Xiangzhou Arc: Transmigration of the Soul, Chapter 31: His Highness’s Greatest Pleasure Is to Demand Three Kneels and Nine Kowtows

“Support? What kind of support can I possibly offer you?” Ye Qiaoqiao frowned in confusion. She couldn’t understand how this was related to support—what could she possibly do to help him?

Shen Jianzhou slightly raised his head, gazing into the distance, and spoke slowly: “The astronomers say that the lone fate pattern is that of a born emperor. This fate continued as I inherited the crown prince’s position, yet suddenly, on every full moon night, my whole body aches unbearably. They say it’s because dark energy clings to me.”

“But isn’t the dark energy behind you being treated by me now?” Ye Qiaoqiao blinked gently, listening attentively.

“Yes, now it is you who treats it. But you appeared too late.” Shen Jianzhou sighed softly, then narrated slowly, “The reason I came to Xiangzhou was because the astronomers said a legendary woman would appear there—one who could help me dispel the dark energy and realize great unification. So, I came to Xiangzhou.”

Ye Qiaoqiao was slightly taken aback—she hadn’t expected that was why Shen Jianzhou had come to Xiangzhou.

Lost in his memories, Shen Jianzhou continued: “When I first saw you, your words were sharp and you immediately pinpointed the pain I suffered, especially on full moon nights. I regret offending you then. But later, in the court, your biting words completely humiliated Chen Tan Hua, and I couldn’t help but step in to defend you...”

At that moment, the tassel tree in the courtyard swayed gently in the breeze, its petals falling like snow.

Ye Qiaoqiao chuckled lightly. “So, you mean to say that I am the one who can truly support you?”

“Yes, I mean that it is you. But although I am the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, my fortunes have steadily declined these past years. I have become a wandering immortal with no affairs in the Eastern Palace.” Shen Jianzhou’s words carried a hint of helplessness and loneliness.

“Being idle isn’t so bad, is it?” Ye Qiaoqiao rolled her eyes, utterly speechless.

Thinking it was some great matter, she realized it was just a little boredom.

Shen Jianzhou gave her a look that said, “You understand nothing,” glancing at her as if she were an idiot, then coldly retorted, “You don’t understand. I am born into an imperial family, especially as a prince, with many duties I must undertake.”

“Oh? Are these duties just abusing royal power and indulging in privileges?” Ye Qiaoqiao’s mouth curled into a mocking smile, her words sharp as blades.

“Ye Qiaoqiao!” Shen Jianzhou’s anger flared, his eyes full of offense.

“It’s fine, I’m just listening.” Ye Qiaoqiao adjusted her collar, then, without yielding an inch, shot back: “I just mean your so-called royal authority is nothing but the spittle gathered from the people, enough to drown your so-called ‘nobility.’ It should teach you what it means for public opinion to be unyielding, rather than royal power being supreme!”

“Do you think I am not a qualified Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace?” Shen Jianzhou’s brow furrowed fiercely, a coldness welling in his eyes.

Ye Qiaoqiao seemed oblivious and unrestrained, continuing her “rant”: “Your Highness, I don’t need to divine to know your greatest pleasure is making people kneel and kowtow. Otherwise, how could someone easily change your fate pattern?”

Shen Jianzhou seemed to understand something but was still full of anger: “Try saying that again and see what happens!”

“Your Highness, I’m not making it up,” Ye Qiaoqiao rolled her eyes again.

Shen Jianzhou recalled why Ye Qiaoqiao always said even turning dark energy into purple energy was useless—it was because of his habit of making people kneel so often!

His face flushed white and red, a mix of shame and irritation.

On one hand, he was angry that Ye Qiaoqiao so bluntly hit his sore spot; on the other, he had to admit her harsh words made some sense.

But still!

“You are all my subjects. I am the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. What’s wrong with enjoying the worship of ten thousand people?” Shen Jianzhou defended himself.

Ye Qiaoqiao facepalmed, inwardly sighing: No wonder he’s the Crown Prince—he’s been enlightened but refuses to repent!

She raised an eyebrow and said, “Then why don’t you say ‘there’s gold under a son’s knees’? If someone kneels long enough, they’re just borrowing your wealth to gain fortune!”

“That saying?” Shen Jianzhou was incredulous, clearly never having heard it.

“Of course it exists. So, Your Highness, don’t let anyone kneel for a full twelve hours recklessly.” Ye Qiaoqiao crossed her arms.

“But since I am the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, I should...” Shen Jianzhou hesitated.

“If you keep making people kneel for so long, forget about ever gaining imperial power,” Ye Qiaoqiao said, her expression saying, “You figure it out yourself.”

Shen Jianzhou bit his lip lightly, his brow sharp and eyes flickering, as if weighing the truth of her words.

Unexpectedly, Ye Qiaoqiao continued calmly: “Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. Shen Jianzhou, do you want to be the boat or the one overturned? Consider the pros and cons yourself.”

“What about other officials who enjoy their subordinates kneeling? Why is that fine?” Shen Jianzhou clearly didn’t believe her.

Ye Qiaoqiao was unflustered, explaining slowly: “Kneeling is just a formality. Others put on a show and are done quickly. But you make people kneel for hours on end without rising. What do you think about that?”

At this point, Ye Qiaoqiao seemed to have found an answer: Could the one who switched the fate pattern be someone with even more exaggerated kneeling rituals than the Crown Prince?

With this realization, a hint of joy blossomed within her.

The matter seemed to be taking shape.

A smile involuntarily curved Ye Qiaoqiao’s lips.

“It seems so,” Shen Jianzhou inadvertently followed her train of thought.

But earlier, he had thought Ye Qiaoqiao was the woman who would help him achieve great unification. Now, with her picking apart even the kneeling rituals, was she truly the one to realize his ideals?

He began to doubt.

Sensing Shen Jianzhou’s hesitation, Ye Qiaoqiao dropped all pretense and said indifferently, “If Your Highness doesn’t believe me, just let them kneel.”

“It’s not that I don’t believe you; I am just thinking,” Shen Jianzhou replied, lowering his eyes thoughtfully.

His gaze was cautious, as if carefully reviewing every memory.

Suddenly, he looked up, his voice resolute and unwavering: “But Ye Qiaoqiao, now that you have agreed to be my chief advisor, you should stand with me, united in purpose, to investigate the truth and reclaim my fate.”

Seeing the topic shift so swiftly, Ye Qiaoqiao understood the urgency in Shen Jianzhou’s heart.

She suggested, “Your Highness, why not reflect on those frequent, prolonged kneeling rituals from the past?”

“What do you mean?” Shen Jianzhou seemed to glimpse a ray of light through the fog.

Seeing his understanding, Ye Qiaoqiao hurriedly continued, “Your Highness, those who make a big show of kneeling, especially during important festivals or ceremonies, deliberately extending the kneeling time and appearing extremely devout—perhaps they are the ones who switched the fate pattern we seek.”