Chapter 38
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All day long, Jiang Juan kept saying he felt uncomfortable, but only at this moment did he truly feel it.
Xue Fangli stared at him for a long time before lifting his gaze and looking expressionlessly at Chief Steward Wang.
Chief Steward Wang hadn’t anticipated Jiang Juan’s strong reaction and held his hands together, not daring to speak.
“Your Highness, don’t look at him,” Jiang Juan said. “You should be honest with me.”
Xue Fangli smiled slightly, “Haven’t you already figured it out?”
Jiang Juan looked downcast, “But I want to hear it from you.”
Xue Fangli’s tone remained flat, “It’s just that. There’s nothing more to say.”
But it wasn’t just that.
Chief Steward Wang surely only knew the tip of the iceberg; there were more things, unknown and untold.
“What’s there to be upset about?”
Xue Fangli’s voice was nonchalant. “I’ve told you many times, I don’t care.”
Jiang Juan stared at him, “Your Highness, why did she treat you like that?”
Why?
The woman in his memories rarely had calm moments or showed him any warmth. There was only one time when she held his hand, pulled him into her embrace, and said with a smile, “My Fangli, the Fangli I carried for ten months, has grown so big.”
“This letter is our little secret. Don’t tell anyone, okay?”
“Never, ever tell your father.”
“He’s your mother’s husband. He’s coming to take your mother away…”
Xue Fangli closed his eyes briefly, then said calmly, “She hated me.”
Jiang Juan wanted to say more, but the maid sent to fetch the paintings returned, bowing respectfully, “Your Highness, the paintings are here.”
Xue Fangli nodded. Several maids came forward and spread out the scrolls. There were seven paintings in total, six of which depicted a woman.
It should be the same person, right?
Jiang Juan tried to make out the figures. The silk was damp and riddled with insect holes, severely damaged, but even so, it couldn’t hide the woman’s stunning beauty.
She is—”Your Highness, is she your mother concubine?”
Jiang Juan finally realized.
No wonder Emperor Hongxing sent someone to retrieve the paintings.
No wonder His Highness hesitated when Jiang Juan insisted.
Jiang Juan had only intended to send His Highness away to ask Chief Steward Wang about it, but it seemed he had inadvertently reopened His Highness’s wounds.
“Your Highness…”
Jiang Juan felt deeply guilty, but Xue Fangli asked nonchalantly, “You’re not looking anymore?”
Jiang Juan opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say, so he shook his head. Xue Fangli handed the paintings to Chief Steward Wang, saying indifferently, “Take these to the Emperor.”
Chief Steward Wang responded joyfully, “Yes.”
After a pause, Chief Steward Wang reminded, “Your Highness, there’s still one more painting.”
There were seven paintings in total, but one had not been unrolled. The maid explained, “Chief Steward Wang, this painting is too damaged. I’m afraid it will fall apart if unrolled.”
Chief Steward Wang hesitated, “Your Highness, should this painting be kept, or should I take it with the others?”
A pale hand reached out and touched the scroll. Xue Fangli caressed it a few times before saying, “This painting isn’t of her. Keep it.”
Chief Steward Wang acknowledged, “Yes.”
Jiang Juan looked down at the painting and couldn’t help asking, “Your Highness, what’s this painting of?”
Xue Fangli smiled slightly, “I don’t really remember.”
If he didn’t remember, how did he know it wasn’t of Beauty Yu?
If His Highness wanted to keep this painting, it must hold some significance.
Unfortunately, it was too damaged.
Jiang Juan was lost in thought and didn’t notice Chief Steward Wang leave until his chin was lifted. Xue Fangli looked down and asked, “Do you want to go for a walk?”
Jiang Juan hesitated but then shook his head, “Forget it.”
He had been curious about His Highness’s former residence, but revisiting the past must be torture for him, who had few good memories.
How to relieve sorrow? Only with sleep. Whenever Jiang Juan felt down, he would sleep deeply. He thought His Highness could use some rest too.
“Your Highness, do you want to sleep?”
“Do you want to sleep?”
Jiang Juan didn’t really want to sleep but knew His Highness liked holding him, so he nodded, “Yes.”
Jiang Juan spoke slowly, “I don’t like this bed. Your Highness, can you hold me while we sleep?”
Jiang Juan felt too guilty, still troubled by his own actions that had reopened His Highness’s old wounds. He didn’t know what to do, so he initiated the human pillow service, allowing His Highness to hold him for another night.
Xue Fangli raised his eyebrow, clearly aware of the reason behind Jiang Juan’s willingness to be held. He intended to say something but ultimately didn’t.
His past now only served to manipulate the youth, to make him feel pity and compassion, but he also feared that too much pity would make the youth harder to console.
As long as Jiang Juan didn’t cry, Xue Fangli accepted his guilt and initiative with pleasure.
“Alright.”
Not long after, Xue Fangli spoke up. He picked up the person in his arms, smiling with evident satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Chief Steward Wang returned to Yangxin Hall, holding the paintings.
Honestly, he hadn’t held much hope for this trip. His Highness’s deep-seated issues with Beauty Yu were well-known over the years.
“Your Majesty! Your Majesty—!”
Chief Steward Wang entered the hall joyfully, ready to present the paintings. He noticed another person in the hall, and upon closer look, quickly bowed, “Your servant greets the Crown Prince.”
The Crown Prince, Xue Chaohua, smiled and asked Chief Steward Wang, “What good thing is Gongong bringing to the Emperor that makes you so joyful?”
Emperor Hongxing had been sipping tea but quickly looked up, so abruptly that tea spilled on him. He didn’t seem to notice, “Did you get them?”
Chief Steward Wang answered happily, “Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to the Royal Consort.”
The Royal Consort?
Old Five’s belonging?
Xue Chaohua’s smile vanished, feeling deeply displeased.
Why was it always that lunatic?
Emperor Hongxing’s fingers trembled, and his voice was urgent, “Quick, show me.”
Chief Steward Wang carefully unrolled the paintings.
The silk had been stored for many years and was poorly preserved, making it thin and fragile. The painting was yellowed, full of insect holes, and the beauty’s face was blurry, but her elegance remained as it was.
Emperor Hongxing reached out to touch it, but Chief Steward Wang quickly reminded, “Your Majesty, the painting is too damaged. You must be gentle.”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Hongxing paused and refrained from touching the scroll, only gazing at the person in the painting with deep affection.
Judging by his expression, Xue Chaohua could guess the subject of the painting even without looking.
Beauty Yu, definitely Beauty Yu.
Old Five’s mother.
Xue Chaohua snorted inwardly.
He had come to plead for Minister Li’s son, who was sentenced to death for disrespect. Minister Li was related to his maternal family, and Xue Chaohua always sought opportunities to discomfort Xue Fangli. Both politically and personally, he had to come see the Emperor.
After a moment of thought, Xue Chaohua said, “Father, I heard that the renowned artist Yang Liusheng arrived in the capital yesterday. He is not only skilled in painting but also excels in restoring antiques. Coincidentally, I have plans to go to Baihua Garden tomorrow and heard that Yang Liusheng will be there. Why don’t I take the painting and have him restore it if possible? If not, he can paint a new one.”
Restoring or repainting, as long as the image of the person in the painting could be clearer.
Emperor Hongxing slowly said, “That sounds good.”
After a pause, considering he hadn’t left the palace for a while, he added, “I will go with you tomorrow.”
It had been a long time since the two had bonded. Xue Chaohua was overjoyed, “Father is coming? Then I will have Baihua Garden closed off for tomorrow—” “No need,” Emperor Hongxing interrupted, “I am just going for a look. No need to make a fuss.”
Xue Chaohua was about to persuade him further but then heard the Emperor instruct Chief Steward Wang, “Bring Old Five and his Royal Consort tomorrow as well.”
Chief Steward Wang replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Xue Chaohua: “…”
He thought it would be just the two of them, but now they had to travel with Xue Fangli. He felt even more displeased.
Emperor Hongxing was unaware of Xue Chaohua’s thoughts. Thinking of Jiang Juan, he remembered his promise of a reward and smiled, “Old Five gave me the paintings. I forgot to reward him.”
He asked Chief Steward Wang, “What should I give him?”
Chief Steward Wang pondered, then said hesitantly, “Your Majesty, His Highness doesn’t seem to have any particular preferences, but he values the Royal Consort. Maybe we should see what the Royal Consort likes?”
“That sounds good.”
Emperor Hongxing nodded. He liked Jiang Juan, having a good impression from their first meeting, and found him more interesting now. Thinking of Jiang Juan’s behavior in the hall, the Emperor chuckled and shook his head, “Old Five values him for good reason.”
Chief Steward Wang added, “His Royal Consort is indeed a remarkable person.”
After that, Emperor Hongxing remembered, “Eldest, you came to see me for something?”
Xue Chaohua froze. He wasn’t foolish; he knew it wasn’t a good time to plead for leniency. Seeing his father in a good mood, he forced a smile, “I just came to see you, Father.”
Emperor Hongxing nodded, “You are considerate.”
The next day.
Jiang Juan was half-asleep when he was awakened by voices.
“Your Highness, the Emperor plans to go on an outing to Baihua Garden and wants you and the Royal Consort to join.”
Chief Steward Wang said in a low voice, then instinctively looked up.
On the mahogany bed, the light blue canopy hung softly. The sheer layers couldn’t completely conceal the scene on the bed. The young man’s silhouette was vaguely visible, lying on someone, his long hair cascading over his shoulders, with a hand resting on his waist.
Pale and slender, the hand seemed capable of gripping the thin waist tightly. Or rather, it had been holding onto it all night.
The intimate posture clearly led Chief Steward Wang to misunderstand. He quickly lowered his head, fearing he had seen something he shouldn’t have, and continued, “The Emperor and the Crown Prince are ready, just waiting for you and the Royal Consort.”
Jiang Juan stirred a bit. Xue Fangli lowered his gaze. Jiang Juan didn’t open his eyes, only weakly asked, “Your Highness, what’s going on?”
Xue Fangli: “Outing.”
Jiang Juan: “?”
Outing for what? What’s so good about it? Jiang Juan, a self-proclaimed salted fish, was very resistant to such large outdoor activities. He said sulkily, “I don’t want to go on an outing. I just want to sleep.”
Xue Fangli replied indifferently, “You sleep then.”
Jiang Juan’s claim of needing a lot of sleep was indeed true. His ability to sleep was exceptional. Not only could he never get enough sleep, but he also slept more and more. Hearing this, Jiang Juan buried his face back into Xue Fangli’s chest. Still drowsy, he was about to drift off again when a plot detail popped into his mind.
In the novel, the protagonist shou also had a plotline involving an outing.
Aside from pampering, the story also had elements of admiration. This particular plot had the protagonist shou going on an outing and encountering the famous artist Yang Liusheng. Known for his love of beauty and his skill in painting beautiful figures, he immediately requested to paint the protagonist shou upon meeting him. This led to the protagonist shou being known not just as the most beautiful in the capital but also across the entire realm.
The joy belonged to the protagonist shou, but Jiang Juan had no desire to approach his domain.
Thinking about this, Jiang Juan’s consciousness scattered again, and he fell into a sweet dream.
“Your Highness, you and the Royal Consort are not going on the outing?” Chief Steward Wang heard Xue Fangli coaxing Jiang Juan and hesitated, “The Emperor’s intentions are good.”
Xue Fangli had little interest, but since Baihua Garden was on the way to returning to the prince’s residence, a visit wouldn’t be a problem. He said lightly, “Let’s go.”
“Should the Royal Consort…. stay and rest then?”
“Yes.”
Chief Steward Wang thought His Highness meant for the Royal Consort to stay in the palace and rest. He quickly instructed the maid, “Be careful and look after the Royal Consort. If he—” Xue Fangli glanced at him, “He is going too.”
Chief Steward Wang: “?”
He was puzzled but soon understood His Highness’s intentions when he saw Xue Fangli carrying Jiang Juan out of the palace and into the carriage.
From start to finish, Jiang Juan lay in Xue Fangli’s arms, sleeping soundly, while Xue Fangli carried him all the way.
Chief Steward Wang: “…”
His Royal Consort refused to get up, so His Highness carried him everywhere.
His Highness pampered His Royal Consort consort too much, didn’t he?
As he pondered this, Emperor Hongxing noticed Jiang Juan being carried in Xue Fangli’s arms the entire way, not moving an inch. He frowned and asked Chief Steward Wang, “What’s wrong with Old Five’s Royal Consort? Did his heart condition relapse, and he passed out?”
Chief Steward Wang hesitated, then decided to give Jiang Juan some dignity, “Your Majesty, His Royal Consort is somewhat unwell.”
Unwell to the point of being carried the entire way without waking up.
Author’s Note:
Salted Fish Juan: I passed out; I was pretending zzzzz (sleeping as passing out)
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Obrigada pela tradução!
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