With Bai Xiao around, Shen Ziqin’s days were no longer boring.
The kid had read an astonishing number of storybooks, and the ones he brought over were more than Shen Ziqin could finish. Shen Ziqin was just as absorbed, reading with great enjoyment.
Not only that, Bai Xiao also brought some novel little gadgets. Great Qi’s manufacturing was truly impressive: there were music boxes blended with Western melodies, a hand-cranked “Whack-a-Mole” toy with a magical twist-he could see all sorts of things. Bai Xiao could even play chess with him.
Although Shen Ziqin hadn’t played chess in years, he had a sharp mind and a solid foundation, so his skill was excellent. Bai Xiao, on the other hand, was a lifelong beginner-he knew the rules, but even with a handicap, he couldn’t win.
Fortunately, Bai Xiao didn’t mind losing; he was a good sport, and the two of them enjoyed their games immensely.
Shen Ziqin thought it was wonderful-at least he finally had someone to talk to. Bai Xiao felt the same: doing his “mission” while having fun, it couldn’t be more relaxing.
But whenever Bai Xiao sensed someone approaching, he’d instantly flip up onto the roof, dutifully fulfilling his “secret” bodyguard duties.
Just like that, two months slipped by quietly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day of Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao’s wedding.
The weather was perfect: clear skies, gentle breeze, an auspicious day for moving house or getting married.
The Prince Qin’s wedding procession was nearly at the Marquis’s gates, festive and grand. But inside, Shen Ziqin was locked in a standoff with the rest of the Shen family-the atmosphere was tense, bristling with anger.
The anger wasn’t Shen Ziqin’s, but everyone else’s.
The Marquis’s face was livid, almost purple. “Shen Ziqin, must you embarrass us today? If you delay the auspicious hour and anger the emperor, can you bear the consequences?”
Dressed in red, Shen Ziqin’s usually pale cheeks were now strikingly beautiful, bright as peach blossoms. He sneered, slender as a willow but standing firm, not giving an inch. “If you get out of the way, we won’t miss the auspicious hour.”
The sound of drums and gongs from the welcoming procession drew closer, and the Shen family grew more anxious.
According to Great Qi’s wedding customs, when someone in the family marries-regardless of gender-if there are unmarried brothers at home, one must carry the bride or groom out the door.
Naturally, the Shen family wanted Shen Minghong to carry him, but Shen Ziqin refused.
Madam Luo pointed a trembling finger at Shen Ziqin-was he trying to curse his brother to death!?
Of course, Madam Luo would object. Anything that might harm her son, she would object to.
She said angrily, “How can your heart be so cruel!”
Shen Ziqin was unmoved.
Before he transmigrated, Shen Minghong and Madam Luo had humiliated and mistreated the original heir as much as the Marquis allowed. The original Shen Ziqin would never want that pair near him. On a day meant for joy, why should the abusers save face?
Even if the marriage was just for show, Shen Ziqin didn’t plan to love anyone in this life-he’d only marry once. If Shen Minghong carried him out, every time he remembered today, he’d feel disgusted. Why make himself miserable?
Shen Minghong’s face was dark. The ceremonial officer hurried over, urging them, “Father!”
The Marquis stopped arguing and waved his hand. “Someone, have the-have the heir follow tradition!”
The servants got the signal. Two burly men stepped forward, clearly ready to grab Shen Ziqin and force him onto Shen Minghong’s back.
Shen Ziqin couldn’t outmuscle two strong men, but he barked, “Impudent!”
His face was like a peach blossom, but his eyes were icy.
Usually, Shen Ziqin was easygoing and harmless, but when he turned cold, a noble pride broke through his frail appearance, radiating silent intimidation.
The two servants hesitated under his gaze.
But only for a moment.
Bad masters breed bad servants. They were used to being arrogant, and with the Marquis there, why fear a heir they’d never respected?
Their hands rose. Shen Ziqin didn’t panic, only said coolly, “The Prince Qin’s people and those from the palace are outside. After today, I’m not just the Marquis’s heir. If you dare lay a hand on me, you’d better consider your own worth.”
This time, the servants truly froze, glancing at each other in uncertainty.
They suddenly remembered how a servant who took the blame for Madam Luo had recently been thrown out of the house.
If they acted today and the Prince Qin’s household pursued it, the Marquis might be fine, but as mere servants, their fate was uncertain.
Rumor had it Prince Qin was violent and ruthless-if he got angry, what if he wanted their heads?
The more they thought about it, the more nervous they got, stuck in place. Shen Ziqin seized the moment, slipped past them, and ran for the door.
He put all his strength into it-once he crossed the threshold, Shen Minghong couldn’t carry him even if he wanted to. Just a few steps-he used to be the fastest in his class at the hundred-meter dash, so this was no problem.
Victory was in sight, but suddenly a black shadow blocked the way.
“Shen Ziqin!” Shen Minghong spread his arms to stop him. “If you go out like this, what face will the family have?”
Shen Ziqin skidded to a halt, barely avoiding a collision.
…Fine, his sprinting days were behind him; this frail body really couldn’t keep up.
Not only did he not outrun Shen Minghong, but after just a couple of steps, he was already out of breath, his chest starting to hurt.
He pressed his chest. Since that’s how it was, don’t blame him for using his last resort-
Just as Shen Ziqin gathered his breath to stir up everyone inside and out, the Marquis’s main gate crashed open with a loud bang. The doorkeepers jumped in fright, and Shen Ziqin’s carefully gathered breath went awry.
“Cough, cough, cough!”
What was happening!?
A long leg kicked open the door and crossed the threshold. Chu Zhao’s black boots landed on the ground, followed by a group of frantic ceremonial officers shouting, “You can’t do that!”
He was dressed in blazing red, heroic and spirited, gold thread shimmering on his clothes. The four-clawed golden dragon on his robe echoed the golden phoenix on Shen Ziqin’s, both shining brilliantly.
Shen Ziqin coughed until his eyes watered. When he looked up again, Shen Minghong had already been casually pushed aside, and Chu Zhao was standing at his side.
With those scholar’s arms and legs, Shen Minghong was no match for Chu Zhao-moving him was like brushing off dust.
Chu Zhao frowned at Shen Ziqin’s coughing. “Are you feeling unwell? Someone, fetch a doctor-”
“No, cough cough!” Shen Ziqin quickly grabbed his wrist, coughing as he spoke, “It’s me, cough, I just… got the wind knocked out of me, cough cough!”
Hearing this, Chu Zhao reached out and gently patted Shen Ziqin’s back to help him catch his breath. “Alright, I won’t call for the doctor. Don’t rush to talk, just breathe slowly.”
The ceremonial officer, unable to stop Chu Zhao, stumbled in with a dusty face, despairing, “Who kicks open the door on their wedding day?!”
It was a fair point, but Chu Zhao didn’t care.
He kept patting Shen Ziqin’s back. When he barged in just now, Shen Minghong and Shen Ziqin had been standing very close, clearly in the middle of an argument.
Chu Zhao scanned the courtyard: the Marquis of Yin Nan’s face was ashen, Madam Luo’s eyes were wide with shock… and two servants who looked instantly panicked when they saw him.
A palace eunuch had come to oversee the marriage on behalf of the emperor. Since the door was already broken, he hurried to move things along: “Your Highness, the auspicious hour is almost here, we shouldn’t delay.”
Chu Zhao replied, “No rush.”
Chu Zhao wasn’t in a hurry, but the eunuch was.
The eunuch tried to say more, but Chu Zhao cut him off before he could finish.
Chu Zhao’s presence seemed to darken, pressing down on the whole courtyard. “I’d like to know, on such a joyous day, why does the Marquis of Yin Nan…”
He paused, then deliberately switched to another title and continued.
“…why does the Marquis of Yin Nan glare coldly at my consort? What is he trying to do?”
The words “my consort” had a certain impact. Shen Ziqin, who had just caught his breath, was caught off guard by this and almost started coughing again.
Fortunately, he patted his chest and managed to hold it back.
He knew Chu Zhao had said this on purpose, to make it clear he was supporting him.
The Marquis of Yin Nan’s facial muscles twitched at Chu Zhao’s words.
Recently, he was feeling more and more that choosing Chu Zhao as a son-in-law had been a real mistake.
But it was too late for regrets-there was no way to take back the marriage now.
Shen Ziqin finally caught his breath. Now that Chu Zhao was here, the Shen family certainly wouldn’t dare try to stop him by force. He just wanted to leave-he had no intention of staying any longer.
“Your Highness, let’s go.”
Chu Zhao looked into Shen Ziqin’s eyes and saw how serious he was. His toes were already pointed toward the door; he was clearly eager to leave.
Alright, then-he’d let it go for now. Chu Zhao nodded. “Alright.”
But just as they were about to leave, the ceremonial officer hurriedly said, “Ah, Your Highness, according to tradition, the heir should be carried out by his brother!”
Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao both paused.
Shen Ziqin sighed. Couldn’t he just walk out the door simply?
“I don’t want Shen Minghong to carry me,” Shen Ziqin said, looking only at Chu Zhao. Only then did Chu Zhao fully understand the conflict between Shen Ziqin and his family today.
The ceremonial officer was at his wits’ end-every problem was outside his expectations. He tried to persuade: “Consort, being carried out by a family member symbolizes warding off misfortune and a smooth path-a very good omen!”
He could tell there was friction, but his job was to get the ceremony done, no matter the family drama.
“Anyway, I-” Shen Ziqin began.
Chu Zhao interrupted, “A good omen, that does sound nice.”
Shen Ziqin turned to look at Chu Zhao in surprise.
Chu Zhao stroked his chin, as if he really cared about the “good omen” the ceremonial officer mentioned.
Shen Ziqin pressed his lips together, mind racing. Most people in ancient times were superstitious, so it was normal to care about such things. But Chu Zhao was someone he needed on his side. He was still thinking how to respond when Chu Zhao said, “According to your reasoning, as long as someone carries him out, it doesn’t matter who, right?”
Shen Ziqin stopped mid-sentence, blinking as he realized what Chu Zhao meant: Huh?
The ceremonial officer was still confused: “Ah?”
A small smile appeared at the corner of Chu Zhao’s mouth. He lifted his robe and squatted in front of Shen Ziqin. “Cons-my consort, come.”
“I’ll carry you out.”
—
