Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 5

 The Fourth Prince Qi Changfeng and the Ninth Prince Qi Changyi are brothers born from the same mother. They are somewhat similar in appearance, but they are vastly different in temperament.

 One is wise and intelligent, deeply favored, and shouldering important responsibilities in the court; the other was born stupid, exiled from the harem, with an empty title of the Prince. The Emperor may have almost forgotten that he has such a son.

 Right now, the fourth prince, Qi Changfeng, was followed by a group of ministers who supported him. They were standing on the corridor with their hands behind their backs, watching Pei Zheng’s slightly bent back without saying a word.

 The ministers behind him (Qi Changfeng) were sweating coldly as they watched the tense atmosphere between the two.

 Pei Zheng and Qi Changfeng have never dealt with each other. The two have very different concepts of governing the country. Almost every time they see each other face-to-face, they quarrel.

 Both sides sticks to their own versions (1), their attitudes are tough unyielding. They are reasonable and justified , and it is impossible to tell who is right and who is wrong. The difference is, that there are always various ministers behind Qi Changfeng who protect and support him, while Pei Zheng is always alone.

 The higher the rank, the harder it is to stand the coldness.

 “Why is Lord Pei still here?”

 Qi Changfeng asked.

 Pei Zheng straightened his body and said, “The Fourth Prince must have been troubled, but This Minister was only delayed for a moment because of something. ”

 A few people on the opposite side noticed a tightly wrapped person standing beside Pei Zheng. But night was hazy and it was impossible to tell who was under the blanket.

 Qi Changfeng said coldly, “Lord Pei, do you know what kind of place is this? How can anyone with no fixed duties enter?”

 “Oh? How does the Fourth Prince knows that he (The Fourth Prince) is an idle person?”(2) Pei Zheng’s eyes were cold, and he glanced coldly at the few people standing opposite.

 Qi Changfeng said nothing, just looked at Pei Zheng. After a while, he exhaled slightly and walked away.

 The people standing behind quickly followed.

 When passing by Pei Zheng, Qi Changfeng smelled the faint scent of sandalwood coming from Pei Zheng’s body, and the smell was madly burrowing into his nose. He paused for a while, and then continued to walk forward without hesitation.

 A minister walking behind Qi Changfeng, when passing by the person wrapped in the blanket, got an inspiration. As if inadvertently, he hooked his fingers and pulled. Qi Changyi couldn’t react, and the blanket was just hooked and pulled off.

 Qi Changyi cried out in surprise and following his exclamation several people who had already left turned to look back at the same time. But they only had time to see Pei Zheng’s flashing robes.

 Qi Changyi stood there and didn’t move. Pei Zheng pulled him under his robe to protect him.

 Under the shining moonlight, the corridor was silent as if in mourning and nothing was said for a while. (3)

 Qi Changfeng turned around without any hesitation, and his hands under his large sleeves clenched into fists, “Lord Pei, please go and take your seat as fast as possible. Don’t make everyone wait for you for a long time.”

 After speaking, he walked away quickly.

 After a few people walked away, Pei Zheng’s eyes suddenly became cold. He pulled the person in his arms to the side and his tone of speaking become full of chillines. “Don’t have strength in hands? Can’t even put on a blanket? What did I tell you, if someone finds out, do you know what the consequences will be? En?” 

 Qi Changyi looked at Pei Zheng’s ice-cold and frost-like eyes. He was anxious and afraid, but he didn’t dare to show it. He only knew to pull his (Pei Zheng’s) sleeve and bow his head to admit his mistake.

 “Pei-Gege, Yi’er was wrong. It’s all because Yi’er is not good.It’s because Yi’er himself didn’t grasp it firmly. Pei-Gege, don’t be angry with Yi’er…”

 Pei Zheng snorted coldly, threw off his arm, pinched his chin and said fiercely, “When it’s time for the banquet, know your place. If I find out that you dared to have anything to do with Zhao Litang, just wait for him to die in battle. ”

 Qi Changyi’s jaw hurt, and his eyes slowly turned red, but he didn’t dare to break free, so he nodded in agreement. (4)

 Only then did Pei Zheng released his fingers and let go of his chin. As he continued to walk towards the brightly lit glorious Palace he found that the little figure behind him was still standing foolishly in the same place. “Still not catching up?” 

 Qi Changyi quickly held back his tears and followed with quick steps.

***

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Notes:

(1)各执一词 (idiom) 

-each sticks to his own version 

-a dialogue of the deaf

(2)  He reversed it

(3) literally :

 静默   

-silence 

-to stand in silence (in mourning)

 无言

 – to remain silent

 – to have nothing to say

(4)唯唯诺诺

°literally:

-to be a yes-man