Chapter 14 Chaos
“Even if you don’t care, even if you don’t consider yourself, you still have to plan for the long term of the Prince’s Mansion. There are many ethnic groups in the southwest. Before the old prince came to power, no one was willing to submit to anyone else. It was common for this faction to fight with that faction at the drop of a hat. It’s been so hard to have peace for so many years. If the Prince’s Mansion is unstable, the whole southwest will be in turmoil.”
"Furthermore..."
With her forehead pressed to the ground, Liu Qi earnestly said, "With this child, we can have a proper talk with the old princess in the future, and she will definitely not interfere with the prince's marriage anymore. Your Highness will also be able to have some peace of mind."
"In the future... if you take a fancy to someone, just bring them into the manor. You don't need to restrain yourself anymore."
The last sentence was spoken very softly, as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
I was afraid of offending Cen Yan.
After saying this in one breath, Liu Qi lowered his body and knelt on the ground again, displaying a resolute posture, and did not rise for a long time.
Cen Yan looked at him quietly, without saying a word for a long time.
On that day at Daci Temple, the abbot came from afar and said a few words, which Cen Yan simply listened to.
As for fate, to say one believes in it is not entirely true.
While he may not believe it, he does have some reverence for the old prince.
Moreover, given his circumstances, the abbot was not wrong in his assessment; he preferred men and indeed would not have any offspring.
If it were a few years earlier, if he hadn't been delayed and missed his father's last moments, and hadn't hastily succeeded to the throne, and hadn't been forcibly recalled to the capital after succeeding to the throne, getting entangled in this vortex of power... he would have reconsidered if Liu Qi had asked him like this.
Having been able to stand on his own for many years, he had already made up his mind about many things.
Not having children wasn't the problem; having this child was the variable for him.
After leaving Daci Temple, Liu Qi was in a daze, and he guessed that his observant attendant knew it.
There was no intention to hide it; it's just that I haven't had the inclination for that kind of thing over the years, so I haven't revealed it.
He thought that even if Liu Qi didn't ask, he would at least try to probe him a bit, but to his surprise, he didn't. Instead, he dug a pit for him here.
Not only did he not mention his preference for men, but he also revealed the abbot's divination in front of Hao San and Xu Si, implying that Liu Qi was forcing him to keep the child.
Cen Yan: "You know I don't like being controlled by others."
Liu Qi: "This servant deserves to die for speaking recklessly. I am at your mercy and will be punished by my master."
Cen Yan remained expressionless.
"Whether it's 'speaking without thinking' or 'speaking carefully,' you know the answer in your heart."
"This servant deserves to die! I am willing to accept thirty strokes of the cane!"
Looking at Liu Qi prostrating himself on the ground, as if he were about to sink into the earth, Cen Yan exhaled a breath of stale air.
We grew up together, so our bond is special.
Rubbing his temples, Cen Yan said slowly, "I haven't decided on this matter yet; I need to think about it."
Liu Qi was about to speak again when Cen Yan interrupted, "That's it, get up."
"If you like being beaten, there's no need to say more, just go and get it yourself."
Liu Qi: "..."
Cen Yan has always been a person with his own ideas.
It's made up my mind, and there will be no changing it.
Liu Qi finally got up.
Cen Yan: "Did the Dali Temple send over the case files today? Bring me Zhuang Xingchang's and Zhuang Yue's files first so I can take a look."
Although she did not agree to keep the child, she still backed down.
A glimmer of hope rose in Liu Qi's eyes. She nodded and, as if afraid that Cen Yan might change his mind, immediately went out the door.
Everyone had left. Cen Yan put his hand to his forehead and tilted his head slightly.
As the sun set, the light and shadow stretched and slanted across the study floor. He stared ahead, but his gaze seemed to wander aimlessly.
Suddenly, he slowly closed his eyes.
Like a Buddha statue, he remained motionless and entered into deep meditation.
*
The case file was taken to Cen Yan's study, and Liu Qi asked Cen Yan again about how to settle Zhuang Dongqing.
Cen Yan simply said, "You can arrange it."
Having received the order, Liu Qi went to find Zhuang Dongqing again.
"Have you reached an agreement?" Zhuang Dongqing had been drinking tea for a long time and was feeling rather bored when Liu Qi arrived, so he asked.
"Young Master Zhuang, His Highness is still considering what you said today." Fearing that he might leave, Liu Qi added, "But His Highness has already reviewed the files of Lord Zhuang and Young Master Zhuang. It will take some time to properly handle the matters of the Zhuang family. In the meantime, how about you stay at the Prince's residence?"
"This will allow you to know about Lord Zhuang and the young master's situation. As for your health... we also need to have Master Zhao examine you carefully and check your pulse. If there is anything wrong, we can treat it in time."
That's quite a thorough consideration.
Moreover, if given a choice, Zhuang Dongqing would not want to stay in the Zhuang family mansion.
After a few words of negotiation, Zhuang Dongqing mainly mentioned his living requirements, such as a courtyard, food, and servants. Seeing that Liu Qi readily agreed and was respectful, Zhuang Dongqing secretly thought that if Cen Yan wanted to kill him, he wouldn't go through such a long and complicated process.
Therefore, the other party probably did not mean that.
With her life saved, Liu Qi asked about the choice of someone to serve her. Zhuang Dongqing thought for a moment, then asked, "Can I leave the manor from now on?"
Liu Qi: "Of course. But we must bring enough guards to protect you."
Oh, I see.
Zhuang Dongqing: "Then, may I bring my own servant in to serve me personally?"
Thinking of something, she asked another question, "He can leave the manor, right?"
Liu Qi: "Of course, you are a distinguished guest of the Prince's Mansion, how could we restrict your movements?"
Though he didn't show it on his face, Liu Qi thought to himself that if someone was really behind it, he and his servant should make more trips outside the manor to make contact, so that the Prince's Mansion could track them down and eliminate this hidden danger as soon as possible.
Zhuang Dongqing felt there was no problem, mentioned Liu Fu, and suggested bringing him in.
Liu Qi readily agreed.
But Zhuang Dongqing wasn't that foolish. Accompanied by Liu Qi, he met Liu Fu and, before returning to the mansion, sent someone to buy some things.
Actually, it was their code. Before coming, Zhuang Dongqing had done various situation analyses, and this was one of them.
He asked Liu Fu to deliver his indenture to Li Yang, who would then keep it temporarily.
In ancient times, the indenture and the registration certificate were one and the same. If the buyer was to be changed, neither could be missing. He held the registration certificate but had not registered it with the government to make any changes. Even if Li Yang held the indenture, Liu Fu was not his servant.
But if one day they disappear silently from the Prince's mansion, the indenture can serve as a pretext for Li Yang to openly seek out Liu Fu.
It's not a smart approach.
It's easy to crack.
But Zhuang Dongqing couldn't think of any other brilliant ideas.
Anyway, he really had no one instructing him. Even if he didn't do anything, Cen Yan and Liu Qi would still have their suspicions.
Since he has an internship period either way, he might as well put his mind at ease.
When Liu Fu returned with the people from the Prince's Mansion, Zhuang Dongqing took the fresh candied melon seeds and grabbed a handful.
Wow,
I must say, the candied melon seeds at Li Yang's shop are really delicious.
*
"And then he just ate that bag of candied melon seeds the whole way?"
After settling Zhuang Dongqing in, Liu Qi came to report. Upon hearing the last part, Cen Yan said...
Liu Qi: "...Yes. She seems to really love to eat."
Cen Yan retorted, "What doesn't he enjoy eating?"
Liu Qi choked for a moment, then got back to the main topic, "This shop belongs to Consort Shu's maternal family, so it might be related to the Sixth Prince."
"Okay, then keep an eye on it."
Zhuang Dongqing and Li Yang were on good terms, and they had been watching the Spring Banquet, so it wasn't a big deal.
Liu Qi agreed.
After staying in the study until dark, Cen Yan finished reading the files, had dinner, and went back to his room. Then, as if possessed, he went to the east wing.
The east wing is opposite the main courtyard where he lived and exists independently. It was the courtyard where Cen Yan's elder sister temporarily stayed in the capital before she got married.
Liu Qi arranged for Zhuang Dongqing to stay here, both for protection and as a precaution.
Cen Yan entered the courtyard and was led by a servant to Zhuang Dongqing's residence. The servant whispered, "Young Master Zhuang has just finished bathing and should be wringing out his hair now."
As they approached, they saw Liu Fu carrying a damp cloth as he came out, and he bumped into Cen Yan face to face.
Liu Fu was caught off guard and stood frozen in place.
Cen Yan ignored him and went inside.
The room was brightly lit with lamps and candles.
After a quick glance, even though time was tight, Liu Qi had people change everything that needed to be changed in the room. It looked completely devoid of any cosmetics, leaving only a clean and elegant atmosphere.
The inner and outer rooms were separated by thin gauze curtains, and a figure could be vaguely seen sitting there, but not clearly.
"Can't I just go to sleep now? It's almost dry, I'm so sleepy, Liufu..."
Hearing the noise, Zhuang Dongqing thought it was Liu Fu returning and muttered to himself.
"It's me."
Suddenly, a deep male voice was heard.
Slow to react, Zhuang Dongqing jolted awake.
Thoroughly.
"Your Highness? I, at this hour, you..."
Zhuang Dongqing subconsciously sat up straight, but when she tried to get up, she realized she was only wearing her underwear. Her mind went blank.
"Just ask a few questions and then leave. Please have a seat."
Cen Yan saw through his predicament, found a chair and sat down, and with one sentence, she made him stay on the couch.
"……oh."
Zhuang Dongqing shifted her body and straightened her back.
The window was open, and the white gauze curtains swayed occasionally. Zhuang Dongqing looked out but couldn't clearly see Cen Yan's expression.
The room fell silent for a long time. Zhuang Dongqing said, "I'm awake now. Go ahead and ask."
He was a little afraid of overly quiet atmospheres.
Especially under Cen Yan's watchful gaze.
After a while, a voice from outside asked, "Are you willing to give birth to this child?"
He spoke slowly, enunciating each word clearly, in a low voice, and one could vaguely detect his confusion.
Sensing the emotion in his voice, Zhuang Dongqing relaxed a bit. "Otherwise, what?"
She was already pregnant; he had no choice.
Why?
“You were doing very well in your studies before. I’ve read your papers. If you hadn’t injured your head, you would have had no problem passing the exam.”
That is, passing the imperial examination in the spring and entering officialdom.
Zhuang Dongqing asked, puzzled, "So?"
Cen Yan: "It is rare for a man to give birth. If you have this child, you will be considered a member of the Ren clan in the future, and it will be difficult for you to enter officialdom."
"After years of hard study, are you willing to give it up?"
"If I don't want this child, will you still give birth to it?"
"Huh?" Zhuang Dongqing was confused. "But...but I've already..."
Zhuang Dongqing paused, then understood, "You mean, if you don't want it, will I...?"
Abort this child.
Cen Yan: "Mm."
Zhuang Dongqing subconsciously looked outside and found that Cen Yan was also looking at him. Although it was not very clear through the gauze, he could feel that the gaze was fixed on him.
“No, it’s different.” Zhuang Dongqing’s mind was a bit confused, and she picked out what she could think of to say, “If you want to give birth, you have to have surgery, and if you want to abort, it’s not as simple as just taking medicine.”
"Master Zhao is a renowned doctor in the Southwest. If you don't want it, he can perform the surgery without any problems."
ah?
ah? !
Zhuang Dongqing shrank back in fright and exclaimed, "You want me to abort this child?"
"no."
He denied it quickly and firmly, saying, "I just don't like to force myself."
"Whether this child exists or not, I'm fine, but for you, it means a very different thing."
"I'd like to hear your thoughts without considering me or having any worries about the future."
His calm and composed words put the scene at ease and also calmed Zhuang Dongqing's mind.
After swallowing, Zhuang Dongqing lowered his eyes.
As if knowing what he was thinking, Cen Yan said in a rare gentle tone, "No rush, think it over before you answer."
"I……"
After a long pause, Zhuang Dongqing finally spoke, saying with difficulty, "If you don't want it, I think I should still give birth."
Why? Is it worth it?
Zhuang Dongqing lowered her head and said softly, "It's not a matter of whether it's worth it or not."
"Yes...he is..."
“...My child.”
There was silence for a long while.
Cen Yan: "Like this."
Zhuang Dongqing could no longer discern whether his tone was good or bad.
He looked up, still through the veil, and the other person was still looking at him. Even though it was always blurry, Zhuang Dongqing felt that something had changed. He felt that gaze that wanted to peel back the veil and see him clearly again.
After a while, when Zhuang Dongqing was about to get restless from being stared at, Cen Yan stood up.
"I need to think about this child some more."
With a sigh of relief, Zhuang Dongqing figured she had finished asking her questions for the night.
Then Cen Yan said, "I looked at your family's files today. Lord Zhuang is fine, but your brother's situation is more complicated. Make preparations and come with me to the Dali Temple tomorrow."
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