chapter 25

Chapter 25: Reunion

Before school ended, Shen He had completed two drawings.

He solemnly handed them to Liu Zheng, "Big brother, can you keep these safe for me?"

He was determined not to let the mischievous Song Shaofu and the male lead discover his newfound talent!

The child's eyes sparkled brilliantly—who could resist such a gaze?

Instantly captivated by the child's charm, Liu Zheng carefully rolled up the drawings, not even questioning the reason, and nodded, "Of course, I'll keep them safe. No telling anyone?"

The little boy eagerly nodded, his eyes shining even brighter.

My cousin is so clever, he thought gleefully.

As for the reticent Zheng Xuezhe and the prince-fearing Qi Yanbing, Shen He wasn't concerned about them spilling the beans.

They acted around the prince like mice do around a cat. Rather than talking too much, they'd much prefer to slip away and distance themselves.

Having safely stored his drawings, the child was lifted onto a carriage. As they departed, he leaned out to wave, "Goodbye, big brother!"

Liu Zheng waved back, watching the little head retreat from the carriage window, before boarding his own carriage to return home.

The carriage journeyed smoothly back to the Liu residence.

Upon alighting, young master Liu Zheng reverted to his poised and impeccable demeanor fitting of a noble.

Before entering, he instructed his servant, "Take my school bag to my room. I'm going to see Mother."

Liu Zheng proceeded to his mother's quarters.

Lady Liu was engrossed in the household accounts, overseeing all matters big and small, always busy with daily tasks.

Seeing her younger son return, she smiled, "Is that you, Zheng'er?"

Liu Zheng nodded, "Mother."

While still perusing her ledger, Lady Liu inquired, "How was your day at the academy? Did you have any difficulties understanding? If so, ask your elder brother for help."

Liu Zheng initially wanted to say he understood everything since he'd studied much of the material before.

But he thought of the young boy who'd been with him these past days, the one who needed his help just to sit on a chair.

He hoped to stay at the academy for another year.

So he replied, "I mostly understand."

Lady Liu remained gentle but her words were firm, "It shouldn't be 'mostly'. Either you understand or you don't. No half measures. If there's something you're unsure about, ask your elder brother. He'll be back by evening."

Liu Zheng obediently admitted his error, "I understand, Mother. I'll ask my elder brother. Please don't overexert yourself. Rest well. I'll go read now."

Lady Liu stopped him, "Wait a moment. Take this. I found it a few days ago, and I believe it's perfect for our Zheng'er."

It was a jade hairpin of a gentle blue hue.

Before reaching adulthood, young men traditionally used hairpins to hold their hair in place.

The jade's color was light, and the clarity was not perfect, having streaks of white within. However, the craftsman had ingeniously used the white inclusions to resemble drifting bamboo leaves on the jade hairpin.

The pin even had detailed carvings to represent bamboo nodes.

It was truly eye-catching.

Placing the hairpin in her son's hand, Lady Liu gently caressed his tender cheek, speaking softly, "Alright, don't study too late, it might strain your eyes. Off you go."

Grasping the hairpin and delighted by the gift, the young master bowed respectfully to his mother before briskly departing.

Though his retreating figure maintained the dignified bearing of a young nobleman, he seemed more spirited than when he had arrived.

The elderly maid beside Lady Liu chuckled, "Young Master seems quite pleased. But, My Lady, aren't you a bit strict with him? He's only nine, and he's already more composed than many of his peers from other noble families."

Lady Liu replied with a soft smile, "How can our family be compared with others? The Empress, with her unrestrained nature, frequently offends others in the palace. Shen He's mother had a similar temperament, even daring to confront the Queen Mother..." Her voice trailed off at this point.

"I'm unsure how Shen He's mother managed to have the Crown Prince look after him, but she wisely found an excellent place for him in the palace. We have many children in our family. If Zheng'er were a girl, I'd be more lenient. While I wouldn't want him to be as willful as the Empress, I'd allow him more freedom. But he's a boy, the legitimate heir to the main branch, and many eyes are upon him. I don't demand a great future for him, especially with his elder brother leading the way, but I do wish for him to be upright and free of fault."

The elderly maid nodded, sighing, "You're right, My Lady."

Indeed, the Liu family had many children. Their respectable reputation stemmed from the proper upbringing of their sons and the intelligence of their daughters.

……

After returning to the Eastern Palace, Shen He dashed towards Qi Zhuoyun's study.

But to his surprise, the room was empty.

Where could he be?

Shen He wandered around, noticing that even the loyal Zhong Hong was absent.

They must be occupied and haven't returned yet.

With no other options, Shen He wandered back to his chambers.

Lianqiao inquired, "Did the young master seek the prince?"

Heling added, "The prince hasn't been back to the Eastern Palace today. The Emperor required his presence. But it's getting late, he should be back soon. Young Master, what would you like for dinner? I'll inform the kitchen."

Shen He climbed onto the daybed, with Lianqiao supporting him from one side.

Once the child settled down, he remarked, "I ate too much at lunch! I might... well, I feel like having fish tonight!"

Heling laughed and said, "Alright, I'll let the kitchen know to prepare fish for dinner."

Shen He cupped his chubby chin, wondering where the protagonist had gone.

"Did the original story mention any significant events between the ages of twelve and thirteen?"

After a long contemplation, he found his mind blank...

"Oh no, the good life has eroded my willpower," Shen He couldn't recall a thing.

It's a lengthy political intrigue novel, several million words long. The protagonist's teenage years were only the early parts, which Shen He had followed before his college entrance exam.

After spending four years in this world, he could only remember major plot points and some memorable scenes.

"What happened to the protagonist when he was twelve or thirteen?"

Wracking his brain, Shen He finally remembered: it seemed the young prince, in alliance with others from the previous dynasty, had overthrown a high-ranking minister and had one of his own people replace him.

Yet, he couldn't recall whether this event had already taken place, was currently happening, or hadn't occurred at all.

The child let out a deep sigh and slumped back onto the daybed.

His chubby hand anxiously fidgeted with the ear of a stuffed tiger for a while before giving up.

"Never mind. With the protagonist being so remarkable and me being so inept, even if I were informed, I couldn't help."

"It's been quite a while since I've seen the protagonist. I'm not used to it."

In fact, it had only been just over a day since Shen He last saw Qi Zhuoyun.

Trying to hide a smile, Lianqiao asked, "Did something happen at the academy, young master? Why the sighs?"

The child replied solemnly, "Nothing, just lost in thought."

Had his words not been uttered in a babyish tone, while patting his belly, they might have sounded a tad more serious.

Lianqiao had to muster a great deal of restraint not to burst into laughter in front of the child.

Shen He lounged on the daybed, cuddling a large stuffed tiger that Lianqiao had given him at some point.

This was already the fourth one; Lianqiao made him one every year.

Each one bigger than the last.

Shen He had grown accustomed to hugging them. Lianqiao only had to tuck one into his arms, and he'd instinctively embrace the stuffed tiger, resting his fair and tender face against its back.

After rolling over three times, he pointed his chubby toes skyward, grabbed his ankles, and tried to cross his short legs in a "cool" manner, contemplating his future endeavors.

The age-old saying echoed in his mind: he shouldn't rely too much on the male lead.

He planned to retire at twenty, and when that time came, he needed something of his own to fall back on.

What if one day the male lead found him bothersome and kicked him out?

The mere thought made Shen He feel dejected.

The child's chubby, pale feet wiggled, with each toe moving on its own. It was a sight so adorable that one might be tempted to tickle those little feet.

The more she watched, the more amused she became. She set aside her embroidery, stood up, and before leaving the room, whispered instructions to a palace maid at the door to keep an eye on the child.

On the small couch, the plump-faced little boy, deep in thought, hadn't even noticed someone had left the room.

While he was still brainstorming his future plans, Zhong Hong's voice echoed from outside.

The child was instantly alert, scrambling to his feet, not even bothering with shoes. Barefoot, he hurried out with excited steps, joyfully exclaiming, "Brother!"

He rushed to the doorway, but there was no sign of the young prince.

Only Zhonghong was present.

Zhonghong, with a warm smile, said: "Why isn't the young master wearing shoes? The Prince is still discussing matters with the Emperor and might return late tonight. He specifically instructed me to tell the young master to rest early after dinner and not to wait up for him."

The child visibly showed his displeasure, puffing out his cheeks and muttering, "Alright then—"

His voice was soft and babyish, lingering on the word.

Zhonghong lifted the child up and put on his shoes, asking: "Was everything fine at the academy today, young master? Did anyone dare to bully you? If so, tell Zhonghong. I'll report it to the Prince."

The young master, Shen, was distracted and cheerfully replied: "No one did. Today's lunch was delicious, I ate too much!"

With that, Zhonghong felt at ease. He contemplated sharing this with the Prince later to reassure him.

With the prince delayed in the palace, the kitchen quickly prepared a child's dinner for Shen He.

After finishing his meal, Shen He took a leisurely stroll in the garden, removing several bad buds.

He even caught a cicada.

The cicada seemed lively, but it probably had only about half a month of life left.

Shen He played with it briefly before letting it go without causing it any harm.

As he headed back, the sky was ablaze with a spectacular sunset, stretching from one end of the horizon to the other.

Shen He turned to ask Lianqiao: "Do we still attend the academy when it rains?"

Lianqiao wasn't entirely sure about the practices for young masters at the academy, so she hesitated and replied, "I believe so?"

Shen He's eyes lit up. Great!

……

Qi Zhuoyun didn't have the best day.

He hadn't eaten lunch or dinner, and now felt the pangs of hunger acutely.

The young prince was at a growing age, and skipping meals was far more challenging for him than for adults.

Yet, his face betrayed no emotion, his voice hoarse.

Outside, it was pitch-dark, lanterns hanging from the eaves. Not far away, a young eunuch was setting up a ladder to light another lantern.

Zhonghong waited outside and immediately said when he appeared, "Your Highness, you must be exhausted. Have some water."

He had brought a pot of tea, which had turned from hot to lukewarm.

After Qi Zhuoyun had two cups, his throat felt better. In a raspy voice, he asked, "Has He'er gone to sleep?"

Zhonghong nodded, "I believe so. When I checked on him, he was eagerly awaiting your return."

He continued, "I've instructed the kitchen to prepare a meal for you. After fasting the whole day, you should eat something."

Qi Zhuoyun's legs felt numb, and his calves ached.

The Emperor had been irate today, making him stand in the imperial study the entire day without much movement.

Zhonghong noticed immediately, supporting Qi Zhuoyun. Only after they'd walked a significant distance did Qi Zhuoyun's legs recover, allowing him to walk on his own.

In a soft voice, he said, "No sooner had I sent him to the academy than troubles arose... Perhaps it's for the best, Zhonghong. Later, send someone to the Xi Xia Palace to inquire about the Empress. And tomorrow, take He'er out of the palace. Pack his usual clothes and belongings. After academy hours, there's no need to bring him back."

Zhonghong wanted to object, but Qi Zhuoyun said calmly, "I'll be preoccupied for a while with court matters. The Emperor is displeased with me. I'm spread too thin. He'er, being astute, will sense something amiss if he doesn't see me regularly. It's better to send him away, where he'll have company."

Qi Zhuoyun added, "Send him to the Liu residence. Last night, I heard from the vice chancellor that Shen Congyun is planning to send his eldest son to the academy as well."

A chill appeared in Qi Zhuoyun's eyes as he mentioned this.

He didn't have strong feelings about Shen's eldest son, at least for now. As long as the boy didn't cross He'er, Qi Zhuoyun wouldn't act.

However, Shen Congyun did irk him.

Greatly so.

Previously, he would've sent He'er to the Duke's mansion, but not this time.

The old Duke and Duchess adored Shen He but were also quite indulgent of their own son.

Qi Zhuoyun didn't believe that the battle-hardened old Duke couldn't handle Shen Congyun if he truly wished to.

The reason they refrained from reprimanding Shen Congyun was their hope that, when Shen He grows up, their relationship might improve.

They felt that Shen He, being so well-behaved, had a decent relationship with his father, Shen Congyun, for now. And even if they grew distant in the future, there wouldn't be significant issues.

Shen He's well-mannered nature wasn't exclusive to anyone; he was amiable with everyone.

But his kin wasn't limited to the Shen family; many others wished to be close to him.

Sensing the prince's displeasure, Zhonghong softly responded, "I'll send someone to the Xi Xia Palace to inform Empress Xuan first. After that, we'll send someone to the Liu residence. It'll show our attentiveness if someone from our side visits after Empress Xuan's envoy."

Qi Zhuoyun replied, "Alright, make sure it's arranged properly."

A sudden sharp pain gripped Qi Zhuoyun's stomach, feeling as if his insides had been twisted and bunched up.

His complexion turned pale. Upon returning to his quarters, even though he was starving, he refrained from eating much.

After taking a bath, he went to the side chamber to see Shen He.

The little one was sound asleep, hugging his large stuffed tiger.

Asleep, his innocence was even more pronounced. Looking at the child, so pure and peaceful, it naturally softened one's heart, unwinding the tension bit by bit.

Qi Zhuoyun gently pinched his cheek, his expression softening.

No one should dare bully the child he's raising.

*

Shen He woke up exceptionally early, just as dawn was breaking.

Upon waking, he found himself cradled in someone's arms.

His stuffed tiger was squeezed between him and the person holding him.

His cheeks were pressed, leaving a drool stain on the person's nightwear.

Shen He quickly sat up and giggled at the protagonist, who had seemingly come to lull him to sleep at some point during the night.

Leaning in, he playfully patted the protagonist's face, exclaiming, "Brother! Wake up!"

The sun has shone on the protagonist's behind!

Sneaking in to watch over the child in the middle of the night, what a responsible guardian you are!

Qi Zhuoyun was roused by the child's playful slaps. Opening his eyes groggily, he was greeted by a plump and rosy-cheeked face, which uplifted his mood.

Wrapping his arms around the child and ruffling the tousled hair atop Shen He's head, he laughed, "You're up so early, He'er..."

As soon as he spoke, he froze.

Not just him, Shen He was equally stunned.

Then, with widened eyes and in his babyish voice, he exclaimed, "Wow!"

The male lead's voice had changed!

How, in just one night, did it feel like there was a whole dimension separating them?

Qizhuo Yun's voice was no longer the naive tone of a child, nor the weird hoarseness from a few days ago.

It had deepened, becoming rich and magnetic. Alongside his rapidly maturing tall frame and the emerging contours of his handsome face, he seemed to have transitioned from a child to a young man.

Given a few more years, when the baby fat on his cheeks faded, and his facial features became even more defined, he would undoubtedly look like a full-grown man.

The child kept exclaiming: "Wow! Wow!"

Using his hands and feet, he quickly crawled forward a short distance, reaching out with his little chubby hand to touch the prince's throat.

The Adam's apple was now becoming prominent.

The protagonist is truly impressive, appearing more mature at thirteen than when he was eighteen.

Such a mesmerizing voice! If he were to become a voice actor for animation, he'd undoubtedly captivate scores of fans.

The young prince felt oddly awkward, thrown off by the child's high-pitched, baby-like voice.

Supporting the child's chubby bottom, he cleared his unfamiliar throat, feeling alienated by the sound of his own voice.

It would probably take a few more days for him to adjust to this new timbre.

But seeing the child's wonder-struck expression, he chuckled, "When our little He grows up, his voice will change just like mine did."

Shen He, tilting his head upwards in anticipation, asked, "Will it sound as enchanting?"

His old voice wasn't this resonant or captivating. With this recent change, it had seemingly become even more alluring and masculine.

Qi Zhuoyun smoothed out the unruly tuft on the child's head, ensuring it wasn't sticking out haphazardly. After another throat-clearing moment, he replied, "It will. Not only will He's voice be charming, but he will also be quite handsome – likely the second most handsome in the capital."

Second?

Not believing, Shen He questioned, "Then who's the first?"

The young prince grinned, "Why, it's me, your elder prince brother, of course!"

Oh my! Such self-praise, I hadn't seen that coming!

But who exactly is Shen He?

He's dedicated to being the cutest sidekick, always cozying up to the male lead.

Young Master Shen promptly complimented, "Prince, you are the most handsome! Exceptionally handsome, the very best to look at!"

The child, overwhelmed with excitement while complimenting, wished he could jump into Qi Zhuoyun's embrace.

Qi Zhuoyun quickly scooped him up and stood, "Thank you for the kind words, Hehe. Now, stay still; I'll help you dress. We have to go to the academy soon, and if you're late and the teacher punishes you, I won't cover for you."

The child stood on the bed, obediently stretching out his arms, letting Qi Zhuoyun dress him, giggling, "Hehehe."

It was evident that he didn’t believe the prince wouldn't come to his aid.

Qi Zhuoyun, finding himself at a loss, burst into laughter.

He Lian brought in water and presented the child's outfit for the day, placing it aside, then went out to receive the prince's court attire delivered by Zhong Hong.

After the child had been dressed, seeing the prince about to kneel, Lian hurriedly said, "Your Highness, let me put on the young master's shoes."

The prince whispered, "No need." He squatted down, taking the child's chubby feet in his hands and slipping socks and small boots onto them.

The child's other leg playfully wiggled about, full of energy.

After putting on one boot, he moved to the other foot and asked, "Hehe, do you want to go out and play?"

The child replied excitedly in his little voice, "Yes!"

Qi Zhuoyun whispered, "Then after school today, how about we play outside the palace for a while? But this time, instead of going to your paternal grandparents, how about we visit your maternal grandparents? Okay?"

He playfully tickled the child's foot.

The child tried to pull his foot away, but failing to do so, giggled uncontrollably, "Haha! Brother! It tickles!"

After fitting the child with his little boots, Qi Zhuoyun, cradling him under his arms, took him off the bed and set him down, holding his warm and soft little hand, "So? Shall we?"

Shen He had no objections. After all, isn't playing just playing no matter where?

He felt it was unfair to always stay with his paternal grandparents and not spend time with his maternal grandparents.

Of course, he should stay with both and love both equally.

He nodded, "Let's go."

Qi Zhuoyun, smiling, gave the child's plump hand a playful shake, "Alright then. Let He Lian and Lian accompany you. Anyone else from the palace you'd like to join? Pick for yourself. And if you want to bring anything along, let Lian know. At the Liu residence, you have quite a few cousins. If anything upsets you, just tell Lian and He Lian, and they'll inform me, and I'll stand up for you."

That was a lot to take in. It wasn't his first time leaving the palace; didn't he do so multiple times every year?

Shen He patted the protagonist's palm with his chubby hand, "Got it! Brother, don't worry, I won't be bullied!"

His young voice resounded with determination.

Shen He appreciated the protagonist's deep sense of responsibility as his guardian.

Perhaps his frequent ventures outside the palace made him anxious, especially since it was his first time at the Liu residence.

Don't worry; there's no way I'd be bullied!

Besides, cousin Liu Zheng is there. Shen He couldn't imagine any of the Liu kids being a threat.

"...Alright. He can stay and play for a while. After some time, I'll come to pick you up," Qi Zhuoyun said as he let go of Shen He and patted his head, "Let's have someone tie your hair back."

With a few excited skips, the child dashed away.

Zhonghong entered, "Your Highness."

As Qi Zhuoyun dressed in his royal attire and adjusted the creases, he instructed, "Make sure you personally escort him to the Liu residence when school ends."

Zhonghong responded, "Understood."

Shen He remained oblivious to all this.

He was already prepping for school, eager to share the exciting news with his cousin!

His little cousin would surely be delighted.

Oh, that's right! We can bring the little house with us!

With his short little legs shuffling about, after Heling finished tying his hair, he trotted eagerly towards Lianqiao, who was busy packing things into a box.

"Lianqiao, let's bring the little house with us!"

Lianqiao replied with a cheerful smile, "Alright, young master. Quickly have your breakfast; school starts soon. If you think of anything else to bring, have someone return to the Eastern Palace at noon and inform me."

Shen He pondered, realizing how convenient that would be.

Just have someone bring his stuff, and that's it.

The child finally settled down to eat.

After the meal and all the way out of the palace, Zhong Hong was the one who personally escorted him.

The child kept thinking about what else to bring, his little mouth chattering away, counting with his chubby fingers: "I need to bring my cloth tiger, the biggest one!" He wants to sleep holding his tiger!

"And my brush, the fine-hair brush!" He wants to use it to paint! When at the Liu's with his younger cousin, he can paint freely!

"And also..."

Zhong Hong listened to the child's endless chatter with a beaming smile. For every item the child mentioned, he'd nod in acknowledgment.

Upon arriving at the academy's entrance, the child didn’t rush out of the carriage. Instead, with a hint of disbelief, he blinked and asked Zhong Hong, "Zhong Hong, did you remember everything? Don’t forget, okay?"

Zhong Hong then recounted everything from the beginning and concluded by asking Young Master Shen, "Did this servant remember everything correctly?"

The child nodded and exclaimed joyfully, "Zhong Hong, you're truly amazing!"

As expected of the chief steward; he even got the sequence right.

Flattered by the praise, Zhong Hong couldn't help but laugh. He lifted the boy from the carriage, saying, "Thank you for the compliment, young master."

The child giggled and made to hop down to walk on his own.

He then entered the academy cheerfully, turning his little head and waving at Zhong Hong in his soft, youthful voice, "Goodbye, see you tonight!"

Rarely had Zhong Hong heard such farewells.

But the child loved saying it this way to everyone when parting.

It inevitably made listeners feel joyous, looking forward to their next encounter.

With a heartwarming smile, he thought, how could anyone not be attached to such a child?