chapter 46

Chapter 46: Finding a Wife on One's Own.

Shen He was teased.

He's almost sixteen and approaching the end of his growth spurt, making him particularly sensitive about his height.

He immediately turned to cover Qi Zhuoyun's mouth, playfully protesting, "I'll grow taller! I can be as tall as you!"

Shen He initially wanted to say he could surpass the protagonist, but changed his words at the last moment.

Glancing at Qi Zhuoyun's stature, he felt that surpassing him, given his current rate of growth, was truly an overestimation.

So frustrating!

Why can't he grow taller!

With his mouth covered by Shen He, Qi Zhuoyun wrapped his arms around the young man and nodded, mumbling, "Yes, yes."

His tone was somewhat dismissive as he ambiguously repeated into Shen He's palm, "Grow tall, grow tall."

After his momentary outburst, Shen He realized how childish he had acted and felt slightly embarrassed.

Such a grade-schooler behavior.

He struggled out of Qi Zhuoyun's embrace and eagerly asked with sparkling eyes, "Brother, did you bring me back any gifts?"

You were away for so long, didn't you bring me a present?

What's my birthday gift?

Rubbing his hands in anticipation, Shen He watched as Qi Zhuoyun poured himself a cup of tea and another for him, saying, "I did. Here, chestnut cake and some candy... but no candy for you. You've already had too many sweets behind my back."

Qi Zhuoyun handed Shen He a package wrapped in oil paper and casually played with another smaller package, which held the candies.

Shen He clutched the chestnut cake and looked up at the candy in Qi Zhuoyun's hand, trying to look cute, "Brother... those were bought for me. They'll go bad if left too long. I promise I won't eat too many in the future!"

He seemed genuinely sincere when making the promise.

But Qi Zhuoyun wasn't buying it.

He deliberately dangled the candy-packed paper, not putting it away but placing it within the young man's sight, making him restless and repeatedly glancing at it with longing.

Qi Zhuoyun remarked, "I can't trust your promises."

Shen He: "..." The boy's shoulders slumped suddenly.

His bright, round eyes dimmed, and he let out a heavy sigh.

Almost making Qi Zhuoyun chuckle.

If he couldn't have the candy, so be it. The chestnut cake was still a treat.

Hmph, he'd sneak a couple of peaches from his aunt tonight.

In another half month, even more peaches would ripen.

Shen He unwrapped the chestnut cake tied with a thin hemp cord, intending to offer a piece to Qi Zhuoyun.

As he was handing it over, Qi Zhuoyun naturally reached out to take the piece. However, recalling the withheld candy, Shen He swiftly pulled back, popping the treat into his own mouth.

Shen He stuffed the entire piece into his mouth, relishing its rich chestnut flavor.

It was soft and sticky.

His fair cheeks puffed out, tempting one to give them a squeeze.

Qi Zhuoyun shook his head, taking a sip of cold tea. "After such a tiresome journey, I brought back treats for our esteemed Lord He. Yet, I offended him over a bag of candy. I wonder if it pricks his conscience."

Shen He: "..." Stop playing the victim. I see right through you!

His conscience might not be troubled, but Shen He felt he shouldn't act too petulant.

Thus, he pushed the chestnut cake towards Qi Zhuoyun, urging him to eat.

After enjoying two pieces, Shen He, with a piece in hand, headed out. Qi Zhuoyun called after him, and he mumbled in response, "Going to see Lianqiao!"

Shen He almost choked on his treat. In the kitchen, both Lianqiao and Heling were present.

Upon seeing Shen He, they burst into laughter, asking, "Young master, have you seen the prince?"

Lianqiao, noticing crumbs on Shen He's lips, said, "The prince brought chestnut cake and candy for you. Did he not share the candy?"

Heling broke into hearty laughter, "Didn't get your candy, did you, young master?"

If he had gotten the candy, he'd be savoring it instead of the cake.

They could guess what transpired; he likely begged for candy even before entering, and the prince caught him red-handed.

Shen He, embarrassed, whispered, "Shh! If Brother asks, you have to cover for me." He glanced at the lotus seed soup, murmuring, "I'm out of candy, so..."

The candy might be gone from there, but it shouldn't be gone here too.

Sadly, Lianqiao shook her head, "The prince is around. Just a taste and he'd know. Be careful, or next month's candy might be withheld as punishment."

Shen He: "..."

Shen He deflated completely, giving up resistance.

He shuffled along behind Lianqiao and Heling, returning to the main hall.

Qi Zhuoyun was still there, but in the short time, a thick stack of envelopes had appeared before him. He was intently opening and reading them.

Heling and Lianqiao paid their respects and placed the lotus seed soup on the table, pouring a bowl for the prince.

Shen He also received a bowl and sat by the low couch, scooping a spoonful, ready to sip.

While Qi Zhuoyun's eyes were still on his letters, his hand accurately swiped away Shen He's bowl of soup.

He then replaced it with his own.

Shen He: "..." How infuriating! Can't there be some trust between people?

With his head lowered, Shen He sulkily slurped a few mouthfuls.

Qi Zhuoyun, with a teasing tone, commented, "You're gulping it down like a little pig. Be careful, it's hot."

Shen He chose to ignore him, thinking, "So what if I'm a pig? Hmph."

After finishing his soup, a thin layer of sweat appeared on Shen He's forehead.

He set his bowl aside, kicked off his shoes, climbed onto the low couch, and clutched his stuffed tiger. Reaching out, he tried to touch one of the letters Qi Zhuoyun had read.

Qi Zhuoyun let him be, figuring the boy would soon lose interest after reading a page or two.

But Shen He was just restless. After skimming a page, his wandering eyes pondered which topic to broach first.

Resting his chin on his hand and puckering his lips, he finally asked, "Brother, are you planning to marry the crown princess?"

Qi Zhuoyun's hands, busy with the envelope, paused momentarily.

He looked up, his dark gaze landing on the youth's somewhat anxious face. "Why do you ask?" Where had he heard the news?

Shen He fidgeted with the tiger's tail, explaining, "Lots of people are talking about it. Qi Yanbing mentioned it, and even the Fifth Prince did. I was wondering why you never told me."

He eyed Qi Zhuoyun warily, "Is it true? You wouldn't keep it from me, would you?" He'd be upset by such exclusion!

Qi Zhuoyun found Shen He's guarded look amusing and teased, "What will you do if it's true? And if it's not?"

Without hesitation, Shen He replied, "If it's not true, then nothing changes. But if it's true, I'll have to move out of the Eastern Palace, right? Moving's a hassle. If you're marrying, and I can't stay in the palace, can Lianqiao and the others come with me?"

He quickly added, "I don't mean any disrespect to the future princess, I just worry about Lianqiao and Heling. If they could leave the palace, I could see them often. Otherwise, it'd be hard for me to visit."

He even began listing on his fingers for Qi Zhuoyun, "Lianqiao, Heling, Zhongyong, Zhongyan..."

Qi Zhuoyun: "..." He put the letter down.

A pair of deep black eyes grew slightly heavier, though his voice remained gentle, revealing no change. The boy across from him, engrossed in counting people, didn't notice. "All these people, do you intend to take them all out of the Eastern Palace?"

Shen He replied, "Yes, and there are more than just these." He planned to continue listing them.

Qi Zhuoyun didn't interrupt him but let him continue, "Alright, who else? I'll allow you to take them."

Hearing this promise, the boy's eyes lit up. He turned to lie on his stuffed tiger, saying, "There's also Guizhi, Mingwu..."

Shen He listed almost ten people.

Almost all of them had been with him in the side chambers since they were young.

He truly hadn't missed any of them.

Except for one crucial individual.

Qi Zhuoyun took a sip from his cup, the cool tea not bringing any relief. Instead, it seemed to fan a rising warmth.

He asked, "Is that all? Just these?"

Shen He felt a bit embarrassed for wanting to take so many people with him, but he couldn't bear to leave any behind. Reluctantly, he nodded, "Yes, that's all."

Qi Zhuoyun pondered for a moment, poured himself another cup of tea, took a sip before speaking, "You seem concerned about everyone else, yet leave me alone in the Eastern Palace without a second thought?"

"Little ingrate."

Shen He widened his eyes in shock, "Brother, you're going to marry the Crown Princess?!"

"Hold on, you're about to marry and yet you're considering moving out to live with your brother? How would that be fair to your wife?"

He protested earnestly, "Crown Prince, you're set to marry the Crown Princess, how can you act this way? It might be inconvenient for me to visit the Eastern Palace, but we can meet outside. Let's discuss any concerns."

Changing the subject, Shen He, with furrowed brows, questioned, "Wait, so you're really marrying the Crown Princess? Why didn’t you tell me? I had to hear it from others!"

Qi Zhuoyun opened his mouth to speak, paused, then sealed his lips, pressing them into a slight frown.

Looking at the disapproving expression on the young man’s face, he nodded, "Yes, I plan to marry a Crown Princess, but I haven’t made a choice yet, which is why I didn't mention it to you."

"That sounds reasonable," Shen He seemed convinced.

Still, he remained in shock.

"He’s actually finding a wife for the protagonist!"

"From a lone wolf, the protagonist is to become a family man with a wife and children."

"Impressive! So his lineage could continue for generations?"

"From the protagonist to his nephew!"

Shen He's thoughts raced ahead. Visibly lost in thought, he went from the shock of the protagonist getting a wife to imagining how he might care for his future nephew, perhaps even traveling until his later years, and then returning to the capital for retirement.

Qi Zhuoyun couldn’t help but chuckle at this.

"Wonderful, my child is leaving the palace, and all I’m concerned about are the servants in the house."

He stood up, walked over, and hoisted Shen He around the waist.

Lifted off his feet by the robust embrace, Shen He flailed momentarily before relenting, leaning forward, "Brother, what are you doing?"

Qi Zhuoyun replied, "To the study. I’m bringing you to help select the princess. Judging by your eager demeanor to part ways, perhaps I should let you choose a Crown Princess to your liking?"

Shen He dangled like a limp noodle, almost folding in half from Qi Zhuoyun’s grip, his head bobbing, causing dizziness.

He covered his face with both hands, hearing footsteps around him, trying futilely to escape the situation.

Holding the young man wasn’t burdensome for Qi Zhuoyun. He carried Shen He to the study and set him down by the desk.

Shen He's head hung low, feeling blood rush to his face, making his cheeks flush. Propping himself against the desk, he groggily protested, "Brother, next time, don’t carry me like that. I feel so dizzy..."

Qi Zhuoyun was clearly in the mood to tease Shen He this time.

It was clearly fabricated, yet he made it sound so authentic.

It wasn't entirely made up; at least half of the information was deliberately released by him, with others amplifying the rumors.

Unexpectedly, the whispers reached Shen He's ears.

Seeing the distressed look on the face of the boy he'd raised, his heart softened. He supported Shen He by the nape of his neck, urging him not to lean back, "Sit for a moment; you'll feel better."

He returned to the study. Zhong Hong followed and, catching Qi Zhuoyun's subtle cue, was instructed, "Bring the list of potential Crown Princesses."

Suppressing a smile, Zhong Hong respectfully complied, presenting several portrait scrolls and a thin booklet.

Shen He had recovered, and Qi Zhuoyun directed him to peruse the portraits and booklet.

After a brief glance, Shen He frowned, saying, "... they all seem fine."

He felt awkward judging these young ladies.

Besides, it's the protagonist's wife-to-be, not his. Whomever he favors wouldn't matter.

Qi Zhuoyun lifted him up, cradling him, and pressed, "Help your brother select the Crown Princess. It's a rare task for you; focus and choose well. Who catches your eye?"

Internally, Qi Zhuoyun mused that Shen He was nearing sixteen and would be of marrying age in a couple of years. A careful selection was essential.

He wanted to discern the type of woman Shen He favored to make future considerations.

Shen He's face bore a look of agony.

The protagonist was utterly unprincipled.

What exacerbated Shen He's distress was another matter.

He lamented his rebellious nature!

Had he known, he would've steadfastly told Qi Yanbing he was serious about the bet!

The very thought of the Crown Princess selection news leaking and being forced into women's attire, paraded before elders, made Shen He wish he could dig a tunnel and escape by the light of his toes!

Shen He blindly pointed, "This one. She looks the most beautiful."

He hadn't even properly seen the face in the portrait.

Qi Zhuoyun picked up the scroll.

This was a gift from those concerned about his marital status, likely crafted by a renowned artist. The painting was exquisite, portraying a gentle lady with a countenance as lovely as a lotus.

Small script at the bottom read: "Youngest daughter of the Left Inspector of the Oversight Office, Wang Yongyi."

Qi Zhuoyun whispered the name into Shen He's ear, asking, "Do you like her, He'er?"

Shen He nodded hurriedly, "Yes, yes, yes!" Any of them would suffice. They're all suitable for the role of the Crown Princess. It's your wife; you choose.

Qi Zhuoyun's gaze returned to the portrait.

The playful intent in his eyes diminished, replaced with scrutiny and evaluation.

He asked, "Why does He'er fancy this young Miss Wang? Is it because of her beauty?"

Shen He blurted out, "Yes, she's the most beautiful. What else can you tell from a portrait, other than whether they're attractive or not?"

Without personal interaction, who can really know someone's character?

However, Shen He wasn't worried about the protagonist marrying the wrong person. In matters of love and marriage, the protagonist's charm would ensure he finds his true love—a girl who'd undoubtedly adore him.

Qi Zhuoyun carefully rolled up the scroll and handed it to Zhong Hong.

Zhong Hong neatly packed up the table and left discreetly.

Shen He, puzzled, thought, "Is that it? Has he decided on a wife?"

What was the name of his future sister-in-law again?

Earlier, in his embarrassment and being preoccupied with the thought of dressing as a woman, Shen He remembered only the surname "Wang."

Wang is a common surname, with several prominent families in the capital bearing it.

The protagonist didn't seem intent on dwelling on this. Picking up a book, he remarked, "Before I left the capital, we agreed that you'd prepare for the academy exam. How's your study progress? Let me test you."

Shen He: "..." His expression showed fresh distress.

Qi Zhuoyun flipped through the book behind him, although his attention wasn't fully on its content, knowing well its ins and outs.

He casually quizzed Shen He. Shen He sat with his legs crossed, hands supporting his knees, and answered obediently.

His responses were accurate, indicating that he'd genuinely studied.

Yet, Qi Zhuoyun felt slightly discontented.

Had he known, he wouldn’t have teased. It hadn't brought amusement, only a sense of unease.

He masked his feelings and, after closing the book, praised Shen He, "Well answered. It seems He'er has been studying diligently. The assignments from Tutor Song have been well done. Bring home the top rank in the academy exam, and I'll proudly boast of your achievements. What do you say?"

In Shen He's mind, the translation was: "Kid, secure the first rank so I can show off using your accomplishments."

Damn it! He's keen to brag but doesn't care about my wellbeing!

With so many competing, how different is being first in the academy from being the provincial top scorer?

As if becoming the provincial topper is a cakewalk!

With unshed tears clouding his inner emotions, the young boy looked slightly aggrieved, managing a reluctant promise: "I'll do my best."

Seeing Shen He's pitiful expression, Qi Zhuoyun's mood lightened. He gently patted the back of the boy's head, saying, "Alright, go have fun. I have state affairs to attend to. Join me at dinner."

The lengthy parental inquiry on the first day back home finally concluded.

Shen He instantly perked up, clambering out of Qi Zhuoyun's embrace, "Okay! Don't overwork yourself, Brother!"

He then dashed off like the wind, his words of concern delivered without much thought.

Qi Zhuoyun, feeling helpless, massaged his temples, murmuring, "He's still such a child."

Raising a child was mentally and physically taxing. When they're young, you worry about their growth; once grown, you fret about their future.

Lowering his hand and looking up, he saw Zhong Hong neatly placing papers on the desk for his review.

Qi Zhuoyun softly said, "Zhong Hong, bring back the portrait we looked at earlier."

Retrieving the painting, Zhong Hong remarked with a gentle smile, "The young master is almost sixteen. In a few more years, he'll come of age."

"He's still immature, very much a child," Qi Zhuoyun's tone was a touch melancholic.

For some reason, he felt irritable that day.

In the past, comments about Shen He growing up were met with simple acknowledgments, but today, he felt less receptive.

Sensing this, Zhong Hong refrained from further comments.

Being adept at discerning Qi Zhuoyun's thoughts, he surmised that the prince struggled with the idea of the child he raised becoming independent.

It's human nature to feel this way, but in a few more years, when Shen He matures further, Qi Zhuoyun would hopefully embrace the boy's path to establish his own household.

……

Shen He, on the other hand, remained unaware of these musings.

His primary concern was the potential embarrassment awaiting him.

The initial excitement of wanting to share news about the Fifth Prince's self-promotion with Liu Zheng and others was now suppressed.

He returned to the side chamber, sighing heavily.

Lianqiao and Heling assumed he'd been scolded by the prince and teased, "Young master, don't be too mischievous. His Highness is only looking out for you."

Shen He's eyes widened in disbelief, "Lianqiao, when have I been mischievous? I'm so well-behaved!"

He'd worked so hard to win over the protagonist, becoming his most doting follower. Who else could surpass him in acting cute and endearing?

Lianqiao and Heling nodded in agreement, "Indeed, you're the best-behaved young master."

It's not insincere to say that the young boy has always been charming and delightful, melting the hearts of those who meet him.

After a moment's thought, Shen He returned to his room, contemplating deeply whether to keep them in the dark for now.

He decided to delay revealing the matter for as long as possible, feigning ignorance unless the prince himself announces it or the marriage is finalized. Otherwise, he would deny all knowledge.

He would vehemently deny it, and given their apprehension, none would dare seek confirmation from the prince. His word would be the final say.

Shen He deemed the plan feasible. "Let's do it!"

He took a moment to catch his breath.

He then began to work on his painting, engrossed for a good part of the hour.

A messenger arrived, inviting Shen He to the main hall for dinner.

Shen He had already forgotten the grudge from being forcefully involved in helping the protagonist choose a wife. Elated, he rolled up his painting and eagerly headed to the main hall.

From a distance, Qi Zhuo Yun noticed Shen He's stained hands.

A young eunuch brought water, and Shen He obediently washed his hands before sitting down to eat.

His spirits lifted, he began to chatter, asking, "Is it difficult for you to solve cases, Brother? I heard that the poisoned rice was a deliberate act of sabotage. Is that true?"

He vaguely remembered this part of the story where corrupt officials had pocketed funds by substituting old rice for new and charging the price of fresh grain.

They embezzled a significant amount of money.

The old rice turned moldy and poisonous. Coincidentally, during a disaster, it was distributed as relief, harming many.

But this was known from an omniscient viewpoint, the protagonist's firsthand experience would undoubtedly be more thrilling.

Qi Zhuo Yun patiently narrated the tale to the energetic young boy.

Once finished, Shen He voiced his concerns, "Brother, was it tough for you there? Did they listen to you? Was anyone deceitful or tried to bully you?"

Listening to Shen He's incessant care, Qi Zhuo Yun's eyes softened, "No, everything went smoothly. I'm capable enough, you don't need to worry."

That's to be expected. Given the protagonist's commanding presence, minor officials wouldn't dare misbehave in the prince's presence!

A thought amused Shen He, causing him to chuckle, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.

After dinner, dusk began to fall.

The horizon's clouds blazed a particularly deep shade of red, which turned into a rich, reddish-purple as darkness settled.

Shen He remarked from outside, "The sunset is exceptionally red today."

Zhong Hong added optimistically, "It must signify a good day, marking your return to the capital."

Shen He nodded, admiring the steward's impeccable talent for flattery.

How he wished he could master such effortless skill!

Mingling here and there, playing with flowers and pets, Shen He felt satiated. Soon after, Qi Zhuo Yun summoned him to the study.

With the guardian back, Shen He was under closer supervision, now confined to reading in the study.

Holding a book, seated beside Qi Zhuo Yun, Shen He silently grumbled. How cruel! He had endured modern exams and now faced another round in this ancient world.

Some people live exhilarating lives after being reincarnated into novels. However, he was reliving the life of a stressed student.

Shen He rested his book on the desk, propping his chin with both hands, squishing his cheeks pitifully.

He lowered his head, silently mouthing words from the text he was memorizing.

Zhong Hong discreetly brought in a lamp, brightening the room. He then trimmed a few nearby wicks, making the flames brighter.

The restless young man would occasionally fidget. At one point, he leaned his legs to the side, turned his back to Qi Zhuo Yun, and partially rested against both the desk and Qi Zhuo Yun's arm.

Qi Zhuo Yun allowed him to lean, even gently touching his hair.

The touch was soft, delicate, and cool.

The warmth from the young boy's body seeped through his thin clothing, transferring to Qi Zhuo Yun's arm.

Before Qi Zhuo Yun felt the heat, Shen He shifted to let his back cool down.

After memorizing two essays, Shen He tossed the book aside and began his writing assignment.

He had to complete double the work.

Because the protagonist wanted him to take this year's academy exam, Master Song decided to tutor him. He would study once at the academy and once more with Master Song at home.

Double the trouble. So unfair!

As he wrote, Shen He grew increasingly frustrated, treating the paper as if it were his sworn enemy.

His writing became hurried and erratic, transforming from neat and tidy to hasty and slanted.

Immersed in his work, he silently grumbled to himself.

Suddenly, a cool hand touched the nape of his neck.

A broad palm that easily enveloped his entire neck.

The cool touch made Shen He shiver, and he heard a soft voice beside him say, "Write properly, He He."

Shen He turned to look at the protagonist sitting next to him.

The man wasn't even looking at him. His gaze was fixed intently on the stack of papers, piled up like a miniature mountain, before him.

Annoying! Did he have a spare set of eyes? How could he monitor a child while reviewing documents?

Shen He puffed up his cheeks and responded obediently, "Alright then."

He then dutifully continued writing.

Shen He's penmanship had been meticulously groomed by Qi Zhuo Yun since his childhood.

While it may not have the elegance of a master, it was certainly presentable and visually appealing.

With the renewed focus, the words on the paper were neat and pleasing to the eye.

Only a certain chaotic section in the middle revealed the writer's internal frustration mid-way through.

Once finished, Shen He, full of pride, said, "Leave it here! When Master Song comes tomorrow morning, Brother, please hand it to him."

Qi Zhuo Yun chuckled at Shen He's tone, "Sure, I'll give it to him for you."

Shen He felt that he couldn't muster the brainpower to write the second assignment just yet.

He believed in balancing work and relaxation, needing a moment to recover.

Hence, he lay down, staring at the beams on the ceiling, lost in thought.

After a while, drowsiness crept over Shen He.

He dragged himself up, mentally urging himself to persevere; otherwise, he would face public criticism at school for incomplete homework. How embarrassing!

With a dejected expression, he began his second assignment.

Finally completing it, Shen He felt mentally drained.

All knowledge seemed wrung out of him.

So tired.

Mumbling, Shen He said, "Brother, I'm going to take a bath and sleep. You should rest early too."

Qi Zhuo Yun replied gently, "Alright, off you go."

Shen He refreshed himself with a bath.

Still damp and donning his light sleepwear, he felt rejuvenated due to the coolness.

He crouched in front of his box of books, rummaging through it, and picked out two books he had read long ago but had mostly forgotten. He leaned on his couch, legs propped up.

The legs of his pants, deemed too warm, were rolled up, revealing two delicate and pale legs. They appeared soft and supple.

Complacently leaning against his large plush tiger, Shen He finished one book, set it aside, and proceeded to read the next.

As he read further, the notebook slipped from his hands, falling onto the small couch.

Overcome by sleepiness, Shen He succumbed to slumber.

He lay on his back, arm stretched above him, dangling by his flushed cheek.

The hem of his nightgown was somewhat short. Shen He disliked long gowns, feeling the extra length could overheat him. Given his growth spurt, clothing that fit last month would become a bit short the next.

With his arm pulling at his gown, a portion of his belly was exposed.

A slender and fair waist, its skin pale and luminescent from seldom seeing the light, glistened with a jade-like glow.

A whiteness that dazzled the eyes.

Upon Qi Zhuo Yun’s arrival, he was met with the sight of the young boy, sound asleep, his cheeks rosy and warm.

A servant whispered, “Should I wake the young master…”

Qi Zhuo Yun quietly responded, “No need. You all may leave.”

He bent down to lift Shen He, carrying him to the inner room, laying him gently on the bed.

He pulled a thin quilt over the boy.

Then, removing his outer garment, he silently lay beside Shen He and whispered, “It seems you haven’t given your brother much thought either.”

His fingertips gently pinched the soft flesh of the young boy’s cheek.

His touch was tender.

He was careful, fearing he might wake Shen He.

Lying beside him, he observed the boy’s growth. "It's only been a few months, and you’ve grown taller," he thought.

Just a few years prior, Shen He was still a child.

While peers blossomed into adolescents, he remained childlike.

Always a bit smaller than others, Shen He hadn’t minded until he saw peers outgrow him, which prompted his impatience.

Fortunately, around the ages of twelve or thirteen, he began to sprout, gradually catching up.

In the past several months, his growth was especially noticeable.

At the New Year, a child who merely reached his chest was now almost up to his chin.

Given a couple more years, Shen He might match his height, perhaps even find a girl he fancies, settle into marriage, and start a family…

Qi Zhuoyun felt a sudden pang in his heart.

The stifling feeling in the study returned that afternoon.

He took a gentle breath and murmured, "Letting go as they grow is a common thing..."

One must remain level-headed.

There's no need for excessive worry.

He rubbed his temples and closed his eyes.

……

Shen He felt warm during the night. He rolled towards the corner of the bed, kicking off the blanket.

Perhaps he kicked too hard, for a sharp cramp seized his leg. It felt as if a cord inside was being pulled taut, causing him to grunt in pain. In a hazy state, he reached down to touch his leg.

Trying to still the twitching sensation within.

At his movement, Qi Zhuoyun woke up.

Hearing Shen He's whimper, Qi Zhuoyun's brows furrowed. He gently held Shen He's calf and whispered soothingly, "Does your leg hurt?"

The calf was soft, and cool to the touch.

Qi Zhuoyun could encircle the entire calf with one hand, placing it on his own leg, rubbing gently to alleviate the pain, murmuring, "It's alright, no more pain, no more pain."

Shen He, still not fully awake, mumbled in agreement, his voice soft and muzzy, "Mmm..."

As his calf was massaged, warmth spread through it, and the erratic 'cord' inside seemed to melt away, the pain dissipating with it.

Shen He's hunched body relaxed, his fluttering eyelashes slowly steadied, and he drifted back into sleep.

Qi Zhuoyun continued to massage Shen He's leg, head bowed.

Growing so fast, it's normal for leg pains to occur.

Still, Qi Zhuoyun thought, tomorrow he should have more bone broth prepared, hoping it would help alleviate Shen He's discomfort. If he could spare Shen He the pain, he would.

Thinking this way, Qi Zhuoyun felt a pang of concern again.

He wondered if this was the first time. Had Shen He experienced pain when he wasn't around?

Holding the soft calf in his hands, he gently placed it back under the covers, then lay down and patted Shen He's back.

Treating him like a baby.

Tender and patient.

The young boy slept, though not so peacefully.

With the pain gone from his leg, he began to kick the covers restlessly.

Kicking the covers is one thing, but he's restless enough to kick others as well.

As Qi Zhuoyun was drifting into sleep, he was jolted awake by Shen He's foot striking his shin.

Drawing a sharp breath, Qi Zhuoyun pulled the younger man into his embrace, trapping Shen He's restless foot with his own legs.

With Shen He immobilized, he frowned in discomfort, but it wasn't a significant bother, and he soon returned to deep sleep.

He dreamt.

The dream revisited the familiar hot springs.

It seemed as if the dream continued from where a previous one had left off.

Although awake, he couldn’t recall his dreams, but within the dream, it was clear to him that he was picking up from a previous narrative.

Steam billowed from the hot spring pool.

A thick white mist blanketed everything.

The humid heat made breathing somewhat difficult.

The steamy air was dizzying, clogging every pore.

Shen He tilted his head back and spotted Qi Zhuoyun squatting by the poolside.

Qi Zhuoyun advised him to soak properly, or he wouldn't grow taller.

Shen He expressed his skepticism, "Hot springs won't make me taller. Brother, I'm feeling overheated. I want to get out."

Qi Zhuoyun patted Shen He's head, his palm resting against Shen He's forehead.

Shen He affectionately nuzzled Qi Zhuoyun's palm, charmingly pleading, "Brother, I'm really too hot. Pull me up. I'll soak again next time."

Qi Zhuoyun ruffled Shen He's hair with a force that made Shen He's head tilt back. He thought, 'Last time you nearly knocked me over, are you trying again!?’

He was truly getting annoyed!

But this time, he wasn't pushed into the pool.

Qi Zhuoyun's palm felt cool against Shen He's forehead.

The soothing coolness alleviated Shen He's discomfort from the stifling heat of the pool.

It was comforting.

Shen He pressed his forehead to Qi Zhuoyun's palm, raising his hands to grasp Qi Zhuoyun's wrist. Just then, he heard Qi Zhuoyun's voice, laced with amusement, "Behave, He He. Don’t fuss. Brother can join you in the soak."

Shen He thought, "Is this about whether you join me in the bath or not?"

"This is about me being too hot!"

Even if you joined me, it'd just mean two people feeling the heat together, and it wouldn't cool me down.

But before he could voice his thoughts...

There was the sound of someone entering the water next to him.