Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

Translator: Silvery Butterfly fODEWZclrDvMxZmGWDcWGbCuCrTHYs

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Huai En stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard, quietly observing a lush osmanthus tree. The tree was dotted with tiny yellow osmanthus flowers, resembling stars, and the ground beneath it was scattered with fallen blossoms. The courtyard was filled with the intoxicating fragrance of osmanthus flowers.ktoYbiZvpgdYGWSWhNwjxOzqXWRxoX

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Such exquisite beauty did nothing to lift Huai En’s spirits; instead, he felt a deep sense of frustration.umrokXeNGreevJGLPwLUtQEiIYNxpd

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Throughout his life, nothing had ever truly belonged to him, but he never minded because there was nothing he particularly wanted. The only thing he ever desired was to break free from the sect. He believed that once he was free, he might finally understand what he wanted or what he wished to do. His father had given him life and raised him to adulthood. Helping his father achieve his goals would settle their score. As for avenging his mother, a woman he had never met, he felt no connection to that cause. To him, it was just a debt. His father saw him merely as a useful tool, and Huai En had never felt any real bond between them—just a debt to be repaid.NToYgRmQOMLESlAwftQXRqLJXsqisK

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But now, things seemed different. He had found something that interested him for the first time, something he wanted to hold in his own hands. However, his father would remove any obstacle in the path of revenge, and for the first time since he became aware of the world, Huai En felt an emotion called “a sense of conflict”.iPKubJyXYkuzPbLOSVqbRQLqAmiHXz

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As Xiao Bao rounded the corner, carefully considering his words, he was struck by a breathtaking scene. He found himself unable to move, as if his legs had taken root.FZSPBJSMAOBtgScbecyjKBUkhkHmoI

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The osmanthus tree’s canopy was lush, adorned with delicate yellow flowers, each petal exquisitely formed, exuding a rich yet subtle fragrance that filled the air. The flowers had just started blooming, and in a few days, the scent would become even more enchanting.XNoMkcBfROLuIzexhjGJAOsCPcqqco

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The osmanthus trees in the Jin mansion were all mature, with thick foliage that cast large patches of shade in the courtyard at noon. Through the interplay of light and shadow, the clusters of osmanthus flowers appeared even more charming.zsrfavMNDAFbRiShsBJijrXsQhFwFi

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Beneath the tree stood a figure, side-facing, with ethereal elegance. His long hair, like silk, cascaded down his back. The slightly upturned neck outlined graceful and delicate lines, his skin as fair as snow, and his eyes dark as ink. His cold and stern expression commanded both respect and an involuntary quickening of the heart.GxmFAsHYGbveOHnTNfDpDpnnrRsucu

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This year, the osmanthus flowers bloomed early, usually only appearing around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Xiao Bao thought, perhaps they bloomed early just for Huai En.iKUmuAKxJCyePNUHvHjBFYtAtXHxbY

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In ancient times, Li Qingzhao ¹ praised the osmanthus flowers, saying, “Why need shallow green or deep red? Osmanthus are naturally the finest among flowers.” To Xiao Bao, Huai En not only had unparalleled beauty, but his literary and martial prowess were also exceptional. Among the countless stunning beauties in the world, Huai En was truly the finest.FBTfKljDwAMfvuWccvIzdtiLNkHKwi

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Being able to be so intimately connected with such a person, Xiao Bao still wondered if he was dreaming. If not for his fortuitous opportunity, Huai En probably wouldn’t even spare him a glance.uzoSjNeeVJFWfSLjrErVoCAAxJvTAq

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Huai En slowly turned his head under the tree, his deep eyes fixed intently on Xiao Bao.hIDVznMvNEcjgpJUraaPrMlTJreauo

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Recalling their last unhappy parting, Xiao Bao felt somewhat embarrassed and thought he should start on a positive note. He dreamily said, “Huai En, you are truly beautiful.”uzpALMvxgbEEmizCgVfBJrqZwjYSff

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Huai En’s previously expressionless face instantly twisted in displeasure. He glared at Xiao Bao and snorted coldly, “Superficial.”gYzHNMGBdXKGphhkTaGUEqxDZNCYmM

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Even Xiao Bao, as oblivious as he was, realized he had made a misstep, and his embarrassment deepened.OkYsgTfgmrcDyLhDsVKDQgHyuiZabC

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Huai En glared at him with disdain, “Let me ask you, are you…” Are you only attracted to me because of my looks?zQAIoAZJLsmPcawkxyRrVbwnVGyRYv

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But Huai En immediately realized how foolish his question sounded, just as foolish as the person in front of him, so he stopped himself.EegKhfDJjtJZlnpmWEWfVMgzUWQhvH

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Xiao Bao stood there, looking puzzled, waiting for him to continue.xLsWbLqpAsvqRdPEkkjBwZnajOFQSJ

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This dumbfounded expression made Huai En both ashamed and angry. He grabbed Xiao Bao by the collar.XOXShNqidiWXzzJQanHyIggXmLJhXV

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Xiao Bao, in all his life, had never felt so naively romantic.IWXsuvTjvaMVrKDkqhLtsgyxsonVto

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How had he ever thought he could play hard-to-get with Huai En? Ridiculous!zMUlkaTFuTmjXGOfHrlVbPOOgCYgVk

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He used to pride himself on his ability to handle situations with poise, to remain unperturbed by honor or disgrace, to bend and stretch, and to view life’s joys and sorrows with a smile… In plain terms, he had a thick skin. But now he realized that compared to Huai En, they were not on the same level.yprdNmHdorfhoTihMPgIgEpFAHjuNa

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Had he ever seen someone go from cold and disdainful one moment to pouncing and devouring the next, ready to engage in battle? How could his nerves be wired this way? How could someone be so detached from the realm of normal humans, acting on impulse like a wild beast? It was absurd how well he usually maintained his celestial facade.IiuioTixlyfVdaByHztpOGaQXxXqcY

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Dealing with someone like this, resisting was useless, yielding was useless—nothing worked. Only obedience would save him some pain.trWOMoAFZivypVwVqrZDkSiynoyfEL

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Huai En, it seemed, hadn’t indulged in a few days and was like a ravenous tiger. After a few perfunctory preparations, he pushed in hard, making Xiao Bao cry out in pain. Although Huai En was gentler than before, at least he wasn’t bleeding, it still hurt. Besides the physical pain, Xiao Bao’s self-loathing added to his tears.eSBskXfCEBVqKvNEkfyXgvJNwnFEwB

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How could he be so foolish, always deceived by Huai En’s god-like appearance? As soon as the pain in his rear faded, he forgot Huai En’s beastly nature. His backside had just had a few days’ rest, and here he was, eagerly offering himself up to nourish Huai En.CNAgJTBgzTTrQURXhWKLdIHLlNSjwZ

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Huai En was replenished, but Xiao Bao felt drained.aDDYvdnzDKmWMnePcNVbyygVJwQsIt

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He didn’t know how many days’ worth this was, and he didn’t dare count, fearing he’d pass out from the shock. However, each time he did it with Huai En, he always lost consciousness toward the end, so he decided not to dwell on it and bother himself.qAzKSdDZaoXlLmWTqjoeXMURKLTYWr

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Remembering his purpose for coming, Xiao Bao weighed the pros and cons. With just the two of them on this trip, Huai En could demand satisfaction anytime. If he rode a horse by day and got…. ridden by night, he surely wouldn’t be able to return from this trip.eBardpGuDFCEHXTSuGCjTaedojcTNT

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But this was such a great opportunity. If he didn’t seize the chance to warm up to Huai En, he’d regret it later.wflVMrXVSulvbFYMJAuECQeaIlnkQt

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After much thought, love triumphed over fear. Xiao Bao decided to go for it. As the saying goes, you can’t catch a wolf without sacrificing a lamb. He’d endure it for ten days or half a month, solidifying his relationship with Huai En. Once Huai En grew fond of him, he might have a chance to turn the tables later.tqgjIBEUzgjybvliglrXnmgfPyrXXG

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While Huai En, having just finished twice, was lying down to rest and Xiao Bao was still conscious, he cautiously asked, “Huai En, can I ask you for a favor?”sZBHmpxehjIxPCIxeFEkNtrGaGBEsD

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Huai En’s hands were still busy kneading Xiao Bao’s buttocks, his voice lazy and sated, “What?”DQvSpjFASrttTMxImbjYMssHvFYiEr

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“Come with me to Yu Xia.”XOGgKFSOboQZnQAEGVqSpybveiXtvu

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Huai En frowned, “Why do you want to go to Yu Xia?”EpCHKcglOZKNSmZsLbAHEmEBlloVpv

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“I’m going to find Doctor Zhang to get medicine for my father. The asthma medicine he prescribed before was very effective, but it’s almost gone.”enWZsZemcBEnUiVNMXFaqXiQtbKJqU

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The person beside him replied coldly, “Why should I go with you?”EdcvbGEWKLcFKdtmSHKoYqiYfVZyLF

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Xiao Bao was at a loss. Indeed, Huai En had no reason to accompany him. Just a moment ago, he had been passionately taking him, and now he acted as if they were strangers. The speed at which he changed faces was astonishing. Moreover, this was a matter concerning his father, and Huai En’s indifference seemed excessively heartless. Xiao Bao felt hurt and betrayed.oYLxUBFiBHWziXUdNrdvqnUfNRpdkf

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Huai En saw Xiao Bao pouting, his eyebrows drooping, looking pitiful and dejected, which was quite amusing.kcfwrAhWClsNPAusMPWmtbSYqMwYZy

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Xiao Bao slapped his hand away and struggled to get up. Huai En pulled him back down and pressed him under him again. Just as he was about to get angry, he saw Xiao Bao’s eyes were red, his nose trembling slightly. He averted his gaze and didn’t look at him.SDfmPdpdiDVOpMvauSiOapLzuuFGDA

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Huai En felt a prickling sensation somewhere in his body, a bit awkward and uncomfortable. He didn’t want to see him like this.acRlWFxfwmSAyuNrkaCvMNipYLkBiZ

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Xiao Bao’s voice trembled, “Let me go. If you won’t accompany me, I’ll go by myself.”kgsMiqUIYegEAzSbZDaeIGWzngIMSy

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Huai En couldn’t help but kiss the tip of his nose, then pecked at his eyebrows and eyes. His voice was so gentle it surprised even himself, “I’ll accompany you.”AypjKAyEPDXsmfjETHhDfVKzzzQGef

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Xiao Bao’s eyes widened with surprise, “Really?”XGwGXALuofavDEYRgqWHOUvvGOuGiU

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“Really.” Huai En’s mood improved as he saw his expression.vmIPwKdzarRmhnEReEgPNweYlIIruw

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“Then just the two of us will go. Zhao Cai and Jin Bao insist on following, but I don’t want them to. They’re too noisy. Can you take me out without them finding out?”PJRbAuplaTIBzqEVchFpkbFnGzbaaI

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Huai En chuckled, “Of course I can.”oFQqufNxwmzoxhUSbIXfbytrEDBdwu

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“That’s great.” Xiao Bao was so excited he could hardly contain himself. He was really going to be alone on the road with Huai En. Huai En still had feelings for him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have agreed. “I’ll go pack my things. Let’s set off as soon as possible.” Saying this, he struggled to get up again.jZcvQmDtpckAxwwhwtftlRlzusGJDH

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Huai En pressed him down firmly, his hardness pressing against him, “Do you dare leave now?”DjCHoDYsmfEIoAxrzODhfGyUbUJcsE

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Thinking about the long night ahead, Xiao Bao felt like crying but couldn’t shed a tear.LFEDvfSNnCHPStjXETvmRVlDwEnTqt

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SB’s Note: Thank you, Clare, for your support on Ko-fi! As a token of appreciation, I’ve uploaded an extra chapter just for you. ❤️qUylymzQZxRZvWGJwTxEAkuXGNaXro

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