Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

Translator: Silvery Butterfly dflPPkcnrePoSssHoyXGremkqyJVrN

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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.EMVMJLDRvbxyYuddXsNRHynHshVgMF

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

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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.yYqOOvlegKGXFwxgrOBxzqhryQRnzM

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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.oqwLlQvtTlPJzWmDIaQopRGaEfDvoI

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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. hHfeVFkzTlwGFoPVbFMJzcyiPcOYop

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

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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.hILskBAKHjsxOHMjATzEmQLDXDreMR

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Zong Zheng Lihan!!yykRmTrGnnTSkmfizVBhrmLBmRowIO

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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.”xNOsmHjWoKVhWtkqPceRamBcOlvWpG

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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.AkyjmTaZrTTHQDZCoLIYzvkaEFvaTt

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

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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.mQRrVWRRHVutuKZZkadatZARiJqAOV

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

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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. oxVdQNRrZpDCVscGxOvwUqnufWMQcD

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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.ouKaZPZrosxSlOdBaDzsWLJfNaNTfM

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

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

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

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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.lBgIEgCaBjDwRTofKAyPxqdxcUgwaB

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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.pkUfbQZKgrbPKtyRmBbcgFqnIMDNfx

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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.TQMfsoPsnVoKdQamInttxFqdbwPwoI

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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.GNxATtnAjMpXTFCRIWezYuckrEBBfl

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

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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.VvyqjEPkuAczpKziwCBacxVYujfGdy

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

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

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

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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?BWAoSYXYLQwbnQHTEFYJpUmHNEZJhd

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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.ksgVapMDlaLPSKLFjssVmsnGqLbBWl

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Following his gaze…bNeEWVRCgLHCDSdSjcdRHTkVHeKGNv

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Prince Shen?!UZAoxOpbgPLYBjaPzdQUaeVVBsyjNG

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

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

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

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“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.”vAEwQBxiawaoAbDytQeMwAsDNWdUgH

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

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

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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.SjDMXqaNmnNIDzExTJAeqRrKgWNatq

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Huai En cast him a cold glance.WigQGJlxmihdbTbtbbUAFYSyWcmehT

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

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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!oKvFkwQVYwsxWAesSSHVGkmYfQHrMD

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

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“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.VvDiPvMMGFkMWOeZnmEElPmuaoaqSP

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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.”EYMmgNIqWBHHvFcdNgmGTcVfvKxEHP

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“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.WgOgJjLWmvflqPQfdIPVblWMzwiFcx

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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.hEtLrPIMgOVirtmljLNStqTTJAPscm

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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.DSHXIZehfQnsErzIUGsAPlVvMMpadZ

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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.uwQNoMfWYoEeDPFlfIipSZCgwmyWJa

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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.dFgZNycNkBhpRJPUqUIaypCbQmNXWB

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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.sExeobcHVYaptlohEhmqvuedTjdRRm

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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.SGsoGonHiHZiozNaTXIumWDcUvsfZZ

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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.TFxJMykBypIJRIATxyfSFVbulXZylD

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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.xBOEthTWsdVZHHbgtjKVZyQJjdGSdK

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

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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.xlJtANPAxzuCYbQXnebITbMfaEVsda

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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.btcwPykThDDHFGFbJOByrZTBnEYjxs

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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.eNfQMunUYvPGqCFkmGavldTIvOBQTe

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

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