HXC Chapter45

Shen Yanqing “swaggered through the streets” with the scratches on his face from Ji Zhen. They were truly noticeable, but whenever anyone asked, he would respond with a fond, helpless tone, “My pet tabby cat at home accidentally scratched me.” Whether others believed him or not was not his concern. After that night, the relationship between Ji Zhen and Shen Yanqing fell into a complete stalemate.

 

If Ji Zhen had been somewhat pleasant to Shen Yanqing before, he now made no effort to hide his resistance. Wherever Shen Yanqing was, Ji Zhen would keep his distance.

 

When Shen Yanqing sat down at the table to eat, Ji Zhen would take his bowl and eat somewhere else. When Shen Yanqing unlocked his door late at night, Ji Zhen would curl up on the couch with his blanket and sleep there. Shen Yanqing could say ten things, and Ji Zhen wouldn’t make a sound. If he sensed that Shen Yanqing was getting angry, he would simply treat him with a cold stare, adopting a stubborn attitude as if he wasn’t afraid of being beaten.

 

There were several times that Ji Zhen thought Shen Yanqing would surely get a cane to discipline him. He would wait in fear, but Shen Yanqing would act uncharacteristically calm, and he no longer forced him to be intimate.

 

This went on for about seven or eight days, and the servants in the mansion noticed and started gossiping again.

 

This time, however, it was different from before. Shen Yanqing punished two of the leading gossips. One was directly expelled from the mansion, and the other was given fifty lashes.

 

When the lashes were administered, the entire courtyard of servants watched with their heads bowed. They were horrified to hear the servant’s continuous screams of agony.

 

Ji Zhen was inside when the punishment was being carried out. The shrill cries floated from the courtyard to the more secluded west wing, clearly audible.

 

Ji An snorted. “The shrieking is even worse than a butchered pig’s. He probably won’t be able to get out of bed for half a month. Let’s see who still dares to run their mouth after this.”

 

Ji Zhen partially covered his ears and ordered, “Ji An, close all the doors and windows tightly.” Then he ran to the soft bed and buried his head under the covers, muffling most of the wails.

 

Killing the chicken to scare the monkeys was truly effective. After this bloody punishment, no one dared to speak ill of Ji Zhen again, and the servants no longer treated him with contempt.

 

The situation in the Shen Mansion hadn’t changed, but the roles had been reversed. Now it was Ji Zhen’s turn to ignore Shen Yanqing. As soon as Shen Yanqing finished his duties, he would go to Ji Zhen’s side, often bringing delicious snacks and taking the initiative to talk to Ji Zhen about his daily affairs.

 

Although most of the snacks ended up in Ji An’s stomach and Ji Zhen would always tune him out, Shen Yanqing was full of patience, trying to find a way to bring back the little warmth that had once existed between them.

 

The results were minimal.

 

Once, as Shen Yanqing was speaking to him, Ji Zhen seemed so annoyed that he ran out of the room. Shen Yanqing followed on foot and saw Ji Zhen squatting in front of a cluster of flowers that had just sprouted new buds, muttering to himself, “Little Spring Branch, hurry and sprout, hurry and grow, hurry and bloom…”

 

Ji Zhen would rather talk to mute flowers and plants than speak to Shen Yanqing.

 

Shen Yanqing found it both amusing and endearing, but he also felt powerless as he watched Ji Zhen slip away from his grasp. He gazed at Ji Zhen, who was squatting with his legs hugged to his chest. He didn’t know when Ji Zhen started to only show him his back in rejection, as if he was ready to leave the world Shen Yanqing controlled without a single look back.

 

Shen Yanqing’s heart gave a jolt, and he instinctively moved closer, needing to confirm with his own eyes that Ji Zhen was truly there. The moment his hand touched Ji Zhen’s shoulder, Ji Zhen looked up and glared at him. His round eyes were as clear and bright as ever, but they no longer held a look of loving devotion.

 

Not even the gentle warmth of spring could reignite the extinguished fire that had once blazed in Ji Zhen’s eyes.

 

Ji Zhen’s resistance was silent, even timid, but even if Shen Yanqing tied a rope to him, he would still stretch that rope taut, walking to the furthest point of his allowed range.

 

The chill in Ji Zhen’s eyes pierced Shen Yanqing’s heart. He slowly pulled his hand back, while Ji Zhen lowered his head once more to focus on the tender new shoots.

 

Not long after, Ji Zhen noticed a new plant had been transplanted in front of the door. Shen Yanqing told him it was a peony and would soon flower.

 

On the second day after the new plant was put in the courtyard, Shen Yanqing went to check on it again and found that the roots had been deliberately cut, making it impossible for the plant to ever bloom.

 

He knew it was Ji Zhen’s handiwork without a doubt.

 

When confronted by Shen Yanqing, Ji Zhen admitted it candidly. “I don’t like peonies anymore.”

 

He said it with such earnestness and sincerity that Shen Yanqing could no longer maintain his composure. He took Ji Zhen to the courtyard and, knowing the roots were severed, still insisted that Ji Zhen tend to the peony, turning the soil and watering it.

 

Ji Zhen remained still, his voice firm as he declared, “The roots are already severed. No matter how much water you pour, it will never survive…”

 

He saw the frigid look in Shen Yanqing’s eyes, and a hint of fear finally crept into his voice. It weakened as he said, “It won’t be able to bloom.”

 

Shen Yanqing’s throat moved slightly. He ignored him and stubbornly continued to cover the peony with soil and water it.

 

Even the uneducated Ji Zhen understood the truth that a broken moon cannot be made whole and an extinguished star cannot shine again, yet the well-read Shen Yanqing seemed unable to grasp it.

 

As expected, the peony could not be saved and withered into a lifeless branch within two days. Ji Zhen pulled out its roots and leaves, then buried them in the hardened soil.

 

Flowers bloom and wither, fate begins and ends—none of it goes as one wishes.

 

—

 

Spring had just arrived. It should have been a time of new beginnings, but a sudden and unexpected plague spread across the land of the Great Heng Empire.

 

The plague first broke out in Jinzhou, north of the capital. In the beginning, it showed only as a fever, so the local officials took it lightly and didn’t make a report. It was only when the illness progressed to coughing up blood that they realized something was wrong. By that time, hundreds, perhaps even thousands, had been infected, scattered throughout the region.

 

To prevent the plague from spreading, the emperor ordered the gates of the capital to be closed and summoned his officials to discuss how to manage the epidemic.

 

For a time, the people of the capital were all on edge, worried that the plague would break through the city gates. They burned mugwort around the clock, shrouding the entire city in a thick white haze.

 

Inside the Golden Throne Hall, there was a loud clamor of voices.

 

“The city gates must not be opened! If the infected people enter the capital, what will happen?”

 

“In this minister’s opinion, the most urgent task is to dispatch officials to the infected areas to soothe the people’s hearts.”

 

“The Imperial Medical must quickly develop an anti-plague medicine…”

 

One after another, they debated endlessly.

 

The emperor, Li Shanghui, gravely interrupted the arguing ministers. “All lords, who is willing to go to the infected area to manage the disaster?”

 

The entire hall then fell silent. The officials looked at each other and lowered their caps.

 

This plague was as deadly as a venomous snake. Dozens of people had already died from it. Before an effective medicine was developed, the danger was extreme. Getting infected would likely be a death sentence.

 

“Good! You’re all so quick with words when it comes to ideas, yet now that Zhen needs you to step up and handle the disaster, suddenly no one dares to say a thing?” The emperor was furious. “These are the officials my Great Heng Empire has chosen to be the people’s parents!”

 

At a time of crisis, a figure in indigo stepped forward into the hall. Shen Yanqing bowed and said, “This minister is willing to go to the infected area.”

 

His voice rang out, sharp and clear like jade striking gold, both deafening and awakening.

 

Seeing this, Lu Chen also stepped forward. “This minister is willing to accompany Lord Shen.”

 

The two men stood upright and elegant in the Golden Throne Hall, both distinguished scholars, as striking and refined as jade trees.

 

The emperor was relieved and immediately approved their request. They were to depart tomorrow, leading a chief physician from the Imperial Medical and five imperial physicians to the infected area.

 

After the court session ended, Father Shen couldn’t wait to return home. He anxiously pulled Shen Yanqing aside and scolded him, “The infected area is dangerous. There are lonely, unmarried people to take on this mission. You have a father, a mother, and a wife at home. Is it your turn to be the imperial commissioner?”

 

“Father, before I entered politics, you taught me that an official should relieve the people’s suffering. Why have you abandoned your principal now? If all civil and military officials only look out for themselves, who will speak for the people?”

 

Father Shen slapped his thigh. “You really… what are your mother and I supposed to do?”

 

Shen Yanqing said thoughtfully, “If I am to bear the title of ‘Lord Shen’ that the people have given me, I must not be unworthy of this official robe.”

 

“Lord Shen has the people in his heart. This highness is deeply gratified.” Li Mianhui walked over from the eaves, looking deeply at Shen Yanqing. “Lord Vice Censor should be proud to have a son like this.”

 

It had been ten days since Shen Yanqing submitted his resignation. The letter had never reached the emperor’s hands but was instead passed to the Third Prince Mansion. His resignation, naturally, was not successful.

 

“Lord Shen, let’s have a word in private.”

 

The two walked to the wooden railing, their low voices scattering in the wind.

 

“There are countless beautiful people in the world. Even with Ji Zhen’s remarkable qualities, this highness truly cannot comprehend what kind of spell he cast over you that made you resign without hesitation just to make a statement. First, you saved Ji Jue, and then you protected Ji Zhen. Time and again you have defied this highness. If this highness truly wanted to hold you accountable, would a simple resignation be enough to resolve it?”

 

“We have known each other for eight years, with deep bonds and great efforts. This highness is not someone who breaks promises.”

 

“This highness believes in your commitment that a worthy official does not serve two masters. Today, we will not speak as a lord and his subject. This highness will reluctantly agree not to harm Ji Zhen, but by indulging him like this, you will cause great trouble. This highness only hopes you don’t abandon your future for a beauty.”

 

“The infected area is dangerous. Take care of yourself.”

 

—

 

The Shen Mansion was filled with wisps of smoke.

 

Ji Zhen coughed uncontrollably from the burning mugwort. He tried to run outside, but Ji An stopped him while coughing himself. “Young Master, the plague is no joke. You’ll have to bear with it.”

 

Ji Zhen coughed so hard tears came to his eyes. He waved his hand to clear the mist. “This is too smoky…”

 

A quarter of an hour later, the master and servant sat on a bench, their eyes red and streaming with tears.

 

Ji Zhen looked at Ji An’s face and couldn’t help but cough out a laugh. “Ji An, you have snot running down your face.”

 

Ji An wiped it away with his hand. “Young Master only knows how to make fun of me.” He then went to get some water. “I’ll get a wet cloth to wipe your face, Young Master.”

 

He ran outside and almost bumped into Shen Yanqing.

 

As soon as Ji Zhen saw the person at the door, the smile on his face faded. He and Shen Yanqing stood in silent observation.

 

Ji An quickly came back with the water, wringing out a cloth to wipe Ji Zhen’s face, but Shen Yanqing took it from him. “I’ll do it.”

 

Ji Zhen tried to dodge him. “I’ll do it myself…”

 

“His Majesty has granted me leave to go and manage the epidemic. I must depart tomorrow at Maoshi[mfn]5-7am[/mfn].”

 

As he spoke, Shen Yanqing used one hand to gently lift Ji Zhen’s chin and the other to lightly wipe the tears from his face with the wet cloth. Ji Zhen looked down at the other party blankly. It took a while for Shen Yanqing’s words to sink in, and he pressed his lips together tightly.

 

Shen Yanqing looked at Ji Zhen with a calm expression and said, “I don’t know when I’ll be back this time. Would you sit at the table with me for dinner later?”

 

Ji Zhen lowered his eyes and did not speak.

 

When dinner was served, Shen Yanqing tried to have Ji Zhen sit with him, but, as always, Ji Zhen took his bowl and moved to a small side table.

 

Ji An took a tray and served food to Ji Zhen while Shen Yanqing remained silent and said nothing more.

 

The meal was consumed in utter silence. Even the best dishes lost their flavor in the heavy atmosphere.

 

Shen Yanqing didn’t eat much. He still had important matters to attend to and left for the study in less than half an hour.

 

Only then did Ji An speak. “Lord Shen is going to the plague-stricken area? I heard a lot of people have died this time…”

 

Ji Zhen’s chewing paused, but he acted as if nothing had happened, stuffing a few more spoonfuls of rice into his mouth until his cheeks were full.

 

Moonlight poured like water, and Ji Zhen lay on the bed, turning his back to Shen Yanqing.

 

He now refused to share a room with Shen Yanqing, let alone a bed. If Shen Yanqing climbed in, Ji Zhen would lie awake all night with his eyes wide open if he was unable to leave. After a few times, Shen Yanqing stopped forcing him.

 

“Ji Zhen,” Shen Yanqing said, standing by the bed. “Won’t you say goodbye to me?”

 

Ji Zhen stared at the carved floral pattern on the bed with his jaw clenched.

 

Shen Yanqing waited for a while and got no response. As if he could no longer bear it, he grabbed Ji Zhen’s shoulders and sat him up. In the candlelight, Ji Zhen’s expression was blank and stiff, and any further questions seemed to vanish like stones sinking to the bottom of a lake. “You…”

 

Shen Yanqing closed his eyes to hide the pain and released Ji Zhen. “Sleep.”

 

Ji Zhen looked at him, then walked over to the couch set up inside the room and lay down, turning his back to Shen Yanqing.

 

He knew Shen Yanqing was looking at him. His back was slightly stiff, and a slight mist unconsciously welled up in his eyes.

 

Where Shen Yanqing went, whether he lived or died, what did it have to do with him?

 

Ji Zhen pressed his lips together tightly and closed his moist eyes, silently reaffirming that he truly did not care at all.

 

The author has something to say:

Lord Shen (packing his things and crying): Goodbye. Will I ever see you again, Wife? When we meet again, I hope you’ll be happy, alright? Wife, you have to be happy and joyful! Alright? Be happy! Be joyful! Wife! Wife! Wife, how can I live without you? Wife, please come with me. Wife, wuwuwuwu.