HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 577: The Crime of Misconduct Carries Ten Years

Chapter 577: The Crime of Misconduct Carries Ten Years

The rugged and vast Northwest was especially beautiful in May.

The undulating snow-capped mountains and the endless emerald grasslands stretched as far as the eye could see. In the quiet of a deep night, under a tent beneath countless stars, one could almost hear the sound of melting ice flowing toward the grasslands.

Even the yellow sand had become gentler, its heat diminished. Riding camels at a leisurely pace held its unique charm.

“The Northwest summer is truly beautiful,” Xiao Huayong couldn’t help but praise as Shen Xihe took him sightseeing everywhere.

“Yes, truly beautiful,” Shen Xihe also sighed.

These beautiful scenes were ones she had never appreciated before. Though born and raised in the Northwest, she had been confined to the royal city. She had never imagined she could one day withstand the desert winds and mountain chill, never thought she could so freely traverse every corner of the Northwest.

But joyful days are always brief. Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong needed to return home – in three days would be Shen Yun’an’s wedding. They had just received word from Shen Yueshan that the Xue family and the bride had entered the city.

In the sunset, the layered mountains seemed splashed with thick ink, a mesmerizing sight.

“If you like it, I’ll find a way to bring you back in the future,” Xiao Huayong turned to look at Shen Xihe, his gaze gentle.

Shen Xihe turned to look at him as well. The orange-red sunset light enveloped him, with the mountain range as his backdrop, making him appear even more magnificent, like a deity. She smiled sweetly, turned back, and tucked her wind-blown hair behind her ear: “Your Highness, we’re still forty to fifty li from the royal city, and the gates will close in an hour. We should make haste.”

With a radiant smile, Shen Xihe whipped her horse, and it shot forward like an arrow.

They were the Crown Prince and Princess after all – this trip for her brother’s wedding had already required much arrangement. To come again would be too troublesome, not just for His Majesty but for Shen Xihe herself.

Xiao Huayong watched her riding form shrink to a dot in the distance, like moving with the wind and quickly spurred his horse to follow.

These past few days they had been traveling everywhere alone, without even Shen Xihe’s maids. Naturally, Xiao Changfeng had wanted to come but couldn’t – Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong didn’t bother with grand excuses, simply sneaking away at night, while Shen Yun’an and others kept Xiao Changfeng from searching for them.

Xiao Huayong had been to many places and thought he had experienced all the pleasures of travel. But this trip with Shen Xihe made him realize that with a beloved companion, even storms could be beautiful.

The couple made it back inside just before the city gates closed. Once inside, they dismounted and led their horses slowly. People greeted them along the way, and some vendors who hadn’t yet closed shop tried to give their goods to Shen Xihe as gifts.

She politely declined them all. Before they had finished walking one street, suddenly a sharp cry rang out: “Crown Princess—”

The familiar shrill call made Shen Xihe stop and turn to see Bu Shulin, white as paper, running toward her as if chased by ghosts.

“Greetings, Crown Prince,” Bu Shulin hastily bowed, then pleaded quietly to Shen Xihe with a bitter face, “You must save me!”

“What crime have you committed?” Shen Xihe asked.

Whether from playing the role of a wastrel for too long or for other reasons, Bu Shulin had been indulging in wine and women in the Northwest, frequenting brothels. She had caused quite a stir before, and Shen Xihe, finding her troublesome, had forbidden her from participating in affairs and stopped watching over her, letting her play until she seemingly forgot her name.

“I haven’t committed any crime, I just—”

“This humble official greets the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.” Before Bu Shulin could finish, a steady, deep voice sounded behind her, making her freeze.

Seeing Cui Jinbai in close pursuit, Shen Xihe couldn’t help but be amused, though her excellent self-control prevented her from laughing out loud.

Bu Shulin had instinctively hidden behind Shen Xihe, peering out with a wary gaze at Cui Jinbai.

“What drama are you two acting out now?” Xiao Huayong looked between the black-faced Cui Jinbai and the downcast Bu Shulin.

“This official was tasked with escorting the Xue lady to the Northwest for her marriage to the Northwestern Heir. We just entered the city today, and I was looking to catch up with Heir Bu. Unfortunately, I happened upon Heir Bu in an inappropriate dalliance with a courtesan.” Cui Jinbai’s voice was cold as he spoke, casting a dark glance at Bu Shulin. “This is the crime of misconduct.”

Shen Xihe raised her brows. She was also familiar with the law. In this dynasty, courtesans were entertainers belonging to official establishments.

While they could perform and serve wine, intimate relations were forbidden. Officials who became too familiar with courtesans committed the crime of misconduct, which could result in ten years’ imprisonment if caught and proved serious.

Shen Xihe knew Bu Shulin was a woman, so she didn’t interfere when Bu Shulin frequented the official entertainment houses to listen to music and drink with courtesans. They were all women – what could happen? Moreover, Bu Shulin enjoyed it and it helped maintain her disguise, so why not?

Who would have thought she’d be caught by the Deputy Chief Minister of Justice from so far away?

“I… I just thought Na’er’s hands were soft and white, and exchanged a few jokes with her. How is that being intimate?” Bu Shulin protested.

“What this official saw was Na’er with clothes half-removed, half her body in Heir Bu’s embrace, holding a wine cup in her mouth, about to pass wine to Heir Bu, who showed no sign of refusing,” Cui Jinbai said stiffly.

Shen Xihe turned to look at Bu Shulin in surprise – passing wine mouth to mouth?

This…

Bu Shulin shook her head like a rattle drum, her hands waving frantically: “I-I-I… I didn’t! I… I was about to refuse when Minister Cui lifted the curtain and entered, speaking in that sarcastic tone, saying he’d drag me to the authorities – misconduct carries ten years!”

Upon hearing this, she grabbed her outer robe, running while dressing. Cui Jinbai followed closely, and fortunately, she had spotted Shen Xihe, finally finding a lifeline.

Looking at Cui Jinbai’s handsome face stretched tight, probably clenching his teeth to the point of pain, Shen Xihe could barely contain her laughter as she forced herself to say: “Minister Cui must be tired from the long journey. Though Heir Bu is somewhat unrestrained, she knows her limits. I believe she would have refused, but was startled by Minister Cui’s sudden appearance, causing this misunderstanding. With my brother’s wedding approaching, let’s put this matter to rest. If Heir Bu offends again, there will be no leniency.”

Bu Shulin looked at Shen Xihe with tearful gratitude.

With the Crown Princess speaking up, Cui Jinbai hadn’t intended to send Bu Shulin to the authorities anyway. He had just been overcome with rage when, after rushing thousands of li to find her, he discovered her embracing a beauty. At that moment, his fury had peaked, and he had wanted to draw his sword and execute the woman in her arms!

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