Though the Road Winds Nine Times (1)

Shen Yuxi slept as though the world had gone dark, as if he meant to make up for every bit of exhaustion and strain the tribulation had cost him.

The clouds around Misty Spirit Peak gathered and scattered, and the sun set and rose again. Not until the afternoon of the third day did warm, slanting sunlight pierce the carved window lattice and spill gold across the floor before his bed. Only then did he slowly open his eyes.

His mind was muddled at first. Every muscle and bone ached. His fingertips brushed the cloud-patterned brocade quilt beneath him, and the familiar scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. Little by little, his scattered thoughts returned, and he remembered falling asleep in a side chamber of Clear Parasol Hall.

As the haze faded, memories of the night before surfaced. He remembered it all too clearly: under his master's gentle gaze, he had let down his guard and thrown himself into his master's arms like a wronged child. He had clung to him and refused to let go, his voice thick with tears.

Shen Yuxi shot upright. His ears burned red at once, and a faint flush spread down his neck. He clapped both hands over his face, a mortified groan escaping between his fingers. He wanted to crawl into a crack in the floor.

Oh heavens! What stupid things did I do? he wailed inwardly. I'm a grown man, and I buried my face in Master's arms and cried... How embarrassing! If word gets out, I'll never live it down!

Shen Yuxi shook his head hard, black hair sweeping across his cheeks, as though he could shake off the shame spreading from his neck to his ears.

*Still, thank goodness Master looks every bit the stern but kindly elder. If