Edited by Elanor
Xie Tingxing, almost eleven years old and not yet at the age where he had started his growth spurt, he was still a child.
The child’s leg was bound with splints, making it difficult for him to walk, and the sight of his reddened eyes as he tried, with little success, to hold back tears was even more pitiful than his noisy tantrum.
The sight was particularly heart breaking.
Upon arrival at the Chu estate, the boy was supposed to greet the Elders first, but when word reached the inner quarters, the Old Matriarch excused him from this requirement, stating that it would be too troublesome for the patient to move. Thus, the boy was sent directly to Chu Mu’s courtyard. The Old Matriarch also sent a physician she personally invited along with him.
How could anyone claim the Chu family didn’t care? Every detail had been meticulously considered, prioritizing Xie Tingxing’s health above all else, and they had even sent a physician.
Yet, if one insisted that this was merely a show of formality, they wouldn’t be entirely wrong either, as the Old Matriarch had indeed orchestrated quite a few grand gestures—just none that involved actually meeting Xie Tingxing himself.
In the end, whether it was an act or genuine respect, only the recipient could decide.
Xie Tingxing’s eyes darted around, and he snorted, face sullen as he headed toward Chu Mu’s courtyard. Upon realizing that he was about to see his Brother, he rubbed his face, suppressing the malice in his eyes and instead squeezing them into a teary haze. He even took care to tug at his clothes, crafting an image of a pitiful Younger Brother in need of a comforting embrace from his sibling—otherwise, he’d struggle to stand upright. He stepped through the gate at a leisurely pace.
Within moments of being helped into a chair by the servants, he heard voices approaching from outside. The child swiftly placed a hand over his eyes, readying himself for an imminent onslaught of dramatic self-pity. “Xing’er, what happened?”
The voice belonged not to his Brother; rather, it was that of the detestable rival who sought to steal his Brother’s affections. Xie Tingxing’s carefully crafted expression froze on his face as he whipped around in fury, shaking off the servant’s hand. “What are you doing here?! Where’s my Brother?!”
What a waste of effort!
“Xie’er is not home,” Chu Yu said.
Xie Tingxing gave up on putting on the act. He wasn’t about to cry in front of the despised enemy.
He looked his Brother-in-Law up and down, rolled his eyes, and turned to sip his tea. “With all those rumors going around, I thought you were dead. Not so bad after all, looks like you’ve still got a while left to torment others. You sure are oblivious.”
The youth spoke viciously, with a sharp, aggressive edge, but his movements as he spoke were careful, as if confirming something…
Chu Mu was adept at observation, especially when it came to discerning the concern hidden beneath awkwardness. These two Brothers shared this trait.
“Your Brother took good care of me.” Chu Mu didn’t miss an opportunity for a retort; this was his style. If he truly expressed gratitude, the boy would become uneasy instead.
As expected, Xie Tingxing immediately blew up. “Don’t get full of yourself—I’m his favorite!”
Chu Mu’s eyes lit up slightly. The boy’s spirited reaction made him shift his leg trapped in the cast; he moved it so far without crying out in pain that it was clear the injury wasn’t too serious.
Xie Tingxing continued indignantly, “Ever since we were little, my Brother only cared for me—he’s got no room for anyone else! He took care of you because of duty, out of loyalty, you understand? Of course he wouldn’t care for you! Don’t flatter yourself! Just watch—when he sees me like this, he’ll die from heartbreak!”
Chu Mu narrowed his eyes slightly. “So your life’s goal is to make your Brother die from heartbreak over you?”
“What nonsense are you spouting?!” Xie Tingxing was so angry he stuttered. “I-I didn’t mean it like that!”
The boy frowned, lips pursed, feeling slightly wronged. He simply wanted his Gege to show him some compassion, to dote on him a little; he never wanted to tire him! But this pesky fellow was right, too—if his Gege saw his injuries, he’d certainly feel terrible…
He glanced at Chu Mu’s face… That pesky fellow drank his tea with an air of tranquility. When he noticed the boy looking at him, his eyes lit with an elegant, gentle smile.
What a fake!
Xie Tingxing finally realized that this pesky fellow had said it on purpose—of course he had!
What was the point of acting like this? Between family members, what was wrong with a little cutesy behavior?
Deceitful!
The adult world is far too filthy!
Huffily turning, Xie Tingxing also drank his tea.
“Did you hurt your leg?” Chu Mu asked.
“I don’t need your concern!” Xie Tingxing snapped.
“You don’t need my concern?” Chu Mu narrowed his eyes again, voice low and leisurely, filled with meaning. “Is it because you want your Gege to worry about you?”
Xie Tingxing wanted to shout yes—he missed his Gege, and he wanted his Gege to dote on him. What was wrong with that?! But this pesky fellow was always reminding him that his actions actually caused trouble for his Gege, made him worry.
The boy felt that he never won in front of Chu Mu, that he was always coming up short. He was just an innocent child—why did this man have to bully him?!
“Was it from someone hitting you, or did you fall?” Chu Mu asked.
Xie Tingxing pressed his lips together, eyes red as he held back tears, refusing to answer.
The silence within the room grew heavy.
It was then that Xie Tingyue returned. Upon seeing his Brother’s bruised and swollen legs, he gasped in shock. “What happened to you?!”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
The boy’s eyes reddened further, and no prompting was needed for him to burst into tears at the sight of his Gege.
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Xie Tingyue knew his Younger Brother’s antics better than anyone; he was quite the mischief-maker. Xie Tingyue stepped forward to inspect Xie Tingxing’s leg, unconvinced.
The boy wrapped his arms around his Brother’s waist, lightly swaying and blushing. “Ge… I really am okay.”
Then he saw Chu Mu watching him, a soft smile on his face, almost…satisfied?
Xie Tingxing exploded. He remembered now that he had come today with the intention of acting cute and getting his Gege to dote on him, and maybe even convince them to let him stay a little longer. He definitely hadn’t intended to tell his Gege about his injury, just so his Gege wouldn’t worry, but with their earlier conversation, it made it seem like he’d been taught how to be sensible by that annoying demon!
He was clearly the most sensible and obedient Younger Brother!
Underhanded! So underhanded!
And don’t think he didn’t notice! Chu Mu was clearly displeased, but this was his Gege, and he could hug him for as long as he wanted, for as tight as he liked—it wasn’t any of Chu Mu’s business!
Xie Tingyue failed to notice the sparks flying between the two. He carefully examined his Brother’s leg; there were no fractures, only severe swelling and bruising. The medicinal salve stung a little when applied, but the boy didn’t cry out in pain, so it couldn’t be too serious. The physician had indeed probably put the splint on as a precaution, given how unruly the boy was, to ensure no further accidents occurred.
“Ge… I missed you so much…”
Xie Tingxing stuck his chin up at Chu Mu, then buried his face in Xie Tingyue’s embrace.
Xie Tingyue gently stroked his Brother’s hair, feeling a warm flutter in his chest. “Mm, I missed you too.”
The boy’s face was red, enjoying the affection yet bashful.
When he noticed Chu Mu watching, the smile on his face grew deeper, eyes gleaming defiantly— Be jealous, go ahead!
Xie Tingyue patted his Brother’s shoulder, satisfied after stroking his hair, and let go to fetch food. “Are you hungry? Should I make you a bowl of noodles?”
The boy’s eyes lit up, but he remained shy, unable to suppress his excitement. “Will Gege make it for me?”
“Mm-hmm.” Seeing the boy’s hunger, Xie Tingyue gave his shoulder a playful pat before waving goodbye to Chu Mu.
Xie Tingyue’s Mother and Godmother had both passed, so he’d had to care for his Younger Brother since they were little. He didn’t find the experience exhausting; rather, he unwittingly developed a motherly nature, enjoying taking care of others. He couldn’t cook, but when his Brother was still young, he envied other children whose Mothers made them handmade noodles. So, Xie Tingyue had steeled himself and learned how to cook this one dish. Luckily, it turned out quite delicious.
His Brother had been injured, so some pampering was warranted.
As soon as Xie Tingyue left the room, Xie Tingxing began boasting about his Brother’s past deeds to Chu Mu: How much his Gege loved him, how he’d learned to cook just for him, and how he’d mastered handmade noodles. “What do you think? You don’t have a Gege like mine, right?”
Chu Mu indeed did not, but he refused to admit defeat so easily, maintaining that faint smile.
“When your Gege would cook for me, he would not let you know.”
The tone of voice and the emotion conveyed within were both more intimate than before.
Xie Tingxing: “…..”
Xie Tingxing was so furious he could have puffed himself up like a pufferfish!
Chu Mu lightly tapped his fingers on the table. “Out with it, then—who did this to your leg?”
Xie Tingxing pressed his lips together and turned his head away, refusing to speak.
“You’d rather not tell me and tell your Brother instead? Or—” Chu Mu sneered. “You’d rather hop on one leg to solve it yourself, only to get beaten even worse?”
Xie Tingxing clenched his fists in anger, still refusing to speak.
“If you tell me what happened, I’ll consider your situation and do my part, so that your Brother doesn’t need to worry. He’s been busy lately, so busy that the skin beneath his eyes is darkening—you must have noticed it already.”
The boy sniffled. “Even if you help me, I still won’t agree to call you ‘Brother-in-Law’!”
Chu Mu chuckled, perfectly at ease. “I don’t require your acknowledgement; I do everything for your Brother, not for you. Besides, it doesn’t matter whether you acknowledge me or not, because I am what I am, your Brother’s husband—the facts cannot be changed.”
Xie Tingxing’s eyes were as round as saucers, and he felt like he had lost once again. This annoying guy was truly the most infuriating person, infuriating! Xie Tingxing was clearly the one with the deepest bond and strongest feelings for his Gege, yet this annoying guy always managed to make him feel half a foot shorter!
The boy held his breath, grumbling, “I don’t know who did it either. I didn’t get into a fight; those injuries are from falling, but someone shoved me into a sack before I tripped, so I couldn’t see where I was going. By the time I lifted the sack after falling, the person who pushed me had already disappeared.”
“But do you have any suspects?” Chu Mu asked.
“I’ve only ever been at odds with that little porker He Zhe; we fight every few days. His Uncle recently died at your Plum Banquet, which my Gege hosted personally. How could he possibly be on good terms with me?” At this point, Xie Tingxing shot a glare at Chu Mu. “So you’re involved too—you helping me is natural!”
Chu Mu smiled. “My little Brother is right.”
“Who’s your Brother?!” the child continued to glare. “But I’m only guessing. It happened too suddenly, and I didn’t see anything, so I can’t say for sure that he was the one who did it.”
“All right, I will look into it,” Chu Mu said.
Xie Tingxing huffed. “Just focus on getting to the bottom of things. I’ll handle my own grudges!”
“But just a moment ago, you said I was involved, so how did it become a personal grudge?” Chu Mu chuckled softly, then, seeing the boy’s eyes narrow, added, “Very well, you decide. If you need any help, feel free to ask me, and I’ll send some backup. If you’re capable of handling it yourself, then all the better; you won’t need my help. Just don’t blame me if you end up falling into someone else’s trap.”
The boy thought about it briefly before agreeing. “All right, it’s a deal!”
The two shook hands three times, sealing their pact.
With the business concluded, Chu Mu tossed a handkerchief over. “Wipe your face. Be a little more dignified for a grown man, and stop crying so much.”
Xie Tingxing snapped in annoyance, “What do you know?! Only people who know that crying is useless refrain from doing so! I have people who care for me; this is a symbol of my happy life!”
**********
As Xie Tingyue brought out bowls of steamy noodles, another round of “vying for favor” began.
Xie Tingxing patted the seat beside him. “Would you like to sit here, Gege?”
This rare show of docility from the usually unruly and mischievous boy caught Xie Tingyue off guard; he hadn’t seen such behavior in a long time. The mother hen in him rose to the occasion, and he doted on his Brother to the point that he was reluctant to sit down next to him, instead serving Xie Tingxing from his own bowl, almost offering to feed him.
As he did so, he chattered, “You’re a boy, so you can’t be too pampered. Your Gege can’t spoil you too much either. Come, try this vegetable. You mustn’t be picky.”
Chu Mu watched silently.
Qin Ping, the Young Master’s attendant, worried about his Master’s interactions with his Younger Brother. The way the Madam doted on Xie Tingxing seemed excessive; it would be hard to get along with such a Brother-in-Law.
Chu Mu didn’t go out of his way to perform for Xie Tingyue’s favor, as he had last time, by serving him food and what not. He was an adult, after all; he had more tricks up his sleeve.
He ate quietly, but his appetite wasn’t great. After two bites, he put down his chopsticks with an unwell expression, his face slightly too pale and lips too lightly tinted.
Xie Tingyue grew concerned at the sight. He sat beside Chu Mu and felt his forehead. “Are you feeling unwell again?”
The boy stared at Chu Mu with a fiery gaze, clearly suspecting him of foul play.
You even leaned into my Gege! Shameless!
Then the boy put on a show, he reached with his chopsticks for distant vegetables, but they wouldn’t reach, and just as he was about to call for his Gege—
Qin Ping swiftly stepped forward and moved the dish closer.
Xie Tingxing glared at him, eyes bulging.
You think you’re so clever!
You’re the only one who knows how to read faces! You’re the only one who’s free!
Qin Ping smiled brightly. “If Young Master Xie has any requests, please do tell this humble servant. Even if the Madam is busy, he has us to rely on.”
Chu Mu shot him an approving glance.
Xie Tingxing’s eyes nearly popped out of his head—What a pair of birds of a feather, these servant and Master! The servant had clearly been prompted by the big nuisance!
How devious, how devious indeed!
Having received the Madam’s concern, Chu Mu found himself in quite the mood. “Since Brother has come all this way and it happens to be the holiday, and his leg is still injured, why doesn’t he stay with us for a few days?”
“Really?” Xie Tingxing was pleasantly surprised; opportunity had practically knocked on his door before he even had a chance to knock on it himself! The boy hastily put down his chopsticks and tugged on Xie Tingyue’s sleeve, eyes gleaming with delight. “Ge—”
Finally, I can see Gege every day! And keep an eye on that nuisance, make sure he doesn’t bully Gege or do anything bad!
Xie Tingyue frowned slightly. Though Chu Mu held a special place in this household, as long as he approved, there would be no issues—but…
“It’s not appropriate. Xing‘er should go home.”
Xie Tingxing’s face drooped, disappointment setting in.
Amidst his dejection, he saw a flash of light flit across the nuisance’s dark pupils, like a crafty fox hatching some sort of mischievous scheme…
The boy’s heart dropped.
Then he heard Chu Mu say to his Gege, “It just so happens that I’ve been feeling quite well lately and have some time on my hands. I’ve heard that your studies aren’t particularly strong; if you’re willing to entrust me with your education, how about I take on the role of tutor for a few days? Little ones are adaptable, after all. Rather than having your Brother send you home to study, why not stay here? You can learn, and you can see him as well.”
Xie Tingyue immediately changed his tune. “Very well, I’ll personally visit Grandmother and Mother over later and ask permission to allow Xing’er to stay with us for a while.”
Xie Tingxing’s studies had always weighed heavily on his Brother’s mind, as the boy’s performance was abysmal. Chu Mu was willing to tutor him, which was great. Everyone praised
Chu Mu for his refined, gentlemanly conduct, but it wasn’t merely his appearance and disposition—his scholarly knowledge was the real draw.
Chu Mu rarely left his sickbed due to illness, so he spent most of his time reading. Luckily, the Chu Family had a vast library, and Chu Mu had once engaged in scholarly discourse with renowned Confucian scholars, earning him much praise. Tutoring Xie Tingxing would be a piece of cake for him, if not a slight waste of his talents.
Xie Tingyue earnestly warned Chu Mu, “Xing’er isn’t smart, so it’s fine if you can’t teach him anything. What’s important is your health. If he doesn’t behave, feel free to spank him. If you’re concerned about your reputation, just tell me and I’ll handle him.”
Xie Tingxing already felt that his bottom stung.
His Brother meant every word!
His Brother truly cared for him, but his punches were also genuinely painful, without reservation—especially when correcting his homework!
The boy stood on one leg, solemn-faced, determined to prove himself a grown adult capable of standing straight without holding onto the table. “I’ve decided it’d be too much trouble after all. There’s no such tradition, and I should go home…”
Before he finished speaking, he saw that pesky Young Master Chu grab his Brother’s hand, a warm smile on his face. “I’ll take good care of our Younger Brother. Don’t worry.”
Who’s your Brother?! Xie Tingxing thought angrily. Don’t call me that so affectionately!
He glanced at his Brother, who returned his gaze with an overly familiar smile. “You haven’t said ‘thank you’ yet.”
The look in his eyes seemed to say, Try leaving and see what happens.
The boy shivered in fear; even his healthy leg wobbled.
Chu Mu, that pesky devil, poured salt on the wound with an “innocent” question, “Doesn’t…doesn’t Younger Brother like to study?”
The child rubbed his face, his expression as solemn as a martyr being herded to the execution ground. “No, I love to study. My lessons are my life.”
Chu Mu smiled, his gaze full of pitying affection. “It seems we’ll get along quite well in the future.”
The child glanced at his Brother, clenched his teeth, and said through gritted teeth, “Of course!”
**********
After reporting to the Elders, selecting a courtyard for his Brother, and tidying his room, Xie Tingyue returned to his own quarters. Chu Mu was still waiting for him, illuminated by lamplight, book in hand. His eyes were half-closed, as if he had fallen asleep from boredom.
Carefully, Xie Tingyue walked over and gently removed the book from his grasp.
Chu Mu opened his eyes.
“My apologies,” Xie Tingyue said with a smile, “for troubling you with my Younger Brother.”
Chu Mu’s eyes curved slightly, betraying a hint of languid sleepiness, and his voice was hoarse as he said, “Your Younger Brother is my Younger Brother too; it’s no trouble at all. Rest assured, we’ll get along just fine.”
Xie Tingyue gazed into Chu Mu’s eyes, but it was a long while before he spoke again. “But you don’t seem happy.”
“This has nothing to do with that,” Chu Mu said honestly. “I had a dream, one that didn’t leave me feeling particularly joyous.”
Xie Tingyue sat beside him. “What dream?”
Chu Mu looked down. “I’ve always wondered…what it feels like to cry.”
The child was being a bit difficult, but he had a point: people only learned to cry and act spoiled when they knew they were cared for; when they knew no one would care for them, they stopped crying and acting spoiled.
“I’ve always been unable to cry since I can remember,” Chu Mu said.
Xie Tingyue was surprised—everyone knew Chu Mu’s illness was congenital, but unable to cry since he could remember…how much suffering must he have endured?
“I’ve never gotten drunk, no matter how much I drink. Perhaps…it’s because of my illness, some changes in my constitution.” Chu Mu’s gaze was serene. “I’m very curious as to how it feels.
Would I feel relaxed? Would my heart find solace, floating, all pain forgotten?”
Xie Tingyue’s heart clenched. He suddenly felt a deep ache for Chu Mu. Tears and drunkenness were often used as means of expressing pent-up emotions. It wasn’t that Chu Mu had no emotions to vent, only that he…didn’t know how.
Chu Mu possessed an unwavering determination, wisdom, and insight, qualities few could learn even if they tried, yet he lacked the ability to acquire the simplest comforts: The ability to cry, or to let himself go in drunkenness.
Chu Mu gripped Xie Tingyue’s hand, the depths of his eyes rippling. “Could you teach me?”
“It’s no big thing,” Xie Tingyue said, doing his best to make it sound like a nonissue. “It’s merely a weakness of human nature, an occasional desire to act spoiled. Possession doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something precious, and not having it doesn’t mean it’s a loss. When we live, we constantly face the twin realities of gain and loss, and many times, the former is the latter’s catalyst. You don’t cry, but you gain resilience and strength instead. Others may freely indulge in crying and acting spoiled, but they lose something incredibly valuable: time spent growing.”
“The changing seasons are all gifts from the heavens above. You can enjoy the plum blossom’s resilience without envying the hibiscus’s fragrance. Both are beautiful in their own ways, just with different loveliness.”
“Life is filled with countless experiences; no one can have it all. Chu Mu, you are already extraordinary, truly extraordinary.”
Chu Mu gazed at Xie Tingyue, whose eyes reflected his own reflection, and felt his heart swell with affection.
He had always known that Xie’er was different, that he was different from everyone else.
“Then will you only be my winter red plum?”
“Hm?”
Chu Mu’s slender fingers gently cupped Xie Tingyue’s face, his voice soft. “Because I can only appreciate the resilience of the plum blossom. If you became a hibiscus, I wouldn’t be able to find you.”
Thank you so much…I love Chu Mu’s flirting. 😍🙏❤️
Ahhh..so beautiful at the end…Xie’er is so eloquent and poetic..thank you for the update 😍🌺
😆 these two brother in laws hahahaha
Hoho~
Thank You for the new chapter (∩˃o˂∩)♡
High level flirting, there
Thank you
Thanks for the chapter
Lil bro’s brother complex is next level. But still no match for chu mu’s love for xie’er 😂
I love their brother-in-law interactions so much 😂❤
Also here is a mistakes I found
serving him food and whatnot –> serving him food and what not
Also this sounds kinda confusing
these servant and his master!, I feel like it could be these servant and master!
thanks dear, will edit them now 🙂
Thank you so much for translating this novel <3