SBMT Chapter 56

Chu Zhao rode at full speed, the strong wind lifting his hair and brushing his face. Only after rushing outside the city did he calm down slightly and rein in his horse.

 

Feixue, not having run to his heart’s content, thought they could go a few more rounds and shook his head with a snort.

 

Chu Zhao’s chest pounded like drums, painfully, making him want to howl to the heavens and denounce someone’s despicable behavior.

 

Shen Ziqin!!

 

People on the official road curiously looked at the handsome young man on the white horse. Tall and striking, his appearance could make one’s heart race and face flush, but… the young lord’s expression didn’t seem quite right.

 

His chest heaved, looking like he had rushed somewhere, his breathing unsteady. He gazed into the distance, lost in thought-one moment beaming with joy like a young man experiencing first love, the next moment dejected like a stray yellow dog on the roadside.

 

Hmm, so complex, hard to understand.

 

Chu Zhao was completely oblivious to being watched. He pulled out the jade pendant from inside his collar; it had been warmed by his body heat. He wiped it with his hand, then squeezed it again reluctantly.

 

Though Shen Ziqin’s face was as white as jade, the feeling was completely different. The little marquis’s cheeks were smooth and soft-no jade could compare.

 

The carriage carrying Prince Qin’s consort and Princess Dongning had already passed the Ten Mile Pavilion. If Chu Zhao dared to openly chase after them beyond the city limits, the emperor would surely make him pay dearly that very day.

 

Shen Ziqin had calculated perfectly that he couldn’t do anything about it.

 

These political schemers had such devious hearts!

 

All hundred-odd tricks were used on him, leaving him hanging these past days.

 

At least today, for the send-off, he was wearing presentable clothes that didn’t diminish the sense of ceremony.

 

No, that heartless Shen Ziqin, who stirred him up and then ran away, hadn’t given him any sense of ceremony at all.

 

Chu Zhao was simultaneously immersed in sweetness and grinding his teeth, thinking fiercely: Just wait until I catch you!

 

You really think I can’t do anything about you? I’m just being lenient!

 

Chu Zhao coldly snorted, but with a gentleness completely at odds with his expression, carefully placed the jade pendant inside his robe, tucking it away securely.

 

He turned his horse around and leisurely rode back to the city. As he approached the city gate, he thought for a moment, then took out the jade pendant again and carefully attached it to his waist, straightening each tassel of the love knot until they were perfectly neat.

 

The patrol camp soldiers guarding the city gate saluted him.

 

The prince had rushed out so urgently earlier that they feared something serious had happened, but in the end, he had just stood not far from the gate lost in thought, done nothing, and then unhurriedly returned.

 

Chu Zhao nodded to them: “Mm.”

 

After he entered, Deputy Commander Wang, on duty today, came down from the wall. Wang was a serious man with a solemn face: “Your Highness, has something happened? If you need manpower, we are at your disposal.”

 

Chu Zhao: “Nothing’s wrong.”

 

He looked at the solemn-faced Deputy Commander Wang and asked with equal seriousness: “You have good eyesight. Have you noticed any difference in me compared to when I left the city?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

Deputy Commander Wang did indeed have good eyesight. When patrolling, he could spot pickpockets in a crowd at a glance. But after looking Chu Zhao up and down thoroughly, he couldn’t see any difference.

 

He was intact, looking fine, no external injuries, still with two eyes and one nose, and in good spirits.

 

Was the prince testing some ability of his?

 

Deputy Commander Wang shifted his gaze to the horse, trying to spot something else.

 

Chu Zhao was unhurried and didn’t press him, allowing him to look. But after a moment, Deputy Commander Wang admitted defeat.

 

“This humble officer is too dull-witted,” Deputy Commander Wang said apologetically. “Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

 

Chu Zhao: “Since you’ve asked so sincerely… do you see the jade pendant at my waist?”

 

Deputy Commander Wang, a completely straight man, only now noticed it: “What’s this?”

 

Could it be some important token?

 

Chu Zhao was satisfied with his understanding: “You know about dragon and phoenix pendants, right? They come in pairs-one for me, one for my consort.”

 

Deputy Commander Wang listened attentively.

 

Chu Zhao: “My consort personally tied this love knot and gave it to me.”

 

Deputy Commander Wang: So?

 

Seeing his confused expression, Chu Zhao felt exasperated but forgiving. Today he was in a half-good mood and could forgive everyone except Shen Ziqin, so he magnanimously said: “The rest, you’ll have to figure out yourself.”

 

With that, Chu Zhao rode away leisurely.

 

Deputy Commander Wang pondered for a while before finally having a belated realization: Wait, was he just being shown off to?

 

Deputy Commander Wang: “…”

 

But that was the mighty Prince Qin, the decisive and ruthless Prince Qin! Could he really do something so frivolous?

 

The deputy commander was bewildered.

 

Chu Zhao had the day off, and with Shen Ziqin not at home, everywhere felt empty. Especially that cunning cat, who had given him the jade pendant and then run off, escaping the city while still tickling his heart, leaving him restless.

 

Unable to sit still, he left Prince Qin’s residence to chat with his idle third brother.

 

The third prince, Chu Jinxu, immediately agreed: “Oh, I was just thinking of finding you! Your consort isn’t in the capital-you must miss him and be bored. Come on, big brother will take you drinking!”

 

The two brothers went to Jinxiu Pavilion. Chu Jinxu brought three beautiful women from his playboy-standard back courtyard to their private room-two played instruments while one poured wine for him.

 

Chu Jinxu waved his fan and smiled: “Well, my brother is temporarily alone, but I’m not, right, beauties?”

 

Chu Jinxu had selected these people for his back courtyard mostly for show-at most, he would put his arm around their waists or hold their hands when others were watching, especially Emperor Cheng’an’s spies. Beyond that, he never did anything improper, and he spent money to keep them well-dressed and well-fed. There couldn’t be an easier job.

 

So these beauties were happy to serve him and had a genuinely good relationship with Chu Jinxu, joining in his teasing.

 

Prince Qin, surrounded by Chu Jinxu and his beauties: “…”

 

Chu Zhao originally didn’t want to poke at his brother’s sore spot, but with them dancing right in his face, he had to take them down a peg.

 

Chu Zhao pointed to the jade pendant at his waist: “Third brother, look at this.”

 

Chu Jinxu glanced at it and knew it was good quality: “A dragon and phoenix pendant? Nice material. Have you started liking jade pendants recently?”

 

Chu Zhao: “Ziqin gave it to me.”

 

Despite being outnumbered, Chu Zhao delivered a killing blow: “My consort gave it to me. Do you have one?”

 

Chu Jinxu: “…”

 

The beauties immediately burst into laughter: “Haha! Prince Rui doesn’t have one!”

 

Chu Zhao achieved a great victory despite being outnumbered.

 

If his brother understood modern memes, he would immediately think of a classic expression pack, but his brother didn’t understand. Sigh, the person who understood him best in this world was still Shen Ziqin.

 

 

Shen Ziqin.

 

Chu Zhao murmured this name, took a drink of wine, and after much thought decided it wouldn’t do. If he just let this go, he’d be distracted and anxious for days.

 

No, he had been strung along waiting for that love knot for so many days already-how could he let himself be led by the nose any longer?

 

Chu Zhao put down his wine cup, contemplating how to turn the tables.

 

Outside the capital, beneath the shadows of trees, a procession of carriages that clearly belonged to a wealthy family moved steadily along the official road, an impressive sight with many people.

 

Not only were there guards and attendants from Prince Qin’s residence, but also Embroidered Uniform Guards, since Princess Dongning was in the entourage, and the palace naturally had to provide additional security.

 

The eunuch Little Fuzi had casually mentioned the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and Emperor Cheng’an, thinking they had nothing better to do and that showing off was their specialty, had assigned them to the task.

 

Little did he know, this was exactly the effect Shen Ziqin wanted, as the Embroidered Uniform Guard was now his people.

 

Commander Yin Lie was among them. Having tasted success by following Shen Ziqin, he knew who could help the Embroidered Uniform Guard rise, so he was very diligent and had selected capable men for this mission.

 

Sitting in the carriage, Shen Ziqin fingered the jade pendant. Since parting with Chu Zhao, the flush hadn’t left his face.

 

Chu Zhao must have seen the pendant by now. How would he react?

 

Truthfully, Shen Ziqin had never thought he would fall for anyone. He had grown up in a terrible environment, never experiencing a good family life or witnessing healthy love up close.

 

He couldn’t imagine giving his whole heart to someone, entrusting his emotions.

 

But Prince Qin’s residence was such a wonderful place that the thought of leaving made him feel reluctant.

 

Because there was someone there who gave him a warm and secure home.

 

A shelter from wind and rain, with rising smoke from the kitchen, daily necessities, and laughter-a place he couldn’t wait to return to after finishing his work. Wasn’t that what one called… home?

 

Living in Prince Qin’s residence even after retirement, staying by Chu Zhao’s side, seeing him every day-that didn’t seem bad at all.

 

Shen Ziqin touched his burning face, pressed his lips together, and lowered his head to fasten the jade pendant at his waist.

 

Chu Zhao liked him so much-receiving the pendant should make him happy, right?

 

Shen Ziqin admitted he hadn’t handled this properly. He wanted to see Chu Zhao’s happy expression but feared he couldn’t withstand his gaze, so he only dared to send the gift as he was leaving the capital.

 

When it came to matters of the heart, he was like a cat encountering something unfamiliar-cautiously extending a paw to test, then running away at the slightest touch, hiding far away while secretly peeking to observe the situation.

 

Shen Ziqin’s face and eyes were intoxicated with spring breeze. Looking at the pendant, his smile was tinged with emotions he had never felt before: It’s good to have some time to adjust. Once the most impulsive feelings pass, next time I’ll surely be able to express myself clearly.

 

As Shen Ziqin was thinking, Yin Lie lightly knocked on the carriage window.

 

“Consort,” Yin Lie said, “Princess Dongning wishes to consult you about her studies. Would it be convenient for her to come over?”

 

Shen Ziqin came back to himself and replied: “Yes, let her come.”

 

The carriage stopped briefly, the door opened, and Dongning entered with books in hand.

 

Shen Ziqin thought this child was truly diligent, not needing supervision to study. After explaining a problem to Dongning, he told him to balance work and rest, closed the book, and encouraged him to enjoy the scenery along the way and take a break.

 

But just looking at scenery could be boring, so they set up a chess board, combining education with entertainment-learning chess while having fun.

 

The long-distance carriage was very spacious, with seats that could serve as beds, and rubber tires that made for a stable ride, though it couldn’t eliminate all bumps.

 

Dongning, who had never traveled far before, unfortunately got motion sickness.

 

The child didn’t mention his discomfort and would have continued to endure if Shen Ziqin hadn’t noticed his pale face.

 

Shen Ziqin: “Stop the carriage!”

 

He quickly called for the traveling doctor to examine Dongning, feeling both concerned and helpless: “You must tell me when you’re not feeling well, understand?”

 

Dongning clutched his hands and lowered his head: “…I don’t want to hold everyone back.”

 

He had volunteered to come along and didn’t want to delay their journey because of himself.

 

Shen Ziqin sighed and wiped the cold sweat from Dongning’s forehead: “But now that I’ve found out, I feel like I’ve failed in my duty to take care of you.”

 

Dongning hurriedly said: “It’s not royal sister-in-law’s fault!”

 

Shen Ziqin patted his head: “Then promise not to hide things from me anymore, all right?”

 

Dongning’s eyes reddened with emotion as he sniffled: “Mm…”

 

Shen Ziqin had originally planned to travel through the night, taking four days and three nights-not particularly fast. If anyone questioned their pace, he would say he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to reach Yuzhou quickly to recuperate.

 

But seeing the situation, it seemed better to rest for the first night and give Dongning time to adjust.

 

At night, as everyone made camp, Shen Ziqin lay down in the carriage and realized he also needed time to adapt. Despite the comfortable bedding on the carriage couch, sleeping in the compartment felt strange.

 

He was sensitive to the new sleeping environment and didn’t rest well, taking a long time to fall asleep, and even then sleeping lightly. Sometimes when insects outside chirped loudly, he would wake up hazily before drifting back to sleep.

 

In the middle of the night, the sharp-eared guards on watch suddenly heard hoofbeats.

 

Horse hooves were approaching them rapidly.

 

Everyone immediately became alert, staring in the direction of the approaching sound.

 

Their hands were already on their weapons when a dark figure appeared.

 

“Who goes there-Y-Your Highness!?”

 

The figure rode into the firelight, suddenly illuminated-who else could it be but their Prince Qin?

 

How could the prince be here!?

 

Chu Zhao pulled the reins tight, the horse rearing up: “Whoa-!”

 

Chu Zhao jumped off his horse, not bothering to greet anyone, and headed straight for his target-the carriage.

 

Shen Ziqin had just heard the guards’ shouts and hoofbeats. He sat up, rubbing his eyes drowsily: What’s that noise? Surely not bandits?

 

Just as he was thinking, the carriage door suddenly swung open. Before Shen Ziqin could react, a figure appeared before him.

 

Shen Ziqin’s hand, which had been rubbing his eyes, stopped halfway. He suspected he was dreaming.

 

Otherwise, how could he be seeing Chu Zhao?

 

Shen Ziqin: “You… mmph!”

 

Without a word, Chu Zhao grabbed Shen Ziqin’s head and kissed him directly.

 

Shen Ziqin’s pupils trembled in shock!

 

Now he had to wake up if he wasn’t already-this couldn’t be a dream; he couldn’t possibly dream something this outrageous!

 

Chu Zhao had ridden hard through the night, his breathing rapid, his chest still heaving. His burning presence instantly enveloped Shen Ziqin, sealing him in completely, leaving him nowhere to escape.

 

This was a kiss, but it could hardly be called one.

 

Too eager, too raw-their hearts and lips collided unexpectedly, painfully.

 

Yet it was also innocent and soft.

 

After the hasty kiss, before pulling away, Chu Zhao bit Shen Ziqin’s lip lightly, reluctant to end it.

 

Shen Ziqin’s body trembled.

 

His face flushed like peach blossoms as he stared wide-eyed at Chu Zhao backing away. Seeing Shen Ziqin’s captivating expression, Chu Zhao cursed silently.

 

The moment had been too brief.

 

Shen Ziqin was completely flushed, looking as if he might melt at the slightest touch.

 

One hurried, reckless kiss had nearly made him go weak all over. Clutching the window frame, he stammered: “How did you-how did you…”

 

“I came secretly, the emperor definitely didn’t find out, don’t worry.” Chu Zhao’s breathing was rapid as his finger brushed heavily across Shen Ziqin’s reddened lips. “Just came to see you once. I have to leave now.”

 

His time was extremely limited-he had to return to the capital before dawn. Fortunately, Feixue was a divine steed, capable of carrying him at such speed.

 

Shen Ziqin couldn’t believe it: “What if we had been traveling tonight and you couldn’t catch up-”

 

“If I couldn’t catch up, so be it. But if I did, then I’d be the winner.” Chu Zhao grinned carelessly. “Marquis, how could you play like that, leaving a jade pendant and running away?”

 

Chu Zhao had set himself a time limit. If he reached the designated time and found no one, he would turn back-returning empty-handed would be fine. But if he caught up, he wanted Shen Ziqin to feel the same heart-wrenching anticipation he had felt.

 

Chu Zhao was satisfied; all the tossing and turning of recent days had been vented in that moment.

 

“This is what they call an eye for an eye,” Chu Zhao said. “I’m leaving.”

 

He nimbly jumped out of the carriage and mounted his horse. Shen Ziqin, wearing his robe, chased after him: “Wait!”

 

Chu Zhao turned Feixue in a circle, exhilarated: “No need to see me off, Ziqin. I’m waiting for you to bring me to Yuzhou quickly. Go back to sleep. Hyah-!”

 

Laughing loudly, Chu Zhao galloped away. Even the firelight couldn’t keep up with him as he quickly vanished into the night. All that remained was his unrestrained laughter in the gentle breeze, and at the end of that laughter, the image of Shen Ziqin’s face, red as peach blossoms.

 

Shen Ziqin, holding his clothes, sat down dazed at the carriage door.

 

The guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards looked at each other, no one daring to make a sound.

 

Did the prince have some important matter to convey, so he made this trip?

 

But the marquis’s expression… ahem, best not to look too closely.

 

Shen Ziqin leaned against the carriage for a long while, then took a deep breath and pinched his arm lightly.

 

Not dreaming, definitely not dreaming.

 

Chu Zhao had ridden desperately, without stopping, just to… kiss him once.

 

Then without saying anything important, he kissed him and ran.

 

Ran away.

 

Chu. Zhao!

 

Shen Ziqin wanted to scream: You’re the one who shouldn’t play like that, ahhh!!

 

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(advanced chapters available on kofi)