SBMT Chapter 81

Shen Ziqin had eliminated major troubles for Chu Zhao at court, obtained the tiger tally, delivered provisions to the frontier, and now merely added the role of peace envoy-all quite reasonable…

 

Yeah, right!

 

Everyone was dumbfounded.

 

Although they knew changes had occurred in the capital, to trust the frontier to this extent almost gave them a dreamlike feeling of unreality.

 

While Shen Ziqin was indeed a civil official fully capable of serving as chief peace envoy, he was undoubtedly a member of Prince Qin’s household. Previously, peace negotiations always required deliberation between civil and military factions. Even with good luck and consensus, there would inevitably be some wrangling. Entrusting Shen Ziqin with peace negotiations essentially meant that Prince Qin’s household had complete authority in this matter.

 

It was too generous. Although they knew the capital had changed hands, for things to proceed this smoothly, with no one creating obstacles before or after the battle, the generals couldn’t help but pinch their arms.

 

It hurt-they weren’t dreaming.

 

Seeing their expressions, Shen Ziqin bowed to everyone: “You all guard the frontier, enduring hardships and achieving great merit. The court knows your difficulties. Now that Prince Rui is regent, things are different from Emperor Cheng’an’s time. Everyone can rest assured.”

 

Shen Ziqin, representing the court’s civil officials, formally bowed to the frontier soldiers. Although protecting the country was done out of passion, and they hadn’t thought about rewards when first taking up arms, hearing that someone remembered their hardships made even these iron-willed men feel a lump in their throats.

 

See, all their efforts had been worthwhile.

 

Everyone came to their senses, hurriedly saying “The consort shouldn’t do this.” After completing his bow, Shen Ziqin straightened up and smiled: “Having won the battle, rewards from the court will certainly come.”

 

With all matters settled, it was time for a victory banquet. Chu Zhao waved his hand: “I said I’d treat you to drinks after the battle! Tonight we’ll slaughter sheep, and no one leaves until they’re drunk!”

 

At the mention of drinking, everyone became excited: “No one leaves until they’re drunk!”

 

That night, bonfires were lit in the camp. Sheep were cooked, cattle slaughtered, and wine flowed freely-what joy!

 

True to his word, Chu Zhao personally roasted meat for Shen Ziqin, who sat obediently waiting. The bonfire reflected on his jade-like face as he smiled, watching Chu Zhao’s every move, all beauty contained in his eyes.

 

Chu Zhao brushed oil on the roasting meat, and while waiting for it to cook, naturally joined in drinking with those nearby.

 

The others, not knowing Shen Ziqin’s alcohol tolerance, wanted to toast him as well. When Shen Ziqin raised his bowl, they discovered it contained frontier milk tea.

 

Unlike modern milk tea, this was made with sheep’s milk, tea, and a bit of salt-a common beverage in the frontier regions.

 

General Qi was momentarily surprised, then slapped his forehead in realization: “Right, I heard the consort has poor health and can’t drink alcohol. Come, we’ll drink ours, and you enjoy yours as you please!”

 

Other soldiers approached: “We have some medicinal herbs here at the frontier that are rare in the central plains. The consort should take some back!”

 

Chu Zhao clinked bowls with them, making a crisp sound: “Ziqin’s old ailment has improved, but he still can’t handle strong liquor. I’ll remember about the herbs-give them to me later, I won’t stand on ceremony.”

 

Shen Ziqin also raised his clay bowl: “Thank you all for your kindness.”

 

Everyone drank merrily. When the meat was ready, Chu Zhao sliced it for Shen Ziqin.

 

The high-heat roasted meat was juicy and firm, sizzling with oil. When the knife cut through, the crispy skin made a crunchy sound, and the aroma was mouthwatering-just the smell was enough to stimulate one’s appetite.

 

After Chu Zhao finished slicing for Shen Ziqin, he turned around to find several generals sitting in a row with plates in hand.

 

Chu Zhao: “…What are you all doing?”

 

They chuckled: “We’ve been craving this for a long time. Your Highness, can we have some meat too?”

 

Chu Zhao laughed and scolded: “Go do it yourselves! Waiting for me to serve you-dream on!”

 

Zhan Yan laughed: “We know, you only serve the consort!”

 

Everyone else burst into laughter. Shen Ziqin held his plate, his ears reddening, but in this laughter, more than embarrassment, he felt joy.

 

His plate had too much meat, so Shen Ziqin not only ate himself but also shared with Chu Zhao.

 

When Shen Ziqin’s chopsticks came over, Chu Zhao took the meat directly from them, smiling as he looked at Shen Ziqin.

 

The onlookers thought: Ah, we’re full just watching.

 

Eating meat heartily, drinking deeply, without worries or troubles-one of life’s great pleasures.

 

The night sky was beautiful too. As they drank, someone began to hum a song.

 

“Horse treads the wind, green grass sways, frontier soldiers dream across ten thousand li-”

 

No one knew who started it, but soon everyone was keeping rhythm, singing high and low.

 

The men’s voices were deep and not particularly harmonious, but blended together, they carried the wind, sand, and grasslands of the frontier, the round moon of the border-vast and magnificent, rolling from the plains toward the distant horizon.

 

Chu Zhao also hummed along softly.

 

Shen Ziqin’s eyes flickered.

 

This was the first time he had heard Chu Zhao sing.

 

Soldiers singing victory songs.

 

Chu Zhao’s voice was naturally magnetic. Though Shen Ziqin was hearing this song for the first time, he found it expansive. He didn’t know if Chu Zhao was off-key, but it certainly sounded good.

 

As Chu Zhao sang the final part, he looked directly at Shen Ziqin.

 

Shen Ziqin, sensing something, gazed into Chu Zhao’s eyes.

 

Under the bonfire, their elongated shadows overlapped. Chu Zhao raised his wine bowl to toast Shen Ziqin.

 

Amid the soldiers’ songs, Shen Ziqin also raised his cup with both hands to toast Chu Zhao.

 

“Good lads, in all four directions-” Chu Zhao’s singing was free and unrestrained as he laughed, looking at his beloved, “Just waiting to return home in glory!”

 

Everyone raised their strong liquor, and Shen Ziqin also opened his mouth, joining the frontier voices. His voice, like a bubbling spring, flowed in with everyone else’s: “Return home!”

 

A toast to the living soldiers, to the brave souls who had perished, to the land beneath their feet, and to the families in the distance, eagerly waiting for their return.

 

In the twentieth year of Cheng’an’s reign, the frontier achieved a great victory. The eight major tribes of the grassland sued for peace, willing to add another ten percent to their annual tribute, along with the Eagle tribe’s grasslands. The envoys also brought the heads of the White Wolf tribe leader and heir.

 

Donglin had harbored ill intentions, secretly communicating with the barbarians. Great Qi discovered their plot. Bai Junxing and the diplomatic mission engaged in verbal battles with them in the east. In the end, Donglin made concessions at the market and reduced taxes on Great Qi goods.

 

From this year onward, Great Qi’s frontier would enjoy a century of peace-even longer than Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao had anticipated.

 

After all matters at the frontier were settled, Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao set out to return to the capital.

 

Among those accompanying them was Zhan Yan, who headed straight for Bai Junxing’s home upon reaching the capital.

 

For a returning soldier, home is wherever loved ones are.

 

In the capital, in the imperial palace, in Emperor Cheng’an’s bedchamber.

 

Emperor Cheng’an lay on his bed. The sunlight was good today, and he was fully conscious, but without help, he could barely turn over. He could only stare at the ceiling, listening to his unfilial sons speaking treasonous words on the other side of the screen.

 

He had awakened shortly after Shen Ziqin left the capital. Upon waking, he had completely lost the ability to speak. When he learned that Dongning was also a prince, he nearly stopped breathing.

 

At this moment, by the screen, several princes plus the Prince Qin’s spouse had deliberately set up a table with fine tea and snacks, clearly no longer regarding the emperor, who could only breathe and stare, as significant.

 

Chu Zhaoyu said: “I think Sixth Brother should take the throne.”

 

Chu Zhao firmly refused: “No, Brother, I’m truly not the best candidate. You should take this position.”

 

Now that Chu Zhao was alive, Chu Zhaoyu’s psychological burden had not worsened, and his overall state had improved considerably. He needed something to occupy his mind, but not too much.

 

Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao had already discussed privately that they could support Chu Zhaoyu as officials for a few more years before retiring.

 

Retiring around age twenty-five would give them plenty of time to travel, and retiring at that age would put them ahead of most people in both ancient and modern times.

 

Shen Ziqin also nodded: “According to the ancestors’ rules, Chu Zhao has lost his right of succession. Although outdated ancestral rules can be changed, there’s no need for the court to create more turmoil with the elder officials over this matter.”

 

A smooth succession and harmonious atmosphere would make governance easier.

 

Chu Zhaoyu sighed: “I suspect you just want to be lazy.”

 

Chu Zhao grinned: “Second Brother has seen right through us.”

 

Chu Zhaoyu laughed and shook his head, then lowered his eyes, looking gently at his legs: “I am ultimately a person with disabilities. Changing the ancestors’ rules would cause criticism. If I take the position, wouldn’t there be criticism as well? Sixth Brother, it should still be you-”

 

Chu Zhao immediately spoke righteously: “The ancestors never said that people with health issues cannot sit on the throne. Whoever dares to mention your legs, I’ll break their dog legs!”

 

Shen Ziqin coordinated with Chu Zhao: “Besides, the two of us won’t have offspring, so Second Brother is more suitable.”

 

Chu Zhaoyu was moved by their protection of him, but still needed to say what had to be said: “I don’t plan to marry in this life, and I won’t have offspring either.”

 

After they finished speaking, they all paused, then slowly turned their heads, their gazes falling on Dongning.

 

Dongning, who had been silently waiting for them to make a decision: “?”

 

Chu Zhaoyu pondered: “Dongning, Ziqin says your studies are going very well?”

 

Dongning had thought this didn’t concern him, but hearing this, he hurriedly said: “I still need to learn more from my royal sister-in-law and teachers. The volumes are vast, the world’s roads stretch ten thousand li, and I have learned far from enough.”

 

Seeing Dongning’s confused expression, the third prince Chu Jinxu already understood and patted his shoulder. Though his sister had become his brother, it didn’t affect his determination to be a good older brother.

 

The older brother explained to his younger brother: “Dongning, since neither of them will have offspring, it means no matter which of them becomes emperor, the position of crown prince can only be yours.”

 

Dongning: !

 

Dongning was greatly shocked: “How-how-how could I possibly do it, Royal Brother? This won’t work!”

 

Dongning instinctively sought help from the person closest to him: “Royal sister-in-law!”

 

However, Shen Ziqin stroked the little curly king’s head, his eyes full of satisfaction: “No need to be modest. I think you’ll do very well.”

 

Shen Ziqin thought for a moment and said: “You’re a thousand times better than Emperor Cheng’an, so be more confident.”

 

Emperor Cheng’an began to convulse: “…Huh, huh!”

 

Unfilial sons, unfilial sons-!

 

Chu Zhao’s ears were sharp: “Ah, the old thing seems to be gasping again.”

 

Chu Zhaoyu calmly: “Ignore him.”

 

Chu Jinxu ignored: “Ignore him.”

 

Dongning nodded: “Mm!”

 

Shen Ziqin leisurely drank tea.

 

If Emperor Cheng’an convulsed to death, then he would be the late emperor. If he could still survive, then he would be a paralyzed retired emperor. Actually, it was good that he was alive. They could throw him in some cold, remote palace where the servants wouldn’t be attentive, letting him experience suffering for a few more years, to feel what the princes had once experienced-days that felt like years-and truly understand what it meant to feel that life was worse than death.

 

Emperor Cheng’an listened as the princes tossed around his imperial power-the thing he had insisted on grasping in his hands-and they actually didn’t covet it?

 

How could this be possible, how could this be possible…

 

Finally, after the discussion was concluded, the imperial edict was sealed.

 

Many significant events occurred in the twentieth year of Cheng’an. It was also in this year that Emperor Cheng’an fell seriously ill and abdicated. Prince Rui Chu Zhaoyu succeeded to the throne, changing the era name to “Guangyao.” The former seventh prince, Chu Yu, was established as crown prince, and Shen Ziqin was appointed as the crown prince’s grand tutor.

 

Although he had already planned to help, Shen Ziqin didn’t want a promotion: “I don’t have the perseverance to attend court every day. Such a lazy person is not suitable to be a grand tutor.”

 

The new emperor was very generous: “It doesn’t matter. For court meetings, continue as before-come when you want, and don’t if you don’t. As for Dongning, just guide him when you have time.”

 

Shen Ziqin was about to say something when Dongning hesitantly and obediently tugged at his sleeve: “Royal sister-in-law…”

 

Shen Ziqin: “…”

 

It was hard to refuse when such an adorable and sensible child pleaded.

 

In the end, Shen Ziqin still became the grand tutor.

 

He was truly an unprecedentedly indolent grand tutor. When civil officials had to write about him, they all found it difficult to evaluate.

 

He had neither the authority nor the dignity of a teacher, yet somehow, he educated a brilliant and enlightened ruler.

 

So, he was still an excellent grand tutor… right?

 

The historical records were not complete.

 

For instance, later generations didn’t know that the reason this grand tutor retired at such a young age-twenty-five-was not due to court struggles or schemes as they speculated, but simply because the child had learned admirably, Great Qi was peaceful, and the court had a large group of capable people assisting the emperor. He could retire with peace of mind.

 

Not only did Grand Tutor Shen retire, but he also lured away the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces.

 

On the road leaving the capital, Shen Ziqin and Chu Zhao read Chu Zhaoyu’s private letter in the carriage.

 

Chu Zhaoyu had retained his position as grand tutor, allowing him to still receive a monthly salary.

 

Shen Ziqin was delighted: “This is too kind.”

 

Chu Zhao embraced him: “You’ve made great contributions these past few years. You deserve it, meritorious official.”

 

Shen Ziqin modestly said: “It was all coincidence, just happened by chance, by chance.”

 

During these years, Chu Zhao had also made many contributions. He no longer needed to hide, and he had even developed cannons. The era was progressing rapidly, with Great Qi far ahead.

 

They could retire early because they had earned the right to do so. They had done everything they needed to do, and done it well.

 

They had not failed the world, nor the person beside their pillow.

 

Chu Zhao: “We’ll go to Taozhou to see flowers, Yuezhou to see mountains, and then where next?”

 

Shen Ziqin’s hand intertwined with his, as if already seeing the beautiful mountains and waters, though at this moment, his eyes held only the person before him.

 

“We’ll see when the time comes, whether to play elsewhere or return to the capital to stay. Either is fine.”

 

Chu Zhao smiled and held Shen Ziqin tightly: “Good.”

 

With you together, mountains and waters are beautiful to behold; when idle, returning home, anywhere is good.

 

Rivers clear and seas calm, ten thousand li of rivers and mountains to share with you, hand in hand between heaven and earth.

 

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T/N: End of main text~

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