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Xu Mu felt somewhat reassured upon hearing this, but he still did not understand Fang Yitong's reasons for saving him. Seeing that Xu Mu might overthink the situation if he did not clarify, Fang Yitong decided to explain.
“At that time, I sensed that you were no ordinary person; your character is beyond what most can compare. However, given your talents, it will not be easy for you to stay in the capital. Since we are both on the same path, you have the ability to strategize while I have the courage to act. If we join forces, what do we have to fear from the Su Family? Or anyone else for that matter?”
Only then did Xu Mu realize that Fang Yitong was not exactly a good person. What he said was true; he would come up with plans while Fang Yitong would take action. If something went wrong, Fang Yitong would not involve him unless absolutely necessary.
This was indeed an opportunity for a turnaround. With money and power in hand, dealing with the Su Family would be a piece of cake for him to avenge today’s humiliation. Currently, with the Su Family turning against him and him being isolated and helpless, he needed a strong backing to rise again. Compared to the Su Family, Fang Yitong was a different story.
Although Fang Yitong’s family was engaged in business, he had connections in official circles. With his talents, passing the imperial examination would not be a problem at all. With the support of the the Fang Family, what did he have to worry about regarding his future? As they say, commoners do not fight with the rich, and the rich do not contend with officials; when the time comes, how could the Su Family still stand in his way?
With these thoughts in mind, Xu Mu agreed.
“Truly, heaven has not abandoned me, Xu Mu. In the future, I will be like branches connected with Brother Fang; when I achieve success and fame, I will certainly not forget Brother Fang’s kindness in saving me today.”
Fang Yitong waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, there’s no need for such formalities between us. However, given that things are quite tense right now, it would be wise to avoid unnecessary attention. If you don’t mind, I have a house in the southern outskirts of the city where you can stay for a while.”
“Once I discuss this with my elders and settle matters here, we can talk further,” Xu Mu replied with a nod as he headed toward the outskirts without bringing Xiao Nan along. Xiao Nan had always been by his side and was considered his confidant.
If Xiao Nan were to disappear, it would surely raise suspicions. Moreover, this was also an opportunity for him to observe whether Fang Yitong's words were genuine. If he truly wished to cooperate with him, that would be ideal; if something felt off, he could easily extricate himself.
…
Meanwhile, after calming his parents at home, Su Che went to Dan Yao Hall since Zhen's Residence had been burned down and would take time to repair. Going elsewhere would attract unwanted attention; Dan Yao Hall was the safest place. In the evening, as they conversed in a pavilion, Mu Junze asked,
“Why let him go? Wouldn’t it be better to eliminate him right away?”
Su Che shook his head. Years ago, a Taoist passed by his home and mentioned that Xu Mu was destined for wealth and success throughout his life. Even if faced with great calamity, he would have noble people assisting him and turning misfortune into fortune.
However, there was one fatal flaw in his destiny; this calamity would only arise when he reached the peak of his fortune.
Mu Junze appeared somewhat puzzled upon hearing this.
"The words of that man may not be true. He is cunning and treacherous, harming others for his own gain. Letting him go is akin to releasing a tiger back into the mountains; it would be better to deal with him directly," Su Che remarked. Initially, he did not believe the Daoist's words, but the Daoist had told him that he would experience wealth and prosperity in the first half of his life, but around the age of maturity, he would face a calamity intertwined with Xu Mu's fate, and one of them would surely be harmed. However, there was a glimmer of hope in his misfortune, as the Daoist intended to take him as a disciple.
At that time, he was still young and very fond of Xu Mu, so he paid little attention to these predictions and rejected the Daoist's offer. The Daoist left the Su Family without taking a single coin, and when they sought him again, he had vanished without a trace. Unbeknownst to Mu Junze, Su Che had lived through another life, and everything the Daoist had foretold came true. Su Che only told Mu Junze, "What the Daoist said is indeed true; some things align perfectly. If he truly has good fortune, then even if it costs him his life, someone will come to his rescue. It’s better to wait a few more days."
"However, he has many friends in high places, so we need A Je's assistance here. The outcome will depend on that day," Su Che added. Mu Junze nodded; he had always been skeptical of ghosts and gods, but since Su Che had concerns, as long as it wasn't due to lingering feelings for Xu Mu, he wasn't worried.
He didn't believe in such things; with him around, how could Xu Mu possibly face disaster? Regardless of the circumstances, with him backing up, no one could harm Zi Qi in any way.
As they chatted, Su Che suddenly asked, "I just remembered something. Does your name 'Junze' have any special meaning?"
Mu Junze replied that when the Former Emperor was in power, he was a prince whose every need was met by the grace of the ruler. His mother had given him this name so that he would never forget the grace of the ruler.
After sharing this, he turned to Su Che and asked about his name. Su Che rested his chin on one hand and smiled as he explained, "My situation is quite similar. My father and mother wanted me to become successful—'望子成龙' (to hope for one's son to become a dragon). The character '期' (Chi) signifies hope for achievement; they didn't want me to be someone without ambition. As for '澈,' (Che) my father chose it hoping I would be clear as water—free from malice and treating others sincerely."
Originally, he was supposed to be named Su Qing, but his father thought it sounded too much like a girl's name and opted for 'Che' instead.
They continued their conversation late into the night until they reluctantly bid each other farewell. Mu Junze turned back several times to look at Su Che before finally running back.
With seriousness in his voice, he said to Su Che, "Zi Qi, I will wait for you. Once you achieve your goals, I will marry you."
Su Che smiled but did not respond; those words echoed something Xu Mu had once said.
In Great Yu, same-sex marriages were not uncommon nor prohibited; even among officials and nobles, it was common to keep male companions. However, many people held biases against such relationships. It wasn't that Su Che didn't trust Mu Junze; rather, if he were from an ordinary family, perhaps it would be just a fleeting excitement that neighbors would gossip about and soon forget.
But Mu Junze was a prince—his achievements were remarkable and beloved by the people; he was also a brother-in-arms of the current ruler. If he truly married someone like himself, every time there was a war or a victory celebrated by the people mentioning the royal family would likely remind them of this union.
He feared it might become a stain on his life’s record—but how could he not know? Yet still, he was willing.
He was willing, but he could not calmly let him bear these burdens. Su Che found himself in a dilemma.
After sending Mu Junze away, Xiao Tao noticed that Su Che seemed troubled and couldn't help but ask, "What is troubling you, my lord?"
Su Che sighed and replied, "I once thought that as long as I held on tightly, I would not miss out like before. But now I realize that the cost of holding on is so great. If I had known this earlier, perhaps missing out would have been the better choice."
Xiao Tao did not understand Su Che's meaning and continued, "If it is something you truly wish to hold onto, then it cannot be missed. If it can be missed, why bother to hold on? Things in hand should not be easily let go. Even if it is an object, one must consider whether it is willing to be relinquished."
"To decide for both parties based solely on one's own thoughts is the greatest folly and shows disrespect to the other side. Although I do not know whether you speak of a person or an object, if it were me, I would never agree to such a thing."
"The future can be discussed in the future. We have not yet finished what lies ahead; why worry about what is to come?"
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