Five Big Bosses are Too Clingy After Transmigrating into a Book - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Shen Cangzhu Gives Chu Xingchen a Finger Heart

Chu Xingchen was overly stimulated during the day and inevitably had nightmares at night. One moment, Censor Zhang was banging his head against the pillar, his head covered in bl00d. The next, Zhu Mo, bloody and menacing, came over to choke her.

Chu Xingchen couldn’t escape no matter how hard she tried. Eventually, she found a large wooden stick, hugged it, and launched a massive attack against them until they finally stopped.

After struggling all night in her dream, Chu Xingchen felt particularly exhausted when she woke up the next morning.

She received a new task assigned by the Empress: to attend the birthday celebration of the Loyal Count’s Old Madam on the Empress’s behalf. The Loyal Count’s family had always supported the Empress, and the Empress reciprocated with significant trust. Sending the Crown Princess on her behalf represented her high regard.

This was Chu Xingchen’s first outing. The previously listless Chu Xingchen perked up, watching Wan Dong busy herself choosing clothes with keen interest. She quickly settled on the light purple cloak.

Wan Dong draped it over Chu Xingchen and stepped back, feeling relieved. “It looks truly beautiful. It seems Your Highness really doesn’t like Attendant Xie anymore; you’re not copying Chen Ruoshui by wearing white clothes. These noble and luxurious clothes suit you perfectly.”

Chu Xingchen, who was still trying to figure out if ancient birthday banquets were like those on TV, felt a headache coming on.

Seeing the change in Chu Xingchen’s expression, Wan Dong quickly apologized. Because Chu Xingchen was becoming better and better, she had become increasingly relaxed and sometimes accidentally said things she shouldn’t.

“It’s alright. Get up quickly. You are right. This is what suits me. I won’t copy her again.”

Since witnessing Xie Ziqing and Chen Ruoshui’s closeness, Chu Xingchen had understood Xie Ziqing’s feelings despite her attempts at avoidance. In her anger, she had unconsciously started to imitate Chen Ruoshui—her clothes, her makeup, and her manner of speaking.

But the facts proved it was useless. Her copying was merely an imitation, often awkward and unnatural. Fortunately, the tendency was just starting before she arrived, and she had stopped it.

Leaving Jinhua Hall, she heard the sound of a zither halfway through her journey. Chu Xingchen was not a professional, but she still appreciated music and involuntarily stopped.

Wan Dong looked at a nearby pavilion. “Your Highness, I think it’s Consort Shen.”

Chu Xingchen slowly walked up. Indeed, she saw Shen Cangzhu. The inside and outside of the pavilion seemed like two worlds. Outside was bustling, but inside, incense smoke drifted like mist. Shen Cangzhu was playing the zither beside it.

The fragrance was elegant and tranquil. Watching the smoke curl upward, listening to the zither music that seemed to contain the mortal world, the headache Chu Xingchen had since morning instantly cleared. She felt a sense of calm and clarity that flowed through her body, and the inexplicable melancholy in her heart vanished with the music.

Shen Cangzhu finished his song and stood up to salute Chu Xingchen. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

He had already heard Zhu Mo’s confession and had been waiting for Chu Xingchen to question him, but she never came. He was playing the zither now, and also waiting for her.

“Dispense with the formalities quickly.” Chu Xingchen smiled and clapped her hands vigorously. “Consort Shen, you play too well! It’s so beautiful! My mind was quite troubled, but it instantly became calm.”

Clapping hands was not a customary greeting in this era. Shen Cangzhu looked at Chu Xingchen’s action, initially puzzled. He only understood her meaning after hearing her praise.

He initially thought they were just polite words, but seeing her eyes sparkling, he was surprised. A thousand pieces of gold are easy to obtain, but a true connoisseur is hard to find. He never forced it, but could Chu Xingchen truly understand his zither music?

He paused. “Your Highness exaggerates. I merely played casually.”

“If playing casually is this good, that’s impressive.” Chu Xingchen praised him and habitually made a finger heart gesture—the one where the thumb and index finger cross.

Only when she saw Shen Cangzhu looking at her strangely did she realize her mistake. “Uh… this gesture means you are very impressive.”

Shen Cangzhu didn’t notice Chu Xingchen’s slight hesitation. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Chu Xingchen quickly withdrew her hand, reminding herself that she couldn’t let habits take over next time.

The two sat down. Chu Xingchen took the initiative to mention Zhu Mo’s confession. “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but if you have, please don’t take it to heart. I didn’t believe a word of it. You and Wan Dong don’t need to avoid or fear anything because of it.”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s trust.” Shen Cangzhu sighed in relief. He wanted to explain the matter of Miss Luo but worried about overcomplicating things. He feared Chu Xingchen hadn’t taken it seriously or didn’t want to hear his explanation, so he hesitated and remained silent.

Chu Xingchen actually wanted to ask about him and Miss Luo, but the timing wasn’t right yet. She couldn’t reveal her true thoughts, afraid of being counterproductive, so she didn’t ask in the end.

However, seeing Bao Pu leave, Chu Xingchen took the initiative to quietly tell him about the cotton.

As the son of Grand Secretary Shen, Shen Cangzhu was the most well-informed person in the palace. He had actually heard rumors, but hearing it directly from Chu Xingchen was different.

If Chu Xingchen mentioning the kang was a coincidence, mentioning it a second time meant it was no coincidence.

Shen Cangzhu looked at the incense burner and asked, “Your Highness told me this. Aren’t you afraid of what I might do?”

“Whatever you do, you would never do anything to harm Great Chu.” Chu Xingchen smiled. She couldn’t tell him she knew what kind of person he would become in the future.

“Consort Shen, I won’t hide it from you. I’m telling you this because I want you to listen. If you feel I’ve done something wrong or have a bias in any area, please point it out to me. I will definitely not blame you; I will be grateful. Please, just help me, alright?”

The Empress’s energy was limited, yet she had to manage many affairs, causing her health to decline. Chu Xingchen was eager to share the burden, but the pressure was immense. She always worried about making mistakes, so she needed Shen Cangzhu’s help.

Shen Cangzhu was excellent and reliable. Even if they didn’t become true husband and wife in the future, she would ensure he became her minister. Having someone like Shen Cangzhu in court made her feel secure; moreover, it was a blessing for the people and for Great Chu.

Since he couldn’t go to the front court now, she could only ask him more questions. They were, after all, a team now.

Shen Cangzhu was extremely surprised, but looking into Chu Xingchen’s clear eyes, he only saw sincerity.

He didn’t know if Chu Xingchen intended to use the excuse of ‘harem politics’ against him later, or if a mentor behind her had guided her and wanted to use him for something. But at this moment, he couldn’t resist the temptation.

“Good.” He agreed in a husky voice. “Although I know my ability is limited, if there is anywhere I can be of use, I will do my utmost.”

Even if she might harbor ill intentions, he decided to worry about that later, because he truly didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

Starting his education at three and studying diligently for over ten years, he had made extensive preparations to enter officialdom and do things for the people of the world. He was full of passion, yet he had accidentally ended up in the palace.

Entering the palace was also for the country and his family, but it was inherently different. He had previously accepted the arrangement of fate, but now, an opportunity suddenly appeared. Even if it was risky, he wanted to seize it.

A bright light flashed in Shen Cangzhu’s eyes. His gentle yet aloof gaze sharpened like a drawn blade, and his entire demeanor changed significantly.

Chu Xingchen was both happy and shocked. She knew this was the real Shen Cangzhu.

She then talked about the court situation and some of her future plans. Shen Cangzhu nodded. “Your Highness has done well. There are no issues.”

“Really?” Chu Xingchen heard the praise and smiled, tucking her lips in.

“Mm.” Shen Cangzhu looked at the dimples on Chu Xingchen’s face. He thought for a moment, extended his hand, and copied Chu Xingchen’s earlier finger heart gesture. “Your Highness is very impressive.”