SBMT Chapter 35

Of course, the road had to end, and before they reached it, Chu Zhao pulled the reins tight.

 

“Whoa-!”

 

Feixue’s hooves rose and fell, slowing to a gentle trot as it stopped. Shen Ziqin’s heart was still pounding, adrenaline high, and for a moment, he looked dazed.

 

“Why did we stop?” he asked, breathless.

 

“As much as I’d like to keep going, we can’t,” Chu Zhao said, holding the reins. “Any farther and your legs and hands won’t be able to take it.”

 

Shen Ziqin could understand about his hands-he’d been gripping the reins so tightly that his soft palms were already sore and, with his delicate skin, two red marks stood out starkly.

 

But what did legs have to do with it? He wasn’t the one running… Wait.

 

Oh. Now he realized.

 

He’d been having so much fun he hadn’t noticed, but now that they’d stopped, he felt a bit of discomfort on the inside of his thighs.

 

So riding really does chafe your legs.

 

If they’d kept going, he’d probably need medicine by the time they got back.

 

Chu Zhao said, “It’s normal for beginners. No rush-we’ve got plenty of time to practice in the future.”

 

Shen Ziqin let out a long breath.

 

The rush faded, and as the adrenaline wore off, the soreness in his legs became more obvious. He nodded in agreement about taking it slow.

 

Chu Zhao glanced over his shoulder and saw Shen Ziqin’s open palm. “It’s so red-you’ll need medicine. Don’t hold the reins on the way back, just lean back and I’ll hold you.”

 

Shen Ziqin quickly closed his hand. “It’s not broken, and it doesn’t hurt. You know how my skin is-it just looks bad.”

 

“You make a scene when you’re acting, but when you’re really hurt, you never say a word.” Chu Zhao saw right through him, clearly not buying it. “Come on, sit steady.”

 

When Shen Ziqin didn’t lean back, Chu Zhao moved closer himself, making sure he could hold him securely.

 

As the excitement faded, every little sensation became sharper. With Chu Zhao so close, Shen Ziqin could feel his warm breath on his ear and instinctively turned his head away.

 

But turning away just brought his right side closer-his head bumped right into Chu Zhao’s shoulder, drawing them even closer.

 

Shen Ziqin: !

 

Chu Zhao: !

 

Both froze.

 

Startled, Shen Ziqin reflexively grabbed the reins again. Feixue, feeling the sudden pull, snorted and shook its head, making the horse sway beneath them.

 

Shen Ziqin gasped, “Ah!”

 

Chu Zhao: “Careful!”

 

Chu Zhao immediately grabbed the reins with one hand and wrapped the other around Shen Ziqin’s waist, pulling him in until there was no space left between them.

 

Feixue’s hooves clopped along, steady and sure.

 

Shen Ziqin: …

 

He could hear a heavy heartbeat in his ears, but for a moment, he couldn’t tell if it was his or Chu Zhao’s.

 

Is Chu Zhao made of fire? Why is he so hot? Shen Ziqin lowered his head, feeling like his ears were burning.

 

From behind, Chu Zhao could see that Shen Ziqin’s jade-like earlobes were now flushed pink. The battle-hardened prince was suddenly at a loss, unsure where to put his hands.

 

He took a quiet breath and, once sure Shen Ziqin was steady, slowly let go of his waist.

 

…The heir’s waist was really narrow-he could wrap his whole hand around it.

 

Chu Zhao awkwardly changed the subject: “Ahem, Feixue’s just being playful.”

 

Shen Ziqin, head down, mumbled, “Uh, yeah.”

 

Feixue: ?

 

Are you two for real?

 

Blaming everything on the horse just because I can’t talk-you sneaky humans!

 

Chu Zhao took the reins in both hands and urged Feixue into a slow walk back. “Let’s head back. Giddy-up.”

 

Feixue walked slowly. Honestly, Shen Ziqin’s hands and fingers still hurt. He hesitated between holding the reins and staying close to Chu Zhao: the first meant enduring pain, the second meant enduring the heat.

 

Listening to the pounding heartbeat in his ears, Shen Ziqin’s mind raced with wild thoughts. But after a few minutes, he suddenly realized:

 

Wait, what am I even struggling over?

 

He should just choose the second option-comfortable and painless. He wasn’t a masochist, after all. As for the heat and racing heart… so what if he wasn’t shy?

 

Chu Zhao was just teaching him to ride-a perfectly normal thing, nothing improper. Why should he feel embarrassed? He should just be open about it.

 

He and Chu Zhao aren’t some lovestruck couple, so why fuss over a little normal physical contact? Acting awkward only makes things embarrassing.

 

It was his own issue-Shen Ziqin let out a long breath and reflected deeply.

 

He pressed his lips together, bravely let go of the reins, gave himself a little pep talk, and then took the initiative to lean into Chu Zhao’s embrace.

 

Chu Zhao was caught off guard by how suddenly close he was; his fingers trembled, but thanks to his excellent riding skills, he kept the horse steady-no need to blame Feixue this time.

 

Even though it had been his own suggestion and was indeed more convenient, Chu Zhao was still surprised. Why had Shen Ziqin, after hesitating so long, suddenly relaxed and leaned over so trustingly?

 

Chu Zhao kept telling himself not to overthink it, but his heart wouldn’t listen and kept racing.

 

The person in his arms carried a faint woodsy fragrance, and Chu Zhao felt himself getting dizzy from it: …Is it okay for me to think too much about this?

 

Meanwhile, Shen Ziqin, nestled in Chu Zhao’s arms, grew more and more at ease. His once-racing heart calmed down: See? With an open mind, everything feels natural.

 

He’d never been used to being physically close to others, but that was fine-he’d work on getting comfortable with Chu Zhao and maintaining a good relationship.

 

He was feeling perfectly natural now, though he had no idea Chu Zhao’s mind was practically overheating.

 

The two of them rode back to Dongzhuang on one horse together-one having achieved enlightenment, the other dazzled and dizzy-accompanied by the steady rhythm of hoofbeats.

 

The group that had come along-Steward Meng for Chu Zhao, Xiao Zhen for Shen Ziqin, and Hei Ying and Bai Xiao-saw the two figures leaning together on horseback from afar, and their reactions were all different.

 

Xiao Zhen clutched his chest, eyes brimming with tears: What a beautiful scene, I’m dead!

 

Steward Meng felt gratified and sentimental, as if he’d expected this all along-so pleased in his old age.

 

Hei Ying was stunned, staring at their posture in disbelief.

 

Only Bai Xiao, the most innocent, didn’t get it. Though he’d read a few romance stories, he hadn’t yet mastered Xiao Zhen’s ability to ship anyone and anything. He just thought riding together was normal and, seeing his master return, all he could think was: Great, time to eat!

 

The four of them welcomed the pair back to the estate, each in their own way.

 

Chu Zhao got off first, then helped Shen Ziqin down.

 

Chu Zhao said, “Xiao Zhen, go get some bruise ointment for Shizi’s hands.”

 

Xiao Zhen gasped, “He’s hurt? I’ll go right away!”

 

Shen Ziqin barely got out a “No need” before Xiao Zhen was gone.

 

…He really does have a talent for martial arts.

 

Steward Meng came over to check Shen Ziqin’s hands and immediately saw the red marks from the reins: “Oh dear, that’s quite red-you should put some ointment on. Shizi, let’s go inside and rest.”

 

He led Shen Ziqin inside. Hei Ying was about to take the reins, but Chu Zhao led Feixue himself to the stable.

 

Hei Ying, puzzled, whistled toward the roadside, and a guard poked his head out.

 

They’d been following along with light footwork, shadowing Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao the whole way.

 

After all, the prince and consort would never travel without guards.

 

Hei Ying asked, “Nothing happened on the road, right?”

 

Guard A shook his head: “Nope.”

 

Guard B nodded: “Yeah, I saw the prince and Shizi having a great time, all close and cozy.”

 

Hei Ying was confused: “…Close and cozy?”

 

Guard C piped up: “Yeah, hugging the waist and all that.”

 

Guard A: “Hey now, that’s just normal riding posture-why do you make it sound improper?”

 

Guard B retorted: “Have you ever seen our prince like that with anyone else?”

 

Guard C: “Exactly!”

 

Guard A: “Uh… actually, no.”

 

The three finished, then all turned to stare at Hei Ying.

 

“Boss, do you think the prince and Shizi are…?”

 

Hei Ying cut them off: “Don’t ask me, don’t look at me, I don’t know.”

 

The guards looked disappointed.

 

Hei Ying waved them off, and they scattered in a flash.

 

Hei Ying thought for a moment, then headed to the stable.

 

Chu Zhao was tying up Feixue; Hei Ying offered, “Your Highness, let me do it.”

 

Chu Zhao didn’t argue, let go, and stepped aside. When Hei Ying finished, he turned to see Chu Zhao lost in thought.

 

Hei Ying: “Your Highness?”

 

“Mm?”

 

Chu Zhao absentmindedly grunted, then pressed his fist to his chest and suddenly muttered, “Could it be that I like men?”

 

Otherwise, why would he feel so flustered over Shen Ziqin’s little gestures?

 

Hei Ying’s eyes widened: The prince, who always claimed to have no interest in romance, was suddenly questioning his preferences!

 

Is this block of wood finally about to blossom?

 

But Chu Zhao just said that one line, then walked off, leaving Hei Ying to stew over this new intel.

 

He decided he couldn’t be the only one to know.

 

At lunch, Hei Ying pulled Bai Xiao aside.

 

“Xiao Bai,” he said, slinging an arm around him, “didn’t I promise to tell you if I found out who the prince liked?”

 

Bai Xiao, mouth full of sweets, swallowed and asked, “What, is there someone? Who?”

 

“Don’t get too excited, you’ll choke.” Hei Ying wiped his mouth. “I’m not sure who, but the prince definitely likes men.”

 

Bai Xiao: “Oh! That’s big news-thanks, bro!”

 

Knowing something is better than nothing. He’d secretly tell Shizi later-he’d promised to share any intel!

 

Hei Ying felt relieved, Bai Xiao felt pleased-everyone was happy.

 

Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao stayed at Dongzhuang until the afternoon. Steward Meng even had people pick peach blossoms to make peach blossom pastries and other treats later.

 

Before leaving, Shen Ziqin looked back at the sea of peach blossoms and asked Chu Zhao, “Did Your Highness enjoy today?”

 

He hadn’t forgotten that he came to accompany Chu Zhao and help him relax.

 

Coincidentally, Chu Zhao hadn’t forgotten either: “Mm, it’s been a while since I’ve felt this relaxed. How about you?”

 

Shen Ziqin smiled: “Yes, Dongzhuang is a wonderful place, very soothing.”

 

Hearing each other’s responses, Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao both sighed in relief.

 

Shen Ziqin: Good, it seems he’s moved past the matter with Lord Bai.

 

Chu Zhao: Excellent, Shen Shizi doesn’t seem to be upset about Lord Bai anymore; he’s let it go.

 

Shen Ziqin & Chu Zhao: Another good deed done.

 

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(advanced chapters available on kofi)