Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Sitting on the bed in his inner chamber, gazing at the sword hanging before the curtain, Zhu Qinghou couldn’t figure it out for the life of him.

What was wrong with Li Zhen? Just a moment ago, everything was fine, and then suddenly, for no reason, he started shooing him away.

He was baffled, unable to make sense of it, and could only assume Li Zhen was simply that unpredictable.

Anyway, he, Zhu Qinghou, was magnanimous and wasn't going to bother arguing with Li Zhen.

Just as he was thinking this, Zhu Qinghou suddenly felt a wave of heat welling up inside him. It didn’t feel like warmth from the outside but rather like flames igniting from deep within.

He went still for a moment, lowered his head, looked at his chest, and suddenly realized something.

...Could it be that the Gu worm also had a mating season?

Zhu Qinghou wasn’t the type to suffer in silence. He stood up and walked toward the door. Beyond it, just a dozen or so steps away, were Li Zhen’s quarters.

He reached out, placed his hand on the door, and pushed—

It didn’t budge.

The door remained firmly shut.

Zhu Qinghou: “...”

What was the point of locking him in here?

He snorted coldly, having nothing left to say about Li Zhen, turned around, and headed toward the bed curtain, intending to lie down and sleep.

To hell with the Gu worm—he couldn’t be bothered!

As soon as he lay down, the heat intensified, coming in waves. His entire body felt as if it were placed inside an incense burner, enveloped in a relentless, suffocating heat that sapped him of all strength.

Zhu Qinghou kicked off the quilt, angrily got up, and stomped back to the door.

He reached out.

As before, it wouldn’t budge.

Enduring the blazing heat, he slowly sat down against the edge of the door, wrapped himself in his heavy cloak, rested his head on his knees, and curled up to sleep.

Perhaps because he was now closer to Li Zhen, the heat within him ebbed slightly.

Tilting his head, Zhu Qinghou maintained this awkward posture, sitting on the soft carpet. His lower back felt unsupported, and he still didn’t feel entirely comfortable.

Slowly, he got up again, his mind foggy, and shuffled toward the curtain, stopping before the long sword hanging high.

The concealed guards watching the silhouette on the window screen tensed. His Highness had ordered that if the person inside did anything harmful, they were to bring him before him immediately.

It seemed Zhu Qinghou might be about to use the sword to harm himself. They had to stop him quickly—

Inside the chamber.

Zhu Qinghou walked right past the long sword, scooped up the quilt and pillow, and returned to lie down again by the door.

The concealed guards: “...”

The next morning, as dawn broke, the chamber door slowly opened.

Zhu Qinghou was sleeping soundly when he felt the support behind him give way. He drowsily opened his eyes, his eyelashes fluttering slightly, squinting as he turned his head. His dark hair, spread across the floor, swayed gently.

Before he could clearly see who it was, he murmured groggily, “...Xian Pu?”

The daylight was dazzling, nearly blinding him. The figure stood against the light, leaning on a cane, crouched down, gently lifted his head, and a voice as cool and clear as ice pierced Zhu Qinghou’s eardrums:

“Get up.”

The young man leaning against the door was clearly still half-asleep, dazed and exceptionally docile. He rested his head in the other’s palm, and his body, wrapped in layers of quilts, leaned in as well. In a voice thick with sleep, he responded.

“...Get up? I’m not getting up.”

Perhaps at a loss, the other person crouched down, cradled his face with both hands, and said softly, “Go sleep on the bed.”

Due to the Gu worm’s mischief, Zhu Qinghou had hardly slept well all night and was still not fully awake. Instinctively, he didn’t want to move. “...The bed? I’m not going.”

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt lighter. The quilt casually draped over him was suddenly pulled tight around him, as if to cocoon him like a silkworm.

Just as Zhu Qinghou was about to struggle, he caught a whiff of the other’s cool, clean scent like snow and instinctively relaxed. He adjusted to a more comfortable sleeping position in that person’s arms, tilted his head, and prepared to sleep.

Li Zhen lowered his gaze. The person in his arms felt even more real than yesterday. Through their clothes, their skin touched, and temperature and scent were transmitted with startling clarity.

...Alive, utterly real.

He held him tighter and, from memory, walked steadily step by step toward the curtain. Reaching out with one hand, he bent down to feel for the soft bed curtain before carefully laying the person down.

As soon as Zhu Qinghou touched the bed, he fell asleep again, muttering, “...Xian Pu, it’s hot...” He reached out, trying to grab hold of Li Zhen, but just as he caught a corner of his robe, it slipped away.

He grabbed at empty air. His hand fell onto the bed. He paused, then fully woke up.

Zhu Qinghou opened his eyes, looking at the tall, slender figure leaning on a cane and walking away. Remembering the torment of the previous night, his anger flared. “Li Zhen, come here!”

The figure halted, stopping in place.

Zhu Qinghou, wrapped in the quilt, got off the bed and walked up to Li Zhen. “You...” He hesitated mid-sentence. “Can you actually...”

If he wasn’t mistaken, this Gu worm should have a shared-sensation effect. Last night, Li Zhen had sensed it before him and deliberately locked him in the chamber to keep him away.

Li Zhen had been in Yongzhou for four years. Could he have developed some hidden ailment...

Thinking this, Zhu Qinghou’s gaze slowly drifted downward. Before he could discern anything, the other person suddenly let out a cold laugh, his voice icy. “Do you think I don’t know how promiscuous you were in Yejing?”

The words were sharp and harsh, unlike anything Li Zhen would usually say.

Besides, what was so bad about being promiscuous? Who in the world wasn’t? Was one supposed to stay devoted to a single person for a lifetime?

Zhu Qinghou couldn’t be bothered to argue with Li Zhen over such trivial matters, lest it ruin his plans. He said offhandedly, “That was in the past. I’m different now.”

His tone was sincere. Anyone who didn’t know better might think he genuinely intended to reform.

The Gu worm in his chest stirred slightly. Li Zhen sensed Zhu Qinghou’s true emotions—casual, indifferent, utterly careless, without a shred of remorse.

Clearly, he was just brushing him off.

Li Zhen took a silent, deep breath, his expression blank, his tone reaching an extreme calm. “Step aside.”

A blatant rejection, disgust.

Zhu Qinghou had never in his life encountered anyone treating him like this. He ran out of patience. He took two steps back, watching as Li Zhen walked out of the chamber, and tossed back coolly, “You keep it under control. Stop letting it torment people.”

This 'it', of course, refers to the Twin Hearts.

Li Zhen said nothing and didn't hesitate for a second as he walked straight out.

Having endured a whole night and then waking up only to be on the receiving end of Li Zhen's inexplicable bad mood for no reason, Zhu Qinghou felt the other man was moody, temperamental, and completely incomprehensible. Furious, he threw a pillow at Li Zhen's retreating back.

The pillow landed at Li Zhen's feet. He paused mid-step, but did not stop.

Uncle Cui stole a cautious glance at Li Zhen's retreating back, wanting to say something. He hesitated for a long while but ultimately said nothing.

"Have someone find some medicine," Li Zhen said calmly, "to counteract the Twin Hearts."

Uncle Cui was silent for a moment, then nodded in acknowledgment.

Was this thing intended to torment Zhu Qinghou, or to torment their lord?

Uncle Cui carefully advised, "Your Highness, this medicine should not be used frequently. Overuse might backfire."

Li Zhen ignored him. He took the medicine, counted out three pills, and dry-swallowed them.

Uncle Cui watched, stunned and worried, and couldn't help but advise, "Your Highness, half a pill is sufficient..." Why start with three? Later, it'll be even harder to control.

However, Li Zhen simply tucked the medicine bottle into his sleeve, his face expressionless.

The pills inside the bottle rattled as they rolled, creating shifting shadows inside.

The swaying shadows gradually resolved into the clear image of the bird-scaring bells under the study's eaves, swaying against the snow-white sky.

This was the first time the Yongzhou officials had gathered at Prince Su's residence for policy discussions after the major reshuffling of power in Yongzhou. Even seasoned officials couldn't help but feel nervous and uneasy. As for the newly arrived officials, their faces were—

They tilted their heads in surprise, noticing that these newcomers showed little fear. Instead, they looked deeply aggrieved, each holding thick scrolls, reading and rereading them, as if expecting to be quizzed at any moment.

The veteran officials: "?"

His Highness Prince Su isn't one for quizzing people, is he?

Compared to quizzing, His Highness seems to prefer military drills and killing.

Baffled, an older official couldn't resist asking, "What are these?"

A newly appointed junior official forced a bitter smile and whispered, "This is Zhu..." He lowered his voice, not daring to utter Zhu Qinghou's name outright.

The single character "Zhu" was enough to spark wild imaginations.

An official who had seen Zhu Qinghou at the prince's night banquet showed understanding. "His Highness is so indulgent toward him. He truly is remarkably capable."

"Judging by that appearance, one could say... it's not an exaggeration."

"Gentlemen, discussing others behind their backs is not the conduct of a gentleman." A young man's voice, clear and bright, sounded light and almost laughing, but upon closer listening, it was unmistakably laced with coldness.

Everyone instinctively turned toward the sound. By the corridor pillar not far away stood a young man in red, arms crossed, a slender whip coiled around his waist, and iron armguards gleaming on his forearms.

This was—

The Little Vajra, famous throughout Sizhou?

What was he doing here?

Inside the study.

Zhu Qinghou was still pondering the matter of foreign trade. Since being rejected by Li Zhen last time, he couldn't be bothered to initiate conversation with Li Zhen and simply focused on his own thoughts.

Calculating the days, Feng Shan should also be coming to bid farewell around this time.

Just as he was feeling utterly bored, he saw the study's lattice door swing open. A group of officials, young and old, filed in. Amidst the sea of plain robes, there was a striking flash of red.

It was Feng Shan!

Zhu Qinghou only glanced briefly before quickly averting his gaze, continuing to pretend not to recognize him.

The officials all knelt to pay respects to Prince Su. The more nervous they were, the more their minds wandered uncontrollably.

That Zhu Qinghou must have already died at Prince Su's hands. Strangely enough, rumors said Feng Shan had a fiery temper and hated evil passionately. Why would he voluntarily speak up for that scoundrel Zhu Qinghou?

"Rise."

Li Zhen said calmly.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and slowly stood up. Suddenly, as they lifted their heads, they saw Zhu Qinghou—who should have been long dead—sprawled lazily in a round-backed chair, posture relaxed, not even looking at them.

Everyone: "?!"

Shouldn't he have been killed by His Highness long ago?

How was he not only alive and well, but also so composed and casual, like a pampered, lazy cat?

Zhu Qinghou had seen too many such shocked and subtle looks recently and couldn't be bothered to pay attention. He lifted his eyelids and glanced discreetly at Feng Shan.

Feng Shan cupped his hands toward Prince Su. "Your Highness, I have come this time to bid farewell."

Though he said he was bidding farewell, he didn't move an inch. Instead, he even fetched a stool for himself and sat down, looking as if he intended to stay for a long while.

Li Zhen paid him no mind. Feng Shan didn't seem to care either, showing no awareness of being snubbed, sitting there boldly and imposingly.

Perhaps because there were two outsiders present, this discussion meandered all over the place, talking about many things without ever getting to the point.

It so happened that someone mentioned the need to find ways to increase revenue to make up for the taxes previously embezzled by corrupt officials. As he spoke, he glanced at Zhu Qinghou, thinking this person truly had no shame. Hearing this, he still looked perfectly normal, showing no sign of remorse.

Quietly waiting for him to finish, Zhu Qinghou spoke up: "Yongzhou is located at the border, adjacent to the Two Weis. Why not establish trade markets beyond the pass with the Two Weis to promote the flow of silver and goods?"

Before he could finish, someone interrupted: "We are discussing governance here. How can we allow—"

Halfway through his sentence, the man felt Prince Su's icy gaze, penetrating through the white silk as if tangible. His heart chilled, and he dared not continue.

Zhu Qinghou wasn't the first to think of border trade. While the idea sounded simple, implementation was difficult. First, they had to report to the Son of Heaven, then send people beyond the pass to survey and select suitable locations to establish trade markets, and finally arrange for officials to supervise the transactions.

Each and every step was troublesome to handle.

Given Prince Su's attitude just now, clearly siding with Zhu Qinghou, the officials hesitated and did not immediately reject the proposal.

They all remained silent, resisting wordlessly. Even if His Highness intended to support Zhu Qinghou, it was likely that—

Unexpectedly.

The newly arrived officials, on one hand, genuinely believed border trade was a beneficial undertaking for the country and its people. On the other hand, they desperately hoped Zhu Qinghou would be busy pondering border trade and forget all about the policy essays they had written. They began discussing animatedly.

The veteran officials who wanted to resist through silence: "..."

Did Zhu Qinghou feed you all some kind of bewitching potion?

Even so, just conducting a survey beyond the pass was unfeasible. Once beyond Tong Pass, you were in Wei territory.

They couldn't take a large force or weapons through the pass, as it could be seen as provocation, nor could they go with a small, lightly armed party, as it would be too dangerous.

From beside them, Feng Shan, who had been silent, spoke up: "I have some time on my hands and plan to take a look beyond the pass."

By 'take a look,' he naturally meant the latter.

Riding out lightly equipped would undoubtedly be fraught with danger.

Zhu Qinghou rested his chin on his hand, glanced at Feng Shan, and genuinely didn't think he'd die.

Although the matter carried some risk, Yongzhou was not without capable people. Li Zhen was silent a moment before asking Feng Shan, "What do you want?"

After all, Feng Shan was not from Yongzhou, and everyone braced themselves for him to make outrageous demands.

Feng Shan smiled slightly. "I'd like a few words with him in private."

This "him" naturally referred to Zhu Qinghou.

A moment later.

Feng Shan led his iron-black steed, riding lightly toward the pass.

Zhu Qinghou slowly strolled back, the purple silk tie for his hair was gone, his dark locks spilling loose. He returned to Li Zhen's side.

The officials had already dispersed, leaving behind a dense pile of scrolls on border trade. Li Zhen sat alone in silence before the desk, a white silk blindfold over his eyes, as if he'd been waiting a long time.

Zhu Qinghou casually pulled out an armchair and sat down, his mind still thinking about what he'd asked Feng Shan to bring back. Out of the corner of his eye, he inadvertently noticed a medicine bottle beside Li Zhen's hand.

Li Zhen's voice was calm. "What did you ask him to bring back for you from beyond the pass?"

Zhu Qinghou remained silent.

There was no need to ask; it was obvious—it must be the antidote for the gu poison.

Li Zhen's tone was light, gentle yet cool and detached. "That day, when you saw him, the first thing you said to him," he said softly, "was 'save me,' wasn't it?"

A breeze blew, and the medicine bottle toppled over with a clatter.

It was completely empty.

Author's Note:

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Xian Pu is a jealous, love-starved baby.

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