Emperor Cheng’an finally nodded, agreeing to a trial by all three courts, supervised by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
As the Marquis of Yin Nan was being led away, he frantically looked around, trying to find a familiar face who might help him. But as his eyes swept the crowd, not a single person would meet his gaze.
Except… Shen Ziqin.
Shen Ziqin’s eyes were cold and indifferent. He gave just a brief glance before looking away as if nothing had happened.
But that one look sent the Marquis of Yin Nan into an icy abyss, suddenly jolting him to a realization.
Compared to the homicide case and large sums of silver involving the Vice Minister of Works, his own matter was insignificant-so why was he singled out?
Shen Ziqin… could it really be Shen Ziqin!?
“Shen Zi-uh!”
The Marquis of Yin Nan suddenly began to struggle, but as a scholar with no strength, he could only be dragged away by the neck. If he hadn’t struggled, he might have looked a bit more dignified.
He desperately tried to look at Shen Ziqin, but until he was dragged out of the hall, Shen Ziqin never looked at him again.
After court, Emperor Cheng’an summoned several people for discussion, including Commander Yin Lie of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As he passed Shen Ziqin, Yin Lie cupped his hands in greeting.
Shen Ziqin just smiled politely and nodded.
This move with the Embroidered Uniform Guard had already been discussed with the second prince in advance.
There weren’t many members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but when it was first established by the late emperor, only the most capable were selected. In the original story, Chu Zhaoyu only put them to use after ascending the throne, but Shen Ziqin needed them now.
With the three ministries caught up in the storm, it all appeared to have nothing to do with the Prince Qin’s residence-perfectly hidden.
Chu Zhao and Shen Ziqin walked out together. So much had happened today that most officials hurried off, not stopping to chat. With no one else around, as they reached the carriage, Chu Zhao said quietly, “Yin Lie might come looking for you today.”
“Perhaps,” Shen Ziqin seemed unconcerned about this, more interested in something else. “Your Highness, is there anything you especially want to eat today? After a good show, it’s worth having a couple extra dishes with wine.”
Chu Zhao’s serious look faded into a smile-lately, he loved hearing Shen Ziqin’s domestic talk: “Then add roast goose, and have a jug of strong wine ready for me.”
Shen Ziqin almost made an “OK” gesture, but remembered ancient people wouldn’t understand, so he just nodded. “Alright.”
Chu Zhao rode off in high spirits, leaving Shen Ziqin puzzled-was roast goose and wine really enough to make him so happy? They usually ate well; maybe Chu Zhao hadn’t had a good drink in a while?
Thinking this, Shen Ziqin decided to pick out some really good wine for Chu Zhao so he could enjoy himself tonight.
No sooner thought than done.
Shen Ziqin had the carriage detour to Jinxiu Pavilion to buy what was said to be the strongest wine, then asked Steward Meng for advice.
Steward Meng immediately brought out a thirty-year-old vintage and had it sent to Mingyue Pavilion. Seeing the two kinds of strong wine before him, Shen Ziqin nodded in satisfaction-Chu Zhao would definitely enjoy himself tonight.
As expected, after Commander Yin Lie left the imperial study, he headed straight for Prince Qin’s residence to see Shen Ziqin.
Having read the original story, Shen Ziqin knew Yin Lie was a shrewd one, so he received him in the main hall.
Yin Lie brought medicinal wine as a gift: “I heard the consort’s health is poor. This is a medicinal wine made from an ancient recipe-I hope you’ll take care of yourself.”
Shen Ziqin noticed that everyone who came to see him brought medicine-his “sickly” reputation was truly deep-rooted… Sigh, why not bring some nice pastries instead?
Yin Lie first thanked Shen Ziqin for his advice to the emperor, then probed, “How does the consort think this case should be handled?”
Shen Ziqin’s answer would tell Yin Lie what kind of person he really was.
Was he simply thinking for the emperor and suggesting the Embroidered Uniform Guard get involved, or did he have another motive?
Yin Lie waited nervously for the answer-he wanted to know if Shen Ziqin might be his opportunity.
Shen Ziqin gently brushed away the tea foam with the lid, revealing the clear tea beneath: “With the Court of Judicial Review’s evidence so thorough, if no one interferes, I don’t see any chance of overturning the case.”
Yin Lie’s expression sharpened.
Rumor had it the Prince Qin was violent and murderous, but the residence itself was far from somber-bright and pleasant. And the consort, more dazzling than the scenery, sat calmly in the hall, exuding a quiet authority.
Yin Lie cupped his hands: “I understand your meaning.”
The Embroidered Uniform Guard should be the emperor’s trusted aides-without the emperor’s favor, they could do nothing. If Yin Lie wanted to rise, he had to choose a side.
Wei Changhai wanted a three-court trial only to buy time and maneuver. As inspector, Yin Lie could do the Grand Secretary a favor and join his faction.
On one side was the all-powerful Grand Secretary; on the other, a newcomer to officialdom, with only the shackled Prince Qin behind him.
Most people wouldn’t hesitate to choose the former.
But Yin Lie’s visit to Shen Ziqin showed another possibility.
“Commander Yin, you’re capable. The late emperor founded the Embroidered Uniform Guard so you’d do more than ceremonial work. Now the current emperor neglects you and trusts only eunuchs-they’ve fooled him with honeyed words.”
Shen Ziqin set down his teacup, the clear tea reflecting Yin Lie’s face. His voice was even more fragrant than the tea: “But honeyed words always end. Commander, gold will always shine-your chance will come.”
Yin Lie’s hand clenched into a fist.
A breeze stirred the hall, rustling the trees outside.
After a moment, Yin Lie stood and bowed deeply.
“I am grateful for your favor today. If you ever need the Embroidered Uniform Guard, just give the word.”
In terms of rank, he was higher than Shen Ziqin, but he still offered this bow, and Shen Ziqin accepted it.
Shen Ziqin smiled: “No rush-wait until you finish this trial.”
Yin Lie was betting on him, but Shen Ziqin wouldn’t be moved. Only after the case was done would Yin Lie’s loyalty be proven.
After all, if he ensured a heavy sentence, he’d offend Grand Secretary Wei Changhai, and after that, even if he wanted to turn back, Wei Changhai would never take him.
People’s hearts are hard to guess. In the original story, Yin Lie only rose after the Grand Secretary’s fall-no one could guarantee what he’d choose now. Shen Ziqin wouldn’t gamble; he wanted certainty.
He wanted to save Chu Zhao-he couldn’t risk a hidden traitor among his allies. If Yin Lie wanted to follow him, he’d have to cut off all paths to betrayal.
From start to finish, Shen Ziqin was polite and gentle, his tone like a spring breeze, but those beautiful eyes made Yin Lie’s heart tighten, not daring to underestimate him.
Anyone who thinks the Prince Qin’s consort is just a pretty face probably won’t even know how they died.
Yin Lie made his decision and bowed to leave with his mission.
After he left, Bai Xiao flipped down from the roof, eyes full of admiration: “Wow, Shizi, you had him completely intimidated! The prince said you don’t need martial arts to stand tall-so that’s what he meant!”
Shen Ziqin patted his head: “When dealing with people, you can’t rely on martial arts alone. You should read some proper books in your spare time, not just those storybooks.”
Bai Xiao shrank back: “All that classical language is too hard! I’m really not cut out for studying. As long as I can remember a line or two and not embarrass the prince, that’s enough.”
Bai Xiao knew when to surrender and pulled out his treasured paper package: “Shizi, have some candy.”
Shen Ziqin laughed: “Keep it for yourself.”
Bai Xiao giggled and pulled his hand back.
The doctor came to examine Yin Lie’s medicinal wine, confirming it wasn’t poisoned-it was good for health and wouldn’t cause harm. Shen Ziqin asked Xiao Zhen to take the wine to Mingyue Pavilion for Chu Zhao that evening.
As Xiao Zhen left with the wine, the doctor took the opportunity to check Shen Ziqin’s pulse.
As he felt the pulse, the doctor looked shocked, checking repeatedly in disbelief: “How is this…”
Bai Xiao was startled by the doctor’s reaction-was something wrong with Shizi?!
He grew anxious, even the candy in his mouth no longer tasting sweet.
But Shen Ziqin remained calm, knowing his health had improved too quickly for the doctor to believe.
That was indeed the case.
After several checks, the doctor finally accepted it and released his hand. Though finding it incredible, he smiled genuinely: “Congratulations, Shizi, your health has greatly improved.”
Hearing this, Bai Xiao let out a breath, his legs going weak: “It’s good news? Why did you look like that-you nearly scared me to death…”
The doctor stroked his beard: “I almost thought I’d given some miraculous medicine. It seems the Marquis of Yin Nan’s household had an even deeper impact than I realized. Away from there, Shizi’s health was naturally improving.”
Shen Ziqin withdrew his hand: “I still must thank you for your care.”
“Not at all, Shizi, it’s my duty.” The doctor wouldn’t take credit. “You don’t need to take tonics so frequently now. I’ll change the prescription to once every three days. Your diet needn’t be restricted to bland food anymore, and a drink or two is fine.”
Shen Ziqin nodded, not particularly concerned: Mingyue Pavilion’s chef was excellent, so there was no need to change the flavor. As for alcohol, he’d drunk enough in his professional life to be tired of it and had no interest in drinking.
After the doctor finished and left, the candy in Bai Xiao’s mouth tasted sweet again. He smacked his lips: “Oh right, Shizi, I have news for you!”
Shen Ziqin: “Hmm?”
Bai Xiao looked mysterious: “We’ve discovered the prince likes men!”
Shen Ziqin’s expression shifted: “Oh? Which young man?”
Bai Xiao quickly waved his hands: “No particular young man-we just learned the prince is interested in men. He told Hei Ying himself!”
Understanding one’s sexual orientation usually requires some catalyst, but it doesn’t necessarily mean liking a specific person. Some people discover they’re more attracted to faces of the same sex and thus open a new door in their lives.
Still, it was a major discovery.
Shen Ziqin: “Well done, keep investigating!”
Bai Xiao hadn’t been eating all those candies for nothing-he was very obedient: “Yes, sir!”
In the afternoon, Chu Zhao sent word that he’d be a bit late finishing work, possibly arriving just in time for dinner. If Shen Ziqin was hungry, he should eat first without waiting.
Since Chu Zhao would make it, what was the harm in waiting a bit?
New flowers had bloomed in the courtyard yesterday, so Shen Ziqin moved dinner outside to enjoy the scenery. As he waited at the table, his eyes fell on the prepared wine, and he asked Xiao Zhen to pour some from the jar.
Xiao Zhen thought for a moment and picked up Yin Lie’s medicinal wine: “This wine was already opened during poison testing today. It smells fragrant, and the doctor said the herbs are good quality. Let’s pour this first.”
Shen Ziqin nodded-if Chu Zhao didn’t like it, they could always switch. He’d prepared several kinds of wine.
Xiao Zhen removed the lid and poured some into the wine pot.
Shen Ziqin had been present during the poison testing but hadn’t noticed anything special. Now, sitting in the courtyard, the medicinal wine released an exceptionally crisp, pleasant aroma, so fragrant it overshadowed the flower scents.
Inhaling this fragrance, Shen Ziqin was surprisingly tempted to taste a little.
When Chu Zhao entered the courtyard, he immediately caught the scent.
“What wine is this? It smells wonderful.”
He lifted his robe and sat across from Shen Ziqin, letting Xiao Zhen pour him a cup. Shen Ziqin said, “Yin Lie came today-this is the medicinal wine he brought.”
Since it was on the table, it had obviously been tested and was safe to drink. Chu Zhao picked up his cup: “Medicinal wine usually shouldn’t be drunk in large quantities. Let’s have two or three cups to taste, then switch to something else.”
Chu Zhao took a sip and praised it: “Excellent wine.”
Surrounded by the overwhelming aroma, Shen Ziqin’s fingers twitched with interest: “…What does it taste like?”
“Rich, mellow, with a lingering aftertaste.” After speaking, Chu Zhao noticed Shen Ziqin’s eyes fixed on the wine cup. He smiled and swirled his cup: “Would you like to try some?”
Shen Ziqin’s eyes flickered, clearly attracted to the wine.
Chu Zhao: “But your health is poor-you can’t drink alcohol. You should follow the doctor’s orders.”
If he hadn’t mentioned it, it would have been fine, but this prompted Shen Ziqin to speak up: “The doctor checked my pulse and said my health has greatly improved. I can drink now.”
Chu Zhao was startled and quickly turned to Xiao Zhen: “Really?”
Xiao Zhen smiled: “Yes.”
Chu Zhao was delighted: “Wonderful!”
After all this time caring for him, there was finally progress-Chu Zhao was truly happy that Shen Ziqin’s health was improving.
“Court matters going well, your health improving-double happiness calls for a big drink!”
Chu Zhao stood up and personally poured Shen Ziqin a cup: “Let’s toast and celebrate.”
Shen Ziqin didn’t object, letting Chu Zhao pour for him. He was genuinely curious about the taste-it smelled different from anything he’d drunk before.
Could it be that as long as it’s not at a suffocating banquet, wine can actually taste good?
Chu Zhao poured the wine, and Shen Ziqin leaned in for a sniff: ah, it really did smell wonderful.
Chu Zhao raised his cup: “Come, Shizi, cheers.”
Shen Ziqin picked up his cup and clinked it against Chu Zhao’s with a clear ringing sound.
Chu Zhao tipped his head back and downed it in one go. For him, the cup was small-just a taste, since he could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.
But when he set his cup down, he saw that Shen Ziqin had also finished his in one gulp.
Chu Zhao was surprised: “Shizi, you hold your liquor well?”
After all, it was baijiu-based and not low in alcohol.
Shen Ziqin gently set down his cup and gave a vague “mm.”
Chu Zhao was about to speak again when he noticed a sudden flush blooming across Shen Ziqin’s pale cheeks, a rosy glow spreading like clouds, so vivid and beautiful it even colored the corners of his eyes. He was stunning.
With flowers behind him, the blossoms were bright, but the person was even more dazzling.
A beauty drunk among flowers, a jade cup brimming with light.
Chu Zhao’s words were cut off by the sheer beauty of the scene.
But before he could get lost in it, the moment of amazement turned to alarm.
A watery sheen appeared in Shen Ziqin’s clear eyes. He raised a hand to his forehead, his sleeve slipping to reveal a snow-white wrist, even his fingertips tinged with a blush-so pitiful and lovely.
Then his body swayed, and he collapsed forward.
Chu Zhao: !
Xiao Zhen cried out, “Shizi!”
Xiao Zhen was shocked, but before his shout had even faded, Chu Zhao had already caught Shen Ziqin with swift reflexes, all traces of joy gone from his face as he barked, “Quick, fetch the doctor!”
The courtyard guards dashed out immediately-they were much faster than Xiao Zhen.
For the heir to suddenly faint at the dinner table after drinking wine brought by an outsider-this was no small matter.
Even though Chu Zhao had also drunk the wine and seemed fine, no one dared take it lightly.
Chu Zhao’s heart was pounding with anxiety, though he didn’t realize that beneath his grave expression was a trace of nervousness.
He was nervous for Shen Ziqin.
If something happened to Shen Ziqin right under his nose…
Chu Zhao’s grip tightened around him.
The guards were efficient-they brought the doctor over piggyback, arriving in the blink of an eye.
The doctor took Shen Ziqin’s pulse. As everyone waited anxiously, the doctor calmly announced the result-
“The heir is drunk.”
Everyone else: …
Huh?
Chu Zhao, whose mind had just been through wave after wave of emotional turmoil, was so thrown by the doctor’s words that his voice came out hoarse: “…Just drunk?”
The doctor confirmed, “Just drunk.”
Chu Zhao: …
He took back what he’d said earlier about holding one’s liquor-he’d praised too soon.
The heir was actually a one-cup wonder!
—
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(advanced chapters available on kofi)
