Qin Dynasty: Starting with clinging to Zhao Ji's thigh

Chapter 196 A Surname Is Enough

In the transition from autumn to summer, the earth is scorched by the heat, and the sound of cicadas is incessant.

Even though the young master's residence has a sizable artificial lake and plenty of greenery, it doesn't provide much coolness.

Han Fei seemed to enjoy the weather. He spread out a mat by the artificial lake, lay down on it to bask in the sun, and almost fell asleep listening to the cicadas chirping.

Some people can enjoy the pleasure of listening to cicadas singing while basking in the sun, but Ying Jing, looking at Han Fei's lazy sunbathing appearance, only found the cicadas' chirping a bit noisy.

Han Fei's robe was half-open, and the bamboo mat was scorching hot from the sun.

He casually picked up a willow leaf and covered his eyes, his voice as if softened by the summer heat: "Listen to the cicadas, Lord Changxin—they chirp and chorus to attract mates in the first half of the day, and in the second half, all that's left is their dying lament. Do you think they know their death is imminent?"

A maid brought over an ice chest, inside which floated slices of chilled melon, its red flesh glistening with fine water droplets.

Ying Jing tapped the jade ornaments lightly with his fingertips, the crisp sound of the jade clashing cutting through the cicada's chirping: "When did Ninth Prince begin to adopt the Taoist style?"

"No."

Han Fei suddenly sat up, a willow leaf sliding off his nose: "I was thinking about the bronze bell in the Korean ancestral temple—when it was newly cast, its sound could be heard for miles, but now it's so rusted that it can't even be rung at dawn."

He traced twisted patterns on the mat with his finger: "Just like the Taotie pattern on this ice chest, it looks fierce, but its internal organs have long been eroded by water vapor."

Just as the maid was about to add more ice, Ying Jing raised his hand to stop her. The bronze spoon stirred the ice, making a soft sound, and he suddenly smiled: "Is Ninth Prince going to repair this bronze bell?"

Han Fei could only sigh, "The rust is too deep; it can't be repaired."

Ying Jing laughed and said, "Why don't we sell it and recast a new one?"

Han Fei chuckled, "It's a pity we don't have enough money; we'll have to borrow some. Good brother-in-law, it's up to you now!"

This was the first time Han Fei had called him brother-in-law. His roguish demeanor startled Ying Jing slightly, before he chuckled and asked, "What about the interest?"

Han Fei stroked his chin: "Anyway, I'm very poor. I can't even pay back the principal, let alone the interest. How about we engrave your name on the clock and wipe the slate clean?"

Ying Jing turned his gaze to the lake. Suddenly, a koi carp leaped out of the calm lake, and a string of silvery laughter mingled with the sound of splashing water.

Honglian came running over, lifting her skirt, her hair ornaments entwined with pomegranate branches. In the glass cup she held in her arms, lotus seeds rolled like jade beads.

"Husband, brother, please try this!"

Her fingertips were still covered in mud, but she presented a peeled lotus seed as if it were a treasure: "Nongyu and I soaked it in well water for two hours."

Ying Jing raised his hand and affectionately stroked her long, black hair, brushing the strands that had fallen across her face aside: "These things can be left to the servants; there's no need to go through all this trouble."

Enjoying the gentle and affectionate caresses, Honglian's fair cheeks flushed with joy: "Since I'm just idling around anyway, I should do something I enjoy. Wait a moment, I'll go get some more plum blossom wine!"

Only after that crimson figure disappeared under the corridor did Ying Jing look at Han Fei again.

"Although I'm at a slight disadvantage, you are still my brother-in-law, so I'll take the deal. But you don't need to engrave my name on the clock; my surname is enough."

Han Fei stood up, and the two stood together by the lake. The sunlight shone on the lake, making it sparkle and reflecting their images.

The summer breeze brushed past the willow branches, rippled the surface of the lake, and made the cicadas seem to chirp even louder.

This time, however, Ying Jing didn't find it noisy at all.