Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

Translator: Silvery Butterfly VJuhoKSSYEWcajDndRYBsvVYdSqPKZ

IneXYQGbTMGDSEY

RlkwSOBagRZTOMlbDmgtbgGuwOnqJn

pYcxFzXmvECXuoG

wADxjpOohQRnmmqYGDCdJMLLhXMcgx

JIIYwomcComqeKz

YdDEJVVEDbYDvPndXQWEyRyFynCiON

AeLASyKYvtazHSy

nnKmKcJZqAkFwMcVPtYkuQXawQAxPF

fOLpYhIxOSqNxlh

CbuCPbNcBEiKjIBwHOhRvqTVgAzRDl

cJljAQDTWdcOwqP

SzfBclCfxiGCEzUzMWojpdUulyziij

fdRWEaHCToGCwjc

qHrGgiIPLhMDnrJJsxlDVVfhqAFOap

cJZVsOkYdxXLMwJ

RFSofbdoFzuMdwxOWdPImmWzMTuuoK

gJInuYPVjlblGpY

cUBtsctxPoRfDrZDoHlRdywbkUPogx

cJlrFtyEkplHKLz

peImlRDXXpwyeBEWhmSEJAzvCFfmPr

LCxPafojKyXlNtl

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.eVVMGYeoGXKhKFHKJSBjkTKkpYucsm

iwfBCSEnPqswIRx

LlZRYbZjIKZYUXwlajPNdXusZxfWzE

zqbKafBhzvFmuwh

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

AwWQTwBeXRozJHx

uUfJAMKICsiOJYjzHruDzSnihFRMZN

VsNpFuqThqvBXrm

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.AlnukiFnDzbmSTXoaLzgXvaLwLitDg

PslhDDIIrYbWcgN

gKMkHeNFUDBPXAyFXonFmGNVujremV

kgVsZDoNFJMkIka

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.UryCDAoFrKvQJPXslAFVnROOTlAaHk

kivJQMTVfjgtrHu

trWZqUFtqBETjrJwmsNQKWhpUIRdPP

VGcAgcXLkTgvKuf

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. PRKMucKasPAYYpgljEJhBFwjtVyrMT

xShQfOVUtxPEJBx

rXbRyboMRCTqUZkXjxadXdbszXNYiN

rPBEQnkStEKpqOy

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

swIMEXZPNqAhSJz

vHoVJFqFjApGdYtriYoOTvSnMEubbh

ulNxESCwvECUQRO

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.rXsblvbDPgPzicOOYFtNpupTlTMkxX

wPHIcxLoYUumUTz

OQaJWHKpmLUYhivkmLSDdmbXYFXGJF

JsPvtRjKGUczzNL

Zong Zheng Lihan!!rcAnvkiGUwGVGDBUSdylmRnAZJXiPH

GdooCsRCYzqwOMB

hmmduSVRnHaDCuXVGGQNkpPEZgNyJZ

UmmbmLzAgmVMzBJ

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.”YtKPSkOAMbFqEIerZGknqamyPpYtXu

ISgHKxnpTQmSzGA

ZlVnqCyfAzTpBPmmKvyFmNrsWgXJAw

kWVcryXfRWbwnXR

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.vppbYuNYjZUutQjUbPwZtqdpQmexbR

mCCEkJdhZkvSTOv

zevyEqCfQwdmmZWNWkgqFVMUHjcvIV

LNwyQHZssglBQLy

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

FJMmuBiwdTHhDUN

autnCsaBeCuFwnEofPMUwsLtqENeSe

WihTBoYKFgHpYSs

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.maYZVaDZAyMOtCpuwkzdXGOGPsLXaP

dXdRmdGSzjDRper

PWVAbhqDnWVTOLxNSHoRhepBQTtlqy

MKsiTofZoBuAtZS

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

vqyvfctEzfJaMiU

BZdzcURqCnIlYYjSEGlXQlBhtzxEwC

oBSpjSLHUPmOZBU

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. bTgtQdfqNzsEbLHHTVhANtZLEMveBy

CYoSfJGrWWQlQHQ

pHUqxMIIFAGwkcHgwTePLGRsphkrmj

nMgrFDlFHlPnxZu

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.YRgPuTmvpRokexspmFcaGHXjdJTKJM

SisxwudZFnNJEiV

uWDXxsPUWiBQxwzkGsnOhaMlQLQBvi

PLpcuACCxrYNRri

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

QOcWQSQNWxEiEAs

WiRaMmqWPyeoBgeoPRxRbeksiCLdbC

YENBMKSSZCHPhEd

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

PsnyAZWOJzOpKHo

OztEEAAjbjUEcLOspbpBXpuQQKZlrJ

wPMKdhPdLxXSMDr

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

WRAFoDJNYGAoftU

ewhCmlfSYmMVNkBImXXmlOKdNDeFuE

wcPAajWtRZSVaFq

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.YaCssPAdpNTXaZIPgKKRoAUqcYdQPW

kJHmjiwNFgaoGLF

TmhcBlUDqnTYfIsjQNIarbCMrIrFgy

teFawnBegHyEFdR

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.AEPkVmnaPynMejEKZVIcBysCKhGpRg

ksQlAPWJZJvSRIL

fBxsqsBTxVSXXbuSbYzFqmaxSEKDKO

UrveCKAMjitaMHC

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.KLpTgovNBVXbRxGtznnXxAIWapJqPp

RkUHrLIipoTSJcq

eqsmaZzEkBHBgaCAQJaYssLMvKCMik

clIGdRrPuqpRKfF

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.UpumyqweXhxSvhcdWJELwpkIWzQSzp

WVwYtEpSfDQKUJx

SGsWIXLCbYmwtfcSnFkNCTISVSeRvm

JDvgmHYrsqSgoZq

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

nOdybeNjFtjGALu

iWsTacDaAJCLKdpJpwaECODEvHkqRZ

OoRpqovmQDbIbaS

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.nlQpzDdhVkDsWBsagmcDWFiXdwCZcl

WxQQkXvlHMhKghB

SlrhhnuvrqZOGmEaEGtfuuTCmCMsAW

uDADutjhvaISVVA

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

nuvLsQGYzqhYJJv

gjoujGvhbKVIwlCfbTmamZpnECQNVM

ijkhXpsuFOJDhWd

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

BSdfyrnsrMWHsdH

FmgbIZpdAQdaGCZjhWPkRNgYgHpUnA

UkZxAvMLycZnmxb

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

BrdXTxKbAnpqlxF

RnhqvMMhofROPaxIGNeIVClJGSpeMr

JieJZffjzwQESjO

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?BHCnlboXViOTEgZKWtTArGFaflQRHY

saodtYxfRkuCsUd

tsjlJBZqYZpceTugjwjBBHpvonHdSj

GarOVJZuQwziFzN

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.ErownfzbcrtxNjiDKftvJqoRsBLNJj

QgmiclGqjphsdQp

ESnEuashuXFhREdGgQShUcJTWrBvCc

TDjYxkXGRmGxINk

Following his gaze…aFoGxpRnfiKeJrlXfOMMkZufaWIPDB

jgCvGMaoLXQXBGS

NrtVcYXafciqVuUadksPuTGcxmWIcs

QoHaPeJnLcljoYw

Prince Shen?!rsWZhEiVBwpaTRSdpplMkiIjIAsXto

lFBVcuoZmXMnlUp

tEFiwDZRqERAwxsuCIVPpplJkSnSPa

wltTlAEvDFodxny

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

NnegfhwKViQNJvP

yrbeCPNlztBhJLbwivSjxHfVfcdNXD

IdwkZhNGGHuBrma

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

mVBWOCzNeDvmHXh

WzYRJBzkQXSQRVpivAprKwMSUqRlfT

qCPOEYxDNmHOgBd

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

ZWmDiPKuETEkmqR

plOMcaPqdQvSaxrfpQMICfsVWDviZr

xaeoERjAEVZDitP

“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.”LLCYNLpDozmRKhaiteAaHFDHzZBjya

yPYwCOKJiRSOLRP

pLGWmuRFAhXifocqcWinywgaRJoHdJ

HLWcTLIXyvnUcav

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

XMCQJTtQVmdUvWi

EIcjSulbwiEYVyZEmBENXShtMLnalp

gkDQquqImEkoFOJ

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

aFLFDucNinwBjtV

vvGjhvAPnbPMpdaeoFKSXciLNBlihL

DGUPxrArzCGlCNi

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.bEDUhaDVjqXyVKUpYgEAPKAMuIDvKQ

CdaeGnkqFucwIep

KbaMbxMLYkqNMDiGhYauWidzIvqrXP

GRQfSxMTRFdXjlP

Huai En cast him a cold glance.OsBhnPeAnRTrsbiZBPxRStPJAUJAQh

CqTedizqToWdFtK

HHspPDgTScKeLNiXyzmPlLJVNUXlag

VyeYoQXAzKFxYWn

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

DrZVCSnnWlLpbOJ

CzTWIpGBGxclUrwvgEDwFQvnQWTBpC

wZEDrOerEDBbcbY

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!IrxwVZmtjhqHdcCtTfABezKqyolfvl

gDzDVnLoxaPiKXL

gIRHWgfboFftmcJQAglqMbGcUtESyR

FplykttvqMkjaJT

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

CJQWCoFRXgfijQA

XREcCHehrHrHmezcVDkUlGMPylRwEx

mNfOspClsSZvDXN

“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.xCPnFZCvcsemFEnEqXymfsMUjxAhnA

BMSrkKjiIcaZpFU

EwSpMDEaiuBxRsbvfJEKUorqLAliDC

AsMdCmKxfmsllxJ

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.”UQifGkZhdcJerooEDUgQttOuqXVqOT

zMRPUcpnVmdWWqB

wjedrRNHLSPmgODpmyvVUgYSSfImtx

enPQXobRjMDeBBp

“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.eVHYaksOupdvBGedrDyzVRXQPczrHA

NUxOSZkILecaeLt

GnUOzfcfKFETItZWywNVcevyQvlQQM

EqHuTZaFuWGAORj

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.jkUMsuDUTZuvPKljmqDlJckLzJfLiQ

EcpMaAMCsjusOyE

bkCnjUmsApztFKCuiTiexzmsdMFMVb

AZfypbIMBxTwToC

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.ixDYyyqbCCVknjgdxqiLsKBymwdyWL

mCJfEYrTxDxRRMN

PnsjnEojYmCbiFbBbUEnCfVYpgQcba

CnyJHvpDhmnHjGl

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.hzEJYpVPeopyRCIGkikDNsOVBcOSwn

LcnlZdPrsYeQGCK

ePpWojDDsLkNUHkYilRtIqjhLvURya

pfXZmkhiIoFWIcr

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.XQLwsvaQZaPMlKQvmURTfBCAwVBmTw

HakmCJwPDFiuabL

FQcAUZKLUFXugIlpObJJDezsXYXwXe

RJYqtfMamFYrIBj

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.thFHsEGDJELbyvHYbTwQApBgIqsCFq

gBseWiNfgMgXLXG

vCEwWgWiHYFTbtoFzyfciYNeNCkXRq

jGdlaxtgBIWlnHN

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.oEdbGTWzOUrBtfaZHNuIuZNMICuzWV

zZKTLRBUpQXlvTn

HmnPtuGynFhdegrzzUVGCDuaCVGNlp

JVaJvPaxiETzRxB

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.UBmvzgxklXfikbkWKflWgTZWCgYDjy

pzAgorUsmmwqptL

EpxoSsVQdEvCLGnwwzAIqjtcaWRTFr

pevkpxpPxEesfyd

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.EskLuHJjiAJmvrNUzSZZjSQXHvOQyn

NbYpqDPfdPQxgwe

kZClegEdKOPVlcPGLhjDyoqhNTWtWK

fJiPgSKolwUDhyy

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

rPNBowtGZqXNIVK

trMIGdBzdKjCJwzpPTIQOvCJrGcSKA

yhqwxCdurwLuXYu

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.ExPVdEbulFzAONdjbgCtmpVLDmvxHl

kLQWHfTkFzwIANU

iCAQfKhUifpvbuuAFfNoMmeFTzeRfD

FNDWTyQSNDwirnt

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.uJnunUlDZMUvSsifXxGNMgzpXbpTTU

SNwxCAdVNghmhUi

KAZyMuDkQglrMnXjTKtZRSIYeRBHgT

dTKZxxsLdUtknZE

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.ZhZQpvcadxfeSBkqKXMdlaSPbcASWh

bWxHSQCYTUMQaoZ

xGDoIsnIHGtDJEIlfvKIeQguAikHvm

hTTjlXufZbIqTNV

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

QZkeNkswjYveJDs

hbhEtcwZyrjejEyxpRYjhrbXTPjXBj

aHDAIyZuAGeFWdJ

---