Chapter 18

As soon as he stepped inside, Wen Biesang tilted his head and bit him—a precise nip on the gauze covering the shoulder wound. Cheng Yun retaliated by pinching the soft flesh inside his thigh. The fiend winced in pain but bit down harder, as if trying to tear a chunk of flesh from his shoulder.

They remained locked in this standoff for several breaths before Cheng Yun, still caught in his bite, gradually eased his movements. The clenched teeth relaxed little by little; the fiend seemed amused, grabbing the hem of his robe and softly sobbing.

Within the canopy, the sounds grew denser, each trailing off with a sticky, fluctuating tone that slowly faded away.

Thanks to those absurd dreams, even if one had never eaten pork, they’d seen pigs run before. Otherwise, facing such matters, His Highness the Crown Prince would surely be at a loss.

After a few such moments, Wen Biesang curled up beside him, his unusually long black hair fanning behind him. His cheeks and nose were flushed red, tears still clinging to his lashes; his sleeping face was full of grievance and innocence, resembling a fairy untouched by the smoke and dust of the deep mountain lairs.

The Crown Prince propped up fingers sticky with mucus, glanced sideways at the reddening on his shoulder, and fell silent for a long while.

Outside the bed curtain, dawn had fully broken. Cheng Yun, who had not slept all night, washed and changed into his prince’s robe before stepping out to attend court.

A night watchman carrying a drum passed by opposite, casting a glance his way.

Cheng Yun climbed aboard the carriage and waved from the window.

Pang Qi hurried over. “Your Highness.”

“That watchman is suspicious,” Cheng Yun said. “Go check on him.”

Pang Qi didn’t look toward the man but nodded with a smile, his face betraying no emotion.

The carriage wheels crushed the snow as Pang Qi watched the prince’s carriage fade from view before folding his smile and turning away.

Shengjing was divided into outer districts, inner districts, the imperial city, and the inner palace.

The Crown Prince’s residence was located in the Eastern Palace of the inner palace—commoners had no right to come here. In other words, those who could collect swill here could boast of eating the imperial grain even in the outer districts.

The night watchmen were effectively officials within the imperial city; they couldn’t possibly be so rude or act in a furtive manner.

“Young Master, did you sleep well last night?”

Upon waking, Wen Biesang was promptly greeted by Pang Qi’s eager inquiry. He hummed in response, rubbed his eyes, and shifted to get out of bed.

Pang Qi drew back the bed curtains and asked, “What would you like to eat?”

Wen Biesang’s limbs were a bit weak. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he thought for a moment. “Anything will do.”

He didn’t care much for food—just something to fill his stomach.

At the dining table, a soft cushion was placed on the stool. Supported by Pang Qi, Wen Biesang sat down and noticed that today’s meals were somewhat watery.

The meat had been ground into a thick soup. He scooped a spoonful and tasted it, nodding in approval.

The flavor was quite excellent.

Before finishing the meal, footsteps approached. “Little Dream Demon? Little Dream Demon?”

Wen Biesang set down his small bowl and soon saw Chang Xingzhu standing at the door.

“Did you see? It’s snowing!”

“Yes.”

“The first snow in Shengjing City. The ice rink outside the city must be bustling today! Are you going?”

Pang Qi asked, “Third Young Master, has your foot healed?”

If he hadn’t mentioned it, Chang Xingzhu might not have gotten angry. But mentioning it sparked fury, and he dashed forward while Pang Qi hurriedly circled the table.

Chang Xingzhu angrily accused, “Did you already know Prince Cheng Yun stole my horse?!”

“Ah?” Pang Qi was stunned. “That’s impossible. If I had known earlier—”

“Did you already know Prince Cheng Yun was avoiding me?!”

“That, I did know… hey hey,” Pang Qi dodged around the table again. “But His Highness the Crown Prince’s orders are not for me to disobey.”

Chang Xingzhu couldn’t catch him and instead kicked off his shoe, hurling it at Pang Qi. “I’ll shave your head one day!”

Knowing he would calm down, Pang Qi smiled and handed the shoe back. Chang Xingzhu put it on with a pout. Pang Qi softened his tone. “I truly care about you. Isn’t your foot still not fully healed?”

“It’s fine without tight shoes,” Chang Xingzhu said. Seeing Wen Biesang watching them with a smile, he immediately leaned over again. “Little Dream Demon, how are you? Can you walk?”

Wen Biesang nodded promptly. “I can.”

“Sir,” Pang Qi paused, then asked again cautiously, “Can you walk?”

Wen Biesang nodded, stood, and took a few steps to demonstrate. Chang Xingzhu immediately pulled him toward the door. “While the snow stops, let’s hurry!”

Pang Qi stood behind, watching the two stride off briskly, somewhat dazed.

He wasn’t sure if it was the Crown Princess’s resilience or the Crown Prince’s…

“Wait, wait, I’ll go with you two!”

Wen Biesang paid no mind to Pang Qi’s request to accompany them. After all, he would be staying in Shengjing for some time and couldn’t simply run away.

At the door, Lou Zhaozi followed, sitting up front to drive the horse. “Gentlemen, straight to the ice rink?”

“First take me to West Street. I want to buy some comics.”

Wen Biesang said, “I want to go to the fireworks shop.”

“Buying fireworks?”

“Yes.”

“Then you come with me to buy comics first, then I’ll accompany you to the fireworks shop?”

Wen Biesang considered. “Can we go separately? It’ll save time.”

“We’re not in a hurry… fine,” Chang Xingzhu agreed. “We’ll meet at the street corner ahead. I’ll go inside; you go forward.”

Lou Zhaozi needed to buy some vermilion, so only Pang Qi followed Wen Biesang.

At the fireworks shop entrance, Wen Biesang asked, “Are you buying anything?”

“I’m not buying. I’ll pay for you, sir.”

Wen Biesang looked at the money in his hand and reached out. “I want to buy them myself.”

Pang Qi handed over the pouch. “Then I’ll wait outside.”

Wen Biesang took the pouch, weighing it briefly. It was heavy, and inside were two silver notes, each worth a hundred taels.

The Shengjing fireworks shop was skilled in business. Upon entering, one saw hanging curtains painted with blooming fireworks, forming a dazzling spectacle.

A warm clerk stepped forward to greet him. “Sir, are you buying loose fireworks for personal use or hosting a banquet?”

Wen Biesang was about to speak when a commotion arose inside.

“Why is only my blue firework not here yet, while his purple one has arrived?”

“Master Qiong, please be patient,” the shopkeeper said. “Rest assured, all fireworks ordered by the Qian family will arrive in Shengjing before November seventeenth, definitely in time for your birthday feast.”

“But Zhou Lianjing’s have arrived! They all come from Junzicheng, right? Why is mine later than his?”

“Zhou Lianqiong, are you being childish?”

The shopkeeper smiled. “Master Qiong should know that blue fireworks are difficult to prepare. Currently, only the Fire Boss from Junzicheng possesses such skill. And in all of Shengjing, only our shop has the connection to him…”

“Don’t waste my time with nonsense,” Zhou Lianqiong interrupted impatiently. “If it weren’t special, would I bother giving him face? If you weren’t the only channel, would I patronize your shop?”

“…But the shop has not breached contract. It’s only the end of October. Early November fireworks will arrive gradually. On your birthday, you will surely see blue fireworks.”

“The problem is I can’t wait now!” Zhou Lianqiong snapped. “His purple ones are here and ready to be tested, but mine are still en route…”

Perhaps weary of their quarrel, Zhou Lianjing rose and stepped out.

Meanwhile, the clerk continued, “Sir, sir? What kind of fireworks are you looking for?”

Wen Biesang returned to the present, turning slightly. “If for a banquet, what do you recommend?”

“That depends on the banquet style and the host’s preferences. We have dedicated fireworks coordinators. Once you choose a design, someone will place each firework barrel in the best spots around your residence, using the night sky as a canvas to ensure you see the most beautiful display.”

Zhou Lianjing leaned against the door, expressionless, watching the crowd outside.

Opposite the shop was a steamed bun stall, where a pale, beardless man sat, munching buns and watching this way. He looked like an imperial messenger.

Nearby, another voice spoke, “I want to speak with your shopkeeper.”

Zhou Lianjing glanced inside again. A white-robed gentleman wearing a veil stood inside, casually taking a booklet from the clerk.

His broad sleeves slid back, revealing a wrist marked by a clear circular scar.

Zhou Lianjing’s pupils contracted sharply. He glanced at Pang Qi and his heart suddenly raced.

“Sir, the shopkeeper is still busy,” the clerk said apologetically.

Wen Biesang replied, “Then I shall wait…”

Suddenly, a hand grasped his wrist. Wen Biesang did not struggle.

On the street, a luxurious carriage rumbled through, drawing many admiring looks.

Qi Song hurried along, reached the carriage, and opened the window to hand something in. “These candied fruits and snacks, Your Highness hasn’t had them in two years. Why suddenly crave them today?”

“To feed the rabbit.”

“Ah?”

Wen Biesang was pulled out of the fireworks shop’s front door and, in a deserted corner, retracted his arm.

Zhou Lianjing breathed heavily. “Azi, what are you doing here?”

“Buying fireworks.”

“Ah Qiong is inside too.”

“…”

He looked troubled. Wen Biesang understood immediately.

Turning to leave, he was suddenly pulled back.

“Are you living well in the Crown Prince’s residence?”

“No.”

“...I’m sorry.”

Wen Biesang withdrew his arm again, his voice calm. “This is my feud with them. It has nothing to do with you.”

Zhou Lianjing looked ashamed. Wen Biesang continued, “One day, when I’ve killed them, if you’re still alive, don’t blame me.”

Zhou Lianjing stood frozen. Seeing him about to leave, he hurried a step forward. “Her Ladyship, your grandaunt, is unwell and has been worried about you…”

“Does she want me to return?”

“She hopes you stay as far away as possible.”

“I will.”

Wen Biesang halted and paused. “Three years ago, I told you not to stay in your room on your birthday… Did you tell everyone?”

“I… I was just afraid of what happened when you were sleeping…”

“You didn’t stop Zhou Lianqiong from blowing out my ear but stopped me from killing them.”

Zhou Lianjing suddenly fell silent, his eyes reddening.

“Ajing? Ajing?”

Zhou Lianqiong’s voice came, and Zhou Lianjing grew frantic, seemingly fearing a confrontation.

Wen Biesang strode straight down the street.

A luxurious carriage stopped before him. Qi Song looked stunned. “Master Wen…”