Chapter 2 Fish Soup

Chapter 2: Fish Broth

The night of the wedding, the Crown Prince's chamber was brightly lit, with people coming and going.

There was no romantic wedding night; both the doorway and the interior were guarded by saber-bearing guards dressed in black with golden boots. They stood as straight as drawn arrows, an aura of stern lethality filling the air.

Xiao Yunlang sat with a cold expression by the table, slowly polishing his blade, while the imperial physician was taking Jiang Yanzhou's pulse.

One of the Crown Prince's advisors, Liu Hexuan—Xiao Yunlang's trusted confidant—approached the bed with his sleeves tucked, looking down at Jiang Yanzhou.

Skin like creamy jade, a face as lovely as peach blossoms under moonlight.

Liu Hexuan sighed, "What a perfect beauty trap."

Xiao Yunlang continued polishing his blade without pause.

The imperial physician withdrew his hand from the pulse diagnosis and reported, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess appears to have been born with a weak constitution, frail and prone to illness. He cannot endure exhaustion. Coupled with recent anxiety, fright, and a chill he caught, he coughed up blood."

"Fortunately, there is no fever. This old minister will prescribe a formula. If he takes the medicine on time and rests for a couple of days, this chill will pass."

The chill may pass, but the innate frailty from birth remains. That wasn't just coughing blood—it was like a silver vase shattering, splattering blood everywhere.

Frightened? Who frightened him? Me?

Xiao Yunlang wiped the sharp blade: That old fox Jiang Linque, did he really pick such a half-dead pawn to plant as a spy?

With that physique, can he even serve the Jiang clan?

Liu Hexuan returned to the table, as if he understood what Xiao Yunlang was thinking. He poured himself a cup of tea and said leisurely, "I think this choice is quite clever—peerless beauty, coupled with a delicate, frail appearance that evokes pity. If he also has some wit..."

He would truly be a top-notch spy, one in a hundred.

Liu Hexuan took a sip of tea, leaving the rest unsaid.

Xiao Yunlang sneered softly, "A pity."

Too bad looks mean nothing to him. Even the most beautiful person is merely a pretty face over bones, nothing but a layer of skin. No matter how stunning a demon or monster may look, it cannot hide the poison in its heart, liver, spleen, and lungs.

A beauty trap is useless; Xiao Yunlang could never fall in love with Jiang Yanzhou.

Xiao Yunlang was shown no love in his childhood and grew up distrusting emotions.

His birth mother died early, and the emperor was a cold-hearted man who paid him no attention. If not for the nursemaid who raised him, who had formed good connections earlier and begged a teacher for him, Xiao Yunlang might have starved to death in the cold palace without even a glance from the emperor.

And now, he has been made a target, thrown into this bloody struggle.

At this critical moment, was the emperor appointing an heir because he had a change of heart and wanted to care for his son?

No.

He is a pawn, a shield.

Xiao Yunlang had no interest in the throne or the empire before, but the emperor forced him into this, cutting off his retreat. So why shouldn't he fight?

He will not only fight for survival but also... ascend the crimson steps, reach the highest heavens.

The blade flashed with a cold gleam, reflecting his icy eyes. Amidst these treacherous waves, Xiao Yunlang would not entrust his true heart to anyone.

The imperial physician, being elderly, spoke slowly, "As for the Crown Princess's health, this old man observes... I'm afraid he may not live to see his coming-of-age ceremony."

Xiao Yunlang's blade-wiping motion abruptly stopped.

The physician stood up and bowed to Xiao Yunlang, "This old man is incompetent. Please punish me, Your Highness."

His medical skills were actually quite decent; he detected the abnormality in Jiang Yanzhou's constitution but attributed it to congenital illness, failing to diagnose the poisoning.

Xiao Yunlang suddenly sheathed the cleaned blade, the metal humming, "You've worked hard, Physician. When reporting to His Majesty, speak the truth. You may leave."

The old physician bowed even lower and retreated, "Yes."

When the prince's residence was converted into the Crown Prince's residence, the emperor provided extra servants and two more imperial physicians—all of them the emperor's spies.

Now, some have been cleared out, while others have switched allegiance. For instance, although the physician still reports to the emperor, he has become Xiao Yunlang's man.

"Go report to the palace: the Crown Princess has caught a chill and cannot pay respects in the palace tomorrow."

A black-clad guard beside Xiao Yunlang acknowledged the order. Before turning to leave, Liu Hexuan reminded him, "Remember to phrase it tactfully."

The guard looked at Xiao Yunlang.

Liu Hexuan also looked at Xiao Yunlang.

Candlelight cast deep shadows on Xiao Yunlang's face. His shoulders were rigid and cold, and he remained silent.

Ever since the marriage was decreed, Xiao Yunlang had shown no goodwill toward the emperor.

His confrontations with the emperor were nothing new. After all, everyone is a pawn—even the emperor. Now that the emperor must rely on him, Xiao Yunlang is not afraid of offending His Majesty.

Liu Hexuan softened his voice to persuade, "We have almost no one in the palace. There's no need to offend the eunuchs who deliver messages for the emperor."

Caught in the game, one must strategize.

Some eunuchs might prove useful in the future.

Xiao Yunlang finally nodded, signaling his acquiescence. The guard immediately acknowledged the order and left.

Liu Hexuan knew his master would ultimately make the advantageous choice. As an advisor, he had many concerns: "Now that you've seen him, what are Your Highness's plans?"

"Him" referred to Jiang Yanzhou.

It was a consensus within the residence that Jiang Yanzhou must not come to harm in the Crown Prince's residence. If anything happened to him, Xiao Yunlang would be the first to face the storm.

This year, eight counties in two northern provinces were stricken by disaster. The first batch of relief grain had been distributed, but it was insufficient. The northern garrison's provisions relied entirely on court supplies, which was also a major expense. The court had enough funds but lacked grain.

After calculating the surplus grain from thirteen provinces, the subsequent grain would best be borrowed from Ningzhou and Cangzhou to avoid affecting the livelihoods of local people.

Unfortunately, Ningzhou was the Jiang family's hometown, while the Shangguan family dominated Cangzhou. The Shangguan family was also connected to the Jiang family by marriage—they were in cahoots.

To ensure smooth disaster relief, they could not avoid dealing with the Jiang family this time.

The emperor needed grain, so Chancellor Jiang Linque seized the opportunity to request His Majesty to decree a marriage between the Crown Prince and his son. This was both a transaction and a threat.

An open scheme.

The aristocratic families were deeply rooted in the court and the country, restricting the emperor at every turn. For the sake of the nation's stability, he had no choice but to endure.

Otherwise, he would never have wanted the Crown Prince he had established to have any ties with the aristocratic families.

Forced into this political marriage, though displeased, Xiao Yunlang did not resist the decree for the sake of the disaster victims in the northern provinces.

In the end, it's because the emperor is useless, which is why he never misses a chance to jab at His Majesty.

Jiang Yanzhou is a pawn caught in the crossfire of the factions' power struggles, currently embroiled in court politics. The emperor and the Jiang family may later use him against Xiao Yunlang, but definitely not now.

Does Jiang Yanzhou know he won't live long?

Could that old dog Jiang be plotting to have his son die in his own residence someday?

Xiao Yunlang tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "Have the Young Miracle Doctor check him out when he gets back. Jiang Yanzhou cannot die for now. As for the rest, proceed as planned."

They had already discussed it earlier: Jiang Yanzhou is the Jiang family's spy. Even if he is neglected in the rear courtyard, he will undoubtedly try every means to snoop around. Rather than letting him stir up trouble behind our backs, it's better to keep him close where we can watch him.

Liu Hexuan: "If only we could get some Jiang family intel from him."

Xiao Yunlang: "That depends on whether he's clever or an idiot."

The information they have gathered about the Jiang family's second young master is scarce. They only know that this person has been sick in bed for years, never leaves the house, and what he's capable of is a complete mystery.

It's not that our people are incompetent; it's simply that Jiang Yanzhou has almost no contact with the outside world. Otherwise, with a face like his, if he went out a couple of times, he'd be a shoo-in for the title of the capital's most handsome man.

From the whispers of a few Jiang household servants, it is inferred that Jiang Yanzhou has a nasty temper, quick to beat and curse at the servants, making people fear him.

Outsiders also have no way of knowing what the deal is between Chancellor Jiang and this legitimate second son really is. After all, Jiang Linque is ruthless enough to sacrifice even himself. As the son who was married off, Jiang Yanzhou may not dare to resent him.

"I've heard that Jiang Linque dotes on the eldest young master, but there was an incident years ago where he almost broke the eldest young master's leg. He doesn't want his sons to be idle rich men; they must be able to steer the Jiang family ship," Liu Hexuan said amidst the fragrant steam of tea. "So let's see whether this second young master, hidden away for so long, is an uncut gem or rotten wood."

Xiao Yunlang snorted coldly: "They're all birds of a feather anyway."

He picked up the golden wedding flagon containing the ceremonial wine. Clear, cold wine poured from the spout, washing over the bloodstains on the table. The Crown Prince's eyes were as cold as frost.

"I will clean them all out."

*

When Jiang Yanzhou woke up, he felt dazed and groggy. It took great effort to slowly open his eyes.

A bitter taste lingered in his mouth. He stared blankly at the unfamiliar bed curtains, not fully awake yet, bits and pieces of apocryphal stories flashing through his mind.

In official history, Xiao Yunlang's temperament is described as excellent, unattainable by ordinary folks.

There is an apocryphal tale that says Xiao Yunlang's temper is actually not very good.

Xiao Yunlang's handsome but frosty face flashed before Jiang Yanzhou's eyes again.

In the past, he dismissed unofficial histories that slandered Emperor Wu. Now it seems that out of a hundred statements, there might still be one that holds a grain of truth.

Wait...

After a long while, Jiang Yanzhou finally regained his senses and realized what had happened.

Xiao Yunlang—he saw Xiao Yunlang!

Jiang Yanzhou instantly became fully awake, hurriedly trying to sit up. But his limbs were weak, and he fell back, seeing stars.

...Being sick is really too troublesome.

He swallowed painfully, his throat sore. An emotionless voice came to his ears: "Awake?"

Jiang Yanzhou was startled, slowly turning his head. Within his sight, he saw Xiao Yunlang by the table.

All the wedding decorations were gone from the room. Xiao Yunlang had changed out of his wedding attire, now wearing a dark-colored robe, looking majestic and imposing. He looked back at Jiang Yanzhou with indifference.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Jiang Yanzhou struggled again to get up. An attendant helped him sit up, leaning against the headboard. Jiang Yanzhou felt weak and limp, truly lacking the strength to get out of bed. He raised his hand and managed a salute: "I pay my respects to Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

Xiao Yunlang did not respond.

But Jiang Yanzhou didn't need the Crown Prince to excuse him from the formalities. He lifted his head himself and stared directly at Xiao Yunlang again.

He stared so intently that Xiao Yunlang's hand on the table involuntarily clenched into a fist.

He had wanted to say it yesterday: Jiang Yanzhou's eyes just wouldn't leave him. What's the matter? Is he three-headed and six-armed or a deity descended to earth, so extraordinary to look at?

Xiao Yunlang already disliked the parasitic nobles who were ignorant of the people's hardships. Jiang Yanzhou was raised by the Jiang family in a nest of luxury, sustained by the people's hard-earned wealth. Coupled with his identity as a spy, everything about him grated on Xiao Yunlang's nerves.

Xiao Yunlang's expression grew even colder, dark as ink.

Seeing the clear dislike in Xiao Yunlang's expression, Jiang Yanzhou didn't feel upset at all—because wasn't that only natural?

His current identity is that of a powerful minister's spy sent to monitor Xiao Yunlang. It's only natural for Xiao Yunlang to be wary and dislike "Jiang Yanzhou."

Xiao Yunlang didn't rush to speak. An attendant brought a bowl of fish soup to Jiang Yanzhou: "Your Highness is awake. You caught a chill and have a cold. You've had one dose of medicine, and you seem much better now. You need to eat something at the moment."

Your Highness?

Oh, Jiang Yanzhou slowly blinked. Right, I am now the Crown Princess, also a Highness.

The person attending to him wasn't the servant he brought from the Jiang family. Jiang Yanzhou didn't ask where they had gone. Seeing the attendant about to feed him, he hurriedly said: "I'll do it myself."

He still had the strength to hold a spoon.

Hearing this, the attendant was slightly surprised, and even Xiao Yunlang glanced over slightly.

Shouldn't he have a terrible temper, arrogantly waiting to be fed?

Was he putting on an act in the Crown Prince's residence first?

Jiang Yanzhou had no idea about Young Master Jiang's true personality and took the spoon.

He was starving, past the point of hunger. The body creates the illusion that discomfort has lessened. Jiang Yanzhou decided that after eating, he would have a good talk with Xiao Yunlang.

Although his identity is dangerous, there is still a chance to stay peacefully.

Jiang Yanzhou really wanted to witness Xiao Yunlang's magnificent life firsthand. He had thought it over: although historical records might differ slightly regarding Xiao Yunlang's appearance and temperament, his achievements are undoubtedly real.

So Jiang Yanzhou forcibly stabilized his crumbling idealized image.

If the talk goes well, he can continue to admire the monarch's efforts to restore the realm. If it doesn't go well... that's fine too.

Whatever ending is bestowed upon him, he has already seen Xiao Yunlang—I've broken even.

Jiang Yanzhou was open-minded and had a good attitude. He picked up the spoon, scooped a mouthful of fish soup, and sent it into his mouth. Instantly, his eyes widened.

This seemingly ordinary bowl of soup was unexpectedly extraordinarily delicious!

The thick soup was smooth and velvety on the tongue. The tender white fish meat melted with a gentle press, awakening his numb taste buds.

Sweet and refreshing, so savory it made his tongue tremble. It slid warmly down his sore, dry throat, leaving a lingering fragrance in his mouth, with an endless aftertaste.

Xiao Yunlang saw Jiang Yanzhou's eyes light up after taking a sip of the soup. A bit of vitality returned to his previously lifeless face, like a limp rabbit suddenly perking up its ears.

Although Jiang Yanzhou's subsequent actions weren't hurried, eating small spoonfuls slowly, his eyes seemed to speak, overflowing with joy.

Xiao Yunlang had endured hunger and cold in the disgraced consorts' quarters (cold palace) as a child. As an adult, whenever possible, he never skimped on comforts for himself or his subordinates in food, clothing, shelter, or travel. The chefs in his residence were exceptionally skilled.

But what could a top-tier scion of nobility like him not have seen? How could a mere bowl of broth make him secretly happy, as if he had encountered a delicacy he had never tasted before?

Jiang Yanzhou’s expression didn’t change much, but a morning light danced in his eyes. Whether it was an illusion or not, Xiao Yunlang felt as if little happy flowers were practically floating in the air around him.

A flicker of surprise broke through Xiao Yunlang’s icy demeanor.

He couldn’t understand it.

Wasn’t Jiang Yanzhou said to have a bad temper and be difficult to serve?

How could a bowl of fish soup satisfy him to this extent?

What, did the Jiang family not even feed him?