Selling Cakes: C05

Chapter Five

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”}
For those high-ranking individuals tried and convicted by the emperor himself, the imperial prison became their home. The dark, cold cells filled with gloom—those walls that hid both the heavens and earth from one’s view. Once those convicted souls crossed those gates of life and death, all hopes of freedom were lost.

“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”

_{Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.}
Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.

Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.

Xie Yunjie was speechless, his eyes staring at Shen Yunjie vacant until he began muttering to himself. “No, no. It can’t be true—you’re lying... You’re lying. You have to be...”

For those high-ranking individuals tried and convicted by the emperor himself, the imperial prison became their home. The dark, cold cells filled with gloom—those walls that hid both the heavens and earth from one’s view. Once those convicted souls crossed those gates of life and death, all hopes of freedom were lost.

_{While the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.}Those chained hands clutching on Shen Yunjie’s slipped and fell to the wayside as though all their stunned owner’s senses were lost.

While the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.

_{Love, hate… Both were abolished in one stroke.}
While the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.

Love, hate… Both were abolished in one stroke.

_{As that boy’s hand held his, as that little prince felt his palm burning, the youth replied hesitantly, “Yunjie…”}
In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.

As that boy’s hand held his, as that little prince felt his palm burning, the youth replied hesitantly, “Yunjie…”

_{After Shen Yunjie made his way over to the young master, he fell to his knees and opened the box containing food he carried in his arms.}“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”

After Shen Yunjie made his way over to the young master, he fell to his knees and opened the box containing food he carried in his arms.

_{“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”}In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.

“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”

_{“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”}“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”

_{Without a second thought, he extended his hand. “Come with me.”}
The person who was supposed to be the most carefree and joyful little prince in all of Jinling, the person who should have been lifted to the highest heights as a young noble beloved by all—the person who adored wearing red arrow-sleeved robes, paired with those most gorgeous of brocades, and bound with belts crafted from fine jade, making him a grand sight by all—was now in such a state.

Without a second thought, he extended his hand. “Come with me.”

_{As that boy’s hand held his, as that little prince felt his palm burning, the youth replied hesitantly, “Yunjie…”}“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”

As that boy’s hand held his, as that little prince felt his palm burning, the youth replied hesitantly, “Yunjie…”

_{“Yun di yun jie, like the poem?” The little prince laughed. “I’m familiar with that poem, you know? With a bashful smile, heads lowered, unable to feel the golden hairpin slip.}
The world was now upside down.

“Yun di yun jie, like the poem?” The little prince laughed. “I’m familiar with that poem, you know? With a bashful smile, heads lowered, unable to feel the golden hairpin slip. For entrusting the matchmakers, a pair of phoenix pillows were returned, symbols of a blessed life of bliss. The day their hands were joined, there was nothing but beauty to behold. With ever-firm hearts, the bound pair each guarded their betrothed. For all the days to come, may it forever remain so.”

_N/AWhile the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.

N/A

_{Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”}
After Shen Yunjie made his way over to the young master, he fell to his knees and opened the box containing food he carried in his arms.

Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”

_{“I’m sorry.” Shen Yunjie clenched his fists under his sleeves until his nails pierced his flesh, yet the only pain he felt was the dull ache in his chest that grew all the more unbearable. “I lied to you back then. I was ordered by my master to infiltrate the palace and gain your trust so as to carry out the investigation.”}In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.

“I’m sorry.” Shen Yunjie clenched his fists under his sleeves until his nails pierced his flesh, yet the only pain he felt was the dull ache in his chest that grew all the more unbearable. “I lied to you back then. I was ordered by my master to infiltrate the palace and gain your trust so as to carry out the investigation.”

_{Chapter Five}
“Young master, I made you your favourite. It is the fried dough cake you adore.”

Chapter Five

_{Xie Yunjie was speechless, his eyes staring at Shen Yunjie vacant until he began muttering to himself. “No, no. It can’t be true—you’re lying... You’re lying. You have to be...”}
Extending his hand, Shen Yunjie gently brushed away the messy locks concealing Xie Yunyi’s eyes before lifting the gaunt, pale face towards his.

Xie Yunjie was speechless, his eyes staring at Shen Yunjie vacant until he began muttering to himself. “No, no. It can’t be true—you’re lying... You’re lying. You have to be...”

_{Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten at those words, yet he still steeled his heart and continued, “The punishment for His Highness was decided upon by His Majesty, himself. So I fear it is impossible for him to ever be released.}While the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.

Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten at those words, yet he still steeled his heart and continued, “The punishment for His Highness was decided upon by His Majesty, himself. So I fear it is impossible for him to ever be released. As for Her Highness, out of respect for their bond as brother and sister, His Majesty has sent her to the Qing’an Temple to keep her insulated from everything going on outside. As for the other officials involved, they have all been punished as well.”

_{Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.}“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”

Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.

_{Without a second thought, he extended his hand. “Come with me.”}“I’m sorry.” Shen Yunjie clenched his fists under his sleeves until his nails pierced his flesh, yet the only pain he felt was the dull ache in his chest that grew all the more unbearable. “I lied to you back then. I was ordered by my master to infiltrate the palace and gain your trust so as to carry out the investigation.”

Without a second thought, he extended his hand. “Come with me.”

_{After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”}
For a moment, Xie Yunyi’s gaze seemed to linger on the nothingness before it fell on Shen Yunjie. Muted clacks suddenly echoed throughout the room as he reached to grasp Shen Yunjie’s hands, choking as he stuttered out his words. “A’Yun... m-my father didn’t plan to commit treason! He could never do such a thing!”

After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”

_{Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.}
“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”

Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.

_{Notes: Yun di yun jie (月地云阶) is an idiom used to describe beautiful scenery. Lit.}“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”

Notes: Yun di yun jie (月地云阶) is an idiom used to describe beautiful scenery. Lit. Moon earth, cloud stairs. It’s italicised in the poem above and below.)[]Poem by Lu Wengui (陆文圭) [Yuan Dynasty][](Format: Crimson Lips), Bashful Smile (点绛唇·笑靥多羞)[]笑靥多羞，低头不觉金钗溜。凭媒将就。凤枕回双绣。[]月地云阶，何日重携手。心坚否。齐眉相守。愿得从今后。[]Xiào yè duō xiū; dī tóu bù jué jīn chāi liū. Píng méi jiāng jiù. Pèng zhěn huí shuāng xiù.[]Yuè dì yún jiē, hé rì zhòng xié shǒu. Xīn jiān fǒu. Qí méi xiāng shǒu. Yuàn dé cóng jīn hòu.[]With a bashful smile, heads lowered, unable to feel the golden hairpin slip. []For entrusting the matchmakers, a pair of phoenix pillows were returned, symbols of a blessed life of bliss.[]The day their hands were joined, there was nothing but beauty to behold.[]With ever-firm hearts, the bound pair each guarded their betrothed.[]For all the days to come, may it forever remain so.

_{While the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.}In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.

_{Taking step after step, Shen Yunjie soon traversed the long trail of stone steps leading towards the large iron gates of the prison spread wide. At the end of this path, his master stood in wait. The more he neared—the more that dull ache expanded. When it grew past its limit, his legs gave out, almost sending him crashing to his knees.}After Shen Yunjie made his way over to the young master, he fell to his knees and opened the box containing food he carried in his arms.

Taking step after step, Shen Yunjie soon traversed the long trail of stone steps leading towards the large iron gates of the prison spread wide. At the end of this path, his master stood in wait. The more he neared—the more that dull ache expanded. When it grew past its limit, his legs gave out, almost sending him crashing to his knees.

_{For a moment, Xie Yunyi’s gaze seemed to linger on the nothingness before it fell on Shen Yunjie. Muted clacks suddenly echoed throughout the room as he reached to grasp Shen Yunjie’s hands, choking as he stuttered out his words. “A’Yun... m-my father didn’t plan to commit treason! He could never do such a thing!”}
Xie Yunjie was speechless, his eyes staring at Shen Yunjie vacant until he began muttering to himself. “No, no. It can’t be true—you’re lying... You’re lying. You have to be...”

For a moment, Xie Yunyi’s gaze seemed to linger on the nothingness before it fell on Shen Yunjie. Muted clacks suddenly echoed throughout the room as he reached to grasp Shen Yunjie’s hands, choking as he stuttered out his words. “A’Yun... m-my father didn’t plan to commit treason! He could never do such a thing!”

_{Standing watch at the two towering columns marking the Tianyi Division’s entrance, two imperial guards kneeled, their voices in sync as they spoke. "Welcome, young master. Welcome back to Tianyi.”}A cold wetness streamed down Xie Yunyi’s face as he remained perfectly silent, followed by a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “So you lied to me... Throughout all those years, you lied...”

Standing watch at the two towering columns marking the Tianyi Division’s entrance, two imperial guards kneeled, their voices in sync as they spoke. "Welcome, young master. Welcome back to Tianyi.”

_{Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.}Shen Yunjie only looked into the empty box at his words, then from a compartment at the box’s base, he pulled out a small wine jug. Grabbing Xie Yunyi by the chin, he poured half of its contents down the young lord’s gullet. “As you should, young master. On your way to the underworld, as you journey down the River Styx, you can love and hate me for the rest of your life.”

Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.

_{Love, hate… Both were abolished in one stroke.}For those high-ranking individuals tried and convicted by the emperor himself, the imperial prison became their home. The dark, cold cells filled with gloom—those walls that hid both the heavens and earth from one’s view. Once those convicted souls crossed those gates of life and death, all hopes of freedom were lost.

Love, hate… Both were abolished in one stroke.

_{Those chained hands clutching on Shen Yunjie’s slipped and fell to the wayside as though all their stunned owner’s senses were lost.}
Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten at those words, yet he still steeled his heart and continued, “The punishment for His Highness was decided upon by His Majesty, himself. So I fear it is impossible for him to ever be released. As for Her Highness, out of respect for their bond as brother and sister, His Majesty has sent her to the Qing’an Temple to keep her insulated from everything going on outside. As for the other officials involved, they have all been punished as well.”

Those chained hands clutching on Shen Yunjie’s slipped and fell to the wayside as though all their stunned owner’s senses were lost.

_{Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten at those words, yet he still steeled his heart and continued, “The punishment for His Highness was decided upon by His Majesty, himself. So I fear it is impossible for him to ever be released.}Shen Yunjie only looked into the empty box at his words, then from a compartment at the box’s base, he pulled out a small wine jug. Grabbing Xie Yunyi by the chin, he poured half of its contents down the young lord’s gullet. “As you should, young master. On your way to the underworld, as you journey down the River Styx, you can love and hate me for the rest of your life.”

_{Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”}After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”

Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”

_{In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.}
Those chained hands clutching on Shen Yunjie’s slipped and fell to the wayside as though all their stunned owner’s senses were lost.

In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.

_{Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”}“Young master, I made you your favourite. It is the fried dough cake you adore.”

Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”

_{For a moment, Xie Yunyi’s gaze seemed to linger on the nothingness before it fell on Shen Yunjie. Muted clacks suddenly echoed throughout the room as he reached to grasp Shen Yunjie’s hands, choking as he stuttered out his words. “A’Yun... m-my father didn’t plan to commit treason! He could never do such a thing!”}The porridge placed within Xie Yunyi’s lips simply fell from their corners as his eyes completely reddened. After some time passed, his crackling voice then croaked out, “Who... are you?”

_{The porridge placed within Xie Yunyi’s lips simply fell from their corners as his eyes completely reddened. After some time passed, his crackling voice then croaked out, “Who... are you?”}
The warm breath of a sigh brushed past Shen Yunjie’s lips, after which he pulled out a bowl of rice porridge from the box he had brought in. Scooping out a spoon, he brought it towards his lips to cool before placing it before Xie Yunji’s mouth and saying, “You must eat, young master. Eat, and I will tell you whatever you wish to hear.”

The porridge placed within Xie Yunyi’s lips simply fell from their corners as his eyes completely reddened. After some time passed, his crackling voice then croaked out, “Who... are you?”

_{While the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.}
The porridge placed within Xie Yunyi’s lips simply fell from their corners as his eyes completely reddened. After some time passed, his crackling voice then croaked out, “Who... are you?”

_{{...may it forever remain so.}}The warm breath of a sigh brushed past Shen Yunjie’s lips, after which he pulled out a bowl of rice porridge from the box he had brought in. Scooping out a spoon, he brought it towards his lips to cool before placing it before Xie Yunji’s mouth and saying, “You must eat, young master. Eat, and I will tell you whatever you wish to hear.”

...may it forever remain so.

_{Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.}Chapter Five

Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.

_{“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”}Shen Yunjie reached out to touch the tears staining the face before him, his words succinct. “Throughout all those years, I have never loved you.”

_{{...may it forever remain so.}}The person who was supposed to be the most carefree and joyful little prince in all of Jinling, the person who should have been lifted to the highest heights as a young noble beloved by all—the person who adored wearing red arrow-sleeved robes, paired with those most gorgeous of brocades, and bound with belts crafted from fine jade, making him a grand sight by all—was now in such a state.

...may it forever remain so.

_{“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”}Shen Yunjie reached out to touch the tears staining the face before him, his words succinct. “Throughout all those years, I have never loved you.”

_{Jiang Lingxin caught him, however. While in that man’s firm grip, he heard him say, “Guan’er, let’s go home.”}
“Then that year...” Xie Yunyi curled into a ball once more, seeming like he was crying despite shedding no tears. “...when you said your father died, leaving you all alone and you had no home any longer...”

Jiang Lingxin caught him, however. While in that man’s firm grip, he heard him say, “Guan’er, let’s go home.”

_{Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten at those words, yet he still steeled his heart and continued, “The punishment for His Highness was decided upon by His Majesty, himself. So I fear it is impossible for him to ever be released.}
“I’m sorry.” Shen Yunjie clenched his fists under his sleeves until his nails pierced his flesh, yet the only pain he felt was the dull ache in his chest that grew all the more unbearable. “I lied to you back then. I was ordered by my master to infiltrate the palace and gain your trust so as to carry out the investigation.”

_{After Shen Yunjie made his way over to the young master, he fell to his knees and opened the box containing food he carried in his arms.}
A cold wetness streamed down Xie Yunyi’s face as he remained perfectly silent, followed by a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “So you lied to me... Throughout all those years, you lied...”

After Shen Yunjie made his way over to the young master, he fell to his knees and opened the box containing food he carried in his arms.

_N/A...may it forever remain so.

N/A

_{“Yun di yun jie, like the poem?” The little prince laughed. “I’m familiar with that poem, you know? With a bashful smile, heads lowered, unable to feel the golden hairpin slip.}Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”

_{The warm breath of a sigh brushed past Shen Yunjie’s lips, after which he pulled out a bowl of rice porridge from the box he had brought in. Scooping out a spoon, he brought it towards his lips to cool before placing it before Xie Yunji’s mouth and saying, “You must eat, young master. Eat, and I will tell you whatever you wish to hear.”}
Shen Yunjie reached out to touch the tears staining the face before him, his words succinct. “Throughout all those years, I have never loved you.”

The warm breath of a sigh brushed past Shen Yunjie’s lips, after which he pulled out a bowl of rice porridge from the box he had brought in. Scooping out a spoon, he brought it towards his lips to cool before placing it before Xie Yunji’s mouth and saying, “You must eat, young master. Eat, and I will tell you whatever you wish to hear.”

_{“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”}
The man before his eyes as pure as jade was a man capable of killing without shedding a drop of blood. Xie Yunyi's lips contorted into a crooked smile, his features frozen for who knows how long before his eyes were pulled shut and she spoke. “Shen Yunjie... I hate you.”

_{After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”}After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”

After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”

_{Xie Yunyi coughed and choked from the potent liquor forced upon him, but before his head could rise, the chill of metal radiated throughout his chest. Its source was an exquisite dagger.}
Shen Yunjie only looked into the empty box at his words, then from a compartment at the box’s base, he pulled out a small wine jug. Grabbing Xie Yunyi by the chin, he poured half of its contents down the young lord’s gullet. “As you should, young master. On your way to the underworld, as you journey down the River Styx, you can love and hate me for the rest of your life.”

Xie Yunyi coughed and choked from the potent liquor forced upon him, but before his head could rise, the chill of metal radiated throughout his chest. Its source was an exquisite dagger. Then, when he frantically parted his lips to speak, only blood gushed out. His vision soon blurred, and his body was swaddled in a frost akin to the first snow of that year long past in Jinling. A boy marked for sale kneeling on the icy ground—a boy whose very sight had instantly stolen his breath.

_{While the order he received from Tianyi hung from his waist, Shen Yunjie walked the path leading to a cell at the end of the imperial prison. Upon noticing him, the guard bowed his head and moved to undo the three massive locks before leading him to the cell and silently taking his leave.}After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”

_{The world was now upside down.}
Xie Yunyi coughed and choked from the potent liquor forced upon him, but before his head could rise, the chill of metal radiated throughout his chest. Its source was an exquisite dagger. Then, when he frantically parted his lips to speak, only blood gushed out. His vision soon blurred, and his body was swaddled in a frost akin to the first snow of that year long past in Jinling. A boy marked for sale kneeling on the icy ground—a boy whose very sight had instantly stolen his breath.

The world was now upside down.

_{Shen Yunjie reached out to touch the tears staining the face before him, his words succinct. “Throughout all those years, I have never loved you.”}
Without a second thought, he extended his hand. “Come with me.”

Shen Yunjie reached out to touch the tears staining the face before him, his words succinct. “Throughout all those years, I have never loved you.”

_{“I’m sorry.” Shen Yunjie clenched his fists under his sleeves until his nails pierced his flesh, yet the only pain he felt was the dull ache in his chest that grew all the more unbearable. “I lied to you back then. I was ordered by my master to infiltrate the palace and gain your trust so as to carry out the investigation.”}Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten at those words, yet he still steeled his heart and continued, “The punishment for His Highness was decided upon by His Majesty, himself. So I fear it is impossible for him to ever be released. As for Her Highness, out of respect for their bond as brother and sister, His Majesty has sent her to the Qing’an Temple to keep her insulated from everything going on outside. As for the other officials involved, they have all been punished as well.”

_{Xie Yunjie was speechless, his eyes staring at Shen Yunjie vacant until he began muttering to himself. “No, no. It can’t be true—you’re lying... You’re lying. You have to be...”}The warm breath of a sigh brushed past Shen Yunjie’s lips, after which he pulled out a bowl of rice porridge from the box he had brought in. Scooping out a spoon, he brought it towards his lips to cool before placing it before Xie Yunji’s mouth and saying, “You must eat, young master. Eat, and I will tell you whatever you wish to hear.”

Xie Yunjie was speechless, his eyes staring at Shen Yunjie vacant until he began muttering to himself. “No, no. It can’t be true—you’re lying... You’re lying. You have to be...”

_{Shen Yunjie only looked into the empty box at his words, then from a compartment at the box’s base, he pulled out a small wine jug. Grabbing Xie Yunyi by the chin, he poured half of its contents down the young lord’s gullet. “As you should, young master. On your way to the underworld, as you journey down the River Styx, you can love and hate me for the rest of your life.”}
Without a second thought, he wrapped his flaming red fox coat around the freezing boy and asked, “What’s your name?”

Shen Yunjie only looked into the empty box at his words, then from a compartment at the box’s base, he pulled out a small wine jug. Grabbing Xie Yunyi by the chin, he poured half of its contents down the young lord’s gullet. “As you should, young master. On your way to the underworld, as you journey down the River Styx, you can love and hate me for the rest of your life.”

_{Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.}Notes: Yun di yun jie (月地云阶) is an idiom used to describe beautiful scenery. Lit. Moon earth, cloud stairs. It’s italicised in the poem above and below.)[]Poem by Lu Wengui (陆文圭) [Yuan Dynasty][](Format: Crimson Lips), Bashful Smile (点绛唇·笑靥多羞)[]笑靥多羞，低头不觉金钗溜。凭媒将就。凤枕回双绣。[]月地云阶，何日重携手。心坚否。齐眉相守。愿得从今后。[]Xiào yè duō xiū; dī tóu bù jué jīn chāi liū. Píng méi jiāng jiù. Pèng zhěn huí shuāng xiù.[]Yuè dì yún jiē, hé rì zhòng xié shǒu. Xīn jiān fǒu. Qí méi xiāng shǒu. Yuàn dé cóng jīn hòu.[]With a bashful smile, heads lowered, unable to feel the golden hairpin slip. []For entrusting the matchmakers, a pair of phoenix pillows were returned, symbols of a blessed life of bliss.[]The day their hands were joined, there was nothing but beauty to behold.[]With ever-firm hearts, the bound pair each guarded their betrothed.[]For all the days to come, may it forever remain so.

Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.

_N/A
As that boy’s hand held his, as that little prince felt his palm burning, the youth replied hesitantly, “Yunjie…”

N/A

_{Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.}Love, hate… Both were abolished in one stroke.

Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.

Xie Yunjie was speechless, his eyes staring at Shen Yunjie vacant until he began muttering to himself. “No, no. It can’t be true—you’re lying... You’re lying. You have to be...”

_{In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.}In the farthest corner of the cell, a huddled form sat with thick iron chains bound to his wrists and ankles. Hugging his knees, that figure hadn’t so much as twitched. He simply sat there with dishevelled hair completely obstructing his vision, and a once fiery red wedding robe now blackened with dirt and muck.

_{“Young master, I made you your favourite. It is the fried dough cake you adore.”}
“Yun di yun jie, like the poem?” The little prince laughed. “I’m familiar with that poem, you know? With a bashful smile, heads lowered, unable to feel the golden hairpin slip. For entrusting the matchmakers, a pair of phoenix pillows were returned, symbols of a blessed life of bliss. The day their hands were joined, there was nothing but beauty to behold. With ever-firm hearts, the bound pair each guarded their betrothed. For all the days to come, may it forever remain so.”

“Young master, I made you your favourite. It is the fried dough cake you adore.”

_{Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.}The man before his eyes as pure as jade was a man capable of killing without shedding a drop of blood. Xie Yunyi's lips contorted into a crooked smile, his features frozen for who knows how long before his eyes were pulled shut and she spoke. “Shen Yunjie... I hate you.”

Within every breath was an ever-present bloody stench. It was a place where no one cursed or struggled. It was a place forever doused in a dead silence.

_{The person who was supposed to be the most carefree and joyful little prince in all of Jinling, the person who should have been lifted to the highest heights as a young noble beloved by all—the person who adored wearing red arrow-sleeved robes, paired with those most gorgeous of brocades, and bound with belts crafted from fine jade, making him a grand sight by all—was now in such a state.}
...may it forever remain so.

The person who was supposed to be the most carefree and joyful little prince in all of Jinling, the person who should have been lifted to the highest heights as a young noble beloved by all—the person who adored wearing red arrow-sleeved robes, paired with those most gorgeous of brocades, and bound with belts crafted from fine jade, making him a grand sight by all—was now in such a state.

_{A cold wetness streamed down Xie Yunyi’s face as he remained perfectly silent, followed by a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “So you lied to me... Throughout all those years, you lied...”}“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”

A cold wetness streamed down Xie Yunyi’s face as he remained perfectly silent, followed by a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “So you lied to me... Throughout all those years, you lied...”

_{Those chained hands clutching on Shen Yunjie’s slipped and fell to the wayside as though all their stunned owner’s senses were lost.}Extending his hand, Shen Yunjie gently brushed away the messy locks concealing Xie Yunyi’s eyes before lifting the gaunt, pale face towards his.

Those chained hands clutching on Shen Yunjie’s slipped and fell to the wayside as though all their stunned owner’s senses were lost.

_{{...may it forever remain so.}}Shen Yunjie only looked into the empty box at his words, then from a compartment at the box’s base, he pulled out a small wine jug. Grabbing Xie Yunyi by the chin, he poured half of its contents down the young lord’s gullet. “As you should, young master. On your way to the underworld, as you journey down the River Styx, you can love and hate me for the rest of your life.”

...may it forever remain so.

_{Extending his hand, Shen Yunjie gently brushed away the messy locks concealing Xie Yunyi’s eyes before lifting the gaunt, pale face towards his.}
Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.

Extending his hand, Shen Yunjie gently brushed away the messy locks concealing Xie Yunyi’s eyes before lifting the gaunt, pale face towards his.

_{Chapter Five}“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”

Chapter Five

_{Taking step after step, Shen Yunjie soon traversed the long trail of stone steps leading towards the large iron gates of the prison spread wide. At the end of this path, his master stood in wait. The more he neared—the more that dull ache expanded. When it grew past its limit, his legs gave out, almost sending him crashing to his knees.}
He had killed him. With his very own hands, he killed the love of his life.

_{Taking step after step, Shen Yunjie soon traversed the long trail of stone steps leading towards the large iron gates of the prison spread wide. At the end of this path, his master stood in wait. The more he neared—the more that dull ache expanded. When it grew past its limit, his legs gave out, almost sending him crashing to his knees.}As that boy’s hand held his, as that little prince felt his palm burning, the youth replied hesitantly, “Yunjie…”

_{“Young master,” Shen Yunjie looked at him calmly as he whispered, “the evidence proving His Highness formed a secret faction for personal political gain is irrefutable. What’s more, His Highness has also confessed.”}Jiang Lingxin caught him, however. While in that man’s firm grip, he heard him say, “Guan’er, let’s go home.”

Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.

_{For those high-ranking individuals tried and convicted by the emperor himself, the imperial prison became their home. The dark, cold cells filled with gloom—those walls that hid both the heavens and earth from one’s view. Once those convicted souls crossed those gates of life and death, all hopes of freedom were lost.}
Taking step after step, Shen Yunjie soon traversed the long trail of stone steps leading towards the large iron gates of the prison spread wide. At the end of this path, his master stood in wait. The more he neared—the more that dull ache expanded. When it grew past its limit, his legs gave out, almost sending him crashing to his knees.

_{...may it forever remain so.}
Jiang Lingxin caught him, however. While in that man’s firm grip, he heard him say, “Guan’er, let’s go home.”

...may it forever remain so.

_{Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.}For a moment, Xie Yunyi’s gaze seemed to linger on the nothingness before it fell on Shen Yunjie. Muted clacks suddenly echoed throughout the room as he reached to grasp Shen Yunjie’s hands, choking as he stuttered out his words. “A’Yun... m-my father didn’t plan to commit treason! He could never do such a thing!”

Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.

_{“Young master, I made you your favourite. It is the fried dough cake you adore.”}Shen Yunjie only looked into the empty box at his words, then from a compartment at the box’s base, he pulled out a small wine jug. Grabbing Xie Yunyi by the chin, he poured half of its contents down the young lord’s gullet. “As you should, young master. On your way to the underworld, as you journey down the River Styx, you can love and hate me for the rest of your life.”

“Young master, I made you your favourite. It is the fried dough cake you adore.”

_{After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”}He had killed him. With his very own hands, he killed the love of his life.

After Shen Yunjie wiped the spilt porridge with a napkin, his gaze fell as he replied, “I’m from Tianyi Division... Shen Guan.”

_{The man before his eyes as pure as jade was a man capable of killing without shedding a drop of blood. Xie Yunyi's lips contorted into a crooked smile, his features frozen for who knows how long before his eyes were pulled shut and she spoke. “Shen Yunjie... I hate you.”}
Love, hate… Both were abolished in one stroke.

The man before his eyes as pure as jade was a man capable of killing without shedding a drop of blood. Xie Yunyi's lips contorted into a crooked smile, his features frozen for who knows how long before his eyes were pulled shut and she spoke. “Shen Yunjie... I hate you.”

_N/AThose chained hands clutching on Shen Yunjie’s slipped and fell to the wayside as though all their stunned owner’s senses were lost.

N/A

_{Extending his hand, Shen Yunjie gently brushed away the messy locks concealing Xie Yunyi’s eyes before lifting the gaunt, pale face towards his.}...may it forever remain so.

Extending his hand, Shen Yunjie gently brushed away the messy locks concealing Xie Yunyi’s eyes before lifting the gaunt, pale face towards his.

_{Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten at those words, yet he still steeled his heart and continued, “The punishment for His Highness was decided upon by His Majesty, himself. So I fear it is impossible for him to ever be released.}Shen Yunjie clutched Xie Yunyi in his arms until the other breathed his last breath. Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss above those unmoving brows while silently shedding tears.

_{A cold wetness streamed down Xie Yunyi’s face as he remained perfectly silent, followed by a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “So you lied to me... Throughout all those years, you lied...”}
Standing watch at the two towering columns marking the Tianyi Division’s entrance, two imperial guards kneeled, their voices in sync as they spoke. "Welcome, young master. Welcome back to Tianyi.”

A cold wetness streamed down Xie Yunyi’s face as he remained perfectly silent, followed by a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “So you lied to me... Throughout all those years, you lied...”

_{{...may it forever remain so.}}He had killed him. With his very own hands, he killed the love of his life.

...may it forever remain so.

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

Yun di yun jie (月地云阶) is an idiom used to describe beautiful scenery. Lit. Moon earth, cloud stairs. It’s italicised in the poem above and below.)

Poem by Lu Wengui (陆文圭) [Yuan Dynasty]

(Format: Crimson Lips), Bashful Smile (点绛唇·笑靥多羞)

笑靥多羞，低头不觉金钗溜。凭媒将就。凤枕回双绣。

{月地云阶}，何日重携手。心坚否。齐眉相守。愿得从今后。

Xiào yè duō xiū; dī tóu bù jué jīn chāi liū. Píng méi jiāng jiù. Pèng zhěn huí shuāng xiù.

{Yuè dì yún jiē}, hé rì zhòng xié shǒu. Xīn jiān fǒu. Qí méi xiāng shǒu. Yuàn dé cóng jīn hòu.

With a bashful smile, heads lowered, unable to feel the golden hairpin slip.

For entrusting the matchmakers, a pair of phoenix pillows were returned, symbols of a blessed life of bliss.

The day their hands were joined, {there was nothing but beauty to behold.}

With ever-firm hearts, the bound pair each guarded their betrothed.

For all the days to come, may it forever remain so.

Selling Cakes: C05

Chapter Five

Author's Note:

Notes:

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