chapter 44

Chapter 44: The male lead ends up without a wife in the grand finale!

Whenever the crown prince is mentioned, Qi Yanbing becomes visibly melancholic.

He tossed the teacup in his hand into the air, caught it smoothly, and then leaned silently against the small couch.

Shen He was the happiest of all.

As he spoke of it, a joyous smile spread across his fair, slightly chubby, boyish face, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He nodded enthusiastically, "The crown prince sent me a message a few days ago, saying he'd bring me a present when he returns."

Heh, I wonder what treasures the male lead will bring him this time?

Shen He rubbed his hands together in excitement.

Seeing him so elated, Qi Yanbing found it hard to share in his joy.

After all these years, Qi Yanbing still couldn’t understand.

Why wasn't Shen He the slightest bit afraid of Qi Zhuoyun?

Look around, who isn’t wary of the crown prince?

However, the thought revitalized Qi Yanbing, and he leaned in to ask, "Little He, I heard that the crown prince is considering an engagement, about to select a princess consort. The prince is already 24 and still unmarried. Look at the second prince; he not only has a chief wife but several concubines as well, and his eldest son is even starting to speak. My grandfather is becoming impatient. Since you’re often at the Eastern Palace, have you heard any rumors? Like which family's daughter is being considered for the role of princess consort?"

Shen He looked into Qi Zhuoyun's gossip-hungry eyes and was speechless.

This guy never learns.

Just a few years ago, he was punished by the crown prince for snooping into palace gossip.

Yet, here he is again.

Besides, even Shen He hasn't heard such news.

Shen He highly doubted its credibility.

He casually responded, "It’s just a rumor. There's no specific young lady from any family. The crown prince currently has no plans to marry."

This is, after all, a hard-core political intrigue novel, which deliberately avoids romance. There are few female characters throughout, and most of them are elders.

The author probably knows too well that they aren’t good at writing romance, so they simply avoid it.

Qi Yanbing was skeptical, "He's already 24 and has no plans to marry? Are you sure the crown prince isn't just keeping you in the dark because you're too young?"

Shen He was puzzled: "Why would they keep it from me?"

Qi Yanbing chuckled, "Perhaps they're worried you'd cause a fuss. If you didn't approve of the chosen princess consort, the prince might even reconsider based on your opinion. So, better to keep it from you, finalize the engagement, and then it'll be too late for any fuss."

Shen He retorted in indignation, "I'm not a child! Whether or not the crown prince marries has nothing to do with me. I won't cause any trouble!"

Qi Yanbing, having unintentionally provoked Shen He, tried to soothe him, fussing over the young man as if pacifying a child.

Liu Zheng was speechless, while Zheng Xue was already attending to guests, making arrangements to remove a box containing a wind-up fan.

After the commotion, Shen He cheerfully headed to the main hall. It would be rude not to greet the elders during his visit to the Liu family.

Qi Yanbing wholeheartedly agreed and accompanied Shen He to visit the elders.

Zheng Xue had no choice but to follow them.

Half of the family's elders were absent. Some were on duty, while the eldest and second cousins had long been assigned official roles outside the capital and hadn't returned in quite a while.

Perhaps even on the twelfth of June, Shen He's birthday, they might not be able to make it, and would only send gifts in their stead.

Shen He felt a pang of regret at the thought.

He would have to wait until the end of the year to see them.

Their first stop was to pay respects to the elderly Madam Liu. Her temples were gray, a far cry from the spirited woman she was a decade ago.

As Shen He grew from a tiny tot into a handsome young man, his maternal grandmother had aged from a vibrant woman in her forties to someone approaching sixty.

She gently touched Shen He's cheek, her eyes twinkling, "Has my dear Shen He finally decided to visit his old grandmother?"

Shen He affectionately nuzzled her palm, "Not at all! I was just here a few days ago. Only grandmother wouldn't mind my frequent visits, hehe."

As he spoke, he pulled a flower from his sleeve, flashing a mischievous grin, "For you, grandmother! I've carried it all the way here, just for you."

It was a silk tree blossom, which blooms in May. Its soft pink flowers looked like light clouds tinted by the twilight.

Madam Liu loved silk tree flowers, but their estate wasn't suited for such trees.

Seeing the flower, her smile widened, "Shen He, you're so thoughtful."

Pleased to have made his grandmother happy, Shen He casually scratched his arm.

Having kept the flower in his sleeve had made his arm itchy.

A few hasty scratches left several reddish marks on his fair skin.

After spending some time in Madam Liu's courtyard, Shen He also paid visits to his maternal aunts.

As he headed to the front yard to find his younger cousin, he bumped into two young men who looked strikingly similar.

At first glance, they seemed almost identical, but upon closer inspection, many differences became apparent.

Years ago, this nearly identical brother and sister pair were often indistinguishable to many.

Liu Dai whispered to his sister, "See? I told you we'd run into someone. You never believe me."

Liu Dai's sister, Liu Dai, smirked, "It's fine. It's just Shen He. Besides, I just wanted to go out and have some fun. Father won't reprimand me."

Liu Dai wore her brother's clothing from two years ago. As she hadn't grown as tall as her rapidly growing brother, she could only wear his older outfits for her male disguise.

Her hair was pulled back and secured with a hairpin, completing her boyish appearance.

Having dressed like this since childhood, she moved with a youthful, boyish grace. Unless one looked closely, it would be difficult to tell she was a girl.

Giddy, Liu Dai jogged a few steps towards Shen He, reaching out to pinch the soft flesh of his cheek, "Oh my, Shen He! Let me see if you've grown taller! It doesn't seem so. You're still about my height, haha!"

Shen He thought, "...What are you talking about? I'm clearly taller by at least a good few inches!"

Liu Zheng intervened, "Even if you're cousins, Xiao Ba, do show some decorum."

Liu Dai replied with a playful grin, "Got it, Fifth Brother."

Shen He moved to stand next to his younger cousin, seeking refuge from his playful older cousin.

Among all the youngsters, Shen He's only fear was his little cousin sister.

When Shen He was six, his audacious uncle sent both of the dragon-phoenix twins (a term for boy-girl twins) to the academy. Relying on their anonymity, he claimed they were both sons.

They studied there for several years. As they grew older, and Liu Dai started to look less like a boy, they were brought back home.

During those years, Shen He was constantly outdone by his little cousin sister.

Even now, he'd prefer to avoid her when he could.

Enthusiastically, Liu Dai invited, "Shen He, why not join us for some fun? You're always with Fifth Brother. Don't let him turn you into an old soul like our oldest cousins. That's not charming at all."

Liu Dai's brother grabbed her collar, pulling her away, while bidding farewell to Liu Zheng and Shen He, "Fifth Brother, I'll take her away now. Shen He, no need to be too alarmed."

While Liu Dai protested loudly, she was playfully subdued by her brother as they sneaked out for some fun.

With his mischievous cousin gone, Shen He continued to tinker with other gadgets alongside Liu Zheng.

Having crafted a wind-up mechanism, why couldn't they create a chiming clock?

The thought of earning money brought a gleam of joy to Shen He's eyes.

He spent the night at the Liu mansion. At dinner, he met two of his uncles and his grandfather.

Minister Liu was now a higher-ranking official, and in a few years, he might retire and return home.

The next day after school, Shen He was stopped by the Fifth Prince.

The Fifth Prince asked, "Did you know that the eldest prince is getting married?"

Shen He: "…?"

Again?

Knowing the entire plot, how could he not know if the male protagonist had married?

The male lead doesn't have a wife even in the grand finale!

Disdaining such rumors, Shen He crossed his arms, paused, and lifting his still-youthful chin, inquired, "Your Highness, from where did you hear such baseless tales? It's one thing to deceive others, but don’t deceive yourself."

The Fifth Prince instinctively bristled, ready to spar verbally with Shen He.

However, just as he was about to retort, he held back.

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he said, "I'm not like you, believing every whisper. Look around; how many at the eldest prince's age remain unmarried? Even my own mother is seeking suitable brides for me. It seems only you are unconcerned."

In a rather un-princely manner, the Fifth Prince rolled his eyes at Shen He, "Out of kindness, I thought to inform you. Considering you reside in the Eastern Palace daily, your unawareness might be excusable. Perhaps you should consider moving out before the eldest prince's marriage, so he won't have to ask you to leave. It would preserve the harmony."

Indeed, if the Eastern Palace welcomed a mistress, Shen He, an unrelated male, shouldn't be residing there daily.

Of course, all this is predicated on Qi Zhuoyun actually getting married.

Shen He pondered for a moment, setting aside his disdain. With a sincere expression and a grateful tone, he said to the Fifth Prince, "Is that true? Thank you so much, Your Highness. You're too kind to me."

The Fifth Prince: "…?"

Although Shen He's expression was earnest and his eyes free of mockery, the Fifth Prince felt something amiss.

Hesitantly, he replied, "…You're… welcome?"

Before the prince's last word fully left his lips, the young man before him had already turned and dashed off, almost like a whirlwind.

Leaving behind a rapidly shrinking silhouette.

As if he was desperate to leave the academy before the prince's final word hit the ground.

It can be said that when Shen He is sincere, he's genuinely so. But when he's dismissive, it's entirely evident.

How infuriating! The Fifth Prince felt like he was about to burst!

That guy!

Regardless of how exasperated the Fifth Prince felt, Shen He couldn't care less.

As a child, no one bothered telling a young boy such trivial matters. But as he grew older, everyone seemed keen to share their two cents.

Shen He was indifferent to most things. He'd do the bare minimum if he could, and if he couldn't even get by with that, his domineering side would take over, indiscriminately asserting himself, caring only about his own happiness.

After leaving the imperial academy, Shen He sneaked off to the Duke's mansion.

The sun hung low in the western sky, yet it was still somewhat scorching.

As he rushed all the way, beads of sweat formed at his temples.

The steward, upon seeing him, smiled, "Young Master, have you arrived?"

Shen He nodded, "Indeed, indeed. Where are my grandparents and elder brother?"

The steward replied, "They're in the small training ground at the back."

Shen He thought to himself, he knew it.

He then almost flew towards the training ground.

The old Duke sat in the corridor, resting his hand on his knee, watching the young lad practice spearplay in the courtyard.

The young man held a long wooden pole adorned with a red tassel. He moved gracefully and with precision. The tip of his spear whistled sharply in the air, gleaming menacingly. While the shaft vibrated, the arm holding it remained as steady as a rock, unwavering.

Shen He darted out from the inner hall, agile like a nimble cat, landed in the corridor, crouched in the shadows, and chuckled softly.

The old Duke, hearing the noise, turned to look and saw the young lad drenched in sweat and broke into a smile, "Ah, it's our little He..."

"Shh!" Shen He hastily held a finger to his lips, pointing towards Shen Yan, who was still practicing.

The old Duke, playing along, nodded understandingly, remaining silent.

Shen Yan was deeply engrossed in his spear practice. He moved fluidly, resembling a dragon. Due to years of martial training, his skin wasn't as fair as most young nobles, and he stood exceptionally tall. However, his eyes seemed especially deep and calm.

A stark contrast to the vigorous movements of his spear.

As he put down his wooden pole and caught his breath, ready to ask the old Duke for feedback, he spotted Shen He, chin propped on his hands, intently watching him.

Shen Yan's deep eyes sparkled a bit more, and he quickly walked over, placing the pole on a rack, calling out, "Little He!"

Shen He circled around Shen Yan with admiring eyes, thinking, 'My brother is so amazing.'

He had wanted to try the spear moves himself, having been taught by Shen Yan a few years prior.

But after practicing, Shen He couldn't lift his arm the next day. Thus, he promptly abandoned that thought.

Truly, a laid-back homebody like him should just enjoy watching others show off.

Shen Yan, amused by Shen He's gaze, smiled and asked the old Duke, "Grandfather, have I improved lately? In the training ground, no one can defeat me."

The old Duke laughed heartily, "Good, good! You improve every day. Come, let's go inside. Will little He be spending the night at the mansion? It's getting late; perhaps we should not return to the palace today?"

Shen He had the same thought, especially since the main character hadn't returned.

At dinner, the old matriarch, Shen He, Shen Yan, and the old Duke were present.

The old Duke frowned, casting a glance at the steward.

He wanted to ask something, but remembering Shen He's presence, he held back his desire to question the Duke Shen.

Shen He was busily using the communal chopsticks to serve dishes for everyone at the table.

The old matriarch smiled warmly like a blooming flower, and Shen Yan also served food, not forgetting to add a portion to Shen He's bowl, saying, "Alright, Little He, eat quickly before the food gets cold."

The table was filled with harmonious joy.

Shen He dug into his meal. By evening, he started murmuring, "Such an unfilial son, he better not use the Duke's mansion's funds."

The old Duke and Shen Congyun had nearly fallen out with each other.

Shen Congyun originally had high hopes that Shen Yan would become the top scholar. Who would've thought Shen Yan would follow in the old Duke's footsteps, abandoning literature for martial arts.

There had been countless disputes within the Duke's mansion. It wasn't until Shen Yan decided to drop out of school that Shen Congyun felt utterly helpless.

To express his dissatisfaction, Shen Congyun, as the Duke Shen, rented a house outside, often only returning to the Duke's mansion after several days.

This became a mild joke throughout the capital.

Shen Yan, in a way reminiscent of comforting a child, patted Shen He's back, saying, "Don't mind him."

His tone was indifferent.

It didn't sound like he was talking about his own father.

Shen He continued to whisper, complaining about such a terrible father.

Grumbling until late into the night, he eventually drifted off to sleep.

He felt a bit hot.

Kicking off his blanket, someone tried covering him again. Shen He murmured, "Brother, I'm hot. No blankets."

Shen Yan heard the young man's mumble. Leaning closer to hear, he caught Shen He whispering, "Brother..."

Shen Yan paused for a moment.

He still pulled the blanket over Shen He, but only up to his chest, covering his stomach.

As for the affectionate "brother" Shen He mentioned, Shen Yan looked up, catching a glimpse of the watery moonlight filtering through the window.

He whispered, "The crown prince hasn't returned yet. Little He, do you miss him?"

A sleeping Shen He wouldn't respond.

Shen Yan lay back down, his dark eyes fixed on the canopy overhead, murmuring softly, "I wonder if you'll miss me this much when I join the army."

Perhaps he would, or perhaps he wouldn't.

The crown prince has been wonderful, raising Shen He and making him feel like a cherished elder brother.

If he were older, and could've nurtured Shen He from a young age, would Shen He regard him the same way he does the crown prince?

That's a question without a definitive answer.

Shen Yan gradually drifted off to sleep.

……

Shen He had a dream.

It was hot in the dream.

The male lead took him out of the capital for fun, and they bathed in a hot spring in a mountain villa.

The natural hot spring had an unpleasant smell, surrounded by billowing steam so thick that it was hard to see anyone.

Shen He was playfully pushed in by the male lead. Qi Zhuoyun patted his head, saying, "Soak properly. Only then will you grow taller."

Shen He, counting on his fingers and leaning on the edge of the pool, mumbled, "Always about growing taller. They're deceiving me."

Nobody in the palace ever cajoled him without using the "growing taller" excuse.

They really treat him like a child all the time!

Qi Zhuoyun crouched down. He was much taller than Shen He.

Since Shen He was very young, he had always envied Qi Zhuoyun's long limbs, hoping he'd experience a growth spurt just like him.

Now, though almost sixteen, Shen He was about the height of a twelve or thirteen-year-old Qi Zhuoyun, around 1.7 meters.

But Qi Zhuoyun kept growing, shooting up like a well-watered tree.

Currently, Shen He could only just reach Qi Zhuoyun's chin with the top of his head.

As Qi Zhuoyun crouched, casting a shadow over Shen He, the younger boy lay on the pool's edge, looking up at the prince, whose features were mature and profound.

His deep black eyes shimmered, and a smile graced his face as he playfully squeezed Shen He's cheek.

With Qi Zhuoyun's strong grip, Shen He tilted backward, protesting, "Brother! I'm about to fall!"

With a splash!

Water splashed as Shen He indeed tumbled into the pool.

He ranted silently, "I warned I'd fall! When they pull me out, I'll play up the drama, make him feel guilty!"

Seriously! Who treats a child like this?!

However, Shen He waited and waited, but no one came to his rescue.

The warm pool water enveloped him.

Struggling to breathe, he thrashed about helplessly in the water.

He began to fear he might drown!

Shen He: !

He jolted upright in bed!

Shen Yan, with whom he had chatted and complained about their unworthy father last night, was already gone.

He'd probably gone for morning training before dawn.

Shen He had the day off and didn't need to attend the academy. He flung his blanket aside, still shaken.

He then realized he had been quite restless in his sleep recently.

He used to sleep so peacefully, going to sleep in one position and waking up in the same.

Now, he could start at the bed's head and end up at its foot, even doing a full counterclockwise spin in the process.

Today, he found himself waking up diagonally opposite from where he had fallen asleep.

The blanket was twisted, half of it having covered his head, nearly suffocating him.

Guiltily, Shen He wondered if he had kicked Shen Yan off the bed last night.

Scratching his head, Shen He climbed out of bed, made it, and tried to recall his dream.

Only a vague impression remained, something involving the male lead.

Qi Zhuoyun had been gone for quite a while, and Shen He realized he genuinely missed him.

After dressing and freshening up, he hastily combed his hair, then dashed out. The old Duke tried to get him to stay for breakfast, but Shen He replied without pausing, "Can't eat now, Grandfather! I'm heading back to the Eastern Palace!"

When Shen He returned to the Eastern Palace, Lian Qiao spotted him from a distance and chuckled, "Young Master, your hairpin is crooked."

Without a hint of embarrassment, the thick-skinned Shen He responded, "Hehe, Lian Qiao, help me fix it."

Casually, he added, "Hair is such a hassle. I've thought about cutting it all off. I wonder how the crown prince manages his so effortlessly."

Lianqiao chuckled, "If the young master truly cannot learn, when the time comes to marry, he might have to find a lady who knows how to do hair."