Chapter 4: A Rendezvous?
Chu Lianmo took Qi Xiaojun to a market near Prince Rui’s mansion.
Qi Xiaojun remained cautious, avoiding unnecessary interactions with Chu Lianmo. His restraint perfectly suited Zhou Jun’s character.
Chu Lianmo was also taciturn, and his equally silent bodyguard, Murong Ying, accompanied them, creating an awkward silence.
Chu Lianmo finally broke the silence. “Is there anything you want? I’ll buy it for you.”
Qi Xiaojun scoffed inwardly: Do you think I’m a naive country bumpkin? As a prince, I’ve seen everything; I don’t need you to buy me anything.
He simply replied, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I don’t need anything in particular.”
Chu Lianmo’s lips curved into a slight smile of approval. “You’re not greedy.”
“Sir, would you like to buy some flowers?” A pretty girl of fifteen or sixteen approached them, smiling brightly while holding a large basket of flowers. “Beautiful people need flowers! Would you like to buy a lovely flower for your wife?”
“You have a keen eye, miss.” Chu Lianmo replied lightly.
Qi Xiaojun thought, The word “wife” is something I can’t aspire to.
The girl’s basket contained peonies, paeonies, and other flowers. She looked at Qi Xiaojun, dressed in white silk. “Sir, your refined air doesn’t suit the boldness of peonies. How about a pomegranate flower?”
“Very well, a pomegranate.”
Murong Ying immediately paid the girl, and Chu Lianmo, using his long fingers, carefully placed a pomegranate flower in Qi Xiaojun’s hair, careful not to disturb his flowing locks.
The pale yellow pomegranate flower was simple and elegant, complementing Qi Xiaojun’s appearance.
Despite the custom of men wearing flowers in Chu, Qi Xiaojun felt a little uncomfortable. However, Zhou Jun’s residual consciousness felt joyful.
“Thank you! You two are a perfect match!” The girl giggled.
Influenced by Zhou Jun, Qi Xiaojun felt a strange sweetness, much to his annoyance.
“Let’s go.” Chu Lianmo put his arm around Qi Xiaojun’s shoulder, intending to leave.
The touch sent a shiver down Qi Xiaojun’s spine, and his ears flushed. He disliked physical contact.
Zhou Jun was also shy, which Chu Lianmo found amusing.
“Sir, would you like to buy some flowers?” The girl continued to sell her flowers.
“Heh!” A frivolous male voice rang out from behind them. “The girl is pretty. Marry me as your third concubine, and I’ll buy all your flowers!”
“Ah! What are you doing?!” The girl screamed. “Don’t touch me!”
Qi Xiaojun turned to see a man in purple silk reaching for the girl’s face. She dodged, trying to fend him off, but the man slapped her.
“It’s your good fortune that I’ve taken a liking to you! Why are you dodging?”
“How dare you!”
Before Qi Xiaojun could intervene, Chu Lianmo turned and shouted, “How dare you harass a young woman in broad daylight? Do you think the laws of Chu mean nothing?”
“Hahaha! Laws? My word is law!” The man laughed. “Do you know who my father is? Do you know my friends?”
“Oh?” Chu Lianmo raised an eyebrow. “Who? Let’s hear it.”
“Listen closely—my father is the prestigious General, the Emperor’s appointed Marquis Zhengyuan, Jiang Zhenxiong; and my friends are even more powerful—the Crown Prince, the future emperor! Who are you to interfere?”
The girl’s face turned pale. The man was clearly influential; she was powerless against him.
“Heh,” Chu Lianmo sneered fearlessly. “So, you’re from the Crown Prince’s faction. But the Crown Prince tries to cultivate an image of loving his people; would he really condone your actions?”
“…Y-you…called him the Crown Prince…” Jiang Chengjin paled. “You are…?!”
“You insolent commoner!” Murong Ying roared. “You dare speak so boldly to Prince Rui!”
“…Your servant greets Prince Rui!” Jiang Chengjin hastily knelt.
Everyone in Chu knew that Chu Lianmo excelled in both academics and martial arts, favored by the Emperor and Empress Dowager. Although his mother’s downfall had led to his neglect for a time, his recent victory in quelling the border conflict had restored the Emperor’s favor.
No one dared to underestimate him.
Chu Lianmo glared coldly. “You harassed a young woman, violating Chu’s laws. Since you haven’t committed a serious crime, you shall receive thirty lashes at the Ministry of Justice.”
Jiang Chengjin’s face went even whiter.
He gritted his teeth, muttered “yes,” and walked towards the Ministry.
“Your Highness…” Qi Xiaojun looked at Chu Lianmo, hesitated, and asked, “Aren’t you afraid of offending the Crown Prince?”
Chu Lianmo smiled confidently. “The Crown Prince cultivates a public image of loving his people; he won’t openly clash with me over a spoiled brat.”
Qi Xiaojun’s mind raced—
Chu Lianmo had said the Crown Prince was “seemingly law-abiding” and now said he “cultivates an image of loving his people,” suggesting he didn’t believe his brother possessed such high moral character.
Qi Xiaojun most hated Chu Weide, but he was merely a strong but reckless man, only able to act so arrogantly due to the Crown Prince’s protection.
What if the Crown Prince was no longer Crown Prince?
Could Chu Lianmo have ambitions for the throne?
The terrified girl stood still, unsure what to do.
Chu Lianmo spoke softly, “Go home. You’ve been through a lot; it’s best not to continue selling flowers today. I’ll buy the rest.”
“No, no! Prince Rui’s kindness is enough! I’ll go home now.” She refused, picked up her basket, and left hurriedly.
Chu Lianmo turned back to Qi Xiaojun, resuming their conversation. “Even if the Crown Prince seeks to trouble me, I cannot allow his followers to oppress the people.”
Qi Xiaojun felt a sense of relief.
Years ago, when he was a hostage in Chu, he had befriended Chu Lianmo. They had once shared wine and conversation, and Chu Lianmo had expressed his ideal: “Using my position as a prince to protect the people.” Qi Xiaojun had wholeheartedly agreed.
But he had been wary of everyone in Chu, and he knew he would eventually return to Qi, so he kept a distance from Chu Lianmo.
After his mother’s downfall, Chu Lianmo became isolated and distant; he even refused to see Qi Xiaojun once. Their relationship grew distant.
Chu Lianmo was likely simply in a bad mood, but the proud Qi Xiaojun had grown used to his affection and felt rejected, deciding not to seek him out again. Chu Lianmo probably couldn’t bring himself to apologize.
Later, upon returning to Qi, Qi Xiaojun heard about Chu Lianmo’s numerous wives and concubines, feeling that he had become increasingly erratic.
But now, Qi Xiaojun realized that despite his flaws, Chu Lianmo’s ideals remained consistent.
If he became emperor, the people of Chu might live more peacefully, and if his views remained unchanged, he wouldn’t relentlessly target Qi.
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