Chapter 5 You Can Get Lost

Chapter 5: You Are Dismissed

Jiang Yanzhou, who had been squirming under the covers, went still and slightly furrowed his elegant brows.

Compared to death, he feared pain more.

If Xiao Yunlang didn’t need him to pass false information to the Jiang residence for the time being, then he could only make up some inconsequential things each month.

To show he was diligently monitoring the Crown Prince, but just hadn't managed to uncover anything.

The Crown Prince was just too clever; it wasn't his failing.

But if Chancellor Jiang didn’t receive useful intelligence and refused to give him the antidote...

Jiang Yanzhou tightened his grip on the quilt.

Well then... he'd just have to try it and see. What if the attack wasn't as bad as they said? What if he could endure it?

*Ten thousand ants gnawing at the heart*—it sounded like a scare tactic, frightening people before the poison even took effect.

Jiang Yanzhou took a slow breath and peeked out from under the covers, his face still sickly pale.

Most people feared death; he did not. But what most people didn’t fear, he did.

Besides pain, he was also afraid of thunder at night.

The rain outside was still clamoring, but the thunder had stopped early. Fortunately, it was daytime. If it had been at night, with every clap of thunder, Jiang Yanzhou would have trembled.

This was a holdover from the past.

Back in his junior high days, after that bullying incident, the host family he was living with not only berated him but also locked him outside the door for an entire night.

Jiang Yanzhou sat in the hallway by the entrance, lightning tearing through the sky, silver flashes illuminating the darkness. It was hard to say which was paler—the lightning or his face.

The furious thunder crashed as if some colossal beast were bearing down on him, bellowing as it came to crush him.

No matter how mature he was for his age, little Yanzhou was still just a child. What shattered him wasn’t just the thunder, but also the bewilderment of being alone and homeless.

He was like a tiny boat adrift, battered by wind and rain, going wherever the currents took him.

In extreme panic, little Yanzhou hugged his arms, trembling like a leaf, unable to even cry out.

After enduring that night, Jiang Yanzhou was left with a lasting fear of thunder at night.

Now that he had traveled through time, he had his own room, wore silks and satins, and ate delicacies. Even a casually broken cup in his room was worth more than he had been in his former life.

Although this wasn’t his home either, and he was still frail and could lose his life at any moment, at least he had a roof over his head—much better than sleeping on a sofa.

And he was so close to Xiao Yunlang.

Could there be anything luckier in the world?

No!

So whether it was poison or illness, neither was the main point. He’d just go with the flow.

Jiang Yanzhou was easygoing. Thinking this, he drifted off to sleep again. When Feng Lan entered the room with tea and snacks, he saw a peaceful sleeping face.

He lay like a beauty in a warm dream of pear blossoms, his silver hair streaming across the pillow like a curtain.

Having followed the Crown Prince in the capital, Feng Lan had seen countless beauties of all kinds. Not to mention distant ones, His Highness the Crown Prince himself was an exceptionally handsome young man.

But someone with Jiang Yanzhou’s looks was truly one of a kind.

Even Feng Lan couldn’t help but be momentarily dazzled.

...Jiang Yanzhou’s face made one instinctively move more gently, as if being too loud might somehow harm him.

“Lord Feng,” a servant called to him.

Feng Lan: “Hmm?”

“The two Jiang family footmen have been released from the woodshed. They’re crying and begging to see Young Master Jiang.”

Feng Lan, a martial man, was direct: “No. Young Master Jiang is asleep. If he wishes to see them, he’ll summon them after waking up.”

“You are to keep an eye on those two. If there’s any unusual movement, report directly to the North Courtyard.”

The North Courtyard was the Crown Prince’s residence.

The servant: “Yes.”

Feng Lan glanced back at the closed door. His Highness posting him here showed he both mistrusted and valued Jiang Yanzhou for the time being.

He sighed.

With such a member of the Jiang family arriving, who knew if it was a blessing or a curse.

*

The court was turbulent and treacherous, with restless hearts everywhere. Yet, in Yan Gui Xuan, which had just welcomed the Crown Princess, time passed peacefully.

Jiang Yanzhou hadn’t seen Xiao Yunlang for three days.

The coughing up of blood on the wedding night seemed frightening, but by the evening of the next day, he was already able to get out of bed.

The old imperial physician was truly skilled. The medicine was bitter, but effective.

Jiang Yanzhou wrapped himself in thick clothing of flowing brocade—the finest material from the capital’s Thousand Threads Workshop, the product of a top embroideress's three months of painstaking work. As the long hem swayed, it rippled with a shifting light, the snow-white crane feathers so lifelike they seemed ready to take flight.

A delicate belt cinched his waist, woven with golden threads and floral patterns, completing the splendid attire of the exquisite Little Young Master Jiang, who resembled polished jade and pearls.

The servants of the Crown Prince’s residence who saw him for the first time were all captivated; some even blushed, hastily lowering their heads, not daring to be disrespectful.

In sapphire-blue wide sleeves, Jiang Yanzhou felt somewhat troubled.

He wasn’t used to being dressed by others, but these clothes were too intricate to manage on his own.

The clothes were truly beautiful. He didn’t know what fabric they were made of, but he found them stunning—and undoubtedly very expensive.

So expensive that Jiang Yanzhou walked carefully, afraid of getting the clothes dirty.

And then there was his hair. Ancient hair accessories were unimaginably numerous, as well as exquisitely crafted and luxurious.

The attendants were incredibly skilled. Jiang Yanzhou only saw in the mirror how they picked a strand here, twisted a section there, and in the blink of an eye, styled his hair into a seemingly simple yet intricately elegant hairdo.

He didn’t know how they did it, but they wove silver ribbons adorned with pearls into his hair, letting the beads cascade smoothly along his strands to rest on his shoulders.

The pearls shimmered brilliantly, like scattered stars nestled in his raven-black hair, radiant and captivating.

The weather was fine today, so Jiang Yanzhou decided to go into the courtyard to bask in the sun.

Now that the marital ties were official, it was customary to present themselves at the palace to pay respects and for the bride's return visit. However, since Xiao Yunlang did not bring it up, Jiang Yanzhou did not ask.

The Crown Prince surely had his own arrangements.

When he was still bedridden, Jiang Yanzhou could only chat with Feng Lan in his room, hoping to learn more about the current Xiao Yunlang from him.

But Feng Lan was a subordinate, tight-lipped, and Jiang Yanzhou's current status and situation were delicate. Feng Lan merely said, "There are some rumors in the capital claiming the Crown Prince is cruel and tyrannical, that he killed indiscriminately in the army, sparing neither friend nor foe. But those are all slanders spread by the noble families—baseless and utterly untrustworthy."

Jiang Yanzhou nodded. Indeed, wasn't Xiao Yunlang just a bit stern-faced, stubborn-tempered, and blunt-spoken?

Other than that, there were no issues.

He absolutely couldn't be the type to kill on sight; otherwise, how could he have so many loyal ministers and generals under him who lived to a ripe old age?

Beyond that, Feng Lan said no more.

Today, finally able to leave his room, Jiang Yanzhou decided to practice calligraphy in the sun.

Feng Lan promptly set up ink, brush, paper, and inkstone on the stone table in the courtyard, lit incense, and prepared a small side table with tea and snacks.

Young masters from wealthy families didn't just write characters—they pursued elegance. Some were quite particular, so Feng Lan was meticulous, fearing any lapse in service.

As the fine pine-soot ink was ground, its subtle fragrance blended with the faint smoke from the distant incense burner. The smooth ink spread across the inkstone, and the seemingly plain surface unexpectedly revealed a blooming lotus pattern—a craftsmanship so exquisite it seemed divinely made.

It was often said that the luxuries available to the wealthy in ancient times were beyond imagination, and Jiang Yanzhou was gradually gaining such insights.

Jiang Yanzhou politely said to Feng Lan, "Thank you."

Feng Lan cupped his hands and stepped aside. "You honor me, Young Master."

Initially, the information they had received suggested Jiang Yanzhou was moody and unpredictable. But after a few days, Feng Lan felt he had never encountered anyone easier to serve than the Second Young Master Jiang.

He was unfussy about food, clothing, or daily necessities. If servants made accidental mistakes, Jiang Yanzhou simply pretended not to notice.

Moreover, he often thanked people, just as he had moments ago.

Feng Lan had grown from initial surprise to gradual acceptance.

Standing respectfully to the side, he watched as Young Master Jiang, with his graceful bearing and ethereal movements, picked up the brush and began to write. Such an elegant, refined person surely must write characters that were—

Feng Lan watched expectantly as the characters took shape on the white paper.

Not too big, not too small; where strokes should be thick, they were thick; where they should be fine, they were also thick. All strokes lacked any sense of brushwork, clumping together into a messy blur, completely illegible.

Feng Lan: "..."

He glanced at Jiang Yanzhou's celestial beauty, then looked down at the dark, inky mess on the paper.

Feng Lan closed his eyes, then opened them again—

He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Even if he stared a hole through the paper, that blotchy ink stain wasn't going to transform into soaring, elegant script.

He had been ready to offer praise!

Given the circumstances, he was at a loss for words—truly unable to muster any compliment.

Jiang Yanzhou held the purple-haired brush, his expression unchanged, and wrote another character. This time, it was quite large. Though still mediocre, at least one could tell what character it was.

Feng Lan found a fitting description: Young Master Jiang's brushwork was about on par with a child just learning to write!

Feng Lan was incredulous.

Although that old scoundrel Jiang Linque was no decent human being in court, he was well-read, wrote excellent essays, and placed great emphasis on his children's education—as evident from the eldest son, the Vice Minister of Revenue.

So how had it come to this with Little Young Master Jiang, who couldn't even write a proper character?

Could it be that the Jiang family not only mistreated Jiang Yanzhou daily but also denied him schooling?

Jiang Yanzhou calmly regarded his own writing.

His hard-tip penmanship was excellent, quite presentable, but he had genuinely never learned brush calligraphy. Knowing how to hold the brush was an achievement in itself.

The control of brush-tip pressure and ink flow—as a complete novice, he truly couldn't manage it. His brushwork resembled that of an ancient toddler, utterly appalling.

But it didn't matter. Given time, he was sure he could master it!

Jiang Yanzhou wasn't at all afraid others might realize he wasn't the original Second Young Master Jiang. His handwriting alone, if seen by the two Jiang family servants, would reveal something was amiss.

Unfortunately, they couldn't get close to Jiang Yanzhou now.

Jiang Yanzhou picked up the brush again.

When Xiao Yunlang stepped into the courtyard, this was the scene he encountered: the radiant young master was elegantly wielding his brush, while Feng Lan stared at the paper, his eyes filled with shock and grave concern.

That expression immediately put Xiao Yunlang on alert as well.

What had Jiang Yanzhou written that could make Feng Lan look as if facing a formidable enemy?

Jiang Yanzhou had just shown goodwill toward the Crown Prince's residence. According to servants' reports, he hadn't deliberately made things difficult for them. Could it be that after just a few days, his true nature had emerged, and he could no longer keep up the act?

Xiao Yunlang raised a hand, signaling those following him to halt. He approached personally, determined to see what trick Jiang Yanzhou was playing—

Xiao Yunlang looked down and saw the characters on the paper.

A large sheet, with a central blob... ink? A character? In the upper right corner, a large "Zhou"; in the lower left, a large "Lang".

The horizontal strokes were indeed horizontal; the vertical strokes were indeed vertical.

This brushwork, this chaotic arrangement—even a three-year-old wouldn't do it like this.

Xiao Yunlang: "..."

Trained in martial arts, he could walk silently when focusing. Jiang Yanzhou only noticed his approach now, startled, nearly splattering ink from his brush tip.

Xiao Yunlang's eyelid twitched, recalling the blood Jiang Yanzhou had sprayed on him on their wedding night. He immediately sidestepped, avoiding ink splatters on his clothes.

Jiang Yanzhou hurriedly set down the brush and bowed. "Your Highness."

All manner of speculations about Jiang family conspiracies and schemes abruptly dissipated. The Crown Prince, accomplished in both civil and military arts, simply wanted to ask: What is this calligraphy of yours?

It didn't seem like weak strokes due to illness and frailty either.

The legitimate son of the current Prime Minister, unable to write a decent character—who would believe it if told?

Like Feng Lan, Xiao Yunlang instantly imagined various hidden shadows and mistreatment within the Jiang family's inner quarters. However, he had other pressing matters at hand and could only bury his questions for now.

With a complex expression, Xiao Yunlang acknowledged Jiang Yanzhou. After signaling his attendants to approach, his demeanor had already reassumed its cold, stern composure.

"The palace has sent someone to inquire about your illness. His Majesty has granted you medicine twice. Previously, you were unable to rise and receive visitors, so I had someone accept it on your behalf in the courtyard. Today's visitor is a eunuch in the Empress's service."

A slightly plump eunuch, wearing the blue court robe of an inner palace official with a leather belt at his waist, was carrying gifts. His rank badge featured a python embroidery, indicating he was currently in the emperor's high favor.

At first glance, he appeared kind and amiable, but his old eyes were sharp. He stood respectfully five steps away, smiling as he bowed. "This servant is Huaiquan, paying respects to the Crown Princess. Long live the Crown Princess."

"Nowadays, everyone sings of the looks of Wei Lang and Pan Lang, but they are merely ordinary mortals. This old servant is fortunate to have witnessed Your Highness's grace and finally understands what it means to be an immortal!"

Wei Lang and Pan Lang were both men renowned for their good looks during the Qi Dynasty. The old eunuch kept his head lowered, his demeanor humble, his flattery skillfully delivered like a breath of fresh air.

Jiang Yanzhou was first stunned upon seeing a real eunuch, then snapped out of his historical musings, understanding Xiao Yunlang's intention in allowing this person to see him.

The current Empress's surname is Jiang, hailing from the Jiang family. She is a cousin of Chancellor Jiang.

In the Qi Dynasty, high-ranking positions in the imperial harem were often held by noblewomen from prominent families. Together with their maternal relatives, they vied for power in the court, sharing glory and loss alike. Consequently, the struggles within the harem were exceptionally fierce.

They contended not for the emperor's favor, but for power. In the struggle for power, schemes were hatched over piles of bones.

It wasn't until Emperor Wu ended the chaos—Xiao Yunlang simply refused to establish a harem, cutting off all such ambitions at the root.

Xiao Yunlang wanted to test his attitude in front of the Jiang family.

Having understood this, Jiang Yanzhou nodded. "You flatter me, Eunuch."

Huaiquan: "The Empress heard you were ill and has been deeply concerned. She specially ordered this old servant to deliver high-grade medicinal ingredients. Now that Your Highness can rise and your complexion is improving, that is most fortunate."

He handed the herbs to the guards of the residence, then gave a flick of his horsetail whisk. "If Your Highness could allow Her Majesty to see you sometime, she could set her mind at rest."

Jiang Yanzhou had previously read about various intense struggles in history books. Now, facing such veiled challenges himself and being in the midst of it, he could better feel the pressure.

Everyone here was shrewd. Even a simple question like "When exactly will you enter the palace to pay respects?" could be phrased with countless twists and turns. Both the Crown Prince's residence and Empress Jiang's faction were watching him intently, waiting for his response.

A single wrong word in his answer, and he would have a hard time explaining to Empress Jiang's side.

Fortunately, Jiang Yanzhou had no intention of giving the Jiang family any explanation.

Huaiquan's words were respectful, but his eyes held arrogance and certainty.

All this talk about the Crown Princess being gravely ill—he knew it was surely the Crown Prince preventing Jiang Yanzhou from entering the palace.

Now that this person could stand properly and he had seen him, let's see how Xiao Yunlang intended to stop him further.

Sure of himself, Huaiquan spoke softly yet pressingly: "Your Highness—"

"Your Highness." Jiang Yanzhou ignored Huaiquan and directly asked Xiao Yunlang, "Am I considered well now?"

The interrupted Huaiquan: "..."

The old eunuch raised his slanted eyes in astonishment!

What did the Crown Princess mean by this? Was he mocking Xiao Yunlang for confining him, or...?

Xiao Yunlang also hadn't expected Jiang Yanzhou to ask him so directly in front of Huaiquan and couldn't help but laugh aloud.

Jiang Yanzhou remained as startlingly forthright as ever.

He asked with interest, "What if I say you're not recovered?"

Jiang Yanzhou obligingly replied: "Then I cannot go for others to see."

He looked perfectly compliant.

Huaiquan's expression changed abruptly.

...Such a docile attitude, whether coerced or not, was essentially a direct slap in his face, courtesy of the Crown Prince.

His face represented the face of Empress Jiang and the Jiang family.

Xiao Yunlang took in Huaiquan's expression, feeling rather pleased. "The imperial physician said you have mostly recovered, so naturally you can go out. Attendants—"

"Send a request to the palace. Inform them that the Crown Princess's health has improved. Tomorrow, he will accompany me to enter the palace and pay respects according to protocol."

"Huaiquan," Xiao Yunlang said leisurely, "You've heard. Now get out."