Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

Translator: Silvery Butterfly
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Prince Shen tilted his head and looked at Xiao Bao for a moment, then smiled slightly. “You should have guessed it by now. Yes, that child is indeed from Xue Lianqing and my second brother. Xue Guifei’s beauty and grace…… tsk tsk, I have never seen a woman more captivating in my life. Huai En can’t even compare to half of her, but he was enough to enchant you completely. I know all about the little affair between you two. If it weren’t for you, he wouldn’t have succeeded so smoothly. Your father’s treasure hidden in the mountain cave has long been emptied by him. The confiscated loot by the court is merely a drop in the bucket. The Jin family is extraordinarily wealthy……”lthJUFirPLDKqVAQpGrgiiuNuTrSER

“I have the time to tell you all this today, and you must be wondering why. Indeed, I came with a purpose.” Prince Shen paused, then took something out of his robe. “You should see your beloved soon. Now you have a chance to save your whole family, but it’s up to you whether you take it or not.”wZJzYFlMGYgbIGmleiFqAudpAJOKFu

Xiao Bao looked blankly at the item in his hand. It was a delicate sandalwood box, only the size of a palm. He glanced blankly at Prince Shen.jHaNoguYFRBdtRikhMXWfrjEpUSrBn

“This matter should make you happy. You are now prisoners, yet you receive such good treatment. Do you really think it’s because of your father’s merit?”WrFNLIYtYtOAsGMYuBlyNIeRQKPyra

“Heh, your father’s sudden wealth brought joy to some but misery to others. Once he lost power, many lined up to bring you down. That you can sit here peacefully is due to my dear nephew’s efforts.”aUpsofqXkiRAoWGbmidNacrJAeeoFW

“But don’t be moved. My nephew is shrewd. He has his reasons for keeping you alive. As for what those reasons are, ask your father. Ask him where he hid the good stuff.”kEpXuRbcpZYoQyNTmcLVgXMHmPwXuP

Master Jin shook his head, remaining silent.vHWWUbpHHMRAHCPhbfTauWGjMQiTuf

“Don’t worry. I’m not interested in your family’s fortune. But Huai En is, so he will come to save you. Xiao Bao,” Prince Shen extended the box to Xiao Bao, “when you see him, just place what’s inside this box on him. Only you have the chance to do this. It’s your only chance. Once it’s done, I’ll arrange for your family to flee and live peacefully. How about it?”SgnCeQHJHDRhoYOflSNdBQSaGlkChc

Xiao Bao stared at the box for a long while. “What is it?”AYRXBuRQyfFkaBTqKPYlFjIICPJnmM

“Gu. Open it when you use it, and place the small thing inside on his bare skin or hair. It’s very simple. Don’t worry, it won’t bite you. Xiao Bao, this is your chance.” Prince Shen’s voice was deeply persuasive, slow yet irresistible as he pressed the box into Xiao Bao’s palm.nyoDFSRTRiGgSXjqFXygRHsAaTJtsz

Holding the box, Xiao Bao’s hand gradually began to sweat. The lightweight box seemed as heavy as a thousand pounds.cLsyOAXWPJMjzoEPvnCawcQzRrwMXb

“Xiao Bao, don’t hesitate. Your current predicament is his doing. You’re merely paying him back in his own coin. If you succeed, you can take your parents and escape, continuing your affluent life. Or do you want all three of you to face the executioner’s blade?”mrXwxWesGKbYReyxofrVcuHUFRhHkA

Xiao Bao numbly turned to look at his parents, then placed the box into his pocket.XSuDDBpiYhUmWjGKCfdlArlcREVclS

“Hmm, that’s better.” Prince Shen nodded approvingly. “Considering all the evil deeds you and your father have done, I’m very angry. But I’m still willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself. Cherish it well.”RnUATedxJJoUslxKYjrlyLfoVWCDmb

Prince Shen straightened up and took a step back. “Rest well. In three days, you will be on your way. Success or failure depends on you, Xiao Bao.”CPvgNtdOOXqphXxnSLVizdYALxQHhy

Just as Xiao Bao was about to ask where they were going, Prince Shen had already turned and left, just as quietly as he had come.TxVjEkBzqAGXwUupgHtskykLNUJZrp

Xiao Bao held the object in his pocket, feeling his mind go blank. Trying to focus and think clearly was incredibly difficult.bvIprBoqhYRVxrcUFkGoFMvtdWqWCY

Everything had gone off the rails. He didn’t know where he would be taken, what he should do next, or even if he should act at all.dJzrArnMVPRMwMStaxypcEkhzLwCPw

The cell fell into a long silence. None of the three knew how to face each other. The heavy atmosphere in the dim cage gradually solidified, suffocating them with its weight.zgOhGwnlLvEjjlquDNLVPdeZzjrXGF

The oppressive silence was eventually broken by the unmistakable sound of someone approaching. There were footsteps and the noise of wheels turning. The three had been brought here while unconscious and could only see a dimly lit corner. They had no idea what kind of place they were being held in or where the sounds were coming from.qHLCsDqVQmZJSAgRlZGdkhYYjyCdKW

They could only watch the corner in confusion as a group of people slowly approached, pushing a wheelchair.dsepbBofQhdWIgFFOYCQdoCAqYXSPq

The person in the wheelchair was evidently of high status, as they were carefully pushed to the front of the cell where they were being held.gNBHoypKjdLbmXcBHThMqblOlRRvyi

The person in the wheelchair was young but had a sickly pallor, a thin chin marked by a hint of malice, and a sneering smile on his lips. His eyes gleamed with malicious excitement. His voice, trembling with eagerness, dripped with sarcasm as he spoke, “Young Master Jin, it’s been years. Do you still remember your humble brother?”otwSKkwhvGJduQVPsyAdzHsgVbZEAM

Xiao Bao looked at him in confusion, trying to recall who this person was and why his expression was filled with such obvious hatred. As his gaze moved from the man’s sinister face to the unnaturally swollen knees under his long robe, Xiao Bao’s eyes widened in sudden realization.LtfYdfLsZgJJvPsEwBuxoJWoyKoqkW

Meanwhile, Master Jin and his wife were already too terrified to speak.rQdaeGqQbloKrlEMfuoSYzoJzuMzqE

SB’s Note: Thank you so much for the Ko-fi, Black Cat! I’ve uploaded an extra chapter just for you as a little token of my appreciation. Hope you enjoy it!cRNpnRjCOZbXIogMiaeCRRvEoRsyaB

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