SBMT Chapter 6

After finishing the couplets, they entered the garden.

 

Normally, the first stop would be to greet the host, but Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao were instead led to a secluded lakeside pavilion.

 

At the bridge to the pavilion, guards stood watch, and Shen Ziqin paused as he saw their swords.

 

No villages ahead, no inns behind-a perfect place for murder and body-dumping.

 

Chu Zhao: “Shizi?”

 

Shen Ziqin calmly looked away. “The scenery is lovely-I was just entranced, sorry.”

 

Chu Zhao didn’t suspect a thing, since it really was a beautiful spot.

 

They sat at the stone table in the pavilion. Shen Ziqin’s mind was racing with all sorts of scenarios, when Chu Zhao spoke over the sound of tea being poured: “I want to have an honest conversation with you.”

 

Shen Ziqin looked up sharply.

 

It’s finally happening?

 

Even though the original novel said Chu Zhao had no ambition for power, who wouldn’t feel some resentment at being forced into marriage? Shen Ziqin braced himself, fully alert.

 

He understood that today’s conversation would not only affect his quality of life, but possibly his very survival.

 

Chu Zhao smiled. “I don’t think it’s right to beat around the bush with someone like you, Shizi. I’ll be direct: this marriage was arranged in haste. Both of us are powerless to refuse, but by marrying me as my consort, you’re actually doing me a great favor.”

 

Shen Ziqin stayed silent and kept listening.

 

“Shizi, you’ve been wronged, and I’ll remember this favor. The prince’s residence will never treat you poorly. Whatever the marquis’s household couldn’t give you, I can provide-fine clothes, good food, rare medicines, treasures-I’ll do my best to satisfy you.”

 

The promise was grand, but as someone well-versed in workplace tactics, Shen Ziqin just shifted his gaze and didn’t reach out to accept it.

 

If a boss makes big promises with no conditions or requirements, it’s usually empty talk.

 

Chu Zhao handed him a cup of tea. “This prince has only one request.”

 

This was the first time Chu Zhao addressed himself as “this prince” to Shen Ziqin, showing just how important this request was.

 

“If one day you gain the emperor’s favor, remember me.”

 

In plain terms: if the emperor ever tries to use you to spy on the prince’s residence or stir up trouble, you must stand on my side.

 

Chu Zhao’s voice only deepened a bit, but the aura forged on the battlefield poured out. Yet Shen Ziqin wasn’t afraid-he actually felt relieved.

 

-That’s right, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. If you want something from me, then our relationship is a solid exchange of interests, which is reassuring.

 

Shen Ziqin held the teacup in both hands, raising it in a toast instead of wine, and said solemnly, “Rest assured, Your Highness. All I want is a peaceful, uneventful life to recover from illness. The emperor is far above, too distant from me-I know my place.”

 

Talking to a smart person is so refreshing. Chu Zhao laughed, accepted Shen Ziqin’s tea, and clinked cups with him. “Then it’s a deal.”

 

The crisp sound of porcelain marked a marriage with no emotional foundation turning into a mutually acknowledged alliance-a real leap forward in their relationship.

 

Both Chu Zhao and Shen Ziqin felt lighter, the heavy atmosphere swept away, and conversation turned casual again. Chu Zhao asked offhandedly, “Do you like men, Shizi?”

 

Shen Ziqin replied, “I suppose so.”

 

“If you ever meet someone you truly like, go after them-I’ll absolutely support you,” Chu Zhao said generously. “Once the old man’s gone, we’ll divorce, and you’ll never be treated unfairly.”

 

No wonder he’s a marshal-broad-minded and generous.

 

Shen Ziqin knew his own orientation, but that didn’t stop him from planning to stay single.

 

He’d grown up in a loveless environment and didn’t think he had the capacity to love others.

 

He could like things or admire people, and it was enough to feel a spark-but to truly give someone love, Shen Ziqin didn’t know how, nor could he picture himself spending a lifetime with anyone.

 

He thanked Chu Zhao for his generosity, then politely asked, “Does Your Highness have someone in your heart?”

 

“No, and I never will,” Chu Zhao replied. “I have no interest in romance.”

 

Shen Ziqin was deeply impressed-a kindred spirit!

 

Considering Chu Zhao’s unfortunate father, Shen Ziqin understood: his upbringing must have been so miserable that he lost faith in love, just like himself.

 

Moved, Shen Ziqin raised his tea for another toast. Chu Zhao didn’t really get it, but still clinked cups with him.

 

So, the wedding night would be easy to handle-but Shen Ziqin needed a clear answer.

 

He hinted madly to Chu Zhao: “Your Highness, there’s one more thing-on the wedding night…”

 

Chu Zhao caught Shen Ziqin’s cautious look and immediately understood. “Don’t worry. That night, we’ll share a room for appearances, but nothing will happen. The next day, we’ll each return to our own quarters. The prince’s residence already has a courtyard prepared for you-much nicer than your place at the marquis’s house.”

 

Shen Ziqin finally relaxed, his gaze sincere. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

 

With business settled, time was about up. Chu Zhao stood. “Let’s go-I’ll introduce you to the young lord and thank him for lending us the lakeside pavilion.”

 

Shen Ziqin’s mind spun. So this whole flower-viewing banquet was probably orchestrated by Chu Zhao, not for the party itself, but as a way to meet him.

 

Hmm, that actually matched Shen Ziqin’s own initial idea-throw a party to rope in Prince Qin.

 

He had to admit, he and Chu Zhao really were on the same wavelength.

 

The lakeside pavilion had been cleared out, and only as they walked out did they start encountering other guests. As a prince, Chu Zhao drew bows and greetings from everyone they passed.

 

They walked through winding corridors to a pavilion surrounded by rare, blooming flowers-the most beautiful spot, dazzling to the eyes.

 

Several people were already seated inside. A servant from the Duke’s household led Chu Zhao and Shen Ziqin forward, and before they even got close, someone hurried out to greet them.

 

“Sixth Highness!”

 

Chu Zhao had been back in the capital for a year, and while he had no official connections, he still had some childhood friends who called him by his old title.

 

The newcomer’s eyes sparkled with excitement and warmth. Chu Zhao said, “Shizi, this is the young lord of Duke Dingguo’s household, Zhou Danmo.”

 

Although called “young lord,” he was also an heir, but his position was rock solid-unlike Shen Ziqin, whose own father was always scheming to take his title away.

 

Zhou Danmo rushed up eagerly. “We agreed, I’d lend you the lakeside pavilion, and you’d let me draw, draw, draw-”

 

He didn’t finish his sentence; his tongue got tied as his eyes nearly popped out at the sight of Shen Ziqin.

 

Shen Ziqin: ?

 

He hadn’t expected such a well-bred young lord to be a stutterer.

 

But that was fine-he didn’t discriminate. All are equal.

 

Shen Ziqin was just about to greet him when Zhou Danmo, like a gust of wind, grabbed his wrist in excitement. “Such a beauty-please, let me paint you-ow, that hurts!”

 

Before Shen Ziqin could react, Chu Zhao slapped Zhou Danmo’s hand with a crisp smack. “Let go. You’re too rough.”

 

Shen Ziqin choked. “Your Highness, I’m really not that fragile.”

 

Chu Zhao’s disapproving gaze landed on Shen Ziqin’s wrist, and Shen Ziqin looked down in surprise: just from Zhou Danmo’s grip, his pale skin already showed a clear red mark.

 

The evidence was undeniable, and Chu Zhao’s eyes were full of “See? Don’t push yourself.”

 

Shen Ziqin: “……”

 

He suspected that no matter what he said in the future, Chu Zhao would never believe he wasn’t fragile.

 

“Sorry, sorry!” Zhou Danmo was startled-was he really that strong? He quickly leaned in, concerned, and carefully reached out, “Does it hurt? Let me see?”

 

“Smack!”

 

Another slap.

 

“Ow! Please stop hitting me, Your Highness! My hands are precious for painting!”

 

Chu Zhao snorted lightly and lifted Shen Ziqin’s wrist for a look. Shen Ziqin stubbornly refused to admit he was fragile, and besides, it really didn’t hurt. He pulled his hand back and covered it with his sleeve. “It’s nothing. Maybe my circulation is poor, so I bruise easily, but it doesn’t hurt at all.”

 

“That’s good.” Zhou Danmo breathed a sigh of relief, smiling as he opened his folding fan. “You must be Shen Shizi. It’s our first meeting-I’m Zhou Danmo. Whenever I see a beautiful person, I just want to paint them. I might have been a bit abrupt out of excitement, sorry.”

 

Shen Ziqin didn’t mind. “It’s fine.”

 

“Let’s go inside and sit.”

 

Zhou Danmo gestured for them to enter. Shen Ziqin accepted the invitation and moved forward, but noticed the person beside him hadn’t moved. He turned to see Chu Zhao, head lowered, seemingly distracted. “Your Highness?”

 

Chu Zhao snapped back to attention. “Ah, let’s go.”

 

He casually lowered his hand-the same hand that had just lifted Shen Ziqin’s wrist.

 

Shen Shizi’s skin was pale as snow, his wrist like a piece of jade-smooth and delicate, beautiful yet so fragile it seemed it could break at a touch. No wonder one dared not use force.

 

…Much too delicate. No, this won’t do-he needs proper care.

 

Lately, Chu Zhao had been focused on understanding Shen Ziqin’s character and talking with him, almost forgetting that this heir had been sickly since childhood. In ancient times, if he hadn’t been born into a wealthy family and protected by his mother, he might never have survived.

 

Now that everything was settled and they were rare allies, of course Chu Zhao hoped he’d live a long, healthy life.

 

He’d have the household doctor give him a thorough checkup soon.

 

Maybe it was time to start gathering the best tonic herbs, Chu Zhao thought privately.

 

On the table in the pavilion, a painting was already finished, waiting for the ink to dry. Two people were seated-one in elegant blue robes, the other decked out in pearls and jewels.

 

Truly decked out-the sparkle nearly blinded Shen Ziqin.

 

Chu Zhao and Zhou Danmo were both dressed richly but with excellent taste, clearly sons of great families. The man before them, however, was the opposite-gold and silver piled on at random, clothes and accessories a riot of color, even his fan studded with multicolored gems.

 

In short: as flashy as possible, a nouveau riche style.

 

Luckily, his looks were good enough to pull off the gaudy outfit.

 

Chu Zhao nodded slightly to the “nouveau riche” gentleman. “Third Brother.”

 

Ah, so this was the third prince, Prince An-Chu Jinxu.

 

Under the emperor’s harsh rule, the surviving princes each took a different path. Chu Jinxu had established himself as a notorious playboy since childhood, known for nothing but eating, drinking, and having fun. With his mother’s low rank and no family support, the emperor barely paid him any attention.

 

In the original novel, this prince secretly helped the protagonist on more than one occasion.

 

Chu Jinxu beamed. “You’re here?” He saw Shen Ziqin about to bow and waved it off. “Shen Shizi, right? No need for formalities. We’ll be family soon-no need to be so distant.”

 

He said this, but Shen Ziqin didn’t take it at face value and shot a questioning look at Chu Zhao.

 

That glance-eyes like autumn water, bright and lively-was so striking that even Chu Zhao, who had no romantic thoughts toward Shen Ziqin, felt his heart waver.

 

Too lethal. For the first time, Chu Zhao realized he might secretly be a sucker for beauty-he’d just never noticed before.

 

Besides, a look like that in this situation made one feel trusted and relied upon.

 

Chu Zhao’s warrior’s heart surged with the urge to protect.

 

He nodded to Shen Ziqin, then flicked Zhou Danmo on the forehead-after all, Zhou Danmo had just been caught in the blast radius of Shen Ziqin’s gaze, and Chu Zhao had heard the kid gulp.

 

Pathetic.

 

When there are many people present, introductions and conversation sometimes follow rank, sometimes closeness. The gentleman in blue waited for them to finish before formally greeting Chu Zhao. “Your Highness, I am Bai Junxing.”

 

Bai Junxing-the main character from the original novel!?

 

Shen Ziqin looked over sharply.

 

Bai Junxing, the undisputed protagonist of the original story, a newly minted top scholar who would later become the youngest Grand Secretary and a pillar of three reigns, ushering in a new era of peace, fulfilling all his ambitions, and benefiting the people.

 

Not only was his career arc brilliant, but he also had a sweeping love story with a general.

 

Shen Ziqin had always liked this protagonist-truly talented, capable, and full of life. Especially later, when he methodically reformed the bureaucracy, it was incredibly satisfying for any oppressed office worker to read.

 

And… Bai Junxing lived a dazzling life, the kind Shen Ziqin had once dreamed of as a child, but now knew he’d never become.

 

He didn’t just like him-he genuinely admired people like that.

 

“Shen Shizi, greetings from Bai.”

 

He spoke-the living protagonist was talking to him!

 

Shen Ziqin was flattered. “Lord Bai, I’ve long admired your reputation.”

 

He truly had, though the others just thought it was polite conversation. Only Chu Zhao noticed the unusual excitement in Shen Ziqin’s tone.

 

Shen Shizi’s voice was calm on the surface, but still carried an irrepressible… happiness?

 

Chu Zhao glanced between the two, making a mental note.

 

The group took their seats and began to chat. Zhou Danmo was absorbed in painting, the third prince wanted tea and music, and Bai Junxing joined in naturally, picking up on whatever topic he could.

 

Shen Ziqin mostly listened, but kept glancing at Bai Junxing.

 

One look:

 

Handsome, refined, a scholar but not pedantic.

 

Another look:

 

Graceful in speech and manner, a natural air of learning.

 

Outstanding-no matter how you looked at him.

 

Is it bad to stare for so long? But I’m just sneaking glances, surely no one will notice. Shen Ziqin cradled his cup, quietly trying to blend in. Just one more look-really, the last one.

 

Chu Zhao’s low voice suddenly sounded by his ear: “Shizi, are you interested in Lord Bai?”

 

Shen Ziqin nodded reflexively. The movement was out before he realized he’d been caught, startling him.

 

He almost dropped the teacup in his hand, but Chu Zhao reached out to steady it. “Hey, careful.”

 

Shen Ziqin turned his head and met Chu Zhao’s smiling eyes.

 

His fingers curled slightly. Getting caught sneaking glances at someone… Shen Ziqin tried hard to stay calm, forcing a composed expression and pretending he wasn’t flustered. “It’s just that Lord Bai seems very knowledgeable, so I couldn’t help but listen more closely.”

 

But the flush at the tips of his ears still gave him away.

 

Inside, Shen Ziqin was all twisted up: How embarrassing! Caught staring-so embarrassing!

 

Chu Zhao, seeing the unmistakable blush on those pale earlobes, interpreted it as: he’s shy.

 

Chu Zhao smiled meaningfully. “It’s alright, I understand.”

 

In ancient times, people didn’t live as long as today and cherished time more. Love at first sight and proposing on the second meeting might seem rushed to modern people, but for the ancients, it was just right.

 

From the lakeside pavilion onward, they’d encountered many people, but only Bai Junxing had caught Shen Ziqin’s special attention.

 

If Shen Ziqin really liked Bai Junxing, Chu Zhao could help advise him.

 

This was also a gesture of goodwill from one ally to another.

 

Chu Zhao thought: Ah, I really am a good person.

 

---