chapter 26

Chapter 26: A Long Chapter (Part 1)

Qi Yanbing, noticing Shen He's elation, curiously inquired, "Little Brother He, what's the good news that has you so cheerful? Share it with your brother, will you?"

As Liu Zheng held Shen He by the arm and hoisted him onto a high stool, Shen He, swinging his little legs, teased, "Guess!"

He gleefully turned to his cousin Liu Zheng, "Big Brother, you guess!"

Hehe, dear cousin, we can play in the mud together now!

I wonder if my cousin still enjoys playing with mud.

It doesn’t matter if he doesn't; they could play other games. He could teach his cousin how to plant flowers!

Liu Zheng observed the child's jubilant expression and his excited eyes when looking at him.

Reflecting on the chief steward of the Eastern Palace, who had brought his little cousin, he remembered the unspoken reluctance in the man's eyes when they parted.

It seemed as if they were going to be separated for some time.

... A speculation formed in Liu Zheng's mind.

It seemed improbable, but he couldn't suppress his excitement. His cherubic face was a mix of emotions, eyes sparkling brightly.

At that moment, he and the little one on the high stool indeed looked like true siblings.

This resemblance wasn’t usually apparent.

Qi Yanbing was puzzled, "...?" Can't they just say it directly?

Are they teasing him because he's not blood-related? Treating him as an outsider, huh?

How vexing.

With bright eyes filled with anticipation, Liuzheng hesitated slightly before asking, "Xiaohe, do you plan to stay at the Liu residence with me for a while?"

Xiaohe would visit the Duke's mansion every year. During those times, Liuzheng would frequently accompany his mother to visit and play with Shen He.

He often wondered, being relatives of Shen He, why wouldn't the younger cousin stay at their house?

His mother cautioned him not to inquire about such matters.

Although Liuzheng is an astute child, he is, after all, still a child. His intelligence lies in literature and strategies.

When it comes to the intricate affairs of social norms, he remains somewhat perplexed.

He looked anxiously at the little toddler.

To his surprise, the child's eyes sparkled, and a look of astonishment spread across the little face as if to say, "How did you guess so quickly?" The child giggled, "Big brother, I'll stay with you! The crown prince agreed!"

Liuzheng was so excited that he wasn't sure how to react. A myriad of thoughts flooded his mind.

If they were to live together, he could show his younger cousin all the little trinkets he had hidden away, and they could play together.

He'd need to replace his bedding and pillows to ensure that Xiaohe wouldn't feel out of place coming from the Eastern Palace, preventing him from returning to the palace too soon due to discomfort.

While he pondered on all these, Shen He hadn't thought that far ahead.

All Shen He could think of was playing with his elder cousin at night.

How thrilling! He never had such companionship in the Eastern Palace.

At the Duke's residence, Shen Yan was only half a year older than him – a genuine little lad who mostly played in the mud and wasn't much fun otherwise.

Playing with an older cousin like Liuzheng was way more exciting.

If only they had flashlights, Shen He would've loved to hide under the blankets with his cousin and sneakily read novels late into the night.

He never considered whether the upright young master, the caring elder brother Liuzheng, would allow him to stay up late.

Regardless, Shen He's imagination was already running wild.

Young Master Liu also began to anticipate their upcoming time together.

Unable to resist, he cupped the child's soft round face, "Xiaohe, you should stay at the Liu's longer this time. If not, we won't let you return to the Eastern Palace. You've stayed at the Duke's mansion many times but never at the Liu residence."

After saying that, Young Master Liu felt a bit regretful for his words.

Yet, the child eagerly and decisively hugged him around the neck, exclaiming in a high-pitched baby voice, "Okay!"

Making it up on both ends, they will bond even closer, and everyone will be content!

My younger cousin is so adorable, hehehe.

The child giggled secretly.

The two cousins happily decided on the wonderful life they would share in the coming days.

Qi Yanbing was still seated at the front desk, twisting around without ever turning back fully.

He was scratching his head and cheeks, wanting to join in on the brotherly bond.

Zheng Xue, surprisingly, began to speak.

He pulled Qi Yanbing back, staring at him with deep-set eyes, saying, "Can you speak less? What are they doing, and what are you doing?"

Qi Yanbing exclaimed in astonishment, "Wow! Xueze! Brother Xueze! We've been classmates for years, and aside from our studies, this is the first time I've heard you say such a long sentence! I always thought you weren’t good at speaking, hence you seldom spoke!"

Suddenly, Qi Yanbing lost interest in the brotherly bond at the back seat.

As if he'd discovered something rare, he exclaimed, "Wow, Brother Xueze, can you say a few more sentences? We've been classmates for so long, and our bond is deep. Aren't you even willing to speak a few words to me? You should know that if you ever become an official, not only do you need knowledge and appearance, but also eloquence and persuasiveness, just like me..."

He kept blabbering.

Zheng Xue: "..."

An expression of agony.

He regretted speaking.

After all, Liuzheng would find him annoying.

Zheng Xue silently lifted the book in his hand, buried his face in it, wishing to escape from this noisy world.

The noise wasn't from the world, but from Qi Yanbing's mouth.

Qi Yanbing's interest in Zheng Xue peaked due to that not-so-long sentence.

It wasn't until the professor entered the room that Qi Yanbing reluctantly shut his mouth.

The professor began his lecture.

The students below held their pens, listening and jotting down notes.

Qi Yanbing was writing too.

Using a fine brush, he quietly pushed the paper towards Zheng Xue, pretending to accidentally bump into Zheng Xue's arm.

From above, Professor Min gave him a deadly glare.

While his tone remained gentle as he explained the contents of the book, his eyes were fixed on Qi Yanbing, watching his every move.

Dr. Min didn't even spare an additional glance at the book in his hand. His tone remained steady, and his lecture continued without a hint of hesitation, flowing smoothly.

Qi Yanbing, who was sneakily passing notes to his desk mate, was preoccupied with listening intently, relying on sound to gauge the teacher's position.

It never occurred to him to lift his eyes and see whom Dr. Min was intently watching.

Shen He, who was engrossed in drawing on the desk behind them, thought, "?"

Why did the atmosphere suddenly feel quieter?

It's chilling.

The astute child lifted his head, only to realize the situation.

It's over.

Shen He silently mourned for Qi Yanbing, the note-passer in the front row, for three seconds.

Attending a class taught by a strict teacher like Dr. Min, and sitting so upfront, and daring to pass notes!

Passing notes is one thing, but being so sloppy about it!

Seeing that the oblivious Qi Yanbing had no sense of the impending crisis, Shen He wished he could instantly impart his years of skill in handling strict teachers to him.

Being observant and alert isn't just for show.

Liuzheng also noticed.

On one hand, he found it amusing thinking about Qi Yanbing getting caught and felt it might be a good lesson for him.

But seeing the anxious young boy next to him clenching his chubby hands, Liuzheng felt compelled to offer a subtle warning.

With his head lowered, Liuzheng stealthily stretched his leg to tap Qi Yanbing's chair leg with his foot.

He gently tapped the leg of Qi Yanbing's chair with his toes.

Hoping that Qi Yanbing might be just a tad more perceptive.

Clearly, Young Master Liu's skills were far superior to those of the oblivious Qi Yanbing.

With a serious face, and using only his peripheral vision to glance at Shen He, he discreetly warned Qi Yanbing right under Dr. Min's watchful gaze and resumed his composure.

Truly, a master of subtlety.

Shen He approved of his cousin's impeccable technique.

Impressive, just like his older brother back in the day.

Qi Yanbing, who was earnestly trying to get Zheng Xue to notice his note, wondered, "?"

Who was nudging his chair leg?

Qi Yanbing immediately turned to look at Shen He.

Zheng Xue, sensing something amiss and watching Qi Yanbing turn back, thought: "..."

The observed Shen He: "..."

Sitting on a high stool, the child with short legs that couldn't touch the floor, widened his innocent eyes in shock.

No!

Why are you turning around?!

And why look at me? Do I have legs that long?!

Dr. Min's lecture finally came to a pause.

In a calm and seemingly gentle tone, devoid of any anger, he asked, "Young Prince, is there something more pressing at the back than my lecture?"

Qi Yanbing: "..."

Dejectedly, Qi Yanbing stood up and replied, "No, sir."

Dr. Min continued, "I observed the Young Prince taking many notes. I presume you've written down everything I've said?"

Qi Yanbing thought: "..." This is bad. I'm going to be whipped by my grandfather when I get home.

His grandfather recently acquired a new bamboo whip!

Shiny and polished, it must hurt a lot when used!

Dr. Min was handed a large "note."

Still in his gentle tone, he said, "Young Prince, please stand outside the door and continue to listen."

Now well-acquainted with the routine, Qi Yanbing, as if this wasn't his first time, took his book and went to the door.

With Qi Yanbing out of the way, Dr. Min's gentle gaze settled on the young boy seated behind.

The young boy, nicknamed "Little Bun," nervously clutched his pen, debating whether to hide his drawings spread across the desk.

His chubby arms rested on both sides of the paper, trying to shield it from view, hoping the teacher wouldn't notice what he had drawn.

Darn it!

With a troublesome brother like Qi Yanbing, if this were the modern age, the matter wouldn't be settled without three packets of spicy snacks!

The child's face was etched with expressions of anguish.

Such a solemn expression on his face seemed less serious and more comical.

The children were all prepared, ready to be called next, standing by the door.

He thought to himself, relieved, that he didn't have to worry so much about calling in the parents anymore.

He's still just a four-year-old baby; don't set your expectations too high for him.

Shen He began to oscillate between behaving like a baby and a teenage boy.

The next moment.

Dr. Min shifted his cold gaze away from the child and said, "Young Master Liu."

Liu Zheng: "..."

The young cousin's ears slowly turned red.

He stood up, bowed respectfully, and said, "I disrupted the class. I know I was wrong."

With that, he picked up his book and went to stand by the door, just like Qi Yanbing.

Young Master Liu always held himself with dignity and rarely had such embarrassing moments in public.

The tips of his ears turned crimson, spreading to his tender cheeks. He kept his head down, holding his book with pursed lips.

So humiliating.

Taking advantage of his position by the door, Qi Yanbing slipped into the teacher's blind spot and glanced at Liu Zheng.

Then, shock!

Wow! It was the first time he'd seen Liu Zheng's head turn so red!

Liu Zheng held his breath, irritated by the fool beside him.

Holding his book, he quietly moved away from Qi Yanbing.

He even contemplated whether to continue being friends with this buffoon, Qi Yanbing.

He felt that if this continued, he might tarnish the reputation of the Liu family.

Qi Yanbing remained blissfully unaware that he was teetering on the brink of being ostracized.

Inside the classroom, Shen He sighed in relief, hesitating to put down his drawing.

With Qi Yanbing gone, Shen He felt exposed. It seemed the teacher could notice him at any given moment.

The children became increasingly cautious.

Not just Shen He; every child in the classroom held their breath.

Dr. Min is truly terrifying!

Today was a stifling morning.

By noon, only after Dr. Min left did the children become lively again.

Qi Yanbing, with a bashful face, trailed behind Liu Zheng, saying, "My mind just didn't make the connection in that moment."

The flush of embarrassment on Young Master Liu's face had faded, but he still harbored some resentment towards Qi Yanbing. With a tight face, he replied, "It's not that you didn't connect the dots, it's that there aren't any dots in your brain to connect! No wonder your grandfather is always reprimanding you!"

Shen He, watching the scene unfold: Oh my! "Friendship Crisis: Ancient Elementary Edition."

This was the first time Shen He had seen his little cousin so irritated.

Suddenly, there was a lively, childlike energy in the air.

The two kids bickered in their youthful voices.

"I didn't do it on purpose! Come on, don't be mad. I'll make it up to you. Whatever you want me to do next time, I'll do it. Look, our little brother is watching. Aren't you afraid of scaring him with your temper? Moreover, Zheng Xuezhe should bear at least half of the blame. Where did you go, Zheng Xuezhe?"

Qi Yanbing's strategy was to divert the anger and share the blame.

Zheng Xuezhe lifted the chubby child from the high chair, saying, "Time to eat."

And just like that, he walked away, child in arms.

Qi Yanbing, a little slow on the uptake, sensed something was amiss.

He looked at Liu Zheng, "Why does he look more like little cousin Shen He than you do?"

Liu Zheng: "??"

Young Master Liu was livid!

The almost-extinguished spark of anger blazed anew.

He stormed off to find Zheng Xuezhe and Shen He, leaving Qi Yanbing hollering behind.

Zheng Xuezhe, having moved ahead, was already cheerfully eating with the child.

Today, the little prince could only settle for leftovers.

After eating, on their way back from the pavilion, the little prince felt he should plead his case—having him eat leftovers was sheer bullying!

Just as he was about to speak up, the nanny who had followed them couldn't hold back any longer, "Little Prince, perhaps you should stay silent today?"

Qi Yanbing: Fine, I understand. I'm being shunned.

The children's playful squabbles faded by the time school ended.

Zhong Hong personally came to pick up Shen He and escort him to the Liu residence.

Upon seeing Zhong Hong, Liu Zheng momentarily forgot his spat with Qi Yanbing, watching intently.

Perhaps aware of his blatant gaze, he tried to mask his feelings, but his emotions still shone through his eyes.

Zhong Hong immediately smiled and said, "Young Master Liu, I've come to accompany both you and the young master to the Liu mansion to meet Lord Liu. The young master will be staying a while, so there are many things to bring along."

He added, "In the future, Young Master Liu will have to look after the young master. My apologies for the inconvenience."

On hearing this, the young cousin relaxed and smiled, "Of course, he's my brother. I'll naturally take good care of Shen He."

Zhong Hong looked at the young master and saw that Shen He had already eagerly made his way to the carriage of the Liu mansion, seemingly preparing to join Liu Zheng.

Shen He stood by, expectantly waiting for Zhong Hong to lift him in, gazing up with his round face.

Catching onto Shen He's intent, Zhong Hong lifted him into the carriage and then assisted Liu Zheng.

Shen He originally intended to ask Zhong Hong why the prince didn't come to accompany him to the Liu residence. The young prince always ensured Shen He was safe, especially during overnight stays outside the Eastern Palace.

However, upon seeing Qi Yanbing, Shen He got distracted and momentarily forgot.

He looked at the slightly dejected Qi Yanbing and thought, 'The two of you schoolboys have quarreled enough. Time to make amends; the three packs of spicy strips await.'

Eager to mediate, he grabbed Liu Zheng's hand, "Brother! You didn't say goodbye! Say it now!"

After addressing his cousin, he popped his head out to shout at Qi Yanbing, "Goodbye! My brother says goodbye to you!"

Qi Yanbing leaned against the carriage window, looking at Liu Zheng who awkwardly replied, "See you tomorrow."

Regardless of Liu Zheng's discomfort, Qi Yanbing cheered up, "Take care! Look after our little brother! Bring him to our palace for a visit sometime!"

And he didn't forget to entice Shen He, "Little Shen He, let me tell you, my home is a palace. It's huge! If you come to play, I'll show you many wonderful things!"

Liu Zheng swiftly pulled the curtain down.

Shen He had only just come to stay with the Liu family. He'd be foolish to bring him to the palace now.

Qi Yanbing: "??"

Shen He felt they had reconciled and chose to overlook any peculiarities.

He sat next to Liu Zheng, and inside the carriage were some snacks.

With eagerness, the child reached out his chubby hand to grab one. After taking a bite, his eyes squinted in delight, "So good!"

This green bean pastry is delicious!

The pastries from the Liu family are even better than those from the Duke's mansion.

Shen He felt he was in for a treat; surely there would be many delicious foods awaiting him.

Liu Zheng gently touched Shen He's chin, using a handkerchief to catch the flaking pastry crumbs, "This was made by my mother. Everyone in our family adores her pastries."

Ah, how wonderful!

Shen He remembered the impression he had of this maternal aunt: gentle yet strict with children. He never expected her pastries to be so delectable.

The carriage smoothly made its way to the Liu residence.

Princess Liu Xuan, having received news the previous night, dispatched a senior maid to the Liu house to make preparations.

With Zhong Hong's personal appearance now, Lady Liu greeted him with a gentle smile, "Rest assured, elder. Shen He is like any other child in the Liu family. He's my sister's son, which makes him one of us. I'll take good care of him. Please convey this to the prince."

Shen He, still standing at the entrance, waved to the departing Zhong Hong with a bright smile, "Goodbye, Zhong Hong!"

After a pause, he added in a childlike voice, "Remember to tell Prince Brother to come visit me!"

"Certainly, I'll convey your message to the prince," Zhong Hong replied with a beaming nod.

Lian Qiao and He Ling were also present. Everything about the Liu house was new and fascinating to Shen He.

He looked around, everything seeming novel and unfamiliar.

Seeing Shen He's curiosity, Lady Liu, with a softened heart, playfully asked, "Are you tired, Shen He? Would you like me to carry you?"

The child declined with a solemn face, "I can walk on my own! I'm not tired!"

The corners of Lady Liu's lips curled up in amusement as she watched her son take Shen He's hand, and the two children walked off together.

Her gaze was tender.

Shen He greeted his grandparents with warmth and affection.

After paying respects, Liu Zheng led Shen He to his own courtyard.

Noticing Shen He trying to keep up without admitting his fatigue, Liu Zheng picked him up, "Let me show you my courtyard."

Lady Liu was occupied with other matters. As Liu Zheng carried his little cousin, he whispered, "After dinner, I have something special to show you. But remember, it's our secret."

Shen He's ears perked up, nodding his small head in agreement.

Who would have thought? A secret from cousin Liu Zheng?

Shen He recalled how his cousin had sneakily given someone a hint right under Dr. Min's watchful eyes. Such a high level of stealth must have taken years to perfect.

It felt as if he had stumbled upon a significant secret about his cousin.

Consumed by curiosity, Shen He couldn't help but wonder what that secret could be.

Can this child even play in the mud without seeking his mother's approval, let alone sneak anything past her?

As they reached Liuzheng's courtyard, Shen He noticed several familiar flowers planted along the edges.

It seemed like something he had fiddled with.

Cuttings from the Duke's mansion.

Liuzheng managed to keep them all alive. Impressive!

Liuzheng noticed the child peeking over his shoulder, curiously eyeing the clusters of flowers by the courtyard wall.

The flowers were potted, with creeping stems and leaves, blooming in a bright pink. Their petals were closely packed, forming almost a seamless circle, with jagged edges fringed with a thin white lining.

They weren't ostentatious, but very beautiful.

Liuzheng, slightly exhausted, set the child down and said, "These were a gift from Xiao He, remember?"

Of course, he remembered.

Back then, Shen He thought the flowers resembled Dianthus and, despite being considered weeds, took a cutting and planted a patch in the Duke's mansion, giving half of it to Liuzheng.

He gave it without expecting Liuzheng to actually cultivate it.

Seeing them thrive now, how could he not be delighted?

The child crouched by the wall and gazed at the flowers for a while before willing to proceed inside.

Once inside, Shen He remembered something.

He turned to look at Lianqiao, waving his chubby little hand and saying in a hushed voice, "Lianqiao~"

He spoke stealthily, suppressing his soft, childish tone.

Lianqiao leaned in, squatting down in cooperation so that young Master Shen could whisper to her.

Shen He leaned in and whispered, "Did you bring brother's little house?"

Lianqiao nodded, mimicking young Master Shen's tone, "I brought it, it's safely in the box."

Shen He became even more delighted and whispered, "Help me get it tonight, and we'll secretly give it to brother, without anyone seeing."

It's pitiful how even a little house is something he feels the need to hide.

Shen He wanted to give the little house to Liuzheng without the young Madam Liu noticing.

Liuzheng had already entered ahead.

He originally wanted to tell his nursemaid to replace some of his usual items with Shen He's to make him more comfortable.

However, upon entering, he found that most of the items had already been swapped.

The nursemaid smiled, saying, "Is the young master concerned about Master Shen's comfort? The lady of the house knew early on about your close bond with Young Master Shen, so she had everything arranged. Take a look, if there's anything that needs changing, I can consult the two attendants by Young Master Shen's side."

Liuzheng pursed his lips and nodded, "Nanny, please convey my gratitude to my mother."

The nursemaid responded, "I'll remember. Go and enjoy your time with the young master. I'll send someone to fetch you at dinner time."

Liuzheng paused in thought, "Nanny, will my father and the rest be joining for dinner today?"

"Of course, Young Master Shen's visit to the Liu residence is rare. The lady wanted all the siblings to meet and familiarize themselves with each other. The Fourth Lord also has some free time today and sent word he'd be coming," the nursemaid replied, a bit puzzled about Liuzheng's sudden query.

Liuzheng envisioned the entire family gathering.

He thought of his fourth uncle's camaraderie with Dr. Min.

Young Master Liu felt a warm sensation, and uncontrollably, his ears reddened.

His voice softened, "I'm just concerned that Xiao He might feel overwhelmed seeing so many new faces all at once. I'll let him know."

The nursemaid nodded and retreated.

Liuzheng touched his hot ear, frustrated at his own reaction.

He mumbled, "I shouldn't remind that fool Qi Yanbing again."

Shen He, who had just approached the inner room's entrance, overheard.

He tilted his head to see his cousin's flushed ears and thought, still a bit thin-skinned.

Without a doubt, he knew Liuzheng would continue helping Qi Yanbing in the future.

Ah, such endearing bonds among students of ancient times.

Shen He, an 18-year-old lad, with his plump, bun-like face, put on an expression resembling an adult looking at a naive child.

Forgetting that just this morning, he had timidly claimed to be a four-year-old baby.