HXC Chapter78

Firecrackers crackled, heralding the arrival of the New Year.

 

Ji Zhen rose early and busily put up the couplets written by Shen Yanqing himself on the main gate of the mansion.

 

Ji An brought over the paste and furrowed his brow as he tried to read the characters. “Young Master, what do these characters say?”

 

After carefully positioning the couplets on the wooden ladder, Ji Zhen stood in front of the gate and read in a clear voice, “A thousand continents of layered green bring the blessings of spring, and ten thousand waters with rising waves reveal a brand-new scene.”

 

The horizontal scroll—“Fortune Fills the World.”

 

He was admiring Shen Yanqing’s calligraphy when Yu He’s voice came from behind him. “Young Madam, His Lord asked me to let you know that he’ll come to pick you up after he’s off duty to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the mansion.”

 

Putting aside all other holidays, it was a long-standing custom to visit the Shen parents on New Year’s Eve as it was a time for family reunion.

 

Ji Zhen turned around and saw a plump piece of cured meat in Yu He’s hand. He smiled and said, “Did Miss Xiao Ru make this?”

 

Yu He sheepishly scratched his head. “Yes, she said it’s for His Lord and the Young Madam to have a taste.”

 

Two months ago, Yu He had specifically gone back to his hometown to marry Xiao Ru. The two now lived in Jiangnan together and very much in love.

 

“Perfect. We’ll take it home later to make some stir-fried meat,” Ji Zhen said as he took the cured meat. “On such a great day, you should hurry home to reunite with your family.”

 

Yu He gave a couple of “yes, yes” and, seeing Ji An crouched on the ground tidying up the paste, he said, “Old bachelor, you look so lonely all by yourself. My wife is kind-hearted and said for you to have New Year’s dinner with us tonight. What do you think?”

 

Ji An, who had yet to find his intended person and was still a lone wolf, snorted. “I’m not going without good food and wine.”

 

Yu He took a couple of steps forward. “Stop pretending, let’s go.”

 

Ji Zhen laughed. “Ji An, I’ve already sent your Bazi[mfn]Birth chart[/mfn] to a matchmaker. Trust me, I will definitely find you a good marriage after the new year.”

 

Ji An couldn’t hide his smile as he replied, “Young Master, you promise?”

 

“Of course!”

 

Ji Zhen watched the two brothers walk away in good spirits, then went back to the mansion with the cured meat.

 

He walked past a flowerbed and used his hand to push aside some leaves. When spring came, this spot would surely be full of peonies. He felt happy and hummed an unknown tune all the way as he put away the things and began to open the letters that had been sent from various places.

 

There was a letter from Ji Jue in the capital.

 

It had been nearly a year since the new emperor ascended the throne. Now the four seas were at peace, and the capital had also returned to its usual tranquility. The people of the Great Heng Empire lived in peace and contentment, and that bloody political upheaval seemed very far away.

 

Ji Jue mentioned some amusing anecdotes in his letter. Ji Zhen could already imagine his elder brother’s smiling lips as he wrote.

 

The letter’s signature read: “Zhen Zhen, may you have a peaceful new year. I look forward to seeing you.”

 

Ji Zhen picked up another letter, this one sent by Jiang Yunyu from the northern desert.

 

General Zhenguo’s prestige was mighty, making the thieves who wished to invade the borders tremble in fear. He was now stationed in the northern desert and would probably not be able to return to the capital for another two years. Along with the letter, there was also a crystal-clear amber for Ji Zhen.

 

Ji Zhen had always loved these little things. He held it in his hand, then ran to look at it in the sunlight. The amber was a rare sight, completely free of impurities, and shimmered with light in the sun.

 

The more he looked at it, the more he liked it. He thought of Jiang Yunyu, who was all alone in the northern desert, and sighed softly before going back to write a reply. In the letter, he told him to take care of himself and also asked him to send his regards to Ling Yue, who was far away.

 

The last letter was from Xiao Moli.

 

Xiao Moli and the scholar had finally reached a good conclusion. Every word in the letter was filled with sweetness.

 

Ji Zhen felt sincere joy for the couple and laughed uncontrollably as he gazed at the vast sky outside feeling both light and clear.

 

At this very moment, peace reigned; the borders were calm, the smoke of war nothing but a distant memory. The nation prospered, the people were at ease, and one could even speak freely of the virtues of Yao[mfn]A legendary sage-king, famous for his benevolence, wisdom, and moral integrity.[/mfn], Shun[mfn]Another sage-king, known for filial piety, humility, and capable rule; often said to have succeeded Yao.[/mfn], Yu[mfn]Famous for controlling floods and founding the Xia dynasty; celebrated for diligence and selflessness.[/mfn], and Tang[mfn]Tang or Shang is the founder of the Shang dynasty; remembered for overthrowing a tyrant and establishing a just rule.[/mfn].

 

All beings celebrated the new dynasty.

 

—

 

When Shen Yanqing returned to the official residence after his duties, he didn’t see Ji Zhen. Only after entering the courtyard did he find that Ji Zhen had fallen asleep on the table.

 

He quietly approached, moving the hair away from Ji Zhen’s face and revealed his flushed cheeks as he slept.

 

Ji Zhen wasn’t in a deep sleep. With one touch, he groggily awoke, his eyes blurry with sleep. “You’re back…”

 

Shen Yanqing picked up a cloak nearby and draped it over Ji Zhen. “If you’re still tired, you can sleep a bit more before we go.”

 

Ji Zhen rubbed his eyes, sat up straight, and gave a lazy stretch. “I haven’t changed into my new clothes yet.”

 

As he said this, he became more alert. After a quick wash, he left the mansion with Shen Yanqing. Just as they were about to reach the gate, he remembered he’d forgotten the cured meat and let out an ‘Aiya’ and exclaimed, “I forgot to bring Yu He’s cured meat.”

 

Shen Yanqing pulled Ji Zhen back as if he were a rabbit about to hop away and laughed. “Let’s save it for a special meal for ourselves.”

 

Ji Zhen thought this was a good idea and excitedly got into the carriage with Shen Yanqing.

 

Shen Yanqing was greatly beloved by the people in Jiangnan. The carriage ride, which was only a short fifteen minutes, was stopped three times by passing citizens. No matter how much Shen Yanqing declined, the fresh eggs and chickens were always accurately placed inside their carriage.

 

A hen, startled, flapped its wings inside the carriage sending its feathers everywhere.

 

Ji Zhen drew his legs up onto the soft cushion in aghast. “Shen Yanqing, catch it!”

 

After a flurry of chaos, the hen finally settled down and was tied obediently to the front of the carriage to watch the scenery.

 

Ji Zhen had a few chicken feathers on his head and collapsed breathlessly against Shen Yanqing, teasingly saying, “Lord Shen truly has the people’s heart…”

 

Shen Yanqing’s clothes were also a bit disheveled. As he tidied up Ji Zhen’s clothes, the two couldn’t help but smile at each other.

 

Dinner had been prepared early at the Shen family mansion awaiting for the two of them to arrive to start the feast.

 

Ji Zhen had not seen the Shen parents for nearly two months. Standing beside Shen Yanqing, he greeted them, after which Shen Yanqing said, “Let’s eat.”

 

Father Shen had recently found a worthy opponent in chess in the marketplace and was still pondering a strategy even when eating.

 

Ji Zhen listened to their conversation quietly and continuously picking at the sweet and sour fish placed in front of him, he loved this dish very much. He ate more than half of one fish and felt a little embarrassed by the end.

 

But unlike before, he wasn’t so reserved.

 

As the moon hung high in the branches, the reunion dinner was winding down. The Shen family mansion and the official residence were very close and the two were going back to their own home to spend the night together.

 

Ji Zhen was initially worried that the old couple would not agree, but until he got into the carriage, the thing he was worried about never happened.

 

He rubbed his stomach while feeling at ease. “The sweet and sour fish tonight was so delicious.”

 

Shen Yanqing took his hand and toyed with it. “My mother made it.”

 

Ji Zhen was stunned and didn’t know how to respond. Shen Yanqing gently patted the back of his hand, then felt the pink jade bracelet that he wore daily on his wrist. He wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him into his embrace, and said in a low voice, “She knows I was wrong.”

 

“Ji Zhen, for all my mistakes and wrongs, it’s only right if you still hold resentment.”

 

“But for the rest of my life, I will do everything in my power to ensure your happiness and peace.”

 

Ji Zhen leaned against Shen Yanqing’s chest as he listened to the strong beat of his heart. He blinked his moist eyes and softly said, “Oh,” then grumbled, “If you break your promise and go back on your word, I’ll…”

 

“You’ll what?”

 

Ji Zhen looked up at Shen Yanqing and said seriously, “If you ever dare to lie to me again, I won’t want you anymore.”

 

Shen Yanqing pressed his lips together slightly as many past events rose in his heart and filled him with regret and fear.

 

He said solemnly as if he was making a vow, “Never again.”

 

Ji Zhen smiled and pecked at the corner of Shen Yanqing’s lips. “I’ll trust you one more time.”

 

The carriage, carried by the moonlight, moved farther and farther away. In the distance, firecrackers from an unknown family crackled and created a lively atmosphere.

 

It was New Year’s and fortune filled the world.

 

—

 

A joyful announcement arrived in the capital.

 

Lu Chen and Wang Lingzhi were getting married the following month and invited Shen Yanqing and Ji Zhen to the wedding feast.

 

It had been a full year since the two of them came to Jiangnan. Shen Yanqing had managed his jurisdiction in an orderly manner and specifically took a little over half a month off to prepare to return to the capital with Ji Zhen for the wedding and to visit relatives.

 

Ji Zhen’s face was constantly wreathed in smiles as the thought of seeing his elder brother and old friends.

 

Unlike Shen Yanqing, who held an official position, Ji Zhen was very idle and had explored every playable place in the vicinity. He knew which steamed buns had the thinnest skin and most filling, which wine was the most mellow, and which eating house’s ingredients were the freshest. He knew them all by heart, and the stacks of local specialties he packed to take back to the capital were immense.

 

“This is for Gege, this box is a wedding gift for Miss Wang and Lord Lu, and this is for Divine Physician Sai…”

 

Ji Zhen stood in the room counting the packages. He then called Ji An to take the newly prepared iced sour plum juice to Shen Yanqing.

 

“It’s been hot lately. You must make sure Shen Yanqing drinks it all before you come back and report to me.”

 

Shen Yanqing was busy with official duties all day. Lately, he sometimes didn’t even have time to drink his medicine on schedule, but Ji Zhen remembered these things firmly and would go find Shen Yanqing the moment it was time.

 

Divine Physician Sai would send people to deliver medicine every month. When they returned to the capital this time, Ji Zhen had to ask him to give Shen Yanqing a proper check-up again.

 

After finishing his work, Ji Zhen also sat down to drink sour plum juice. Ji An returned with his forehead covered in sweat and shook his head with a “tsk.” “Li Laosan and Wang Xiaosi got into a fight again and brought it to Lord Shen. Lord Shen had the bailiffs give each of them five slaps with a board and sent them away.”

 

“What was it this time?”

 

“Li Laosan poured the water he used to wash fish in front of Wang Xiaosi’s door. Such a trivial little thing, yet they even need to seek justice from Lord Shen. That county magistrate, on the other hand, is happy to just sit back and do nothing, getting his salary for free…”

 

The people respected Shen Yanqing’s integrity and his incorruptible nature and they loved to seek his judgment for any matter. Ji Zhen was both very happy that Shen Yanqing was so beloved by the people and, at the same time, felt that Shen Yanqing was overworked.

 

He was truly conflicted.

 

In the afternoon, Shen Yanqing, who was still in his official robes, was fashionably late. After lunch, he would usually take a short half-hour nap with Ji Zhen in the room.

 

Ji Zhen watched him drink his medicine and then put a piece of candied fruit in Shen Yanqing’s mouth. “It’s a new honey candy from Baihua Hall. Is it sweet?”

 

Shen Yanqing wasn’t fond of sweets but he naturally gave face to what Ji Zhen fed him, he smiled and nodded.

 

As he rubbed his tired brow, he pulled Ji Zhen onto the soft couch to lie down. Although the weather was starting to get hot, the two of them were still huddled close and unwilling to let go of each other even if they worked up a sweat.

 

Ji Zhen picked up a fan from the side and fanned them both while asking about Li Laosan and Wang Xiaosi’s matter.

 

It was rare for Shen Yanqing to frown in exasperation. “The two of them have already fought four times this month. If they come again, I’m really going to shut the door on them.”

 

Ji Zhen burst into laughter. “Won’t Lord Shen’s reputation for serving the people be ruined then?”

 

Shen Yanqing took the fan from Ji Zhen’s hand and gently waved it to cool them down. “We are a married couple. Next time, I’ll let you be the one to judge.”

 

“No way.” Ji Zhen found the thought of the two of them arguing both a headache and amusing. He wrapped his arms around Shen Yanqing’s waist and snuggled into his embrace. “You have official duties this afternoon. I won’t talk to you anymore; hurry and sleep.”

 

He then muttered, “Once we get to the capital next month, I’ll definitely tie you up at home and make you rest well. You won’t be allowed to go anywhere then.”

 

Shen Yanqing pressed his face close to Ji Zhen’s with their bodies touching. He gently caught his fluttering lips and kissed him. “I’ll do whatever you say.”

 

Outside, the sky was clear with a few light clouds while cicadas chirped in the summer heat.

 

With a thin gauze curtain, a light feather fan, a cool pillow, and a bamboo mat in the secluded courtyard; at such a time, in such weather and mood, one could almost feel like an immortal without a care in the world.

 

The author has something to say:

All the extra chapters have been updated.

Although it’s hard to say goodbye, Lord Shen and Zhen Zhen must part ways with everyone!

No matter what, Lord Shen and Zhen Zhen will definitely have a happy marriage and a long life together, never to be separated.

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T/N: The end guys, but there’s one more special extra.