Chapter Summaries

After learning that Xie Qingzhi was the top scholar, the original owner decided to stop being confined indoors and went flower viewing with Xie Qinglan. When the outing turned out to be a gathering of potential brides, he came out to his family, who agreed to find him a husband and said he had to marry within two months.

• The narrator learned from Dongzhu that Xie Qingzhi was the top scholar and persuaded Madam to let him go out.
• Xie Qinglan woke the narrator and took him to a garden gathering, where the narrator found himself surrounded by young women from prominent families.
• Xie Qinglan explained that Madam wanted the narrator to consider marriage, prompting him to decide he had to come out to avoid wasting the women’s time.
• The narrator told the marquis, Madam, Xie Qingzhi, Xie Qinglan, and Eldest Brother that he liked men.
• The marquis accepted the narrator’s preference and said the family would find him a suitable husband, but required him to marry within two months.

The original owner’s younger brother spent time with his eldest brother, Xie Qingwu, who cared for him and took him outside the capital to meet animals. Meanwhile, the marquis and marchioness began considering a suitable marriage match for Zhou'er and planned to take him to the crown prince’s birthday banquet.

• The marquis sent the younger brother back to his courtyard before settling the marriage discussion, and Xie Qingwu carried him there after returning from an overnight ride.
• The younger brother learned that the marquis had arranged a secret palace formula to restore his stamina, drank the bitter medicine, and fell asleep.
• The next morning, Xie Qingwu carried him out of the crowded capital and took him to a farmstead, where he held a white fox and saw other young animals.
• The younger brother recoiled from holding a piglet, so Xie Qingwu suggested they have roast suckling pig for dinner.
• The marchioness rejected the portraits of potential suitors, and she and the marquis decided to take Zhou'er to the crown prince’s birthday banquet.

Xie Qingwu cared for Zhou'er before leaving for the frontier, and Zhou'er gave him weapon drawings that might help him return sooner. The marquis's household tested the designs, while the marquis reassured Zhou'er that the family could protect itself from imperial pressure.

• Xie Qingwu told Zhou'er that his health was nearly recovered and took him on outings around the farm estate and city.
• Zhou'er worried about Xie Qingwu's safety and, on the eve of his departure, gave him drawings of a cannon and a repeating crossbow.
• Xie Qingwu brought the drawings to the marquis, who arranged for a trusted subordinate to copy and test them.
• The marquis offered Zhou'er credit and access to his storeroom, but Zhou'er declined the credit and worried about the household's standing with the emperor.
• The marquis reassured Zhou'er that the household was strong enough to avoid being controlled, then left after arranging for Zhou'er to rest.

At the crown prince’s birthday banquet, the original owner watched the princes and noble families before the third prince collapsed after spitting black blood. The next morning, the emperor summoned him, and he went to the palace accompanied by the marquis, who promised to protect him—unless the emperor was the one who hit him.

• Xie Qinglan stopped the original owner from sitting in a corner and seated him between his brothers, where he heard nobles gossip about his return from the dead.
• The original owner showed no interest in the crown prince or the other princes and told Xie Qingzhi that his brothers were better-looking.
• The third prince spat black blood and collapsed at the banquet; Second Brother shielded the original owner while Xie Qinglan searched the room for clues.
• The third prince died before he could be carried away, and the original owner left the palace with his brothers after an investigation.
• The emperor summoned the original owner the next morning, and the marquis accompanied him, reassuring him that he would protect him—then admitting he could not do so against the emperor.

The young master feigned illness before the emperor, then learned from the marquis that he was the emperor’s son and a prince whose birth mother led the Netherworld Sect. He refused to return to the palace and later tried to take up painting, but struggled to use the young master’s remembered skills.

• The young master coughed up blood before the emperor and fainted, prompting palace rumors that he was near death.
• After waking, the young master learned the emperor had wanted to ask about the secret art of resurrection, and the marquis explained that the emperor was his bane.
• The marquis revealed that the young master was a prince, born to the leader of the Netherworld Sect, and that the emperor regarded him as a hostage.
• The young master refused to return to the imperial palace and learned that his marriage had broken the restraints on his body, though his inheritance seemed to be gone.
• The next day, the young master tried to paint peonies but found his work stiff and lifeless before hearing footsteps outside.

The original owner’s story continued as the young master’s family arranged a banquet for him to choose a husband. He singled out Sang Ruoying, who refused marriage but agreed to take a walk with him.

• Xie Qinglan and his brother told the young master that their father planned to help him find a husband, even offering to seize a man if necessary.
• Half a month later, the marquis brought the young master to a boat banquet attended by handsome civil officials and military officers.
• The young master found that none of the men at the banquet stirred his interest until Sang Ruoying mocked the marquis’s purpose and questioned the young master’s health.
• The young master chose Sang Ruoying and the marquis proposed a marriage alliance, but Sang Ruoying declared that he was unwilling.
• The young master said he would not force Sang Ruoying and asked only to take a walk together; Sang Ruoying eventually agreed.

The marquis’s frail son agreed to a marriage arrangement with Sang Ruoying, whom he regarded as a potential “tool person,” and later met him for the promised walk. As they reached the end of his hundred daily steps, he told Sang that his father believed a husband’s blood could keep him alive.

• At the musical banquet, Sang Ruoying agreed to walk with the young master, surprising the guests, while the marquis announced that the banquet would continue.
• On the way home, the young master told the marquis that the marriage would be a ceremony to find a medicinal catalyst, and the marquis lamented his son’s cold-hearted words.
• Half a month later, Sang Ruoying visited the young master, who was resting in the sun, and asked whether the marquis had threatened him.
• The young master admitted that he could walk only a hundred steps a day, then showed Sang Ruoying the jeweled walking stick he had carved.
• Sang Ruoying accompanied the young master on his slow walk and asked why he wanted a husband if each day was such a struggle.
• The young master replied that his father said he could survive by draining his husband’s blood.

Sang Ruoying carried the frail young master back to bed after he fell asleep on their walk, then learned that the marquis was urging him to marry because of his poor health. The young master woke after sleeping sixteen hours and was surprised to hear Sang Ruoying had carried him, while Sang Ruoying left word that he would not visit for several days.

• The young master teased Sang Ruoying, praised his career, and asked why he had agreed to take a walk.
• The young master became drowsy and fell asleep, so Sang Ruoying carried him back to his bedroom.
• Dongzhu told Sang Ruoying that the young master was frail, had worsened after a fright at the imperial palace, and was being urged to marry by the marquis.
• Sang Ruoying wondered whether the young master had only taken a fancy to his appearance and remembered hearing him murmur “Six hundred” in his sleep.
• The young master woke after sleeping eight shichen, and Dongzhu told him Sang Ruoying would not visit for several days and had carried him back.
• The young master was startled to learn Sang Ruoying had carried him and wondered whether the rumors about him were false.

After recovering, Zhou'er reassured Xie Qinglan and Xie Qingzhi that he would not make a fuss about finding a husband, while the lady of the house urged him to pursue Sang Ruoying. Zhou'er brought Sang Ruoying lunch at the Ministry of Revenue, where Sang began to tease him before stopping himself.

• Xie Qinglan privately asked Zhou'er whether he was sure he liked Sang Ruoying, and Zhou'er said he would settle for any suitable man rather than arrange an elaborate ceremony.
• Xie Qinglan and Xie Qingzhi wondered whether Zhou'er truly liked Sang Ruoying after he left.
• The lady of the house praised Sang Ruoying's honesty and kindness, then told Zhou'er to bring him lunch regularly to build affection.
• Zhou'er brought lunch to the Ministry of Revenue, and Sang Ruoying joined him in the carriage before catching himself as he started to tease Zhou'er.

The narrator visited Sang Ruoying at the Ministry of Revenue with lunch and found him unexpectedly attentive and welcoming. After the narrator fell asleep, Sang Ruoying carried him back to the marquis’s estate, leaving the narrator uneasy about Sang Ruoying’s unusual concern.

• Sang Ruoying checked whether the narrator felt unwell, carried him from the carriage, and offered to show him around the Ministry of Revenue.
• Sang Ruoying led the narrator through the Ministry of Revenue to his courtyard, where Dongzhu set out the household cook’s lunch.
• Sang Ruoying ate the meal and agreed that the narrator could keep bringing him food, while the narrator said the meals would be delivered from the entrance.
• The narrator fell asleep at the table, and Sang Ruoying carried him back to the marquis’s estate before returning to work.
• Dongzhu told the awakened narrator what had happened, and the narrator worried that Sang Ruoying had gone out of his way to carry him home.

The narrator tried to push Sang Ruoying into rejecting him by returning his gifts with a handmade jade pendant, but Sang Ruoying accepted it and openly revealed its origin at court. Their exchanged gifts spread rumors of a relationship, leaving the narrator alarmed and Chancellor Sang arguing with the marquis.

• Sang Ruoying sent the narrator carving books and uncarved jade, but the narrator refused the jade and was told to return it in person if he wanted to give it back.
• The narrator carved Sang Ruoying a jade pendant as a token of love, and Sang Ruoying accepted it and replaced the pendant he had worn for years.
• At court, Sang Ruoying said the young master of the marquis's household had carved the pendant himself, while the marquis overheard and left in displeasure.
• Sang Ruoying reflected on his growing interest in the narrator and looked forward to seeing him, while the narrator panicked that Sang Ruoying had accepted his feelings so quickly.
• After rumors spread about their exchanged gifts, Chancellor Sang blamed the marquis's younger son, and the marquis retorted that Sang Ruoying would not have married even without him.

After Sang Ruoying brought gifts to the marquis's estate and continued visiting the narrator, he agreed to marry him to ward off his illness. The narrator realized Sang Ruoying was serious about their relationship but feared the marriage and the possibility of leaving him a widower.

• Chancellor Sang accepted the prospect of his son marrying the marquis's youngest son, while the marquis became displeased that Sang Ruoying had received a jade pendant.
• Sang Ruoying climbed over the estate wall to bring the narrator pastries and foreign curios, explaining that he could not use the front gate after the argument between their fathers.
• Dongzhu told the narrator that he had once been withdrawn and silent, and the narrator had the gifts put to use in his bedroom.
• Sang Ruoying visited the narrator regularly, took him for a walk, and announced that he had agreed to marry him.
• Sang Ruoying said he was fond of the narrator and would not let anyone else become his husband, while the narrator worried that his poor health could leave Sang Ruoying a widower.

The marquis and both households pushed Zhou'er and Sang Ruoying into a marriage to protect Zhou'er, whose identity as a prince had become known. After their wedding, Zhou'er began accepting that he cared for Sang Ruoying, who kissed him in the bridal chamber.

• Zhou'er tried to persuade the marquis to abandon the marriage, but the marquis insisted that Sang Ruoying was a suitable husband and urged Zhou'er to plan for his future.
• The marquis revealed that he expected Zhou'er to pursue the throne, but Zhou'er said he had no interest in becoming emperor.
• The marquis's and Chancellor Sang's households arranged the wedding, and His Majesty issued an imperial edict granting the marriage.
• Zhou'er's eldest brother returned from the border, supported the marriage to protect him, and gave him a gold whip to use on Sang Ruoying if needed.
• Zhou'er and Sang Ruoying married, and Zhou'er entered the bridal chamber feeling overwhelmed by how far their relationship had gone.
• Sang Ruoying comforted Zhou'er, kissed him, and claimed he could kiss his own wife because he was her husband.

After their wedding, Zhou'er grew closer to Sang Ruoying as he cared for him and confessed his sincere feelings. Zhou'er woke feeling dramatically healthier, but Sang Ruoying took his distracted response as an invitation to pursue him again.

• Sang Ruoying shared the wedding meal with Zhou'er and attentively helped him find food he could enjoy.
• Sang Ruoying bathed Zhou'er, told him he accepted his physical condition, and confessed that his feelings were sincere.
• Zhou'er invited Sang Ruoying to consummate their marriage, and they spent the night together.
• Zhou'er woke with less pain and clearer concentration, and Sang Ruoying suggested their marriage had warded off his illness.
• Sang Ruoying interpreted Zhou'er's wandering attention as dissatisfaction and laid him back on the bed.

Zhou'er settled into married life with Sang Ruoying and learned that his inventions had helped the Xie Family Army retake two cities. At winter’s end, Sang Ruoying formally declared his love and bound them to a solemn vow of lifelong fidelity, which Zhou'er accepted.

• Zhou'er grew accustomed to Sang Ruoying’s affection and looked forward to spending time with him, while the marquis accepted his frequent visits to the vice minister’s residence.
• Sang Ruoying told Zhou'er that the weapons he had provided helped the Xie Family Army retake two cities and that he deserved recognition.
• Zhou'er asked that any honors go to the marquis’s household, and Sang Ruoying supported his wish to avoid attention and stay out of the princes’ struggle for the throne.
• Sang Ruoying presented Zhou'er with a long gold-paper oath promising that neither would take concubines or bedchamber servants.
• Sang Ruoying pressed Zhou'er’s hand onto the oath, and Zhou'er accepted their commitment to remain together for life.

Li Yankai and Ji Wangyun spent an evening together, and their growing attraction came into focus when they were alone in Li Yankai’s apartment. After dreaming about Ji Wangyun, Li Yankai admitted to himself that he had feelings for him and decided to come out.

• Ji Wangyun picked Li Yankai up after work and took him to dinner, carefully asking about his dating prospects and offering support if he ever got tired.
• Li Yankai declined to visit his parents and told Ji Wangyun he could not depend on him forever, while Ji Wangyun struggled with his feelings and guilt.
• Li Yankai invited Ji Wangyun upstairs to see his chinchillas, but the two fell together while catching one, and Ji Wangyun helped massage Li Yankai’s cramped leg.
• Li Yankai realized he had become physically aroused around Ji Wangyun and hurried to hide in the bathroom before Ji Wangyun left.
• Li Yankai dreamed about Ji Wangyun, woke feeling guilty about his attraction, and decided he no longer needed to get back at his parents because he would come out.

Li Yankai came home to tell his parents he was gay, and his father reacted angrily before Xie Zhuzhou and Chu Yanzhang arrived. Their visit interrupted the confrontation, leaving Li Yankai relieved that he had avoided an immediate beating.

• Li Yankai accepted that he liked Ji Wangyun and took leave from work to tell his parents he was gay.
• Xie Zhuzhou saw Li Yankai’s message and rushed with Chu Yanzhang to his home.
• Li Yankai told his parents he liked men, prompting his father to erupt in anger and his mother to reach for a feather duster.
• Xie Zhuzhou and Chu Yanzhang arrived and eased the tension by pretending they had simply come to visit.
• Li Yankai’s father asked whether he liked Xie Zhuzhou, and Xie Zhuzhou quickly denied it.

Li Yankai came out to his parents and admitted he had feelings for Ji Wangyun, while Xie Zhuzhou hinted at the news during dinner. Ji Wangyun suspected Li Yankai was the friend who had come out and ended the chapter anxious but hopeful, unable to message him.

• Li Yankai told his parents he was gay and insisted he was still their child, though his father struggled to accept the news.
• Outside, Li Yankai confessed to Xie Zhuzhou that he liked Ji Wangyun and asked him not to reveal it.
• Xie Zhuzhou returned home and told his family that a friend had come out, prompting Ji Wangyun to suspect the friend was Li Yankai.
• Ji Wangyun went upstairs and agonized over whether Li Yankai was gay and whether he might return his feelings.
• Ji Wangyun hesitated to message Li Yankai and decided to ask his friends for advice.

Ji Wangyun sought advice from his friends and younger brother about how to approach Li Yankai, then went to meet him at Qilin Mountain. The two reunited at the summit, where Ji Wangyun concealed that he had taken the sightseeing shuttle instead of hiking.

• Ji Wangyun learned that Mo Liang and Fu Liefeng had both pretended to have partners, leaving him without useful dating advice.
• Ji Wangyun questioned Xie Zhuzhou about the friend who had come out, and Xie Zhuzhou revealed that he was his roommate, Li Yankai.
• Ji Wangyun dressed carefully and went looking for Li Yankai, but learned that Li Yankai had gone hiking at Qilin Mountain.
• Ji Wangyun called Li Yankai, who invited him to the summit, and took a sightseeing shuttle up the mountain.
• Li Yankai greeted Ji Wangyun at the summit, and Ji Wangyun claimed he was out of breath because he rarely exercised.

Li Yankai worried that Ji Wangyun might be troubled by love, then confessed that he wanted to be with him. Ji Wangyun admitted he liked Li Yankai too and apologized for leaving him to face his feelings alone.

• Li Yankai asked Ji Wangyun why he had come hiking and whether he had someone he liked.
• Ji Wangyun denied having romantic troubles and asked Li Yankai whether he liked anyone.
• Li Yankai confessed that he liked Ji Wangyun and wanted to be with him.
• Ji Wangyun became flustered, then pulled Li Yankai behind a tree and confessed that he liked him too.