Translated by Pure

Character Index

Extra 2: Mu Yang and Chi Jingxi's Initial Meeting

In his youth, Mu Yang proved to be an unruly and mischievous troublemaker, often difficult to discipline or rein in.

Having lost his mother at a tender age, Mu Yang's father, Mu Yuan, harbored feelings of guilt towards his beloved son and showered him with ceaseless affection.

Within the General Mansion, Mu Yang's desires for his preferred food and attire took precedence above all else. The household servants made it their duty to cater to his every command, prioritizing his needs without question.

Mu Yuan, a boorish and unrefined individual, lacked the knowledge and finesse to provide proper education to his son. Instead, he indulged Mu Yang's every whim, striving to fulfill his desires and offer him the best of everything. Unfortunately, this approach fostered a sense of apathy in Mu Yang. By the age of ten, he displayed little interest in studying and struggled with reading.

Recognizing the detrimental path Mu Yang was on, the Emperor understood that allowing this situation to persist would only lead to the ruin of General Mu’s sole legitimate son. Consequently, the Emperor swiftly intervened, issuing a decree mandating Mu Yang's entrance into the palace to undergo rigorous education under the tutelage of Li Boyuan.

Accustomed to a life of comfort, Mu Yang was unwilling to endure the hardships of palace life. Thus, he made a scene and adamantly refused to comply with the Emperor's decree.

The General's Mansion was thrown into chaos that day, as Mu Yang's protests reverberated throughout its halls, causing a significant uproar.

Wearing a light-colored robe, Mu Yang threw himself to the ground, rolling until the fabric darkened with dirt. "No no no! I don’t want to go to the palace!"

Mu Yuan grew increasingly anxious, persisting in his attempts to persuade his son. "You unruly child, it's a great honor for you to enter the palace under the Emperor's decree. Yet you still fail to discern right from wrong!"

Mu Yang retorted, "I don't want to go! I don't care about honor!"

Mu Yuan clicked his tongue in frustration. "You foolish child, if the Emperor were to hear such words, even if you had nine lives, they wouldn't spare you!"

Tears streaming down his face, Mu Yang continued to cry out in distress.

Frustrated, Mu Yuan rubbed his head and resorted to coaxing. "The palace is filled with many children like you. There are princes and the legitimate sons of other high-ranking court officials. You can make many friends there, it’s much more fun than staying at home."

Mu Yang exclaimed, "I don't care about making friends! I just want to stay home!"

Mu Yuan was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Despite his authority, he could not defy the Emperor's decree. Therefore, he resorted to coaxing and threatening Mu Yang, urging him to retire early for the night and preparing for their departure to the palace in two days' time.

At just ten years old, young Mu Yang was already quite resourceful and mischievous. On the day before his departure for the palace, he intentionally consumed a large quantity of garlic, causing him to tear up from the pungent heat.

When Mu Yuan came to check on him, he found Mu Yang sitting quietly, dressed neatly but with red eyes. Assuming his son was feeling sorrowful about leaving, Mu Yuan refrained from probing further and instead instructed the servants to escort Mu Yang to the carriage bound for the palace.

Mu Yang endured the journey in the carriage, the scent of garlic permeating the confined space until its aroma filled the air upon arrival at the palace gates.

Although his father had attended every annual New Year Banquet in the imperial palace, Mu Yang had never set foot in the palace before. 

Due to concerns about Mu Yang's mischievous nature potentially causing disruptions, Mu Yuan had refrained from bringing him along during these occasions.

As Mu Yang laid eyes on the palace for the first time, he found himself overcome with an inexplicable sense of oppression, the towering red walls, golden tiles, and imposing gates looming before him.

Within the palace, the servants conducted themselves with utmost decorum, avoiding even the slightest glance upward as they hurried about their tasks.

Mu Yang's initial impression of the palace was unfavorable.

Mu Yang couldn't shake the thought that everyone living within the confines of the imperial palace would be exceedingly dull.

Led by the palace maids, Mu Yang was guided to the 'Reading Hall,' where Li Boyuan typically conducted his lessons. 

As the door pushed open, all eyes within the hall turned toward him simultaneously.

Clad in a smoky red embroidered long coat, Mu Yang stood by the doorway, his stature scarcely reaching the height of a table. Timidly poking his head through the entrance, he revealed a pair of apprehensive eyes.

This marked the first encounter between Mu Yang and Chi Jingxi.

Seated among the other children, Chi Jingxi glanced towards the door along with everyone else.

Chi Jingxi vividly recalled Mu Yang's demeanor during that first meeting—a timid and bashful child, with porcelain-white skin that lent him an appearance akin to a lively young girl. 

However, in truth, these impressions were carefully crafted illusions orchestrated by Mu Yang.

Prior to Mu Yang's arrival, Li Boyuan had already been informed of the impending arrival of General Mu's legitimate son for his studies.

The youthful and unassuming Li Boyuan promptly set aside his book, offering a warm smile as he approached Mu Yang.

"Is this General Mu's son?" Li Boyuan inquired, his smile gentle.

One of the palace maids replied, "Yes, Imperial Tutor. This is Mu Yang, sent here to study under the Emperor's decree. General Mu has asked that you pardon and bear with Young Master Mu's mischievous nature, Imperial Tutor."

Li Boyuan knelt down, meeting Mu Yang's big, round eyes with a warm smile. "At first glance, this child seems well-behaved. I don’t see a hint of said ‘mischievous nature’."

The palace maid also smiled and replied, "Indeed, Young Master Mu has behaved impeccably throughout the journey here. However, it appears he's not very talkative."

Bending down, she addressed Mu Yang directly. "Young Master Mu, allow me to introduce you to Teacher Li, the Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince. He will also be your teacher from now on."

Mu Yang's large eyes darted around in all directions, displaying a hint of quick-wittedness. Taking a step closer to Li Boyuan, he greeted, "Hello, Teacher Li."

Suddenly, the children in the hall witnessed Li Boyuan freeze in place, then abruptly lean back and topple to the ground at lightning speed.

Chaos erupted in the palace hall, prompting all the princes and young masters to leap to their feet, exclaiming, "Teacher!"

Even the palace attendants were taken aback, hastening forward to investigate. They found Li Boyuan lying on the ground, his eyes rolled back and his breathing labored.

The palace servants shook him gently, calling out, "Teacher Li, what's happened to you?!"

Li Boyuan raised his trembling hand, pointing shakily at Mu Yang. "Gar... garlic, it's so... so smelly," he managed weakly.

Panic swept through the palace, with voices clamoring for the imperial physician to be summoned immediately.

As the children in the hall gathered around the Imperial Tutor, crying out in concern, Chi Jingxi approached Mu Yang.

Feeling overwhelmed and frightened by the unexpected turn of events, Mu Yang had intended to play a harmless prank on Li Boyuan but was now terrified by the consequences. He stood frozen in place, unsure of what to do next.

In the midst of his panic, Mu Yang felt a sudden tug on his arm, causing him to whirl around and come face to face with a young boy of delicate features.

Meeting the cold gaze of the other boy, which appeared somewhat fierce at first glance, Mu Yang was seized by fear. He frantically waved his hands in protest, stammering, "I-I didn't mean to..."

Chi Jingxi inquired sternly, "What have you done?"

Mu Yang protested, "I didn't do anything!"

Chi Jingxi's keen sense of smell detected the strong odor of garlic emanating from Mu Yang's breath. "Have you been eating garlic?" he questioned.

Mu Yang admitted truthfully, "I had a little bit before I came here."

"The smell is overpowering; it's more than just a little bit," Chi Jingxi remarked coldly. "Teacher Li has an extreme aversion to garlic."

Mu Yang broke into tears, insisting, "I didn't know!"

"You did it intentionally," Chi Jingxi accused sharply. "Simply because you don't want to be here to study! I've heard that you can't even recognize characters. At ten years old, you're still so foolish. Aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by others?"

Mu Yang had never faced such a stern reprimand before. Tears still glistened in his eyes, but a fierce expression overtook his face. "Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?!"

"I could read a thousand characters by the age of three and had finished hundreds of books by the age of six. You dare to compete against me?" Chi Jingxi sneered, his gaze tinged with scorn. "I doubt you even possess the intellect to compose a simple essay."

Mu Yang retorted angrily, "What's so impressive about being able to read!"

As he spoke, Mu Yang raised his little fist, intending to strike the annoying boy before him. However, Chi Jingxi calmly sidestepped, causing Mu Yang's blow to miss its mark. With practiced ease, Chi Jingxi reached out, deftly twisting Mu Yang's arm behind his back. He then expertly tripped the boy, causing Mu Yang to tumble to the ground, where Chi Jingxi swiftly pinned him down.

"You're not even as tall as a table leg, yet you still dare to challenge me?" Chi Jingxi questioned coldly, maintaining his hold on Mu Yang.

Mu Yang struggled against the painful restraint, but the movement caused pain to his arm pinned behind his back. Discovering himself unable to break free, his distress manifesting in tears.

Chi Jingxi gazed down at him. "Will you admit your mistake?"

"I didn't do anything wrong!" Mu Yang shouted defiantly, his desire to resist stifled by Chi Jingxi's firm grip, rendering him immobile.

The older children rushed over to intervene and break up the altercation, but Chi Jingxi's prowess in combat was unmatched among them. If he chose not to release his grip, no one could pry him away. They could only stand by, attempting to reason with words.

Mu Yang's cries grew even more heart-wrenching as he witnessed others speaking up on his behalf. Chi Jingxi remained impassive, simply observing him, inwardly surprised to see tears streaming down his cheeks one after another.

How could a boy shed so many tears?

Later, Mu Yang attempted to wipe his eyes, but in his distress, he forgot that his hand had come into contact with garlic earlier. As a result, his eyes burned intensely, rendering them unable to open, and he screamed in agony.

Observing Mu Yang's plight, Chi Jingxi released his hold, witnessing him rolling on the ground and clutching his eyes, tears streaming down his face.

Subsequently, both Li Boyuan and Mu Yang were escorted to the Imperial Physician's Hall for treatment.

After an examination by the imperial physician, it was revealed that Mu Yang was not to blame for the incident.

The cause lay in Li Boyuan's circumstances. He had been editing extracts from books with less frequency today and had not been resting well for several consecutive days. Overworked and suddenly overwhelmed by the pungent smell of garlic, he experienced a temporary loss of vision and fainted, resulting in his collapse.

Mu Yang's eyes were rinsed with water, alleviating the pain, but they still burned, leaving his eye sockets visibly red against his fair complexion.

Upon learning of the incident, the emperor was inclined to punish Mu Yang. He ordered that Mu Yang be confined to a room and tasked with copying an entire book before being released.

At that time, Chi Jingxi did not have a residence in Chaoge, so he resided in the imperial palace. The room where Mu Yang was imprisoned happened to be the side hall of Chi Jingxi's Zhaoyang Hall

Initially resistant, Mu Yang found himself under the watchful eyes of two stern elder maids, armed with needles as a means of coercion. They threatened to prick him with the needles should he dare to disobey.

Little Mu Yang was so terrified that he didn't dare to make a sound. He remained seated at the table, diligently copying the book until darkness enveloped the room.

When Chi Jingxi returned to Zhaoyang Hall, Mu Yang heard the footsteps and cautiously set down his pen. Casting a sidelong glance, he noticed the two intimidating maids sternly looking at him.

Mu Yang gestured towards the door. "I want to see who it is."

One of the maids replied, "It's the esteemed legitimate son of the Marquis. Does Young Master Mu wish to offer his greetings?"

Mu Yang nodded in affirmation.

By chance, the sound of palace attendants, who were guarding the door outside, welcoming Chi Jingxi drifted in through the window. Mu Yang hurriedly dashed over on his short legs and pressed against the window, standing on tiptoe to catch a glimpse outside.

Through the faint illumination of nearby lanterns, he spotted Chi Jingxi passing by. Perhaps owing to the soft glow, Chi Jingxi's countenance appeared less aloof as it did during the day.

In a hushed tone, Mu Yang uttered, "Big brother."

Initially oblivious to the faint call, Chi Jingxi halted in his tracks as Mu Yang's voice grew louder.

Turning around, he spotted a pair of reddened eyes peering out from the window. "What's the matter?" he inquired.

Upon returning to his temporary residence, word had reached Chi Jingxi's ears that Young Master Mu was confined to a side hall.Chi Jingxi had come specifically to check on him.

Mu Yang inquired, "What's your name?"

Chi Jingxi, taken aback by the seemingly trivial question, glanced at him before opting to ignore it.

Stepping forward, the palace maid hastily responded, "Young Master Mu, this is Chi Jingxi, the heir apparent of the Marquis Mansion."

"Jingxi(京禧)?" Mu Yang mused, as if recognizing the characters. "Like 'jing xi' as in 'pleasantly surprised(惊喜)'?"

Chi Jingxi regarded him with bewilderment, sensing that this man was no ordinary simpleton. Feeling disinterested in further conversation, he turned to depart.

Not wanting him to leave just yet, Mu Yang hastily called out, "Brother Xi, don't go!"

Chi Jingxi halted and regarded him sternly. "Don't spout nonsense at me."

Mu Yang then contemplated whether he could write the word 'nonsense(废话)'. "Brother Xi, I know I did wrong today. Can you forgive me?"

Chi Jingxi arched an eyebrow. "You understand your mistake?"

Mu Yang nodded earnestly. "Yes, I was wrong. I’m sorry."

Chi Jingxi replied. "Acknowledging your mistake is commendable. Copy the book diligently, and you will be released once you've finished."

Mu Yang rummaged around for a bit before retrieving something wrapped in oil paper. On his tip toes, he gingerly extended out.

Quickly, the attendant accepted it, prompting Chi Jingxi to inquire, "What is this?"

Mu Yang puckered his lips, explaining, "My father said that I would be making new friends here. These are baked potatoes, a treat I prepared for my new friends, it’s very tasty."

Chi Jingxi scrutinized the oil paper package and remarked, "Why are you  ingratiating yourself? What's your motive?"

Mu Yang, oblivious to the term ‘ingratiating,’ responded, "Can you teach me how to fight?"

Chi Jingxi scoffed, "You're here to learn writing, not fighting."

Mu Yang insisted, "I know! I know, but can't I do both? Learn writing and practice fighting at the same time, no?"

Chi Jingxi responded firmly, "No, you wouldn’t be able to."

"I can! I can!" Mu Yang pleaded, opening the window further. "Brother Xi, please agree. My mother died early, and my siblings in the family look down at me for not having a mother. If you teach me how to fight, I can teach them a lesson when I return home. Then I can focus on learning to write peacefully."

After hearing Mu Yang's plea, Chi Jingxi stepped forward and scrutinized him carefully. Many of Mu Yang's features resembled those of his late mother, especially his dewy eyes and the redness around them, which made him appear quite pitiful.

Chi Jingxi, being a young boy himself, couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy. He relented, "First, focus on learning to write. After that, we can consider teaching you how to fight."

Mu Yang's face lit up with a sudden smile, and he nodded eagerly, "Okay, okay!"

…

Mu Yang didn't like to dwell on this memory, but sometimes he couldn't help but think about it, reflecting on how he wasn't as clever as he was as a child.

Upon hearing this story, Wen Yantong burst into laughter and couldn’t even get a hold of herself as she remarked, "Mu Xingyi, I always thought your stupidity was because you had hurt your head while growing up, but it seems you've been an idiot since childhood. Who eats garlic when they meet their teacher for the first time?"

Mu Yang felt a mix of shame and annoyance, his face flushing red as he exclaimed, "That was ages ago! Why bring it up again?"

"There's no escaping it. It's not my fault you lost," Wen Yantong shrugged.

Cheng Xin chuckled, "This game really picks on Yang'er. How about we play something else?"

Mu Yang eagerly raised his hand in agreement. "Yes! Let's change it up, hurry! Brother Xi, what do you think? You agree with me, don’t you?"

Chi Jingxi glanced at Wen Yantong, then turned to Mu Yang, "Remember when I told you to study more? Now you understand the saying 'it is only when it comes time to apply knowledge that you regret not acquiring enough of it'?"

Mu Yang huffed and pulled Fu Zixian beside him, "We can keep playing, but I'm teaming up with Fu Zixian this time!"

Wen Yantong raised her hand. "Then the Little Marquis will be on my team!"

Cheng Xin glanced around, but before he could speak, Mu Yang interjected, "Brother Qianyuan, come to our team."

Wen Yantong frowned, "Why does your team need three people? Just because you're not as clever?"

Mu Yang, on the verge of retorting, was interrupted when Cheng Xin chuckled and intervened, "Alright, enough arguing. I'll call Zhang Jieran over, and he and I will be on the same team."

"No!" 

"No!"

Wen Yantong and Mu Yang interjected with their opinions at the same time. 

Despite their quarrel, they maintained a level of rationality, recognizing Zhang Jieran's achievement as the top scorer in the palace examination.

Ultimately, Wen Yantong relented. She waved her hand and suggested, "Let's switch it up and play a different game."

In any case, Mu Yang's skill level consistently placed him at the bottom of whatever game he played, yet he remained blissfully unaware, always attributing any shortcomings to the game itself. 

As the saying goes, ‘A fool always has the confidence of a fool.’

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T/N: Not sure if this was ever explained, but the ‘Jingxi’ in Chi Jingxi’s name can be translated as Capital’s Joy. Capital as in the capital city, which in this case is Chaoge.

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