chapter 8

Chapter 8: A Day of Play

Shen He was acutely aware of his role.

He aimed to establish a good relationship with his grandparents, seeking their affection and closeness.

Before leaving, Shen He didn't forget to flutter over to the carriage window, flashing a smile towards his grandparents.

Seeing the younger versions of his grandparents looking at him with such reluctance to part, Shen He knew he had succeeded.

His grandparents, whether in this version 2.0 or not, truly adored him.

Quite different from his 2.0 version father, who had become so unlikable.

Just thinking about it made Shen He's fists clench.

If the older Shen comrade were here, he'd surely want to punch his 2.0 version self.

As Shen He was brooding with a belly full of anger, a pair of hands reached from behind, lifting him into a warm embrace.

He was then forcibly turned around to face the male lead eye-to-eye.

The young Crown Prince positioned the child on his lap, facing him. He supported Shen He's back, making the child almost lie against his arm, then leaned down to meet his gaze.

A serious stare-off ensued.

Shen He was startled by this intense gesture.

His eyes widened, fixating on the male lead, not daring to budge.

Could it be?

Had the destined male lead discovered his time-traveler identity and was planning to execute him on the spot?

Shen He pursed his lips, holding his breath.

Then, with a stern young face, the male lead solemnly imparted wisdom to the not-yet-one-year-old toddler, "Human hearts can be wicked."

Shen He: "??"

What are you talking about, my dear male lead?

Do you think it's appropriate to say this to an infant, huh?

However, the male lead remained oblivious to his inner thoughts.

The male lead was earnestly educating the child, hoping to shield him from future adversities.

Qi Zhuoyun spoke, “The wickedness of human nature is beyond your wildest imagination. Even though you're still young, your lineage sets you apart from ordinary people. The responsibilities you bear and the wealth and power you possess are of equal weight. Many covet what you have, and they'd be willing to harm or even consume you for it...”

Shen He: “...”

Even Zhong Hong, within the carriage, was left speechless and hesitant.

The young Crown Prince seemed prepared to deliver a lengthy lecture, warning Shen He of the world's treacherous nature, urging him not to easily trust anyone, as most surrounding him may harbor ill intentions.

But Shen He had no intentions of playing along.

Enough is enough, Professor Male Lead. This dark psychological lecture can cease now.

He wriggled out of the young Crown Prince's hold.

The young Crown Prince was momentarily startled. Thankfully, Shen He didn't fall. Instead, he turned away, laying face-down on his legs.

With his pudgy little bottom in the air and his body curled, he looked even more like a little dumpling.

The young Crown Prince's extensive lecture was ruthlessly interrupted by his not-yet-a-year-old pupil.

He could only lift the little dumpling, allowing him to stand, nestled between his legs and leaning against them.

Qi Zhuoyun's youthful face displayed an adult's worry, and he sighed deeply, “In the future, I won't always be by your side. If you're ever bullied, remember to tell your brother. Understand?”

It was the first time Shen He heard the male lead address himself this way.

He blinked in curiosity.

The young Crown Prince typically referred to himself as "I," asserting his royal identity and distinguishing himself from others.

From birth, the male lead had been the Crown Prince, and upon his successful accession, he became the Emperor.

Shen He was always aware of this and never saw the male lead as ordinary.

In fact, he held the male lead in high regard, seeing him with a hint of fanboy admiration and a certain closeness.

But not complete closeness.

A barrier existed between them, one that commoners couldn't surpass.

Until now, when the young Crown Prince, with his boyish face, imparted his wisdom, shifting from referring to himself as "I."

Shen He felt a peculiar sensation.

The young Crown Prince sighed once more, murmuring, “What's the point? By the time I stand up for you, the harm would've already been done.”

He looked at Shen He again, taking hold of Shen He's plump hand, admonishing, "In the future, stand up for yourself. If someone tries to bully you, fight back. You can assert yourself, but never let others push you around. In this capital, I've got your back."

The young prince, with a rare hint of amusement in his otherwise stern eyes, finally relaxed. He gently pinched Shen He’s chubby cheek, saying, "My power and influence will protect you from anything."

If that's not enough, he'll seize even more power.

Until he ascends to the ultimate throne.

Shen He was deeply touched!

He lay on the prince's lap, resting his chin on the prince’s palm, looking up with a wide grin.

He truly chose the right person to ally with.

However, the way you're raising this child, dear protagonist, is quite indulgent.

Thankfully, the one you're pampering now is not a real child.

Otherwise, wouldn’t he grow up to be a menace? What if he commits grave sins?

Who would have thought that Shen He had the guts to side with the rebels and raise the very protagonist himself?

Perhaps that audacity was nurtured bite by bite by the protagonist.

Zhong Hong chuckled, "Your Highness, the young master is still too young to understand your words. I doubt there's anyone foolish enough in the capital to dare bully him. There's no need for undue concern."

Shen He silently agreed.

Indeed, with his current elevated status, even the prince refers to himself as Shen He's brother. He reckoned even if the prince’s real brother confronted him, he could easily fend him off.

Shen He was ecstatic, imagining the future.

When the protagonist becomes the emperor, won't he be unstoppable?

However, he mustn't become too complacent.

The thought of living off his "brother" occurred to Shen He, but he quickly pushed it aside.

He definitely wouldn't want to get involved in the protagonist's affairs. As the saying goes, "Serving the king is like sleeping with a tiger." They're better off as pure siblings.

Let the elder brother do the heavy lifting, while he, the accessory, will applaud from the sidelines.

He also needs to plan for his future.

It’s always good to be prepared.

Shen He isn't in a rush; he's not even a year old. He couldn’t act even if he wanted to.

He has many years ahead to ponder and decide.

After they returned to the Eastern Palace, the young prince became busy again, and Shen He didn’t see him for several days.

Empress Liu Xuan did send someone, every now and then, to take Shen He over for a bit of fun.

Yes, just for some fun.

Shen He was the one being played with.

He resigned himself, allowing his aunt to kiss him on the face, without any resistance.

The empress lifted the child with a shimmering laugh, utterly smitten.

After enough playtime in the palace, she would carry him to the Imperial Garden for more amusement.

This, Shen He found rather intriguing.

Being fearless, he even plucked a bunch of flowers.

In the end, he offered two to his aunt and held onto the rest, intending to gift them to the protagonist upon returning to the Eastern Palace.

Empress Liu Xuan noticed the child’s chubby hands, struggling to hold onto the large bouquet, nearly dropping them.

Then, glancing at the measly two flowers in her hand, she felt a pang of envy, "Who are these flowers for, little He? The prince? Why didn't you give your aunt so many?"

Shen He pondered for a moment and handed her another flower.

That’s all you can have, dear aunt.

Any more would diminish the protagonist’s importance.

Fortunately, with the receipt of another flower, the empress looked at it in astonishment. Overjoyed, she hugged Shen He, giving him two more kisses.

Shen He, still clutching the flowers, tried to resist.

Thank you, Auntie. I know you adore me, but that’s quite enough.

The empress was reluctant to let Shen He go. Only when the young prince sent someone did she finally release the child.

Having spent most of the day with his aunt, Shen He was utterly exhausted and longed for sleep.

To ensure the flowers reached the protagonist’s hands, he fought off fatigue and did not doze off on his way back.

By the time he handed the bouquet to the protagonist, Shen He's hands were sore.

The young prince looked at the bouquet in surprise.

Stroking the child's fluffy head, he smiled, "Did Hehe have fun with Empress Liu Xuan today?"

The child, resting on his leg, didn't respond.

Qi Zhuoyun brushed aside the flowers, looking down to find the child's face resting on his leg, sound asleep.

The chubby cheeks, squished into a puffy mass, seemed even more adorable, tempting one to take a bite, wondering if they'd taste as soft as marshmallow sweets.