SBMT Chapter 46

Eating too many oranges can cause “internal heat,” but Shen Ziqin had only eaten one-and Chu Zhao had even snatched a segment from him.

 

Dongning was still a little worried, afraid Shen Ziqin was really unwell but forcing himself to act tough.

 

Fortunately, Shen Ziqin’s flush gradually faded, and he didn’t cough or show any other symptoms.

 

Only then did young Dongning finally relax.

 

This family really did need him.

 

The weather was good today, warm and sunny. Shen Ziqin and the second prince, Chu Zhaoyu, set up a chessboard to pass the time.

 

Both played a cautious, calculating style, but Shen Ziqin was clearly bolder. Since it was just to pass the time, neither was aggressive, and the game was casual.

 

Yesterday, Shen Ziqin had decided that Xiao Zhen’s opinion alone wasn’t reliable-he needed to ask a few more outsiders what they thought of Chu Zhao’s attitude toward him. Logically, Chu Zhaoyu would be a good candidate since he knew the marriage was in name only.

 

But he was Chu Zhao’s older brother, so asking him felt awkward.

 

Everyone else either assumed the two were truly in love, or their status made things complicated. After thinking it over, Shen Ziqin realized there wasn’t anyone truly suitable.

 

Shen Ziqin placed a piece. Chu Zhaoyu lightly lifted his sleeve: “Little Marquis, do you have something on your mind?”

 

Shen Ziqin rolled the white piece between his fingers, lips pressed together. After a moment, he tried to begin: “Mm… a little. Your Highness, you know what kind of relationship I have with the prince, right?”

 

Chu Zhaoyu’s eyes flickered: “Mm.”

 

Shen Ziqin and the third prince both usually addressed him by title, but when he said “the prince,” he always meant Chu Zhao.

 

He knew Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao were only married in name, so why bring this up today?

 

Shen Ziqin hesitated: “I always thought, if the prince could meet his destined person, that would be perfect. I’d even help keep an eye out for him.”

 

Chu Zhaoyu felt this was getting more subtle, but kept his expression calm: “Mm…”

 

With the groundwork laid, Shen Ziqin began recalling all the ways Chu Zhao had been good to him, listing them one by one: “If the prince treats someone very well, always attentive, never letting them suffer any grievance, stands up for them if they’re bullied, remembers everything they like to eat, always thinks of them first when there’s something good…”

 

As he spoke, Shen Ziqin’s heart began to flutter inexplicably. Thinking back on everything related to Chu Zhao, he realized it was all warm and fuzzy.

 

He actually managed to embarrass himself, his jade-like earlobes turning faintly red, his heartbeat growing louder, his voice gradually lowering as if his warm heart was desperately trying to cover his mouth: Stop talking!

 

But he couldn’t stop. Shen Ziqin’s voice grew as soft as a mosquito’s buzz: “…He also really trusts me, lets me handle anything, we even ride together, he let me ride Feixue, and… even climbed over the wall in the middle of the night to invite me to look at the stars.”

 

Shen Ziqin paused, then carefully raised his voice a little: “If the prince did all this for someone, does it mean he’s developed feelings for them?”

 

Chu Zhaoyu: “…”

 

Are you talking about yourself?

 

Impressive-sixth brother has really grown, even climbing over someone’s wall in the middle of the night.

 

But both are grown men with families-just to look at stars?

 

Could it be these two have only just realized their feelings?

 

Chu Zhaoyu watched Shen Ziqin’s barely concealed shyness, set down his chess piece, and picked up his teacup: “If he really treats someone like that, he’s probably not far from proposing. So who is it-have you met them?

 

Shen Ziqin quickly said, “There’s no such person yet, I’m just asking hypothetically. In case the prince likes someone in the future and I don’t notice, I don’t want to hinder his happiness.”

 

Chu Zhaoyu understood: That person is definitely you.

 

Your reddened ears have already given you away.

 

As an older brother, it was time to help his immature younger brother.

 

“Sixth brother had a hard childhood. It won’t be easy for him to fall for someone.”

 

Shen Ziqin sat up a little straighter at Chu Zhaoyu’s words.

 

“I know him. He’d never take multiple wives and concubines. If he cares for someone, he’d give his entire heart-one person for a lifetime. That person would surely be his soulmate, someone who understands and protects him, the best companion in this fleeting world.”

 

Shen Ziqin curled his fingers, growing increasingly uncomfortable.

 

Finally, the second prince smiled gently: “If sixth brother truly meets such a person, since you’re by his side, please look after his interests and don’t let him miss out on such a good match.”

 

Shen Ziqin: “…”

 

He could only force himself to reply, “…Yes.”

 

Help!

 

So even the second prince, who understood Chu Zhao so well, interpreted Chu Zhao’s actions this way?

 

If he thought so, it was likely true.

 

Chu Zhao really did like him and wanted to spend a lifetime with him!?

 

Though he sympathized with Chu Zhao’s miserable childhood, that didn’t mean he had to offer himself up!

 

And besides… Shen Ziqin thought, ears burning, he wasn’t good at romance-definitely not an ideal romantic partner.

 

It seemed he’d need to be more careful about the boundaries between himself and Chu Zhao.

 

How could he maintain his role as a capable strategist while keeping proper distance?

 

Shen Ziqin picked up another chess piece: He’d have to think about it.

 

Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhaoyu’s chess game had gone far beyond the board, leaving both their thoughts in disarray. Meanwhile, the third prince, Chu Jinxu, was at the archery range with Dongning, showing off his “good big brother” role.

 

By now, those hunting in the forest should soon return, at least for a break.

 

Since entering the hunting grounds, Chu Zhao had just been strolling leisurely, not seriously looking for game.

 

The emperor was surrounded by a large group of guards and officials. Given any opportunity, Emperor Cheng’an liked to demonstrate that he still had what it took, telling everyone around him that his pursuit of immortality was absolutely correct.

 

Chu Zhao, of course, was also accompanied by his residence guards. With their master relaxed, they were relaxed too.

 

Chu Zhao didn’t even bother with game that ran past. He just wanted to take a walk and go back when it was time.

 

An imperial decree-mandated tour.

 

After wandering for a while, he encountered Zhan Yan and Bai Junxing.

 

The two were riding side by side, and when they saw Chu Zhao, they both bowed.

 

Zhan Yan had practiced with the gun half the night with several soldiers, but was still full of energy today. When he and Bai Junxing stopped, their horses nuzzled each other, coming close together.

 

Like master, like horse, Chu Zhao thought. Even their mounts were so affectionate.

 

Feixue glanced at the two horses and raised his noble head:

 

A thousand-li steed needs no love.

 

Chu Zhao didn’t notice Feixue shaking his mane. He suddenly thought that when Shen Ziqin learned to ride, walking side by side like this… wouldn’t be bad.

 

“Your Highness,” Zhan Yan pulled the reins, “I just heard someone say they spotted a tiger. Shall we go look? You could claim the first prize.”

 

Chu Zhao showed little interest: “I’ll pass.”

 

He paused, then said, “You should take the spotlight sometimes. You have real military achievements. Before you’re promoted, you should make sure those officials remember your name.”

 

Just like what Junxing had told him, Zhan Yan knew Chu Zhao truly cared about him, and his admiration for the prince deepened by the day.

 

He sighed: “I just don’t like dealing with these court officials. Too many twists and turns-one wrong step and you’re in a pit.”

 

Realizing what he’d said, Zhan Yan quickly turned to Bai Junxing: “Of course, Junxing is different.”

 

Bai Junxing smiled warmly: “I know.”

 

Chu Zhao: Ugh.

 

Made his teeth ache.

 

Both people and horses were showing off their love, leaving only the prince as a single dog.

 

Alone and unsupported, yet Chu Zhao stood undefeated.

 

After all, wasn’t he the one who was officially married?

 

Just then, from the corner of his eye, he glimpsed a flash of white. His senses sharpened; he flipped his wrist to raise his bow, nocked an arrow and drew in an instant, and without even seeming to aim, released. The arrow flew like the wind.

 

Bai Junxing couldn’t even see Chu Zhao’s movements clearly. By the time he realized what had happened, Chu Zhao had already lowered his bow.

 

Could he hit it?

 

He definitely could.

 

The guards had already retrieved Chu Zhao’s prey-a white fox. Chu Zhao’s archery was so precise that the fur was barely damaged.

 

Bai Junxing finally recovered: “Your Highness, what remarkable archery!”

 

“Prince Qin’s ability to shoot a willow leaf from a hundred paces isn’t an exaggeration.” Zhan Yan first praised his idol, then leaned closer to Bai Junxing. “My archery isn’t bad either, right?”

 

Bai Junxing smiled without speaking, but everything was written in his eyes.

 

Chu Zhao secretly gritted his teeth again, then said in a perfectly normal voice, “Prepare the white fox’s fur properly when we return, and make a scarf for the marquis.”

 

He thought for a moment: “Or sew it onto a cloak.”

 

The fluffy white fur would encircle Shen Ziqin’s face. Since he was sensitive to cold, he might even nestle into it, half his jade-like face buried within… it was hard to say which would be softer-the fluffy fur or the little marquis.

 

When Chu Zhao had glimpsed the fox from the corner of his eye, his first thought was to hunt it for Shen Ziqin.

 

But normally, the prince wouldn’t give such orders about his prey on the spot.

 

At the very least, he’d wait until they left the hunting grounds to arrange everything more efficiently.

 

Bai Junxing and Zhan Yan exchanged a glance.

 

Chu Zhao turned his horse: “You two enjoy yourselves. I’m off.”

 

As Chu Zhao rode away, Zhan Yan and Bai Junxing continued into the forest, com

 

menting as they went: “The prince and his consort truly are a loving couple.”

 

“Yes, I’ve met the consort. They’re a match made in heaven.”

 

Besides the white fox, Chu Zhao’s guards had also caught rabbits and pheasants, which could be roasted for a meal.

 

 

Chu Zhao didn’t bring the white fox directly in front of Shen Ziqin-since it was bloody, he was afraid it would stain Shen Ziqin’s clothes. He simply told him what he’d hunted and said he’d have it made into something to give him later.

 

But after he said this, he noticed Shen Ziqin was looking at him a little strangely.

 

Chu Zhao was puzzled and asked with his eyes: ?

 

Shen Ziqin shook his head with a complicated expression. “It’s nothing.”

 

The only prey Chu Zhao caught was for him.

 

Why was Chu Zhao always thinking about him?

 

Shen Ziqin was unsettled: When did Chu Zhao fall for him this deeply? How far had this love grown-was it still possible to uproot it painlessly?

 

Troubled, he didn’t even finish his dessert at lunch, which surprised Chu Zhao: “Are you feeling unwell?”

 

It was Shen Ziqin’s favorite kind of dessert, so it couldn’t be a matter of taste.

 

Shen Ziqin could only blame last night: “Didn’t sleep well yesterday, and now I’m starting to feel sleepy again.”

 

That was a convincing excuse.

 

After lunch, Chu Zhao didn’t go back into the woods. Zhan Yan actually hunted an old tiger and took first prize, outshining the other nations, making Emperor Cheng’an very pleased and rewarding Zhan Yan.

 

A royal outing required grandeur. At the evening banquet, there were beautiful women playing music and dancing. After the feast, everyone returned to their tents. The prince’s guards, with permission, set up a fire outside Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao’s tents to roast meat.

 

Shen Ziqin, seeing the lively scene, joined them by the fire.

 

Chu Zhao said, “You didn’t sleep well yesterday, so rest early tonight.”

 

Shen Ziqin replied, “I slept plenty this afternoon.”

 

Chu Zhao turned the grill: “Then try my cooking later.”

 

Shen Ziqin was surprised-this was the first he’d heard of it: “You can cook?”

 

“I’m not good at most things,” Chu Zhao said modestly, “but I’m very good at roasting meat.”

 

Bai Xiao, who had already swallowed several times from the aroma, grinned: “His Highness’s roasted meat is the best!”

 

Judging by his greedy look, he wasn’t lying. Although Shen Ziqin still hadn’t decided what to do about Chu Zhao, good food couldn’t be wasted.

 

Chu Zhao flipped the meat, expertly brushing on oil and his own sauce. The aroma grew stronger and even lured the third prince out of his tent.

 

When the rabbit meat was done, Chu Zhao sliced off a piece and, despite his third brother’s eager look, put the first piece in Shen Ziqin’s bowl.

 

Chu Jinxu: “…”

 

Sigh, got a wife and forgot his brother. Fine, he’d serve himself.

 

Shen Ziqin put the meat in his mouth and his eyes lit up: crispy on the outside, tender inside, bursting with flavor. The cooking and seasoning were perfect-delicious beyond words!

 

Chu Zhao could tell from his expression and smiled: “How is it?”

 

Shen Ziqin gave him a thumbs up: “Delicious.”

 

Chu Zhao cut him another piece of leg. Seeing his bowl fill up quickly, Shen Ziqin hurriedly said, “That’s enough, Your Highness-you should eat too!”

 

Chu Zhao nodded and, like a chef tasting his own food, slowly chewed a piece.

 

As Shen Ziqin ate the piping hot, fragrant roast meat by the fire, he stole glances at Chu Zhao’s profile.

 

Half of Chu Zhao’s face was lit by the fire, his brow and nose sharply defined, his features even more chiseled in the night’s shadow-handsome to the extreme.

 

He’s only twenty, Shen Ziqin thought. As long as I help him survive, he’ll have plenty of chances to meet someone better in the future.

 

Feelings were too complicated-not like solving a problem. How could someone who longed to be a salted fish ever learn to handle them?

 

Shen Ziqin thought this calmly, but for some reason, the meat lost its flavor, and a strange sourness welled up from his heart to his mouth.

 

He paused, as if to convince himself, and chewed even more seriously.

 

Everyone was enjoying the barbecue around the campfire, a gentle breeze flickering the flames.

 

In this relaxed atmosphere, Chu Zhao suddenly heard the tearing sound of something slicing through the silent night.

 

By the time he heard it, the arrows were already upon them.

 

Two arrows split the night, aimed straight at him and Shen Ziqin.

 

“Shen Ziqin!”

 

In a flash, Chu Zhao lunged at Shen Ziqin, grabbing him and pulling him away while drawing his sword with the other hand. Blade met arrow just outside the firelight, sending up a spray of sparks and a piercing clang.

 

The guards drew their weapons, cold flashes everywhere: “Assassins! Protect the prince and marquis!”

 

 

---

 

(advanced chapters available on kofi)