Volume 1, Chapter 21: Prince Cheng (1)

Zhao Yuanzhuo froze for a brief moment.

When dealing with prominent dignitaries who cannot attend in person, the Music Conservatory naturally has the means to deliver individuals to their doorsteps. Prince Cheng, Li Jianheng, would certainly not visit the "Heavenly Paradise" himself, so Mother Liu would undoubtedly dispatch someone to deliver Zhao Qinglan to him.

Clenching his cold fingers, Zhao Yuanzhuo bit his lip and asked, "Does Your Majesty still trust me?"

Shen Ran chuckled. Instead of answering the question directly, he said, "This is your final chance. If you cannot restrain your temper again, then there is no need for you to continue as an Imperial Guard; the Directorate of Ceremonial would be far more suitable for you."

Zhao Yuanzhuo fell silent.

The Directorate of Ceremonial was responsible for managing eunuchs and internal palace affairs. Shen Ran’s implication was crystal clear: if Zhao Yuanzhuo committed the same mistake once more, he could roll straight back into the palace to become a eunuch.

Geniuses are precious. But a disobedient genius is more deserving of death than a mediocre man. A mediocre man lacks the capacity to cause catastrophe, but a genius does not.

Zhao Yuanzhuo lifted his eyes with some difficulty, meeting Shen Ran’s gaze. A moment later, he lowered his head in silence and kowtowed deeply to Shen Ran.

"If this subject errs again, I am willing to accept Your Majesty’s punishment without a single complaint."

***

Shen Ran’s late-night visit undoubtedly startled Shen Jianheng, who had been preparing to embrace a beauty. Now advanced in years, he had long since ceased attending morning court sessions and no longer concerned himself with state affairs—though, in truth, he hadn't paid much heed to them even in his youth.

The late emperor had kept this useless younger brother around merely to use him as a testament to his own benevolence, hoping the man would remain detached from politics so as not to cause any trouble.

At this moment, supported by two bewitchingly beautiful maids, Shen Jianheng entered the main hall. His face was full of excitement as he grabbed Shen Ran’s hand. "Xingci!"

"You came all this way to see your uncle so late at night?"

"The Prince Cheng’s mansion is truly honored by your presence!"

"Hahaha! Come, come!"

"Let your uncle have a good look at you!"

"Xingci" was Shen Ran’s courtesy name. In the entire Great Zhou dynasty, those who dared address him by it could be counted on one hand.

Prince Cheng, Shen Jianheng, was naturally one of them. Although Shen Ran was now the supreme ruler, Li Jianheng still regarded himself as the imperial uncle, not only using a familiar tone but also refusing to even consider bowing.

Shen Ran, however, took no offense. Since Shen Jianheng did not attend court, they met at most two or three times a year at major banquets, merely sharing a cup of wine. Shen Ran couldn't be bothered to care about someone the late emperor had ignored. As long as the man didn't stir up trouble, he was content to let him live as a wealthy idler. After all, the man was lucky enough to be born a high-ranking prince with a prominent maternal family. His starting point was the finish line that some people could never reach in a lifetime.

But now...

Shen Ran quietly observed his uncle. Despite being nearly sixty, he remained ruddy-faced and walked with ease, not even needing the maids' support, and more than half of his hair was still black.

He was nothing like the late emperor.

The late emperor had been full of white hair by his forties. He slept only two or three hours a night, spending the rest of his time either reviewing memorials or dealing with the power struggles of the women in his harem. After all, while the Emperor aged year by year, the beauties selected for the harem were forever blooming, sixteen-year-old flowers. Occasionally, when he had a moment of respite, he would be plagued by suspicions, unable to find peace even in sleep.

It was no easy task to be a universally praised, enlightened monarch. Especially if one lacked the natural talent, it was even more agonizing.

While Shen Ran observed Shen Jianheng, Shen Jianheng was, naturally, secretly observing him as well. The flickering candlelight in the hall cast shadows on the young emperor's face, revealing a beauty and elegance that was almost breathtaking.

It had been nearly half a year since they last met, and Li Jianheng was astonished to find that his nephew’s demeanor felt significantly gentler than before. Especially those eyes. The inner brilliance was restrained, bright as cold stars. Unlike in the past, when even his smiles hid a cold and indifferent cruelty.

Shen Jianheng could not help but wonder secretly where this change had originated.

The two exchanged pleasantries and took their seats. Li Jiuxiao and another guard who had accompanied them stood on either side behind Shen Ran. A maid knelt to serve tea.

Shen Jianheng smiled and said, "Xingci, do try the tea from your uncle’s estate and see how it tastes."

Shen Ran took a sip as requested and laughed, "Excellent. Even the tea in the palace cannot match this flavor. No wonder you look younger every day, Uncle. This life is truly as blissful as an immortal’s; even I, the Emperor, cannot help but feel envious."

To use items of higher quality than the Emperor was a sign of overstepping. Had anyone else heard this, they would have been terrified to the point of collapse, but Shen Jianheng seemed completely oblivious to the subtext.

"Of course! This tea was brewed with snow water I collected myself from plum blossoms. I only managed to gather one jar in total, and if it weren't for your visit, I wouldn't have been willing to bring it out." He laughed heartily, his expression filled with pride. "Xingci, you are busy with ten thousand affairs of state; you cannot be compared to us idlers who have nothing to do all day."

Shen Ran smiled and took another sip of tea. "You are too modest, Uncle. In your youth, you worked tirelessly for the country, and now it is only right that you enjoy your golden years in peace."

Shen Jianheng waved his hand, not blushing in the slightest. "That is what I was meant to do. But now, the world belongs to you young people."

Having said this, Shen Jianheng let out a long sigh. "I am getting on in years. In these last few years, I have clearly felt my energy is not what it used to be, and I am less inclined to go out. It seems one really cannot refuse the toll of age." His expression suddenly grew melancholy.

Shen Ran consoled him gently, "Uncle, please do not say such things. You are robust for your age; how could ordinary people compare to you?"

Shen Jianheng shook his head. "Enough. It is rare for us uncle and nephew to meet; let us not dwell on such unhappy matters. The dancers in my mansion have recently choreographed a new performance. I wonder if you, Xingci, would be interested in watching it with me?"

He made no mention of the reason for Shen Ran’s visit, instead enthusiastically steering the conversation toward song and dance, as if Shen Ran had truly come to the mansion in the middle of the night just to pay a visit.

Shen Ran chuckled softly. He politely declined, "Thank you for your warm hospitality, Uncle."

"Under normal circumstances, I would not decline an invitation from you."

"However, I have come today with a request, and I truly have no heart for song and dance."

For the sovereign of a nation to use the word "request" so courteously, even if Shen Jianheng was a royal relative, Shen Ran was giving him substantial face.

Shen Jianheng immediately patted his chest and guaranteed, "Xingci, what are you saying? Between us uncle and nephew, there is no need for such a word. If you have a matter, just speak."

"Rest assured! As long as I can be of help, I will never refuse!"