Whether as a student or an office worker, Shen Ziqin had never had the chance to travel. Now, strolling down ancient streets, everything felt novel.
The Great Qi had just experienced two prosperous reigns, so even though the current emperor was incompetent, the country’s foundations were still solid. After years of decline, the capital was still bustling and lively, with every kind of shop and market, foreign merchants coming and going, and rare goods dazzling the eyes.
Other people travel to old towns-I traveled straight to ancient times.
Shen Ziqin felt that the sickly heaviness around him had vanished. He curved his lips in a rare smile, took a deep breath, and then turned his head to cough softly.
Recently, his complexion had improved. When he coughed, a flush would rise to his cheeks, catching the attention of passersby.
People would walk three steps, then turn back for another look.
Wow, whose young gentleman is that? He’s just too beautiful.
Stunning!
And to be so bundled up on a day like this-he must be in poor health. That gentle cough, like a willow swaying in the breeze, drifted right into people’s hearts.
A frail willow in the wind, making one pity him at a glance.
After finishing his cough, Shen Ziqin suppressed the discomfort in his throat and looked up to find everyone staring at him.
Shen Ziqin: ?
Everyone quickly averted their eyes, pretending nothing had happened.
Shen Ziqin asked his attendant, “Is there something dirty on my face?”
The attendant glanced quickly, then bowed his head. “No.”
Oh well, at least those looks weren’t malicious. Shen Ziqin brushed off the little episode and continued his stroll.
Besides the shops with their unique signs, the roadside stalls were full of hidden gems-like that sugar figurine stand over there-
Wait, no, that’s not sugar.
Shen Ziqin had just been glancing around, but his gaze was suddenly drawn back.
He walked over to the stall, stared at the figurines, and after a moment of disbelief, reached out to touch one.
Rubber!?
The attendant, racking his brains for ways to make up for earlier, saw Shen Ziqin’s interest and quickly seized the chance: “Young Master, are you interested in rubber dolls?”
The stall owner, seeing a potential customer, eagerly chimed in, “Feel free to try them, young lord! This batch is top quality, both in craftsmanship and material. The rubber was shipped from the southern jungles-absolutely the best you’ll find!”
Had Great Qi already begun using rubber on such a large scale?
Shen Ziqin was astonished. If rubber was plentiful enough for toys, it must already be used for waterproofing and other practical things. In his world, rubber wasn’t widely used in the East until modern times.
The original novel never suggested Great Qi was this advanced!
Just then, a carriage rolled slowly down the street. Shen Ziqin’s wandering gaze landed on its wheels-there was rubber wrapped around them too.
His hand trembled, squishing the doll’s smiling face out of shape.
The stall owner was still eagerly promoting, “We also have all kinds of glass dolls-very beautiful, take a look?”
…Great Qi’s manufacturing was more impressive than he’d thought. For glass to circulate among commoners, their smelting techniques must be excellent.
Stay calm, stay calm. Maybe someone had just stumbled on how to extract rubber from trees-perfectly possible in ancient times. Besides, this world was a fantasy setting anyway; its logic could hold together.
Shen Ziqin took a deep breath, had his attendant pay, and bought the doll.
When he released his grip, the deformed rubber doll’s face bounced back to normal. Shen Ziqin’s view of Great Qi was once again refreshed-he convinced himself to accept it and continued on his way.
As he passed the largest pharmacy in the capital, a piercing wail from a child rang out, making even passersby rub their ears in discomfort.
No matter the era, pediatric clinics are always a scene of chaos-Shen Ziqin understood this well.
But just as he was about to leave the pharmacy behind, he caught the child’s heart-wrenching cry:
“Wuwuwu, I don’t want an injection! Waaa, I don’t want an injection!”
Shen Ziqin: “?”
He wondered if he was hearing things.
Yet his legs stopped of their own accord.
Shen Ziqin turned his head stiffly, gripping the doll tightly: Did the child mean acupuncture when he said injection?
The rubber doll squished in his hand.
Shen Ziqin told himself it couldn’t be the kind of injection he was thinking of, but his body acted on its own, and he stepped into the pharmacy, wanting to see for himself.
Then he saw the doctor holding a syringe, pinning the child’s arm, and giving a precise injection.
Shen Ziqin: “……”
Maybe the manufacturing here is advanced, so syringes and medicines appear-yeah, right!
Even in a fantasy world, there should be some basic rules. This was absolutely not something ancient people could have or make!
The frail heir suddenly yanked his attendant over and, with a rare fierce expression, demanded in a low voice, “Where did Great Qi get syringes!?”
He managed to keep his voice down even in his shock.
The attendant was startled, his collar choking him, and seeing the heir’s terrifying face, he blurted out everything: “A-a-about two years ago, a divine doctor came to the army camp and brought all sorts of miraculous things, including hemostats, syringes, and medicines like penicillin and aspirin…”
Shen Ziqin’s pupils contracted in shock!
He let go, and the attendant, freed, spoke more smoothly: “Now these medicines are called ‘new medicines.’ Only the palace and army have the formulas, but some finished products make it to the big pharmacies. Pharmacies have to get official approval to sell them-everyone knows about it…”
At this point, the attendant shivered and fell silent.
The new medicines are expensive and only available at wealthy pharmacies. Doctors don’t use them casually, and it’s tightly controlled. But the Marquis’s household could afford them-yet never once brought a doctor to see if Shen Ziqin could use them. Since he rarely left home, it was normal he didn’t know.
The Marquis’s household truly never cared about this heir.
The attendant felt guilty, but Shen Ziqin’s focus was elsewhere. He quickly asked, “Where is that divine doctor now?”
That divine doctor was surely a transmigrator! He hadn’t expected someone else to have crossed into the novel before him.
But the attendant gave an unexpected answer.
“The divine doctor has already passed away, lived to over eighty, and died of old age.”
Shen Ziqin was stunned: …Passed away?
So much information in a single moment-he was momentarily frozen.
The attendant, thinking Shen Ziqin cared because of his own illness, hurried to show concern: “Don’t worry, Young Master. Even though the divine doctor is gone, there will always be another. Your illness can definitely be cured.”
Of course I’ll recover-my soul transmigrated, and with some rest, I’ll be fine.
Shen Ziqin realized the attendant misunderstood, so he stayed silent, exhaled softly, and calmed his turbulent emotions.
…The shock just now had been overwhelming; it was only natural to be a bit agitated.
After all, in a foreign world, suddenly learning there was another transmigrator-no matter what kind of person they were, you couldn’t help but care.
Whether you’d end up as close friends, strangers, or even enemies, you’d always see them a little differently.
But unfortunately, that person was already gone.
Passing away peacefully of old age was a good ending.
Shen Ziqin sighed, his feelings coming and going quickly. Then he thought of something: “Are the rubber and glass developments also related to the divine doctor?”
The attendant answered every question now: “I haven’t heard such rumors…but these things have only become common in recent years, and they’re really useful.”
So, maybe not related, or maybe the divine doctor quietly drove Great Qi’s progress behind the scenes, hiding much of it to avoid attention.
As for why the medical tools and drugs only appeared near the end of his life, perhaps it was to keep a low profile. Even if he’d never revealed them, no one could have said anything.
That transmigrator predecessor was far greater than me.
Shen Ziqin gathered his cloak around him-unlike that person, he just wanted to lie flat.
Maybe because of all the excitement, Shen Ziqin felt pain in his chest again. Ah, this troublesome body.
That was enough walking for today. This outing had truly changed his view of the dynasty he’d transmigrated into.
Before the pharmacy doctor could approach, Shen Ziqin turned and headed for the door. “Let’s go back.”
–
Meanwhile, in a private room of a restaurant on the main street, the third prince Chu Jinxu was anxiously drinking. He hadn’t had much wine, but the table was nearly clawed to pieces.
“My sixth brother is marrying a man, which means he’s lost his right to inherit the throne. I’m the only prince left untouched-if the emperor goes mad again, won’t I be next?”
He scratched the table like a cat. “Just pretending to be a playboy isn’t enough. Maybe I should marry a man too?”
His subordinate poured him more wine. “But Your Highness, you’ve never courted a man before.”
“When your life’s at stake, nothing else matters. I can give it a try.”
Chu Jinxu downed his drink in one gulp, then glanced out the window-and spotted Shen Ziqin walking slowly down the street.
Chu Jinxu instantly perked up. “If it’s someone like him, I could definitely do it!”
His subordinate followed his gaze and was just as dazzled.
Chu Jinxu was excited: “Quick, go, go-help me find out his name, background, where he lives. Ah, is it too soon to ask for his birth date and eight characters?”
His subordinate replied, “Not too soon. For a gentleman like that, you have to seize the chance. Please wait, Your Highness.”
The subordinate left.
The subordinate returned.
He left with confidence, but came back with regret all over his face.
Chu Jinxu’s heart skipped a beat, sensing bad news: “Don’t tell me he’s the son of some noble family, not interested in marriage or men?”
He’d worked hard at playing the wastrel for years, collecting all the gossip inside and outside the palace. There was no way such a stunning young man existed and he’d never heard of him.
The subordinate sighed, “No, that’s not it.”
“He’s the heir of the Marquis of Yin Nan-Shen Ziqin.”
Chu Jinxu: “Ah…”
So it’s my future sister-in-law. That really won’t do.
It was so rare for him to be moved, only to lose so thoroughly.
So this is the heir who’s been sick at home for years and never goes out. No wonder he himself had never met him.
“It’s not appropriate,” Chu Jinxu watched Shen Ziqin’s figure recede and sighed, “what a pity.”
Shen Ziqin suddenly had the urge to sneeze. He pulled his cloak tighter. Strange, the temperature hadn’t changed-better not catch a cold!
When he returned to the Marquis’s residence, he found someone holding a horse at the gate, standing there stiffly, and the gatekeeper wasn’t shooing him away-or rather, didn’t dare to.
The gatekeeper stood nervously with his hands in his sleeves, clearly at a loss.
Normally, when guests visit, their carriages or horses are led away after they enter, but this man and his horse were blocking the entrance with a bold air.
The horse’s coat was pure silver-white, not a single stray hair, its fur so smooth it seemed to shine, its build strong and beautiful. Even just pawing the ground, it exuded a proud spirit. Even without knowing horses, Shen Ziqin could tell this was a remarkable steed.
Suddenly, he understood why ancient people loved horses-truly magnificent.
As Shen Ziqin admired the horse, the gatekeeper hurried over to greet him: “Young Master, you’re back?”
Shen Ziqin raised an eyebrow: Oh?
When he left earlier, he’d heard the gatekeeper muttering behind his back, mocking how he never went out. Now, after just one outing, he was being greeted so politely?
He was sure he’d only been gone a short while, not transmigrated again.
This was too courteous-he wasn’t used to it.
I actually preferred your unruly side.
So, did the change in attitude have something to do with the man holding the horse?
The man wore a crisp martial uniform and greeted Shen Ziqin politely: “I am Hei Ying, a guard from Prince Qin’s residence. Greetings, Young Master Shen.”
Shen Ziqin’s usually calm eyes widened instantly, his mind racing.
How many people could get a prince’s guard to hold their horse… Could it be that Chu Zhao himself had come!?
Shen Ziqin perked up: he’d been wondering how to arrange a meeting, and now the opportunity had fallen right into his lap. Talk about luck.
Hei Ying said respectfully, “If Young Master wishes, please proceed to the main hall. His Highness is currently visiting the Marquis and Madam.”
Ah, Hei Ying had deliberately pointed this out-a clear hint.
Chu Zhao wanted to see him too?
Shen Ziqin blinked, understanding. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll go right away.”
The gatekeeper looked constipated, wanting to rush in front of Shen Ziqin, maybe to stop him or say something, but Hei Ying blocked his path with a single gesture.
“Watch your manners. What would happen if you offended the Young Master?” Hei Ying’s voice, as a martial man, was low and commanding. “Is this how the Marquis’s servants behave?”
The gatekeeper, dwarfed by Hei Ying and his tall horse, was so frightened he backed away at once. Shen Ziqin entered smoothly, unhindered.
Inside the main hall, Chu Zhao was at ease, his expression calm, while the Marquis of Yin Nan and Madam Luo were both on edge.
The Marquis had just returned home and learned of the Duke’s flower-viewing invitation when a servant rushed in to announce Prince Qin’s visit.
Chu Zhao sat down in the hall, straightforward and clear: he’d heard the heir was too ill to get out of bed, so as the fiancé, he’d come to check on him.
He’d already circled around the topic once, and Madam Luo clutched her handkerchief tightly, forcing a smile as she replied, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. We will certainly pass your regards to Ziqin.”
Chu Zhao acted as if he didn’t understand: “Both by reason and sentiment, I should see him myself. Madam, please show me the way to the heir’s courtyard.”
Madam Luo was starting to lose her composure.
At this point, the Marquis had to help her out: “If your Highness were to catch his illness, that would be terrible. And since the wedding is set, meeting privately before the ceremony wouldn’t be proper.”
“These so-called rules are already meaningless, Marquis. You know that.” Chu Zhao’s words were unyielding. “This prince is healthy and not afraid of illness.”
Since entering, Chu Zhao had referred to himself as “I,” but now he used “this prince”-a subtle show of authority.
This was the Marquis’s first time dealing with Chu Zhao, and after just a few exchanges, he understood: Chu Zhao seemed easygoing, but was actually very strong-willed-a true force to be reckoned with.
Shen Ziqin entered the main hall just in time to hear Chu Zhao’s words.
Hearing footsteps, Chu Zhao looked back, and his eyes met Shen Ziqin’s.
A breeze swept through the hall, clearing away the stifling air.
Chu Zhao’s heart stirred. He immediately knew-this must be Shen Ziqin.
Hei Ying hadn’t lied; he really was stunning.
The Marquis’s mansion was decorated so elaborately it felt fake, making Chu Zhao uncomfortable everywhere he looked. But as soon as Shen Ziqin appeared, it was like a fresh wind at dawn, clearing away the miasma-like moonlight through the pines, like lotus on clear autumn water.
Striking but not gaudy, naturally refined.
Chu Zhao had imagined that someone who’d been sick at home for years and unloved by his elders would be fragile or gloomy, but there was none of that in Shen Ziqin.
He was completely at ease, calm and unhurried. When he entered, he glanced indifferently at the Marquis and Madam Luo-just like a lazy cat, quietly watching the situation.
Chu Zhao thought: Interesting.
When Shen Ziqin saw Chu Zhao, he felt as if words had become reality.
He loved reading, but always thought that some novels exaggerated descriptions of people’s looks and bearing-enjoyable to read, but afterward it left him wistful: how could such people exist in real life?
Yet, from Chu Zhao’s posture, he truly saw the noble aura of imperial blood and the killing edge of a battle-hardened general.
Dressed in dark robes with armguards, a golden qilin embroidered at his hem, martial boots wrapping long, powerful legs, and a perfectly straight back-Chu Zhao sat there casually, like a lazy lion or a sharp sword. Even sheathed in luxurious scabbard, it couldn’t hide that he was a true weapon.
Wildness and sharpness coexisted perfectly in him.
Shen Ziqin was the first to lower his eyes and hide his gaze. “Commoner Shen Ziqin greets Your Highness Prince Qin.”
Chu Zhao’s eyes landed on Shen Ziqin and didn’t move away, but when he spoke, it was to the Marquis of Yin Nan and Madam Luo, his tone half-amused: “Say again-Shen Shizi[mfn]”Heir son” or “heir apparent”[/mfn] is bedridden?”
Shen Ziqin: ?
Who’s cursing me now?
