[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-roaring-dragon":3,"chapter-the-roaring-dragon-the-roaring-dragon-chapter-74":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Roaring Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281930,4463,"Chapter 74: Concealing Talent to Sully Oneself?","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-74",74,"\u003Cp>The Dan Prince’s mansion is on Zheng’an Street, adjacent to the imperial palace and not far from Bu Zheng Street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan rode his horse through the streets, and by the time he arrived at the grand mansion, night was deep; only a few patrolling government office runners could be seen on the road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo had grown up nearly alongside Princess Changning, and everyone in the mansion knew her; when they reached the gate, the black-armored Wu Zu on duty hurried forward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander Linghu, when did you arrive in the capital?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo dismounted outside the gate and introduced:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is Commander Xie Jinhuan, newly appointed Spear Bearer of the Princess’s residence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Wu Zu had already heard rumors of Xie Jinhuan and immediately bowed in fearful respect:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We pay our respects to Commander Xie!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for such formality—I’ve only just arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan returned the bow and followed Qingmo up the steps, asking:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has the Crown Prince retired for the night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading Wu Zu looked awkward, as if wanting to announce them first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo, who had come partly to monitor the Crown Prince’s movements on her friend’s behalf, walked straight ahead:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to announce us—lead us directly there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wu Zu dared not speak further and hurried ahead to guide them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan carried Meiqiu behind Qingmo, and with Yang Dabiao and the others, passed through courtyards and corridors, soon arriving at the lakeside of the western compound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At midnight, the lakeside garden was bathed in moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan looked up and saw a man in a black robe, one hand behind his back, eyes covered with a cloth strip, standing on the grass listening to the wind rustling through the reeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s features resembled the Dan Prince’s—without doubt, he was Crown Prince Zhao De.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his posture seemed lax, his solitary presence beneath the moon carried an air of quiet authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan gave him a brief glance, slightly surprised:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crown Prince, still cultivating at this hour?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo was equally startled and moved closer to observe, when the page Laifu, standing in the corridor, called out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, are you ready?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crown Prince Zhao De, hand still behind his back, spoke clearly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Begin. This time, let everyone come at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you certain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve got this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried unshakable confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan wondered if this was a martial drill or “I’ll take on ten at once!” and halted to watch closely; Linghu Qingmo also watched in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laifu did not notice the group emerging from the corridor’s corner; once he confirmed the Crown Prince was ready, he clapped his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clap. Clap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap-tap-tap…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, a rapid patter of footsteps came from the nearby room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then over a dozen maids in light attire emerged, tiptoeing into the garden and circling the Crown Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crown Prince Zhao De smirked, raised both hands, and groped left and right by sound alone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ai~ Your Highness didn’t catch her…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You think you can escape? Hmm… it’s Xiuqin!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow~ Your Highness is amazing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got the biggest face in the mansion—how could I miss?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~ Your Highness, you’re naughty…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell at the corridor’s corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dabiao had just thought the Crown Prince had been possessed; now he sighed in relief—this was the familiar Crown Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo took a deep breath, clearly feeling the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan had never heard of the Dan Prince’s heir and now stared in shock, just like Meiqiu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Crown Prince… is just like the Princess…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Siblings—you thought otherwise?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Princess is the older sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Changning had a childlike face, appearing no older than sixteen or seventeen—a noble princess. Xie Jinhuan had assumed they were brother and sister; now he was genuinely surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo felt the scene was too damaging to the mansion’s dignity and stepped forward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crown Prince?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The laughter and chatter fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De, who had been chasing the maids, paused, turned, and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which maid is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The page Laifu jumped, waving frantically for the maids to retreat:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s Lady Linghu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De froze, then smoothly raised his hands into a Wild Horse Parts the Mane posture and began practicing Tai Chi on the spot:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, I’m cultivating—listening to sound to discern position…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Prince isn’t here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister, let me explain…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Princess isn’t here either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De froze again, then rose and assumed the dignified bearing befitting a Crown Prince, pulling off his eye covering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Lady Linghu? When did you arrive? And who is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan bowed: “Your humble servant, Xie Jinhuan, pays respects to Your Highness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Zhao De was uneducated, he was not deaf—he knew full well of Xie Jinhuan’s reputation. Hearing this, his face lit up with surprise, and he hurried forward with the demeanor of Liu Shan meeting Zhao Yun:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re Brother Xie? No wonder the walls keep peeling off plaster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan was baffled and glanced around with Meiqiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De stepped closer, intending to pat Meiqiu, but remembered he still held the eye covering and quickly tucked it behind his waist:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your humble abode shines with your presence! Brother Xie doesn’t seem very funny.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s the “ash” he meant? Xie Jinhuan found the joke passable and chuckled lightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve learned something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De noticed Linghu Qingmo’s expressionless face—he knew the earlier scene had been too awkward—and whispered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Xie, do you know what I was just doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he really need to ask?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan guessed he wanted an out and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Were you practicing listening to sound to discern position?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De waved his hand, his tone grave:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say serving the sovereign is like serving a tiger. As the son of a Prince, rooted in the capital, with my father holding military, political, and financial power, if I were to appear even slightly talented in both civil and martial arts…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan understood at once:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re concealing your talent to appear unworthy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De patted his shoulder, giving the look of one who sees but says nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo, Yang Dabiao, and others who knew Zhao De’s true nature took a deep breath—their glances clearly said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With your demeanor, do you even need to conceal anything?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suspect the Prince has never drawn the Emperor’s suspicion half because of his blunt, uncalculating nature, and half because of “the father is honored by the son’s mediocrity”—court ministers, seeing you like this, dare not pick sides!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Zhao De was the future Dan Prince, and no one present dared mock him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, Zhao De still carried the bearing of a noble scion and, like the Dan Prince, was approachable:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Xie has rendered great service to Danzhou; if I fail to properly host you after your long journey, Father will say I lack manners. Laifu, book a banquet of Eight Immortals at Zi Jin Pavilion—charge it to the Prince’s account!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan and even Yang Dabiao were genuinely stunned by this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Jin Pavilion was the most famed pleasure house in the capital—entry tea alone cost at least ten taels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the “Eight Immortals Banquet,” it was the supreme service of the Purple Gold Pavilion: the finest delicacies from across the land were secondary; the most important part was the eight courtesans accompanying guests, performing all manner of dazzling acts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan had lived in the capital for sixteen years and never learned exactly how dazzling these acts were, only that no man could walk out of the “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Each Displaying Their Powers” still standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though intrigued, he saw that the Dan King’s heir was using his name to spend imperial funds, and politely declined:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, I am deeply honored, but I have already been generously rewarded by Prince Wang—how could I dare impose further on your purse…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo, perhaps fearing Xie Jinhuan would be corrupted, quickly interjected:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, he is still injured and cannot drink these days; after a full day’s travel, he needs rest. Let’s postpone it until another day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De was greatly disappointed, but he could not let this chance to spend imperial funds slip away, and immediately added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No drinking? Then let’s go watch. Tomorrow, the Jin Tower has a grand match: Zhang Huaiyu of the National Academy versus Wei Lu of Snow Eagle Ridge, testing their endurance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m betting three thousand taels on Zhang Huaiyu. If he loses, it’s charged to Prince Wang’s account; if he wins, we split the pot—consider it my treat to Brother Xie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jin Tower functioned as an auction house and often hosted gambling events like martial duels, chess matches, cockfights, and dogfights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Xie Jinhuan was desperately short on silver, this form of “treatment” was truly absurd—he turned to look at his secretary, Mo Mo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo knew the heir prince would insist on profiting under Xie Jinhuan’s name, and after a moment’s thought, asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do they compete?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They sit in meditation, testing endurance. We send performers to entertain them, and whoever breaks first loses—becoming the laughingstock of the entire capital. It’s quite entertaining.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Testing endurance…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo pondered and said: “Zhang Huaiyu is a disciple of Master Fan, the Director of the National Academy, and Master Mu’s nephew—he’s come to the Academy several times before. A true gentleman. As for Wei Lu… I recall he’s the grandson of Wei Wuyi. Why would he challenge a Confucian scholar to a test of endurance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De waved his hand: “Wei Lu came to the capital to pay respects to the Empress Dowager’s birthday, visited the National Academy, and accidentally saw Zhang Huaiyu reading ‘The Erotic History of Wei Wuyi.’ They argued. Wei Lu called Zhang a hypocrite; Zhang insisted he was merely studying historical records. To expose Zhang’s true nature, Wei Lu set up this challenge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo suddenly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having seen those works of the Confucian scholars at Jiwenzhai, she understood just how furious Wei Lu must be, and after a moment’s thought, said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Huaiyu is a Confucian disciple—his endurance is certainly extraordinary. But Wei Lu is no ordinary man either. In my view, the odds are six to four. Your Highness should be more cautious…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao De waved dismissively, confident:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wei Lu would get angry over a mere idle book—his endurance can’t possibly match Zhang Huaiyu’s. This is a guaranteed win. If the Jin Tower weren’t afraid of losing too much and capping bets, I’d wager hundreds of thousands of taels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linghu Qingmo found this reasoning plausible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhao De spoke, he turned again to Xie Jinhuan:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But Brother Xie is a true righteous hero—if you were to enter tomorrow, the outcome would be uncertain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would you like to try? It’s just sitting meditation—anyone can sign up. Survive the first round and you get silver; the more rounds you pass, the more you earn. Win the championship and you take a thousand taels of silver!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan currently needed to earn ten thousand taels a week on average, and he was quite interested—but he never denied he had a fondness for beauty…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This endurance contest seemed risky, so he replied cautiously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m new here—I don’t yet know the waters. I’ll go see tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. Then we’ll decide tomorrow…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1891,"2026-06-20T01:38:11.747Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","769c8cf5640220887e9c0bc7182a26d58a32b8a527e5b34530e7818426372daa","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-75","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-73",252,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-roaring-dragon-cover.jpg"]