HXC Chapter37

With the ice and snow melting on the coldest day, the new year was joyfully welcomed.

 

As the year’s end approached, the emperor hosted a banquet in the palace for his court officials. All officials of the fifth rank and above could bring their family members who held a title. Before dawn, Ji An was already waiting outside the main chamber to help Ji Zhen get ready, but as the hour drew near, there was still no movement inside.

 

It was common for his young master to sleep in, but how could even the usually self-disciplined Lord Shen not be up?

 

Just as Ji An was about to muster the courage to knock, the carved wooden door opened from the inside. Shen Yanqing was only wearing an outer robe and looked like he had just woken up. He slightly moved to the side to let him pass.

 

“Lord Shen.”

 

Ji An greeted him respectfully and entered with his head lowered.

 

Fine snowflakes were drifting outside, but the room was warm and cozy. Hearing the sound, Ji Zhen groggily peeked out from under the covers, his face flushed from being muffled. Ji An thought it would take some effort to get Ji Zhen out of bed, but as soon as he put down the hot water for washing, he saw Ji Zhen slowly fumbling for his shoes.

 

Shen Yanqing never needed servants to attend to his morning routine and used to look down on Ji Zhen’s delicate behavior of needing help even to dress and comb his hair. Now, he inexplicably felt that the Shen Mansion didn’t necessarily need to be frugal in all matters. Just supporting one Ji Zhen, how much labor and resources could that possibly consume?

 

After they were finished with his morning routine, Ji An was tying Ji Zhen’s waist sash and muttering with concern, “Young Master has gotten so thin…”

 

In the past half-month, Ji Zhen had indeed lost a lot of weight. His previously well-proportioned figure had become slender, especially his waist, which was so thin it was difficult to hold.

 

A fragile body cannot shoulder burdens; a thin figure can hardly endure the steps of the dance. Before spring arrives, the new willow branches appear.

 

Ji Zhen sensed Shen Yanqing’s gaze and raised his eyes in confusion. Shen Yanqing was wearing a jade crown and a cloud-brocade, ink-fish wide-sleeved robe, as elegant and graceful as ever. Afraid to lose his focus, Ji Zhen only took a quick glance and then lowered his head to look at his own light purple and white round-collared robe. He didn’t know when his clothes had become so simple and elegant.

 

He used to love complicated and luxurious things.

 

Ji An rummaged around, putting a sachet on his waist, and then wanted to add some jewels and jade. Ji Zhen raised his hand to stop him. “This is enough.”

 

He thought of his elder brother standing at the city gate in rough, thin clothes; how could he happily wear gold and silver?

 

Shen Yanqing suddenly stepped forward and took the purple jade pendant from Ji An’s hand, and tied it onto Ji Zhen’s waist sash without a word. This intimate gesture made it seem as if they were a harmonious couple.

 

Ji Zhen pursed his lips, not knowing what Shen Yanqing meant, but he didn’t stop him.

 

Just as the jade was fastened, the elderly couple of the Shen family, who were already in the carriage outside the mansion, sent a servant to rush them. The two of them then left the main courtyard.

 

The Shen elders were dressed in their formal attire, sitting prim and proper. When Ji Zhen got into the carriage, he voluntarily sat in the innermost seat. After Shen Yanqing was seated, the group headed straight for the palace walls.

 

Because Shen Yanqing had chosen the right faction and had recently been promoted, the Shen family’s prestige had temporarily risen. Although Mother Shen didn’t have a title, she was still able to attend the palace banquet. With Shen Yanqing’s career looking so promising, she was genuinely delighted and, for once, was more talkative than usual.

 

Father Shen talked with her, and Shen Yanqing occasionally replied, but Ji Zhen sat in silence, as if he were just along for the ride. By all accounts, Ji Zhen shouldn’t have been there, and he also didn’t want to appear in public after the downfall of the Ji family to be criticized, but since Shen Yanqing had stated he was going to take him, Ji Zhen couldn’t refuse, and he also didn’t want to argue much about it.

 

Ji Zhen paid no attention to the Shen family’s words; he only toyed with his fingers, feeling a bit dazed.

 

The carriage bumped, and his body tilted toward Shen Yanqing. Shen Yanqing was about to reach out his hand to support him, but Ji Zhen caught hold of the window frame first, his touch merely grazing Shen Yanqing’s shoulder before he steadied himself.

 

Shen Yanqing’s hand stopped in mid-air for a moment and then fell back as if nothing had happened.

 

The Shen parents naturally saw this and exchanged a look of surprise.

 

Ji Zhen was completely unaware of the small stir his action had caused and sat up properly again. He was so well-behaved and considerate that Shen Yanqing, who always criticized him for not being disciplined, should have felt relieved, but for some reason, he felt inexplicably annoyed.

 

But with his parents present, Shen Yanqing remained outwardly calm, only half-closing his empty palm.

 

An hour later, the four of them entered the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests under the guidance of a palace eunuch. The officials in the hall were enthusiastically greeting each other. When the Shen father and son appeared, many colleagues also came to talk to them.

 

Mother Shen went to the women’s section, and Ji Zhen followed beside Shen Yanqing. His identity was now special; even if he said nothing, he drew many scrutinizing glances. In front of the Shen father and son, the officials were still relatively polite. Ji Zhen looked around and, seeing no sign of his father or elder brother, who had always protected him, he felt a prickle of unease on his back.

 

After they were seated, Ji Zhen had no appetite for the small snacks on the table, only silently hanging his head. The right hand he was tightly clenching was suddenly pried open, and a soft osmanthus glutinous rice cake was placed in his palm.

 

He followed the jade-like fingers upwards to Shen Yanqing, who said softly, “Why aren’t you eating?”

 

His mouth never stopped at the last banquet in the Southern Garden, but this time he was so quiet.

 

Ji Zhen pursed his lips. Smelling the fragrant and soft pastry, he involuntarily looked toward the front seats—the Ji family’s place had been taken over.

 

His eyes welled up, and for fear of losing composure in front of so many people, he grabbed the rice cake and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing it frantically.

 

Shen Yanqing pushed a cup of hot tea in front of him and said with a hint of helplessness, “No one is fighting you for it.”

 

Ji Zhen didn’t speak and just kept on eating, as if by doing so he could swallow all the grief in his heart.

 

Before long, a colleague called Shen Yanqing over to discuss some matters. Shen Yanqing instructed him, “Wait here. Don’t go anywhere.”

 

At this palace banquet, Ji Zhen couldn’t tell who was friend or who was foe and could only rely on Shen Yanqing like a piece of duckweed. Hearing this, he blinked with a sense of panic, wanting to ask Shen Yanqing to stay, but in the end, he didn’t say anything to stop him.

 

He sat quietly in his seat, eating the sweet pastry, knowing that things were different now and not wanting to provoke anyone.

 

But Zhang Zhen, the son of the Minister of Rites, who had a few conflicts with him before, saw that he was alone and couldn’t help but come forward to mock him.

 

“Ji Zhen, you’re a family member of a criminal; it’s a blessing you haven’t been sentenced. Why aren’t you just being the pampered lady of the Shen family? What are you doing at a palace banquet?” The banquet had not yet begun, and Zhang Zhen had already had a few cups of wine and was leaning on a like-minded friend.

 

Ji Zhen ignored the smug Zhang Zhen.

 

Zhang Zhen chuckled, “Aren’t you the most eloquent one? Have you become a mute now?”

 

Ji Zhen looked at him but still didn’t speak.

 

“Look, look! Look at those eyes. Without the Ji family,” Zhang Zhen extended his little finger, his face full of disdain, “you, Ji Zhen, are just a…”

 

A crisp, clear female voice interrupted Zhang Zhen’s vile words. “I’ve long heard that nothing good comes out of the son of the Minister of Rites. I thought it was just idle gossip, but hearing it today, it seems it’s true.”

 

Zhang Zhen spun around in anger, ready to curse, but when he saw that the ones who had arrived were Wang Lingzhi and Lu Chen, he blurted out, “You two…”

 

Lu Chen stepped forward, his gentle tone hiding a sharp edge. “Young Master Zhang, this is a palace banquet. Under His Majesty’s eyes, I hope you will watch what you say and do.”

 

Zhang Zhen was someone who bullied the weak and feared the strong. His expression changed slightly, and he glared fiercely at Ji Zhen before flicking his sleeve and leaving.

 

Wang Lingzhi walked up to Ji Zhen in a few steps, but before she could offer comfort, Ji Zhen stood up and smiled faintly, as if nothing unpleasant had just happened. “Thank you, Miss Wang.”

 

“You…” Wang Lingzhi remembered the vibrant and lively Ji Zhen from the Southern Garden. In just half a year, the change was so significant. She nodded. “You’re welcome.”

 

Ji Zhen wanted to talk to her more, but he noticed that Shen Yanqing had appeared a few steps away at some point.

 

He didn’t know how much the other party had seen or heard.

 

Wang Lingzhi didn’t think highly of Shen Yanqing because of the incident in the countryside and left with Lu Chen as soon as she saw him.

 

Shen Yanqing and Ji Zhen sat down again.

 

Ji Zhen didn’t mention the Zhang Zhen incident to Shen Yanqing at all. Having nothing to do, he started eating pastries again, not even stopping when he choked.

 

The sounds of lively chatter and greetings filled the surroundings. Shen Yanqing gazed at Ji Zhen’s clean, white profile. He waited for a long time, but no complaints came from Ji Zhen at all. Finally, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why didn’t you argue back?”

 

Ji Zhen’s swallowing motion paused. So Shen Yanqing had seen it all.

 

He ate the sticky mung bean cake with hot tea, then looked up at Shen Yanqing. His usually bright eyes were now veiled with a layer of gray. He said softly, “I don’t want to show off anymore.”

 

The past came rushing back like a gust of wind.

 

That night at Ziyun Lou, after Ji Zhen confidently and decisively argued with Zhang Zhen, who looked down on women, Shen Yanqing rebuked him in the carriage ride home, “Haven’t you cause enough trouble tonight?”

 

Time had passed, and the once straightforward and open Ji Zhen had even learned to hold his tongue and swallow his grievances.

 

The precious, ignorant young master of the Ji family, who was pampered and cherished, had finally become sensible, discreet, and forbearing through the grind of time. He was still Ji Zhen, yet not quite Ji Zhen.

 

Shen Yanqing hadn’t drunk any wine, but he felt a burning sensation from his heart to his throat, scorching all the words he had to say.

 

For the first time, he was speechless in front of Ji Zhen, so much so that he didn’t dare to look at those gray eyes, afraid to see the one responsible for the current situation reflected within them.

 

In the past, Ji Zhen had used his influence to marry him. Now, he had used his connection to the imperial power to utterly destroy Ji Zhen.

 

All of this is an inevitable cycle of cause and effect.

 

—

 

The music and dances began, songs filled the air, and the emperor and his officials enjoyed themselves together. Laughter and cheer resounded throughout the hall.

 

An official suggested that the court writers compose poems, and the Emperor gave his assent. Shen Yanqing couldn’t decline and went to the center of the hall with a few of his colleagues to write.

 

Ji Zhen sat quietly for a moment, noticing Princess Lingyue not far away.

 

Taking advantage of everyone’s attention on the poetry, he quietly got up and went to Lingyue, saying in a low voice, “Lingyue, I have a favor to ask of you.”

 

Although Lingyue was the younger sister of the Third Prince, her temperament was very gentle, and she had some friendship with him. She looked around and pulled Ji Zhen aside. “Go on.”

 

Ji Zhen said determinedly, “Can you take me to Chengqian Hall?”

 

He had heard that his elder brother’s sentence was not decided until the Grand Tutor returned to the capital and that the deposed Crown Prince had knelt in the hall for a day and a night. He figured his elder brother’s life must have been saved with the Crown Prince’s help.

 

Lingyue was timid and said with some difficulty, “Chengqian Hall is heavily guarded. You won’t be able to get in even if you go.”

 

“I’ll only stay outside the hall; I won’t go in.” Ji Zhen pleaded, “Lingyue, please help me this one time.”

 

Lingyue was soft-hearted and, after some hesitation, finally agreed.

 

The two of them quietly left the hall and walked down a long corridor, heading to a distant location. With Lingyue with him, the journey was quite smooth.

 

The sounds of the banquet gradually faded, and the path they were on became quiet and secluded.

 

After about 30 minutes, Lingyue pointed with her delicate hand. “That’s Chengqian Hall. Ji Zhen, I’ll wait for you here. Promise me you’ll come back in a quarter of an hour.”

 

Ji Zhen nodded heavily. He walked over the small stone bridge, and arrived in front of the heavy vermilion doors.

 

Two guards stood at the entrance. Seeing him, they shouted, “Who’s there?”

 

Ji Zhen looked at the high red walls that were impossible to climb over and called out loudly, “Your Royal Highness, a younger brother of an old friend of yours has come to thank you for your kindness.”

 

With that, he lifted his robe, knelt on both knees, and solemnly kowtowed toward the hall’s door.

 

When he was young, he had met the deposed Crown Prince a few times at his family’s mansion. The Crown Prince was kind and gentle. Once, when he was fishing in the pond at the mansion, he accidentally splashed water all over the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince didn’t blame him. Instead, he praised him and his elder brother, calling him a little fisherman.

 

Such a kind-hearted person, yet he was not blessed by fate and would be trapped within these high walls for the rest of his life.

 

The palace door creaked open just a sliver, and though no one could be seen, the clear voice of a young child rang out. “Gege, my father asked me to tell you that he is no longer a highness but just a common man in the mortal world. He hopes you will not worry.” The voice paused as if he could see the child shaking his head and reciting poetry. “What is past cannot be pursued; since the present has come, cherish it as you go.”

 

Ji Zhen kowtowed heavily again, and tears finally welled up.

 

He wiped his eyes, stood up with the help of his hands on the ground, and choked out, “Ji Zhen will remember that in his heart.”

 

In a trance, he felt as though he saw the Crown Prince laughing and joking with him at Fulu Lou again, saying, “I remember when he was a child, he even dared to climb mountains and swim in the mansion. He was even livelier than a little colt in the mountains…”

 

Grief filled Ji Zhen’s chest. He looked deeply at the heavy palace door, bowed deeply, and then turned to leave.

 

He wiped away his tears and walked back the way he came, however he didn’t see Lingyue where they had parted.

 

Ji Zhen didn’t know the way and called out softly in a panic, “Lingyue, where did you go?”

 

As soon as his voice fell, a figure in a dark python robe slowly walked out from behind a stone mountain, answering his question, “This is a forbidden place within the palace. Who dares to roam here without permission?”

 

He turned back in shock and met a pair of fox-like eyes filled with a smile.

 

The author has something to say:

The Third Prince (drifting in with a rose in his mouth): Move aside, everyone. It’s time for my grand entrance!

Lord Shen: ……