ITVCFITB CHAPTER 31

 Chapter 31: Mid-Autumn Night

“Night Falls. Please Close Your Eyes” had another name: Werewolf.

At first, Shen Mingyun had lazily copied the modern Werewolf game outright. Later he realized “kill” was too inauspicious a word, so he rebranded it as “Night Falls. Please Close Your Eyes.” It was perfect for parties and did wonders for the mood.

Luo Shuyu thought: at least this game wouldn’t ruin anyone’s career or family. Worth playing.

Everyone claimed it was new and they didn’t quite know how to play, yet nearly all seemed to understand the rules.

Since it was proposed by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, everyone gave face, especially the Eldest Prince, who was determined to win back some pride in the game.

The ten players: the Crown Prince, Crown Princess, Eldest Prince, Eldest Princess Consort, Li Mingjin, Luo Shuyu, the Fourth Prince, two underage young princes, and a young noble related to the imperial clan.

Since Werewolf had become “Night Falls,” the role names were changed accordingly, a trivial matter.

“Wolves” became bandits, “villagers” became townsfolk, the witch became a saintess, the hunter a constable, and the seer an immortal.

An attendant familiar with the rules dealt ten cards: three Bandits, three Townsfolk, one Saintess, one Constable, one Immortal.

Luo Shuyu and Li Mingjin each received a card and kept theirs to themselves.

The rules were simple: during speeches, anyone could claim or conceal their identity at will.

Luo Shuyu drew a Bandit. Without a flicker, he placed it face-down. Bandit was going to be fun.

Attendant: “Night falls. It is the Hour of the Rat. Bandits have appeared in Green Mountain Town.”

Luo Shuyu and Li Mingjin both closed their eyes.

Attendant: “Constable, open your eyes… and close your eyes. Bandits, open your eyes. Please choose whom you will carry off to your mountain stronghold tonight.”

Luo Shuyu opened his eyes and found the other two Bandits were the Crown Princess and the Eldest Princess Consort. He hadn’t expected that draw. This round just got interesting.

The Crown Princess hadn’t foreseen such dramatic irony either, but the game must go on. She pointed at one of the underage princes; Luo Shuyu and the Eldest Princess Consort agreed. For now, that was the least controversial target.

Attendant: “Bandits, confirm your choice.”

The three nodded.

The Saintess and Immortal followed, one with a single use each night of antidote or poison; the other able to divine a player’s true identity.

Attendant: “Day breaks. Last night the Saintess used her antidote. No casualties. Players will speak in turn. Your Highness the Crown Prince, please begin.”

The Crown Prince went straight for the Eldest Prince. “I’m a Townsfolk. I think Eldest Brother might be a bandit. Since the Saintess used the antidote, the bandits must have carried someone off. That’s all.”

Luo Shuyu thought the Crown Prince had clearly studied up: right out the gate, he was fishing.

The Eldest Prince rolled his eyes. “Why say I’m a bandit? Evidence?”

The Crown Prince: “It’s a game, Eldest Brother. Also, it’s not your turn.”

The Eldest Prince subsided with a snort, rules were rules.

Attendant, sweating: “…Next, the Crown Princess.”

Crown Princess: “I’m also Townsfolk. I don’t know anything yet. Not enough information.”

The Eldest Prince’s turn: “I think the Crown Prince is one of the bandits. I’m convinced that it’s him. That’s my read this round. Everyone, keep your eyes open; he’ll turn up bandit.”

Professional lingo rolled off his tongue, clearly he’d practiced as much as the Crown Prince.

The Eldest Princess Consort wasn’t that invested. “Too little info. I’m Townsfolk.”

Li Mingjin spoke next. He attacked no one and simply outed himself. “I’m on the good side, the Constable.”

From experience in his last life, Luo Shuyu didn’t need to guess that if Li Mingjin said he was Constable, he was. If the bandits carried him off or targeted him, he could take one down with him.

Then Luo Shuyu’s turn. “I’m the Immortal. Last night I divined Fourth Brother, he’s a bandit.” He voted for the Fourth Prince, not even a game could stop him from wanting the Fourth dead.

The real Immortal, the Fourth Prince, hadn’t expected this. “…” He arched a brow. Was Luo Shuyu… self-outing as a bandit?

The consorts watching from nearby were instantly intrigued.

This new Third Prince Consort was bold.

His move muddied the Crown Prince versus Eldest Prince waters. After all, apart from the good-side roles without information, the others knew: Luo Shuyu was a bandit, not the Immortal!

Spicy, indeed.

No wonder he’d married into the imperial family; this nerve and quick wit weren’t common.

From others’ reactions, Li Mingjin sensed his spouse was up to something, but whatever he did, Li Mingjin would back him. It was only a game.

The Crown Prince and Eldest Prince continued locking horns, ignoring the stir among the harem seats.

The Fourth Prince spoke after Luo Shuyu, unhurried. “I’m the Immortal. I divined Eldest Brother last night, he’s Townsfolk. Third Sister-in-law must be a bandit. If he were the Immortal he wouldn’t accuse me. I am certainly the Immortal; please regard Third Sister-in-law’s words with caution.”

Consorts: Even more interesting.

Even the reserved Consort Mei turned to watch.

The two young princes’ and the clan youth’s speeches were unremarkable. Luo Shuyu’s aim now was to cover for the Crown Princess and Eldest Princess Consort and throw everyone else off-balance.

End of round one, vote.

First out: the Fourth Prince!

Luo Shuyu was surprised; then he thought it through: the game was too new, few truly knew how to play. Whoever he pointed at became the first suspect, first impressions ruled.

The Fourth Prince smiled helplessly and made his “last words.” “As I said, Third Sister-in-law is suspicious, a bandit. I am the real Immortal.”

He truly meant to warn the Eldest Prince; but he was too busy butting heads with the Crown Prince to play rationally. Otherwise, his speech made Luo Shuyu’s identity quite deducible. Yet people preferred to believe Luo Shuyu’s open face rather than him. Such was intrigue.

Second round: an underage prince was eliminated.

Luo Shuyu reveled in playing Immortal, especially with Li Mingjin’s support. Suspecting him was less likely. In his eyes, his spouse was playing for the first time, too simple to lie.

The Crown Prince and Eldest Prince gnawed at each other for two more nights; the table devolved into chaos, and by the third night they still hadn’t nailed a single bandit.

Crown Prince: “Next vote must be Eldest Brother.”

Eldest Prince: “It’s you.”

With those two wrecking the waters, the bandits won.

When the cards flipped, the two realized they’d been on the same side all along and their pillow-mates had been the bandits.

Hoping to share a win with the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess instead laughed with the Eldest Princess Consort, just for tonight.

Li Mingjin flipped Luo Shuyu’s card himself. “…Immortal?”

Smiling, Luo Shuyu flipped Li Mingjin’s. “Your Highness, all’s fair in war.” Sure enough: Constable. He was still that Third Prince most prone to outing himself.

First to be eliminated, the aggrieved Fourth Prince, Li Mingchun, hid his thoughts behind a sip of tea. A lively, adorable figure flashed across his mind. What was he doing right now?

While they were still savoring the round, a sonorous voice rang out.

“All’s fair in war,’ eh? Hahaha! What an amusing game. Play a few rounds with me sometime.”

The Heavenly Prosperity Emperor had arrived with the Empress.

In his eyes, it was a game worth promoting: bandits vs. townsfolk, constables catching bandits, saintess saving innocents, immortal guiding the world. Great fun.

They rose and bowed. Salutes done, the Empress led the ladies to their seats then the dishes came.

Once seated, the Emperor first shared a cup with everyone for the Mid-Autumn feast.

Then came the wines. Newlyweds Luo Shuyu and Li Mingjin, ranked after the Eldest Prince, offered their cups to the Emperor. He remembered that “all’s fair in war,” no wonder his third son had shielded his face yesterday. This son of Minister Luo was indeed clever.

The banquet included performances. Li Mingjin and Luo Shuyu ate as they watched. For all his reputation for wildness, Li Mingjin had been steeped in etiquette since childhood; his “wildness” amounted to a slightly lazy posture. He also drank a little with his brothers, the Crown Prince and Eldest Prince.

More wine meant less food. Luo Shuyu was glad he’d had the kitchens prepare a late-night spread before leaving; he himself managed a few bites now.

It was a family banquet; no forced toasts. Li Mingjin wasn’t drunk.

After the Hour of the Rooster, the Emperor led them to the gardens for fireworks, the part Luo Shuyu anticipated most.

Boom!

The first blossom burst across the heavens.

All eyes lifted to the suddenly brilliant night.

Luo Shuyu watched the fireworks; Li Mingjin watched him. So he likes fireworks… On his birthday I’ll put on a grand display, brighter and longer than tonight’s.

Li Mingjin slipped his hand into Luo Shuyu’s. “Shuyu.”

Luo Shuyu turned, puzzled. “What?”

Li Mingjin: “I like you.”

Boom, boom, boom!

The explosions drowned him out. Luo Shuyu asked again, “What did you say?”

Li Mingjin repeated, “I said I like you.”

Boom boom boom boom boom!

“Ah?”

“…”

Li Mingjin deflated a little and shook his head.

He changed his mind, no fireworks for his spouse’s birthday; they got in the way of heartfelt confessions!

The show went on. Luo Shuyu turned back to the sky, the starlit night now jeweled with fire. A smile tugged at his mouth. He hadn’t heard the words, but he could read lips.

You like me. I like you, too.

Once I’m sure we can live safely this life, I’ll tell you out loud.

---

After the fireworks, princes with established residences had to leave the palace. No overnights in the inner city.

Three princes departed together. With Li Mingjin’s leg still healing, he couldn’t ride.

He couldn’t, but others could. The Fourth Prince mounted and vanished ahead of them.

Since yesterday, Li Mingjin had grown suspicious of Li Mingchun. Seeing him hurry off, he said to Luo Shuyu, “What’s Fourth Brother rushing to do?”

“It’s Mid-Autumn,” Luo Shuyu said. “Plenty of girls and gers will be out on the streets.”

“So,” Li Mingjin mused, “Fourth Brother wants a spouse. I wonder which house’s daughter or ger it will be.”

“If he already has someone in his heart, can he marry them?” Luo Shuyu asked.

“So long as the family’s clean, he could at least take a concubine,” Li Mingjin said. “In the imperial clan, princes rarely choose their principal consorts. Meeting you was my fortune.”

“And mine,” Luo Shuyu said.

That warmed the carriage; by the time they reached home, Li Mingjin’s face was still taut.

The main courtyard blazed with light. Orange-peel lanterns hung in clusters; rows of paper pinwheels spun in the breeze, it's lovely.

A table was set in the yard: fresh dishes, seasonal fruit, and the essential mooncakes.

Li Mingjin was taken aback, expression blanking. He’d seen Luo Shuyu directing the servants earlier, but it wasn’t just a meal, there were thoughtful decorations.

His spouse was… so attentive.

“This is our first Mid-Autumn together,” Luo Shuyu said. And won’t be the last.

Li Mingjin nodded. “Mm.” At crucial moments, words failed him, and it vexed him.

“Try the meat,” Luo Shuyu said, handing him chopsticks. “I had the kitchen roast a leg of lamb.”

One bite and Li Mingjin nodded earnestly. “Fragrant.”

After their “supper,” they sat in the yard to admire the moon. Li Mingjin watched the pinwheels turn.

When it grew late, he urged Luo Shuyu to bed.

Climbing under the covers, Luo Shuyu was immediately kissed hard. “Tonight it’s my turn,” Li Mingjin said.

“Mm?” Luo Shuyu managed, lips sealed.

Li Mingjin nipped his earlobe and murmured, “Let me do you.”

A warm hand slid somewhere very private. “…” N-no need to go that far…

The Third Prince’s conjugal life had only just begun.

---

Meanwhile, something unexpected was happening on Yunsheng Avenue.

The courtesan contest resumed at the hour of the Rooster. The crowd was no smaller than before. The broken barriers had been removed and replaced with human security.

But the organizers still underestimated the masses. The latter the performances, the more famous the courtesans, the crowds swelled. When Liang Xian’er took the stage, attendance peaked.

A careless word led to fistfights over her beauty, and chaos erupted.

Suddenly, someone shouted, “Kidnappers! Kidnappers, they took my son!”

“Help!”

“Someone help me find my child!”

“My child is gone! Er-Gouzi, where are you?!”

A handsome ger and a few retainers appeared before a frantic man. “Is this your child?”

“Yes, yes, he’s mine!”

But the boy bawled, refusing the man’s arms. The handsome ger nevertheless signaled for his men to return the child.

Having done a good deed, he exhaled in relief. Task complete, more points for the mall.

Before he could recover, a woman sobbed nearby that her child was missing, wailing to the heavens.

Shen Mingyun, seeing his completed task, ignored it. Officials would be along soon.

When the first round finally ended, he set off to enjoy the night market.

Wandering here and there, he bumped into a young man in white. The other turned and smiled faintly. “Ah, it’s you.”

Whether Li Mingchun had “happened” upon him or arranged it, Shen Mingyun didn’t think that hard. Everything was coincidence in his mind.

“So coincidental, Fourth Prince!” he grinned, unabashed. “You’re out for the night market too?”

“Of course.” Li Mingchun offered him a mask he’d just bought. “Like it?”

Enchanted with the man’s looks and voice and gentle manner, Shen Mingyun took it. “I do. Thank you.”

A carriage suddenly barreled past about to clip Shen Mingyun from behind. Quick as a snake, Li Mingchun yanked him into his arms. “Mingyun, careful!”

In that instant, Shen Mingyun felt like the heroine of an idol drama. His heart fluttered.

In every transmigration story, the traveler was the protagonist. He was certain he was, too.

Breathing in the faint sandalwood from Li Mingchun’s robes, Shen Mingyun’s thoughts drifted. A glint of amusement flickered in Li Mingchun’s eyes.

In that crush earlier, how did Shen Mingyun “find” that child so quickly?

---

Author’s note:
Third Prince: “Wife, tonight I’m the A and you’re the O. You’re in heat and can’t use inhibitors!”
Luo Shuyu: “...Scram.”

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Little note(s):
Constable: In ancient China, a constable was a law enforcer, working under the local magistrate. They patrolled, arrested criminals, and handled local disputes.
Hour of the Rat: 11:00PM - 1:00AM or Zi Hour
Hour of the Rooster: 5:00PM - 7:00PM or You Shi Hour