Hearing Bai Junxing personally confirm he had someone he cared for, Shen Ziqin let out a long sigh of relief.
Good, now he could finally tell Chu Zhao that Bai Junxing was already spoken for, without raising suspicions about his source. Chu Zhaoyu was present as a witness-everything was perfectly reasonable.
Shen Ziqin thought: Perfect.
Before Shen Ziqin could even speak, Chu Zhaoyu became his mouthpiece: “Oh? Who is it? Why haven’t you sent someone to arrange the match? If there are any difficulties, feel free to tell us.”
Bai Junxing’s ears reddened even more, and he couldn’t bring himself to look up: “It’s Zhan Yan. He’s currently stationed at Mingsha Pass. We’re in no hurry to marry.”
“So it’s General Zhan,” Chu Zhaoyu nodded in understanding. “A promising young man, quite suitable for you.”
Zhan Yan was the deputy commander at Mingsha Pass. Most of the commanders and deputies at the various border posts had served under Chu Zhao’s leadership. Zhan Yan had joined at the right time, serving as Chu Zhao’s personal guard before being promoted by him.
Before Chu Zhao was ordered back to the capital, he had made many arrangements. The emperor, eager for his return, had become unusually accommodating, readily agreeing to most reasonable requests. Chu Zhao seized the opportunity to do everything he could.
He knew that once back in the capital, he would have to surrender his command token and wouldn’t even be able to recommend people. So before leaving, Chu Zhao promoted capable officers, placing good commanders in strategic positions to guard the four borders.
Zhan Yan was chosen as the deputy commander of Mingsha Pass during this time. He had always admired Chu Zhao deeply, and in the original novel, after Chu Zhao’s death, he was among those who wanted to avenge him.
Later, Zhan Yan became Great Qi’s marshal, taking up the burden of defending the country after Chu Zhao.
As Bai Junxing mentioned Zhan Yan, his eyes showed a tenderness never seen before, his longing almost tangible, spanning a thousand miles of separation.
Shen Ziqin couldn’t help but feel moved-this was how true lovers should be, unlike the fake relationship between him and Chu Zhao. It was a genuine affection they could never pretend to have.
The three chatted pleasantly. When a slight breeze passed through the pavilion, Chu Zhaoyu’s hand tightened on the thin blanket over his legs.
Even in his own residence, Chu Zhaoyu never let outsiders see his weakness and frailty, but he had placed a blanket over his knees when meeting with Shen Ziqin and Bai Junxing, not hiding it-a sign of closeness.
Chu Zhaoyu’s legs probably needed to be examined by a doctor again. Noticing his fingers turning white from increasing pressure, Shen Ziqin took the initiative: “It’s getting late. I should take my leave. Your Highness, with the recent continuous rain, please take care of your health.”
Chu Zhaoyu, enduring the pain, smiled: “Very well. You’re also in delicate health, Shizi. Take care of yourself too.”
Bai Junxing also took his leave, but just as Shen Ziqin was rising, Chu Zhaoyu suddenly remembered something: “Oh, Shizi.”
Shen Ziqin paused.
“If your health permits, perhaps you could come to court in six days to observe.”
Court? Shen Ziqin realized that such a dramatic scene would indeed reveal more details up close. He bowed: “Yes, I’ll remember.”
Shen Ziqin and Bai Junxing walked side by side toward the exit of Prince An’s residence.
Xiao Zhen followed behind, head lowered obediently, but his ears were perked up high.
By the time they reached the main gate, Prince Qin’s carriage had already arrived, waiting for Shen Ziqin, but there was no other vehicle.
Shen Ziqin asked: “Lord Bai, did you come on foot?”
Bai Junxing replied: “Yes, Your Highness.”
Land in the capital was extremely valuable. Bai Junxing, as an official in the capital, rented his residence and had only two servants, one old and one young. He was very frugal with his money, only renting a carriage for distant destinations, preferring to walk whenever possible.
So Shen Ziqin invited him into the carriage: “Why don’t I give you a ride home on my way?”
Bai Junxing protested: “How could I trouble Your Highness?”
Prince An’s residence was nowhere near his home on the way to Prince Qin’s residence-there was no “on the way” about it. Shen Ziqin smiled: “It’s no trouble. I can chat with you a bit more. What do you think, Lord Bai?”
With Shen Ziqin’s words, Bai Junxing could no longer refuse and naturally expressed his thanks: “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Xiao Zhen’s guard was now completely up, his internal alarm bells ringing loudly!
With his master bringing a guest, he should have stayed outside with the carriage driver, but Xiao Zhen kept his head down and followed them inside in a servant’s posture.
Prince Qin’s carriage never lacked snacks, which were already laid out. Shen Ziqin invited him: “Lord Bai, please try the prince’s residence chef’s handiwork.”
Xiao Zhen watched nervously as Lord Bai first ate a piece of the heir’s favorite snack, then chose one of the prince’s favorites.
…Lord Bai certainly knew how to choose, as if saying: I want both.
Xiao Zhen secretly wiped away cold sweat.
After tasting, Bai Junxing praised: “Truly worthy of Prince Qin’s chef, the skill is excellent.”
Shen Ziqin smiled: “Your wedding cakes with General Zhan will surely be the sweetest.”
Xiao Zhen’s sweaty hand paused: Huh?
Wedding cakes, General Zhan… Lord Bai has someone he loves!
Xiao Zhen’s tense fingers suddenly relaxed: It was a false alarm!
Just as Bai Junxing was about to touch his teacup, he saw the consort’s servant smiling like a flower, picking up the teapot to pour him tea, very enthusiastically: “Lord Bai, please have some tea!”
His smile was so joyful that Bai Junxing was startled by his enthusiasm: “Ah, thank you.”
Xiao Zhen grinned: “You’re welcome.”
Bai Junxing inwardly marveled: Everyone at Prince Qin’s residence is so warm-hearted.
After safely delivering Bai Junxing and returning to their residence, Shen Ziqin noticed that Xiao Zhen’s smile still hadn’t faded.
Smiles and happiness are contagious, and Shen Ziqin couldn’t help teasing him: “What are you so happy about?”
Xiao Zhen: “Just a small personal matter. I had a misunderstanding, but now it’s been cleared up.”
Though it was a small matter, having a misunderstanding cleared up was indeed worth celebrating, and Shen Ziqin understood.
Having visited the second prince today, Shen Ziqin naturally needed to report the discussion results to Chu Zhao, so another pair of chopsticks appeared at Mingyue Pavilion’s dinner table.
Chu Zhao calculated that he’d been eating at Mingyue Pavilion much more frequently lately.
Wondering if Shen Ziqin felt the same, as they sat down across from each other, Shen Ziqin said: “We’ll likely have more to discuss in the future. Why don’t we just have dinner together from now on?”
Chu Zhao didn’t mind where he ate: “Sounds good, let’s eat together at Mingyue Pavilion.”
Xiao Zhen silently lowered his head and stepped back, not letting anyone see his expression.
Wuwuwu, the heir is so proactive, Xiao Zhen is so moved!
Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao discussed business while eating. When Chu Zhao heard about reserving the Ministry of Works vice minister position for Lord Cui, he also praised it as brilliant.
By having their own people recommend him, they could use the opportunity to build a relationship with Lord Cui. Though not their own man, he could become a valuable piece for them in the Ministry of Works.
The heir was truly resourceful.
Just as Chu Zhao was praising him, Shen Ziqin said: “The second prince mentioned attending court. I think I should go see for myself in six days, but to avoid suspicion, I should start attending court a few days earlier.”
Otherwise, suddenly appearing that day would draw attention, especially coinciding with the big event, which might arouse suspicion from clever people afterward.
Shen Ziqin was on sick leave granted by the emperor himself, but it was very flexible. The emperor allowed him to recuperate at home long-term, but if he felt well enough to attend court and perform his duties, no one would stop him.
Chu Zhao was surprised: “Attend court?”
Shen Ziqin nodded: “Yes.”
Chu Zhao’s expression immediately became subtle.
First, he certainly didn’t mean to disrespect the heir; second, he truly believed the heir was a rare talent in Great Qi; and then-
“Shizi, Great Qi’s morning court begins at the end of Mao hour. At the very latest, you’d need to wake up at the beginning of Mao hour to prepare,” Chu Zhao suggested tactfully. “…Do you want to reconsider?”
The prince’s unspoken concern was clear: Can you actually get up that early?
For someone who naturally wakes up at nine every morning to switch to getting up at six daily-the difficulty level was practically hellish.
Moreover, Shen Ziqin was still recovering and needed rest. There was really no need to push himself.
“My health has improved a lot lately. Getting up early shouldn’t be a problem,” Shen Ziqin said confidently. “Starting tomorrow, I’ll begin attending court.”
He could stay up later at night before feeling tired, so he thought he could also wake up earlier.
Chu Zhao wanted to say more but ultimately felt he shouldn’t discourage someone so determined. Better to see how it goes for one day first.
So he nodded: “Then I’ll wait for you tomorrow morning to attend court together.”
Shen Ziqin: “Good.”
“By the way, I also chatted with Lord Bai today,” Shen Ziqin mentioned casually, but very deliberately, while secretly observing Chu Zhao’s reaction. “Lord Bai already has someone he loves.”
Chu Zhao was completely stunned: “What?”
Lord Bai already has someone he loves!?
Shen Ziqin didn’t miss a single nuance of Chu Zhao’s expression and nodded firmly: “Yes, it’s General Zhan Yan.”
He’s your subordinate, Your Highness! You can’t steal a subordinate’s love!
Chu Zhao was surprised: It’s actually Zhan Yan!
That young man would occasionally hold a jade pendant, clearly lost in thought about someone. Chu Zhao never thought to pry into who occupied his heart, just patted his shoulder and said that when things settled down and he got married, he’d definitely bring the brothers to celebrate.
Who would have thought Zhan Yan’s beloved was Bai Junxing, of all people-what a coincidence.
Shen Ziqin read Chu Zhao’s expression: three parts surprise, three parts regret, and the rest all sighs.
As if lamenting the unpredictability of fate and heaven’s will.
After careful analysis, Shen Ziqin found the situation better than he’d imagined. With such complex emotions, Chu Zhao showed neither disappointment nor heartbreak.
Combined with his earlier reactions, Shen Ziqin could conclude: Chu Zhao might have had some slight interest in Bai Junxing, but it hadn’t fully developed, so upon discovering he was already taken, regret outweighed sorrow.
Great, he wasn’t upset at all-so all the comforting words Shen Ziqin had prepared could be saved.
Now that he’d prevented Chu Zhao from making a lifelong regret and falling into the main characters’ love vortex, Shen Ziqin could finally relax.
He let out a quiet breath, only to realize Chu Zhao’s expression hadn’t quite settled yet-there was still something lingering there.
Chu Zhao, with a sigh, looked at him.
Chu Zhao spoke in a tone meant to comfort: “Life is unpredictable.”
Shen Ziqin: Hm? Why is he using a comforting tone on me?
Shen Ziqin felt something was off, but still replied, “…Yes, that’s true.”
Chu Zhao was also watching Shen Ziqin’s reaction.
Suddenly learning that someone you care about has found someone else, but the heir didn’t look very sad-maybe he’d already worked through his feelings on the way home, or maybe his feelings for Lord Bai weren’t that deep yet, somewhere between friends and lovers.
But it was still a pity, right?
Sigh, the heir’s first possible crush had just been abruptly ended-what a twist of fate, how pitiable.
The heir needed to recover, so he should stay happy and healthy; even a little melancholy should be dispelled quickly. Chu Zhao could only try his best to comfort him.
Chu Zhao thought for a moment, then said gently, as if consoling a lonely, lovelorn friend: “Next time there’s a day off, shall I take you out for a walk?”
Shen Ziqin automatically interpreted: You feel a bit regretful, so you want someone to go out with you, to help you forget this love that never began?
Shen Ziqin thought, Prince Qin’s love life is really bumpy… It’s fine, I’ll keep him company.
Shen Ziqin agreed: “Alright, a walk sounds good.”
Chu Zhao: Exactly, I think I’ve done a good job caring for him, right?
Shen Ziqin: I’ve agreed, so I’ve done my part, right?
Sigh, it’s not easy being the heir/prince.
—
(advanced chapters available on kofi)
Obrigada pela tradução!!
It’s really not easy.