chapter 2

Chapter 2: The High Schooler and Mother's Milk

Well, if you don't feed me soon, I might just start causing some trouble.

The rationale of an eighteen-year-old can't suppress the innate infantile need for food.

Shen He's voice grew louder as he tried again to convey his hunger to Zhong Hong.

What's happening? Wasn't he supposed to be the competent right-hand man of the male lead? Where's his famed perception?

Before Zhong Hong could discern Shen He's needs, the baby's noises woke the prince.

The young prince awoke, feeling numbness in his arms and soreness throughout his body.

Furrowing his brow, he looked down to meet Shen He's gaze, appearing somewhat startled.

Shen He made a couple of soft humming sounds towards him.

The young prince pursed his lips, a faint smile appearing on his face, "Zhong Hong, what time is it now?"

Zhong Hong gently took Shen He from Qi Zhuoyun's arms, whispering, "I was about to wake you, my lord. It's just past the hour of the Rabbit. The Imperial Guards and the Shen family guards are here. Lady Shen has been placed on a carriage. As soon as you're ready, we can head back to the capital."

The relaxed expression on Qi Zhuoyun's face faded. Stretching his numb arms, he moved towards the temple's exit.

The early morning sun was rising, and muffled sobbing could be heard from the Shen household's maidservants.

As Qi Zhuoyun's small figure appeared at the temple's entrance, the Shen family's gaze turned to him.

The lead guard from the Shen estate stepped forward, bowing, "My lord, thank you for watching over the young master last night. The Duke is aware of Lady Shen's demise. May I take the young master back to report to the Duke?"

Qi Zhuoyun's face remained expressionless, recalling the scene from last night when Lady Shen knelt before him, begging.

This little infant, like him, was wanted dead by many.

Thinking of this, Qi Zhuoyun felt they were truly kindred spirits.

He coldly declined the guard, "Those by my side will take care of him adequately."

The guard seemed to want to say more but was unnerved by the young prince's expressionless gaze.

Without waiting for a reply, Qi Zhuoyun boarded his carriage with Zhong Hong.

Shen He, lying in Zhong Hong's arms, looked up at the sky without a hint of worry.

With the male lead as his protector, he just needed to enjoy life. The male lead was formidable.

Even as an eight-year-old, he was impressive.

The carriage moved forward, leaving the noises of the Shen family behind. Shen He, realizing they should now have time for him, began to hum again.

Fortunately, the male lead was present and understood his needs.

Qi Zhuoyun inquired of Zhong Hong, "Do we have any food? Sugar water or sheep's milk? Feed him some. Once we're back in the palace, we'll find a wet nurse for him."

Zhong Hong lifted the carriage curtain, issuing orders. Soon, someone brought over sheep's milk.

Various snacks were also presented before the young prince.

While Zhong Hong fed Shen He the sheep's milk, Qi Zhuoyun sated his hunger with the snacks.

Shen He was starving. Babies need to eat every few hours. He was born in the middle of the previous night, and only now was he having his first meal, eagerly lapping at the spoon's offering.

He wasn't adept at feeding. The infant's control over his body was still undeveloped. Fortunately, Zhong Hong understood and chuckled, saying, "Your Highness is attentive. It was my oversight. This is the young master's first feed since birth, and he seems very hungry from his demeanor."

How could Shen He possibly eat?

His mouth remained closed, his face turning red from holding back, his entire body radiating resistance.

The wet nurse, seeing his adamant refusal, had no choice but to explain the situation to Shen He's attending palace maid.

The palace maid in pink hurried over, startled by Shen He's flushed and tense face.

The wet nurse wondered, "It's odd. Normally, the young master should be hungry after waking from a nap. Why is he refusing milk?"

The palace maid didn't have an answer. Unfortunately, despite trying with several other wet nurses prepared for Shen He, he kept his lips sealed, refusing to feed.

Left with no alternative, they sent word to Qi Zhuoyun while also requesting warm goat milk from the kitchen.

Fortunately, Shen He didn't resist the goat milk and happily lapped it from the spoon.

By the time Qi Zhuoyun arrived, Shen He was joyously slurping, his sparkling eyes seemingly filled with laughter.

The wet nurses, standing to the side, didn't underestimate this young crown prince, instead feeling somewhat apprehensive in his presence.

Thankfully, the young prince didn't voice any concerns, merely suggesting they wait to see if Shen He develops a preference later on. If he still resists, then feeding him goat milk would suffice to keep him fed.

Hearing the male lead's words, Shen He silently agreed in his heart.

Drinking goat milk is fine; perhaps there's no need for a wet nurse.

After finishing his milk, Shen He felt rejuvenated and set his sights on Qi Zhuoyun, seemingly looking for some affection.

He made soft noises, his eyes darting curiously, focusing intently on Qi Zhuoyun.

Even without any eunuch or palace maid interpreting Shen He's actions, Qi Zhuoyun understood.

Qi Zhuoyun reached out, and the palace maid carefully handed over the little prince.

Once in the male lead's arms, Shen He's attention didn't waver, fixating on his chin.

Clearly conveying, "I only adore you!"

Although his mother placed him next to the male lead right from the start, in the future, he couldn't possibly become a powerful minister aiding the male lead. Instead, he'd likely be a freeloader.

To ensure he's not seen as a burden in the male lead's future endeavors, Shen He must work hard to gain favor!

Qi Zhuoyun lowered his gaze, meeting the infant's intense stare, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips.

However, he couldn't spend much time here.

Being the crown prince, especially after the death of the empress, he found himself surrounded by adversaries. His time was limited.

In the brief moment he spent holding Shen He, someone hurriedly approached, footsteps echoing with urgency.

Seeing him cradling the child, the voice that was about to break out from his throat softened slightly. However, the urgency was still palpable, "Your Highness, Duke Shen has entered the palace to plead with His Majesty. He hopes that the Emperor will intervene and request you to hand over the young Master Shen for upbringing in the Duke's mansion."

Shen He's reaction was immediate - this couldn't be happening.

No way! If he went there, he'd not survive a month!

His father was ineffectual, and while his grandparents might protect him, the Duke's mansion was filled with all sorts of individuals. Being unable to speak at this age, he wouldn't even know if someone poisoned him.

Qi Zhuoyun, of course, had no intention of handing over Shen He.

The slight smile that had just appeared on his face vanished once again.

Despite his young age, he suddenly seemed shadowed by gloom.

Handing Shen He to a palace maid, he gently poked Shen He's soft cheek with a finger. Turning around, he whispered, "Where is Zhong Hong? Have him accompany me to the Hall of Diligent Government to see the Emperor."

Qi Zhuoyun murmured, "With the Empress gone, and while I remain the Crown Prince, if I can't even protect an infant, she would surely be disappointed."

Shen He desperately wished he could go to the palace with him.

His mind raced with scenes from the original storyline: the young prince confronting Duke Shen in the Hall, standing up for the young Shen. Such moments were highlights, even the thought of which was exhilarating!

Sadly, he wouldn't witness this magnificent moment of the male lead firsthand.

With forlorn eyes, Shen He watched the male lead depart, only to be left staring boredly at the ceiling beam, replaying events in his mind.

After reliving the narrative, he reminisced about his college entrance exam answers, mentally grading himself.

Finishing his self-assessment, he felt regretful not knowing the actual score.

He had outdone himself this time and probably would have made it to a prestigious university. His parents would've been so proud.

He wondered if his body in the modern world had died from exhaustion after reading all night. How would his parents have reacted upon finding him?

A moment of sadness overcame him, but he quickly rallied.

Shen He pondered, he hadn't even had a boyfriend yet. If he grew up in this world, he'd have to come out of the closet again, quite a hassle.

But, considering his status in this world, whether he found a boyfriend or girlfriend, who could dictate his choices?

Thinking this way, Shen He felt slightly uplifted.

He soon dozed off amidst these wandering thoughts.