Chapter 2810: The Stand‑In Was Forcibly Taken by the Bandit

Over the next few days, everyone in Black Mountain Stronghold knew that Chief Gu Fanghe had been injured and needed to rest.

Meanwhile, the young master whom the chief cherished, Jin Chen, carried out his supervisory duty, confining Gu Fanghe to the warm pavilion closest to his quarters—the most tranquil spot in the stronghold—for recuperation.

This warm pavilion had originally been used for storing charcoal in winter, but now, with spring mild, it stood empty; Jin Chen directed A Yan and the nimble little bandits to clean it out, bring in a recliner, and place two pots of wild azaleas transplanted from the rear mountain, now in full bloom, to add a touch of vitality.

Gu Fanghe had no objections, and even found some pleasure in it.

Having led a tumultuous life—from the corpse‑strewn borders to the knife‑licking bandit stronghold—he had never experienced such meticulous, attentive care.

Jin Chen's oversight, too, was truly distinctive.

Early morning, the first light seeped through.

The door of the warm pavilion was gently pushed open; Jin Chen entered carrying a tea set, while inside, a pottery kettle sat on the stove, the water just about to boil.

Gu Fanghe had already awakened, sitting up against the headboard in the light streaming through the window, flipping through a military treatise.

His right arm was slung, he wore only an inner robe with the collar slightly open, lessening his bandit aura; hearing the movement, his gaze softened involuntarily when it met Jin Chen.

"Awake?"

Jin Chen set the tea set on the small table, warmed the cup, took the tea, and asked, "How do you feel today? Does the wound still hurt badly?"

"Passable." Gu Fanghe closed the book, his eyes following Jin Chen's movements.

Jin Chen's hands were pale and slender; as he lifted the kettle and poured water, they possessed a natural grace pleasing to the eye.

He watched, watched, then suddenly said, "Your tea‑making skill doesn't resemble that of a pampered young master from an ordinary wealthy family."

Jin Chen's wrist paused slightly, he lifted his eyelids, eyes smiling, "Oh? Then what does it resemble?"

"Like..." Gu Fanghe pondered, momentarily unable to find the right word.

"Not like a pretentious literati, nor like a tea master versed in the way; rather, it seems deliberately cultivated."

Jin Chen lifted a cup, offered it to Gu Fanghe, "Try it—just enough to get it down."

Gu Fanghe drank a sip, guided by Jin Chen's hand.

He was not versed in the tea ceremony; usually he drank alcohol from big bowls, but this was tea brewed by Jin Chen.

"What you brew is naturally good to drink."

Jin Chen poured another cup, cradling it to warm his hands, and leisurely began arranging, "In the morning one should have light fare; I've had the kitchen prepare shredded chicken congee and a few side dishes, to be brought over shortly—you must drink it honestly, no picky eating."

Gu Fanghe raised an eyebrow, "When have I ever been picky?"

"Yesterday's plate of stir‑fried bamboo shoots—how many bites did you take?" Jin Chen glanced at him.

"... Those shoots were a bit old," Gu Fanghe attempted to explain.

"What's good about eating grass all day? He just doesn't like those vegetables."

"For the injured, the spleen and stomach are weak; one should eat light, easily digestible food."

Jin Chen curled the corner of his mouth in a smile and added, "If you do this again today, I'll personally feed you that plate of bamboo shoots."

Gu Fanghe: "……"

He imagined that scene, and inexplicably thought it wasn't bad.

"Understood, young master."

Only then did Jin Chen feel satisfied, and he added, "By late morning, Yan Qi will come to discuss stronghold affairs with you; I've ordered him to speak for no more than half an hour, not to tire you."

This time Gu Fanghe truly felt helpless.

"There are many matters in the stronghold…"

"With you gone for just a few days, does Black Mountain Stronghold cease to turn?" Jin Chen interrupted him, tone light, "Are the Second Chief, Third Chief, and Fifth Chief mere ornaments? Rest easy and heal; the sky won't fall."

"If everything requires your personal effort, what are they for?"

That remark was reasonable, pointing out the crux Gu Fanghe had never deeply considered before.

He fell silent for a moment, then yielded, "……As you say."

Jin Chen curled his lips, brought the warmed tea to his lips, and said, "Good."

Gu Fanghe's ears grew warm; drinking the tea guided by Jin Chen's hand, he found that the usually somewhat bland brew also yielded a distinct aftertaste.

{Detected Villain Heartthrob Value +5, total 45! }

——

Afternoon.

The sunlight was warm and soft, pouring in through the open window.

Jin Chen had the cushioned recliner moved beneath the window and added a low table.

Gu Fanghe lay upon it, while he moved an embroidered stool to sit beside him, holding a local gazetteer of Nan Zhou, flipping through it intermittently, occasionally reading passages aloud to Gu Fanghe for discussion.

Idling, they basked in the sun.

At first Gu Fanghe was unaccustomed to lying about doing nothing, feeling restless all over.

But watching Jin Chen's downcast profile as he read, hearing his clear, resonant voice, and catching the faint scent of sandalwood on the breeze, that restlessness unknowingly dissipated, giving rise to the leisurely contentment of stealing half a day of idleness.

"……West of Nan Zhou City stands an ancient temple; within it grows an old plum tree, said to be a surviving variety from the former dynasty—when it blooms, its fragrance carries for ten li, its hue like rouge." Having read to that point, Jin Chen lifted his gaze to Gu Fanghe, "Once you're recovered, spring will have passed, and you won't get to see the blossoms."

Gu Fanghe's heart stirred slightly; he responded, "However, Nan Zhou's summer lotus pond is very beautiful, and its autumn osmanthus is likewise superb—if you have the leisure, you may accompany me to see them."

Gu Fanghe had dwelled as an outlaw in Nan Zhou for several years; what he saw was mostly perilous mountain forests, blades and blood—never had he enjoyed the leisure of flower‑gazing.

But if he were truly to go, someone… must be at his side.

No, summer is too long.

Gu Fanghe changed his address again, "No need to wait for summer or autumn; if you wish to look, in a few days I can accompany you on a stroll through the city—Nan Zhou City may not rival the capital's prosperity, but it has its own charm."

Jin Chen, however, shook his head, closed the book, let his gaze fall on Gu Fanghe's suspended right arm, implying, "I'm not in a hurry for this moment or the next."

He tapped his fingertips lightly on the page, a hint of mischief in his tone, "Or is it that the chief fears I'll grow bored and sneak down the mountain?"

Gu Fanghe's eyes deepened, and he took hold of Jin Chen's hand resting on his knee.

"As long as you know, since you said you'd stay by my side, rest easy there—I'll accompany you wherever you wish to go."

Jin Chen let him hold them, didn't pull away, only raised an eyebrow, "What if I want to go to the ends of the earth?"

"Then let's go to the ends of the earth." Gu Fanghe answered without a hint of hesitation.

Jin Chen chuckled lightly, then turned their hand and gently tickled Gu Fanghe's palm.

"Chief, you'd better get well soon." Jin Chen said with a smile, "Otherwise I can't travel far; I need someone to accompany me."

Gu Fanghe's palm went numb and itchy from Jin Chen's tickling, and he said, "Good."

——

Speaking of which, what both gave Gu Fanghe a headache yet also made him willingly take it was the twice-daily medicine time.

The medicinal decoction prescribed by the old doctor used potent herbs, took effect quickly, and was famed for its bitter, astringent taste—even ordinary people would frown at the smell.

Gu Fanghe wasn't afraid of bleeding or pain, but he couldn't stand the bitterness; whenever injured, he'd just tough it out.

But now, with Jin Chen supervising, taking the medicine was unavoidable.

That evening, Ah Yan promptly brought the prepared medicinal broth.

The dark brown medicinal broth was poured into a coarse pottery bowl, steaming hot, its rich bitter aroma filling the whole warm pavilion.

Jin Chen took the medicine bowl, tested the temperature, found it just right, and walked to the side of the recliner.

Gu Fanghe smelled the medicine, frowned slightly, kept his eyes closed, and turned his head away.

"Chief, it's time to take the medicine." Jin Chen said in an even tone.

Gu Fanghe grunted, still unmoving, only saying, "Leave it, let it cool a bit before drinking."

Jin Chen wasn't having any of that.

He sat on the embroidered cushion, gently stirring the dark broth in the bowl with a porcelain spoon, and said leisurely, "Good medicine tastes bitter; it works best when taken hot."

"If it cools, not only will its potency drop, but it'll probably become even more bitter."

Jin Chen scooped a spoonful, brought it to Gu Fanghe's lips, spoke gently but without allowing refusal: "Come on."

Gu Fanghe: "……"

"Ah."

He sighed, then, with Jin Chen's hand guiding him, swallowed that spoonful of medicine.

The medicine was bitter and astringent; despite his firm will, he couldn't help but feel his throat convulse, his brows knotted tight.

"Is it really that bitter?" Jin Chen asked, scooping another spoonful.

"... It's tolerable." Gu Fanghe stubbornly replied.

He steeled himself, preparing to take a second sip.

After feeding him several spoonfuls, Jin Chen finally relented, took the spoon back, and let Gu Fanghe gulp the rest of the bowl in one go.

Jin Chen set down the medicine bowl, picked a honey‑preserved plum from the small dish on the low table, its surface coated in crystalline sugar that made one's mouth water just looking at it.

"I can tell this medicine is extremely bitter." Jin Chen brought the plum to Gu Fanghe's lips, thumb brushing his lower lip, "If you find it hard to swallow, Chief, let me feed you."

Gu Fanghe's eyes darkened. "How would you feed me?"

Jin Chen's smile deepened as they held the plum in their mouth, then leaned slightly closer to Gu Fanghe.

The meaning was clear without words.

Gu Fanghe leaned in and kissed them.

Lips and teeth touching, Jin Chen passed the sweet‑tart plum over, tongue gently sweeping to wash away the annoying bitterness.

Gu Fanghe breathed a little quicker, watching Jin Chen's lips grow redder from the kiss and their eyes full of amusement, feeling that the bitter sip they'd just taken had become the finest kind of prelude.

"Still bitter?" Jin Chen murmured, lightly biting his lower lip, voice hoarse, smile inviting.

Gu Fanghe's voice hoarse, "... Sweet."

He used to hate being controlled, but now, being managed, coaxed, and forced to take medicine by this person before him, he instead found himself indulging in a compulsive pleasure.

Like a tamed beast, he willingly offered his most vulnerable neck to that person's hand, exchanging it for a moment of gentle sweetness.

Outside the window, dusk settled, and returning birds chirped.

Inside the warm pavilion, the medicinal scent lingered, mingled with a warmth sweeter than honeyed plum.

【Villain Blackening Value detected -10, total 76!】