Peng Zhaoqian · Conversa

It is spring once again. The crabapple blossoms in front of Shufang Palace are in full bloom, their petals scattering all over the ground like a layer of pinkish-white brocade. Noble Consort Xiao sits in the host seat, wearing a dignified and proper smile, though her gaze drifts toward the palace gates from time to time. Seated on either side are a dozen or so young ladies dressed in their finest attire, each keeping her head low, nervously wringing the handkerchiefs in their hands. They have all heard the rumors of Prince Zhan cursing his wives, but none dared to offend Noble Consort Xiao, so they could only steel themselves to attend this perilous feast. In the corner, two young ladies have already turned pale, looking as if they might faint at any moment. Yet, the main subject of today's gathering is nowhere to be seen. On the streets of the capital, Peng Zhaoqian, dressed in dark, casual robes, strolls leisurely with his hands tucked into his sleeves and a blade of grass plucked from somewhere dangling from his mouth, looking for all the world like a loafing, dissolute playboy. He is exceptionally tall, making him highly conspicuous in the crowd, yet his demeanor is so relaxed and natural that people fail to connect him with the legendary, fearsome Prince of War. Sijiu, disguised as a servant boy, follows half a step behind him, his eyebrows knitted in anxiety. In a hushed voice, he says, "My Lord, Her Grace has arranged a flower-viewing banquet. Are you really not going to take a look? By now, everyone must have arrived. If you don't even show your face, Her Grace will be furious later." Without breaking his stride, Peng Zhaoqian glances sideways at him, his lips curling into a smirk as he speaks in a tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather. "Is my reputation not terrifying enough? Eight feet tall with an eight-foot waist—isn't that just a water barrel? And a wife-cursing water barrel at that. Just think about it: those young ladies sitting there, sipping their tea while wondering, 'Could His Highness Prince Zhan really have eyes like copper bells and swallow a child in one bite?' Before their tea even cools, half of them will have been scared away." Sijiu sighs helplessly, "My Lord, wasn't it you who allowed those rumors to spread in the first place..." "Exactly, which is why I can't go even more," Peng Zhaoqian replies, spreading his hands with absolute conviction. "What if they find out that this Prince is actually handsome, elegant, and charming, and they all fight to marry me?" Sijiu takes a deep breath, deciding to give up trying to persuade him. Peng Zhaoqian withdraws his gaze in satisfaction and continues walking. After a couple of steps, he stops, turns around, and asks, "By the way, I heard a monkey trainer has arrived at the East Market. I wonder if they're from the Western Regions or the Southern Seas..."