chapter 23

Chapter 23: vah vah~

A new student joined the class midway.

Dr. Min first introduced the other children to Shen He's name and status.

He then began his lesson.

From poetry to archery, Shen He didn't catch a word.

In the ancient classroom, Shen He's first lesson was mathematics.

Initially intrigued, the child's large eyes were fixed on Dr. Min.

As the lecture progressed, he began to feel drowsy.

He propped his chin on both hands, resting his entire face on the table.

While this height made reading and writing a challenge, Shen He discovered it was perfect for a nap.

When his hands grew numb, he struggled to pull a book from the tabletop to use as a chin rest.

Liu Zheng already knew the content of the lecture, having learned it during his time in the Liu household. By rights, he should be in the next grade.

However, now that his younger cousin had joined, he felt the need to inform his family and spend another year in the current grade.

Liu Zheng occasionally glanced at Shen He's little movements.

Quietly resting his face on the table, Shen He would periodically adjust his position, seemingly in discomfort.

His delicate chin was already showing red marks from the pressure.

Liu Zheng, after a few glances and noticing Dr. Min engrossed in his lesson, discreetly extended his hand to prop up Shen He's chin.

With sparkling eyes, Shen He turned to his cousin, smiling sneakily like a mischievous mouse, then tenderly held Liu Zheng's supporting hand.

Above.

Dr. Min observed the antics of the two youngsters.

Given the newcomer's tender age and overall good behavior, he decided to turn a blind eye.

Soon after, the child fell asleep.

The deep sleep kind of grin.

Liu Zheng quietly lifted the child off the desk, letting him rest his head on his lap.

The child's face was squished to one side, soft and pudgy. Cousin Liu Zheng sat upright, intently listening to Dr. Min's lecture.

Secretly, he would sneak touches to the child's cheeks, gently poking and caressing.

So soft, feels really nice.

Dr. Min glanced over once, then again.

The young lord of the Liu family had a very serious expression, eager to learn. It would be even better if his hands weren't hidden beneath the desk.

Shen He slept straight through until noon.

During the midday break, Dr. Min left, and the classroom instantly buzzed with activity.

Qi Yanbing turned around, leaning over the long table in front of Liu Zheng, asking with surprise, "Huh? Where's our little brother?"

Liu Zheng: "..."

He wasn't particularly eager to engage with his friend.

It didn't take Qi Yanbing long to spot Tuanzi (a nickname). Stretching his neck, he chuckled, "Has our little one been sleeping half the day away? Wake up, Tuanzi! The sun's high in the sky!"

Tuanzi, still drowsy, furrowed his brow, trying to sit up.

Subconsciously, he mumbled, "Lianqiao..."

Liu Zheng helped the child sit up, "Want some water, Xiao He?"

Only then did Shen He recall that he had come to school.

Lianqiao and Heling didn't accompany him to the academy today.

Rubbing his eyes with his tiny hands, Shen He sat up, still feeling sleepy, and his cousin fed him a generous sip of water.

That finally snapped him out of his drowsiness.

His temples were damp with sweat from his nap, and there was a drool stain at the corner of his mouth.

Liu Zheng wiped him off and playfully inquired, "Did you enjoy Dr. Min's lecture, Xiao He?"

Shen He, who had slept all morning: "..."

Shen He blinked, spotting a grinning Qi Yanbing across the table, instantly perking up.

Servants and palace attendants from various households began to arrive, bringing lunch for the children.

Liu Zheng took Shen He outside to a small pavilion, joining Qi Yanbing and another child.

The East Palace's servants seemed to be delayed. Food brought by the Liu family and Prince Heng's mansion filled the stone table, with Shen He being fed from both sides.

After having eaten a bit, the Fifth Prince wandered into the pavilion.

Glancing at the spread and then at Shen He, he smugly announced, "Look, the East Palace didn't even send your lunch. They've completely forgotten you. Nobody likes you, you little pest!"

The cheeky little prince went on, "Your food looks bland. What my mother had sent is the best, and I bet you've never seen anything like it."

He had kept his short arms behind his back the entire time, but now, triumphantly, he presented what he held: a bunch of grapes.

Green grapes, translucent and radiant like jade marbles, with droplets of water making them look incredibly tempting and sweet.

It was just a tiny bunch, no larger than a palm.

Observing the Fifth Prince, it was evident that he cherished it dearly, not daring to pluck even a single one to eat, opting instead to flaunt it first.

Shen He chewed and chewed, trying his best to swallow the large piece of braised pork that Qi Yanbing had just fed him.

His mouth was filled with the rich aroma of the meat.

Then he commented, "It's sour."

The Fifth Prince immediately grew annoyed, puffing out his chubby cheeks, retorting with irritation, "It's not sour! These are green grapes. You've never had them, have you? To not even know that!"

Shen He blinked innocently, "Then you try one."

He did give a warning though. If the little one cries from the sourness later, it wouldn't be on him.

In Shen He's eyes, the Fifth Prince looked particularly upset, thinking that if he couldn't prove the goodness of his treat, it would be utterly humiliating.

How would he stand tall in front of the one who'd once hit him?

The Fifth Prince grabbed two grapes, opening his mouth wide and signaling Shen He with an elongated "Ahh", implying that he'd take the challenge.

Biting into it, the unripe grape burst with sour juice.

Fifth Prince: "..."

He immediately spat it out, his youthful face scrunching up, vividly displaying an expression of anguish.

Probably in all his years, the Fifth Prince had never tasted something so unpalatable. Startled by the intense sourness, he promptly threw the remaining grapes on the ground and ran off crying.

It's hard to tell if he cried from the sourness or if it was a blow to his young pride.

Regardless, the little guy's retreating figure appeared particularly distraught.

Shen He chuckled mischievously.

Of course, he had seen and tasted green grapes before. When ripe, they were incredibly sweet, but when unripe, they could be sour enough to make one's teeth ache.

Those grapes had been delivered to the Eastern Palace a few days ago. His aunt had also sent him quite a lot.

Naturally, having tasted one himself, Shen He wasn't about to share that fact.

Watching the whole spectacle as if it were a comedy, Qi Yanbing first looked at the Fifth Prince, then at Shen He, who was seated on a stone bench with just his head visible above the table. Finally, as he watched the Fifth Prince leave in frustration, he remarked with admiration, "Our little brother is truly impressive. I heard you hit the Fifth Prince before. I didn't believe it then, but now I do."

Shen He: "?"

Oh, had his reputation spread that far?

Even toddlers in kindergarten knew about it?

Yet, Shen He found the whole thing somewhat perplexing.

Why hasn't his lunch arrived yet?

Given his knack for freeloading, he'll never go hungry.

Shen He was about to speak with glee, "Brother, I want that one."

Then a voice said, "Young master, His Highness has come to see you."

It was Zhong Hong's voice.

His Highness?

Shen He's eyes lit up suddenly, turning to look at the person approaching from outside the pavilion.

If not the young prince, then who could it be?

He slid off the stone bench in a swift move, startling Liu Zheng nearby who almost thought he'd fall.

Yet the child, beaming with joy and with his tiny legs, ran towards the prince.

He jubilantly called out, "Brother! Brother!"

His face still smeared with food stains.

Qi Zhuoyun, watching the child happily eat, felt an indescribable emotion.

On his way here, he was worried about being late and whether He would feel slighted.

Although Zhong Hong mentioned that He's little cousin was there, Qi Zhuoyun was still not at ease.

He had personally raised this child, how could the Liu family's child take good care of him?

It wasn't until he reached the pavilion and saw the child's face smeared with grease, interacting warmly with his little cousin, that...

Clearly, he's been faring well; it seems my presence or absence doesn't make much of a difference.

A tinge of envy crept into the young prince's heart.

It had been a long time since he'd felt such warmth.

Yet, upon seeing him, the child dashed over without a moment's hesitation.

The young prince cast aside the whirl of thoughts in his mind, squatting down to naturally embrace Shen He, without disdain. He took out his own handkerchief to wipe the boy's mouth clean.

The child held up his hand and said, "There’s some here too, Brother. Wipe it for me."

Pouting playfully, he said, "Brother, why did you arrive so late? I've eaten so much already."

Saying this, he patted his slightly bulging belly with his now-clean hand.

Qi Zhuoyun suddenly felt his spirits lift.

He folded the handkerchief with one hand, handed it to Zhong Hong, and whispered, "Brother brought some treats for you. Since Hehe is already full, do you still want some?"

Shen He immediately nodded, "Yes!"

How could he refuse? He was only half-full.

The others in the pavilion paid their respects to Qi Zhuoyun.

Only after tidying up the child did Qi Zhuoyun have a moment to acknowledge them, "No need for formalities. Please, take your seats. I merely came to see Hehe."

Zhong Hong, ever the observant one, immediately instructed the palace maids to clear the nearly finished dishes and replace them with the food they brought. He smiled warmly, saying, "Young Lord Liu, Young Lord Zheng, and Young Prince, why not join us? Thank you all for taking such good care of the young master."

Qi Yanbing's mouth twitched in response.

He looked as if he wanted to flee but dared not move.

Even Dr. Min hadn't received such a reaction from him.

With the others preoccupied, the young Lord Liu courteously said, "Thank you, Your Highness, and Eunuch Zhong. Hehe is my cousin, and it's only right to look after him."

He turned his gaze to his little cousin.

With the arrival of the crown prince, his little cousin had no place to sit.

He was about to offer his lap when,

The crown prince, holding the child, seated himself right where Shen He had been.

The words Liu Zheng was about to speak caught in his throat.

Sitting amidst the children, Qi Zhuoyun looked every bit the adult, slightly out of place.

Tall and long-legged, his presence made the pavilion feel notably more cramped.

Shen He sat on his lap, no longer limited to just poking his head out.

Leaning against Qi Zhuoyun, he pointed and said, "Big bro, I want that!"

Chicken leg! Chicken leg! Big chicken leg!

Qi Zhuoyun obliged, picking one up for him.

Watching the child eat with his hands, he didn’t mind.

Shen He, adhering to the principle of offering the best bite to the male lead first, tilted his little head back and held the chicken leg up, “Big bro, have some!”

The little prince was even more delighted.

He bent down and took a bite from the chicken leg in the child’s hand.

Just a small bite.

Over the years, the little prince had clearly understood the child's intent of offering food.

Offering him a bite meant just for tasting, not a big gulp.

Shen He, seeing the chicken leg with just a small bite missing, was very satisfied and began to nibble eagerly.

Qi Yanbing watched the prince and Shen Xiaobao interact as if no one else was around, then glanced at Liu Zheng, who resolutely stayed put, and quietly observed the young master of the Zheng family.

Maybe the two of them should leave?

Young Master Zheng: Do you think I dare to move?

To most people, the prince was a very majestic and aloof figure.

Although they knew he wasn't much older than them, because they rarely saw him and had heard from elders countless stories about the young prince's cold and imposing character, about how remarkable he was, the prince was someone they deemed extremely intimidating and dared not approach.

Now having seen Qi Zhuoyun, they dared move even less.

Even Qi Yanbing seemed like a mouse in the presence of a cat.

He had witnessed his grandfather discussing matters with the young prince in the royal mansion.

Back then, the prince was much younger, not as tall, with a child’s voice, yet he was already formidable.

He's become even more so now.

It's impressive that Liu Zheng could just stand here without moving a muscle.

Qi Yanbing deeply respected his friend for that.

Probably because the aura of two trembling mice was too pronounced.

Qi Zhuoyun fed the child, finally having a moment to notice others.

When his gaze shifted from his own child, the warmth in his eyes diminished.

The prince glanced at Qi Yanbing and said, “In the academy, watch over him for me. Ensure that the Fifth Prince doesn’t bully him.”

Qi Yanbing, in the midst of sipping water, nearly choked.

He obediently set down his cup and nodded, “Understood, Royal Uncle. I'll take good care of my younger brother.”

The prince’s dark eyes narrowed, “He calls me 'Big Bro'."

Qi Yanbing: “...”

Shen He, munching on his chicken leg, was all ears.

At those words, he choked on his chicken, coughing violently.

What kind of complicated kinship was this?

Qi Zhuoyun gently lifted the child’s chin with one hand and patted his back with the other, ensuring Shen He spit out the piece of meat. Then he offered him some water, his tone gentle yet slightly reprimanding, “Eat slowly.”

Tears formed in Shen He’s eyes from coughing so hard.

Qi Zhuoyun whispered, “We’ll eat more after school. You’re full now.”

He felt the child's tummy, round and full. Another bite, and he’d be stuffed.

Shen He whispered, “Big Bro, are you his uncle?”

Qi Zhuoyun nodded, “Yes.”

He teased the little one, “You can call him uncle too.”

The child cupped his face with both hands, muttering, “I don't want to.”

There was no need for that.

A weight lifted from Qi Yanbing’s heart. He narrowly avoided an implied demotion in rank.

If he addressed Shen He as 'Young Uncle', wouldn't that make Liu Zheng his uncle too? Then, in this children’s house, most of the kids would rank above him.

Unacceptable.

To divert Shen Xiaobao from reconsidering, Qi Yanbing cleverly changed the subject, “Royal Uncle, but I may not have control over the Fifth Prince…”

He scratched his cheek, “I am his nephew, after all. What if the Fifth Prince complains to Empress Yun…”

Qi Zhuoyun replied, “You can always complain to me.”

The little Shen Xiaobao in his arms, not wanting to be overlooked, swayed his tiny dangling legs and raised his chubby hands to join in the conversation.

In his babyish voice, he declared, “I can complain on my own!”

Besides, could he, a dignified eighteen-year-old, really be bullied by a five or six-year-old toddler?

Who's underestimating whom?

Qi Zhuoyun gazed at the fluffy soft hair atop the child’s head, “Then you both can file your complaints.”

The child, eager to prove he wasn’t to be trifled with, turned and pointed to the ground for Qi Zhuoyun to see, “He just cried! I made him cry.”

A five or six-year-old toddler had been brought to tears, embarrassed.

Qi Zhuoyun spotted grapes on the ground. Such grapes were exclusive royal tributes, only found within the palace.

It wasn’t hard to guess who they belonged to.

He could likely imagine the scene where the Fifth Prince dropped the grapes and left in tears.

Qi Zhuoyun praised, “Hehe is quite impressive.”

Shen He: ……

Yes, he was pretty impressive.

But was that what he meant?

He was conveying that he’s a tough guy, not needing to tattle to maintain his tough-guy status!

A real man carves his own path!

Well, maybe not.

In any case, let the male lead handle his state affairs.

As for kindergarten issues, he could handle them himself!

Qi Zhuoyun made a special trip to the children's residence to see the child.

Nearly all the top scholars and officials from the Imperial Academy rushed to greet him.

But they were a step late. After ensuring the child was adjusting well and seemed happy, Qi Zhuoyun departed to attend to his other duties.

This visit also served to let others know the extent of his regard for this child.

If Shen He were wronged, he'd certainly investigate and had the means and influence to do so.

……

This underlying message, however, was beyond the comprehension of the innocent eighteen-year-old Shen.

He interpreted it as the concern of a parent unable to let go of their child.

He had seen it often. Since he began school, not just his own parents but also his uncles and aunts assumed he'd be crying in loneliness. They'd frequently visit, bringing snacks.

No sooner had the parents left than Young Master Shen realized classes were about to resume, without him having the chance to further explore the school.

They had wandered off quite far. Liu Zheng quickly scooped up the child and sprinted back, alongside Qi Yanbing. Disregarding their noble demeanor, they prioritized not being late to avoid earning the resentment of Doctor Min.

They rushed back to the classroom.

Once seated, they opened their books and settled the child.

Doctor Min hadn't entered yet.

The Fifth Prince leisurely made his entrance, right on time.

He walked up to the first row, standing before his own desk. Fixating on Shen He, he puffed up his cheeks with an air of suppressed irritation and indignation, then leaned forward to give Shen He an emphatic "Hmph!"

He then took his seat.

The pages of his book fluttered loudly as he flipped them.

Shen He thought: He seems like when I'd sulk back to my room after a spat with Mom but dare not slam the door.

Surprisingly, Shen He found the naughty prince somewhat endearing.

Elated, his two short legs, dangling in the air in front of the chair, began to sway happily.

As if his body wasn't fully obedient.

Yet watching him somehow uplifted the spirits of the onlookers.

His young cousin, seeing Shen He's joyful leg-swaying, felt the urge to join.

Alas, he had grown too tall, his feet firmly on the ground, leaving no room for mid-air swaying.

The young cousin sighed internally, feeling a pang of regret.

The afternoon classes were rather dull.

However, they finished school surprisingly early.

After the child exchanged sweet goodbyes with the friends he made on his first day, Qi Yanbing and the young Zheng heir, he was escorted by his young cousin to the carriage.

The carriage's wheels began to turn, heading towards the palace gate.

*

Word spread quickly when the legitimate heir of the Shen family returned home from the Imperial Academy. In just one night, he had been surrounded by a group of young lads and vividly recounted his experiences to their parents.

Along with this news, there were whispers about the young prince visiting the Shen heir at the academy's boarding house.

Even families without children at the boarding house heard the news when their servants went out to shop.

The elder Duke and Duchess were informed days earlier that the young prince planned to have Shen He stay at the boarding house for a month.

They were initially concerned about sending the child there too soon, but the young prince convinced them, suggesting it would be good for the boy to make friends and adjust for a month.

However, the Duke of Shen, the child's biological father, was kept in the dark.

That evening, Lady Zheng overheard servants gossiping.

"The crown prince truly cherishes our young master. Anyone with eyes can see it. I heard he personally visited the boarding house to comfort him."

"I heard too. The crown prince's presence commands respect. All at the Imperial Academy knelt in his honor. He even ordered high-ranking officials, scholars, and ceremonial officers to take special care of our young master."

"Our young master is bound to achieve greatness. He's already at the Imperial Academy at such a young age. My brother serves a wealthy family, and their young master tried multiple times to get in but failed, even with plenty of silver."

"No surprise there. With the crown prince's favor, and him being the future emperor, our young master will surely be appointed to a high position in the future."

"Hush! Lower your voice. Be careful not to be overheard."

The servants' voices gradually lowered, becoming indistinct.

Lady Zheng, who was passing by, clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

Her gentle almond-shaped eyes momentarily flashed with resentment, momentarily disrupting her usual gentle demeanor.

In an instant, she composed herself.

Lately, the Duke of Shen had been frequenting another concubine's chamber.

Fortunately for Lady Zheng, her position was stable, and most nights the Duke still chose to spend with her.

As Lady Zheng attended to the Duke in bed, she whispered, "My lord, I heard today that our young master has started attending the Imperial Academy."

The Duke responded, "Yes, I've heard. The crown prince even paid him a visit. It's astonishing that no one informed me about my own son's affairs."

He seemed somewhat taken aback.

Lady Zheng gently continued, "The young master has been brought up under the crown prince's care, after all. He doesn't share the same bond with you. He spends most of his time in the Eastern Palace, visiting our residence only during festivals. Children tend to grow closer to those they spend the most time with."

The Duke snorted lightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"So, my own son, after being raised by someone else, no longer recognizes his own father? How does that make sense?"

But it involved the crown prince, so he could only express his discontent with a grunt.

Lady Zheng softly added, "Speaking of which, Yan was mentioning his younger brother He a few days ago. The young master hasn’t visited for quite some time, and he misses him. The bond between the brothers remains strong."

Speaking of Shen Yan, whom he had raised by his side, the Duke of Shen’s demeanor softened a bit. "Indeed, he has a gentle disposition, much like you. Just the other day, I heard from Master Zhang about his brilliance in poetry and literature. He's quick to learn. With dedication, he might even bring honor to our household by becoming the top scholar one day."

The Duke of Shen never fancied the martial arts and warfare that his predecessor adored. Choosing scholarship over weaponry, he always believed he had the talent to easily secure a top spot in the examinations. Perhaps even claim the title of the top scholar.

But, fate played its part. Despite numerous attempts in the spring and autumn examinations, the best he achieved was a modest rank. A far cry from the coveted top scholar title.

His ambition thwarted, the Duke of Shen saw in Shen Yan a chance for redemption.

As for his legitimate heir, Shen He?

The Duke hadn’t really considered it.

Lady Zheng softly said, "I might not understand all these intricacies, but if the eldest young master is intelligent, it should please you. I've heard that most of those admitted to the Imperial Academy end up achieving distinguished ranks in the civil exams, with many top scholars emerging from there..."

The Duke replied, "Of course, the Imperial Academy is the official educational institution. Which young scholar wouldn’t aspire to study there? The teachers there are all ranked scholars from their time. Today's Dean was a top scholar in his days, and he's somewhat a friend of mine."

A thought struck him, "You've reminded me, with Shen He at the academy's boarding house, Yan, being half a year older, is now of age to join too. Tomorrow, I'll speak with the Dean about enrolling Yan. He'd surely benefit more from the academy's scholars than just Master Zhang."

A hint of satisfaction gleamed in Lady Zheng's eyes as she responded, "I wouldn’t know better. Whatever you decide is best."

*

After returning to the Eastern Palace,

Shen He was utterly exhausted, feeling like he was about to pass out.

A child's energy comes in bursts. One moment he’s full of life, and the next he’s drained to his last reserves, teetering on the brink of collapse.

Despite his fatigue, he managed to bathe himself and let Lianqiao towel dry his soft hair.

Hèlíng asked, "Did you enjoy your day at the Imperial Academy? Was the lesson easier than what Tutor Song taught?"

The usually chatty boy replied weakly, "I enjoyed it, but it wasn't simpler."

Hèlíng took the towel from Lianqiao and continued drying the boy's now half-dry hair.

Lianqiao examined the child's pristine clothes in the candlelight.

They were spotless, a testament to the boy's careful handling throughout the day.

Lianqiao's smile grew wider, and along with Hèlíng, she asked, "Did you meet any other young lords at the academy today? Did you make new friends?"

"I heard from Eunuch Zhonghong that the young Master Liu is also attending the academy. You'll get to study with him."

Counting on his fingers, the child said, "There were... twenty-six children in the boarding house. I haven't had a chance to speak with all of them, but I met Qi Yanbing and Zheng Xueze today."

His tiny voice dwindled, "Qi Yanbing is the grandson of Prince Heng and refers to the crown prince as his royal uncle. He's so talkative... As for Zheng Xueze, he’s the son of some ambassador. He hardly spoke, only introduced himself..."

"I see. The young Master Zheng and the prince's grandson seem to balance each other out."

The child's voice trailed off. When Lianqiao and Hèlíng looked over, they saw that the little one had already drifted into sleep.

The candlelight cast a warm glow on his rosy cheeks. His long raven-like eyelashes fluttered slightly, casting delicate shadows upon his face.

Mumbling in his sleep, he mumbled, "...Mmm, the chair's too low, too tall..."

His words were incoherent.

Lianqiao and Hèlíng, however, understood.

The two maidservants exchanged a silent chuckle.

Lianqiao bent down to lift the child while Hèlíng supported his back and warm face. Together, they gently laid him on the couch.

Lianqiao whispered, "I'll go inform Eunuch Zhonghong."

Hèlíng nodded and gave a slight wave, signaling her to proceed.

Early the next morning,

Shen He awoke.

And was greeted by a specially made small chair!

It had been crafted overnight, and due to the haste, it wasn't polished.

Shen He's interest in such trinkets was always immense!

He examined the chair, clearly eager to try it out.

It reminded him of the joy of receiving his own little basket and tiny hoe as a child.

Zhonghong, with a beaming smile, said, "Young master, use this chair in the academy today. In a couple of days, when the other chair is ready, we can switch."

Shen He was content either way. Even without polish, it was a beautiful little chair!

As he settled into the carriage, he continuously admired his chair, his chubby hands exploring its surface.

After a while, Shen He suddenly remembered something.

He hadn't seen the male lead since last night.

Turning to Zhonghong, he inquired, "Zhonghong, where's my brother?"

Zhonghong responded cheerily, "His Highness has gone to the morning court. Once you finish school today, you'll be able to see him."

Shen He thought to himself, 'That makes sense.'

The male lead always woke up earlier and slept later than him. Truly impressive.

Truly the male lead indeed!

It's still early.

The main street outside the imperial city buzzes with activity. Street vendors wander about, stalls on both sides gear up, and some have already begun their animated sales pitches.

The young boy's nostrils twitched, clearly enticed by the aromatic allure.

Even though he had already eaten before coming.

Zhonghong, amused, inquired, "Young Master, is there anything you'd like to eat? Shall I get it for you?"

The boy's eyes sparkled, "I want that pancake!"

He extended his hand, "Four of them! Use my money!"

Today, Shen He had specifically brought his little pouch.

He drew a golden bead from it, holding it earnestly between his chubby fingers and placing it in Zhonghong's hand.

After all, he considered himself a young man of means now; he couldn't possibly let someone else pay for him.

Zhonghong accepted it with a chuckle, "Alright, I'll use this to pay. Any change will be kept by me for your future purchases."

Shen He nodded in agreement.

Of course, Zhonghong didn't really use the golden bead.

Although it was smaller than the boy's little finger, it was too valuable for most street vendors to provide change for.

Soon, Zhonghong returned with several pancakes.

The enticing aroma filled the carriage.

Shen He held one with both hands, took a careful bite after cooling it a bit, and his eyes squinted in delight.

Absolutely delicious.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Imperial Academy, Zhonghong instructed a junior eunuch to carry the specially made chair.

Today, Shen He wasn't as lucky; he didn't bump into his younger cousin at the entrance.

By the time he reached the classroom, his younger cousin was already present, while Qi Yanbing and his desk mate, Zheng Xueze, hadn't arrived yet.

Shen He greeted cheerfully, "Brother!"

Taking a pancake wrapped in oil paper from Zhonghong, he said, "For you! Eat up!"

He urged him to finish it before the lesson began.

Liuzheng was offered a treat by the child and chuckled, saying, "Thank you, Xiao He."

Observing the stool held by the young eunuch, there was a moment of surprise.

There was a fleeting regret in his eyes.

Just a bit too slow; the chair he was making for his younger cousin wasn’t finished.

Eunuch Zhonghong recognized it at a glance.

A cushion was placed on Shen He's chair.

With a smile, he said, "Thank you, young master Liu, for thinking of the little lord. This cushion will come in handy."

After saying this, he signaled the young eunuch to replace the chair and place the cushion.

Watching eagerly as the chair was set up, the child was so anxious he wished he could climb up and test out his new throne.

Zhonghong lifted him onto it; Shen He's view became unobstructed and bright, with nearly half of his body now visible!

Splendid!

This throne has my utmost approval!

He bounced a little on it, happily clutching his biscuit and continued munching.

His short legs swung with delight.

Qi Yanbing and Zheng Xue entered together.

Upon entering, they saw the little "bun" who yesterday could only show his head, but today he could lean over the table.

In his hands was a big biscuit, even larger than the child's entire face.

Spotting them, the child waved with his chubby hand and said, "Eat biscuit!"

Zhonghong realized, the two remaining biscuits weren’t for the prince, but for the young lord's new friends.

He handed the biscuits to Qi Yanbing and Zheng Xue.

Qi Yanbing circled the child's high chair excitedly and asked, "May I sit down?"

The child firmly shook his head, "No!"

Qi Yanbing pouted, "Stingy! But thanks for the biscuit. I came here early in the morning without having breakfast and was chased out by my grandfather."

Zheng Xue also said, "Thank you."

Then he remained silent, lowering his head to quietly munch on the biscuit.

Shen He could only eat half of the biscuit before feeling full.

Zhonghong had already left, leaving behind a young eunuch and a maid in case Shen He needed anything.

With Liuzheng around, there was little likelihood they'd be needed.

Shen He placed the biscuit on the table.

Then, feeling that it was perhaps, maybe, um, a bit unsightly.

He sneakily grabbed the biscuit and hid it behind him.

The backrest of his new chair had a panel that could hold objects.

The child hid the biscuit so slyly that even Liuzheng didn't notice at first.

The Fifth Prince also arrived punctually today.

After having lost face in front of Shen He yesterday, he entered today, overlooking Shen He and confidently took his seat.

Shortly after he sat, Doctor Min arrived.

Everyone began to open their books. The group of children stood up, gave a respectful student greeting, and greeted the teacher.

Shen He was exempted.

His chubby legs were still dangling; he needed help getting up or down.

Shen He stayed awake for this lesson.

Now that he could reach the table, he had something to do: he began drawing with a brush.

He used a fine brush; with his current small hands, he couldn't handle the regular-sized brushes.

Furthermore, his clumsiness made Qichuo Yun worry about ink splatters, so he was given a fine brush that didn't hold much ink.

Shen He held down the rice paper with one hand, leaning over slightly, and sketched with the fine tip of the brush.

He was drawing the silhouettes of Qi Yanbing and Zheng Xue.

He was drawing with intense concentration.

Doctor Min overhead noticed Shen He doodling but, as usual, let him be. As long as the child was not causing a commotion, it was fine.

Liuzheng, curious, occasionally glanced over, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

The drawing was... surprisingly good.

Although he didn't understand the style, the lines matched the present scene.

As Liuzheng murmured the content from the book, he kept one eye on the child.

The two of them, one adult and one child, were oblivious to the rest of the world.

In the back row of the classroom.

A child's stomach growled audibly.

He discreetly shrank his neck, whispering to his deskmate amidst the background of recitations, “I'm so hungry. I rushed here this morning without eating anything. I'm so famished now that my nose is playing tricks on me; I smell something delicious.”

His deskmate sneaked a glance, ensuring Doctor Min wasn't patrolling, and whispered back, “I can smell it too. It’s so appetizing.”

“But we're not allowed to bring food into the classroom.”

“Bear with it. Just wait until midday.”

“Gurgle~~~”

“Someone's stomach growled again.”

“I heard it.”

The child in front of them turned beet red and hunched over.

“It was his stomach.”

“I noticed.”

“……”