#126: Nestling (3)

A single sentence conveyed both care and smoothly steered the conversation toward the main topic of the Spring Examination—a truly skillful move.

Qi Ying, of course, understood the true meaning behind Fourth Prince Xiao Ziteng’s words. He also knew this was a question he couldn’t evade. If he avoided it with smooth talk, their relationship would only grow more strained.

After a brief silence, Qi Ying looked at Xiao Ziteng and said, “Regarding the matter of the Spring Examination, I still owe you an explanation.”

At this, Xiao Ziteng raised his eyebrows slightly. His peach-shaped eyes darkened as he smiled faintly at Qi Ying. “His Majesty hasn’t entrusted me with oversight of the imperial examinations—what do you owe me an explanation for?”

This was feigned ignorance while fully aware of the truth.

Qi Ying remained unfazed by the Fourth Prince’s act, merely lowering his gaze and responding, “The Spring Examination is of great importance to the foundation of our nation. In my haste to uphold my reputation, I acted too impulsively. At first, I didn’t think it was wrong, but after being reminded by my father and brother, I realized the impropriety of my actions and how they caused trouble for you, Your Highness.”

Though spoken lightly, these words carried at least three layers of meaning upon closer inspection.

First, promoting commoners was merely a self-serving act to gain fame—it had nothing to do with aligning with any faction. Second, this was solely his own decision, not representing the Qi family’s stance. Neither the Left Chancellor nor the Right Deputy Premier were aware beforehand, nor did they approve afterward. Third, his original intention wasn’t to cause trouble for the Fourth Prince; the matter of the Spring Examination was unintentional, and he still considered himself part of the Fourth Prince’s faction.

Regardless of the truth of these statements, Qi Ying’s expression and tone were earnest, making it seem as though he spoke nothing but the unvarnished truth.

But Xiao Ziteng wasn’t foolish enough to be deceived so easily. Having grown up alongside Qi Ying, he knew his temperament well. Qi Ying wasn’t someone who cared about others’ praise or criticism. He had his own principles, firm as a rock once set.

Fame-seeking? Did the second young master of the Qi family lack renown? Did he need this bit of so-called “clean reputation”?

He’d rather believe Qi Ying had simply acted out of foolishness, driven by some sense of compassion, willing to defy societal norms.

Xiao Ziteng inwardly chuckled, then thought that pondering such things now was meaningless. His visit today was primarily to probe Qi Ying’s position. With major events approaching, the Qi family’s stance was of utmost importance, and he couldn’t afford any instability at this critical juncture.

Qi Ying’s last statement had been deliberately clear, which made Xiao Ziteng feel that continuing their verbal sparring held no further purpose. Brushing away the insincere smile on his face, he adopted a serious expression and said to Qi Ying, “Jingchen, I naturally trust you, but you must understand—words alone are insufficient.”

Could he simply believe Qi Ying’s claim that he hadn’t sided with Crown Prince Duan just because he said so? In the political arena, words were the lightest and most deceptive things. What Xiao Ziteng needed was tangible proof—proof that the Qi family wouldn’t betray him at the last moment, proof that they were firmly on his side, or at the very least, neutral.

After speaking, Xiao Ziteng stared intently at Qi Ying, expecting hesitation. But to his surprise, Qi Ying responded without a moment’s pause, as if he had anticipated this all along. “Your Highness speaks wisely.”

Qi Ying’s calm and composed response left Xiao Ziteng feeling somewhat unsettled. He couldn’t help but wonder what evidence Qi Ying intended to provide. He watched as Qi Ying paused briefly, then lifted his phoenix-like eyes to meet Xiao Ziteng’s gaze. “If Princess Xiaozhi still wishes to marry, I am willing to take her as my wife—to reassure Your Highness.”

The moment those words left his lips, Fourth Prince Xiao Ziteng was stunned.

Qi Ying… was willing to marry Xiaozhi?

Setting aside whether there was any romantic affection between them, the implications of such a union were far from trivial. The Liang Dynasty had long-standing laws: a princess’s husband could retain only a noble title and could no longer hold an official post. Once Qi Ying married Xiaozhi, the Privy Council would need a new leader, rendering Qi Ying politically impotent and unable to influence court affairs.

Marrying Xiaozhi would indeed convince others of the Qi family’s allegiance—but was Qi Ying truly willing to make such a sacrifice?

Xiao Ziteng found it hard to believe, assuming this was merely Qi Ying’s delaying tactic.

For years, everyone in Jiankang’s aristocratic circles knew about Sixth Princess Xiaozhi’s pursuit of Qi Ying. Yet despite the passage of time, nothing had come of it. Qi Ying’s attitude had always been ambiguous—neither rejecting her outright nor offending her, yet never committing either. Now that he finally agreed to marry her, how long would it take before the marriage actually took place?

As Xiao Ziteng frowned, lost in thought, Qi Ying seemed to have already anticipated his concerns. With a calm expression, he said, “Does Your Highness know that internal turmoil in Gao Wei has worsened in recent months and shows no signs of abating?”

The abrupt change in topic caught Xiao Ziteng off guard, causing him to raise his eyebrows.

He didn’t understand why Qi Ying suddenly brought up something seemingly unrelated. Caught off guard, he simply replied, “I’ve heard rumors.”

Qi Ying fixed his gaze on Xiao Ziteng, his phoenix-like eyes sharp and piercing. “Three years ago, after the defeat at Shicheng, we lost the three commanderies of Nanqiao, Longheng, and Anfeng. Despite our efforts since then, we’ve barely managed to maintain the status quo and have been unable to reclaim our lost territories.”

Xiao Ziteng furrowed his brow, already sensing where this conversation was heading.

Staring at Qi Ying, disbelief flickered in his eyes. “…You intend to launch a northern campaign?”

Qi Ying gave a faint smile, meeting Xiao Ziteng’s gaze, and nodded. “Your Highness understands me.”

Xiao Ziteng was left speechless, overwhelmed by shock.

“Our dynasty has bided its time for many years—it’s time for a change,” Qi Ying continued, his expression steady. Though seated in the study, his eyes seemed to look far beyond, as if envisioning distant horizons. “Gao Wei’s internal chaos and civil unrest are escalating. Our resources are abundant compared to theirs, and our soldiers, having endured years of patience, are eager for a northern campaign. This is the perfect opportunity to mobilize.”

His demeanor exuded calm confidence, making it seem as though everything was under his control. It was impossible not to be convinced.

He added, “I have already discussed this with the various departments. In a few days, I will submit a memorial to His Majesty for his final approval. If he consents, I will marry the princess upon the conclusion of this campaign.”

He paused, locking eyes with Xiao Ziteng, and said firmly, “I will not break my word.”

Xiao Ziteng gazed at Qi Ying, rendered utterly speechless.

By the time Fourth Prince Xiao Ziteng left Fenghe Garden, it was nearing dinnertime. Qi Ying invited him to stay for a meal, but Xiao Ziteng declined with a smile, saying he needed to return to accompany the Fourth Prince Consort.

Before departing, Xiao Ziteng teased Qi Ying with a playful smile, “You’re still unmarried, so you don’t understand this kind of joy. After you marry Xiaozhi, you’ll come to appreciate it.”

With those words, he flashed a mischievous grin, his earlier doubts and shadows dispelled, appearing completely at ease.

Qi Ying responded with a laugh, accommodating Xiao Ziteng effortlessly. As he chatted casually with the Fourth Prince, he personally escorted him out of the estate. The atmosphere between them was harmonious, reminiscent of their youthful days studying together.

The servants, seeing their master’s relaxed demeanor and apparent close friendship with the Fourth Prince, felt reassured and delighted. However, after Xiao Ziteng departed down the mountain, Qi Ying’s expression grew somber in the darkness, like a crescent moon hidden behind clouds, casting an uneasy shadow over those who noticed.

Qingzhu, standing behind him, noticed as well but lowered his head, avoiding further observation. After a long silence, he heard his master instruct, “Go invite Wenwen to meet me at Huaijin Hall.”

Shen Xiling had spent the day feeling rather disheartened.

Early in the morning, she had heard that a group of troublemakers had gathered outside Fenghe Garden. By the afternoon, even Fourth Prince Xiao Ziteng had arrived to join the commotion.

At the time, she had been cozied up with Qi Ying, reading leisurely. When news of Xiao Ziteng’s arrival reached them, Qi Ying’s expression turned subtle and complex. Shen Xiling understood him well and immediately sensed the weight hidden in his eyes.

She worried about him. In response, he gently smoothed her hair and reassured her, “Don’t worry—I’ll be back soon.”

Shen Xiling nodded, watching as he hesitated before asking her, somewhat apologetically, if she could stay in her room during the afternoon and avoid moving around.

Startled at first, she quickly understood—he didn’t want Xiao Ziteng to see her.

She promptly agreed and returned to Wuyu Hall without pressing for explanations. Though outwardly compliant, Shen Xiling was deeply introspective. While she hadn’t asked questions then, she couldn’t stop herself from reflecting later.

Lately, their bond had deepened. She could feel Qi Ying’s genuine affection for her. He cherished her so much that it sometimes felt unbelievable. Precisely because of this, she found herself pondering the reasons for his sudden distance from her months earlier.

Shen Xiling was sensitive, and sensitivity often bordered on perceptiveness. Once freed from emotional entanglements, her sensitivity sharpened into keen insight. She began developing a perspective and understanding far surpassing that of her peers, gradually piecing together his predicament.

Though he had never proactively mentioned it to her, she knew of his difficulties. As a descendant of the Shen family, she understood the perilous path of influential families—missteps could lead to ruin. With two princes vying for the throne, navigating their rivalry was fraught with challenges. Moreover, the burden of the Privy Council rested on his shoulders—a responsibility weighing heavily on him.

She had heard rumors that he and Xiaozhi had long been betrothed. As a child, she had been jealous of the princess. Over the past three years, she had harbored secret resentment. But after becoming emotionally committed to Qi Ying, her jealousy had faded. She understood what kind of man Qi Ying was. If he harbored feelings for the princess, he wouldn’t have entangled himself with her—he would have severed ties cleanly. Since he chose to be with her, it was evident that he shared no romantic attachment with the princess.

She trusted him.

Yet, while she knew he harbored no private feelings for the princess, she wondered if he might still marry her. A union would strip Qi Ying of his real power, serving as both the best check on him and the clearest proof of the Qi family’s loyalty to the crown prince.

One move could affect the entire situation.

Today, Xiao Ziteng’s visit coincided with the announcement of the Spring Examination results. Perceptive as Shen Xiling was, she immediately detected the unusual significance. She sensed that his situation had become even more precarious.

Of course, she understood him and sympathized with him. Still, she couldn’t help but feel anxious and sorrowful about their future.

He couldn’t marry her…

If that were the case, what would become of them?

Become his concubine? Or remain his secret lover… Today, when Fourth Prince Xiao Ziteng visited Fenghe Garden, she had been forced to hide, as if she were unworthy of being seen. Though she didn’t voice it, a knot formed in her heart.

She… felt a deep sadness.

Shen Xiling didn’t know what lay ahead for her and Qi Ying. She didn’t dare to think about it… Unconsciously, she was avoiding confronting the issue.

And such avoidance only brought her more anxiety and fear.

She despised herself for it.

These emotions persisted until nightfall. Only when Qingzhu came to Wuyu Hall to inform her that the Fourth Prince had left and that Master Qi wanted her at Huaijin Hall did her unease begin to subside slightly.

Shen Xiling composed herself and quickly went to find Qi Ying.

Upon entering, she was greeted by the scent of medicinal herbs. Turning into the inner chamber, she was startled to see Qi Ying shirtless, removing old bandages from his wounds.

She hadn’t expected to witness such a sight. Shocked and embarrassed, she covered her eyes with her hands and quickly turned away, scolding him softly, “Master…”

Though fleeting, she had glimpsed his upper body—broad shoulders, neither overly muscular nor frail, perfectly proportioned and lean.

This man… didn’t he realize that seeing him like this made it hard for her to keep her composure?

She called out to him and waited for a response, but hearing none, she grew concerned. Tentatively turning back, she saw that the wounds on his back had reddened and swollen again. Likely in excruciating pain, he had hunched over, sitting bent at the edge of the bed.

Alarmed, Shen Xiling rushed to Qi Ying’s side, crouching down to examine him. Only then did she notice the cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Overwhelmed with worry and distress, she urgently asked, “What… what happened to you?”

There was no real surprise here.

The Chancellor’s whip had struck with such ferocity that his injuries were still severe. That afternoon, Xiao Ziteng’s unexpected visit had forced Qi Ying to personally greet and see him off. Without changing his bandages throughout the afternoon, the wounds had reopened, worsening under the confinement of his clothes, making them appear ghastly.

Shen Xiling was on the verge of tears. She didn’t dare touch him, fearing it would cause more pain. After struggling internally, she finally managed to say through tears, “I’ll go fetch a doctor. Wait for me—I’ll be right back…”

As she stood to rush out, Qi Ying grabbed her hand.

Though his complexion was deathly pale, his tone remained gentle. “No need to trouble yourself… You can help me.”

Shen Xiling trembled as she shook her head. “No, we must call a doctor. I’ll hurt you…”

“It’s fine,” Qi Ying replied with a soft smile, his expression tender, his voice even softer. “I want to spend some time alone with you. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

At that moment, his expression revealed a vulnerability and sincerity Shen Xiling had never seen before. Her resolve wavered, and she couldn’t bring herself to refuse him. Yielding to his gentle insistence, she sat by the bedside, retrieved the medicine jar left by the doctor, and began applying the ointment to his wounds with trembling hands.

The severity of his injuries shocked her, causing her hands to shake uncontrollably—not out of fear, but out of profound sympathy.

She felt an overwhelming ache for him.

Why did he always endure so much hardship?

Carefully, she applied the ointment to his wounds, striving to be as gentle as possible. Yet she could feel his muscles tensing involuntarily with each movement, a reaction to the pain. But he made no sound, his body remaining motionless. Knowing that prolonging the process would only increase his suffering, she steeled herself and completed the task swiftly. After re-bandaging his wounds and helping him put on his clothes, she found herself drenched in sweat.