Chapter 2817: The Stand-In Was Forcefully Taken by the Mountain Bandit's Wife 23

At daybreak, the rain fell again.

The rain pattered against the eaves with a soft, steady sound, lulling one to sleep.

In the Warm Pavilion, the light was dim; Jin Chen still held Gu Fanghe, his arm loosely draped over his waist, the tie of his nightclothes caught in his grip as he slept deeply.

Gu Fanghe woke early, but did not move, merely watching him in silence.

Outside, the rain grew steadier.

Suddenly, a very light knock came from outside the door—well-behaved, just two taps before it stopped.

Gu Fanghe frowned slightly, raising a hand to gently cover Jin Chen's ears; he shifted a little, still asleep, his nose brushing against the chest, a faint itch.

The knocking did not sound again.

Gu Fanghe thought to get up and see, but as soon as he moved, Jin Chen's hand resting on his waist tightened.

Jin Chen, half-asleep, spoke with a nasal, lazy drawl: "It's raining; what business calls you out in a hurry?"

Last night we stayed up late, and the rain disturbed the latter half of it; now is exactly the time for good sleep.

Gu Fanghe's hand still covered his ear; seeing Jin Chen's eyes still closed but his brow furrowed in displeasure at being disturbed.

That look was too endearing; Gu Fanghe's heart softened, he leaned in and kissed Jin Chen's forehead: "Sleep a little longer."

Jin Chen then opened his eyes; rainlight filtered through the paper window, casting the room in a hazy glow, his eyes still heavy with sleep, misty like glass soaked in water.

He raised a hand, gently brushed aside a stray lock of hair falling across Gu Fanghe's forehead, then leaned in and placed a light kiss on his brow.

"I had thought that with today's rain, we could laze about and brew wine together, but the Chief is really busy."

Jin Chen said, pinching Gu Fanghe's earlobe between his fingers.

Gu Fanghe recalled last night—the rain had murmured softly, the candles in the Warm Pavilion glowed warmly—then he thought of today's annoying rain and the vague urgent matter outside; seeing Jin Chen look at him like that, he let out a slow, hesitant "... Sorry."

Jin Chen chuckled, lowering his gaze to the marks still visible beneath Gu Fanghe's open collar.

When things grew heated last night, he really hadn't held back; the marks remained, adding a touch of wanton sensuality.

His gaze lingered on the marks a moment, then slowly rose, and he suddenly leaned in to kiss the corner of Gu Fanghe's eye.

Gu Fanghe now liked Jin Chen kissing that spot; he closed his eyes, letting the gentle touch linger over his sensitive scar.

The two exchanged a deep, lingering kiss.

Jin Chen's fingertips traced the marks on Gu Fanghe's chest, the corner of his mouth turning up in a mischievous arc; Gu Fanghe let out a muffled groan, seized his wandering hand, then lowered his head to peck his lips before reluctantly letting go, his voice hoarse: "I really have to go."

Jin Chen paid no heed, his other hand hooking around his neck to deepen the kiss.

Until their breathing grew a little ragged, Jin Chen finally released him, giving his shoulder a gentle push:

"Go."

His voice still carried the slight breathlessness after the kiss, the corners of his eyes reddened, his lip color strikingly vivid.

Only then did Gu Fanghe rise, barefoot, step from the bed, and walk behind the screen to dress.

Jin Chen lay on his side in bed, one hand propping his head, his gaze drifting through the gauzy screen to watch the shadowy movements lazily.

Watching Gu Fanghe put on his inner robe, tie the sash, then pick up his outer garment…

Gu Fanghe hesitated a moment, then took a clean piece of white cotton from the drawer of the Treasure Pavilion, bared the chest marked with many bite traces, and wrapped it round and round over the pectoral area.

The cloth wound over the firm muscles, finally tied in a simple knot at the side; otherwise those marks would chafe against the fabric, which would be truly uncomfortable.

Jin Chen watched, unable to suppress a low chuckle; as the instigator, he felt not the slightest guilt.

Gu Fanghe, now fully dressed, walked to the bedside, leaned down and kissed his lips again: "Sleep a little longer; the porridge is warming on the stove—let A Yan serve it to you when you wake."

"Mm." Jin Chen replied, closed his eyes, and drew back into the covers, revealing only half his face.

Gu Fanghe looked at him for a moment, then turned and left the inner chamber, gently pulling the door shut.

In the courtyard, the rain still fell, though lighter than before, turning into fine threads.

A young bandit in a raincoat and bamboo hat stood with hands at his sides beneath the eaves, waiting; seeing Gu Fanghe emerge, he hurried forward a step, clasped his fists, and said softly, "Chief, the Second Chief is waiting for you in the Council Chamber—it's a matter of great importance."

Gu Fanghe grunted, stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over A Yan standing guard beneath the eaves; he paused, then ordered, "The rain hasn't stopped yet, and it's chilly. Go light a charcoal brazier in the Young Master's room—careful not to fill it with smoke."

"Also fetch his silver-fox-fur-trimmed light cloak to warm; if he feels cold upon rising, drape it over him."

A Yan hurriedly bowed in assent: "Yes, Chief, I understand."

Only then did Gu Fanghe stride into the fine rain.

Inside, Jin Chen turned over and continued to sleep, his fingertip lightly tapping the mattress.

In the corner of the small corridor, two brightly colored snakes slipped silently from a crack in the wall and crawled out of the gate.

——

Inside the Council Chamber.

When Gu Fanghe pushed the door open and entered, there were already three people inside.

Chen Xiaoshan stood with his hands behind his back at the window, gazing at the rain curtain outside, his brows tightly knit.

Liu Mianfeng sat in a nearby grand master's chair, slowly swaying the jade-bone fan he never parts with; the motion of his fanning was much slower than usual, and his gaze was also somewhat heavy.

And seated on the opposite guest seat was…

Gu Fanghe's face instantly darkened.

Ruan Sutong sat upright, dressed in white, his demeanor the usual gentle calm.

"What are you here for?" Gu Fanghe's tone was cold and hard.

Ruan Sutong's smile faltered for a moment as he rose: "Elder Brother Gu, please don't blame me."

"Indeed, the court's situation has been turbulent lately; though I have left the capital, while I was there I made some acquaintances… friends with connections in the palace who might be able to help the Black Mountain Stronghold's present plight; I wish to discuss this with you chiefs."

His smile was warm, his words earnest: "Sutong harbors no ulterior motive; he merely recalls the gratitude for the stronghold's shelter in years past, cannot bear to see old friends fall into danger, and hopes Elder Brother Gu will not misunderstand."

Chen Xiaoshan looked at Gu Fanghe, his tone tinged with disapproval: "Elder Brother, Master Ruan also means well—why…"

"Enough." Gu Fanghe cut him off, no longer looking at Ruan Sutong, walked straight to the main seat and sat down; his voice revealed no emotion, purely a businesslike attitude.

"Then speak—what good news can you bring us?"

This attitude, compared to the treatment of Ruan Shutong three years ago, is simply worlds apart.

Ruan Shutong lowered his eyes, concealing the fleeting gloom in his gaze; when he lifted them again, he wore that warm, jade-like appearance. He set down his teacup and spoke solemnly: "Nowadays, the Crown Prince faction and the Third Prince faction in court are locked in ever fiercer struggle, the emperor's health is failing, all parties are secretly maneuvering, the matter of the general's tiger talisman… is likely to be dug up again."

Gu Fanghe listened in silence, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, his expression calm and giving no hint of joy or anger; Chen Xiaoshan and Liu Mianfeng also listened attentively.

As Ruan Shutong spoke, he covertly observed Gu Fanghe; the more he watched, the heavier the doubt in his heart grew.

No.

Completely wrong.

Toward him, Gu Fanghe truly had nothing left but indifference, even his courtesy seemed perfunctory.

What baffled him even more was Gu Fanghe's attitude toward Jin Chen.

If it were merely because of their similar looks, treating him as a stand-in, then Gu Fanghe's feelings toward Jin Chen should be a complex, distorted mix of contempt, or displaced anger.