Chapter 6: Scheming

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Zuo Buyu seemed confident and said, “Your Highness, you are truly a straightforward man. Though I cannot read your mind, I can guarantee that whatever you desire, we have it and can offer it to you.”

Shen Xunqing’s eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle smile playing at the corner of his lips revealing a hint of amusement. He replied casually, “Even your life?”

At these words, two completely different answers came forth simultaneously.

Zuo Buyu responded calmly, “Of course.”

Yan Ziqing interjected anxiously, “No!”

Shen Xunqing’s gaze was tinged with playful intrigue as he leaned on the desk with one hand, resting his chin thoughtfully. “So, is it possible or not?”

Yan Ziqing took a few hurried steps forward, his breath uneven. Ignoring Zuo Buyu’s grip on his sleeve, he declared, “Of course not! Though I wish to rely on your strength, if it means exchanging Buyu’s life, I would rather forgo that position!”

Shen Xunqing scrutinized this fifth prince, whom he had no memory of, from head to toe. He reined in the smile at his lips and asked, “Even if others were to die because of your decision, would you still refuse?”

Yan Ziqing’s youthful face flushed slightly, but his voice was resolute, “Yes, I want Buyu to be safe.”

Zuo Buyu frowned at this and muttered sharply, “Nonsense!” He had promised Yan Ziqing’s late mother to care for him and help him ascend the throne. Since he had made that vow, he intended to fulfill it. His life had been saved by Yan Ziqing’s mother, so if he had to sacrifice it for Yan Ziqing’s well-being, it was no precious thing to him.

Zuo Buyu pulled Yan Ziqing back, feeling helpless. They had already agreed that upon entering the prince’s residence, all authority would be his, and Yan Ziqing need only stay by his side. But with Ziqing’s temperament, he should have expected this.

Zuo Buyu looked up at Shen Xunqing and smiled apologetically. “Your Highness, please forgive Ziqing’s impertinence.”

Shen Xunqing paid little mind. It was rare to encounter someone so entertaining. His reasons for helping others were simple: either he found them agreeable, or the reward was worth his while. If either condition was met, he helped.

He waved a hand nonchalantly. “No matter. I will help with this one favor, but I have only one request.”

Zuo Buyu smiled politely. “Buyu is willing to hear it.”

After saying this, Shen Xunqing pointed at him with a finger and chuckled softly. “You may leave. Since this concerns Yan Ziqing, let him speak with me.”

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Zuo Buyu hesitated awkwardly. “Very well, I shall step outside and wait.”

Yan Ziqing nodded to Zuo Buyu, signaling him not to worry. Yet Zuo Buyu’s concern deepened. How could Prince Shen be so unpredictable? It was truly baffling.

Once Zuo Buyu left, Yan Ziqing seemed lost, his body stiff and tense. Shen Xunqing found it utterly amusing; Yan Ziqing resembled a wild beast still nursing—now separated from its caretaker, he was on edge.

Unable to resist teasing, Shen Xunqing joked, “Hey! Tell me, do you fancy that man surnamed Zuo?”

Yan Ziqing’s face flushed with irritation. He slammed the table and stood up. “What nonsense are you talking about? How could I harbor such thoughts about someone like Buyu, who is both brother and father to me! This man is nothing but a slick talker, a rogue without an ounce of princely dignity!”

Shen Xunqing was startled by Yan Ziqing’s sudden outburst and feigned covering his ears. “Alright, alright, I get it. But truly, do you want that position?”

Originally, Shen Xunqing intended the Yan Kingdom to vanish without a trace—not in terms of harming its people, but by condemning everyone involved in the Shen family tragedy to the hells of the underworld. For him, this was simple.

Yet plans seldom survive contact with reality. Now that he had met Yan Ziqing, perhaps a different form of punishment was warranted.

Yan Ziqing clenched his fist hidden within his sleeve, his voice immature but firm. “I want to sit on that throne because only by reaching the top can I avoid being bullied and protect those I care about.”

Shen Xunqing frowned, stroking his chin. “That sounds straightforward. But have you thought about how to achieve it? Have you prepared or planned anything?”

Yan Ziqing was taken aback by the question. “I… I haven’t prepared anything.”

Shen Xunqing was surprised. “So you mean, with the battle approaching, you haven’t even considered raising troops?”

Yan Ziqing’s expression grew serious. He bit his lip and remained silent.

Shen Xunqing continued, “I want to help you, but I don’t want to help someone with no leverage.”

Suddenly, Yan Ziqing lifted his head. “I know something related to the truth behind the Shen family tragedy. I can tell you.”

Without waiting for Shen Xunqing’s response, he continued, “At that time, the emperor went incognito with several sons. He overheard whispers in the streets that said, ‘If the Yan Kingdom’s emperor were the virtuous Shen, the people would be blessed.’ Such words are taboo for a ruler. The emperor said nothing then, but when he returned to the palace, I overheard a conversation between the Crown Prince and him…”

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“The Crown Prince suggested using the Shen family’s wealth as the royal treasury and wiping the family off the face of the earth… I was terrified and dared not speak. Soon after, the Shen family was annihilated, and the Crown Prince became the heir.”

Shen Xunqing raised an eyebrow and said gravely, “I know.”

Yan Ziqing hadn’t expected such a response. “You know?” He thought to himself: This man had known all along, yet remained so calm and allied with his enemy. No wonder Brother Zuo had brought him here. Yan Ziqing glanced again at Shen Xunqing’s face, wondering if he had made a mistake.

Feeling uneasy, Yan Ziqing sat quietly for a while before Shen Xunqing seemed to recall his presence. “Alright, you may leave now.”

Yan Ziqing rose and prepared to leave, pausing briefly before stepping out.

As footsteps faded outside the study, only Shen Xunqing and Yan Yunqing remained inside. Shen Xunqing, half questioning, half musing aloud, said, “Tell me, does a person stop caring about how much they hurt others just to achieve their goals?”

Yan Yunqing finally closed his book. “Has he hurt you?”

Shen Xunqing shook his head, then smiled wryly. “You jest. How could a mere mortal wound me?”

He winked at Yan Yunqing suddenly and asked, “Interested in coming back to the underworld with me?”

Yan Yunqing’s expression twitched. “I’m still undergoing my tribulations.”

Shen Xunqing shrugged. “Even during tribulations, one needs to catch their breath. You’re closer to the underworld here—when the time comes, you can leave directly.”

Yan Yunqing was taken aback. Though his face showed little, it was the first time he had realized that one could rest during tribulations.