Chapter 39
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The Emperor’s outing, even without intending to be grand, was still a large procession.
Early April was the perfect season for an outing, and Baihua Garden was in full bloom with peach blossoms and various flowers, attracting many young lords and ladies for leisure.
Jiang Nian and Marquis Anping were among them.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
They and several other noble children saluted, and Emperor Hongxing waved his hand, “No need for formalities. I am just here to look around. You may continue your activities.”
The crowd dispersed, and the Emperor indeed wandered around. Jiang Nian noticed a carriage accompanying the Emperor, its occupant never appearing, which piqued his curiosity.
After most people left, the carriage finally stirred.
A man stepped out, tall and wearing a complex black and gold robe, with an impressively handsome face, albeit with an underlying sinister aura.
In his arms was a young man, speaking softly to a maid before getting down.
It was Prince Li.
The person in his arms was his younger brother.
Every time Jiang Nian saw this brother, he was nestled in Prince Li’s arms. He had never known him to be so submissive.
Jiang Nian smirked, then noticed Marquis Anping also staring in the same direction—towards the garden where Prince Li had entered, his expression complex.
Jiang Nian frowned slightly and asked, “Marquis, what are you looking at?”
Marquis Anping withdrew his gaze, composed, “Prince Li. The person in his arms…is it Jiang Juan?”
Jiang Nian: “Yes.”
Marquis Anping said sternly, “How improper.”
It seemed he had overthought.
The Marquis, known for his strict adherence to etiquette, must have found the scene absurd.
Jiang Nian shook his head, chiding himself for overthinking. He smiled, “His Highness has always been like this, never caring about others’ opinions.”
As he spoke, Jiang Nian lowered his eyes, full of resentment. He should have been enjoying the flowers with the Marquis, but inexplicably, he said, “Marquis, didn’t you want to accompany the Emperor? Why don’t you go find him first, and I’ll join you later?”
Marquis Anping asked, “What’s wrong?”
Jiang Nian smiled, “The Emperor may not stay long. If you wait with me first, he might leave.”
He made a valid point, and Marquis Anping pondered for a moment, “Then let it be so.”
The two parted ways, and Jiang Nian took a deep breath, stepping into the Begonia Garden.
Amidst the fallen blossoms, a soft couch was placed under the shade of the begonia flowers. Xue Fangli bent down and gently laid Jiang Juan onto it.
Despite being moved from one place to another, Jiang Juan, with his excellent sleep, still showed signs of waking. Xue Fangli brushed a lock of hair from his cheek and then wrapped his arm around his shoulder, patting him lightly in a lazy manner.
Though he showed no expression, his actions carried a hint of tenderness.
This tenderness, even if just a hint, coming from Prince Li, was enough to astonish anyone.
Jiang Nian watched for a long time, then approached a few steps, pretending to stumble upon them, “…Your Highness, you are here too?”
Xue Fangli did not lift his head. Jiang Nian continued, “What’s wrong with my brother? Is he asleep?”
Jiang Nian, with concern, said, “He is frail. If he sleeps here, won’t he catch a cold?”
Xue Fangli finally lifted his eyelids and spoke in displeasure, without acknowledging Jiang Nian.
“I said no one is allowed to enter the Begonia Garden. Are you all deaf?”
Jiang Nian stiffened, then smiled apologetically, “Your Highness, it’s not the guards’ fault. It’s me. I didn’t know you and my brother were here and came in uninvited.”
“Now you know,” Xue Fangli said, word by word, “so get out.”
His tone was icy, nearly freezing, crashing down heavily on Jiang Nian, instilling both fear and resentment in him.
Why?
He had been reborn, had changed so many things, yet he could never alter Prince Li’s attitude towards him.
If Prince Li treated everyone the same, it would be fine. But he didn’t treat Jiang Juan like this.
Why, why, why?
Jiang Nian clenched his palm hard. He was deeply resentful. If Jiang Juan could do it, why couldn’t he?
In the past, Jiang Juan was just his foil, inferior in every way, always overshadowed by him.
Their father favored him, Jiang Juan’s fiancé liked him. No matter how beautiful Jiang Juan was, it went unnoticed. He was the most beautiful in the capital.
Yet this same Jiang Juan won Prince Li’s favor.
Prince Li, whom he avoided yet secretly liked.
Jealousy nearly consumed Jiang Nian, and he lost his mind. His chest heaved as he looked down and said, “Your Highness, is he truly worth your care?”
“Do you know he was infatuated with the Marquis? Not only did he push me into the lake, but he also shamelessly tried to climb into his bed.”
The Begonia Garden fell silent, an eerie quiet.
After a long pause, Xue Fangli laughed, “He has a kind heart. Even when angry with you, he only pushed you into the lake. I, however, am different.”
“If you say one more word and wake him, I will bind your hands and feet and throw you into the lake.”
His tone was light and slow, yet his smile was terrifying, like a demon, sending chills down Jiang Nian’s spine.
The cold fear snapped Jiang Nian out of his daze, and he looked at Xue Fangli in terror.
If anyone else had said such things, it might have been a threat. But from Prince Li, he would do it!
Fear and regret churned in Jiang Nian’s heart. He felt rooted to the spot, unable to move. Then he heard Xue Fangli say, “Second Young Master, do you really think I don’t know your intentions?”
He scoffed, “Put away those looks of yours. They are disgusting.”
He knew!
He actually knew!
This realization hit Jiang Nian like a slap, filling him with shame. The powerlessness and frustration from his past life surged back. He clenched his hand, biting his lip to suppress any sound.
Just then, Chief Steward Wang arrived.
“Your Highness, Your Highness—!”
“The Emperor is looking for you everywhere. Please come to the Apricot Garden.”
Chief Steward Wang, seeing Jiang Nian, added, “Second Young Master, please come too. The Marquis is there as well.”
Jiang Nian, still dazed, took a while to compose himself and whispered, “Alright.”
Xue Fangli instructed the guards, “Watch him. If he wakes, bring him over.”
The guards responded in unison. Jiang Nian’s heart remained cold.
Prince Li knew his feelings.
If he saw through them in this life, he surely saw through them in the previous one too.
Yet he remained indifferent.
Yet he trampled on his true feelings and dignity.
He—was truly cruel.
Jiang Nian’s breath quickened, blood flowing from his clenched palm.
The bamboo forest was serene, water flowing in twists and turns.
A wine cup placed at the upper stream, released, floated down with the current. Amid laughter, the water carried the cup to Yang Liusheng, who picked it up and drank it all.
“Brother Yang, you really can hold your liquor!”
“Our capital’s water not only nourishes people but also extends its hospitality!”
“Indeed, out of ten rounds of flowing goblets, Brother Yang manages to drink eight of them.”
A group of people gathered by the water, chatting and laughing merrily. Someone returned from flower viewing and, seeing Yang Liusheng still drinking, reminded him, “Brother Yang, why are you still here drinking? I just saw the Second Young Master of the Jiang family.”
Yang Liusheng had come to the capital not only to reunite with friends but also to meet Jiang Nian. He hurriedly asked, “Where is the Second Young Master?”
“He went to the Begonia Garden.”
Yang Liusheng quickly took his leave, “Everyone, I’m off to find the Second Young Master.”
Known for his love of beauty and painting beautiful people, everyone was aware of his passion. So, no one tried to stop him. One friend did remind him, “Brother Yang, the beauty of the Second Young Master is not the usual kind.”
It wasn’t anything unusual, but Yang Liusheng had a sharp tongue. The friend meant well, trying to prevent him from changing his opinion later and having to apologize.
Yang Liusheng had heard a lot about Jiang Nian. Many had reminded him similarly.
—The Second Young Master’s beauty did not lie in superficial appearance. At first glance, he seemed ordinary, but his look was enduring. His gentle and amiable personality made one feel like they were basking in springtime. He was also well-read and cultured, known as a little celestial being.
Living a nomadic life, Yang Liusheng had traveled extensively and seen many beauties, but he hadn’t encountered someone like Jiang Nian, which piqued his interest. He waved his hand, “Got it.”
Humming a tune, Yang Liusheng arrived at the Begonia Garden.
Even before entering, he looked inside and was stunned at what he saw.
Begonia flowers covered the ground, and on a soft couch lay a person seemingly asleep.
The flowers were vibrant, almost overwhelming, but the person was calm and serene, like snow or moonlight. The darkest color on him was his long, cloud-like hair.
Yang Liusheng arrived just in time. Soon, the young man woke up slowly and sat up, leaning on the couch.
His hair was messy, draped over his shoulders and clinging to his white neck. A maid approached and said something to him. Begonia petals adorned his hair and neck, adding to his stunning appearance, though he looked weak.
Drunken concubine, not enough for the Begonia’s sleep!
For some reason, this scene brought that line to his mind.
Truly, it was a Begonia Spring Nap, boundless beauty!
Amazed, Yang Liusheng immediately wanted to paint a picture of this scene. But as soon as he stepped forward, the guards stopped him, barring his entry.
Frustrated, Yang Liusheng scratched his head. Just then, his friend called out to him from a distance, “Brother Yang! Brother Yang!”
Afraid to disturb the beauty, Yang Liusheng quickly turned around. His friend, excited, said, “You’re in luck! The Emperor is also in Baihua Garden today and has summoned you. Come with me!”
Yang Liusheng was startled, “But—” His friend, not noticing his hesitation, dragged him away. It took a while for Yang Liusheng to regain his composure, still marveling, “The Second Young Master Jiang Nian is truly the number one beauty!”
Meanwhile, the maid told Jiang Juan, “Your Royal Consort, His Highness and the Emperor are in the Apricot Garden. They asked that you go there once you wake up.”
Not intending to go on an outing but being brought here after waking up, Jiang Juan was quite confused. He bumped into the armrest a few times, feeling utterly despondent.
Outing. Baihua Garden.
Confirming the keywords, it was indeed the outing scene from the original plot.
Jiang Juan found himself back in the protagonist shou’s domain.
He pondered deeply.
His Highness’s technique for flipping him over was too skillful. He had adapted so well that even if he were thrown into a frying pan, he could calmly become a salted fish pancake.
No, he had to get it together.
His Highness didn’t have much time left to live, so he could be a bit arrogant now. But after seeing His Highness off, he still wanted to happily be a salted fish.
He couldn’t offend the protagonist shou anymore!
Today, he would be cautious.
Jiang Juan made up his mind and told the maid, “I’ll go to the Apricot Garden now.”
Apricot Garden.
“A commoner, Yang Liusheng, pays respects to Your Majesty.”
Yang Liusheng knelt and bowed. Emperor Hongxing waved his hand, signaling him to rise. He was about to ask directly about the painting restoration when he noticed Yang Liusheng’s exuberant demeanor and casually asked, “Why are you so happy?”
“Replying to Your Majesty, this humble one loves beauty. Seeing a beauty fills me with joy.”
“Oh? Whom did you see?”
Yang Liusheng replied, “Second Young Master Jiang Nian.”
As soon as he mentioned Jiang Nian, he became verbose, “The water in the capital truly nurtures people. They say the Second Young Master isn’t an immediately striking beauty but has refined features that require a keen eye. I just saw him and felt he was otherworldly, with skin like ice and bones like jade!”
Yang Liusheng praised him endlessly, unaware that everyone was now looking in one direction.
Having just been humiliated, Jiang Nian was quietly drinking tea, thinking of Prince Li and Jiang Juan. Jealousy and hatred filled his mind. Today’s humiliation, he vowed, Prince Li and Jiang Juan would repay doubly!
His name suddenly mentioned, Jiang Nian looked up and listened for a moment. His twisted emotions calmed a bit, feeling slightly better.
Yes, the title of the capital’s number one beauty brought him no tangible benefits. It was just a vanity. But it was something he achieved since his rebirth, through painstaking social connections and endless efforts to please and flatter.
He craved vanity, desired to cling to power, and had his ambitions.
Taking another sip of tea under everyone’s gaze, Jiang Nian smiled slightly and calmly said, “Mr. Liu overpraises me.”
Yang Liusheng was momentarily taken aback, glanced at him, and didn’t pay much attention, not knowing what he was being overpraised for. He retorted, “How is it overpraise? The Second Young Master’s beauty is unparalleled. I, Yang Liusheng, have traveled across the country and have never seen anyone with such beauty! He—” Before he could finish, someone entered the Apricot Garden. Yang Liusheng looked up and saw it was the young man who had been sleeping in the Begonia Garden. He immediately brightened and enthusiastically greeted, “Second Young Master! Young Master Jiang Nian!”
Jiang (Third Young Master) Juan: “???”
Author’s note: Salted Fish Juan: Today, I must be cautious! (Begins chanting)
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