Before this, Xiao Shen had been sitting next to the bed. When he stood up suddenly, the oppressive feeling brought by his height and physique hit him in the face.
When he left, he was clearly still a thin and tall youth, but when they met again, he had already grown into a little giant. Shen Qingzhuo couldn’t accept it for a moment. His eyes were full of disbelief, and he took another step back.
“Master?” Xiao Shen called out in confusion and wanted to walk towards him out of habit.
As a result, as soon as he took a step forward, he pulled the wound on his back. He frowned slightly but did not stop.
“Don’t move!” Shen Qingzhuo came back to his senses and stretched out his hand to make a prohibitive gesture: “Sit back, who told you to move?”
Xiao Shen paused and sat back on the edge of the bed. He looked at him eagerly with his dark eyes, “I won’t bother Master anymore. Please don’t stay so far away from me.”
Shen Qingzhuo was still in shock and couldn’t help asking, “Xiao Qi, what have you eaten in the past two years? How come you have grown so tall?”
“I didn’t eat anything ah.” Xiao Shen said innocently, “Just what I told Master in the letter.”
Shen Qingzhuo then remembered that animal husbandry was well developed in Suixi, and the soldiers and civilians relied on meat, eggs, and milk as their staple food. In addition, the military camps had a lot of training and combat, so it was not surprising that they grew to such a tall size.
Fortunately, the little disciple did not grow up to be a burly man. His shoulders and back were broad and strong, and his muscles were neat and tidy, beautiful and strong but not exaggerated. Every ravine and ridge seemed to hide infinite power.
Shen Qingzhuo subconsciously lowered his eyes, looked at his thin body, and couldn’t help but sigh softly.
In this physical condition, it would be already good if he could survive, but he would never be able to achieve such a healthy body shape in this lifetime.
“It’s good to be taller ah.” He leaned over to help the young man put on his clothes and then picked up the cloak placed aside. “Master is a little sad. In just a blink of an eye, you are already a head taller than Master.”
Xiao Shen stretched out his arms to embrace him and then put his face between his soft chest and abdomen, listening to his master’s heartbeat, and sighed: “It’s not just a blink of an eye, it’s two years and three months, more than eight hundred days and nights.”
Shen Qingzhuo felt sad at heart after hearing his words. He did not dare to touch his scarred back. He could only hug his head and say, “My Xiao Qi must have suffered a lot.”
“No suffer.” Xiao Shen shook his head and replied softly, “All my efforts are for today…”
To reunion with his master after a long separation.
The warm atmosphere did not last long. There was a knock on the palace door. It turned out that the palace attendant brought in the prepared medicine.
After drinking the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician and eating some food, Shen Qingzhuo helped his little disciple lie down.
Because the injury on his back was too severe, he could only lie on his side. He also specially found a jade pillow and placed it against the young man’s waist and hips to prevent him from accidentally turning over while sleeping at night.
After doing all this, Shen Qingzhuo was about to sleep on the noble consort couch1I don’t remember if I’ve explained this or not, but it’s a couch used by women in ancient times to take a nap., but his wrist was pulled.
“Master, just sleep on the bed, is that alright?” Xiao Shen held his snow-white wrist and shook it back and forth like a spoiled child. “I want to look at Master more, but I can’t even turn over.”
The young man lying on the bed, looking pitiful when he lowered his brows, his sticky eyes seemed to be glued to him with glue.
Shen Qingzhuo’s heart softened, and he said, “Alright.”
The two of them lay facing each other. He carefully looked at this handsome and powerful face. After looking at it for a long time, he had a feeling of both familiarity and strangeness, so he simply closed his eyes.
“Why doesn’t Master look anymore? Have I become ugly?” Xiao Shen said with some trepidation, “Suixi is not as comfortable as Shengjing. The barracks are full of rough men, and I have been assimilated by them.”
“No…” Shen Qingzhuo opened his eyelashes and accidentally fell into eyes as deep as the sea. His heartbeat suddenly accelerated and hit his chest uncontrollably.
Xiao Shen stared at him without blinking. “Master has become more handsome, but too thin. Master must not have eaten well when I was away.”
His eyelashes trembled like crow feathers, and Shen Qingzhuo said with guilt, “You are tired from the long journey, and you are injured as well. You should rest early. We can talk tomorrow if you have anything to say.”
“Alright.” Xiao Shen was not in a hurry, with an indescribable tenderness in his eyes. “Master, have a good dream.”
He didn’t open his eyes again until he heard the long, gentle breathing sound.
If Shen Qingzhuo was awake at this moment, he would definitely be frightened by the young man’s eyes.
But he slept very deeply this time, perhaps because he had not slept the whole night or perhaps because the person he had been worried about day and night had finally returned safely.
***
The next morning, Shen Qingzhuo woke up slowly from his deep sleep.
It was a rare dreamless night, and he stretched comfortably. Halfway through his stretch, he noticed that his little disciple was staring at him intently.
“Good morning…” He curled his lips happily, “When did you wake up?”
“Just woke up.” Xiao Shen also smiled, “I have a telepathic connection with Master.”
But Shen Qingzhuo noticed that his eyes were bloodshot and couldn’t help but ask with concern, “Is it because of the wound that hurts at night and you didn’t sleep well?”
Xiao Shen shook his head and denied: “No, I slept well.”
Shen Qingzhuo knew that his little disciple didn’t want to make him worry, so he didn’t say anything more and got up and left the bed first.
He cannot stay in Changle Palace today. His Highness King Jin returned to the palace injured, and it was for the sake of protecting the people of Dayong that he suffered injuries. It is reasonable and logical for all the palaces to come and express their sympathy.
Before he left, Xiao Shen stared at his master, his voice full of reluctance: “Will Master come back again?”
“Haven’t you seen Master enough ah?” Shen Qingzhuo put on a fox fur coat and joked, “It’s not enough for Xiao Qi to just grow taller. Only children will be so clingy.”
Xiao Shen raised his eyebrows slightly, a smile appeared on the corner of his lips, and he said meaningfully, “Don’t worry, Master, it’s definitely not just the head that has grown.”
With this smile, a hint of indescribable evil energy appeared on his handsome face.
Although Shen Qingzhuo didn’t hear the hidden meaning behind his words, but he could sense the malice in his smile and immediately reminded him, “You should take good care of yourself and not act rashly.”
After receiving multiple assurances, he left Changle Palace and returned to Beizhen Fushi to handle official affairs.
As expected, after noon, Emperor Guangxi summoned him again.
“Cough, cough, cough…” As soon as Emperor Guangxi took a sip of ginseng soup, he choked and coughed.
Consort Yuan quickly put down the jade bowl, wiping the splashing saliva with a silk handkerchief while gently stroking the emperor’s chest to ease his breath.
“Won’t drink anymore…” Emperor Guangxi paused for a while and waved his hand weakly. “Beloved Consort ah, you retreat first.”
Consort Yuan respectfully replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, rest well.”
After speaking, she picked up the silver plate and walked out of the inner hall without looking sideways.
“Qingzhuo, come over here.” Emperor Guangxi waved at Lord Shen again. “Come to Zhen’s bed and speak.”
Shen Qingzhuo approached the dragon bed as instructed and asked, “What are Your Majesty’s orders?’
“Have you gone to see Lao Qi?” Emperor Guangxi asked slowly.
“Yes.” Shen Qingzhuo replied calmly, “His Highness King Jin is seriously injured.”
“Zhen has seen him too. Being able to save his life is considered the great fortune for Lao Qi.” Emperor Guangxi looked at him. “What does the Imperial Medical say? Can it be cured?”
Shen Qingzhuo carefully replied, “The imperial physician said that although His Highness’s injury is serious, fortunately it did not harm the root cause. As for whether he can recover and when he will recover, it depends on you, Your Majesty…”
“Zhen didn’t have much expectation for Lao Qi when Zhen sent him to Suixi.” Emperor Guangxi paused and thought to himself, “Zhen has never expected this battle to be fought so beautifully.”
Shen Qingzhuo said calmly, “Suixi was originally guarded by General Yuan, and it may not be entirely due to His Highness King Jin’s achievement.”
“You’re absolutely right. Zhen is far away in Shengjing and can’t figure out the situation in Suixi.” Emperor Guangxi sighed. “But Zhen can’t take any risks.”
Shen Qingzhuo remained silent, waiting for further updates.
However, Emperor Guangxi suddenly changed his tone and said, “Qingzhuo, which of Zhen’s remaining sons do you think is the most suitable to be the emperor?”
Shen Qingzhuo’s eyes darkened slightly. “The minister dare not speak recklessly.”
Emperor Guangxi said ‘to be an emperor’ not a crown prince, which shows that he actually knows his own physical condition.
Emperor Guangxi promised, “You may speak your mind, and Zhen will not blame you.”
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Qingzhuo raised his eyes and said, “His Highness King Zhao has been weak and sickly since childhood, His Highness King Liang is too weak to take on great responsibilities, and His Highness King Yan has half of Nanle bloodline. The minister believes that none of these three princes are suitable.”
“En…” Emperor Guangxi’s eyelids slightly closed. “Continue.”
Shen Qingzhuo remained calm and said, “Among the remaining three princes, only His Highness King Chu possesses both intelligence and courage, as well as both civil and military skills.”
Emperor Guangxi’s expression remained unchanged, with almost no change in his demeanor.
In an instant, Shen Qingzhuo understood that the Third Prince had never been the preferred heir in Emperor Guangxi’s heart.
But judging from the current situation, only Xiao Hongyao has fully developed his wings. If he does not want the Xiao family’s territory to fall, Emperor Guangxi will inevitably choose the Third Prince.
“Lao San2Refers to the Third Prince and Lao Er3Is the former Crown Prince have the same problem, they are too narrow-minded.” Emperor Guangxi opened his eyes, “But he is more composed than Lao Er.”
Shen Qingzhuo echoed, “Most intelligent people are like this.”
“What about Lao Qi?” Emperor Guangxi glanced at him. “At least you have taught him. If Lao Qi becomes the emperor in the future, you will be a legitimate imperial preceptor.”
“If that day really comes, it remains to be seen whether His Highness King Jin can tolerate the humble minister or not.” Shen Qingzhuo said with a bitter smile. “Your Majesty, please don’t joke with the minister.”
“Haha, cough, cough, cough…” Emperor Guangxi laughed along but coughed again after a while before continuing, “There are two things that Zhen needs you to do.”
Shen Qingzhuo bowed his hand and said, “The humble minister is all ears and respectfully listens.”
“First, keep a close eye on Changshou Palace. If there is any movement, report it to Zhen immediately.” Emperor Guangxi ordered in a low voice, “Second, His Highness King Jin is seriously injured. It may be difficult for him to recover before the beginning of spring.”
“Yes, the humble minister understands.” Shen Qingzhuo responded, “The minister will take his leave first.”
As soon as he left the inner hall, he bumped into Eunuch Pan. He whispered, “Eunuch Pan, can you please have a word with me?”
“Lord Shen.” Pan Dongsheng responded, then turned around and walked out with him.
Shen Qingzhuo stood outside the palace where no one was around and asked directly, “Has His Majesty done anything recently?”
Pan Dongsheng replied: “His Majesty wrote a secret letter to secretly summon King Qin back to the capital.”
Shen Qingzhuo narrowed his eyes slightly. “King Qin, Xiao Luchi…”
It seems that Emperor Guangxi also realized that this year would not be peaceful, so he hurriedly summoned King Qin to come back to take charge of the situation, fearing that distant water would not be able to put out a nearby fire.
“Go and serve His Majesty first.” Shen Qingzhuo lowered his voice. “If the Empress Dowager summons you and asks you to do something for her, you must agree.”
Pan Dongsheng was startled but immediately perked up: “Yes, the humble understand!”
***
After finishing the official business for the day, Shen Qingzhuo returned to Jiuyue Pavilion first, wrote a secret letter, and ordered someone to rush the letter and secretly deliver it to Youbei.
He then changed his clothes and went to Changle Palace. Unexpectedly, sporadic snowflakes suddenly started to fall on the way.
Xiao Dezi immediately prepared to go back to get an umbrella but was stopped by his young master. “There’s only two or three snowflakes, no need to hold an umbrella.”
Xiao Dezi worriedly said, “What if Young Master catches a cold again—Bah! Bah! Bah! Damn my crow mouth!”
Shen Qingzhuo frowned slightly. “If His Highness asks about my health, don’t say anything you shouldn’t.”
“But…” Xiao Dezi hesitated but finally agreed, “Alright, I promise not to tell anyone about Young Master’s illness.”
Shen Qingzhuo nodded slightly and continued walking towards Changle Palace.
When his little disciple just left, the number of times he went to Changle Palace was proportional to the degree of his longing for him.
However, the scene brought back sad memories. As soon as he stepped into Changle Palace, he always felt that he could smell Xiao Qi’s scent. When he slept on Xiao Qi’s bed, he always thought that as soon as he opened his eyes, he would see the youth’s bright face in front of him.
So gradually, he dared not go to Changle Palace again, but this was a road he had walked countless times, and he would probably never forget it in his lifetime.
A moment later, Shen Qingzhuo walked into the palace holding a hand warmer. Before he approached the inner hall, he heard a noisy sound coming from inside.
His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly quickened his pace. The moment he pushed open the door of the palace, the fierce debate inside came to an abrupt end.
His Highness King Jin, whose face was gloomy and angry just a moment ago, suddenly changed his expression and looked at his master with grievance.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Qingzhuo handed the hand warmer to Xiao Dezi and walked forward. “Why are you getting up instead of lying down?”
Xiao Shen pursed his lips and leaned into his master’s arms with a weak look on his face. “Master, Military Advisor Pei yelled at me so loudly.”
Pei Yanqi: “……”
It turns out that this is the legendary case of the wicked being the first to file a complaint.
Shen Qingzhuo felt distressed. He held the bedpost with one hand and secretly stood on tiptoe, trying to make his little… big disciple lean more comfortably.
Pei Yanqi tried to explain: “Young Master Shen, Pei was just—”
Xiao Shen interrupted him and continued to complain: “Military Advisor Pei not only yelled at me but also pushed me.”
Shen Qingzhuo got furious and asked loudly, “He is a patient. Pei Yanqi, how could you do that to him?”
Military Advisor Pei was speechless: “No…”
His Royal Highness King Jin, who was so weak that he could not take care of himself and could only lean on his master’s arms, had a triumphant smile on his face.
The author has something to say:
The Wolf Cub: I am so weak, I need a kiss and hug from Master.
The Master: Except me, no one can bully my weak and helpless little… big disciple!
The Military Advisor: Actually, it is not even a problem for His Highness King Jin to kill a cow while he is ill…
