PQE Chapter 14

Concubine Qi hurriedly adjusted her body and clothes. Compared to the stern look on Shao Huayang’s face, she appeared more flustered. The emperor, old and impotent, was obsessed with elixirs and rarely lingered in the harem. She merely sought excitement, never intending to risk her life. She found the Second Prince not only handsome but also a promising future emperor. Dissatisfied with the emperor’s impotence, she naturally succumbed to the younger man’s advances. The secret thrill kept both of them entertained.

At this moment, she was furious at her carelessness, wishing she could tear the intruder in the woods to pieces, almost grinding her teeth to dust.

Shao Huayang’s clothes were intact, looking as dignified as ever. He quickly emerged from the rockery, glanced around, and focused on the bamboo grove, his steps drawing closer.

Shao Anlin, still elegant and refined, glanced at the tense Fu Chen, then shifted his direction, allowing Fu Chen to see the fluffy white ball on his shoulder.

As they entered the bamboo grove, Fu Chen restrained himself from looking at Shao Anlin for too long to avoid being accused of disrespect. He didn’t notice the quiet little creature that had made the noise earlier, the beloved cat of Consort De: Tangyuan.

Fu Chen signaled his understanding, his questioning eyes asking what to do next. Shao Anlin, surprised by Fu Chen’s quick comprehension, showed a hint of appreciation. Though strangers, their tacit understanding was pleasing.

Unaware of Fu Chen’s psychological expertise, Shao Anlin naturally had a knack for reading people.

Shao Anlin held Tangyuan in his hands, his snow-white fingers stroking its soft fur before placing it on the ground.

The Second Prince Shao Huayang’s gaze was fixed on the small area near the bamboo grove.

The rustling in the green bamboo grove grew louder, and suddenly, a white furball darted out with a “meow.”

Concubine Qi breathed a sigh of relief. Now dressed and radiant, she gracefully walked out, her jade hands elegantly reaching to embrace the furball, but it quickly dodged, avoiding her. It’s said that all creatures have a spirit, and those with heavy turbid energy make them retreat.

Concubine Qi forced a smile and said to the still tense Shao Huayang, “You’re too jumpy. It’s just an animal. This little rascal often makes Consort De search for it.”

Shao Huayang remained silent, his expression cold and sharp, his icy demeanor like a blade, his sneer chilling. “Come out, I know someone’s there, or do you want me to come in and find you?”

Using the cat as a shield was a good idea, but it couldn’t cover up the fact that the Ming Shen Garden was too far from Consort De’s Fu Xi Palace. Even if the cat had three heads and six arms, it couldn’t have run that far on its own.

Fu Chen’s expression stiffened. Even the seemingly impulsive Second Prince wasn’t easy to fool. He faced two choices: wait for Shao Huayang to find them both or take all the blame himself. The Third Prince leaving would be disastrous, involving many complications. Most importantly, if he chose the former, he might face pressure from both princes later. Choosing the lesser of two evils, Fu Chen stepped forward resolutely, but was suddenly pulled back. The green figure stepped out before him, leaving Fu Chen staring in astonishment at Shao Anlin’s back. He couldn’t believe this man didn’t understand the gravity of the situation, yet he walked out.

Fu Chen suddenly thought of the Third Prince’s reputation among the people, often providing disaster relief, helping the poor, and mingling with the common folk. At this moment, even Fu Chen was moved. As a powerless eunuch, he admired Shao Anlin’s selflessness. No wonder everyone praised him. Regardless of any ulterior motives, his conduct was admirable.

Seeing Shao Anlin’s figure emerge from the bamboo grove, even Shao Huayang was surprised, his expression changing several times before settling into a casual smile. “What a coincidence, old third, are you out for a walk with your cat?”

Indeed, Tangyuan ran over, rubbing against Shao Anlin’s leg.

Shao Anlin replied naturally, “Just taking a stroll to see the lotus flowers at Yeting Lake. Second brother, Concubine Qi, are you also here for the scenery?”

This statement had two meanings: first, he told Shao Huayang he was there by chance, not intentionally; second, he implied he would pretend not to see Shao Huayang and Concubine Qi’s affair, reassuring Shao Huayang.

After a few more pleasantries, Shao Huayang got to the point.

“Old third, I sent an invitation to your residence last time, but you were out. The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up. Can you spare some time for your second brother?” Shao Huayang’s voice, though calm, carried a sharp edge.

The struggle for the throne was intensifying. Emperor Jin Cheng, learning from his own succession, was reluctant to appoint a crown prince even in middle age. The eldest prince was nearly forty, and with more princes coming of age, the older ones were getting anxious. As a neutral figure and a popular candidate for the next imperial master, Shao Anlin was someone everyone wanted to win over, but he never accepted invitations from any prince’s residence.

If Shao Anlin accepted an invitation from any prince, it would signal his allegiance, making it impossible to remain neutral.

“Recently, I went to Wufu Mountain to pray. Now that I’m back, I must visit your residence for tea. I hope you won’t mind, second brother.”

Shao Anlin’s words clearly pleased Shao Huayang. “Then I’ll be waiting for you, old third!”

The two brothers bid farewell amicably, but as Shao Huayang turned away, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

After paying her respects to Shao Anlin, Concubine Qi quickly left, and the courtyard returned to peace. After a moment, Shao Anlin called out, “Come out.”

Fu Chen emerged and approached the Third Prince.

As he stood there, Shao Anlin’s long fingers reached for Fu Chen, who could almost hear his own breathing.

The fingers plucked a bamboo leaf from Fu Chen’s hair and tossed it into the air, making his heart race despite no physical contact.

Fu Chen knelt and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

This gratitude was sincere. Shao Anlin had saved his life and taken all of Shao Huayang’s potential retaliation upon himself. If Fu Chen had stepped out, it would have been a death sentence.

“Thank me for what?” Shao Anlin smiled, looking thoughtfully at the respectful Fu Chen.

“For saving my life. I can die a thousand deaths to repay you,” Fu Chen replied, his head touching the ground.

“Die a thousand deaths? Heh, I had to step into this situation,” Shao Anlin said cryptically, then added, “Recently, you painted my mother’s nails?”

“Yes, I had the honor of painting the Consort De’s nails once.”

“I saw you leave Fu Xi Palace and vomit. Were you dissatisfied?”

“!” Fu Chen lowered his head further. Shao Anlin’s words were probing. “This servant had a stomach issue.”

He hadn’t expected that moment to be noticed.

And he hadn’t expected the usually aloof Third Prince to ask so directly.

“Stand up and answer,” Shao Anlin seemed to accept the explanation.

Fu Chen stood, but Shao Anlin grabbed his chin, forcing him to look up, their eyes meeting.

The position was humiliating, the age difference making Fu Chen feel oppressed, but he remained respectful and submissive, anyone would say he was a good servant.

Shao Anlin seemed to be examining him, speaking softly, “Do you know, every time you say ‘servant,’ your eyes never show that you see yourself as one.”

The dark look in the Third Prince’s eyes made Fu Chen shiver, feeling frozen, unable to respond.

He could bow and scrape, call himself a servant, even kneel and beg, but he couldn’t lower his last bit of dignity.

Yet no one had ever noticed this. He didn’t know how the Third Prince had discerned it, considering they’d only met three times, the first time Shao Anlin hadn’t even noticed him.

“Servant… doesn’t… understand,” Fu Chen forced himself to stay calm. Shao Anlin’s words might be casual in modern times, but in this era of absolute monarchy, they were dangerous. Ignoring the grip on his chin, he knelt and kowtowed, “This servant deserves to die!”

Under Shao Anlin’s gaze, it felt like nothing could be hidden, as if he were naked.

The man’s calm demeanor and all-seeing eyes made Fu Chen even more humble and obedient.

Shao Anlin didn’t tell him to rise, watching Fu Chen plead before saying, “Remember, you owe me a life. Now, follow me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Fu Chen’s forehead was slightly swollen, not bleeding this time, but he didn’t relax.

On the way, Shao Anlin remained silent, and Fu Chen followed a few steps behind, not daring to speak. A servant couldn’t disturb the master without orders, nor ask where they were going.

He held Tangyuan in his arms, gently stroking its fur. The cat’s soft, well-maintained coat and its gentle nuzzling against his chest slightly eased his tension.

The two of them came to Luguyuan, where people with special talents lived. These people did not belong to the Ministry of Works, but served the emperor personally. This included the design of the palace buildings, the planting of royal gardens, and some projects that provided special services to the emperor, such as the construction of open-air hot springs and other places. 

Luguyuan was not far from Yeting Lake, so Shao Anlin’s original purpose was to come here? And seeing the second prince and Concubine Qi on the way was really just a coincidence?

When they reached the door, two eunuchs came out one after another carrying a stretcher with a person covered with a cloth on it.

Fu Chen went up to ask and found out that it was an old eunuch who had passed away. After asking for his name, he reported it to Shao Anlin, who frowned slightly and said, “This time is really a coincidence.”

Fu Chen didn’t understand what these words meant, but he could tell that Shao Anlin originally wanted to come here to find someone, but this person might have already left.

After walking for a while, Shao Anlin turned his head and slowly set his eyes on Fu Chen. Shao Anlin looked like a landscape painting, his casual movements were full of freehand elegance, and his otherworldly aura complemented his appearance and demeanor.

But after what happened today, Fu Chen just felt creepy. 

Unexpectedly, Shao Anlin suddenly smiled faintly, with a charming look.