Chapter 77
Note: Early chapter release, thanks to Sakuradahl's support on Ko-Fi (´｡• ◡ •｡`) ♡
As Qin Zhongyi deliberately sped up, the scene in front of him changed rapidly. The people present saw the images in the virtual environment going by like flowing water, and the children in it started growing taller, gradually becoming teenagers.
Mu Cai studied with Qin Zhongjin at the Imperial Academy.
The princes began their enlightenment at the age of seven. Their study companions were either the same age or slightly older than them. Only Mu Cai was the youngest, at least two or three years younger than the others. Since he was not yet five years old, he often dozed off while reading, with his baby fat cheeks resting on the pages, leaving a soft indentation. It looked very pinchable.
Every time this happened, Qin Zhongjin would lift Mu Cai into his own lap, letting him lie on his knees so he could sleep more comfortably. The Imperial Academy's teachers were also very lenient with this adorable child, who had been specially approved by the emperor. They never punished him for falling asleep.
Furthermore, the Third Prince studied diligently without needing anyone to supervise, which is better than the Second Prince, who often looked back and was easily distracted. Additionally, the emperor would frequently visit the Imperial Academy after morning court sessions, each time playing with Mu Cai and calling him a "little lazy cat," which made the teachers even more forgiving towards him.
These days were delightful. As Mu Cai stood outside the virtual environment and watched these scenes pass by, he couldn't help but feel nostalgia when recalling the original body's fragmented memories.
Naturally, Qin Zhongjin noticed the look on Mu Cai's face. The beautiful person in red on the opposite side had eyebrows relaxed like distant mountains, his long eyelashes lowered, showing a captivating gentleness in his expression.
This tenderness was utterly intoxicating.
A desire stirred in Qin Zhongjin's heart, and he greedily stared at the face opposite him, wishing to capture every bit of this gentleness.
It was not until Qin Zhongyi made a cold huff by his side that Mu Cai raised his head, noticing the earnest, straightforward gaze of the person sitting on the ground across from him.
He glanced back and then turned away again, continuing to look at the virtual scenes unfolding in front of him. Qin Zhongyi waved his hand again, accelerating the projection. Soon, everyone saw the children growing considerably taller, even the smallest Mu Cai, began to show the distinct grace of adolescence.
And it was at this time that the wonderful days came to an end.
One day, when the princes were going to their routine martial arts training, a newcomer appeared next to Qin Zhongjin. He was about the same age as Qin Zhongjin, full of vigor, and very handsome. He was Han Dan, the eldest grandson of the Ministry of Personnel.
Mu Cai had never met this brother before, and politely greeted him. Qin Zhongjin was about to compete with the princes, so he left Mu Cai in Han Dan's care and mounted his horse. Mu Cai hopped onto his jujube red pony and strolled around with Han Dan's tall horse, watching the princes compete in the martial arts field from afar.
His character was as lazy as ever. He became tired after riding for a while, grumbling and wanting to sit in the shade to rest. Han Dan, encountering such a breathtaking person for the first time, had no recourse but to comply with his wishes.
After sitting down, Mu Cai kept tugging at his belt and sleeves from time to time. He was supposed to wear a tight-fitted Hu costume with arrow sleeves for horseback riding. However, Mu Cai was not used to these clothes and consequently, he found himself constantly adjusting them.
At twelve, Mu Cai was in the throes of a growth spurt. His cheeks had slimmed down noticeably, making his eyes appear even larger. His upturned eyes, coupled with a more defined nose, made him appear less cute than when he was a child, but added to his startling beauty. Now, as he impatiently loosened his tight belt, half of his shirt front sagged, revealing the snow-white inner garment beneath and a glimpse of his delicate collarbone.
Han Dan, who grew up by the side of the Minister of the Department of Official Personnel Affairs, was disciplined strictly and always vigilant about his own status. He couldn't afford any misconduct in his words or actions. This was the first time he saw someone adjusting their belt in front of everyone!
Almost uncontrollably, Han Dan's eyes darted towards the man's delicate collarbone and milky white neck across from him, even gulping involuntarily. When he realized his thoughts, Han Dan's face flushed beet-red, his mind in turmoil, as he blurted out, "What are you wearing?! Put your clothes on properly!"
Mu Cai couldn't help feeling aggrieved when faced with the sudden scolding from this strange older brother: "When I went out, the nurse tied my waist too tightly. Besides, I didn't take off my clothes either. Why is Brother Han Dan so fierce?"
He pouted his bright red lips, his long eyelashes drooping down, and his cheeks seemed a little puffed up, looking particularly heartrending.
Only then did Han Dan realize that his attitude had indeed gone too far. Although he was usually strict, he only applied his strictness to himself and did not deliberately demand it from others. Among his classmates, there were some who didn't care about minor details, and even if they were shirtless on a hot day, he never said anything about it. Han Dan didn't know what was wrong with him today, as if his mind was not his own.
His face turned red, and just as he was about to apologize, he heard the young man across from him muttering, "Brother Zhongjin has never said this to me. He even let me loosen my clothes to relax, allowing me to lie on his lap and sleep."
Upon hearing this, Han Dan's face quickly turned pale.
He looked at the stunningly beautiful face in front of him, the slender shoulders, the narrow waist, and the two fair and lovely legs exposed because of the rolled-up pant legs due to the heat. Every detail was exquisite and attractive, leading to wandering thoughts.
Who could resist such a beauty? The third prince must have been reveling in it already.
A mix of emotions surged in Han Dan's heart at that moment. Unable to express the complex, twisted thoughts he was having, he swallowed the apology he was about to make and continued to scold, "In front of the prince, one should be even more cautious about their words and actions! With your clothes half-undone, what kind of decorum is this? I will report to the prince later, so you'd better be careful!"
Mu Cai didn't want to deal with the annoying Han Dan anymore, so he turned his back to him, took out a treasured lotus seed cake from his small bundle, and began to eat it.
He wouldn't give Han Dan even a single piece!
When the princes finished their competition, and Qin Zhongjin rode over, Mu Cai couldn't wait to tell on Han Dan. However, to his surprise, Qin Zhongjin, who always used to dote on him, after considering for a while, agreed with Han Dan. He even personally tightened Mu Cai's waist.
Mu Cai touched his waist in disbelief.
Yet, more than that, since then, Qin Zhongjin started to distance himself. From initially indulging him to sleep on his lap and caressing his hair, he began to refuse physical contact with Mu Cai, and his attitude gradually cooled.
Han Dan, the culprit of all this, sarcastically criticized him whenever they met, stating he had no discipline, and was lazy and idle, even coldly rejecting his request to see Qin Zhongjin on behalf of him.
Standing on the green brick ground, Mu Cai asked Han Dan, "Why does Brother Zhongjin refuse to see me?"
Han Dan waved his wide sleeve, looked him up and down, and then coldly replied, "His Highness is very busy, not everyone is like Master Mu who has nothing to do all day." After saying this, his tone became irritated, "Master Mu, please go back, I still have important matters."
Mu Cai could only turn around. It was actually very hard for him to see Qin Zhongjin now. Ever since he confessed to Qin Zhongjin, the latter neither agreed nor refused, but simply stopped meeting him. He should understand what that meant.
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Walking aimlessly on the road, when Mu Cai stepped out of the third prince's palace, he saw Qin Zhongyi waiting for him.
Qin Zhongyi had grown a lot taller over the years and was no longer as domineering as before. From the time when Mu Cai was studying at the Imperial College, Qin Zhongyi often brought him raisins, mare's milk, and all kinds of interesting things. All these years, he never distanced himself from Mu Cai like Qin Zhongjin did, and frequently asked why he was unhappy.
When Qin Zhongyi saw him, he smiled and said warmly, "Cai Cai."
Mu Cai's eyes were a little wet. Now, the only one who would still call him that was Brother Zhongyi. He quickly replied, "Brother Zhongyi!"
Qin Zhongyi walked over and gently held onto Mu Cai's arm. Instead of dodging as usual, Mu Cai leaned his head on his shoulder, just like how he sought comfort in his father's arms as a child, "Brother Zhongyi, I am so upset."
The smile on Qin Zhongyi's face deepened, "What happened Cai Cai? Talk to Brother Zhongyi."
The two found a pavilion to sit down. Qin Zhongyi ordered his bodyguard to keep watch outside and not let anyone in, while Mu Cai told him about the unfair treatment he recently suffered. He mentioned how his parents were worried lately, and he couldn't do anything to help. He spoke of the emperor's poor health, who had been bedridden for a long time and hadn't seen him in a while. He also said how Han Dan treated him poorly, always looking at him displeased, saying that Brother Zhongjin might never care for him again.
Qin Zhongyi listened to his ramblings. By the end, he couldn't help but laugh subtly, "Do you want to see Qin Zhongjin?"
Mu Cai hesitates, then nods. Although it's highly likely that Brother Zhongjin wouldn't accept him, he still wanted to hear it from him personally, a reason would be better than leaving it hanging. After all, although Brother Zhongjin rarely met him, whenever he felt like giving up, he would send some of his favorite things to give him a little hope.
He really wanted to have a proper talk with him.
Qin Zhongyi smiled and said, "Let me take you to him."
Confused, Mu Cai followed him.
They meandered around and eventually arrived at the banks of the shimmering Tai Ye Pond. Mu Cai, following Qin Zhongyi, hid behind a cluster of flowers and stealthily peeked out. He saw a boat floating on the lake, with two people aboard, merrily drinking.
Mu Cai looked closely and recognized Qin Zhongjin and a young man in white.
He recognized the young man; it was the newly crowned champion scholar of the year, Su Yao. Qin Zhong Jin had presided over the imperial examination and after reading Su Yao's paper, praised him for his excellent writing.
So all his 'busyness' was just an excuse, he was simply not willing to meet him and wanted to meet others.
A bitter realization hit Mu Cai, a feeling of sour sadness welled up in his heart. At this point, it was Qin Zhongyi who gently put his arm around his shoulder and comforted, "Cai Cai, don't be sad. If my third brother doesn't treat you well, come to Brother Zhongyi. I'll back you up, I will never abandon you."
Leaning against Qin Zhongyi's shoulder, hearing these words, he felt a long-lost sense of security, and quietly responded with an "Mm."
In the following long period of time, Qin Zhongjin did indeed spend all his time with Su Yao. Whenever Mu Cai saw Su Yao, Qin Zhongjin was definitely by his side.
Of course, he was not pleased with Su Yao and never showed him a pleasant expression, sometimes even making rude remarks. The champion scholar, as clear as the wind and bright as the moon, seemed at a loss and could only look at him blankly. And Qin Zhongjin, who used to protect him, now only reprimanded him.
The next time Mu Cai found Su Yao, he forcibly pulled Qin Zhongjin to one side, intending to have a private conversation.
Qin Zhongjin, his face now unfamiliar, stood across from him with a cold expression.
At this point, Mu Cai's heart felt strangely calm. Perhaps it was due to Qin Zhongyi's reassurance and promises during this time; he felt that there was no need to continue with this entanglement. Why should he keep exposing himself to hurt from someone who did not treat him well?
So, Mu Cai got straight to the point: "Crown Prince, what do you plan to do about my confession last time?"
Yes, the current Qin Zhongjin was no longer his Brother Zhongjin, but the Crown Prince of the Great Liang Dynasty.
Upon hearing Mu Cai's words, cracks appeared in Qin Zhongjin's cold exterior. He frowned, which was rare, and finally spoke: "Cai Cai, don't talk to me like that."
Mu Cai was completely disheartened. He realized that the other party had no intention of facing this issue directly and wanted to keep things vague. Therefore, Mu Cai turned around and left, not stopping until he had exited the palace gate and boarded Qin Zhongyi's carriage home.
Once home, he packed all the objects Qin Zhongjin had given him since childhood and sent them back to the Prince's Mansion.
The mansion refused to accept them and sent them back. However, Mu Cai no longer cared; he sold whatever he could pawn, giving the silver to beggars on the street. The items he couldn't sell were thrown into a storeroom, never to be seen again.
After returning home, Mu Cai began to ponder his future. He decided to follow his father's advice and study with his teacher to take part in the imperial examination next year. He planned to pass, leave the capital for a government position, and then bring his parents to live with him. They would leave the capital, a place full of controversies, distancing themselves from the rest of the Mu family.
However, while he was fully focused on his studies, there was a sudden change in the capital. The old emperor passed away, and a new one ascended the throne. And the first imperial edict issued by Qin Zhongjin was aimed at him.
Mu Cai was accused of disrespect and was to be exiled to the remote region of Yong. He was not allowed to return for at least three to five years.
Under the worried gaze of his father and the tears of his mother, Mu Cai, accompanied by two house servants, embarked on his journey with a heavy heart.
Before leaving, only Qin Zhongyi came to say goodbye.
He seemed rather worn out and didn't say much. He only handed Mu Cai a scroll, insisting that he always carry it with him and never take it off lightly.
Mu Cai agreed, and then set off on his journey.
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Yong was a remote place, and the local people were simple-minded. With the help of poor villagers, Mu Cai repaired a small house. The house used to belong to a local scholar who couldn't stand the poverty in Yong and ended up leaving.
As Mu Cai listened to the village chief stutteringly explain the situation in heavily-accented dialect, and looked at the skinny children with their blank, mud-covered faces, and the villagers who were earnestly helping to fix the house with their backs to the sun and faces to the earth, he made a resolute decision.
He was going to teach these poor children, to enable them to read and write, to do arithmetic, to keep accounts, to write articles, and consequently to change their destinies.
Strange as it seems, Mu Cai, who had always been unable to withstand hardships, eating only foods he liked, wearing only clothes he liked, found the coarse grains, a bit of vegetables and occasional egg sent by these villagers as a token of their gratitude rather fulfilling. He didn't mind sleeping on the narrow and hard wooden bed.
He did, however, continue to wear his own clothes because they were comfortable.
Half a year after Mu Cai had been teaching, the students had already started to learn to read and simple arithmetic. He was pleased with his achievements.
However, what he didn't expect was that Qin Zhongjin hadn't given up on him even after such a long time.
One afternoon, after class, Mu Cai, dressed in a red robe, stood at the window and waved goodbye to his students. He had lost a lot of weight, his waist was only so wide.
Bathed in the golden sunlight, Mu Cai looked stunningly beautiful when he smiled. His farewell captivated the departing children to such an extent that they were so absorbed in watching him that they forgot to look where they were going and almost stumbled to the ground.
The children had no idea, however, that behind their much-admired teacher's hut, a team of soldiers was hiding, biding their time until they left.
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Author's Note:
Han Dan: I feel like I've been misunderstood…
Su Yao: I too think I've been misunderstood...
Qin Zhongjin: I am different, I could already feel the heaviness of the pot...
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