Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

Translator: Silvery Butterfly XpSwryBjSjnqiuAhBYbgfjkaTsvGCi

AnHuNIxOCWueDby

VQzhHyItSwhjbWorDqIDpoXTcylmts

LCSthMrInYEVXWn

PLtVFguFvebVtxfKbmARVBNDLIrnZl

naHEUxFmuEodQPQ

yUxqyitvXpfLHTFTmUvLsWDPbesCPU

TODAxFuKkfOlbgr

rTjNfwwUOCWZndYicXghLSTPipcbFi

IvbjAdxxAFJkDtk

jOyJiytFDeizMdAlHNtcWyiZHDxGPr

mLUhbqTyaSCxJbK

XBVHLhhiFQBnwnaGQOBWwxeTVoazzp

FfeWimdeLPzxxPL

EelkqxYZnssmLxiSLfpokjvMMaeXZQ

seiXuRRrgMDDLni

zOFEWkDcFvjvkPHZVNhFKilYHyoCKW

KxJEhaBXzoOpxrU

KfrDXECnhxqkOWpFUnbIUSPtknJviz

QNqRrTLnnmdNVBc

mJqQHweHcYLWgvYROAomqZpFvtFMun

cFsOgiJkBObjcwK

The final performance of the Xi Yue theater troupe was set in the spacious courtyard of the Junyue Inn. The stage was built high and decorated lavishly, rumored to be more elaborate than their previous shows. Besides the ground seating packed with spectators, the second and third floors of the inn had special rooms reserved for the distinguished guests. The best viewing spots on the second floor had tickets sold for a thousand taels of silver.kSuurMfnVtQUbnWPHyIrypUMmptVcc

TxYqSLMFMBUTkUk

BfxtPXEquiRNJsdYHnXaYsQSrQFhAm

xAKOvBtUEuClFga

The appearance of Jin Xiao Bao, with a face full of joy, caused quite a stir.WioLdDalICPTaLNkQRuyAEdmDHFXeN

GUlDJtSMzoYMgvr

xXTtaQLzEPRkPjRWVeprPDlGNJOneq

BpxruLkmGeyuUdZ

Firstly, as the sole heir of the wealthiest family in the Jiangnan region, he was to be treated with utmost respect wherever he went. No one wanted to offend this wealthy young master. Secondly, rumors had been spreading in Suzhou these past few days that the young master of the Jin family had brought back a peerless beauty. Many had come just to catch a glimpse of this unparalleled beauty.QuToofHztPPfDvqhFOgETcUnxaIniq

BGaUkurFEohyotC

CzeJIgRcGysDbGRFZqkGYqurrEvrPV

MMSsgIbfTcAJJVu

This time, possibly due to the public setting, Xiao Bao did not encounter any rude rejection when he helped Huai En get off the carriage. Xiao Bao was already over the moon and, coupled with the admiration and envy from those around, he proudly showed Huai En off as if he were his own wife.TZrxBVmvoFZraXwYIrLcuwCsOZTBVh

elrEHxrdWZYVcEd

URDHLZYOupxjBryVtkJFGzqwlJQmru

OYtPepkXITJsoHs

Huai En’s face was hidden under a white veil, revealing only a vague outline. Even so, the elegant contours and superior demeanor captivated the onlookers. lCCFCBpTCIGLxaZijxdRTvVvxSDlSD

UPciEepZMdGwEMK

XlEaCJEVVbJOLRiGbCRyzzPsJohqiC

TCAdmelXNsByZWo

He watched Xiao Bao’s fugly and ridiculous antics with cold eyes while keenly observing his surroundings.PrcduuDsjQJolUbuIIisMRSmneCdQG

nvDGfixxeINOVwg

rlxOGceVPpibbyTutvZOlTWDkwESsC

dvZiUEHhXFYuRVb

Suddenly, a shiver ran through his body as he sensed a surge of danger. He quickly looked up only to see a pair of narrow, cold eyes staring down at him.lQBDdDljjYmfRdkSZMpfFKlhVPlCMq

JstIIwPmgrXFypH

KWsDtMdBbeKOGGCnheTwtLbOGMIMzZ

NVIgJpWrsyyTdUp

Zong Zheng Lihan!!OrTwybahtocXbELqumUHdCEMYWRWzi

AirKFDvrKaHAweL

JuKPPOKSZkTkNSEiCkmfXZDSnKupCW

ZyPceANJKipEBSJ

Huai En discreetly lowered his head and grabbed Xiao Bao, who was still boasting to the crowd. In a low voice, he said, “Let’s go inside.”nXqQLXMpppmNCRHtjdtQamrbgGbUac

lruRQGxWiXxGTTt

xxbUljbdrVveTsYvpdKSawmxyQtIcz

mTPhazAkMwpTPly

The slight pressure he applied made Xiao Bao wince in pain, almost crying out. He thought to himself that his arm would surely be bruised. However, thinking that this was the first time the beauty had touched him and that he could smell the faint intoxicating fragrance from the beauty, it was worth celebrating with fireworks. No matter how much it hurt, he had to endure it, unwilling to let the beauty think he was weak.lECneIdpGUBwXFOLsWBIQzvirDJjgI

aGwwjifMOIqdewc

ujHWNGVQxCKrYrcoBwNhFzSYBtvPHG

QKHDdpqCabPBMWJ

If Huai En knew what he was thinking right now, he would be astounded. Truly, he was lustful to the point of recklessness.LREBQidSxqthkpwYvTCFdrVDkrfGUE

AJvAnIjyYjCmnqi

hDqoldLjCooLuwDggKGiSTMqlhsdbL

duHFGhGKIWwwOKA

Xiao Bao led the way with great enthusiasm, causing a commotion wherever they passed. Everyone was curious about the rumored stunning beauty the young master Jin had recently gotten involved with, but each person was disappointed upon seeing the veil covering her face.ZlNxpZaxbONIXZHGXTNeVYfBYqRzsB

LlVDScDUtvbphXh

FZqXiiwUxVvttgbgNIFXmARjDPwBYh

nceMnvTjkiqwnoz

Xiao Bao, on the other hand, felt immensely proud, basking in the attention.RiFIGYDLscxPmsCNaTsFejvwBcZDpi

OkOoPofmkdbBeaE

KDYvkBumTClDfjAkrfDKoVSDyyMlms

lVPZmQWFAtJZgsb

Whenever young master Jin made a public appearance, he was always accompanied by a beauty. He had the wealth to indulge; if he wanted, he could reserve all the top courtesans in Suzhou. But this time, the beauty was different—mysterious. LIalDsIFBrdpcXjgtEFTMShlgvhSMd

CnVJGgrnoIhUTFN

USUoiOcTleAQYhBLfAQAdhQUahXQWV

cdfBkAfgZFwJvaU

No one knew where this beauty came from, her name, or how she met young master Jin. Those who had seen her true face in the inn were left awestruck. Conversations about her went on endlessly, with every poetic description falling short of her beauty. Such a mysterious and peerless beauty naturally aroused immense curiosity.MioLEiROeGAHYbwdGEKspoSsSwVcqu

mrgmPBkxEtECTyU

iADNmBFjgEOqnMARpQHfLDIZihUGKP

MvAKfiMpLTsopgH

Thus, Xiaobao enjoyed envious and jealous glances all the way, feeling elated.BwVveWOOsyHoxaiNuByeUnsKbQHiLD

cZapPJFPbwhKkzz

MHZGMaMRaLpTNCnRjoYGtBvKfkfYVg

UPVGjLSuGoepjGt

Once the door to the private room was closed, all prying eyes were shut out.IbwFNVqqMInQQRWIxzGTLqdDLBrwDD

RZCpxNiTaifrtNV

hUorCHqjzUtzMkUHaGTpOaNYudDFjm

cdWeuyPqlEXzeAX

Huai En sat motionless on a luxuriously appointed large lounge chair by the window, observing everything intently.IBoJsBWMHvAvYoeGaLKeKxyzpuKEIg

HwnupeSbeWxGZBa

wGpCTULDWYimWzRfDgKXwrZgfLfTqc

vIfKlHBgTagnhzW

Xiaobao cautiously moved closer to the lounge chair. Seeing that Huai En did not react, he gingerly sat down. After a few seconds, realizing he hadn’t been kicked off, he relaxed and settled in.kCIEKLzQxSGLxJbDloPzMQHuDotjFj

WpUWnDPYeZfDvKG

RhpWWYtOBBmZqAAunWKYYnCShBgMNN

mJVvfgjxLFhKfxS

Fortunately, the lounge chair was large enough that his presence did not touch Huai En. Even he knew the consequences—being thrown out the second-floor window was no joke. Though it might not kill him, the humiliation was unbearable. How could he face Suzhou afterward? Considering this, Xiaobao suppressed his urge to inch closer to the beauty.waOgzziYgYqmKrPhTwhgquZeegFbEm

lTCIrsJHSNdYNRm

RqYPVyEyjicCYmycNAGQKispCVfGel

ztSsTOlTrUfMKyj

The performance soon began, with the stage bustling with drums and gongs and the audience applauding thunderously. However, neither of the two in the room paid any attention to the show.ZZYuNYlezWsWOhYQfZxSOcmJRYlpPx

aBVcmbAzmLwSITy

WSrCauhVBcvuaYoyMUolzXsxrOgDBs

nSNUQlwOzkOGhdY

Xiaobao had seen it with his family before, and with his beloved sitting next to him, he had no interest in the performance. Just admiring the sculpted side profile was more than enough.CwAGgCPkTuieSnvHJMlUhKMooMicEF

lqaBFCUjXxkJHph

ZleDrCNLXneUpMkCFMjrfIFsHDjxiI

fqzthqRfwLUaIUY

Huai En intermittently observed Prince Shen. Their eyes had crossed paths several times, creating an intense atmosphere.fUxiuEtxwNAOMmeSgvqAFzYMqsyPtw

XBmwmHxhhtppMNb

EtKEeBXWyOUKeULmoeIakgzARizWbZ

AKEjCDFqoBWRPkI

He wondered how Zuo Ying’s arrangements were proceeding. Given his current injuries, escaping unscathed was impossible. Moreover, his plan had yet to unfold. If Jin Xiao Bao discovered his true identity… things would be far more complicated than anticipated.CUXWEyHWtjvQITuiSkCMFpKeHHDPLk

dGeNzUquboAElHK

IVsEnDagZHZcmOFrYUsXIVNPFjwpVg

VVvWHeAToJldqHL

“Maiden Zheng, are you enjoying the show?” PLfmzygnBtvYBXXwcGbtbMfGwoSRaN

whdlEsTwoKLTbEW

mGvfSYsiAnpAlADvmEkjTPMuRZdpNq

ysdiYDuuxPhzKpn

Huai En acted as if he didn’t exist, his gaze drifting off into the distance, completely ignoring the question.WTUWSEnlpKjberHfnjJTXsBGECVHmL

jmZefZyogRaTzLT

sJCRRMGXxFpKRiqGRJgnylWpLwzVrY

MshiGMTmHhSDdcS

Xiaobao had expected no response and wisely kept quiet, continuing to sneak glances at the beauty’s profile.viGaHlmBGaSDywPNWFrHOtZdHOdVyP

VlLAFZHAEQsvmQA

qQWnveVDwJWiLsWAWASSxwWMrelATG

BwSUFOxEgByoHhH

This beauty was perfect in every way, except perhaps for the thick layer of powder on her face. Without so much powder, her skin would undoubtedly be as smooth as jade. Why bother with so much makeup?EGtoQeLXDKxalRgjkXKWVTiruhLLAa

mrkYQsMVhklZTTF

KbxlmINNbqAKaDrNSUJkTtcKzSkxOX

BqwkhXOQsDLXOUy

As he observed Huai En closely, he realized that under normal circumstances, he would have been kicked away long ago for staring like this. But this time, he was extraordinarily lucky. After a while, he noticed Huai En’s eyes occasionally drifting towards a particular spot.zHMDFYZIPQKSoAbjgZpsmKfPwhkCSn

NCjyljRymOgxays

pxvrcHvBQOcXHzIBFgwLIloJtYCETA

BXNoFQMNdtoytZM

Following his gaze…ptgVahSuOJbCDjTkbwWiFDadJbxDnH

oTIuZuCbbsBjnao

PRqssREdREHSAtUEOIENsJwvcsQLxw

FhmFNorkmIPsSWA

Prince Shen?!FUEpdiDTQlyGdCRwXsWWJYXCZESWmh

IcsXALGRBrWjVpP

kTInxlAtvxMPUHjUvXAcneikGKhBXD

QFNMQpaeekXyebB

A man’s intuition immediately filled him with a sense of crisis.muqHjrvITGGzBeWJLkjvzBBzFsKWSc

AOPLEeFkaPsMMBt

VARHJxXbCwaSMLMHzhCLijCcSuANZi

AFXXXjCAkfhglxg

“Uh… Maiden Zheng, you aren’t… looking at… Prince Shen, are you?”XKwZoWHVTAYGfwZnNnEcSTpcAhecqs

YtCiQvMPMPiqWHQ

wqANwfFkUyBPXOAjxfJmiViVQXEGGj

PGTaOFLuFlHBeDH

Huai En’s sharp glance sent a shiver down his spine.QsoeqZlwLIFRQfPVgaItCFVoiqnWPH

KaixCRnDOuCAZIO

EQoFjUOlqCFZyHXlzWNIoZTaVCyWXB

CxAdJIYPJcxQTuu

“Maiden Zheng, though Prince Shen appears upright and virtuous, he’s actually a notorious philanderer. His household is full of wives and concubines, and he frequents brothels and taverns, losing himself in the company of beautiful women. Maiden Zheng, you must not be deceived by his dignified appearance.”dzRYrSlPKbAYqNEIXFKWrdriQOIdhO

OOZoPyZrcHndGdS

qMDilljScKKHJajpJHckjZmzHiNjMd

DDQGpFJuHpgkXPz

Huai En scoffed inwardly. He might as well be describing himself.bylXAHLqmounIvLJzTvFkFxlFAxWds

rjeYtRJwnKDkzXR

ZgVVrHsOmZPhDAtCOeGWXLhrobzYAS

BhEGkHjnRBwntPN

Seeing no reaction from Huai En, Xiaobao grew even more anxious.LRRFDnXbdRbNAwzUJhKfDjXWFIrshU

ypXrNVpJJJJjcmi

XBqeqdMJadvQFdKitNGmCZaKGBWlhz

TGBRNUFyoUJlTBj

Most of what he said was street gossip, exaggerated to the extreme. He was afraid Huai En had fallen for Prince Shen. Though Prince Shen was much older, he remained dashing and graceful, with a physique honed by years of martial arts training. Plus, he was a prince, with vast lands and high status, trusted by the emperor, and known for his romantic escapades. Xiaobao couldn’t help but worry; this was, after all, the person he saw as his future wife.oPxTNWUrpADXVrapmhQQjBuVRIXmTJ

OYijlFvdEmdqIoY

tWlNdBcdxTCpBcmEckZIgRYQhiywtb

ZnufjEYWcdSqWWk

Huai En cast him a cold glance.rbcBIWQLTPYimMFLJGAZPuFDJWDael

jXArvzlNCmvwjTC

iZMmVFKcoISGoqaujZfpUbxZAywXof

KeQjsUdXSKQHRbp

Xiaobao, in his panic, decided to take the initiative.hIpGvZCucADjqiwUzaaCDDiwVWoXyH

oeJREhzTjBTloba

CEGEEZMBomIFlOFuZooBYvbkEAHGBU

JgCOBVlLNvBwdJf

On such a beautiful night, with the moon high and the flowers in bloom, and with the beauty right beside him, he decided… to confess!viLxrlszYCrwiSEzGsSrThMqRsGyDA

xkADIZCBKYCLfgI

figyEiEvgMboXRfXferaCNDiaplMEF

lidgGcjIOvWMPRa

Otherwise, what could he do? He couldn’t force himself on her; Huai En could crush him with a flick of her finger.zznELlqPyQINJriOZTeHllvUaautYY

FsQlTvKDGKOnZcA

ILySqWFPaiDQxGPHdUBocwwsVnFqwP

garBMzQiZUUrmxv

“Maiden Zheng, Prince Shen is too old for you. Please… please look at me instead.” Xiaobao, usually simple-minded, grabbed Huai En’s shoulder in his excitement, not considering the consequences.RCdNaQSHabzvyDtnGGNMLUVLklzURZ

xSFsRnVBdZnTCaq

HbJudsiADjRGrhDBEbjagcQsTsqoUL

ZxaRLuJiWCoQDkk

Huai En’s hand formed into a claw, ready to seize Xiaobao’s throat. But then he noticed the eyes watching from across the way and slowly released his grip, his gaze icy. “Let go.”XhESDySPiRxBKQPzXpSwgZudftBGjb

vUCpKHhUtFiQpqT

MBWbDzBVjpCLQNzygfjEdCPizNXsEv

toLMTXEXOdBaVFg

“Maiden… Maiden Zheng… I-I-I like you… I really like you.” Xiaobao, remembering how he used to sweet-talk and shamelessly pursue girls without a hint of nervousness, found himself unable to speak properly in this critical moment.TKhGoGfooEHoZnHIXkSwsLhDzJACWE

PFcBMZxXLVnmYKW

esXFKLMOneVzOeVcrbMjmgYltwCIsZ

WmppUEGFyVtKpMV

He truly liked Huai En, not just for her beauty but for the challenge she posed. This stirred a man’s perverse desire for conquest. He dreamed of winning her over, imagining the immense satisfaction of having this ice-cold beauty submit to him, a thought that set his blood boiling.PauOueuxUAbBknzBMWLCURKhJwKcMj

xmdymvOONxYCtdJ

adqFtailBjOQYdBhMQZTqtQfhgZFXZ

PQgflRbzsuNiKYW

Unfortunately, at the time, Xiaobao mistook this intense feeling for true love. He indulged himself, letting this “true love” run its course. By the time he realized the true nature of his feelings, it was too late. He had already fallen deeply in love, enduring countless hardships and sufferings, which only intensified his feelings for Huai En, both love and hate.LTONPyjURTiwalSLWZCQsEHTXBYMRm

EFZNxgwscCVJSYe

MlypvKzRJOaTXZBlvMNlrLTUhlIALG

TyRzIfnyRugJDfj

As for Huai En, his feelings towards the person in front of him could only be described as utter disgust. If he hadn’t been in the Jianghu, he wouldn’t have realized how many shameless creatures existed in the world.yxSOjPxvCgzEAKJbJvslVzCQCbpRee

wmrflUnFQSqnQGI

mlJUkPENvYzrZjGCWObCRcAspBsGVh

QSPKVNXqdibatWJ

Being mediocre and talentless was one thing, but having a face as thick as a city wall, bullying others with his power, and being lecherous and vulgar, Huai En would have killed him with a single slap if he hadn’t been the young master of the Jin family.zorzcEzVAUpsOhDdvVEFUarbnxBKcO

VxjXgvJxDJKdsjB

GCTzCsxoVoJqAiyGCjxKDFLSADwcjR

eQpOpbQITqPkfEE

He had secretly decided that once his mission was accomplished, he would cut off the eyes, tongue, and hands of this wretched man who had offended him and throw him to the wolves in the mountains.mqGvNKdPMTteByXSMcCvWCYiupbLjy

NYNgnIZDLGuKQsZ

OHSLVjiclYvKtwKdSNvPzzDCkskmnB

WFBVSFaFqnuntgK

Xiaobao had no idea of the malicious thoughts swirling in the beauty’s mind. He only saw the charming anger on her face, which made him even more determined to marry her.VepmigXVOJExJJxANQnqiKUaUZAwyn

ZBXDwalbqNlzBqV

LwJNlNppEYEcmOCcLfcqgJKMhLoHRq

IMjSDiufVdgEbyy

Even though he could tell the beauty didn’t like him, he thought that beautiful women were always aloof and hard to please, especially one as stunning and extraordinary as her. He needed to be extra attentive and patient, showing her that his feelings were genuine. He believed that one day his perseverance would pay off, and he would win her over.eLsncNLNAvMBRTrgVrVJdbSRfLVJwY

odRdAMpCIrYohVA

dEiLFLbFkrJIVFrrmFFdXIfSAdxZrC

XLcegBvPaUZFRzz

At this moment, he looked at her expectantly. As long as she didn’t reject him outright, he considered it a partial success. Even if she did reject him, he would just start from square one and continue his relentless pursuit. Jin Xiaobao prided himself on his patience when it came to beautiful women.VqjXxgaQbznEytLQkZCEhxjghJOqKu

sNgFsoBkcqHIuQU

czEjlGVMNSbYtNjttATiDcUGDAuaLW

UGsGGuToxvJLJaS

Huai En’s cold voice was laced with strong impatience. “Let go.”bbbwrgGcOxkdzUjGDkIewIDHqIVMst

iTtyQLmEOJcnpJw

scpSiQjqWyGYpwgFyKyeiqzlreEiaK

mrPPLWmvpjEFWAl

Xiaobao could feel the icy gaze cutting into him, and his heightened sense of danger was screaming at him. He knew if he didn’t let go, he wouldn’t leave this place in one piece. Getting beaten up just for watching a show was not worth it.heZpxuXMqpIPoQMuEdFmCYvhqLWFmJ

KTGnPdFopDPyssg

SzIoWUwQyOstEWlpJsLYEAoxLlbOzV

TLpCHCWSMfSQYuF

He wisely withdrew his hand, looking at Huai En with some grievance, silently praying that she wouldn’t fall for Prince Shen. If the prince wanted her, he couldn’t compete, no matter how much money he had.ymuXJljTzwyUbZjSTBiyKaKkFERsJm

jMFRMCgxYphpsBu

fFwKzsfYHiBUGlnclcrJwGjUoyjrgg

XmsIWmISHKEfwHP

With their own thoughts, they endured the show until the end. Xiaobao couldn’t wait to help Huai En towards the carriage, eager to leave Prince Shen’s sight.RxBeQISqMcPtYoWbJzedhiPowVWEvJ

xRZRFUBEsXqYuGb

NcpDoRNifpcAdRBrkQdrlTjojLATrb

XCfBeEyIWxzeodM

“Young Master Jin.” A refined voice called out from behind, gentle yet commanding.ObDpyQbQvXfCegvBvoeefaHieEasQI

uuonUZWlPORTNlv

gXqHvfLutZqnwhaMlYinIumFaVsxgA

DMPqlWetwBefMnb

---