Jing Xingzhi’s Daily Life in Ancient Times

Jing Xingzhi carefully considered Fang Ge’er’s request, ensuring it aligned with his principles. The desire to be husband and wife in the next life posed a challenge, as it involved not only Fang Ge’er but also the voiceless original body. Jing Xingzhi’s calculations aimed to benefit both parties, turning a potential dilemma into a harmonious outcome.

Selecting the auspicious hexagram, Jing Xingzhi nodded with satisfaction, assuring, “This disciple can assist a little.”

He glanced at white mist, then back at Liu Fang, stating, “The little scholar is also willing, so it’s agreed and settled.”

Hearing Jing Xingzhi’s words, the person in the white mist seemed content, revealing a faint smile.

Observing that one pile of paper money was about to extinguish, Jing Xingzhi warned, “The fire is dying. If not extinguished, it might harm your consciousness. Let’s step back!”

With that, he tossed the psychic talisman into the pile with the smallest flame.

A gust of wind swept through, and the white mist dissipated swiftly.

Jing Xingzhi watched the person vanish, then approached the three piles of paper money, ensuring they burned completely.

Belief in the supernatural was subjective, but Jing Xingzhi acknowledged the mysterious occurrences in the world. Planning to comfort Liu Fang, he turned around and was surprised to find Liu Fang trembling, muttering, and seemingly in distress.

Approaching with concern, Jing Xingzhi heard Liu Fang repeatedly uttering, “Eat me…”

Perplexed, Jing Xingzhi gently called out to Liu Fang.

Could it be he believed that ghost can eat people? while thinking he stretched out his hand to Liu Fang, “Ah woo~”

“AHhhhhh!!”

Then a sudden scream echoed through the air as Liu Fang opened his eyes. He saw clearly that it was Jing Xingzhi in front of him and clung to him like a koala, wrapping his legs around Jing Xingzhi’s waist and hid himself in Jing Xingzhi’s arms.

“Yes! There is a ghost! I saw it in the white fog, there was a person in it!” he said with a trembling voice.

Holding one coin sword in one hand and another person in his other hand, Jing Xingzhi assured Liu Fang, “That’s Fang Ge’er. Don’t be afraid. Besides, did you hear what he said?”

“I heard it,” Liu Fang replied, still clinging tightly to Jing Xingzhi’s neck. “But hearing it made me even more scared…”

Patting Liu Fang’s shoulder comfortingly, Jing Xingzhi reassured him, “I’m here. Don’t be afraid when I’m here. Alright, you’re fine. I’m with you here.”

With these words, Liu Fang indeed seemed to calm down.

Liu Fang suddenly realized how scary his current position must seem. While contemplating whether to disengage from Jing Xingzhi, a beam of yellow light illuminated the yard, revealing a vague figure.

Panicking, Liu Fang pointed and exclaimed, “Jing Xingzhi! Xingzhi! There’s a ghost behind you!”

Turning around, Jing Xingzhi intended to clarify that it was a person, but Liu Fang clung tightly, so he focused on keeping Liu Fang stable and concealed the copper coin sword in his hand without saying anything.

.

Outside the courtyard wall, a displeased Jing Dazhi appeared with an oil lamp, revealing his wrinkled face.

He grumbled, “Why am I being mistaken for a ghost? Fang Ge’er, can’t you recognize people? I’m Uncle Dazhi!”

This man was their closest neighbor, Jing Dazhi added, “I was sleeping, but after hearing Fang Geer’s scream, my wife woke me up to check.”

Observing Liu Fang’s tight embrace, Jing Dazhi commented with envy, “You two have a great relationship. You hugged him so tightly. I’ll head back to sleep now that everything’s fine. Fang Ge’er’s scream startled me; I didn’t even bother putting on more clothes.”

“It’s alright. He just saw a mouse, Uncle Dazhi. Fang Ge’er is usually at home alone, so please take care of him.” Jing Xingzhi hid the coin sword behind his back and one coward in his arm, he thanked the man politely.

Jing Dazhi waved his hand and yawned, “I’ll go back first. You guys go to sleep.”

Jing Dazhi saw the paper money on the ground, he knew that Fang Ge’er said that his friend dead. They didn’t know who was it but they just treated as the friend from Feng Ge’er’s hometown.

Liujia Village and Jingjia Village were only twenty miles away. Fang Ge’er’s natal family was there. Liu Fang once went there out of curiousity but came back silently. This had nothing to do with Jing Xingzhi or others.

As Jing Dazhi departed, Liu Fang quickly jumped off Jing Xingzhi, expressing a mix of feelings. Commenting on Jing Dazhi, Liu Fang remarked, “Uncle Dazhi is a good man, but he has a bad ear, and his wife is the village gossip king.” Adding a humorous conclusion, he said, “Our gossip will spread throughout the village tomorrow.”

Jing Xingzhi, unfazed, bent down to retrieve the copper coin sword, and Liu Fang, aware of Jing Xingzhi’s carefree attitude, teased, “Of course, you find it amusing. When you return to the academy later, those aunts, uncles, and uncles will have a field day making fun of me.”

Feeling a bit guilty, Jing Xingzhi touched his nose and said, “It’s not my fault.”

Seeing through his attempt to evade, Liu Fang rolled his eyes playfully. “Then please explain, what was with that ‘ah woo?”

After the “ah woo” sound, Liu Fang, startled, shouted. Opening his eyes, he found Jing Xingzhi right in front of him, providing undeniable evidence.

“This… It’s really my fault,” Jing Xingzhi admitted honestly, attempting to change the subject. “Where are the scissors? I promised Fang Ge’er’s last wish, and I have to make a mandarin duck formation for others.”

Changing the topic, Liu Fang placed his hand on Jing Xingzhi’s shoulder, teasing, “You can’t divert me that easily. Carry me to the bedroom; my legs are weak from the fright.”

“Come up,” Jing Xingzhi bent down, motioning for Liu Fang to climb onto his back.

As Liu Fang tightened his arms around Jing Xingzhi’s neck, Jing Xingzhi handed him the coin sword, wrapped his wrists around Liu Fang’s legs, and proceeded toward the bedroom.

Walking, Jing Xingzhi smiled and tilted his head, pleading, “I won’t pretend to be crazy and scare you next time, I promise.”

His slightly turned face revealed thin cheeks; although his appearance had worsened, his fair complexion and unchanged eyes remained.

Squeezing Jing Xingzhi’s face with his free hand, Liu Fang thought he needed to make him gain some weight and said, “I’m not angry anymore. When have I ever been angry with you? Don’t laugh, it’s true. I was so scared that my legs went weak.”

Jing Xingzhi quickly turned his face away, suppressing his laughter.

Liu Fang, sensing Jing Xingzhi’s amusement, stopped talking, and Jing Xingzhi felt he must be rolling his eyes behind him.

Liu Fang had a good temper, usually rolling his eyes in response to his roommates’ antics. Jing Xingzhi sensed a weight on his shoulders and heat rushing through his neck. The heat made him itch, prompting him to move his neck and rub it on his collar.

Watching him, Liu Fang gritted his teeth secretly. What had deceived him into finding this stoic man so charming?

Liu Fang reflected on his feelings. Initially attracted by Jing Xingzhi’s good looks, he later discovered the fiery heart beneath his indifferent exterior. Despite Jing Xingzhi’s transformation from a gentle, gentlemanly demeanor to a more lively, childlike personality, Liu Fang cherished every aspect of him.

In essence, it was love at first sight—starting from appearance and staying true to charm. With this realization, Liu Fang rested his head on Jing Xingzhi’s shoulder, taking a break to replenish his strength.