chapter 56

Chapter 56: Am I Severely Injured?

Most of the time, the young Crown Prince wore a faint smile on his face.

It was neither cold nor passionate, maintaining a generally gentle demeanor.

Today, as he descended from his carriage, his face was utterly expressionless, his deep black eyes betraying no emotion.

Zhong Hong followed closely behind the Crown Prince, anxiously wondering the extent of their young lord's injuries.

As for the Crown Prince being in an exceptionally foul mood?

Isn't that expected?

The young lord was assaulted. If the Crown Prince could still manage a smile, now that would be strange.

The people inside the hall heard the shouts from outside.

The Prince's hand trembled slightly.

Disbelieving, he almost questioned his own hearing.

With all the responsibilities of the Crown Prince, he personally came!?

The Prefect of Jingzhao was equally startled and hastily made his way towards the entrance.

He thought to himself that he had underestimated the Crown Prince's fondness for the young lord.

The crowd hurriedly moved, too panicked to vocalize their discomfort, casting glances at one another.

They gathered at the doorway, kneeling in homage towards those outside.

Shen He: "..."

With everyone else kneeling, Shen He suddenly stood out, towering above the rest.

Alone in the center, he was uncertain if he should join in the act of kneeling, just to gesture his respect.

Although he typically wouldn't kneel, standing alone amidst a sea of bowed heads seemed rather conspicuous...

Just as Shen He was about to manage a gesture towards the leading male figure with his tattered robe hem, Qi Zhuoyun ascended the steps and locked eyes with Shen He.

Seeing the blood smeared across the young man's face, Qi Zhuoyun's pupils contracted sharply.

His dark gaze remained unblinkingly on Shen He, but his voice was gentle, beckoning, "Hehe, come here."

Shen He glanced at him and then back at the kneeling crowd.

Feeling relieved that he now had an excuse not to kneel, he eagerly approached Qi Zhuoyun, instinctively about to flash a smile.

Halfway through, he remembered he was still playing the victim; it wouldn't do to appear too radiant.

Shen He quickened his pace briefly before slowing down, making his way towards Qi Zhuoyun.

He glanced sidelong at Prince Yun's family, checking if they were secretly observing him.

Yet, he seemed to have underestimated the current intimidation of the Crown Prince. Among the crowd, none dared to look up, save for him who still found the time to look around.

Shen He approached Qi Zhuoyun and whispered, "Brother."

Qi Zhuoyun's gaze followed Shen He, scanning down from his face, noting that his limbs appeared unharmed. Though there was blood smeared on his cheek, up close, one could discern that it seemed to be only smeared and not seeping from any wound.

Seeing Qi Zhuoyun remain silent, Shen He felt somewhat guilty.

He moved even closer, stealthily tugging at Qi Zhuoyun's sleeve, tilting his head up to look at him, and whispered again, "Brother?"

Qi Zhuoyun looked down, meeting the gaze of the young boy, whose bright, round eyes sparkled with mischief and amusement.

His heart, which had almost come to a stop, slowly began to resume its beat.

When he had first approached and seen the blood on Shen He's face, he felt a suffocating, sharp pain in his chest.

As the pain in his heart subsided, Qi Zhuoyun rubbed his fingertip on Shen He's cheek, feeling a bit of dried blood. The intact skin beneath further confirmed his suspicion.

Shen He obediently let him wipe his face. Seeing him continue to wipe, he hastily grabbed his hand. Making sure others couldn't see, he audaciously placed his index finger to his lips, signaling a secret.

Qi Zhuoyun remained silent. Shen He was unharmed, which should be a reason for joy.

Yet, after his relief, a surge of anger welled up again.

Qi Zhuoyun almost burst out laughing because of Shen He's antics.

With a little thought, he could more or less guess the sequence of events.

Most likely, this group had provoked Shen He. The young lad, unable to hold back, confronted them directly, leading to this messy situation.

Qi Zhuoyun thought to himself that if Shen He had brought two more people with him, his anger might have been even more intense.

Heeding Shen He's hint, Qi Zhuoyun didn't wipe the blood off his cheek but lightly pinched his soft earlobe in a slightly reproachful manner.

Shen He held his ear and, in a playful plea, tugged on Qi Zhuoyun's sleeve, shaking it slightly.

Qi Zhuoyun's anger evaporated into thin air.

It couldn't last even a quarter of an hour.

He sighed deeply in his heart.

There was simply no way to handle him.

Their subtle interactions didn't escape Zhong Hong's keen observation.

Zhong Hong, astute as he was, initially intended to ask if Shen He was hurt. But seeing the situation, he instantly understood Shen He's ulterior motives and suppressed a smirk.

Accompanying them was the royal physician, Zhou Yan.

With an icy tone, Qi Zhuoyun instructed everyone to stand, then turned to Zhou Yan, "Check the young master for injuries."

He added, "Also, ensure you examine the other young masters thoroughly, to avoid any latent complications that might arise later."

The others bowed their heads, each offering a placating smile, "Your Highness, there's no need. These young ones are sturdy and used to the occasional tumble. A few minor injuries might teach them a lesson. We wouldn't dare trouble Your Highness with such trifles."

Qi Zhuoyun paid them no heed.

He simply said, "Zhou Yan."

Zhou Yan glanced at Shen He, who, with his back to the others, looked at Qi Zhuoyun and blinked frantically.

Bro! My leading man, bro!

Didn't you get my hint earlier?

If the doctor examines me, won't my ruse be exposed?

This won't do!

Approaching Shen He, Zhou Yan rolled up his sleeves and said, "Forgive the intrusion, Young Master Shen. Please remain still."

With that, he began to thoroughly examine Shen He's face, arms, and legs.

Shen He, a look of despair in his eyes, silently mouthed to Qi Zhuoyun, "Brother!"

Qi Zhuoyun was amused by Shen He's expressions, a glint of laughter in his eyes.

His gaze wasn't as cold as before, noticeably softer.

The others couldn’t see what Shen He was doing behind them but noticed the change in Qi Zhuoyun's demeanor.

They sighed in relief, thinking the crown prince might not be too displeased and there was still room for negotiation.

If worse comes to worst, they could just throw the misbehaving young lad from their family into jail for a few days. It wouldn’t be too harsh a punishment.

One must always save face.

After examining Shen He, Zhou Yan paused thoughtfully and said, "The young master has sprained his hands and feet. At first glance, it doesn't seem severe, but after a night, the bruising might cause significant swelling and unbearable pain. His fingers appear to have some abrasions and sprains, requiring careful treatment. Fortunately, being young, he should recover fairly quickly. However, the wound on his face... might leave a scar, which could mar his appearance. Once I return to the imperial hospital, I will do my best to concoct a remedy to diminish the scar."

He bowed respectfully to Qi Zhuoyun.

After listening, Shen He was left puzzled, "…?"

What is it?

"Where did he get injured? How is he unaware of it?"

Shen He stared in confusion, incredulously touching his wrist and then bending down to check his ankle.

Everything seemed fine, but Dr. Zhou's diagnosis was so earnest, it didn't seem like a ruse.

While he was still bewildered, others witnessing his actions took Zhou Yan's words as truth. They believed Shen He had suffered numerous injuries hidden beneath his clothing, which they couldn't see.

Just look at him, even his clothing is torn to shreds. How audacious must that unfilial person from his family be to lay such a heavy hand on Shen He!

Some sent their household stewards while others came personally. Enraged, one of the fathers immediately kicked the unfilial son behind the knees, shouting, "Kneel down!"

Before the kicked man could kneel, someone next to him already thudded down on his knees.

After checking himself, Shen He decided to put it aside and deal with it back in the Eastern Palace.

The most pressing matter now was to throw them all into prison!

"You all, off to jail with you!"

Shen He said urgently, "Brother, they knowingly broke the law and were engaging with courtesans! It happened at Linjiang Pavilion. They even tried to drag me along under the pretense of a simple meal. I thought it was just an ordinary dinner."

Shen He pointed, "All the witnesses are there, none have escaped. I brought them all."

Qi Zhuoyun glanced over to see a group of trembling men kneeling to the side.

Gently patting Shen He's head, he praised, "I know, He'er, you did well."

Grasping Shen He's nape, he said, "You go outside and wait for me in the carriage. Once I've dealt with these people, I'll come straight out."

Shen He retorted, somewhat petulantly, "Why can't I stay here?"

This was the first time he'd witness his 'main character' brother in action. Why couldn't he watch? How frustrating!

Qi Zhuoyun pulled out a handkerchief from his sleeve, wiping away the dampness from Shen He's neck. His fingers played with Shen He's hair, gathering and tying the loose strands, securing them with a hairpin.

With his hair no longer draped over his neck, Shen He felt refreshed.

Qi Zhuoyun coaxed, "There are lotus cakes prepared by Lianqiao waiting for you in the carriage. Go on now."

Seeing Qi Zhuoyun's firm decision to not let him stay, Shen He pouted in discontent, then followed Zhong Hong out.

Zhou Yan continued examining the others.

After finishing, Zhou Yan stated, "Among those present, only the prince and Young Master Shen have sustained significant injuries. The others are largely unscathed. The prince's face shows no open wounds, and with time for the bruises to heal, he'll recover. The injury to his leg will need a few months of recuperation."

Yun Wangfei couldn't contain herself, snapping, "Are you suggesting that my son's injuries are less severe than Shen He's minor wounds?"

Her son's leg was broken!

She wondered who was responsible!

Yun Wang gently tugged at her, subtly nodding towards Qi Zhuoyun.

With the Crown Prince personally present, any anger had to be temporarily suppressed. First, they had to ensure their son's release.

They couldn't possibly allow the sole heir of their royal house to suffer in prison!

Yun Wangfei huffed in indignation.

Suddenly, a soft chuckle from the Crown Prince could be heard.

His laughter was devoid of any ripples, unmistakably a laugh, yet it sent chills down the spine.

The young man's voice was melodious, warm, and magnetic, but the words he spoke were hard to believe.

"Of course, he cannot compare. How can he measure up to a child I raised single-handedly?"

Prince Yun: "...Your Highness the Crown Prince, you are right. It is my failure in raising my son. I implore you to consider their young age and not investigate too deeply. Once I return home and discipline them, I will certainly bring this unworthy child to the Duke's mansion to apologize to the young master."

Qi Zhuoyun lowered his gaze, his deep black eyes seeming to be shrouded in a layer of dark clouds.

He said to the Mayor of Jingzhao: "Execute the law fairly. If there is any favoritism, I will replace the current Mayor of Jingzhao."

"Under the Emperor's reign, some still treat the law as a toy and blatantly disrespect the royal countenance. Prince Yun, I hope you will enter the palace and apologize to the Emperor personally."

……

Shen He sat in the carriage, skeptically examining his own elbow.

When Qi Zhuoyun was boarding the carriage, what he saw was Shen He with a piece of pastry in his mouth, lifting his pant leg to reveal a slender and smooth calf, looking contemplative with furrowed brows.