After a relaxing day at Dongzhuang, Shen Ziqin began planning his schedule early upon returning to the residence.
At dinner, he solemnly promised Chu Zhao that he would sleep early and definitely join him for morning court the next day.
After the morning’s events, Chu Zhao had reassessed his understanding of Shen Ziqin’s determination. He was less doubtful and more confident about whether Shen Ziqin could get up on time.
But Shen Ziqin had slept so long in the carriage to Dongzhuang-even if he successfully left the residence tomorrow, could he guarantee he wouldn’t fall asleep during court?
On this point, Chu Zhao reserved judgment.
Early the next morning, Shen Ziqin really did get up on time.
Chu Zhao went to Mingyue Pavilion to pick him up and watched as he downed his medicine like an energy drink, barely managing to wake up as he shuffled over: “Let’s… mm, let’s go…”
Though Shen Ziqin looked like he could fall asleep at any moment, swaying with every third step, he stubbornly kept moving forward, like someone performing drunken boxing, leaving Chu Zhao and everyone else stunned.
Watching his unsteady yet somehow upright steps, Hei Ying couldn’t help but admire: “If Shizi had trained in martial arts from childhood, wouldn’t he already be a martial arts master?”
Chu Zhao worried beside him, ready to reach out and prevent Shen Ziqin from falling: “Possibly, but unfortunately he isn’t a master now-Shen Shizi, the door is this way!”
Shen Ziqin wore a crimson official robe, the bright color indeed complementing him, making him especially beautiful and striking. But Chu Zhao was only dazzled for a moment before quickly coming to his senses-there was no time to indulge in admiring such beauty; he needed to look after Shen Ziqin first.
When Shen Ziqin appeared at the palace gate, he immediately became the center of attention, drawing many glances.
With such a face, it was impossible not to notice him. Many people didn’t yet know Shen Ziqin, but from his official rank and seeing Chu Zhao beside him, they could easily guess who he was.
So this was the recently famous Prince Qin’s consort.
The palace gate incident and the Cui Qingshan case had made officials hear his name before seeing the person.
Now that they saw him, he truly was like a celestial being descended to earth, unparalleled in beauty, and indeed looking quite sickly-he couldn’t even walk steadily.
Everyone finally understood what “weak as a willow in the wind” really meant. The fact that the slight breeze hadn’t blown Shen Ziqin over was practically a miracle.
But strangely, hadn’t the emperor specially permitted him to recover at home? Why had he suddenly come to court today?
Everyone secretly speculated, thinking through all court matters, but couldn’t connect anything to Prince Qin and his consort. Unable to figure it out, they could only set aside their questions for now.
Shen Ziqin was half-asleep, half-awake, his state not much different from sleepwalking. He had slept in the carriage, and it was Chu Zhao who woke him before they got out. This time, Chu Zhao only had to call him softly for him to wake up.
When Shen Ziqin opened his bleary eyes, Chu Zhao sighed: “I was thinking if you didn’t wake up when I called softly, I’d just let you sleep in the carriage.”
Hearing this, Shen Ziqin stubbornly rose, swaying: “That won’t do…”
A thousand reasons condensed into one as Shen Ziqin braced himself against the carriage door, struggling to move outside: “I… I’m already here!”
Chu Zhao: …Well, that’s a good point.
With drowsy eyes, Shen Ziqin couldn’t clearly see any of the people who came to greet him and Chu Zhao. Whether Zhang San, Li Si, or Wang Wu, none registered in his mind. He just forced a smile whenever he heard a voice, barely managing to respond to greetings.
He didn’t know how devastating his harmless smile was-it made many hearts flutter, causing some to stutter when speaking.
“G-g-g-greetings, Your Highness!”
Shen Ziqin, still dazed, smiled again slightly. Whatever they said, smiling was the right response.
The man instantly blushed, this tall, strong figure suddenly becoming shy and coy, his eyes constantly darting toward Shen Ziqin’s face, wanting to look but not daring to: “I-I-I recently acquired a famous master’s work, would Your Highness honor me with a visit to view it? Ah! I’ve heard Your Highness is in poor health; I also have some good medicine…”
Chu Zhao: …
Am I blind or dead?
“Lord Li,” Chu Zhao smiled dangerously, “I’ve heard your household has been rather unsettled lately, almost causing a citywide scandal. Perhaps you should save that medicine for yourself.”
Lord Li’s face instantly changed, extremely embarrassed. He laughed nervously and quickly slipped away.
Chu Zhao watched his retreating figure with contempt: What kind of person dares approach Shen Ziqin?
Chu Zhao simply dropped his smile. As his expression darkened, bringing forth his killing intent and sharp edge, those nearby only dared to bow hastily without lingering, instantly clearing the area.
Chu Zhao was satisfied.
When Bai Junxing saw them, he was also surprised. After greeting them, he expressed concern: “Is the consort unwell? If you’re feeling ill, it’s better to rest and recover.”
Seeing Bai Junxing again, Chu Zhao couldn’t help but reflect that Lord Bai was a good person-no wonder Shen Shizi regarded him differently.
Fortunately, learning about his beloved was timely, allowing Shen Ziqin to move on quickly.
As for now, Chu Zhao could hardly say that Shen Ziqin wasn’t sick but just sleepy-didn’t Shen Shizi care about his dignity?
Chu Zhao nodded enigmatically.
Bai Junxing was touched: “For the consort to attend court despite illness truly makes him a pillar of Great Qi.”
Shen Ziqin hadn’t retained a single word in his mind, just smiling and smiling. Chu Zhao, without blushing or his heart racing, nodded: After all, the praise wasn’t wrong.
Shen Ziqin swayed his way into the crowd. Chu Zhao led him and Bai Junxing to stand in one place, then, quite concerned, went to the front row.
In Great Qi, princes and royal lords attended court at the head of all officials. Shen Ziqin stood in the front court in his capacity as an official, so his position was naturally not with Chu Zhao.
Chu Zhao stood beside the second prince-the third prince maintained his playboy persona and never attended court, and Emperor Cheng’an didn’t bother him about it, so only the two of them were there.
The second prince’s wheelchair shifted slightly to face forward. He had just looked back and seen Shen Ziqin. While the emperor hadn’t arrived yet, he said softly, “I told Shizi to come to court if he was feeling well, but seeing him so weak today-if he’s truly ill, there’s no need to push himself so hard.”
Honestly, Chu Zhao was also worried-worried that Shen Ziqin might fall over from falling asleep. He sighed: “He has his own considerations.”
The second prince understood: Such diligence is admirable.
No, you don’t understand-he’s just sleepy.
Soon after, Emperor Cheng’an entered with measured steps, and all officials bowed.
“Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live, long live, long live the emperor-”
Emperor Cheng’an glanced around indifferently: “Rise, ministers.”
Sitting high, he could see clearly and noticed a new face today: Shen Ziqin.
So he’d come to court-was he better? And did his body just sway?
The head eunuch, Quan Gonggong, announced in his shrill voice: “Those with matters may speak, those without may retire-”
“Your Majesty, I have a matter to report!”
The customary morning court tug-of-war began. Those with important matters discussed them; when there were none, people from different factions stepped on each other’s toes. When the arguments got fierce, the court was no different from a marketplace. But the emperor allowed this behavior-with everyone arguing, it was easier for him to see who stood where.
Today’s arguments were meaningless, likely to end soon. Emperor Cheng’an, having gauged the situation, looked around at other officials’ reactions and noticed Chu Zhao frequently looking back.
He knew exactly who Chu Zhao was looking at: What, can’t be apart for even a moment? Is Chu Zhao so infatuated with Shen Ziqin?
Though this was good for him, how could a royal member show such lack of restraint in court? Emperor Cheng’an snorted coldly to himself and glanced toward Shen Ziqin.
The emperor froze.
Shen Ziqin’s head was drooping, nodding slightly, his body swaying-not an illusion, but actually swaying, looking like he might faint at any moment.
Emperor Cheng’an: !
Why come to court when you’re sick? No one invited you this time-if you really faint, it’s your own fault!
Clearly, Shen Ziqin’s “fainting” act at the palace gate had been very successful-look how scared the emperor was.
Chu Zhao didn’t care about appearances; after all, he didn’t have much reputation left after the emperor’s smear campaign. What harm could being a bit unrestrained do?
He saw Bai Junxing standing beside Shen Ziqin, also looking worried, his hand already raised, ready to catch Shen Ziqin if needed.
Let Lord Bai support Shen Ziqin… perhaps not. Shen Shizi might have just gotten over Lord Bai-it wouldn’t be appropriate to stir up regrets again.
Definitely not because I want to support him myself, Chu Zhao assured himself.
The court was still arguing.
“Lord Xue says we haven’t done our job well, but what about Lord Xue himself? Clearly-”
Chu Zhao suddenly spoke: “Excuse me, pause for a moment.”
The two people engaged in the routine mud-slinging immediately fell silent.
They looked at each other in confusion: Why would Chu Zhao suddenly intervene in their ordinary argument?
They hurriedly reviewed what they’d just said but couldn’t find anything related to Prince Qin.
What was the prince getting at?
Everyone else also focused their attention on Chu Zhao. In an instant, he became the center of attention in the court.
The two arguers held their breath, clutching their tablets, waiting with bated breath for Chu Zhao to speak.
In the silence where a pin drop could be heard, Chu Zhao casually cupped his hands: “Your Majesty, may I change my position? Thank you.”
Without waiting for the emperor’s nod, he strode toward Shen Ziqin.
The crowd, who had been holding their breath waiting for some grand discourse: ???
All that build-up for this!?
Especially the two arguers, who nearly smashed their tablets: Is this how you scare people with a dramatic pause?!
Shen Ziqin was dozing off, using the background noise of arguments as a lullaby. When the court suddenly fell silent, it felt strange. Did he hear Chu Zhao’s voice? He couldn’t quite make it out.
Shen Ziqin pulled a tiny bit of consciousness from his dream, lifting his eyelids slightly: Let me see what’s happening.
Then he saw Chu Zhao walking toward him, step by step, until he stopped right there.
Bai Junxing tactfully stepped back to make room. Of course, when he stepped back, those behind him had to move too, shuffling positions.
Great, now there were two focal points for the entire court: Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao.
Shen Ziqin: ?
His eyes were drowsy, barely open, but that didn’t prevent him from silently communicating with Chu Zhao: Why did you come over?
Chu Zhao also spoke with his eyes: It’s fine, go ahead and sleep.
Shen Ziqin: Oh… somehow it’s harder to sleep now.
He had been holding his tablet tucked under his arm, tilted at an angle, and now he quietly straightened it a bit.
Chu Zhao took his position and nodded to the two arguers: “Please continue, gentlemen.”
The two officials: “…”
How courteous of you.
Emperor Cheng’an, sitting on the dragon throne, took a deep breath. Chu Zhao’s attitude-turning to leave without waiting for his approval-displeased him, and the way Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao were exchanging glances in court was inappropriate!
But he directed his words at Shen Ziqin first, since Chu Zhao’s actions were related to him.
“Scholar Shen,” Emperor Cheng’an said heavily, “We permitted you to recover from illness. If you’re not well, you should stay home-there’s no need to rush to court.”
Why come here-to faint during morning court and get the palace physicians?
Shen Ziqin suppressed a sleepy yawn and spoke softly: “Your Majesty, I-this subject is devoted to Great Qi and eager to serve Your Majesty. Thanks to your grace, I dare not waste time. As long as I have… have a bit of strength, I wish to enter the hall and see Your Majesty’s face, constantly reminding myself to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”
Shen Ziqin, fighting back yawns, spoke weakly, but this tone actually enhanced the effect-listen to the struggling sincerity of an ill official, how admirable!
Moved-what a good official for Great Qi!
His words were entirely in support of Emperor Cheng’an, which made the emperor’s expression much better. The second prince also spoke up: “Lord Shen is devoted to the country and the people. Even when ill, he does not lose his ambition. To have such a good minister is truly Great Qi’s fortune.”
Emperor Cheng’an’s eyes narrowed slightly, catching the key point: “Oh? Prince Rui, you have a good relationship with Scholar Shen?”
The emperor naturally knew about Shen Ziqin and Lord Bai’s visit to Prince Rui’s residence, but still brought it up. Chu Zhaoyu replied calmly, “Your Majesty, Lord Shen is well-versed in poetry and literature. When I have nothing to do on my days off, I like to discuss poetry with some scholars for comfort.”
Those words “nothing to do” were well chosen. Emperor Cheng’an glanced at his crippled legs and fiddled with his prayer beads: “Yes, Scholar Shen’s writing is indeed excellent.”
Hearing the emperor personally praise him, the other officials quickly chimed in with their own compliments. Emperor Cheng’an no longer cared about Chu Zhao breaking the rules and standing out of place. After all, Chu Zhao’s boldness would just give the censors something to note down and use against him at the right time.
There was no more need for argument; before long, court was dismissed for the day.
Back in the Prince Qin’s carriage, Shen Ziqin could finally rub his eyes and yawn.
“Ha… All the talk at court is just the same old recycled nonsense.”
Chu Zhao chuckled: “You actually listened?”
“Mm…” Shen Ziqin propped his head on his hand, lazily leaning against the carriage wall. “Once morning court started, my mind cleared up a bit. Of all the things I heard, maybe three out of ten stuck.”
Chu Zhao raised an eyebrow: “First time at court-any thoughts?”
Shen Ziqin closed his eyes to rest, offering a lazy, sharp critique: “Feels like it’s doomed.”
Chu Zhao couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Isn’t that the truth? If Great Qi keeps going like this, it’s doomed sooner or later.
Such rebellious words-even if others thought them, they’d never dare say them out loud. Only Shen Ziqin dared say anything in front of him.
Chu Zhao felt the urge to pinch Shen Ziqin’s cheek again.
His hand reached out on its own, but seeing Shen Ziqin’s closed eyes, he paused and instead brushed aside a lock of hair on his forehead.
A faint tickle on his forehead made Shen Ziqin open his eyes in confusion: “Hm?”
“Go home and catch up on sleep,” Chu Zhao said, withdrawing his hand. “I’m off to the barracks.”
Shen Ziqin mumbled, “Mm, see you later-come home for dinner.”
Come home for dinner… Such an ordinary phrase, yet it somehow struck right at Chu Zhao’s heart. He repeated it to himself, feeling a warm, comforting glow.
Chu Zhao smiled: “Alright.”
Shen Ziqin got ready to nap again, and just as Chu Zhao was about to get out of the carriage, Hei Ying came to the window and spoke quietly: “Your Highness, Shizi.”
“I saw the Marquis of Yin Nan heading this way.”
The Marquis of Yin Nan?
Even Shen Ziqin woke up a bit-what was he doing here?
(advanced chapters available on kofi)
