The weather was lovely.
The gentle spring sunshine brought out a light sweat and left one comfortable all over. The clear seawater reflected a pure sapphire blue beneath the sun, tempting one to strip naked and jump in for a few laps. Even the salty, fishy sea breeze was as tender as a lover's soft palm, gently caressing one's cheeks...
Yang Ge lay on his back on the hillside, basking in the sun with the Cold Moon Saber in his arms and the stem of some nameless wild grass between his lips. He was so comfortable he was almost asleep.
"Hey."
Yang Tiansheng sidled up beside him and gave him a shove. "How can you still sleep at a time like this?"
Yang Ge rolled over, turning his back on him, and continued dozing with his eyes closed.
Displeased, Yang Tiansheng lunged forward, clamped both hands around his neck, and shook him hard. "You bastard, die!"
Yang Ge obligingly stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes...
"They're here!"
Someone nearby called out in a low voice.
The two men, who had been fooling around a second earlier, immediately sprang up and climbed to the top of the slope. Looking out, they saw a scattering of gray-black dots where sea met sky.
Yang Ge exhaled softly and asked Yang Tiansheng in a low voice, "Have you finished briefing your men?"
Yang Tiansheng nodded. "I've spoken to every branch leader and steward in charge."
Yang Ge asked, "And you?"
"Huh?"
Yang Ge turned to look at him. "They can't get carried away, and neither can you. If their incense master loses his head, won't they all charge after you, howling?"
Yang Tiansheng grinned. "I get it. Stop fussing like some nagging old woman!"
Yang Ge turned his gaze toward the approaching