Zhao Chu didn’t know what he was doing.

He had always despised love and affection, seeing it as nothing more than a veil hiding filthy desires. From a distance, it may seem glorious and splendid, but in reality, it’s a bundle of ugly filth that is better left unseen.

For him, it should have been a rare good thing if Fang Linyuan could sooner abandon his feelings and approach him as an equal, as a partner.

But…

He picked up the silk handkerchief on the table and slowly wiped away the smeared rouge on his cheeks while looking into the mirror.

Yet, what was he doing now?

The last glimmer of twilight sank outside the window, and in the growing darkness, Zhao Chu gradually couldn’t make out his reflection in the mirror.

All that was left was a vague shadow of adorned hair and jewels, and for a brief moment, it seemed like he truly was a woman from the inner chambers, whose world had collapsed after losing her husband’s affection.

Zhao Chu’s hand holding the handkerchief paused at his lips.

It seemed, without realizing it, he had tied his useless heart to Fang Linyuan. Not only had this led to unnecessary emotions of joy and anger, but it had also caused him to lose his composure, allowing unpredictable variables to creep into his carefully laid plans.

The person in the mirror was indeed a woman, a wife, leaning against a flowered window in the secluded chamber, offering her heart and waiting for someone’s love.

Zhao Chu stared fixedly at the mirror.

At that moment, a faint sound of the door opening broke the silence. It was Juansu, who entered quietly with a lantern in hand. Her footsteps made no noise as she approached.

She assumed Zhao Chu was removing his makeup and placed the lantern on the vanity. Then she took out a fire striker and began lighting the lamps and candles one by one around the room.

As the bedroom gradually brightened, and with the flickering of the flames, Zhao Chu once again saw the face in the mirror.

Tall and stern, with eyes as dark as still water, even with all the ornaments and finery cloaking him, he was nothing more than a ghost dressed in a human skin.

This was how he should appear.

Perhaps he had stayed in the role of Fang Linyuan’s wife for too long, blurring his ability to see clearly, which led to these laughable emotions born from an illusion.

He raised his hand and neatly removed the hairpins and ornaments from his hair. His black hair cascaded down like an avalanche of snow collapsing from a mountaintop.

Just like every other night, he skillfully and swiftly removed the layers of makeup, revealing his true self—sharp and fierce, with no trace of femininity.

But tonight, there was an inexplicable urgency in his actions, as if an unwitting fox spirit had fallen into the trap of love, hastily tearing off his human skin in a desperate attempt to prove something.

After a moment, he met his own gaze in the mirror. His cold eyes were sharp and piercing, as though confronting someone on the other side of the glass.

In his heart, he coldly reminded himself:

The strange thoughts he had were simply because he had gotten used to playing the role of a woman in front of Fang Linyuan.

*

Fang Linyuan had been swamped these past few days.

It wasn’t until a few days later that he finally finished processing the stack of case files that Lin Zizhuo had handed him. When he turned over the entire pile of completed case files to Lin Zizhuo, he didn’t forget to remind him, “Next time you have something like this, don’t come looking for me.”

Lin Zizhuo just smiled at this. “Take a couple of days to rest. I can manage for the time being.”

Fang Linyuan’s eyes widened.

“Is there another case? Who’s being reported for improper conduct now?” he asked.

“The political situation is gradually becoming clearer. In a few days, we might have to arrest someone,” Lin Zizhuo said vaguely, probably having received some confidential information he couldn’t disclose.

There wasn’t much Fang Linyuan could do about it.

“You’re practically my boss now,” he sighed.

Lin Zizhuo chuckled and patted him on the shoulder, saying nothing more.

Although Lin Zizhuo told him to rest for a couple of days, the endless tasks within the Sixteen Guard left him no chance to do so.

*

In recent days, the riverside dock at the south of the city had become increasingly lively. The Chu family trading company’s shipyard held a grand opening ceremony, and the owner seemed to have quite the influence, as they not only opened the shipyard but also established a security service for river transport. Anyone using their ships would be escorted by workers who doubled as bodyguards, making their cargo transport safer than any competitor’s.

On the day of the opening, the docks were packed with merchants and curious onlookers.

Fang Linyuan was leading the Sixteen Guards on patrol and noticed several workers from the shipyard handing out red envelopes to the passers-by. Even Li Cheng'an was given two envelopes, and upon opening them, found a small silver piece and eight copper coins inside—a generous and auspicious gesture.

"Could this Chu Trading Company belong to the Emperor?" Li Cheng'an wondered aloud as he pocketed the envelopes, amazed by the generosity.

Fang Linyuan chuckled, "The Emperor isn't short of silver."

"For someone to spend this lavishly, they must not be lacking either," Li Cheng'an replied, shaking his head in wonder. "I really can't imagine who else it could be."

As they chatted casually, they arrived at Linjiang House.

Linjiang House was the most luxurious restaurant along the canal, and one of the finest in all of the capital. Unlike other establishments, it stood four stories tall, towering over the riverside, offering a panoramic view of the river from its upper floors. Many scholars and poets visiting the capital made it a point to come here.

At that moment, the tower was adorned with red decorations, seemingly reserved entirely by the Chu Trading Company to celebrate their grand opening.

As Fang Linyuan and his group passed by, a manager came out, his face full of joy, bowing repeatedly to Fang Linyuan. "Greetings, General! Today marks the grand opening of our Chu family's shipyard. It's a busy day, and we’re grateful for your patrol. Thank you for your hard work!"

Fang Linyuan nodded from his horse and returned the greeting with a brief "Congratulations."

However, the manager and his attendants remained in their path, still eager to engage. "It's almost noon. Since you've been working so hard, why not come up for a few drinks?" the manager offered.

“No need to trouble yourself,” Fang Linyuan declined immediately.

“It’s no trouble at all! Someone, quickly set up more seats for General Fang and his men upstairs! Prepare more wine and dishes for the generals!” The manager enthusiastically waved toward the restaurant.

He was quite skilled at handling such matters, managing to offer his hospitality without overstepping the rules of the Sixteen Guards while still currying favour.

Li Cheng'an, having served in the Sixteen Guards for a while, knew that many prominent businesses in the capital held similar ceremonies when opening new ventures. They had already attended numerous such feasts. Seeing Fang Linyuan’s stern expression, Li Cheng'an leaned in and whispered, "We should go up for a couple of drinks, General. Your presence would be an honour for their new business."

The manager eagerly nodded, preparing to usher them inside.

Just then, the manager straightened up abruptly, bowing respectfully.

“Ah, the owner!” he called out, bowing deeply toward someone in the distance.

He turned to Fang Linyuan and introduced him, “General, our owner, Mr. Zhu, is upstairs right now. You see, he’s likely here to personally welcome you for a drink!”

Fang Linyuan looked in the direction the manager indicated.

Beyond the festively decorated Linjiang House, hundreds of boats lay anchored on the wide river. Fluttering ribbons streamed in the breeze, and on a broad platform outside the fourth-floor window stood a figure dressed in flowing white.

Tall and slender, with long hair billowing gently in the wind, the figure looked like a celestial being descending from the clouds.

But as Fang Linyuan gazed at the ethereal figure's face, he was startled to see a golden mask depicting a fierce beast. The mask covered the entire face, displaying a terrifying complexion , its fangs bared—a mask modelled after the mythical creature Zhuyan in the legends of gods and ghosts.

(NT: Zhuyan (朱厌), or Crimson Dread, is typically described as having a red color and features that make it resemble a fierce and terrifying animal. He lives in the Bamboo Forest)

According to the Classic of Mountains and Seas, the appearance of Zhuyan heralded war and chaos, bringing devastation to the land.

(NT: The Classic of Mountains and Seas (山海经, Shan Hai Jing) is an ancient Chinese text that is one of the most important works of mythology, geography, and folklore in Chinese literature.)

Yet Fang Linyuan had no time to examine the lifelike, menacing mask that seemed capable of tearing someone's throat out at any moment.

He stared in astonishment at the figure, meeting the cold, tranquil gaze behind the beastly mask through the empty eye sockets.

Zhao Chu?!

—

Fang Linyuan found himself being ushered up to the upper floors, somewhat confused by the manager's enthusiasm.

The rest of the Sixteen Guards were led to a banquet table, piled high with fine food and drink, while even Fang’s horse, Liuhuo, received some premium fodder outside the door.

As for Fang Linyuan, he was escorted into the “Tian” private suite on the top floor. This suite occupied the entire fourth floor of Linjiang House, with windows on all sides. Silk curtains fluttered in the wind, and the vast expanse of the river stretched out behind him, the breeze carrying the mild and damp scent of the river.

Inside, only seven or eight people sat at the table, all richly dressed and with sharp, calculating expressions.

Seated at the head of the table was the man wearing the fierce beast mask.

When Fang Linyuan entered, someone immediately approached him warmly, inviting him to sit and introducing him to each person in turn.

They were all chief stewards of various branches of the Chu Trading Company, each managing vast enterprises, yet all serving the masked man at the head.

Finally, Fang was introduced to the figure sitting above them all.

“General Fang, this is the owner of our shipyard, Mr. Zhu Yan, who is also the head of Chu Trading Company,” the man said with a respectful bow and a smile.

Fang Linyuan stared directly at “Zhu Yan.”

“Zhu Yan” was also looking at him, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile, and he nodded slightly in greeting.

After a moment, Fang Linyuan managed to squeeze out a question from his throat.

“… Young Master Zhu?” he asked.

“Indeed, it is. I have already seen the general” the man responded, his voice cold and clear, like the sound of jade clinking against stone.

Who else could it be but Zhao Chu!

Chu Trading Company—it turned out that the "Chu" in the name was taken from Zhao Chu’s own name.

*

Fang Linyuan was invited to sit in the seat of honour, right beside Zhao Chu.

A servant brought him a set of tableware and poured wine into his cup. Fang Linyuan slowly recovered from his surprise, but his eyes couldn’t help but drift towards Zhao Chu’s long, slender, pale hands, then up to his face.

It was indeed Zhao Chu, unmistakably the same person who was once known as Princess Huining.

No wonder he had such a grand presence. A businessman of this magnitude, who could rival the wealth of nations, was no exaggeration.

Zhao Chu lowered his eyes slightly, then turned his face towards Fang Linyuan, gazing at him silently.

Perhaps it was because the jewelled hairpin and gold-inlaid crown had his hair completely tied up, but for the first time, Fang Linyuan noticed how thin Zhao Chu’s lips were, and how sharp the angles of his jaw appeared.

He blinked.

The other stewards at the table were still engaging in light conversation, exchanging stories about how Young Master Zhu had placed a massive bet on Fang Linyuan winning at the polo field, defying all opposition.

So, it was Zhao Chu who had placed that bet?

Fang Linyuan shot a questioning look at Zhao Chu, who maintained a calm expression and didn’t deny it.

It made sense. Such an event would have been a shocking and sensational story if anyone else had done it, but when it was Zhao Chu, it somehow wasn’t so surprising.

He was, after all, a man who lived for the extraordinary.

As the stewards continued their banter, Fang Linyuan’s gaze repeatedly drifted back to Zhao Chu—one glance after another.

Zhao Chu’s current appearance was indeed striking, but there was an undeniable sense of discord about it. He seemed both familiar and strange, as if he were a completely different person from before.

Fang Linyuan found this both intriguing and amusing.

So, that day when he thought he had seen Zhao Chu at the restaurant, it was real? Zhao Chu certainly had some guts, changing clothes and openly appearing in public without fear of exposing his true identity…

Finally, after what must have been the umpteenth glance, Zhao Chu turned his head and met Fang Linyuan’s eyes directly.

“General, you seem quite interested in me,” Zhao Chu remarked.

Fang Linyuan paused, blinking.

How could he not be interested? Not even the fox spirits or ghosts from the storybooks could transform from a woman into a man as seamlessly as Zhao Chu!

…Though it did sound a bit odd when put that way.

Fang Linyuan hesitated for only a moment before smiling back at Zhao Chu and responding smoothly, "Maybe it’s because we have a certain connection."

Despite the strange circumstances—both of them dressed as men, sitting together in conversation—Fang Linyuan felt no discomfort. In fact, he found it quite enjoyable.

After all, no one at the table knew that this “Mr. Zhu Yan” was in fact the Emperor’s fifth princess. Only Fang Linyuan held this secret.

How many identities did this person have? Shifting and transforming, impossible to discern—it was truly impressive.

The shopkeepers around them, seeing the interaction, exchanged discreet glances filled with satisfaction.

The famous General of the Sixteen Guard, the illustrious Marquis Anping, had just said that he "felt a connection" with their elusive boss! Their enigmatic and powerful master truly was a figure with extraordinary influence.

One of the more bold-hearted guests immediately raised a glass, first to toast Fang Linyuan, then to Zhao Chu.

Fang Linyuan generously drank his entire cup, but when he glanced over at Zhao Chu, he noticed that Zhao merely touched the wine to his lips before setting it down.

Fang Linyuan almost laughed out loud.

Even the most cunning disguise couldn’t hide the fact that Zhao Chu, no matter what guise he wore, couldn’t handle alcohol.

Zhao Chu had drawn so much of his attention that Fang Linyuan didn’t notice someone catching the amused look in his eyes.

“What’s the general looking at?” someone asked, their face full of friendly curiosity.

At my “wife,” who can’t drink, Fang Linyuan thought to himself.

Naturally, he wouldn’t tell them the truth. But his quick mind came up with an answer in a flash. With a smile, he replied, “Nothing much. I was just thinking that the renowned wine from Linjiang House truly lives up to its name. It’s just a shame that my wife doesn’t drink, otherwise, I’d be taking two jars home for her to try.”

As he spoke, he quietly glanced at Zhao Chu.

Zhao Chu sat there calmly, hidden behind his gilded mask, his expression unreadable.

The nearby shopkeepers, however, smiled knowingly and admiringly.

The love story of the Marquis Anping and Princess Huining—who in the world didn’t know it? The tale of the famed general’s devotion to the noble princess had been told for years, as if a scene from that very story was playing out before them now.

“General, you and Her Highness are truly a perfect couple!”

The group collectively praised.

Fang Linyuan had heard such words so often that he was almost numb to them. But this was the first time he was hearing it with Zhao Chu right beside him.

As he laughed politely along with them, he couldn’t help sneaking peeks at Zhao Chu, curious to see his reaction.

Yet Zhao Chu remained impassive. His sharp, thin lips were set in a tight line, giving him a cold, unapproachable aura.

And then, unexpectedly, Zhao Chu picked up his cup of wine, tilted his head back, and silently downed the entire drink.

From across the way, the sound of a southern opera floated faintly from a nearby theater, the lyrics of "Hundred Flowers Gifts a Sword" softly filling the air.

Through the window, the shadow of the elegantly dressed Princess of the Hundred Flowers could be seen on the stage. Though she was a heroine who commanded troops, she willingly handed her sword over to the young hero who had come to assassinate her.

She cared for nothing else.

Her eyes were full of longing, her every step heavy with emotion, and her heart and thoughts were entirely filled with the image of the man who had left her behind, whose heroic bearing had once been unmatched.

"All for that one moment of springtime affection—
Which sparked this endless longing..."

*

Fang Linyuan was called away by the Sixteen Guards.

A message had arrived from the Imperial Guard, stating that there was urgent news from the palace, and that the Emperor wished to see him before the day was out.

Without hesitation, Fang Linyuan immediately stood and bid everyone farewell.

Before he left, he gave Zhao Chu a slight nod, then hurried off with the Sixteen Guards.

Once Fang Linyuan had disappeared from view, the shopkeepers at the table let out a collective sigh.

"To think there's a hero like General Fang in this world!" someone exclaimed. "How many lifetimes of merit and blessings from the heavens does it take to nurture such a person?"

"Unbeatable on the battlefield, and born with both looks and charm," another added. "Not to mention his loving relationship with his wife. Is there anything General Fang can't do?"

The people around all nodded in agreement.

At that moment, a cold, emotionless voice came from the head of the table.

"Love?" It was a quiet but chilling question. "Do you all even understand what 'love' means?"

Everyone froze in shock.

Their boss had appeared in front of them only a handful of times, as elusive as a dragon seen only in glimpses. He rarely spoke.

They had grown accustomed to talking and laughing amongst themselves when the boss sat at the head of the table, creating a lively atmosphere. But they hadn't expected their boss to suddenly speak in such a cold tone and ask such a puzzling question.

The group exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.

After a moment, one person gathered the courage to answer, "It's said that the general pursued the princess wholeheartedly and, after finding a good match, has been devoted to her ever since. Surely, that’s what love is, isn't it?"

Their boss remained silent.

Seeing that their answer hadn't angered him, another person cautiously continued, "Moreover, the general thinks of the princess wherever he goes. Such devotion is difficult even for someone like me."

"Exactly! True love reveals itself in small, everyday actions," another added. "It’s easy to see."

As the boss stayed quiet, the group gradually resumed their lively chatter, offering more comments.

None of them noticed that their boss, who never drank, had quietly picked up a cup and drained it.

*

When Zhao Chu returned to the estate that day, Juan Su immediately sensed something was off.

He had slipped back quietly, without alerting anyone. He had already changed into a delicate gown, tied his hair up into a neat bun, and though the rouge on his lips was thin, it was enough to cover their sharpness.

But Zhao Chu remained silent, motionless as he sat by the window, eyes downcast, his face expressionless.

Juan Su’s heart sank.

The last time she had seen Zhao Chu like this was when he was thirteen and had accidentally drunk two cups of peach blossom wine at a palace banquet.

It had been Zhao Chu’s first time drinking, and it was only after that day that they learned Zhao Chu couldn’t touch a drop of alcohol. Whenever he drank, he would certainly get drunk.

Luckily, even when intoxicated, Zhao Chu didn’t act out of the ordinary. The only difference was that he would absolutely refuse to speak.

They admired his self-control, but they also understood how that kind of self-discipline had been forged.

His fear of his identity being discovered was ingrained so deeply that even in a drunken haze, he was resolute about not uttering a word.

That time, on their way back to the palace, Zhao Yao and Zhao Jin had confronted him. Accusing him of improper behaviour, they kicked and shoved him, eventually pushing him into a pond along the palace garden, which was lightly covered in early winter’s snow. Despite all this, Zhao Chu hadn’t made a sound.

Fortunately, the pond was shallow, only waist-deep. Zhao Chu, without a word, climbed out of the water and avoided drowning.

Now, seeing Zhao Chu in this state again, Juan Su felt a slight sense of relief.

Thankfully, even when the Fifth Royal Highness was too drunk to think clearly, his instincts wouldn’t betray him, and he never revealed any hint of his true identity.

Thus, Juan Su said nothing further. She simply closed the window for him, instructed the others not to disturb him, and quietly withdrew.

Just as she stepped out of the room, she bumped into Wu Xinghai, who was hurrying in with an anxious expression.

It seemed there was news from the palace.

However, since the area was crowded and full of gossiping servants, Juan Su decided not to remind him. After all, Wu Xinghai knew well that the prince never spoke when he was drunk. He would realize the situation as soon as he saw it, without her needing to explain.

She stepped aside to let Wu Xinghai enter and closed the door behind them.

Inside the room, the soft lattice pattern of the window was reflected on Zhao Chu’s still figure. He sat there as Wu Xinghai approached, then immediately knelt before him.

"Your Highness, news has come from the palace. The Turks have decided to send the Twelfth Princess, Saihan, for the marriage alliance. The reason the Marquis of Anping was summoned to the palace today is to discuss the selection of the person who will go to greet her."

After speaking, he lowered his head, waiting silently for Zhao Chu's instructions.

After a moment, Zhao Chu slowly began to speak.

"If one person, upon seeing another, feels their heart beat like a drum, as if haunted, what is the reason for that?"

Wu Xinghai was slightly taken aback.

Why was the Princess asking this?

He quickly reviewed Zhao Chu's schedule for the day in his mind and recalled that the Fifth Princess had gone to attend the opening ceremony of the shipyard in disguise.

The shipyard had encountered many difficulties during its construction, and if the Princess was asking such a question, it was likely she had encountered someone today.

Zhao Chu paused briefly before continuing.

"Whenever that person looks at him, thier heart races, as if bound by invisible threads that entwine his lungs and entrails. Every word and action seems like a puppet on strings, beyond their control."

Wu Xinghai furrowed his brows and, unable to hold back, glanced up at Zhao Chu.

Bathed in the light, the Fifth Princess sat there, her face expressionless, her gaze sharp as a blade, with her eyes lowered.

"And more than that, they wish to stand beside that person... as their wife."

Zhao Chu's expression remained cold as he leaned forward slightly, his voice heavy, staring intently at Wu Xinghai.

"What exactly is this person doing?"

After a brief moment of eye contact, Wu Xinghai immediately understood Zhao Chu's meaning.

He hurriedly bowed down, prostrating himself before Zhao Chu.

"Congratulations, Your Highness!" he said.

Zhao Chu's voice, neither joyful nor angry, came from above.

"You speak of congratulations—what are they for?" Zhao Chu asked.

"I congratulate Your Highness. If this person truly acts this way, then from now on, they will be entirely at your mercy. You will decide whether they live or die, for their weakness is now in Your Highness's hands!"

Wu Xinghai exclaimed with fervour.

"Their behavior clearly shows they are drowning in love and utterly incapable of freeing themselves!"

 

--

The author has something to say:

Wu Xinghai is overjoyed: Who is this lovestruck fool who’s been tricked into giving away their heart?

Zhao Chu, expressionless: Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t.

PS (NT: from the author)

The lines of the song referenced in the text are from the Huangmei opera The Princess Offers the Sword, from the scene "Lament in the Garden": "Why does seeing him, seeing him make my thoughts so restless? It’s all because of a little flutter of the heart, stirring up this longing, nostalgic love."

 

Translator : DarNan