SBMT Chapter 55

That night, at the Duke Dingguo’s mansion, a cruel and inhumane incident occurred in the young lord’s courtyard.

 

Hei Ying, with his overwhelming strength, successfully seized several of Zhou Danmo’s most beloved beauty paintings despite the blockade by the Duke’s guards and Zhou Danmo’s desperate attempts to stop him.

 

Truly a master among masters, his skills were astonishing.

 

Victorious, Hei Ying stood on the wall with the paintings on his back, conveying Prince Qin’s core message to the wailing Zhou Danmo: “The prince wants you to withdraw the storybooks. Once you’ve done that, you can come redeem the hostages. Otherwise-”

 

Hei Ying made a cold, frightening slashing gesture across his neck.

 

Zhou Danmo burst into tears: “My beauty paintings, ahhhhh!”

 

What did the chaos at Duke Dingguo’s mansion have to do with Prince Qin’s residence? In any case, this matter wouldn’t reach Shen Ziqin’s ears.

 

When Shen Ziqin went to bed that night, he instinctively glanced at the couch, which was empty-no tall figure, no magnetic voice.

 

Shen Ziqin pressed his lips together, turned over, and pulled up his blanket.

 

He had been so immersed yesterday that now the empty room made him miss last night. It wasn’t that he wasn’t used to it-a good night’s sleep would fix everything, yes.

 

Unfortunately, this sleep wasn’t particularly good.

 

He had strange, repetitive dreams, though thankfully there was a brief period of deep sleep toward the end, so he didn’t have dark circles when he woke up.

 

After getting ready, Shen Ziqin took Dongning to the palace, departing from there with the Empress Dowager’s carriage.

 

White Dragon Temple, promoted by generations of emperors, was spacious with grand halls. The golden Buddha statues, crafted by famous masters, had kind faces and sat on golden platforms, bathed in incense.

 

Shen Ziqin was an atheist, but he respected religious customs and beliefs. People always face moments when they are powerless; after praying to gods and heaven, one must still strive to live. If a stick of incense could bring comfort and a brief moment of peace amid the clamor of the world, there was nothing wrong with that.

 

Shen Ziqin solemnly offered incense before the golden statue alongside the Empress Dowager.

 

While the Empress Dowager discussed Buddhism with the abbot, Shen Ziqin took Dongning for a walk around the temple.

 

A faint sandalwood fragrance permeated the temple, refreshing the mind. Dongning was quite familiar with the place, as this wasn’t his first time accompanying the Empress Dowager here. So although Shen Ziqin was the guardian, it was actually Dongning who led the way.

 

People came to White Dragon Temple to pray for all sorts of things-promotions, wealth, safety, and even love. All worldly desires ultimately follow similar paths. After walking around for a while, Dongning brought Shen Ziqin to a tree covered with red strings.

 

Dongning said: “It’s the matchmaking tree. They say it’s very effective.”

 

That much was obvious from the name, as a young couple stood beneath the tree tying a knot. The young man and woman, faces flushed, secretly held hands and shyly departed.

 

Shen Ziqin couldn’t help but recall a scene from yesterday’s storybook:

 

[Shen Xiaojin’s face was like a peach blossom, his autumn-water eyes rippling as he gently hooked Lin Zhao’s wrist with the red string. His soft touch went straight to Lin Zhao’s heart-]

 

Stop!

 

Shen Ziqin’s scalp tingled. No, the storybook was poisoning his mind!

 

Why was he thinking about the storybook when seeing a young couple being affectionate? Stop thinking about it!

 

Shen Ziqin pinched his fingers hard. Just then, a calming voice beside him said: “Amitabha, would the benefactor like to request a love knot?”

 

The monks in the temple needed to eat too, so naturally they needed to earn money. Shen Ziqin only now realized they had been standing in front of someone’s love knot stall for quite some time.

 

Shen Ziqin quickly moved aside with Dongning: “I’m sorry, young master, we were blocking your stall.”

 

The young monk smiled: “It’s no trouble.”

 

There weren’t many people around at the moment, making it quite peaceful. Shen Ziqin’s gaze fell on the stall, which was filled with red string knots, all intricately woven.

 

The young monk spoke again: “Does the benefactor need one? A promise for life, two hearts as one-a pair of love knots to give to your beloved. They’re very effective.”

 

Shen Ziqin: “I…”

 

The young monk: “Even if you don’t need it now, you might in the future. Meeting is fate. Just three copper coins for a blessed red string.”

 

The young monk spoke unhurriedly, his voice pleasant. This kind of sales pitch was hard to dislike. Facing his shiny bald head and warm smile, Shen Ziqin, as if possessed, actually nodded and bought a pair.

 

When Xiao Zhen stepped forward to pay, his smile was practically as bright as the sun.

 

A pair of love knots-one of them must be for the prince!

 

The monk: “Amitabha, thank you, benefactor. May you find your true love.”

 

Chu Zhao’s face flashed unbidden through Shen Ziqin’s mind.

 

He hurriedly put away the love knots and mumbled a vague “Mm.”

 

I don’t know why I felt so guilty about it.

 

The branches and leaves of the matchmaking tree swayed in the wind.

 

At noon, they had a vegetarian meal at the temple. The Empress Dowager had someone take Dongning away so she could speak with Shen Ziqin alone.

 

The Empress Dowager first asked about Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao’s recent situation, making some normal small talk, before mentioning Dongning: “How is Dongning doing at your residence? Has he caused you any trouble?”

 

Shen Ziqin sat up straight: “Not at all. He’s very well-behaved, studies diligently, and is a good child.”

 

The Empress Dowager’s eyes were full of comfort. She had grown old, with white hair at her temples. Her features still showed traces of her beauty in youth, but both her appearance and spirit had settled with the years.

 

“I am advanced in years. I hope he grows close to his brothers so that in the future, in the capital, someone can look after him. You are all good children, which puts my mind at ease.”

 

Shen Ziqin understood the Empress Dowager’s meaning: “I often hear from the second prince and Chu Zhao that the Empress Dowager once protected them. Your painstaking care, they all remember.”

 

The Empress Dowager sighed, her eyes flashing with sorrow and reluctance: “What I can do is ultimately limited… As long as you are all well now, I have no other wishes.”

 

The Empress Dowager still didn’t directly reveal the secret of Dongning’s identity. Shen Ziqin understood completely-there were too many uncertainties now, and the Empress Dowager wouldn’t take risks.

 

Shen Ziqin sat with the Empress Dowager a while longer before heading back. The Empress Dowager returned to the palace, while Shen Ziqin took Dongning back to Prince Qin’s residence.

 

Dongning had once cautiously arrived at Prince Qin’s residence, treading on thin ice, but now he truly considered it home and was happy to stay.

 

Shen Ziqin returned to Mingyue Pavilion and took out the pair of love knots. Though exquisite, they looked a bit plain on their own. After some thought, he had Xiao Zhen fetch a pair of jade pendants from the storeroom.

 

A pair of dragon and phoenix pendants, a wedding gift. Shen Ziqin replaced the original tassels with the love knots, and they looked perfect together.

 

Shen Ziqin gently caressed the jade pendants. He had bought the love knots and matched them with jade pendants-what was he planning to do?

 

Wear them himself? But both the jade pendants and tassels came in pairs. In front of others, he and Chu Zhao were still consort and prince; if he had matching items but Prince Qin didn’t, it might cause speculation.

 

But if he were to give them to Chu Zhao…

 

Shen Ziqin’s hand tightened around the jade pendant.

 

Chu Zhao had given him many things, but he had never given anything to Chu Zhao.

 

But to start with this kind of gift would be too easily misunderstood, especially since Chu Zhao liked him.

 

He didn’t have that kind of… that kind of feeling for Chu Zhao…

 

Shen Ziqin’s heart pounded.

 

A voice gently asked him: Really, you don’t?

 

Then why do your ears heat up for him alone? Why do you involuntarily think of his face? Why does your heart repeatedly betray your mind, beating incessantly for him?

 

The more Shen Ziqin thought about it, the hotter his ears became. The palpitations in his chest couldn’t be ignored. He sat there with mixed emotions, the cool jade pendant resting in his palm until it absorbed his body heat and became warm.

 

Shen Ziqin’s beautiful eyes held a faint light. Beautiful as jade, he slowly caressed the pendant in his hand, finally placing it back in the box and gently closing the lid on the paired objects.

 

No one knew exactly what he was thinking.

 

But the fact that Shen Ziqin had bought love knots at the temple was witnessed by Dongning, Xiao Zhen, and the accompanying guards, so Chu Zhao soon found out.

 

Love knots, bought as a pair-who they were for was obvious without saying.

 

Chu Zhao’s spirits lifted!

 

That evening, when he went to Mingyue Pavilion for dinner, he specially selected his clothes, grooming himself meticulously.

 

Except for major occasions, Chu Zhao usually wore whatever Steward Meng brought him. Rarely did he choose his own clothes, yet now he tried on several outfits, asking questions.

 

“Meng, how does this set look?”

 

Steward Meng praised without even looking: “Like jade tree in the wind.”

 

Chu Zhao changed into another set: “And this one?”

 

Steward Meng: “Handsome and dashing.”

 

He wasn’t just flattering-Chu Zhao truly looked good in anything.

 

Chu Zhao pondered in front of the mirror for a while, then said: “Perhaps I should change into something more dignified.”

 

Steward Meng thought: Why be so formal for dinner at home?

 

Chu Zhao saw the question in Steward Meng’s eyes but said nothing, though he couldn’t help but smile.

 

Shen Ziqin was going to give him love knots-wasn’t that like a confession? For such an important occasion, of course he needed to pay attention to his appearance!

 

After much deliberation, he finally chose a flowing cloud wide-sleeved robe with a jade crown and silver belt, perfectly showcasing his physical advantages-broad shoulders and narrow waist. The belt was positioned just right, creating the visual feast of appearing all legs below the neck.

 

He combined the undiminished handsome charm of a young lord with the steady magnanimity of a young general.

 

Devastatingly handsome.

 

Chu Zhao was finally somewhat satisfied and went to Mingyue Pavilion for dinner in his carefully selected outfit.

 

However, before, during, and after the meal, Shen Ziqin not only didn’t give him anything but didn’t even mention the love knots once.

 

Chu Zhao: ?

 

He returned exactly as he had come, empty-handed.

 

Hmm?

 

Chu Zhao: Where are my love knots? Weren’t they for me?

 

He couldn’t believe it.

 

In the days that followed, the persistent Prince Qin seized every opportunity to hover around his consort, trying to awaken certain memories of love knots.

 

For instance-

 

Chu Zhao: “Third brother sent over a pair of mandarin ducks to keep in the pond. Mandarin ducks have good meaning,” he emphasized, “flying wing to wing, hearts forever united.”

 

Shen Ziqin watched the new mandarin ducks swimming happily in the pond and admired: “Sleek and shiny, they’ve grown well.”

 

Chu Zhao: “…”

 

Another example-

 

Two conjoined flowers bloomed in the courtyard. As Chu Zhao and Shen Ziqin admired them, Chu Zhao said: “Twin blooms, united hearts-a good omen.”

 

Shen Ziqin’s jade-white fingers gently brushed the petals: “Uniquely beautiful, truly gorgeous.”

 

…Clouds remind one of clothes, flowers of faces-but you before the flowers are clearly more beautiful.

 

Chu Zhao quietly admired for a moment, but when he came back to his senses, Shen Ziqin had finished admiring the flowers and introduced a new topic.

 

Chu Zhao: No, beauty is deceiving-where’s my love knot!?

 

This continued for half a month, until Bai Junxing’s letter arrived in the capital, and only then did the prince temporarily set aside his obsession with the love knots.

 

As expected, Bai Junxing had hidden the code in his letter.

 

He sent letters to both Shen Ziqin and the second prince, along with some Yuzhou specialties. The letters mentioned trivial daily matters, then noted that seeing Yuzhou’s beautiful scenery had inspired him to compose a new rhapsody, which he enclosed for their critique.

 

Bai Junxing was very cautious. He had already recited this rhapsody in front of others, and it was well-written. Many Yuzhou scholars had begun copying and circulating it, so including it in his letter wouldn’t raise suspicion.

 

“Junxing is asking for our help,” Chu Zhaoyu put down the letter. “The urgent descriptions of clouds and water in the rhapsody clearly tell us the situation is critical.”

 

“So sending a few people secretly won’t be enough,” Shen Ziqin presented his plan. “I’ll go to Yuzhou soon under the pretext of recuperating, and help him investigate the situation.”

 

Yuzhou’s climate was pleasant, making recuperation a good excuse that no one would prevent. Chu Zhaoyu thought this approach was excellent.

 

This was why Chu Zhao temporarily set aside the love knots issue-Shen Ziqin’s departure meant they would be separated for a while.

 

Shen Ziqin could leave the capital freely, but Chu Zhao couldn’t. The emperor wanted to keep him tethered to the capital, and without a suitable reason, he had no way to go to Yuzhou.

 

That reason would have to come from Shen Ziqin.

 

This was part of their plan: Shen Ziqin would go to Yuzhou first, then find a legitimate way to bring Chu Zhao there.

 

Shen Ziqin promised to do it as quickly as possible, but it might take ten days, or perhaps half a month-he couldn’t give an exact date.

 

No love knots, and now separation from Shen Ziqin-Chu Zhao became completely gloomy.

 

But his gloominess didn’t prevent him from worrying about preparations. For Shen Ziqin’s journey to Yuzhou, nothing could be lacking: the carriage had to be the best, with comfortable cushions inside; the guards had to be skilled; the number of servants couldn’t be too few; and a good cook was essential.

 

As Chu Zhao busied himself, Shen Ziqin watched him quietly, fingering the dragon and phoenix pendants hidden in his sleeve.

 

“Royal sister-in-law.”

 

Dongning, having heard the news, came over: “Royal sister-in-law, may I accompany you to Yuzhou?”

 

Shen Ziqin released his grip on the jade pendant: “Dongning, I have other business on this trip-I’m not really going to recuperate.”

 

“Your health has been good lately, so when I heard about this, I guessed recuperation was just an excuse to go to Yuzhou,” Dongning said earnestly. “If you take me along, having a child by your side would make it seem even less like you’re undertaking something important. Wouldn’t that better conceal your intentions?”

 

Dongning felt that with the marquis’s intelligence, he would surely understand this point.

 

Shen Ziqin looked at Dongning, his expression gradually becoming serious: “This journey could be dangerous.”

 

Dongning raised his hand, looking up at Shen Ziqin. Though small in stature, he showed no fear: “I’m not afraid.”

 

“You’ve taught me about the world, about the hardships of common people, about the difficulties of the empire. But looking at the capital, I see only prosperity and splendor everywhere,” Dongning’s eyes shone brightly. “Royal sister-in-law, I want to see the true state of the people with my own eyes.”

 

The marquis didn’t want to take him because of potential danger, which touched him, but he truly wanted to step beyond this world of brocade and jade to see real life.

 

Shen Ziqin was silent for a moment, then reached out and patted Dongning’s head, smiling gently: “You’ve convinced me. All right, come along, Dongning.”

 

Dongning was naturally delighted.

 

When Chu Zhao heard this, he silently sighed again: even Dongning could go immediately, while he still had to wait.

 

If it weren’t for Emperor Cheng’an… his disgust for the old man grew daily.

 

On the day of Shen Ziqin’s departure, Chu Zhao rode alongside, escorting him ten miles outside the city. At the Ten Mile Pavilion, the escort caravan stopped, giving Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao time to say goodbye.

 

Shen Ziqin lifted the carriage window curtain, with Chu Zhao beside the carriage.

 

Shen Ziqin: “I’m leaving.”

 

No matter how reluctant, Chu Zhao couldn’t escort him further: “All right, be careful.”

 

Shen Ziqin: “Mm.”

 

He gave Chu Zhao a deep look, and seeing that Chu Zhao had no intention of turning his horse around first, he said as he lowered the curtain: “I had Steward Meng bring something to your quarters. Remember to look at it when you return.”

 

Chu Zhao: “I will.”

 

Could it be some additional clever strategy?

 

Chu Zhao stood in place, waiting until the procession completely disappeared from his sight before riding back.

 

Without Shen Ziqin in the residence, despite the many people coming and going, it suddenly felt desolate.

 

Chu Zhao first returned to his quarters to see what Shen Ziqin had left for him.

 

It was a box.

 

Half of Chu Zhao’s mind was filled with the sorrow of parting, the other half with official matters, wondering what important item Shen Ziqin had left-

 

He opened the box to find a jade pendant.

 

The dragon pendant from the dragon-phoenix pair, with a red love knot attached below.

 

Chu Zhao froze completely.

 

He stared blankly for a long time, motionless as a wooden statue.

 

A moment later, as if possessed, he suddenly came to his senses, grabbed the jade pendant, and rushed outside.

 

Steward Meng was in the courtyard and saw Chu Zhao approaching. Just as he was about to speak, he felt a gust of wind as Chu Zhao flashed past.

 

Steward Meng was stunned, then shouted: “Your Highness, hey, Your Highness, where are you going!?”

 

Chu Zhao didn’t hear him, rushing out like a whirlwind.

 

Where was he going?

 

To chase after the carriage, catch Shen Ziqin, and demand an answer-

 

What did he mean by stirring him up and then running away without a word!?

 

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(advanced chapters available on kofi)