chapter 6

Chapter 6: Real Men Don't Cry

Just as Qi Zhuoyun was about to rise, Consort Liu Xuan swiftly held back Shen He, saying, "Little He, you've already had your share, you can't give this to the Crown Prince."

She then glared at Quezhi, "Well? Aren't you going to peel and pit the peach for His Highness?"

Quezhi quickly apologized, "My apologies, I've already ordered it to be prepared. I'll go and hurry them up."

Before she finished speaking, a young eunuch arrived with slices of peach neatly arranged on a plate, placing it respectfully beside the young prince.

Shen He glanced at his own, now seemingly rejected, whole peach, then at the main character's cleanly peeled and sliced pieces. Determinedly, he bit into the juicy flesh of his fruit.

Hmph, the main character sure gets the VIP treatment.

Just wait. Once all his teeth grow in, he’ll enjoy the crisp sound of biting directly into a peach and won't envy those neat slices.

Qi Zhuoyun halted his actions to glance again at Shen He.

The little guy, with a peach almost as large as his head, had his entire face buried in it.

Qi Zhuoyun tried a piece of the peach and found it quite delightful.

Shen He continued to munch on his peach while eavesdropping on his great-aunt and the main character discussing serious matters.

The young prince remarked, "After the first birthday celebration, I will regularly send the young master back to the Duke's residence to spend time with the old duke and the duchess. May I know your thoughts on this, Consort?"

Being the legitimate heir, Shen He's succession to the title of the Duke of Shen was beyond dispute. With the support and favor of the senior Duke and Duchess, his path would be much smoother.

Naturally, Consort Liu Xuan would consider what's best for her nephew. She pondered, gently pinching the child's soft earlobe and wiping away the drool that was about to dribble down his neck, "Your Highness can be assured. My sister has always been astute since childhood. Since she entrusted Little He to you, I won't interfere with your decisions regarding him."

Looking up at the young prince, her gaze meticulous, she slowly said, "Given how obedient Little He is, I believe he will grow up to honor his mother's promises. I hope Your Highness will keep your word as well."

Between the lines, she was warning the young prince on behalf of her nephew, signaling him to treat Shen He with genuine care and not just on the surface.

Consort Liu Xuan initially thought of finding an excuse to take Shen He under the Liu family's wing.

However, after much contemplation, she abandoned the idea.

The Liu family might not necessarily offer a peaceful environment. Moreover, there wasn't anyone suitable in the Liu household to raise Little He.

Her siblings had multiple children of their own. Introducing Shen He into such a bustling environment, he might not receive the same level of upbringing as he would in the Eastern Palace.

This sentiment was reinforced upon seeing the child, as delicate as a jade dumpling.

Introducing such a soft and gentle child into the Liu family might expose him to bullying by his numerous cousins.

Her family members might inevitably show favoritism to their own children.

She couldn't bear the thought of this little bundle facing such unfairness.

The young prince replied, "Rest assured, Your Highness."

Shen He, holding onto his peach, appeared bewildered.

Huh?

What were they talking about?

It felt like he understood, yet he didn't.

He had read the original story. How could he not grasp the subtle communication between the male lead and his aunt?

While Shen He nibbled on his peach and the negotiations between Consort Liu Xuan and the young prince concluded, all that remained of the peach was a battered skin.

As they prepared to leave, Zhonghong moved to take Shen He from Consort Liu Xuan's arms.

Qi Zhuoyun was a step faster, approaching the consort and bending down to lift Shen He.

Consort Liu Xuan, with a hint of reluctance, noticed the little boy eagerly leaning forward, showing a distinct preference to be held by the young prince. She quietly mused, "In the future, if this child becomes closer to strangers than his own blood, what are we to do?"

Contrary to Consort Liu Xuan's concerns, Qi Zhuoyun was in high spirits.

Shen He was reluctant to let go of his half-peeled peach, gripping it tightly.

His little hands couldn't hold it securely with just one hand; he needed both.

Thus, in a slightly awkward pose, he reached out with both hands holding the peach and lunged into the arms of the young prince, feeling secure once he was cradled.

Settled comfortably in his embrace, Shen He rested his head against the young prince's chest and continued to nibble on the peach.

Qi Zhuoyun lowered his gaze, easily spotting the little head pressed against his chest, and the cherished peach Shen He was holding.

The peach looked quite battered, covered in tiny bite marks.

He couldn't help but curve the corners of his mouth, revealing a youthful smile.

Consort Liu Xuan ordered a young eunuch to bring all the peaches from her palace, carrying them in a basket and following behind the young prince's entourage, delivering them to the Eastern Palace.

Shen He, leaning against the young prince's shoulder, could clearly see the basket held by the eunuch.

His great-aunt truly cared for him.

Upon their return to the Eastern Palace, Shen He overheard Zhonghong saying to Qi Zhuoyun, "Your Highness, the Duke of Shen's residence has sent word requesting that the young master be sent over for a while to get acquainted. This will ensure he won’t be overwhelmed by the many unfamiliar faces on the day of the banquet. What do you think?"

Without hesitation, Qi Zhuoyun responded, "There's no need. He's well-behaved and won't be meeting too many people at the banquet."

As he spoke, Qi Zhuoyun's hand caressed the back of Shen He's head, his fingers playing with the delicate soft hair.

With the child resting against his shoulder and the soft crunching sound of peach biting, he could easily imagine the efforts of those tiny front teeth trying to tear the flesh.

Qi Zhuoyun thought that Shen He might spend the entire day nibbling on that peach.

Zhonghong promptly replied, "Understood, I will convey the message to the Duke's residence shortly."

Qi Zhuoyun suddenly had a change of heart, "Tell the Duke's residence that I'll send him over a few times before the banquet."

He didn't quite trust leaving Shen He at the Duke's residence.

But indeed, the attendees for the first birthday celebration were numerous, and he was concerned that the little one might get overwhelmed and cry.

Shen He rarely cried, and the young prince didn't want any oversight on his part to upset him.

Shen He had been listening the entire time.

He thought to himself, "Don't worry, bro, I got this."

The Duke of Shen's residence would later be one of the primary supporters for the male lead. Eating and drinking at his expense, Shen He knew that when it came to the matter of inheritance, he'd naturally align with the male lead's interests.

While he might not be adept at many things yet, winning the hearts of elders and acting endearingly shouldn't pose a challenge for a soon-to-be university student like him.

Shen He clearly recognized his role as a cornerstone in the male lead's path to ascension and was determined to fulfill his duty!

Fueled by the ambition to indirectly assist the male lead in his endeavors, Shen He clutched the peach and took a bite, tearing off a piece as big as a fingernail.

Thus, Shen He blissfully lived for a while, enjoying a life where he could leisurely nibble on peaches.

After biting into the crispy peach, what was left for him was a softer peach, which was easier to eat.

Shen He didn't particularly favor soft peaches, but he still enjoyed eating them immensely.

Once he finished the peaches given by his aunt, the male protagonist was finally ready to take him to Shen's mansion.

Today, Shen He wore garments similar to the young prince's, dyed in deep blue with crane patterns on it. Most likely, they were cut from the same piece of cloth.

While the young prince looked as graceful as an elegant jade tree, Shen He resembled a short and chubby walking dumpling.

After admiring his new attire for a while, Shen He, with a hint of envy, looked up to the tall and lean prince. If they were in the modern world, the prince would surely be a promising basketball player.

When would he grow tall like a springing onion?

However, his resentment towards his short stature vanished quickly.

Restlessly, he leaned into Zhong Hong's embrace, unable to sit still.

The carriage swayed gently; occasionally, a gust of wind would lift the curtain slightly, revealing the scenes of the street.

Shen He, filled with excitement, wanted to peek out and see the authentic ancient streets.

The child was so lively and energetic that Zhong Hong almost couldn't hold him.

With a resigned expression, Zhong Hong steadied Shen He by holding his back, allowing him to stand on his lap and slightly lifted the curtain for him to see outside.

Shen He's eyes sparkled.

The outside was bustling with activity.

In the main streets of the capital, carriages and horses moved continuously, and numerous stalls lined both sides, filled with the clamor of voices.

Unlike the neon lights and car horns of the modern world, the sense of prosperity was just as overwhelming.

Shen He hopped with joy, his little nose twitching as he caught various tantalizing scents.

It smelled so good.

Darn, when would he get all his teeth to devour all these foods boldly!?

Qi Zhuoyun watched as the excited child seemed as if he might jump out of the window, his clothes hitched up, revealing a soft, white belly.

He reached out and pulled down Shen He's clothing.

Upon arriving at Shen's mansion, Shen He's excitement hadn't waned.

Shen's mansion was grandiose, located on a bustling street. The residence was vast, with a long boundary wall, and two imposing stone lions stood guard at the entrance, with a bright red door adorned with rings shaped like tiger's mouths.

As their carriage halted, guards promptly opened the doors. While one of them went inside to notify others, another saluted the young prince, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Afterward, his gaze drifted to the child in Zhong Hong's arms.

That's the young master of their Duke's Mansion.

Qi Zhuoyun's face remained neutral, and after leading Zhong Hong and the rest inside, he received formal greetings from the Duke and his party.

Once they were seated, all eyes were drawn to Shen He.

The most excited were the elder Duke and the elder Duchess.

Both didn't seem particularly old, appearing to be in their late forties or early fifties. Upon seeing Shen He, they couldn't take their eyes off him.

The current Duke of Shen stood to the side, seeing his biological son for the first time. A smile appeared on his face, but he didn't seem as thrilled as the elder Duke and Duchess.

Qi Zhuoyun quickly assessed the reactions of everyone in the room.

It indeed was the right decision not to let Shen He grow up in the Duke's Mansion.

The elder Duke revealed a warm and friendly smile, saying, "Is this little He? May your grandfather hold you?"

The elder Duchess also looked at Shen He with anticipation, remarking, "Little He resembles his mother. With such features, he will undoubtedly grow up to be quite the charmer."

The child in Zhong Hong's arms, seemingly taken aback, rotated his clear, large eyes, scanning everyone present. Eventually, he fixated on the elder Duke, who was closest to him.

He didn't move closer, his little face even appearing solemn.

Not just the elder Duke, who was meeting Shen He for the first time, but also Zhong Hong and Qi Zhuoyun were surprised by the boy's expression.

Qi Zhuoyun felt an urge to pinch that serious, little dumpling face.

Within the Eastern Palace, Shen He was affectionate and warm towards all the guards, fearing none.

Inside Princess Liu Xuan's chamber, he was equally outgoing. If someone offered to hold him, he'd obediently go into the Princess's arms.

They thought this little fellow wasn't shy around strangers.

Was he actually?

Only Shen He knew the seismic shifts in his pupils and the immense shock in his heart at this moment.

Weren't these his father, his grandfather, and his grandmother?!

Although they looked much younger, Shen He recognized his relatives to his core. How could he be mistaken?

The elder Duke's gesture, reaching out with that smiling, expectant face, resembled exactly how Shen He's grandfather played with him when he was little.

Shen He had been living in this unfamiliar place for almost a year, resigning to the idea that he might never return to the modern world or see his family again.

Suddenly seeing the faces he'd dream of, he was profoundly shocked.

His eyes welled up, nearly bursting into tears right in front of his grandfather.

Thus, everyone watched as the child in Zhong Hong's arms stared wide-eyed at the elder Duke for a long moment. Shortly after, his lips pursed, and his large eyes welled up with tears, his eyelids and the tip of his nose reddening.

The snow-white little bundle, showing such an expression, seemed as if he had faced the most significant injustice.

The elder Duke was taken aback, immediately feeling embarrassed.

Subconsciously, he took a step back, frantically trying to console, "Oh dear, don't cry, don't cry. Grandfather won't hold you, won't hold you..."

The young prince was also stunned. Furrowing his brow, he wanted to take the child from Zhong Hong and soothe him himself.

Had he known, he wouldn't have brought Shen He today to avoid the tears.

But then Qi Zhuoyun thought, the child needs to get used to strangers.

If not today, there would be even more people to meet at his first birthday celebration.

Qi Zhuoyun felt overwhelmed by this inexplicable sensation of forcing himself to stay strong, witnessing the child's tearful growth.

Before he could hold the child, the next moment surprised him.

With a quivering lip and eyes brimming with tears, the child, seemingly on the brink of crying, reached out eagerly towards the elder Duke.

Everyone paused in astonishment.

The first to react was Zhong Hong.

He stepped forward, handing Shen He to the elder Duke, "Lord Shen, the young master recognizes you."

The elder Duke tenderly held the teary-eyed child close, gazing down at him with wonder.

Once in his embrace, the child affectionately grasped his robe with his chubby hands and buried his face in his chest.

The gesture of closeness was self-evident.