Chapter 73

Qin Zheng looked up at him, “Do you know?”

Chu Chengji had a momentary feeling that these two words sounded familiar, but he couldn’t remember where he had heard them.

He asked, “What’s the use?”

Qin Zheng then explained the function of the fish ladder to him.

Chu Chengji’s brow furrowed even more, and finally, he just said, “The people who built these two great weirs must have had some skills.”

Qin Zheng hesitated slightly, “Aren’t dams built like this in other places now?”

Chu Chengji glanced at her, “Only the people from the Ministry of Works know.”

Qin Zheng kept quiet.

Specialization in one’s field is essential. Indeed, one couldn’t expect him to know much about these intricate engineering projects.

Seeing her about to lower her head to look at the drawings again, Chu Chengji directly rolled up the drawings, “It’s not urgent. Don’t strain your eyes by looking at them at night.”

Qin Zheng was just curious for a moment.

After all, although this dynasty in this alternate timeline didn’t exist in the historical timeline she originally knew, from the current development trajectory, most things were the same.

Suddenly, the appearance of a fish ladder that only emerged in the seventeenth century made Qin Zheng suspect that someone, like her, had crossed over to this world three hundred years ago.

If the other person also understood engineering and construction, then there must be more than just one fish ladder as a clue.

Three hundred years apart, it was impossible to meet again, but if someone from the same era had been here and left marks, Qin Zheng still felt a bit of nostalgia for “meeting an acquaintance in a foreign land.”

This matter wasn’t urgent.

There would be plenty of time to study it slowly in the future.

Chu Chengji took away the drawings, and Qin Zheng obediently extinguished the candlelight on the desk.

The only light left in the room was the one from the lamp in the corner.

Qin Zheng couldn’t shake off the feeling that Chu Chengji had been a bit down since returning from Yun Gang Temple.

She tilted her head, observing him for a while, but he seemed lost in thought, showing no reaction.

Qin Zheng’s eyes flickered slightly as she stood up and went to the inner room.

She brought out a rectangular box and placed it in front of him with a smile, “Birthday present.”

This was a birthday gift she specially selected for him after returning from the temple, while he was discussing matters with Song Heqing and other ministers.

She used the excuse of inspecting the progress of the city’s defense construction to go and pick it out for him.

Song Heqing said the Crown Prince’s birthday is in the first month, but Chu Chengji insisted that his own birthday is today.

Whether it’s on ordinary days or today when he went to worship his ancestors, he doesn’t seem to show much respect for the ancestors of the Chu family.

Moreover, both his temperament and abilities are quite different from what was described in the original book about the incompetent Crown Prince.

On her way back, Qin Zheng pondered, suddenly realizing a question she hadn’t thought of before: Could he also be someone who crossed over?

Because she wasn’t the Crown Princess, whenever she heard Chu Chengji say something unusual, her first reaction was that he sensed something and was testing her.

Now, looking back, everything seemed to make sense.

If he was also someone who crossed over, then his not asking her about engineering and construction, and letting her speak when she wanted to, might be because he also realized she wasn’t the Crown Princess.

He understood her concerns, so he was accommodating in every aspect.

When Qin Zheng realized all this, her heart trembled slightly.

Preparing the birthday gift was not only a sincere intention to help him celebrate his birthday, but also a way to verify her guess.

Chu Chengji looked at the brocade box Qin Zheng brought over, his eyebrows lifting slightly as he looked at her, “Haven’t I already received a birthday gift?”

He was stirring up trouble!

Qin Zheng’s ears turned red in an instant. She was about to leave with the brocade box, but Chu Chengji raised his hand to stop her, “Give it to me. Naturally, I still have to accept it.”

Qin Zheng couldn’t help but say, “Why do I feel like Your Highness’s cheekiness is increasing by the day?”

“Heh.” Hearing her use “Your Highness” in her words, Chu Chengji smiled very lightly, not responding.

If he were a bit thinner-skinned, he’d probably still be sulking in bed right now.

Opening the brocade box, inside was a delicate belt with gold inlay and jade, crafted with exquisite workmanship.

He looked at it for a while without saying a word.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Qin Zheng couldn’t help but ask, “Don’t you like it? I can go to the shop tomorrow and exchange it for another one for you.”

This dainty belt, known as a “diexie” belt, is a type of waist accessory, but it’s more ornate and can hold more items, making it highly sought after by royal and noble descendants.

Chu Chengji rubbed her head, “Did you exchange it with your own jewelry?”

Lin Yao had already mentioned the issue of military funds to him several times.

The small amount of official silver in Qingzhou Prefecture was definitely not enough.

1Qin Zheng took out most of the jewelry he had prepared for her and gave it to Lin Yao to exchange for silver, leaving only some pearl hairpins and ornaments for formal occasions.

Seeing this diexie belt, Chu Chengji’s first reaction was that she had pawned her jewelry again.

He was happy, but knowing she had exchanged her own jewelry for it dampened his happiness.

He thought he could provide better for her after leaving Liangyan Mountain, but now it seemed not.

Qin Zheng smirked, “No, the owner of that shop wanted to build a mansion and needed blue bricks. I directly converted the money I used to buy this diexie belt into blue bricks for him.”

Chu Chengji’s gaze softened at this, and he sighed softly, “Sometimes I wish you were like other noble ladies.”

Qin Zheng glared at him, “Your Highness thinks I’m taking on too much?”

Another “Your Highness,” this was a deliberate jab at him.

“You…” Chu Chengji shook his head, chuckling, “I haven’t even said anything yet, and you’re already on the defensive.”

He pulled her closer, sitting her down on the couch, burying his head in her neck, gently inhaling her fragrance,

“In this world, I’m the one who should contend with Li Xin for power. I should bear all the difficulties.

The noble ladies in Bianjing dress in luxurious clothes every day, put on makeup, and even throw tantrums if their husbands don’t buy them the jewelry they like.

But you, following me, are either busy drawing engineering diagrams or personally supervising the craftsmen in repairing the city defenses.

Even the jewelry I buy for you, you have to exchange it for military funds…”

He picked up a strand of her hair with his fingertip, saying softly, “I know you’re not interested in the luxuries of the inner courtyard, but you should also be kinder to yourself.”

She didn’t hide behind him and instead walked shoulder to shoulder with him, but he would worry.

Qin Zheng looked at Chu Chengji, who seemed hesitant to speak, and finally said, “…Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

He had no idea how tacky the box of jewelry he had ordered someone to collect was.

Wearing it out would make people think he was nouveau riche.

Those jewelry pieces were left there, only to be kept at the bottom of the box.

They were better off being used to supplement military needs.

But when the other party spoke to her so warmly, Qin Zheng felt embarrassed to tell the truth.

Chu Chengji naturally noticed the subtle changes in her expression, his eyes becoming more restrained.

Qin Zheng thought he changed his expression because she kept calling him “Your Highness,” so she quickly corrected herself, “Husband.”

“Mm,” he responded softly.

Qin Zheng picked up the diexie belt, “Do you… want to try it on?”

Chu Chengji stood up readily.

He was only wearing his sleepwear after bathing, so to see the effect of the diexie belt on him, he put on an outer robe as well.

His robes were always dark-colored. Qin Zheng wrapped her hands around his slender waist and fastened the diexie belt for him.

She was afraid of fastening it too tightly and causing discomfort, but also worried about it being too loose and looking sloppy.

She estimated the pressure and asked him, “Is it too tight?”

Her sleepwear was loose, and from Chu Chengji’s perspective, he could just catch a glimpse of a shadow.

Her subtle fragrance lingered around his nose, and her hands occasionally brushed against his waist and abdomen.

This was truly maddening.

Chu Chengji closed his eyes and gently pushed away Qin Zheng’s hands, “It fits well, no need to try.”

He was just punishing himself.

Qin Zheng belatedly glanced down at him, and Chu Chengji immediately turned and walked towards the inner room, “You should sleep first.”

Qin Zheng was taken aback, extending her hand hesitantly, “Um, I can help…”

Chu Chengji’s breath caught in his throat, struggling to maintain a calm tone, “Go to sleep.”

How could she naively think that satisfying a man’s baser instincts would be so easy?

Before this morning, he thought he could control himself, but reality proved that human nature is insatiable.

There was a big battle looming between the Qing and Xu provinces and the court.

If he really did something to her, it would be like poison, he couldn’t bear to give her medicine, nor dare to gamble on whether she could safely endure a pregnancy amidst the chaos of war.

In his previous life, his most trusted general, arranged for his wife to escape to another city during a big battle.

However, the carriage journey was too bumpy, causing her to miscarry.

Without good conditions for recuperation, she fell ill, and within two years, she passed away.

Qin Zheng lay wrapped in a blanket on the bed, listening to the sound of water from the inner room, recalling her intimate moment just now, her face flushed.

She turned over, burying her head under the covers.

Judging from his reaction to receiving the birthday gift, he seemed to like it.

If today was indeed his birthday, then she guessed correctly, he was indeed not the crown prince!

Qin Zheng’s heart beat rapidly.

Was this the world from the book? Was he like her, someone who came from outside the book?

When Chu Chengji returned, he saw her wrapped up like a ball.

He raised his hand to pull the blanket down, unexpectedly meeting her bright eyes.

He was slightly distracted for a moment before using his usual clear tone to ask, “Are you afraid of not being able to breathe under such tight covers?”

Qin Zheng now only wanted to confirm if he came from the book.

She said, “I remembered a book I read before…”

Chu Chengji stared at her inexplicably, and seeing his reaction, Qin Zheng’s heart jumped.

She was about to continue speaking when Chu Chengji interrupted, “What book? Do you have to bury yourself in the blanket to think about it?”@@novelbin@@

Qin Zheng: “…”

She really just wanted to help him, where did his mind wander off to?

Chu Chengji lay down.

He felt cold from being soaked, and he looked at Qin Zheng seriously, as if struggling with some inner conflict. “Did you like what happened this morning?”

Qin Zheng’s face visibly reddened, and she hurriedly explained, “No, I…”

He kissed her on the corner of her mouth, his breath unsteady. “I really liked it.”

But he was greedy, wanting more, so he didn’t dare to touch her again.

” If you also like…”

Qin Zheng covered his mouth with her hand: “Don’t say it!”

Chu Chengji indeed did not speak again. Qin Zheng said, “Have you read the book I’ve seen called ‘Noble Women in the Hou Mansion’?”

She stared at him expectantly.

Chu Chengji: “…I haven’t.”

Did she misunderstand him?

“Oh, I see…” Qin Zheng withdrew her hand from his lips.

Though somewhat disappointed in her heart, upon careful thought, with his shrewd political tactics and familiarity with military strategy, he indeed didn’t seem like an ordinary modern person.

Chu Chengji noticed her suddenly downtrodden mood and felt a bit puzzled.

He hadn’t read the book she mentioned, so why was she so disappointed?

Having only read military texts, state policies, and Buddhist scriptures, he patiently asked, “What’s the story in the book you mentioned?”

Qin Zheng only brought up the matter to confirm if he was also transmigrated like her.

Now that she knew he wasn’t, she lost interest in continuing the conversation, saying, “It’s just a story about a government official’s daughter who was wronged at home.

She strives to clear her family’s name and eventually marries into the noble family.”

Chu Chengji smirked slightly, “If you like it, I’ll have a theater troupe adapt it into a play for you to listen to.”

Qin Zheng turned over and slept inwardly, “No need, it just crossed my mind. Let’s sleep, we need to prepare for the attack on Hu Prefecture and Meng County tomorrow, and you’ll be busy.”

He realized that she hadn’t asked him anything since he wasn’t the crown prince.

Now that Qin Zheng knew he wasn’t the crown prince, she also followed their previous tacit understanding.

Just as he had said before, it felt like the right time to share everything with him.

Qin Zheng didn’t know how to broach the subject of her coming from a different world thousands of years in the future.

Perhaps he hadn’t figured out how to confess his own past either.

Chu Chengji stared at the back of Qin Zheng’s head for most of the night before falling asleep.

The next day, as he went to handle official business in the front yard, there were inevitably faint dark circles under his eyes.

Lin Yao came carrying a box, “Your Highness, these are the jewels Princess Consort ordered me to pawn.”

Lin Yao knew the army was short on funds, so when Qin Zheng handed him most of a box of jewels, he didn’t dare to pawn them.

Chu Chengji glanced at the jewelry in the box, his eyelids twitching twice.

There were gold bracelets two fingers wide, looking rustic and clumsy; pearl hairpins adorned every available space with pearls, almost blinding to look at; and hair ornaments with multicolored feathers, reminiscent of a time when such accessories were popular in the court, but this palm-sized bundle of feathers would look like a rooster’s tail when inserted into a hair bun…

Chu Chengji pressed his temples, “Go ahead and pawn them.”

From now on, he would personally choose what to give her, rather than letting others handle it.

The day he welcomed her to Qingzhou, seeing she had few decent pieces of jewelry, he had ordered people to collect a whole box of gold and jade jewelry to give her.

Chu Chengji never expected that the people who came with her from Qiyun Fort would choose jewelry solely based on weight and size, and on how many pearls and gemstones were adorned…

Lin Yao thought they were out of money, so he said with a bitter face, “Now that Qingzhou has more than twenty thousand troops, even if we pawn these jewels, it’s just a drop in the bucket.”

Chu Chengji calmly replied, “Taking Huzhou will provide military funds.”

He had checked the historical records.

The most extravagant emperors of the Great Chu Dynasty had their tombs built in Huzhou.

Lin Yao thought he meant the money from the Huzhou government would sustain them for a while.

He was just about to suggest to Chu Chengji to call him back and let him lead the attack on Huzhou.

But Chu Chengji asked, “Shouldn’t these documents be reviewed by General Cao? Why were they sent here?”

Lin Yao sympathetically explained, “General Cao’s backyard caught fire, so he took leave to go home.”

Chu Chengji originally had no interest in others’ personal affairs, but Lin Yao was too quick to speak:

“Madam Cao enjoys watching operas on weekdays, but General Cao is a rough man who doesn’t appreciate the finer things.

Madam Cao has mentioned operas to him several times, but he has never listened.

So Madam Cao stopped mentioning them to him. Later, she met a handsome and knowledgeable young man at the theater, and they hit it off…”

Chu Chengji, who was in the middle of reviewing documents, paused.

He glanced at Lin Yao, “Finish up here and then go to the other courtyard.”

Lin Yao touched his nose, making a mental note.

The Crown Prince didn’t like hearing about others’ gossip.

Once Lin Yao left, Chu Chengji called for a servant, “Go to the bookstore in the city and buy a copy of a book called ‘Noble Women in the Hou Mansion.'”

The servant looked confused, thinking he had misheard.

Chu Chengji cleared his throat, “The Princess Consort enjoys reading it. If there are similar books, buy some as well.”

The servant suddenly understood and looked at Chu Chengji with newfound respect.

The Crown Prince and the Princess Consort were truly affectionate!