chapter 3

Chapter 3: Working

Being a baby was truly tedious.

Especially when the baby's mind housed an energetic, prime-of-youth, 18-year-old high school boy.

Shen He's day could be summarized as an endless cycle of eating and sleeping.

He didn't manage to see Qi Zhuoyun that day.

During his brief moments of wakefulness, Shen He vividly imagined thrilling confrontations between Qi Zhuoyun, the Emperor, and Duke Shen. While his heart raced with excitement, he deeply regretted not being able to witness these scenes firsthand.

The next time Shen He saw Qi Zhuoyun was either the following day or the day after. The constant ebb and flow of sleep blurred his sense of time.

Even before opening his eyes, he overheard the conversation between Zhong Hong and Qi Zhuoyun.

Qi Zhuoyun was young, his voice not yet deepened by puberty, retaining a soft, boyish quality.

Yet this didn't detract from his composed demeanor.

He remarked, “Duke Shen is mediocre and leans heavily on his ancestral privileges. Even a mere concubine by his side can sway his decisions.”

Shen He's ears perked up in interest!

Wow! Was he talking about the incompetent father of this body he now inhabited?

Zhong Hong whispered, "Your Highness, what about the child from the concubine?"

Shen He tried to recall.

Fortunately, he'd just finished reading this novel and remembered the general plot.

“Shen He” was the legitimate son of the Duke Shen's house, but there was an older half-brother, a product of the Duke's beloved concubine.

Shen He's mother was an influential lady from a prominent family, her elder sister being the current favored consort, Consort Liu Xuan. Upon her marriage to the Duke's household, she quickly asserted dominance over the Duke and his mischievous concubines.

With her formidable skills, backed by her own family and Consort Liu Xuan, she ruled the Duke's mansion with an iron fist.

Unfortunately, during her pregnancy, her health waned, providing an opening for the concubines to act. After giving birth and subsequently passing away, control of the Duke's house reverted to the hands of the Duke's favored concubine.

Because Qi Zhuoyun refused to send “Shen He” back to the Duke's mansion, the older son was considered by many as the future heir.

Just as he recalled this, Shen He heard Qi Zhuoyun’s voice.

"There’s no need for unnecessary measures. As long as I'm alive, the Duke’s mansion will belong to Shen He alone."

Shen He couldn't help but flash a gummy grin.

Apologies to my blood-related brother whom I've never met; I'll be reaping the benefits alongside the male lead this time.

With that smile, Shen He made a soft chuckling sound. Lacking teeth, all that was visible was his pink gums.

Both Qi Zhuoyun and Zhong Hong, deep in conversation, looked down at Shen He.

Zhong Hong laughed, "The young master has such a pleasant disposition. According to the palace maids and wet nurses, he hasn't cried once. Now, waking up to see him smile is truly a delight."

Seeing Shen He's gaze directed towards the young prince, and the prince looking down, he remarked, “Young Master Shen seems exceptionally fond of you, Your Highness.”

Qi Zhuoyun leaned down to lift the tiny infant into his arms.

His movements were still somewhat awkward, but compared to a few days ago, he had grown considerably more adept.

His lips curved slightly upward as he softly said in a boyish tone, “Of course. I was there at his birth, named him, and will raise him to adulthood. In this world, I should be the one he trusts and loves the most.”

Being held by the young prince, Shen He, looking up at Qi Zhuoyun's chin, thought to himself: Don't worry, lead, you're the best. I’ll always be by your side, your loyal companion, never betraying you like the original storyline.

But I'm sorry, expecting me to be a significant asset for you in the future might be asking too much. I'd rather be a humble freeloader, not cut out for the role of a power player.

The time Qi Zhuoyun could spend with Shen He was limited.

It wasn’t just because Shen He spent most of his time in the eat-sleep-repeat cycle. Even Qi Zhuoyun, despite being a precocious, politically-astute protagonist, was still only an eight-year-old.

Now motherless and surrounded by lurking dangers, he needed to tread cautiously, soaking up as much knowledge as possible and neglecting nothing.

Only by excelling could he solidify the loyalty of the prince's faction and devise strategies to counter those who sought his downfall.

With boredom threatening to overwhelm him, Shen He revisited the plot in his mind.

One thing became clear: after his official coming-of-age at twenty, the prince would rise to unparalleled heights, ascend to the throne, and make some ruthless decisions.

Following Qi Zhuoyun's ascent at twenty-eight, his most significant crisis was when Shen He, in the original narrative, betrayed him and joined the rebel forces.

Now, as the real Shen He, he obviously wouldn't take such a suicidal path.

His ambition was to be an innocuous freeloader, a harmless ornament to the prince!

Starting now, his mission was to win the prince's favor, proving through actions his unwavering respect and admiration, assuring him of his loyalty.

Shen He mentally gave himself a thumbs up.

As an 18-year-old fresh out of grueling college entrance exams, a luxurious, laid-back life was his idea of a dream existence.

Apart from that, Shen He considered keeping an exit strategy in mind.

Never put all your eggs in one basket. Drawing from his years of reading web novels, he knew that a protagonist in ancient times could always achieve great feats.

Like inventing glass, soap, gunpowder...

During his leisurely web novel reading sessions, Shen He often fantasized about a successful life post-time-travel.

He activated his brain, filled with years of accumulated knowledge, and tried to recall...

Wait, what exactly goes into making soap? How is glass made? The primary ingredients are quartz sand, limestone... and what else?

Shen He was plunged into an awkward silence.

So... is it plagiarism?

Shen He fell silent again.

Never mind, not knowledgeable enough.

Shen He looked like a dreamless "salted fish" (a colloquialism for someone who is unmotivated and inactive), lying in the cradle with lifeless eyes.

The little maidservant in pink, standing by the cradle, remarked to her companion, "Look how adorable young master Shen is. It's the first time I've seen such a beautiful child. He will surely grow into a handsome man."

Another maidservant giggled, "Lianqiao, in a couple of years when you are permitted to leave the palace, you too might find a handsome man and have such a beautiful child."

The two young maidservants immediately burst into hushed giggles and playful banter.

Shen He stared even more blankly, his gaze fixed on the ceiling beams.

Oh heavens, after transmigrating, why do I still have to go through infancy?

When will I finally grow up, speak, and walk?

It's even tough to turn my head now; so much idle time!

Shen He ardently wished and prayed every day for himself to grow faster.

He was startled, his stoic little face displaying a brief moment of panic, as he quickly stood up and held Shen He securely in his arms.

The soft and tiny child in his arms seemed unafraid, both chubby hands grabbing his robe, letting out a joyful laugh.

Qi Zhuoyun lowered his head, gazing at the child's pale, delicate face and clear, laughing eyes, his gaze turning exceptionally tender.

Shen He was also very pleased.

If I can move my arms freely now, how far off can walking be?

Once I can walk, speaking fluently shouldn't be far off either.

Shen He felt a bright future ahead.

Starting from now, it's time to work!

Only one client, but with a 1000% return on investment – who wouldn't envy that?

He leaned into Qi Zhuoyun's embrace, struggling to grip the fingers of the young master, blissfully daydreaming about the future.

Lianqiao, the maidservant attending to Shen He, couldn't help but laugh when she saw this, "Usually, when we maids take care of young master Shen, he never shows such affection to anyone."

Typically, young children recognize and bond with those who care for them.

But this young master is different, no wonder the prince adores him.

Qi Zhuoyun examined Shen He, then gently pinched his face, "Grow up quickly. In the future, you can study and write with me, and I'll personally guide you."

Zhong Hong immediately said, "Your Highness has been praised by the Grand Tutor since childhood. With your guidance, the young master will undoubtedly excel."

Shen He, playing with the young master's hand, tensed at the words.

That won't be necessary.

He's only two months old! Are they already pushing him to excel?