Chapter 467 – Extra: Jiangnan’s Beauty

Chapter 467 - Extra: Jiangnan's Beauty

It was the fourth year of the new emperor's reign when Qin Wang left the capital.

He bade farewell to the new emperor at Zhengyang Palace and then traveled south to the Qin Prince's Mansion, which had been bestowed upon him by the new ruler.

He wished to reside in Jiangnan, and His Majesty had consented. It was indeed more suitable for his health to recuperate in that region.

He remains noble, yet as a prince who neither engages in politics nor marries grandly, his nobility is somewhat limited. No one interferes with him, and the Emperor bestows upon him the finest treatment without any objections from others.

He felt content.

More than a year had passed since the mourning period for his father the emperor ended, and he could now depart.

Before leaving, the First Princess wished to see him, but after much deliberation, he still declined her request.

There was no need.

It was Prince Duan who saw him off beyond the city gates. Prince Duan was now a trusted figure of the emperor, bearing numerous important roles.

He gazed at the King of Qin with a light smile. "After parting today, who knows how many years will pass before we meet again. I have nothing more to say, except to wish you smooth sailing."

"Many thanks, Third Brother," the King of Qin replied with a smile of his own.

The Duke of Duan used to be a rather perplexed individual, yet the new emperor now relies on him. And he has proven to be quite capable.

"I will return, even if not every year, it won't be for a long time without a visit," the King of Qin said, his words tinged with a hint of wistfulness.

The Duke of Duan smiled at him, simply nodding in response.

Parting from Prince Duan, Qin Wang turned back to gaze at the city walls. After the passing of his father and mother, he had gained new insights into this place.

In the carriage heading south, he gazed at the passing scenery the whole way. It had been many years since he last came this way.

"Your Highness, your estate is quite impressive. It's slightly smaller than the former palace, but the scenery is delightful," Long Cheng said with a smile.

"Indeed," King Qin sighed. "You're accompanying me on this southern journey... Your family..."

"I'm not the only son in the family," Long Cheng said nonchalantly.

"Yet, by following me, there is little prospect for your future," sighed King Qin.

"Why not? Aren't I currently the Grand Historian of the Prince's Estate? Ah, don't think too much about it. What prospects do I need? If I weren't by Your Highness's side, I'd still have no future in my life, just being a mere guard. Don't dwell on it too much," Long Cheng said with a chuckle. "The important thing is that you agree to take your medicine properly. Are those persistent coughs of yours getting better? Summer is almost here."

"I've eaten. You know well enough the state of my body," the King of Qin sighed. No matter how good everything else was, his body simply didn't cooperate.

"No need to worry. The cough will go away once we're in the south. You didn't cough much those past few years. It's just a shame that Doctor Huang is too old. But it's alright, we'll find someone better when the time comes," Long Cheng frowned.

No sooner had he mentioned his cough than the Qin king was seized by another fit.

Long Cheng hurriedly patted his back and offered him water to drink, his concern evident.

"Should we find a place to rest for a few days before continuing?" Long Cheng worried that the journey was too arduous for him.

"No, we're almost there. It's just a minor issue," the Qin King promptly declined, unwilling to delay their progress; they were already traveling at a slow pace.

"Sigh... Are you perhaps feeling a bit anxious?" Long Cheng asked. "Although the previous emperor has passed, and it's now your younger brother on the throne, it's essentially the same. As the Qin King, you've never been involved in politics. What difference does it make? He won't treat you poorly."

"I'm not anxious, it's just... the destination is unfamiliar to me, so naturally, I feel a bit uneasy. I understand that the emperor won't give me a hard time. There's no reason for him to. Not only will he not trouble me, but he'll continue to take care of me. I'm just a frail person, after all," the Qin King said with a gentle smile, shaking his head.

"By the way, I had a dream about Father last night. He was just as he always was. He smiled at me and offered me treats. Your Majesty was there, pouting and insisting that he wanted some too. So Father shared them with both of us." The King of Qin said with a touch of humor.

"Isn't that quite wonderful? His Majesty has bestowed upon you generously these past few years. While you're away from the capital, the palace in the city will be managed by the Internal Affairs Office, ready for your return to inhabit." Long Cheng smiled as well.

"Yes. That's why what I feel isn't really fear... It's more like reluctance, I suppose." Qin Wang looked at him, struggling to find the right words to express himself.

Long Cheng understood.

In truth, he has yet to fully recover from the grief of the late emperor's passing until this very day.

When the late emperor passed away, Empress Dowager was so grief-stricken that she fainted upon his body.

Prince Qin, kneeling below, likewise lost consciousness.

For a time, he was so ill that he could barely rise from bed, yet he managed to attend the late emperor's funeral despite his weakened state.

Dragon Cheng kept watch over him day and night, fearing that he might lose the will to live due to despair.

Fortunately, he did not.

He declared that even for her, he couldn't bring himself to die.

Yet Long Cheng was aware of his own guilt towards her. There were times when he thought that if he had passed away earlier, he wouldn't have held her back.

Long Cheng's heart ached; this person had received very little care throughout their life.

Their birth mother's calculations outweighed her affection, and their elder sister was often oblivious.

Their father did love them, but he had other children as well. Now, without a family or descendants, their future would be one of solitude.

Long Cheng recalled the young lad he had met back in Jiangnan, frail and pale, like an unwanted child.

At that time, he was the newly dethroned crown prince, an overlooked imperial heir.

Even a mere glance at him would stir a pang of sorrow in one's heart.

In the blink of an eye, so many years had passed.

"I've always been by your side," Long Cheng said, gently smiling as he held the other's hand.

King Qin nodded, leaning on Long Cheng. "Thankfully, you're here. I always... always think it's best to set you free. But then I can't bear to let you go."

"Don't say that. I don't want any freedom. I prefer being bound. When we arrive, take a few days to rest. I'll research the fun spots and plan our adventures. From now on, let's just enjoy eating, playing, and living comfortably. You have a substantial income, so you can support me. Tsk, look at my fate. Who else has it better than me in this life?" Long Cheng chuckled.

King Qin felt a pang of sadness but still managed a smile. He knew Long Cheng was comforting him. Surely, there were many who spoke ill of him outside. He had never allowed himself to inquire.

But even without seeking information, he knew. It was just that they had been together for so long; those past matters could no longer be mentioned. Otherwise, it would only hurt each other's hearts.

Their journey to southern China eventually came to an end, and in early summer, they arrived at King Qin's residence in the south.

Indeed, the place was well-built, and King Qin genuinely enjoyed it. Immediately, he submitted a memorial expressing his gratitude to the emperor.

This became the place where he resided the longest, for many years to come.

King Qin's trips back to the capital grew fewer, not even necessarily during the new year. He would only return for significant events.

Nonetheless, the emperor continued to treat him kindly. Occasionally, rare treasures would be sent to the south by the emperor's envoy.

Truly, he had been nurtured with favor throughout his life.

The landscapes of southern Jiangnan are exquisite, and even Qin Wang finds delight in them. This city by the river differs from his former palaces; it has its own unique charm. Long Cheng has indeed fulfilled all he had promised.

He was always coaxing those who preferred to stay indoors to venture out for hikes, temple visits, or strolls disguised as casual traders.

Seeking out picturesque spots for leisurely strolls, savoring various delicious foods, and tending to a few beloved dogs.

The Qin Estate's most substantial expenditure came from its roster of renowned chefs from across the lands.