chapter 24

Chapter 24: A Tempting Aroma

Shen He felt full and satisfied the entire morning.

He enthusiastically completed a grand drawing.

His little classmates, on the other hand, were tantalized by the ever-present yet elusive scent of biscuits, their stomachs protesting with hunger.

At last, midday arrived, and it was time for their lunch break.

A swarm of young lords, who had never been this ravenous, dashed out of the classroom like a pack of hungry wolves, looking for their family servants who brought lunch.

They then opened their lunch boxes, fervently devouring their meals with chopsticks in hand.

The food today smelled exceptionally delicious.

The family servants watched in astonishment, thinking to themselves, they only missed breakfast, not three full days of meals, right?

As Shen He walked by, he thought, these young children surely have good appetites. They're growing, and their hunger is commendable.

The meal from the Eastern Palace wasn't late today.

As usual, Shen He and his three friends from yesterday headed to the pavilion.

However, today, someone had already claimed the pavilion.

The Fifth Prince seemed determined to redeem himself.

He even took the spot Shen He occupied yesterday.

Seeing the group of four approach, he tilted his chin up, declaring, "This place is mine now!"

If his chin had been a bit more chiseled and not so round, perhaps he might have looked more intimidating.

Recognizing the prince's sincere desire for the spot, Shen He conceded, "Alright."

He looked up at Liuzheng, "Big Brother, let's eat at the large pavilion we found yesterday!"

His eyes sparkled with excitement.

For a moment, Liuzheng wasn't sure if his little cousin had planned this all along or if it was just a spontaneous suggestion.

How could it be?

His four-year-old cousin was so adorable; could he really have such a scheme?

If the pavilion hadn't unexpectedly been taken by the Fifth Prince, Shen He probably wouldn't have made this proposal.

The "large pavilion" Shen He mentioned was quite a distance from their quarters.

Generally, most children here wouldn't venture that far.

Their midday break isn't long, and after school, they're eager to return home and play.

If not for Shen He's wandering yesterday, they wouldn't have discovered the place.

Before Liuzheng could respond, Qi Yanbing chimed in, "Let's go! I think that place is excellent. It's a pity, Liuzheng, you never want to go that far with me. But now, our little brother wants to, can you, as his elder cousin, refuse?"

Without waiting for Liuzheng's answer, he bent down, scooped up Shen He, and dashed off.

Zheng Xue stood still, wordlessly glancing at Liuzheng and then at the receding figure of Qi Yanbing carrying the child.

After a three-second hesitation, he too dashed to catch up.

Liuzheng: "..."

Qi Yanbing's strategy of "using the child to persuade the cousin" was a success.

Eventually, even young cousin Liuzheng chased after them.

A throng of servants followed closely behind.

The fifth prince was still seated on a small stone stool, chin raised, waiting to see the little troublemaker cry out of frustration: "..."

What a grand pavilion!

Why didn't he know?!

So infuriating!

He lost again today!

The fifth prince could hardly eat. He slid off the stone stool, wanting to go and have a closer look at the grand pavilion, yet felt that doing so might be embarrassing.

Hmph, just wait! Once school is over, he'd locate that pavilion, and by tomorrow, it would be his!

Shen He was carried by Qi Yanbing and ran a great distance.

Seeing Zheng Xueze and his younger cousin catch up, he laughed gleefully.

Just as he was reveling in his expanded territory in the kindergarten, he noticed his pace slowing down.

The little Prince Qi who was carrying him was panting heavily. Eventually, he bent over and set the child down.

With hands on his hips, he remarked, "Little brother, you're so adorable, but why are you so heavy?"

Just yesterday, he had seen Liu Zheng dashing towards the school while carrying a child and thought children were light.

Such a tiny tot nearly wore him out.

Shen He: "..."

If you're calling me chubby, just say it outright.

No need for that backhanded compliment.

The little one pouted and said, "You're just weak. Both my elder brother and the crown prince can carry me. The crown prince can even do it with one arm!"

Having said that, the tiny tot marched ahead with his short legs.

His little silhouette appeared somewhat miffed.

Qi Yanbing, who had inadvertently offended someone with his words: "..."

Panting, he followed closely behind the child with his hands on his hips.

Didn't he just compliment the child on his cuteness?

Zheng Xueze caught up from behind. Once Qi Yanbing caught his breath, he leaned in and whispered.

He asked in confusion, "Xueze, tell me, I just complimented our little brother for being cute, albeit a bit heavy. Why isn't he happy?"

Zheng Xueze cast a silent glance at him with his deep-set eyes, then quickened his pace.

Meanwhile, Liu Zheng relentlessly pursued the little "bun", swiftly overtaking Qi Yanbing.

Qi Yanbing: "..."

Is he really that weak?

Is he truly weak?

How did he, who began running first, end up being the last?

Qi Yanbing was deeply questioning his own abilities.

In a flash, Shen He reached the grand pavilion he had admired the day before.

This pavilion, with its jet-black pillars and slate-blue tiled roof, was quite expansive. Three sides had horizontal railings, and through a thick clump of lush green bamboo on one side, one could glimpse a section of a jade-green artificial lake.

It was exceptionally serene and beautiful.

Shen He had set his sights on this pavilion when he stumbled upon it yesterday, contemplating how he could come to play here.

Today, the fifth prince gave him the perfect excuse.

The young boy stepped onto the pavilion's platform and, with some effort, climbed onto a bench beside the railing. Leaning on it, he propped up his round little bottom and gazed at the lake nearby.

By the time Zheng Xueze and Liu Zheng arrived, the servants began setting out the food.

When Liu, the young cousin, arrived and saw the child's contented appearance, he had a vague inkling.

He couldn't help but smile.

When Qi Yanbing finally arrived, he lifted the "bun" from the bench and placed him on a stone stool, "Alright, Xiao He, time to eat. Aren't you hungry?"

Shen He felt alright since he hadn't finished his morning pancakes.

But today's meal did smell rather enticing.

Even as Shen He shook his head indicating he wasn't hungry, he quickly directed, "Brother! I want that! That one right there!"

Qi Yanbing stroked his chin, pondering, "Strange, why am I not feeling hungry at this hour? Normally, by this time, I'd be ravenous enough to eat three cows."

The little one dug into his meal, joyfully swinging his legs.

Liu Zheng remarked, "Qi Yanbing, at this rate, can you really enter the Zhongsheng Residence in three years? Or perhaps, you should wait and go with Xiao He."

With a chicken leg in his mouth, Qi Yanbing responded, "Hold on, let me do the math. I'm currently nine, and my little brother is four and a half. He'll need to be around ten to join Zhongsheng... So, I'd be fifteen by then?"

Qi Yanbing appeared deep in thought, "If we go to Zhongsheng Residence and leave little brother alone at the children's residence, he'd be prone to bullying. But I don't need to wait that long, do I? By the time he's seven or eight, there shouldn't be many who'd dare bully him..."

The child lifted his head from his bowl, a plump pale cheek smeared with a solitary grain of white rice: "Brother, he's saying you're a dunce!"

Even Shen He couldn't bear to watch any longer.

Such a naive kid.

He had just eaten a pancake in the morning and could easily forget.

The younger cousin seemed quite pleased with the child's sharp wit. He gently touched the little bun on the child's head, praising, "Xiao He is so clever. He might enter Zhongsheng Residence even before you."

Qi Yanbing bit into the chicken leg he held.

He felt personally attacked.

Disbelieving, he turned to Liu Zheng, "I consider you my closest friend, but do you think of me as a dunce?"

After a moment's contemplation, the younger cousin denied, "Not exactly. I occasionally consider you a friend."

Qi Yanbing asserted, "You truly see me as a fool."

Did he think I couldn't figure it out?!

Zheng Xueze stealthily glanced at the two and quietly snatched the last big chicken leg.

Only to meet a pair of clear, wide eyes.

The young boy looked up at Zheng Xueze.

Thus, Zheng Xueze just as quietly, passed the last piece of braised pork to the boy.

Both young and old, heads down, relishing their food.

＊

Shen Manor.

The elder duke appeared somewhat irritated, his brows furrowed. He seemed to be holding back some words, never quite letting the anger show.

The Duke of Shen said, "Father, I've handled everything regarding this matter. There's no need to fret further. Yan grew up under your and mother's guidance, witnessing his intellect and potential daily. You should understand."

With excitement and fervent expectations in his eyes, the Duke of Shen continued, "Send him to the children's academy to study diligently under the scholars. In the future, if he earns the top rank in examinations, it would be an honor for our Shen family."

Indeed, Shen Yan had grown up under the watchful eyes of the elder duke and duchess, proving himself a well-behaved child.

Now with Shen He admitted to the imperial academy, they couldn't show favoritism and deny Shen Yan the same opportunity.

Yet, the elder duke, looking at his own son, said gravely, "While you hold high hopes for Yan, remember you also have a legitimate son. Xiao He is your child too."

The Duke of Shen casually responded, "I'm aware. But with the child being raised in the Eastern Palace, the crown prince has his plans for him. Realistically, to enter the imperial academy, one should be at least five years old and pass a preliminary examination by the scholars."

"Look at Shen He, barely past four, not even old enough for the junior academy. And as for the doctorate examination? It took a lot of effort for my son to arrange it. Still, the examination is days away, and only after he impresses the examiners can he enter the junior academy."

"At Shen He's age, what could he possibly comprehend at the Grand Academy? However, he's fortunate to have the crown prince's favor. As his father, I'm naturally pleased and spared much effort. Sending one child was already a hassle; imagine the trouble for two."

The old Duke had been patient, but hearing Shen Duke's increasingly ludicrous statements, he slammed the table, furiously retorting, "Listen to yourself! Both Hehe and Yanyan are your sons. Hehe's well-being is thanks to the prince's grace, not yours. The prince thoughtfully plans for Hehe, yet you neglect your paternal duties, letting strangers raise your flesh and blood!"

Shen Duke defended, "Father, I did seek his return from the palace. But the prince refused, insisting on raising my legitimate son. Back then, you accepted this, and now you blame me?"

The old Duke's anger surged.

There was no reasoning with this wayward son.

Was he discussing the prince raising Shen He?

He meant the Shen Duke should fulfill his paternal duties and not wash his hands of responsibility!

Qi Zhuoyun's words left the Grand Duke pondering. If this continued, once the child grew up, how could he possibly harbor affection for him, his own father? And how would he hold any sentiment towards the Shen family, or the Grand Duke's mansion?

Shen Duke no longer wished to quarrel with his elderly father, lest word got out and tarnished his reputation as a dutiful son.

He said, "Regardless, now both children of the Shen family are in the junior academy, and all is well. Father, there’s no need to say more. Yanyan joining the academy is a good thing. If you keep nitpicking, won’t Yanyan think you're playing favorites as his grandfather?"

Having said that, he turned to leave,

Leaving the Grand Duke seething in anger.

For the first time in years, the Grand Duke felt truly old.

Clutching his chest, the Grand Duchess quickly supported him, "Sit down, take a sip of tea, don’t let the anger harm your health."

The Grand Duchess sighed, "He does have a point. After all, both children are now in the academy, which is cause for celebration. As Yanyan and Hehe spend more time together, their bond as brothers will surely grow stronger."

But the Grand Duke remained indignant, "Tell me, what kind of father behaves like him? No wonder the crown prince refused to send Hehe back to the mansion! Even if it were up to me, I wouldn’t hand the child over!"

The Grand Duchess gently patted his back, trying to soothe him.

From behind a pillar at the back of the hall, a pair of innocent eyes peeked out, the young owner stealthily observing the commotion inside.

He went unnoticed.

Moments later, the child turned and scampered away.

*

By noon, Shen He was stuffed.

His belly protruded, pushing up against his little outfit.

Zheng Xueze, sitting next to him, subtly felt his own stomach.

Thankfully, there was enough food, so the other two weren't left hungry.

The child was too full to walk, so the younger cousin graciously carried him on the way back.

After covering most of the distance, he set the child down to walk by himself.

Shen He was feeling much better and took small steps back to the classroom.

Upon entering, he noticed that the usually punctual Fifth Prince was unexpectedly absent during lunch.

At some point, the Prince had returned to his seat, and as Shen He and the others entered, his eyes immediately fixed on them.

A frown was evident on the young prince's face.

His gaze followed Shen He intently, and only when Liu Zheng lifted him onto a high chair did he reluctantly turn away.

It was then that Liu Zheng noticed something amiss.

He finally spotted a half-eaten pastry, now cold, wrapped in wax paper behind the chair. It was neatly folded as if the child intended to finish it later.

Liu Zheng recalled overhearing some students murmuring as they left the classroom during lunch.

"I really want that pastry; it's been tempting me all morning."

"It smelled so good my stomach growled."

"Did you smell it too? I thought my nose was playing tricks on me."

"Who brought pastry into the classroom? How infuriating! If I find out who it was..."

Liu Zheng thought, "So the real culprit is right beside me."

He had assumed that Shen He brought the pastry in the morning and the scent lingered, teasing the hungry young lords.

Unexpectedly, his young cousin had actually hidden half a pastry in the classroom.

The child seemed oblivious to the resentment he had stirred among many.

He sat at his little desk, engrossed in his drawing, with both chubby arms resting on the tabletop, leaving the back of the chair entirely exposed.

The young cousin silently wrapped up the half-eaten pastry, concealing it in his sleeve, and left to dispose of the evidence for the child.

Qi Yanbing asked, "The teacher will be here soon. Where are you going?"

Liu Zheng paused briefly and replied, with his back to him, "To the restroom."

Qi Yanbing was puzzled. Why hesitate about such a simple matter?

He waved dismissively, "Then hurry back. I'll look after my brother."

He then turned his head, glimpsing what Shen He had drawn. With a chuckle, he engaged the child, "Did you draw this portrait of me with Zheng Xuezhe? I had no idea you were so talented! That's really impressive."

The young Shen was elated by the compliment and excitedly kicked his legs, saying, "I'll draw even better in the future."

Afterwards, the two leaned in, discussing the drawing in hushed tones.

Nobody paid any attention to Liu Zheng, allowing him to slip away unnoticed.

Liu Zheng was contemplating where to dispose of the pastry discreetly—somewhere close, so he could quickly return without raising suspicions.

Thanks to Qi Yanbing's distraction, he recalled a place that might just work.

For the first time in his life, Liu Zheng engaged in such a covert act.

The dignified young master was so nervous that his palms sweated.

After a quick round trip, he managed to return to the classroom before the professor arrived.

The child, engrossed in his drawing, looked up to see Liu Zheng and grinned, revealing tiny teeth, "Big brother, you're back!"

Liu Zheng silently breathed a sigh of relief.

For the sake of little He, while such actions might be questionable, they felt worthwhile.

……

The children's restroom, designed to cater to their short legs, wasn't too far from the classroom.

With precisely three stalls, it was adequately equipped.

Inside, a soft voice emerged, "Jin Yuan, did you... smell that pastry?"

After a long pause from the other side, another voice whispered, "I think we might have been mistaken earlier."

"What do you mean?"

"There probably wasn't a pastry hidden in the classroom."

“……”

"Our noses must have played tricks on us. Just a coincidence they did so simultaneously."

"When you go back, are you going to tell your parents about it and see a doctor? If they ask how you realized something was wrong with your nose, what will you say?" He wanted to compare notes.

Another prolonged pause, then a resigned response, "...I won't seek treatment. Apart from this anomaly, I can still detect other smells normally."

"Alright, then. I won't either."

Let's pretend nothing happened!

I'll never let a third person know about this embarrassing incident!