BLPSG Chapter 31: The boat rocked

Dark clouds covered the sky, and it seemed as if it would fall any second.

 

After walking out of the cabin, the second prince suddenly looked up and looked towards the river bank.

 

The waves on the Yinchuan Grand Canal had grown larger, unbeknownst to when.

 

The boatmen’s coarse hemp garments were completely drenched by the river water.

 

Their steps became heavy and difficult.

 

Usually, the boatmen worked bare-chested, not because they were unaware of the cold.

 

But because once the coarse hemp was wet, it would chafe against the skin on their shoulders, easily causing abrasions and infections.

 

At the same time, wet clothes more readily draw away body heat, leading to colds and fevers.

 

Yet today, they were pulling a Imperial boat, and naturally, they could not go bare-chested as before.

 

…Wen Qingci’s suggestion was not wrong.

 

If they did not prepare early, they would surely fall ill.

 

There were thousands of boatmen on this journey, and any mishap would not only delay the trip but also tarnish the Emperor’s “virtuous name.”

 

Xie Guanzhi couldn’t help but frown.

 

Seeing the Second Prince standing here motionless, the Third Prince’s gaze also followed to the riverbank.

 

After the recent events, he had finally grown a bit wiser, knowing to speak of “serious matters” by the other’s side.

 

After a pause, the Third Prince finally managed to say, “Second Brother, they are moving so slowly, can we arrive on time?”

 

The Second Prince: “…”

 

If it weren’t for being on the southern inspection tour, he really wanted to kick the person beside him off the boat.

 

Xie Guanzhi’s injury was on his shoulder and arm, not affecting his walking speed.

 

The young man strode forward quickly, shaking off the Third Prince in a few steps, boarding the small boat connected to the pleasure boat, heading to the very front.

 

“Find someone to buy some medicine to prevent colds, or something to warm the body, and distribute it to the boatmens,” Xie Guanzhi ordered as soon as he boarded the boat, “and make it quick.”

 

“Yes!” The person beside him hurriedly complied.

 

He had just taken a few steps when he suddenly stopped and asked, “Your Highness, about this prescription…”

 

“There’s no need to consult the Imperial Medical Bureau for such a simple remedy, you can handle it.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

Logically, it would be most convenient to ask the Imperial Medical Bureau or directly ask Wen Qingci for the prescription, but Xie Guanzhi, who had just shown off his strength, would not do so.

 

Xie Guanzhi’s subordinates were very quick to act.

 

In just one morning, they had purchased all the medicine mentioned by Xie Guanzhi from several nearby towns and distributed it to the boatmens’ hands.

 

The Pleasure boat  was large, but it could not compare to the grandeur of Taishu Palace.

 

On the southern tour, these people, who would not see each other more than a few times a month in the palace, were now gathering daily.

 

The separate evening meals of each palace were also combined.

 

Unlike the previous banquet, Xie Guanzhi was also present today.

 

In addition to the royal family, the Emperor even invited several important ministers on the boat to dine together.

 

To be able to attend the Emperor’s “family banquet,” the ministers were each flattered beyond measure.

 

Not only were they impeccably mannered, but they also spoke only pleasing words.

 

“…This year, the weather has been favorable, and even the crops along the way are taller than in previous years!” said a minister attending the family banquet, his face beaming with smiles, “This is a blessing for our dynasty, a blessing for the world!”

 

After he finished, another person added, “This smooth journey is also thanks to the wise decision of the Second Prince. I heard that His Highness had gathered the boatmen a few days earlier. Therefore, as soon as we reached the treacherous part of the river, they immediately took over and brought the boat out without any delay of half a day.”

 

Xie Guanzhi was accustomed to such praise.

 

He did not respond, and even slightly frowned at the overly exaggerated tone of the other party.

 

The Emperor’s hand holding the wine cup paused imperceptibly.

 

His movement was so subtle that no one present noticed.

 

On this southern tour, some of the concubines also accompanied them.

 

Naturally, this included Xie Guanzhi’s mother, Consort Hui.

 

Hearing this, a look of pride appeared on her face.

 

Although she had been punished recently and the temporary control of the harem had returned to Consort Lan’s hands.

 

But what of it?

 

Once the Second Prince succeeded to the throne, the one in glory would ultimately be herself.

 

The cherries that had just ripened in Xin’an Prefecture, through which they passed on the southern tour, were sent up.

 

Consort Hui gently plucked the stem and fed it to the Emperor’s mouth, “Guanzhi has always been attentive, unlike this consort, but rather just like Your Majesty.”

 

As she spoke, Consort Hui glanced at the person beside her with a coquettish look.

 

The Son of Heaven smiled and nodded along with her words.

 

Everyone in the court knew that the Emperor’s most beloved was the Second Prince, Xie Guanzhi.

 

Seeing that he was in a good mood, the two ministers exchanged glances and continued to speak.

 

“…Speaking of the boatmen, I just heard today that His Highness, considering the chill of the canal water, specially ordered the purchase of medicine to ward off the cold and distributed them to each boatman.”

 

In conclusion, they did not forget to add, “This indeed resembles the style of Your Majesty in his younger days!”

 

Consort Hui quickly followed, “This is all thanks to Your Majesty’s teachings over the years.”

 

With the ministers’ words reaching this point, the Emperor inevitably had to respond.

 

He slowly put down the wine cup in his hand, looking at the Second Prince with a face full of satisfaction, “Guanzhi’s thoughts have indeed matured quite a bit. As a prince, one must empathize with the people’s hearts.”

 

Seeing this, Xie Guanzhi immediately stood up to salute, saying that this was what he should do.

 

“There is no ‘should or should not’ in everything, only whether one desires to achieve it,” the Emperor slowly shook his head, speaking earnestly, “You have done well in this matter, and indeed deserve a reward.”

 

“Xian Gonggong, take some of the cherries sent from Xin’an Prefecture to the Second Prince.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the old steward replied with a smile.

 

The cherries from Xin’an Prefecture were good, but for the nobles in Taishu Palace, they were nothing extraordinary.

 

The Emperor’s gesture was focused on the “reward,” not caring about what was actually rewarded.

 

Consort Hui’s smile deepened.

 

The ministers immediately echoed in agreement.

 

The banquet presented a harmonious scene.

 

“Have you not spoken enough? The virtuous name is all his, what does it have to do with me?”

 

“Disturbing the peace!”

 

Sitting at the very end of the long banquet, Xie Bufeng slowly raised his eyes to look forward.

 

He discovered that the Emperor not only privately resented Xie Guanzhi for overshadowing him in this matter but also strongly opposed everyone comparing the Second Prince to his younger self.

 

Even at the moment when the ministers mentioned that Xie Guanzhi resembled him in his younger days, a fleeting murderous intent arose.

 

The Emperor was more wary of the young and promising prince than Xie Bufeng had imagined.

 

After reluctantly rewarding Xie Guanzhi against his will, the Emperor casually took out a bottle of Fuxuan Flower pills and popped two into his mouth.

 

Then, as if remembering something, he turned back to Xian Gonggong and said, “And also to Physician Wen, for his contribution to the medicine, send him some fruit as well.”

 

Wen Qingci, who had been invited to attend as a Hanlin scholar, hurriedly saluted in thanks.

 

When Wen Qingci had reminded the Second Prince earlier, the latter had put on an expression of being well-prepared and needing no further discussion.

 

But the words of those ministers had inadvertently revealed Xie Guanzhi’s secret—that the medicine was all recently purchased.

 

As Wen Qingci stood up to salute, he caught a glimpse of Xie Guanzhi looking at him with a slightly guilty expression.

 

After the rewards were distributed, the atmosphere at the banquet became lively again.

 

Another half an hour passed before the evening meal was finally over.

 

As soon as Wen Qingci stepped out of the cabin, he was called from behind.

 

“Second Prince?” Wen Qingci paused and saluted, asking, “May I know what you need me for?”

 

For ease of movement, Xie Guanzhi was wearing a narrow-sleeved round-necked shirt today.

 

The moment Wen Qingci spoke, Xie Guanzhi’s hands clenched together lightly, pausing for a few seconds before slowly relaxing.

 

“The matter of the cold medicine…” he paused for quite a while before finally saying, “was your reminder.”

 

Although it was not his original intention, everything today seemed as if he had taken credit for Wen Qingci’s contribution.

 

Xie Guanzhi had always been the one others flattered and thanked, it was never the other way around.

 

Therefore, his words today were particularly awkward.

 

Wen Qingci gave Xie Guanzhi a faint smile: “I merely made a suggestion, it was Your Highness who took care of purchasing the medicine.”

 

The Yinchuan Grand Canal was colder than other places.

 

Even though early summer had arrived, the chill still cut through Wen Qingci’s chest and lungs like little knives.

 

“But the Emperor’s reward—” Xie Guanzhi frowned.

 

Another cold breeze blew, and a familiar itch arose in Wen Qingci’s throat.

 

He rarely interrupted the Second Prince: “Your Highness, my purpose in treating and saving people has never been for fame.”

 

These words were spoken both for himself and for the original owner.

 

In “Supporting the Ming Hall,” he might be a complete black lotus, but as a doctor in his life, he never sought fame or fortune.

 

Xie Guanzhi looked deeply at the person opposite him.

 

Wen Qingci said these words with a smile, and in an instant, the lights on both sides of the Yinchuan Grand Canal and the shimmering waves were all reflected in his eyes, illuminating the darkness.

 

If these words had come from someone else, Xie Guanzhi would have certainly disdained their hypocrisy.

 

But coming from him, they were irrefutable.

 

“Sorry, I must excuse myself.”

 

After speaking, Wen Qingci nodded to Xie Guanzhi and passed by him, heading towards the other end of the boat.

 

There, a shadow had been standing still since he left the room, quietly watching in this direction.

 

“Your Highness, shall we go?”

 

By the moonlight, Wen Qingci saw clearly… the shadow was indeed Xie Bufeng.

 

“Alright.” The young man turned and slowly walked to the other side of the large boat—where Wen Qingci’s cabin was located. At this moment, he was no longer just an ordinary imperial physician, even his living quarters were not far from the princes.

 

Wen Qingci had noticed before that Xie Bufeng seemed to always be by his side.

 

In the small Imperial Medical Bureau, it might not have been so obvious.

 

But on the boat, it was different.

 

However, the strange feeling in Wen Qingci’s heart only lasted a few seconds before disappearing.

 

After all, Xie Bufeng was just a seventeen-year-old boy.

 

He had no acquaintances on this boat, nor did he have tasks to attend to like Xie Guanzhi.

 

Apart from habitually following him, there seemed to be nothing else to do…

 

The lights on the pleasure boat were bright at night, even more bustling than during the day.

 

…But such liveliness only made Xie Bufeng feel even more lonely.

 

He did not fit in with the surrounding joy and harmony.

 

Wen Qingci couldn’t help but feel a bit sour at heart.

 

The young man silently walked side by side with Wen Qingci to the outside of the cabin, and just as he was about to leave, Wen Qingci called out, “Wait, Your Highness.”

 

He turned back, took a fruit basket from the table, and gently handed it to Xie Bufeng.

 

These were the cherries that the Emperor had just rewarded, which had been sent here by the eunuch before the end of the evening meal.

 

The door to Wen Qingci’s room slowly closed.

 

The young man stood still for a while before finally taking a step forward.

 

He took out a cherry and gently placed it in his mouth.

 

The next moment, the unfamiliar sweet and sour taste spread in his mouth.

 

Xie Bufeng couldn’t help but slowly close his eyes.

 

In the darkness, Wen Qingci did not see that when he was speaking with Xie Guanzhi just now, Xie Bufeng’s gaze was not calm.

 

Impatience, disgust, and a bit of jealousy that he hadn’t noticed himself, all surged into his eyes.

 

Until the moment Wen Qingci turned and walked towards Xie Bufeng.

 

The complex emotions that had been lurking in the young man’s heart suddenly dissipated completely…

 

“What did you say? Abdominal pain?”

 

“Yes… A few boatmens started having abdominal pain after taking the medicine.”

 

Xie Guanzhi clenched his teeth and asked, “Exactly how many?”

 

“Uh… about, about a dozen or so,” said the person standing outside the cabin door, looking guilty.

 

Xie Guanzhi’s heart sank.

 

He turned, put on his cloak, and quickly stepped outside: “Take me to see what’s going on.”

 

“Yes, yes,” the other person hurriedly followed.

 

This southern tour was Xie Guanzhi’s first formal encounter with court affairs, so he was very careful in everything he did.

 

There were thousands of boatmens accompanying this trip, and although a dozen or so might not seem significant, they still caught his attention immediately.

 

At night, a single light illuminated the waterway of the Yinchuan Grand Canal.

 

After half an hour, a small boat suddenly arrived, and someone quickly boarded the largest painted barge, heading straight for Wen Qingci’s residence, and then knocked on his door…

 

“…So what the Second Prince means is, some boatmens fell ill after taking the medicine?”

 

Wen Qingci, wearing his cloak and carrying a lamp, came out with a rare hint of weariness in his brows.

 

The person sent by the Second Prince paused for a moment, then nodded with difficulty: “Yes… The medicine was distributed to everyone, but it takes some time to prepare the decoction. Most of the boatmens haven’t had time to open their medicine packets yet. Only a small group drank the decoction immediately, and those with abdominal pain are among them.”

 

Wen Qingci’s steps halted.

 

“First, tell them to stop, don’t touch those medicines anymore.”

 

“Yes,” the person beside him hurriedly complied, “The Second Prince has already given the order.”

 

Now that early summer had arrived, the clothes Wen Qingci brought on this trip were somewhat thin.

 

Although he was wearing a cloak, the night wind still made him feel a bone-chilling cold.

 

Wen Qingci couldn’t help but cough lightly twice.

 

Seeing this, the person beside him looked at him with concern.

 

“…Where did the Second Prince’s medicine come from?” Wen Qingci suddenly stopped and asked as if he remembered something.

 

“Uh, it was collected from various towns along the way.”

 

“Alright, I understand…” Wen Qingci nodded lightly, “Take me to the boat where the medicines are stored.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Although he hadn’t seen this batch of medicine yet, Wen Qingci already had an answer in his heart.

 

Chinese medicinal materials need to be stored in a ventilated and dry place.

 

If stored improperly, they can easily become infested with insects or moldy, and after being decocted, vomiting and diarrhea are common occurrences.

 

It’s likely that many of the medicines collected by Xie Guanzhi this time were of such quality.

 

As a prince surrounded by rare treasures, he had almost forgotten that inferior goods existed in this world after a long time.

 

In the past few days, as they passed through dangerous shoals, the fleet did not travel at night.

 

Just as the person accompanying the Second Prince was about to take Wen Qingci on a small boat to the place where the medicines were stored, a series of footsteps came from behind them.

 

Wen Qingci instinctively turned around, only to see… Xie Bufeng’s figure appeared behind him.

 

The two had been conversing as they walked, inadvertently waking Xie Bufeng.

 

“I’ll go with you.”

 

The young man’s tone was devoid of any superfluous emotion, as if he were merely joining a casual stroll.

 

“Uh…” Seeing this, the person standing beside Wen Qingci hesitated, looking at him uncertainly.

 

The situation with the Second Prince was a bit tricky, and involving Xie Bufeng, another prince, at this time might not be a good idea.

 

No, it was definitely not good.

 

However, Wen Qingci’s response was different from what he had anticipated.

 

“It’s fine,” Wen Qingci said as he turned and quickened his pace towards the direction of the small boat, “If the Crown Prince wishes to come, then let him.”

 

“…Wen Xiansheng, this?” He wanted to refuse Xie Bufeng’s company, but considering that they relied on Wen Qingci for tonight’s matter, he couldn’t bring himself to voice his objection.

 

The Second Prince’s confidant closed his mouth, but his thoughts did not cease for a second.

 

“Wen Qingci has been by His Majesty’s side for so long and is highly favored by him, surely he understands the principle of avoiding suspicion? Moreover, the Crown Prince knows nothing of medicine, his presence might not help but rather cause trouble.”

 

“Xie Bufeng has no power or favor, and is not liked by His Majesty, what is Wen Qingci’s intention in doing this?”

 

“Hisss… Why do I feel that Xie Bufeng’s relationship with him has become particularly good?”

 

All these thoughts fell on the young man’s ears.

 

Despite being looked down upon, Xie Bufeng was not angry at all.

 

Under the cover of night, a slight curve appeared on his lips without notice.

 

As they spoke, they had already reached the side of the boat.

 

Wen Qingci’s pleasure boat was connected to the small boat by a plank.

 

Although the boats were anchored, they still swayed gently with the waves of the Yinchuan Grand Canal.

 

As soon as Wen Qingci stepped on the plank, it shook slightly.

 

Before Wen Qingci could react, a hand from behind steadied him firmly.

 

Unbeknownst to him, Xie Bufeng had grown taller than Wen Qingci by half a head, and his frame had become much larger, the strange yet familiar scent enveloped him in an instant.

 

It carried a reassuring strength.

 

The fingertips of Wen Qingci’s right hand, supported by Xie Bufeng, trembled slightly as if touched by static electricity.

 

The young man’s arm muscles were tense, and even while supporting someone, they did not shake in the slightest, appearing effortless.

 

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Wen Qingci hastily uttered these words and quickly crossed the plank to step onto the small boat.

 

“It’s nothing.” The young man followed closely behind.

 

Perhaps due to lack of sleep, Xie Bufeng’s voice seemed a bit huskier than usual.

 

Whether it was because of the small boat or something else, Wen Qingci felt somewhat dizzy as he sat inside the cabin.

 

The ferryboat, designed to carry only a few people, had a very cramped space inside the cabin.

 

The Second Prince’s confidant, who had brought Wen Qingci, was discussing the direction with the boatman at the bow, leaving only Wen Qingci and Xie Bufeng in the dark cabin.

 

Their breaths intertwined in the narrow space.

 

After a few seconds, Wen Qingci couldn’t help but turn to look outside the boat.

 

The boat storing the medicinal herbs was not far away.

 

He let out a sigh of relief.

 

In fact, Wen Qingci also felt that it was not good to let Xie Bufeng accompany him to handle this matter.

 

But before he could think of how to refuse the young man, another thought emerged from the depths of his mind…

 

Xie Bufeng was likely to go to the battlefield in the future.

 

The issue of medicine deterioration was tolerable now, but if it happened during a battle, it could be fatal.

 

The medicinal materials in the Imperial Medical Bureau were all of high quality.

 

If he wanted to teach Xie Bufeng how to distinguish them, it seemed that today was the only opportunity.

 

Perhaps it was because Xie Bufeng was there, or perhaps it was because of the bizarre rumors about Wen Qingci.

 

After giving directions, the Second Prince’s confidant showed no intention of entering the boat.

 

The small boat slowly drew an arc on the river surface, turning in the opposite direction.

 

At this moment, all Wen Qingci could hear were the sounds of water and a faint heartbeat.

 

The rocking of the boat disturbed his vision and thoughts.

 

Wen Qingci finally realized a question belatedly—

 

If Xie Bufeng usually followed him out of boredom, then what is the meaning of him coming here so late at night?

 

A bit of curiosity, magnified infinitely in the quiet of the deep night.

 

After much deliberation, Wen Qingci couldn’t help but ask casually as the boat was about to dock: “Why aren’t you resting at this late hour, Your Highness, instead of coming here?”

 

The young man’s light amber eyes shone even brighter in the night.

 

Xie Bufeng suddenly looked at Wen Qingci.

 

In the silence, the sound of breathing was amplified.

 

Just as the boat touched the shore, Xie Bufeng finally spoke.

 

His voice was so flat that Wen Qingci could not discern any emotion: “Your identity was exposed because of me.”

 

He spoke the answer he had prepared.

 

It was unclear whether it was meant for Wen Qingci or for himself.

 

Just then, someone outside the cabin reminded Wen Qingci that he could disembark, interrupting Xie Bufeng’s next words.

 

But with just that one sentence, Wen Qingci understood—

 

Xie Bufeng did not like owing anyone.

 

In his view, his medicinal constitution was exposed because of him, and as a “transaction,” he would also stay by his side to ensure his safety.

 

No wonder…

 

Wen Qingci silently breathed a sigh of relief.

 

The plank was already set, and Wen Qingci stood up, holding onto the boat’s edge to leave.

 

But what he never expected was that, in the next moment, the stern of the boat was also hit by a wave, knocking it towards the edge.

 

The boat rocked as a result.

 

“Be careful.”

 

Wen Qingci, who had not been standing steadily, instinctively took a half step back.

 

That half step made his back bump into the chest of the person behind him.

 

Abyss: THE WAY I ALREADY SCREAMED BEFORE READING THE LAST LINE, what’s next? a accidental kiss ahhhhhhhhhhh…