prior their people were showing up dead left and right, some accidents, some 'ripped to shreds' as you put it earlier. You have to understand how suspicious that looks."
"Quite so," Jinse nodded calmly. "As to what happened after the incident, I had my people mess with them for daring to come after Xueye. Aside from shaking his hand as we made our deal I hadn't seen Jianhong at all after that. You know I was with Xueye while you were out. You can ask him to be sure if you want."
"He's going through enough. I also don't doubt you wouldn't leave his side after that. I just needed to ask." Xinhua had been dreading what she might have to do if he'd admitted it, not that she'd expect him to, but his statement gave her enough of an idea for her to conclude a report. "Please don't get caught doing something stupid. Like I said before, you can't protect him if you are imprisoned or dead."
"I'm aware, otherwise your father would have died a long time ago," Jinse huffed. "Ensure when you arrest him that he pays for every bit of misery he's caused your family."
"His final days will be as miserable as can be," Xinhua chuckled darkly. "I doubt I have to be the one to see to that personally."
"I suppose you are right about that," Jinse smirked, eyes falling upon the two at the base of the tree. His expression dimmed quickly, "Do you think Xueye would be happy with him?"
"Not just him," Xinhua crossed her arms and smirked.
"I'm serious," Jinse huffed.
"As am I," Xinhua shook her head. "You two are just about the only ones I'd ever trust with that fragile heart of his. It's obvious you two can set your petty grievances aside for a day to take care of him. Xueye wouldn't trust just anyone to come with him here. Shouldn't that speak volumes as to how he feels about both of you."
"I don't doubt that, but why should he agonize over a choice?" Jinse closed his eyes. "Besides, he'd be much safer in the palace, right?"
"Why should he choose?" Xinhua shrugged. Jinse looked at her with a defeated expression. "Don't look at me like that. Aren't you the one who's notorious for having more than one lover?"
Jinse opened his mouth and closed it again a few times. He never considered the idea when it came to Xueye. He was always so possessive of the young man. He knew Yushi wasn't much different. Would they even be able to make such a thing work without Jinse and Yushi tearing each other apart?
"Do you even realize what could come of what you are suggesting?" Jinse groaned. "He's dangerous and so am I for that matter. It just seems like a recipe for disaster."
"I don't think so," Xinhua shrugged. "The way you both ensured his comfort and warmth just now was proof enough. It was also quite precious."
"This is revenge for all the times I teased you about Shizhe isn't it?" Jinse glowered.
"A little bit," Xinhua giggled. "I do mean it, though. At least consider it, for Xueye's sake as much as your own."
"Say for a moment I could, what if he doesn't want to share?" Jinse pinched his brow. It felt wrong to even consider the idea but it was better than the idea of stepping away from the situation all together.
"I can't say for certain," Xinhua shrugged. "I just know that Xueye deserves happiness. I don't think he could be truly happy if he had to choose only one of you. If it helps, even Shizhe seems quite favorable to the idea when I brought it up to her."
"What?!" Jinse was stunned yet again. He would have expected her to favor Yushi by association. Shizhe's vision he'd caught a glimpse of when she asked him to help Yushi made a lot more sense suddenly. "There's no way…"
"Take your time to wrap your head around it," Xinhua offered a comforting smile. "Xueye clearly needs time to finish sorting his own feelings out. I think he's warming up to the idea of love a lot more with you two around."
"Of course…" Jinse voiced quietly.
"Let's go check in on them," Xinhua patted his shoulder as she set off towards the willow tree. It took a moment but Jinse slowly followed after.
Xueye had been sitting quietly, leaning against Yushi the entire time. It was a comfortable silence. Yushi didn't mind letting Xueye just be. He didn't wish to bother Xueye with anything. He did notice that Xueye was fighting sleep. Exhaustion was really getting to him. Thankfully Xueye was no longer cold to the touch. Yushi had interlocked their fingers and had been slowly moving his thumb back and forth across the back of Xueye's hand. It had been very grounding for Xueye.
"How are you feeling, didi?" Xinhua knelt next to them with a soft smile.
"Tired, but better," Xueye mumbled as he slowly sat upright, no longer leaning against Yushi, though he found he missed the close contact already, even if Yushi hadn't let go of his hand yet.
Xueye looked up at Jinse who seemed a bit distracted as he got closer, "Jinse? Is something wrong?"
"Don't worry about me," Jinse's expression quickly shifted back into a smile. "Your sister just gave me plenty to consider. Nothing bad I assure you."
"You must be feeling better if you are worried about someone else when you should be focused on yourself," Xinhua shook her head.
"It gets worse when I focus on it," Xueye sighed.
"Perhaps you should focus on what you came here for then," Yushi suggested softly as he handed Xueye the bundle of flowers the young man was holding earlier. Xueye had forgotten all about them. He realized Yushi must have taken them when Xueye was in a daze.
"Thank you," Xueye nodded slowly. Jinse had offered a hand to help him up since he was the only one standing. Xueye took it gratefully, feeling that his muscles were stiff as he rose with a slight wobble. "I'll be just a moment."
"Take all the time you need," Jinse finally let go once Xueye was steady on his feet. Xueye drifted over listlessly.
Xinhua and Yushi had also gotten to their feet. Xinhua wanted to join but she lingered just a moment.
"Shujing?" Xinhua looked up at him. "I know I've just been placed in this position but do you think I could-?"
Yushi held his hand up, "You don't have to ask. I was going to suggest that you join him, perhaps another but we can save the details for later. You should be with him now."
"Thank you," Xinhua sighed in relief as she joined her brother.
"What about you?" Yushi asked Jinse, expecting him to also be considering such plans.
"I wish I could answer that." Jinse sighed. "Unfortunately it too will have to wait until tomorrow. Whoever goes with him, they have to be capable of keeping him safe."
"He's in danger," Yushi stated as a fact. There was no question considering the danger he himself had put Xueye in. Jinse's reactions earlier also made it apparent that Xueye was in greater danger that he had yet to learn the full scope of.
"But we can't keep him close…" Jinse looked horribly disappointed by that fact. "Not if he's to get better."
"Then we'll figure out how to keep him safe while he's away," Yushi stated resolutely.