chapter 45

Chapter 45: The Bet

Get married?

No, no, no!

Shen He's head shook like a tambourine.

He muttered, "I won't be getting married, Lianqiao."

At most, he could only have a boyfriend.

And he couldn't consider this during his work period, for he was unsure if his current guardians would accept such a, what could be called, "heretical" idea of not wanting to marry and have children, but only desiring a boyfriend.

If the guardians couldn't accept it, not to mention his uncles, aunts, grandparents, and others, just the thought of the main male lead's reaction made him tremble.

But Shen He wouldn't harm an innocent girl.

So, for now, he could only firmly state that he doesn't want to marry.

As for having a boyfriend, he'll consider that after retirement.

Heh, it seems it's not too long now. In four years, when the main male lead ascends the throne, he'll have the chance to wander around and explore places for retirement.

Thinking of this, Shen He became somewhat excited.

A youthful smile spread across his face; his long, dense eyelashes, like tiny fans, made his round eyes seem even bigger and brighter when they fluttered.

Because of his round eyes and a lingering baby fat on his cheeks, he looked like a kitten, making one want to treat him like a child.

Listening to his childlike words, Lianqiao teased, "Oh, the young master still hasn't grown up. Maybe in two more years, you'll have your heart set on a young lady. By then, when you want to propose, I'll remind you of your words today and laugh at you."

While speaking, Lianqiao skillfully loosened and re-tied Shen He's black hair, securing it neatly with a hairpin.

Tied neatly and beautifully.

Lianqiao gave him a look and grinned, "Once the heat of the day passes, I'll tie your hair in a high ponytail for you. I've heard that the young men in the capital are fond of this style lately. It makes them look spirited..."

Walking behind her, Shen He nudged her forward, "Alright, alright, whatever you do is fine. Where's Heling? What is she doing? Why haven't I seen her?"

"Heling guessed you'd probably return this morning. She's busy in the kitchen making lotus seed cakes for you. A few lotus flowers in the pond wilted recently, their seeds are still tender—perfect for lotus seed cakes and lotus seed soup. Would you like some soup tonight?" Lianqiao asked.

She knew the young boy's preferences like the back of her hand.

She asked, but with a smile on her face, she seemed to expect his answer already.

Sure enough, Shen He nodded, "Yes, yes! Add a bit more sugar for me, hehe, while the crown prince isn't around."

Shen He showed with his fingers, "Just this much more will do, maybe a spoonful...half a spoonful. Lianqiao, you're the best. Don't tell the crown prince." His voice was clear and soft, cooing at the one who had cared for him since childhood, skillfully and adorably.

Lianqiao was always a soft touch for this kind of thing and could only helplessly agree.

Shen He hopped joyfully into the room, every step buoyed by a leap, before diving haphazardly onto his bed in the inner chamber.

Mid-dive, Lianqiao called him back, had the young eunuch fetch water, and insisted he clean up before playing.

After washing the sweat from his face and hands, Lianqiao finally allowed Shen He the freedom to enjoy himself.

Shen He rolled about on his bed for a bit, propped up on his elbows, and casually retrieved the book he hadn't finished from beneath his pillow.

Only half of it remained, which he perused with keen interest.

It wasn't long, and he soon finished it.

The prose was a bit too pedantic for Shen He, who was used to the bite-sized literature of the modern era. It left him feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

Tossing the book aside, he climbed off the bed and glanced outside at the sun's position.

It seemed to be around 8 or 9 in the morning. The sun was becoming warmer but was still tolerable.

Being restless, Shen He, hands clasped behind him, began patrolling his domain within the Eastern Palace.

He was no longer the toddler that needed constant supervision for fear of tumbling over.

Spotting him venturing out, Lianqiao only cautioned, "Young Master, be wary of the sun."

With his back to her, Shen He waved and called out, "I'll be back shortly!"

Shen He went to check on his flowers.

He began by circling the nearby annex.

They were all flourishing, growing exceptionally well.

After inspecting that area, Shen He strolled towards the main hall.

The guards saw him but didn't hinder his movements. Within the Eastern Palace, Shen He moved as if he were in his own world.

Beneath a window, he poked at the camellia plant he had given to Qi Zhuoyun.

Calling it a "pot" would be an understatement.

It was practically a vat, a short ceramic vat with a wide opening, housing the almost Shen He-tall camellia in a somewhat constricted manner.

The glossy green leaves stretched out, half reaching outside the veranda, basking in the sunlight.

Only this side, which was in the shade and seldom traveled, could accommodate the plant beneath the window without obstructing the path.

Shen He had long argued that a camellia of this size should be planted in the ground.

If it had been, it might have grown even more luxuriantly, perhaps even surpassing Shen He in height.

But Qi Zhuoyun was somewhat hesitant, always saying, "Keep it here so Big Brother can see it bloom every day."

As he said this, he would pinch Shen He's face.

Shen He had no choice but to stay silent.

He plucked a handful of the camellia's lush green leaves, then went on to inspect other areas.

After a stroll, he turned to the garden.

Wishing to escape the sun's heat, he sought the shade of trees.

The Eastern Palace's small garden didn't have many tall trees. Shen He crouched down, ducking behind a small shrub. Without any regard for appearances, he sat cross-legged, picking the small red berries growing above.

From where he sat, the sun couldn't touch him, and people passing by on the nearby path would hardly notice him.

Holding the red berries, he plucked a few and then thought they'd make attractive decorations amidst the green leaves.

Shen He was about to stand up and fetch some scissors to snip a few stems to gift to his aunt.

Then he heard footsteps.

Footsteps wouldn't typically deter Shen He, but accompanying them was the hushed tone of gossip.

Shen He: "?"

Supporting his delicate chin, resting his head on his knees, and curling himself up a little, Shen He pricked up his ears, eager for the gossip.

He had always enjoyed sneaking into nooks and crannies, catching tidbits from every corner since he was young.

Shen He was quite adept at concealing himself.

"Do you think the Crown Prince will return before June?"

"Who knows? But he'll probably be back before the young master's birthday. Speaking of which, have you heard about the selection of the Crown Princess?"

"You've heard that too? I thought it was just a rumor. But considering his age, it's about time. Do you know which noble's daughter it is, and is she suitable?"

"Regardless of suitability, once the Crown Princess enters the palace, our relationship with the young master will inevitably change. We must be careful not to overstep our boundaries..."

The gossipers' voices faded into the distance.

The listener was left dumbstruck.

Crown Princess?

Shen He had encountered this term several times over the past few days.

Now hearing this from the mouths of those in the Eastern Palace, Shen He was filled with doubt.

Could it be that he had caused such a plot twist?

Shen He tapped his hand in uncertainty, thinking about all the other story changes he might have influenced, such as the early retirement of the heir from the Duke's residence, the life-saving imperial pardon that ended up with him, or even Shen Yan choosing the path of martial arts over literature...

Did he bring about a wife for the male protagonist?

Suddenly, Shen He sprung up from the shrubs.

Luckily, no one was nearby; otherwise, they would've been startled by his abrupt movement.

Shen He lost the urge to continue wandering and dashed back. From a distance, Lianqiao called out, "Young Master, walk, don't run!"

She was holding freshly baked pastries, their lotus aroma wafting in the air.

Placing them on the table inside, she poured Shen He a glass of water, urging him to drink.

She also offered a handkerchief, but Shen He took it, wiping away the sweat from his fair skin.

He inquired, "Lianqiao, if the Crown Prince marries, will I have to move out?"

He pondered, "Would it be better if I move out earlier? Can I take you, Heling, and the others out of the Eastern Palace with me?"

He didn't want to leave Lianqiao and the others behind. If he were to move, he'd definitely find a way to bring them along.

After all, he had ample money now. He could buy houses and lands for them, even suggesting they lead independent lives outside the palace.

With these thoughts, Shen He felt a twinge of sadness.

With the male lead getting a wife and his guardian forming a new family, he would soon become an outsider.

Alas, such are the ways of the world.

When melancholic, his gaze would lower.

Shen He wasn't adept at hiding his emotions. He could manage in front of strangers, but in front of close ones, his feelings were almost transparent.

With his raven eyelashes drooping and cheeks slightly puffed, he looked rather unhappy, resembling a pouty kitten or puppy.

It made one want to pat his head, offer him a treat, and cheer him up.

Lianqiao felt a mix of emotions, touched by the boy's candid concerns and amused by his worries.

She genuinely wasn't sure where Shen He had heard such news. "Young Master, why this sudden concern? The Crown Prince has never mentioned anything about choosing a princess."

Although, she did have some faint inklings about the matter.

She reassured the young master, "You need not worry. Even if there is a Crown Princess, the Crown Prince will always cherish you as a brother. Such matters aren't for me to comment on. If you want to know more, perhaps you can ask the Crown Prince directly when he returns? Maybe he has plans in mind."

Shen He lightly touched the pastry, blew on it gently twice, and then fed it into his mouth.

That's a point.

Perhaps he can ask his younger cousins about it.

Even He Ling came closer and started chatting with Shen He, "If young master pleads with His Highness for the release of Lian Qiao and me from the palace, not only can we watch the young master grow up, but we can also bear children for him. By then, Lian Qiao and I could become the wet nurses of the young master's child, haha..."

Shen He blushed at the comment, a light pink hue spread from his ears across his cheeks, looking very much like a soft peach.

He stared with wide eyes, proclaiming, “I will not marry! I won’t have children for you and Lian Qiao to take care of.”

He Ling laughed even louder.

Lian Qiao grabbed He Ling, trying to prevent her from laughing too much and upsetting Shen He, all while trying to hold back her own laughter.

Shen He was truly incensed!

Unfortunately, he couldn’t revert to his childhood habit of crawling onto his bed and covering himself entirely with his blanket. Instead, he hastily grabbed a plate and made his escape, evading He Ling's laughter.

The next day.

Upon meeting Liu Zheng and the others, Shen He immediately shared the latest gossip he’d heard.

Qi Yanbing gloated, “See, I told you the Prince Regent is going to marry the crown princess. Many noble daughters in the capital are waiting. My grandmother talks about it every day, discussing which young lady is suitable to become the crown princess.”

Qi Yanbing’s grasp of gossip largely depended on his grandmother's updates.

Liu Zheng and the others weren’t surprised, as whether the crown prince chose to marry or not seemed equally plausible to them.

The crown prince had a rather cold demeanor. Though it wasn't evident at first, the more they interacted with him, the colder he seemed.

The only one who didn’t see it this way was Shen He, the naive kitten.

Shen He rested his chin on his hand, his chubby cheeks pushed up into a pout.

He sighed deeply, "So, should I move out soon? Right after this birthday celebration? I'm turning sixteen after all.”

Moving out of the East Palace felt like an early retirement to him.

Qi Zhuoyun, strangely excited and a bit rebellious, commented, “But suddenly I feel that the Prince Regent might not get married at this time. I initially believed Shen He when he said it wouldn't happen, but now that even Shen He thinks it might, I'm starting to doubt the accuracy of this news.”

Shen He: "What?"

Shen He felt somewhat belittled.

Angrily, he slammed the table and exclaimed, “What do you mean, if I think it’s possible then it probably isn’t? Do I look like someone who always gets things backward?”

Qi Yanbing, easily distracted, asked, “What do you mean by ‘always gets things backward’?”

Shen He settled back down and explained in a mumbled voice, "It's like being a jinx. Well, not exactly... It means whatever one predicts, the opposite happens."

After explaining, he said to Qi Yanbing, "Watch your words, or when the crown prince returns, I'll complain about you bullying me."

Qi Yanbing: "...", feeling like fate had tightened its grip around his throat.

Qi Yanbing felt dejected for a moment, listening to Liu Zheng and Zheng Xueze earnestly giving advice to the child.

Never up to any good.

He believed his speculation was accurate; it was his instinct, and it was always spot on!

Qi Yanbing unfolded the fan he held with a swift motion, dramatically fanning himself as a new idea struck him.

He closed the fan and tapped its handle on the table, "Let’s make a wager. Let’s not rush into this discussion now. Even if the Prince Regent were to select a princess, there would still be time for Shen He to move out when matrimonial plans become evident."

Shen He promptly responded, "I bet it's a false rumor! If I lose, the crown prince must apologize to you."

Seeing Shen He's smug face, Qi Yanbing wanted to ruffle the boy's hair playfully, "Little Brother Shen He, or should I say, Uncle Shen He, you're being quite cunning."

Liu Zheng pondered for a moment, "I bet it’s true, and I wager five hundred taels of silver."

Zheng Xueze blinked his deep black eyes, "True. I bet three shops on Changlong Street."

Qi Yanbing quickly chimed in, "I also believe it’s true. What’s the fun in just betting silver? Propose a different stake."

As Qi Yanbing was about to set his terms, he caught a glimpse of two familiar figures on the street below.

Two young men in splendid attire; one shorter, seeming a tad younger.

Weren’t those the siblings Liu Dai and Liu Dai?

The audacity of this pair, wandering around daily without fearing being recognized.

Yet, Liu Dai’s male disguise was quite convincing.

Qi Yanbing's gaze shifted back to Shen He, who was leaning by the window.

One hand propped up his chin, squeezing his delicate cheek outward, making it appear incredibly soft and pinchable.

And it truly was tempting to pinch such youthful cheeks.

Sensing Qi Yanbing's scrutiny, Shen He looked alert. The lad still had a young demeanor and a subtle masculine air, but thanks to his delicate features, if dressed as a girl, he'd surely make a lovely maiden.

Feeling scrutinized, Shen He began to backtrack, "I also think the rumor is true..."

Qi Yanbing interrupted him quickly, fearing the wager might change.

He proposed, "Let’s bet on cross-dressing. Whoever loses has to dress as a woman and must parade in front of at least one elder. No secret dress-ups! And if one’s brave enough to stroll in public, even better..." He chuckled mischievously as he spoke.

Shen He declared, "I too bet that it's true. I clearly stated just a moment ago that I believe it's true."

Cursed luck! Why did he have to be so defiant, especially with Qi Yanbing?

Liu Zheng: "..."

Zheng Xueze: "..."

They looked at the naive youth who seemed to be getting duped.

They wanted to intervene, but as they observed the animated exchange between Shen He and Qi Yanbing, they noticed Shen He changing his wager back to it being a false rumor.

The two remained silent, harboring a mischievous thought that seeing Shen He in women's attire might be rather amusing if he lost the bet.

An added source of jest for the future.

Shen He remained oblivious to the ulterior motives lurking within these adults.

At eighteen, the most cunning friend Shen He knew was also eighteen. The deviousness of these twenty-year-olds was beyond his previous comprehension.

He continued to waver in his decision.

It seemed true to him, yet in the original story, the protagonist ended up without a wife.

Besides, given his close relationship with the male lead, how could he not be informed if there were plans for a marriage?

This seemed implausible to Shen He.

His bond with the male lead was unbreakable. In the male lead's circle of close confidants, Shen He was second to none.

It was unreasonable to think that his best friend would marry without telling him.

If Shen He found a boyfriend in the future, he'd undoubtedly share the news with the male lead, regardless of the distance between them.

Shen He gently touched his still slightly rounded chin, contemplating, concluding that it being a false rumor was more probable.

Feeling reassured, he murmured, "When the time comes, all three of you will have to dress in women’s clothes! And I must see it, no backing out!"

With a mischievous glint in his eye, he thought, 'Once I've seen them, I'll memorize their appearances and draw them!'

*

Outskirts of the capital.

The head of the guard brigade pulled on the reins and displayed the token, stating coolly, "The prince's entourage."

The city gate soldiers immediately relaxed, paying their respects and welcoming the return of the prince to the capital.

The carriage rolled smoothly into the city.

The sweltering summer breeze fluttered a corner of the carriage curtain.

It revealed a young man dressed in black.

His dark, silken attire was adorned with subtle patterns embroidered in gold thread. In such heat, where one could sweat with the slightest movement, his collar was fastened tightly, covering the skin beneath his neck, leaving only his Adam's apple and a strikingly handsome yet cold visage exposed.

His eyes mirrored the black of his attire.

Like ink drops.

His dark, elongated eyebrows slightly furrowed, emanating an intangible sense of pressure.

As they relaxed, that hint of imposing air vanished.

He set aside the scroll in his hand, using his broad palm to lift a corner of the curtain, observing the increasingly familiar streets.

Upon spotting a certain stall, a gentle warmth seemed to melt into the crown prince's features, and a subtle smile emerged, "Zhonghong, buy a portion of chestnut cake."

He paused momentarily, and as Zhonghong prepared to alight from the carriage, he added, "Also, get some malt syrup."

Zhonghong chuckled, "Yes, Master. Right away."

Qi Zhuoyun's fleeting smile faded quickly.

Time had carved maturity into the once young prince, replacing the frailty of youth with stature and presence.

The consolidating power in his hands made his aura increasingly commanding, and a casual glance would often betray the dominance of a sovereign.

Zhonghong returned promptly.

After a quick errand, sweat beaded his brow. As he carefully handed over the greasy parcel, he wiped away the sweat, saying, "The young master hasn’t finished school yet. Imagine his delight when he learns that you’ve returned to the East Palace earlier than expected."

Qi Zhuoyun murmured, "Who knows if he will return to the East Palace today? Perhaps, taking advantage of my absence, he might be enjoying himself elsewhere and plan to spend the night out."

Zhonghong thought to himself, 'That indeed sounds likely.'

Yet, it was evident that the crown prince was in high spirits.

After such an extended trip, wouldn’t he be eager to see the young master upon his return?

Pondering this, Zhonghong considered checking on the young master's whereabouts. If the lad hadn't returned to the East Palace in a couple of days, he could discreetly send someone to inform him of the prince's return.

Surely, upon hearing that, the young master would rush back.

The caravan steadily made its way into the imperial city, heading towards the East Palace.

Classes at the Imperial Academy had just concluded.

Shen He was playfully arguing with the fifth prince.

The Fifth Prince always falls short against Shen He. Shen He acts obediently in front of the elders but among peers, he indeed shows some dominant tendencies.

Once he starts talking, it's like a ceaseless chatter. It's just a tad better than a nagging sickness. It truly infuriates people to the point they might lose their appetite for days.

The Fifth Prince is the primary victim.

While being victimized, he tries to reclaim his pride, only to be victimized repeatedly.

His perseverance is commendable.

Climbing onto the carriage, the Fifth Prince followed closely. He sneered, "I'm curious to see what you possess that even I, a prince, do not have!"

Shen He crossed his arms, "You are a prince, not the crown prince. It's only natural there are things you don't have."

The Fifth Prince: "...". Well, that left him with no retort.

Shen He's audacity is bolstered because he resides in the Eastern Palace and his lifestyle is funded by the crown prince.

His face reddened in anger, taking a deep breath.

Glancing outside the window, he smugly inquired, "Are you aware of the new trend in the capital these past days?"

He was certain Shen He hadn't seen it yet.

Even if he could get his hands on it later, the fact remains that he hasn’t seen it now.

Shen He perked up, curious, "What is it?"

He thought he had scoured every nook and cranny of the capital. What could possibly emerge that he's unaware of?

The Fifth Prince took pleasure in seeing Shen He's piqued curiosity.

Teasingly, he said, "You might be wondering what could possibly be in the capital that you're unaware of. But this item has just emerged. Even I happened to see it just yesterday. Only a handful in the entire city have seen it. Don’t fret about not knowing."

Shen He, both curious and impatient at the prince’s tease, suppressed his curiosity and thought he'd find out later on his own.

Pretending to be indifferent, he responded, "If Your Highness doesn't wish to share, you needn't tell me."

The Fifth Prince: "...". Another bout of suppressed annoyance.

One day, this Shen He will be the death of him out of sheer vexation!

Truly insufferable!

He took a deep breath, but the summer heat only intensified his irritation rather than soothing it.

Using a fan, he cooled himself a bit and said, "In the capital, affluent families tend to buy hand fans during hot days. Although these fans are efficient and cooler than regular ones, they require manual operation. Do you know there's a fan that rotates on its own?"

Shen He: "?"

What a coincidence!

"Ah, surprise! The boss is right here."

Energy surged within Shen He. His previously impatient demeanor transformed to sincerity. Instead of leaning sideways against the window and giving the Fifth Prince the back of his head, he now faced him squarely.

His hands rested obediently on his knees, displaying the innocence of a grade-schooler; a look so genuine, so heartfelt.

His eyes, reflecting the Fifth Prince's smug expression, brimmed with eagerness. His eyebrows and the corners of his eyes lifted slightly, a clear sign of his overwhelming curiosity and apparent admiration.

Shen He inquired, "Really? A self-rotating fan? Are you sure you weren't deceived, Your Highness? Given the influx of merchants from other regions into the capital lately, there might be some swindlers among them, just waiting to scam people out of their money."

As he spoke, a hint of skepticism appeared on the youth's soft, fair cheeks. The curiosity and amazement in his eyes faded, replaced by doubt and distrust.

However, this time, Shen He's behavior didn't ruffle the Fifth Prince's feathers.

The noble Fifth Prince thought, "I knew it. Shen He has never seen this before."

Finally, he had reclaimed the upper hand in their exchange.

Not wanting to let go of this rare opportunity, the Fifth Prince refrained from satisfying Shen He's curiosity instantly.

He decided to keep Shen He in suspense, waiting for him to ask to see the item.

Yet, he wouldn't keep him waiting too long, knowing that in a day or two, Shen He would surely find a way to see the fan someone else might have purchased.

The Fifth Prince remarked, "You don't believe it? I was the same as you, skeptical until I saw it with my own eyes. But such wonders do exist in this world, regardless of your belief."

The Fifth Prince continued, "Would you like to see it?"

Habitually, as he did when they were children, he lifted his chin, attempting to look down upon Shen He.

Halfway through the gesture, he remembered Shen He's rebellious nature and forcefully lowered his chin.

He added, "If you wish to see it, I can show it to you tomorrow. But only if you ask."

After saying that, the Fifth Prince wondered if he had overstepped.

Asking Shen He to beg? He'd surely refuse, saying he'd wait and ask someone else in a day or two.

Instant regret washed over the Fifth Prince. All he needed was for Shen He to express a desire to see the fan, wasn't that tantamount to asking him?

Just as the Fifth Prince was about to say something to maintain his advantage and keep Shen He intrigued,

The young Lord Shen, opposite him, showed no signs of annoyance, his face still full of curiosity, and his bright eyes hinted at eagerness.

Written all over his face were the words, "I really want to see it."

The Fifth Prince, with his mouth agape, closed it uncertainly, taking another look.

Shen He hasn't lost his temper yet; it seems promising.

Without any hesitation, Shen He said to the Fifth Prince, "Your Highness, please, indulge me and let me broaden my horizons."

He was overjoyed!

Good heavens! What a fortuitous opportunity – an automatic promotional tool?

The way Shen He looked at the Fifth Prince was as if he were gazing upon the small savings he had stored at the bank.

Absolute understanding.

If it came to asking, he's playfully pleaded many times before; after all, it wasn't a serious request.

Shen He spoke effortlessly.

Without overthinking, he promptly followed the Fifth Prince's lead and asked.

For the first time, feeling so validated, the Fifth Prince thought: "...?"

A brief realization crossed his mind, wondering if he was still in a dream.

The Fifth Prince discreetly pinched his thigh.

Good, it hurt a bit.

Shen He was genuinely conceding and seeking his favor.

The Fifth Prince felt elated, indescribably so. Who knew how many times he had been upstaged by Shen He? Now, having Shen He asking him for a favor was an unprecedented experience!

Struggling to keep his lips from curling into a smile too quickly, he lifted his chin with poise, "Since you've asked, I'll take you to see it tomorrow at noon."

Shen He nodded in agreement!

Perfect, let him witness. He can then justifiably bring more people along to see it, establishing its reputation.

A mechanical fan, a luxury fit for nobility, everyone deserves one!

Today, the Fifth Prince was particularly fond of Shen He.

After entering the palace and before parting ways, in high spirits, he said to Shen He, "Get some rest early. Don't worry too much. I'll let you see it tomorrow, and that's a promise."

The young lad, hopping off the carriage, nodded vigorously, "Okay, great!"

He's right! Tomorrow, when bringing people along, Your Highness, you must lavish praise just like today! Ideally, praise it to the skies!

Shen He's spirits soared.

He could almost visualize a cascade of silver coins pouring into their purses.

A smile covered his face. Overwhelmed with joy, he sprinted like a whirlwind through the palace path, racing back to the Eastern Palace.

Back in the Eastern Palace, he eagerly thought of seeking out Lianqiao for a bowl of lotus seed soup, sweetened just a bit more. He pondered whether he should discuss the matter with his younger cousins after tomorrow's viewing, ensuring they were prepared.

Hopping over the threshold, he cheerfully called out, "Lianqiao! Heling! I want lotus seed soup, and don't forget to add an extra spoon of sugar!"

His voice took on a playful, childlike lilt.

Once inside, he turned and noticed someone seated by the small couch.

Qizhuoyun was notably tall. By the age of twelve or thirteen, he was almost adult height, continuing to grow over the years, albeit at a slowing pace.

He eventually reached a height that made him stand out among his peers.

With his slender physique and mastery of the six arts, he had grown out of his boyish fragility. The authoritative presence of a mature man became more pronounced with each passing year.

Sat there, he seemed to make the room feel unexpectedly cramped.

Seeing him, Shen He paused momentarily.

Initially, a gleeful smile lit up his face, and his eyes sparkled with happiness. The soft flesh of his rosy cheeks stretched with the widening grin, and almost instinctively, he launched towards Qizhuoyun, joyfully shouting, "Brother!"

Midway, catching a glimpse of his elder cousin's amused eyes, Shen He abruptly stopped, turning to bolt out the door.

Oh no, what did he just do?

What had he shouted just now?

He had asked Lianqiao to add an extra spoon of sugar.

Having made the request even before entering, the elder prince surely knew about his recent sugar indulgences!

Wait, he'd better escape for now. Any delay would be welcome.

As the youth recovered from his surprise, his expression shifting to one of regret, Qizhuoyun anticipated his next move.

Swiftly, Qizhuoyun reached out, pulling Shen He into his embrace. One hand playfully pinched his cheek, "Hmm? Why run? Open your mouth, let me see."

Shen He looked skyward, on the verge of tears, feeling a sour sensation from the pinch on his cheek. Reluctantly, he opened his mouth for Qizhuoyun's inspection.

He tried to defend himself, "Brother, I didn't eat that much, truly. I occasionally ask Lianqiao to add just a little sugar. It won't harm my teeth."

Qizhuoyun chuckled, "How often is 'occasionally'? And how much is 'a little'? Can you count them out for me?"

Qizhuoyun was far from convinced by the young boy's tales.

Shen He had once sneaked sugar before shedding his baby teeth, leading to a decayed tooth. He couldn't eat properly for months until the bad tooth was replaced with a new one, much to everyone's relief.

Initially, Qizhuoyun hadn't been too strict about Shen He's sugar intake. But Shen He, with his sweet talk and charm, could coax candy from anyone, making him the favorite recipient for elders everywhere.

Qi Yanbing had to be strict, ensuring Shen He didn't overeat.

The young man rolled his eyes innocently, puffing up his cheeks and clamping his mouth shut.

Shen He didn't keep count. By not doing so, he could pretend he had only indulged two or three times.

Qi Yanbing chuckled, not really expecting a precise count.

He released Shen He's cheeks, still cradling the young boy close.

Shen He's slender frame, nestled in Qi Yanbing's embrace, wasn't out of place. He was noticeably smaller than the young crown prince.

Seated on his lap, she could finally look him eye to eye.

Qi Yanbing studied the boy he hadn't seen in months, noting that he had grown taller and appeared thinner.

Feeling the boy's frame, which barely had any flesh, he said, despite knowing it's just the growth phase, "You can't just eat sweets. You need to eat proper meals, alright?"

He remembered Shen He as a chubby little dumpling when younger. As he grew, however, he never seemed to put on much weight.

Shen He nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, yes! I eat three big bowls each meal!"

And Shen He wasn't exaggerating. Even if it wasn't three big bowls at a meal, he still snacked on various delicacies throughout the day.

He certainly ate a lot every day.

With a casual gesture, Qi Zhuoyun wiped away the sweat that trickled down the young man's forehead with a handkerchief. His skin was pale, now blushing slightly with warmth.

He looked as if he had a rosy glow beneath his fair skin, resembling a sweet pastry.

After wiping the young man's forehead, Qi Zhuoyun took his hand, placing it within his larger grasp, cleaning the slender fingers and the spaces between them.

Holding the slightly smaller hand in his own, he teased, "You can try to deceive your brother, but when you stop growing taller, don't come crying to me."