chapter 48

Chapter 48: The Male Lead in Deep Thought

I'm not sure. Take a closer look.

Shen He, pinching his fingertips, scrutinized Qi Zhuoyun's demeanor.

The more he looked, the more certain he became that the male lead was displeased.

In truth, Qi Zhuoyun concealed his emotions swiftly.

His momentary displeasure was fleeting, replaced by a gentle gaze as he looked at Shen He.

Resting his chin on his hand, Shen He tilted his head, pondering whether he should ask Qi Zhuoyun about his apparent displeasure.

What he said seemed harmless, simply inquiring about the Crown Princess selection process.

Shen He introspectively reviewed his words, and finally confirmed: All good, no issues.

If his words weren't the problem, then something else must have been on Qi Zhuoyun's mind.

But what?

Drawing from his years of reading novels, Shen He hesitated at an unsettling possibility.

...Could it be that the male lead has already found his female protagonist?

Had a quarrel with her, perhaps? Hence, the mention of marriage upset him?

The more Shen He thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. A wave of dismay washed over him. Seriously, so soon? Hasn't he considered his younger brother's wellbeing?

Shen He felt disheartened but pressed on, "Brother?"

Qi Zhuoyun lifted his gaze, replying, "Hmm? Do you wish for me to select a Crown Princess? Or do you have someone in mind? If so, you can be frank with me."

He had asked about this yesterday, and now again.

Qi Zhuoyun was no fool. On the contrary, he was astute, but when dealing with the child he raised, he tended not to overthink.

Before he could adjust his mindset, Shen He seemed downcast.

The Crown Prince's deep eyes sparkled, quickly sensing something amiss.

Noticing Shen He incessantly picking at his fingers, causing red marks on his fair skin, Qi Zhuoyun reached out, holding the boy's restless fingers, "Speak up."

With his fingers held, and without that distracting motion, Shen He felt even more restless.

Inside, he mourned for himself, accepting the inevitable: he won't escape cross-dressing.

The male lead is uncertain about when he plans to have the female lead reside in the eastern palace.

Sigh, if it's to be announced, let it be. But can't the female lead enter the eastern palace a bit later? Allow him to hide there for some time. Surely, Qi Yanbing and the others can't neglect their academy studies to intercept him during his classes?

As long as he returns to the eastern palace quickly, she can escape in disguise!

Shen He sighed deeply, "When did I have a beloved lady? I'm clearly worried about your choice for a crown princess. Brother, when you've chosen her, can you let me know in advance?"

He looked at the male lead with pitifully wide eyes.

At least give me some mental preparation.

Qi Zhuoyun lowered his gaze, his fingers unconsciously caressing the fingertips he held.

Qi Zhuoyun observed the reddened fingertips and after a moment asked, "I will tell you. No harm would come to our Hehe. But seeing you so anxious, honestly tell me, did someone outside say something to you?"

Otherwise, it's hard to explain the boy's unusual behavior.

Shen He: "??"

He was just asking, and only twice at that!

How did it come to light so quickly?

Shen He looked up to the sky, wishing to retreat indoors. Alas, not only was his hand held, but his leg was also hurting. He's indeed determined despite his injuries.

Qi Zhuoyun became even more certain.

The suffocating feeling in his chest gradually receded, replaced with a hint of anger which he suppressed.

The child he raised never thought of driving him out of the eastern palace. He'd cared for and pampered him for years, yet outsiders dare slander and sow discord?

Qi Zhuoyun spoke slowly, "Whatever outsiders tell you, don't believe them. You can stay in the eastern palace as long as you want. Brother won't marry a crown princess."

Qi Zhuoyun smiled warmly, comforting Shen He, "I was just teasing you. Do you really believe what outsiders say? If I really had someone in mind or intended to choose a noble maiden as the crown princess, wouldn't I tell Hehe?"

Shen He: "??"

Shen He was racking his brains, thinking about how to deceive the male lead.

And then he received this terrible news!

No, wait, it's great news!

Fantastic! No need to crossdress anymore! Shen He was so happy he could jump for joy!

On his slightly chubby face, he couldn't help but reveal a joyous smile. The previous distress vanished, rejuvenating him. He appeared invigorated, like a plant freshly watered after a heavy rain, with bright eyes and a straight posture.

Yay! The male lead isn't getting married for now!

Although he still hoped the protagonist would get married, now is the time for "save thyself first." Matters of marriage can wait until he's retired!

After his moment of joy, Shen He began to push his limits.

His jubilant expression faded, and he tried to frown, glaring at Qi Zhuoyun: "Brother! You're always deceiving people! If you do this again, I'll be mad!"

Is this some kind of joke?

It's not funny at all; it had him worried for a couple of days.

Truly infuriating!

The accused Qi Zhuoyun: "..." For once, he was at a loss for words.

Seeing the young man's brow rise in a seemingly menacing manner...

There was no fierceness at all, only an irresistible urge to ruffle his hair.

The gentle laughter in his eyes softened further, he whispered his apology: "Alright, it's my fault. I won't deceive Hehe like this again, okay?"

Hearing the apology, Shen He's anger dissipated immediately. He huffed, "Fine." But another trick like this, and he won't be so easily placated.

What guardian constantly teases a child like this? It's not conducive to mental and physical health.

Shen He shamelessly saw himself as a minor and chastised himself inwardly.

He quickly moved on from that thought, gleefully considering: if it was all a ruse, then won't the task of crossdressing fall to his young cousins?

The thought of the three of them in girls' dresses, parading in front of the elders...

Shen He already started laughing.

His eyes were curved in amusement, trying hard to suppress the corners of his mouth from turning up, looking every bit the cheeky mouse.

Just wait. Once the trio dresses up, he'll sketch out their embarrassing appearance!

The young man's cheerful demeanor made Qi Zhuoyun smile as well. Before he could finish his earlier question, seeing Shen He's secretive and proud demeanor, he asked, "Why are you so happy, Hehe? Aren't you looking forward to seeing your brother marry a crown princess? What good news can't you share?"

Shen He thought it wasn't exactly a secret. Now that the protagonist isn't getting married and there's no need for him to crossdress, he quickly spills the beans.

He lowered his voice, leaning over the table to whisper: "Brother, I made a bet with my cousins. When you weren't around, rumors in the capital said you'd marry a crown princess. I didn't believe it at first, but when I heard similar chatter in the eastern palace, I thought it was true."

Pouring himself a cup of tea, Qi Zhuoyun took a sip: "I intentionally spread that rumor."

Shen He nodded, "I get it now!" Now it made sense. Given the protagonist's age and status as the crown prince, naturally, there would be a myriad of people chasing after him. Some would urge him to marry, while others would try to push potential brides onto him in droves.

With that realization, Shen He's anger over being deceived evaporated.

Truly, it's the protagonist who has it tough.

He felt a sense of tenderness.

He looked at Qi Zhuoyun with affectionate eyes.

Qi Zhuoyun paused, meeting the young man's gaze, a slight arch to his brow.

Shen He continued sharing about the bet, "My cousins believed the rumors to be true. I couldn't convince them otherwise. After sharing what I heard in the eastern palace, the young prince proposed a wager: if the rumor of you selecting a crown princess was true, I'd have to dress in women's clothing. If false, they would!"

Shen He's eyes sparkled with mischief, "They have to dress in drag now! And they must parade in front of our elders!"

Hehe.

Qi Zhuoyun tapped the table lightly, producing a soft "tap."

He placated the younger one, "I see. But you don't have to tell them right away. Let them be thrilled for a while."

Shen He laughed even more heartily. The bond between them was evident. Truly, the protagonist was delightfully mischievous, and he loved it.

Shen He nodded excitedly, "Can we have the embroidery shop make dresses for them? It seems hard to find dresses that would fit them."

Those three were quite tall; their dresses would need to be custom-made.

Qi Zhuoyun's eyes deepened, he murmured, "Why spend on dresses? It'd cost a pretty penny. Wouldn't it be better to use that money to buy treats for Hehe?"

Shen He pondered, even if it was feasible, without proper dresses, how would they wear them?

Qi Zhuoyun calmly suggested, "It's just for once. Simply find dresses from taller women for them to wear."

Seeing Qi Zhuoyun's confidence, Shen He was convinced.

He had a point. It's wasteful to craft three dresses just for a single wear.

Shen He was so elated he was on cloud nine.

Completely oblivious to the profound depths in the protagonist's eyes across the table.

He continued in a cajoling tone, "You said you believed the rumors in the eastern palace, and now you think they're untrue?"

Remembering the incident, Shen He felt both embarrassed and frustrated. Puffing his cheeks, he murmured, "I was just being defiant... Qi Yanbing claimed that if I believed it was true, then it most likely was false. Out of frustration, I immediately switched and bet that it was false."

Shen He fell silent upon reaching this point.

...So, does he really have a penchant for making incorrect predictions?

Thinking this way made him a bit irritated again.

Qi Zhuoyun reflected, "So, all three of them bet on it being true, and only Hehe bet against it?"

The naive young man nodded without hesitation.

Qi Zhuoyun casually pinched Shen He's cheek, saying, "Alright, Hehe. You've won the bet. You'll soon see them in dresses, so no more pouting."

Shen He nodded happily.

He continued to dawdle a bit. As night fell, he was about to crawl back into bed.

Qi Zhuoyun gently lifted him and placed him on the bed.

He lifted him effortlessly, as if he were cradling a child.

Oh, how enviable.

Shen He rolled over on the bed, murmuring, "When will I grow taller?"

Holding Shen He's nape, Qi Zhuoyun pulled off his boots, "You're still growing. I'll measure your height for you tomorrow morning."

Shen He buried his face in the blanket, obediently responding.

Ever since he grew taller than Lianqiao and the others, the task of marking his height on the door frame had been entrusted to Qi Zhuoyun.

Qi Zhuoyun advised, "Take off your outerwear before you sleep. You don't have to attend school tomorrow; I'll have someone request a day off for you."

A day off from school made Shen He gleeful again. He peeked out from under the blanket, his hairband coming undone, his soft black hair messily covering his face. Qi Zhuoyun gently brushed it aside, warning, "Even though you're taking a day off, Minister Song will visit the eastern palace to check on your studies after court tomorrow."

Shen He: "..."

He slumped back down.

His momentary elation died down, realizing that a day off school just meant private tutoring at home.

Shen He's antics amused Qi Zhuoyun, who then proceeded to strip off Shen He's outerwear.

Shen He played possum, eyes shut, body limp, offering no assistance.

He felt like a defeated salted fish right now.

He just wanted to turn over and continue lying down.

Qi Zhuoyun cradled Shen He's neck, half-embracing him. Seeing Shen He's reluctance to study, he chuckled softly, causing the laughing vibrations to stir Shen He, who was on the verge of opening his eyes to chastise him.

Using this embrace, Qi Zhuoyun managed to undress the uncooperative child and tuck him back into the covers, "Sleep now. I'll be in the study. I'll come see you after court tomorrow."

Shen He rolled over, mumbling to Qi Zhuoyun, "Alright—"

Out of ingrained courtesy, Shen He added after agreeing, "Brother, rest early too."

Qi Zhuoyun replied in a soft tone, "Alright."

He then drew the bed curtains closed for Shen He.

Qi Zhuoyun left with his pile of belongings. The side chamber grew quiet, with the lamp dimmed to aid Shen He's sleep.

Occasionally, one could hear the soft crackle of the night candle near the head of the bed.

Shen He lay on the bed, trying to cross his legs but grazed his swollen knee, causing him to grimace in pain.

He could only straighten his legs obediently, gazing at the canopy and imagining his three younger cousins in female attire.

The thought amused him so much that he chuckled to himself beneath the curtains.

Outside, Lianqiao and Heling exchanged glances, also sharing a soft laugh.

After a while, Shen He thought, "Since I don't have school tomorrow and Minister Song will come only after the morning court, I can sleep in!"

What a treat to stay in bed!

Shen He lifted a corner of the curtain, poked his head out, and whispered, "Lianqiao!"

Lianqiao entered, smiling warmly, "What does the young master need?"

Shen He stretched his neck out, "I'd like to read a storybook. It's in the stack on the right side of the box. Any one I haven't read will do."

Lianqiao fetched the book and lifted a corner of Shen He's bed curtain. He rekindled the bedside candle and softly advised, "Young Master, don't strain your eyes by reading for too long in the dark."

Shen He cheerfully agreed, "Alright, alright, I won't read for too long. Don't worry!"

Clutching the book, he gleefully embarked on a late-night reading spree.

Shen He felt invigorated, convinced he could finish the book before sleep claimed him.

Rolling from one side of the bed to the other, mindful of his slightly sore knee, he curtailed his movements, begrudgingly limiting his carefree rolling.

After a couple of turns, Shen He settled down, immersing himself in the book.

It wasn't long, perhaps the time it takes to brew and sip a cup of tea.

The young boy, filled with the intent to stay up late, saw his hands grow tired. The book slipped into the blankets, and the turned page quietly fell back into place.

Lianqiao silently entered the room, taking away the book and lowering the bed curtain.

With a bemused shake of his head, he extinguished the candle.