Chapter 86#

(Revised + Added Words)

“Of course I’ll wash them.”

Shen Zheng didn’t press further. He took Wen Zhuo’s other hand and guided both into the warm brass basin, pinching some soap beans and working them into a fine lather.

Wen Zhuo watched his lowered brows and felt a stir in his heart. Suddenly, he gently curled his fingers and lightly scratched at the thin calluses on Shen Zheng’s palm.

The water in the basin rippled gently. Wen Zhuo immediately looked up to gauge Shen Zheng’s reaction, only to meet a pair of mischievous eyes. All traces of displeasure on his brow had vanished.

Wen Zhuo thought to himself: He’s actually quite easy to appease.

Once his hands were clean, Wen Zhuo withdrew them, hiding them in his sleeves. He then stood up, putting on the proper demeanor of a mentor: “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to stay too long at Your Highness’s residence. Now that my hands are washed, I’ll take my leave.”

Shen Zheng didn’t stop him. He merely picked up a damp linen cloth to wipe his face, then casually handed it to the eunuch behind him, instructing him to take the brass basin away as well.

Wen Zhuo took a couple of steps forward: “I’m leaving now, Your Highness.”

“Alright,” Shen Zheng replied, lifting his chin slightly. Immediately, someone outside the door brought in an oil-paper bundle, still steaming with a faint, sweet fragrance.

Wen Zhuo’s gaze was instantly drawn to the bundle, and his Adam’s apple involuntarily bobbed.

Shen Zheng took the bundle and slowly unwrapped it, revealing soft, milky-white jujube cold cakes.

He weighed it in his palm, a hint of amusement in his voice: “How about the teacher stays a little longer?”

“Then I’ll eat first before leaving.”

Wen Zhuo eagerly lunged for the cakes without lifting his head, pinching one and putting it into his mouth. The bean paste melted on his tongue, making his heart feel both sweet and soft. He mumbled vaguely, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Shen Zheng took the opportunity to gently brush his cheek: “Mm, you’re welcome, teacher.”

After the morning court session, Liu Kangren was interrogated by the Dali Temple for three consecutive days.

He recounted the old affairs of Mianzhou over and over, no less than ten times, before finally completing the formalities and being allowed to leave prison in cangue and shackles.

He was not yet completely exonerated. Only after the delegation to the Western Seas was fully prepared and the ship had sailed beyond the borders of the Great Qian Dynasty could the irons on his wrists be removed.

For a general who had once commanded troops and dominated the battlefield, this was undoubtedly a great humiliation. But for Liu Kangren, it was the best possible outcome.

He had not set foot in the capital for nearly ten years. During this period before the departure, he could finally have a brief reunion with his family.

The Duke’s Mansion, silent for years, echoed once again with the joyful sounds of family harmony. Red New Year’s lanterns were hung beneath the eaves.

On the third day after Liu Kangren’s release from prison, Liu Yuanqing could already walk without a crutch.

Having learned that Shen Zheng had been hiding away in the Crown Prince’s residence for days to avoid visits from officials, Liu Yuanqing decided to take his son to visit Wen Mansion first.

The door knocker sounded lightly, a visiting card was handed in. Soon, Liu Qiying led the two of them to the study, seating them in the honored positions.

Jiang Man nǚ served steaming hot Songluo tea, enthusiastically saying, “Master of the Mansion, Grand Secretary Wen, our lord will be here shortly.”

Liu Kangren held the warm teacup with both hands and nodded slightly: “Thank you, Miss Liu. Thank you, Miss Jiang.”

Liu Yuanqing looked at the two women, curiosity in his voice: “Are you acquainted with them as well?”

“When I was hiding in the Liu Mansion, it was thanks to these two ladies secretly looking after me, bringing water and food. Otherwise, I would have long succumbed to cold and hunger and would not have lived to this day,” Liu Kangren said sincerely, his eyes full of gratitude.

Hearing this, Liu Yuanqing immediately rose to his feet, raised his arms, and made a solemn bow with clasped hands: “I, Liu Yuanqing, thank you both!”

Liu Qiying and Jiang Man nǚ quickly stepped aside, repeatedly saying, “Master of the Mansion, please don’t. We wouldn’t dare accept such courtesy.”

“It is easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to offer charcoal in snow. You two certainly deserve it,” Liu Yuanqing said with a serious tone.

He had led troops for many years and enjoyed deep prestige, not only because of his skill in command and strict governance, but also because he was clear about right and wrong and never used his authority to oppress others.

Just as they were speaking, the curtain of the study was lifted, and Wen Zhuo entered, wearing a robe with a round collar and wide sleeves, wrapped in a thick fox-fur coat.

Unexpectedly, Shen Zheng followed at his side, even reaching out to hold the heavy curtain for him.

Liu Yuanqing was stunned for a moment. The Fifth Prince, who was rumored to be hiding away in the Crown Prince’s residence all day avoiding people, why had he appeared at Wen Mansion?

Liu Kangren, however, was used to it. Back in Mianzhou, he had already sensed that Wen Zhuo and Shen Zheng shared a close relationship—both teacher and friend.

“Marquis Liu, why aren’t you at home with your family, and instead come to my humble abode?” Wen Zhuo had a smile playing on his lips. His cheeks were chilled by the cold wind outside, and as soon as he entered the study, he instinctively moved towards the brazier.

Liu Yuanqing regained his senses and suddenly dropped to his knees, prostrating himself: “I, Liu Yuanqing, old minister, hereby thank the Fifth Prince and Grand Secretary Wen for their life-saving grace!”

Both Wen Zhuo and Shen Zheng were taken aback.

“My son was on the verge of death. The entire mansion was in utter despair, with coffins and burial garments already prepared, only waiting to see him off on his final journey. Thanks to your miraculous strategies, my son was snatched back from the jaws of death. I am old, but my mind is still clear. I can tell right from wrong. This debt of gratitude is beyond repayment. If the Fifth Prince does not despise me, I beg you to pardon the transgressions of the past. The entire Marquis Mansion, along with our former troops, will henceforth follow the Fifth Prince’s lead, ready to go through fire and water without hesitation!” Liu Yuanqing’s words were choked with tears, his voice hoarse and sorrowful.

These past days, this was the only thing on his mind day and night.

Now that the emperor was old, the struggle among the princes was already apparent. He saw it clearly; how could he not be anxious?

If he chose to play it safe and protect himself, once the new emperor ascended the throne, the Liu family would inevitably be sidelined and suppressed. If he went all in and chose a master to serve, he feared choosing the wrong sovereign, which would cost the entire family their lives.

Originally, Shen Zheng and Shen Chen were the two he could never choose.

The affair from ten years ago was like a poisoned thorn lodged in the hearts of both families, only growing deeper and festering over time.

He had never imagined that Shen Zheng would choose to save Liu Kangren’s life at the very moment when revenge would have been easiest.

This also convinced him that Shen Zheng was a wise ruler with a broad mind, one who distinguished clearly between kindness and resentment.

Liu Kangren immediately followed his father, kneeling: “I, Liu Kangren, also wish to follow Your Highness!”

This scene was actually within Wen Zhuo’s expectations, so he was not very surprised, but seeing it with his own eyes still stirred a peculiar emotion in his heart.

Before meeting Shen Zheng, he had never imagined that this deadlock could be resolved in such a way.

In his previous life, he had worked tirelessly for Shen Chen, dealing with Prince Xian on one hand and worrying about inciting mutiny among the military on the other. What was all that suffering worth?

It turned out that he could be so relaxed, could help someone ascend to power without guilt, without resorting to any means, without playing political games, without trampling people’s hearts into the dirt, turning himself into a cold and ruthless blade.

In truth, there was no inherent distinction between honest and corrupt officials, between renowned ministers and traitors. At the end of the day, it all came down to: if those above set a bad example, those below will follow; if the ruler is stubborn and willful, his ministers will be treacherous; if those above are depraved, it’s hard for those below to be upright; when the majority is corrupt, it cannot be rectified.

Shen Zheng helped Marquis Liu to his feet: “The reason I was able to save Liu Kangren is that he truly devoted himself to the people, acting with integrity. In the final analysis, it was his own steadfastness that saved him. But I am still grateful for what you said today. It makes me feel that the risk my Grand Secretary and I took to put on this act was worth it.”

“I am ashamed, old minister,” Liu Yuanqing hung his head, sweating with shame. “If I hadn’t insisted on pushing Kangren into the position of commander back then, this disaster would never have occurred.”

“Since we’ve said that past transgressions are pardoned, there’s no need to mention them again.” Shen Zheng patted his shoulder, then turned his gaze to Liu Kangren, his tone unprecedentedly serious. “Everything looks forward. I await the day when Lord Liu brings back potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn to Great Qian.”

Liu Kangren straightened his back and made a vow with clasped fists: “I will surely bring back grain seeds on this journey, to repay Your Highness’s grace of recognition!”

Shen Zheng nodded. Everyone sat down again, and he then gave Liu Kangren further instructions, inevitably revealing some information about the Western Seas’ current social background and local customs.

He claimed that he had heard it from a Western musician in the palace while in Nanping.

The father and son believed it without a doubt. Only Wen Zhuo thoughtfully toyed with the teacup in his hand.

Unknowingly, the day passed noon. Marquis Liu finally rose to take his leave.

Wen Zhuo said solemnly, “Marquis, just carry on as usual when you go back. What happened with Liu Kangren must have no connection whatsoever with me or the Prince.”

Liu Yuanqing understood: “At my age, how could I not know the current emperor’s mind? If both the Yongning Marquis and I surrender to the Fifth Prince, I’m afraid the emperor will be so alarmed he won’t be able to sleep.”

Wen Zhuo smiled faintly.

After seeing Liu Yuanqing off, Shen Zheng finally shed his princely demeanor, stretched his limbs, and yawned: “After returning to the capital this time, there’s really nowhere to hide from people. It took such effort to sneak out of the palace to find you, and I was hoping to…”

“The Prince is renowned as the Chess Saint, known throughout the realm, yet still lacking a concrete achievement to establish yourself. With this disaster relief mission, you’ve quelled the people’s grievances in one fell swoop, filling that last gap. Now that the emperor praises you highly and Prince Xian has lost power, the political landscape has shifted. Countless courtiers will come to offer their services, seeking the merit of helping a new emperor ascend.” Wen Zhuo covered his ears, red from the cold wind, his tone stern as he forcibly redirected the conversation.

Shen Zheng lowered his arms, smiling as he looked at Wen Zhuo. The only benefit of this bitter winter was that now, even when his ears turned red, the reason couldn’t be discerned.

Wen Zhuo naturally saw that his smile was inappropriate, but one must not stoop to the same level, so he remained upright: “But there’s no need for the Prince to associate with them now, lest it displease the emperor. After all, your momentum is already unstoppable.”

Wen Zhuo knew the exact date of Emperor Shun Yuan’s death. In his previous life, it had taken him three full years to put Shen Chen on the throne, and the timing had been just right. But in this life, Shen Zheng’s rise to power was happening far faster than expected. What needed to be done now was to seek stability.

Shen Zheng didn’t interrupt him, patiently listening until he finished. Then, unhurriedly, he finished his own inappropriate remark: “…I was hoping to spend some tender moments with you, to ease my longing.”

“…'”

Wen Zhuo was about to warn him against saying “tender moments” in broad daylight, as it was unbefitting his status, when Jiang Man nǚ suddenly ran over: “My lord, someone from the Dali Temple, Lord Xue, sent a message. He wants to invite you to his home for a hotpot.”

“I’m not going, I’m not going,” Wen Zhuo refused without a second thought. “Mutton is too gamey. Just tell him I’m not home.”

Jiang Man nǚ: “Oh!”

Shen Zheng couldn’t avoid people, and neither could Wen Zhuo. The New Year was approaching, the time for visiting and networking among households. As the emperor’s favored official and Head of the Hanlin Academy, his mansion was naturally no exception to the hustle and bustle.

Since returning to the capital, the two had been bound by their official duties. Time together was scarce, a far cry from the days in Mianzhou when they were together day and night, inseparable. Now, it felt utterly meager.

Having finally managed to escape, Shen Zheng only wanted a moment alone with him, unwilling to be delayed by trivial matters.

He grabbed Wen Zhuo’s wrist, a mysterious look on his face: “I know a place that’s still quiet. Will the teacher come with me?”

“All the taverns, teahouses, chess pavilions, and hot springs in the capital are fully booked right now. What place could still be quiet?” Wen Zhuo paused, frowning slightly. “I’m afraid of the cold. I don’t want to be outside.”

“It’s not outside.” Shen Zheng smiled, pulling him towards the back courtyard. As they passed the kitchen, he instructed Liu Qiying to mind the house, then dragged Wen Zhuo into the secret passage.

“To the Yongning Marquis Manor?” Wen Zhuo adapted to the darkness of the passage, analyzing as they went. “General Jun is spending his first New Year in the capital and also commands the Three Great Battalions. I’m afraid the Yongning Marquis Manor is no less lively than my own home.”

But Shen Zheng led him to the middle of the passage and stopped.

Wen Zhuo suddenly halted, staring at Shen Zheng in bewilderment.

The passage was narrow, the walls on both sides enclosing an utterly dark space. Here, far from either entrance, the bitter wind was completely cut off. A candle flickered on the wall, its light dim, just barely enough to see each other’s outlines.

Realizing where this “quiet place” was, and what was about to happen, heat instantly surged through Wen Zhuo, rushing from his cheeks to the tips of his ears.

“Is it quiet enough here?” Shen Zheng’s eyes grew deeper in the dim light. As he asked, he brushed aside the fox-fur coat, his hand resting on the jade belt, fingers lightly tracing the gold thread embroidered on it. “Why isn’t the teacher wearing the leather belt I gave you?”

“Your Highness—” Wen Zhuo’s breath suddenly quickened. The air he exhaled no longer formed white mist. He could see clearly as Shen Zheng drew closer and closer. “Both ends of the passage are unlocked. Someone could come looking for us at any moment. How can we be here, in a secret passage!”

“Are you cold?” Shen Zheng’s warm breath brushed past his ear, scattering the lingering scent of medicine. “Are your ears still cold?”

Wen Zhuo remained silent. He guessed what Shen Zheng intended to do. But when his thin ear cartilage was caught between lips, slowly caressed inch by inch, he couldn’t help but shiver down his spine, all his strength seeming to drain from his bones.

Instinctively, he grabbed hold of the brocade robe on Shen Zheng’s chest, as if clinging to a cliff’s edge. It felt as though if he let go for even a moment, he would lose his composure and slip, drowning in the water.

Reason warned him that this was no place for intimacy. But the desire of his body compelled him to surrender. He had never tasted such a startling and exquisite sensation. Tremors shot from his ear through his entire body, spreading like a prairie fire, burning straight to his heart, so hot it almost stole his breath.

“The teacher’s ears are very sensitive. Did you know that before?” Shen Zheng sucked hard on his delicate earlobe, lightly grinding with his teeth before pausing to ask.

“No!” Wen Zhuo forced out the two words, shuddering. Then, in shame and annoyance, he pressed his face against Shen Zheng’s shoulder, trying to hide his loss of composure.

“Then does the teacher like it?” Shen Zheng gently patted his back to soothe him.

Wen Zhuo’s fingers, clutching Shen Zheng’s robe, curled tighter. He pretended not to hear.

The chill on his ears had been completely taken away, replaced only by a lingering damp heat. A numbing sensation spread, and he could clearly feel his own transformation.

Shen Zheng took it all in. His palm could clearly feel the tension in Wen Zhuo’s back.

Holding jade-soft warmth in his arms, Shen Zheng naturally felt desire himself. But he completely ignored his own reaction, focusing solely on exploring Wen Zhuo’s vulnerabilities.

“The teacher’s concerns are reasonable. If Grandfather misses me and sends someone down to find me, or if Uncle and Mo Shu need to discuss something and come barging in, it would be improper.” Shen Zheng seemed to have given it deep thought, but his hands never stopped.

“…So Your Highness and I should go up immediately!” Wen Zhuo had never been so terrified. He wanted nothing more than to abandon Shen Zheng and flee.

Shen Zheng chuckled softly. He raised a hand to brush away the stray strand of hair by Wen Zhuo’s temple, fully revealing the soft, flushed ear: “So we won’t undo our robes. We’ll just kiss the teacher’s ear and see if the teacher can find pleasure, alright?”

“Your Highness says… what?” Wen Zhuo suddenly lifted his head, looking at Shen Zheng in disbelief, struggling to digest these earth-shattering words.

Seeing the usually fierce little cat minister make such an expression, Shen Zheng couldn’t bear it. So he affectionately kissed Wen Zhuo on the lips, and said gently, “To prevent cheating, I’ll just have to hold your hands, teacher.”