chapter 62

Chapter 62: A Heart Troubled

Shen He went completely limp in Qi Zhuoyun's embrace.

Both his arms and waist had lost all strength, relying solely on Qi Zhuoyun's arm around his waist to prevent him from slipping down.

Shen He's initial intent was to make it difficult for Qi Zhuoyun, ensuring he couldn't dress the limp figure Shen He was feigning to be.

But now, something seemed odd.

Qi Zhuoyun was genuinely dressing him.

Summer clothing is thin, and there wasn't much to change. Even after removing the outer garment, there remained an inner layer.

Qi Zhuoyun grasped his arm, first guiding the left sleeve and then the skirt over the right.

It's indeed tricky to dress someone with one hand, but Qi Zhuoyun was patient. After ensuring Shen He was properly dressed, he slightly lifted him closer, with Shen He's head now resting against Qi Zhuoyun's neck, rather than his chin.

Qi Zhuoyun bent down, his eyes lingering over Shen He's shoulder. Their necks close, their faces almost touching.

Qi Zhuoyun then fastened the waistband of the dress and straightened the hem.

Steady breaths, clearly audible to Shen He. Perhaps due to the effort, the breathing grew slightly heavier.

If not listening carefully, it might go unnoticed.

But with his eyes closed, Shen He felt every slight movement, every sound more pronounced.

A peculiar feeling grew inside him, urging him to open his eyes and abandon his childish act.

Yet, his stubborn pride kept his eyelids shut, continuing to challenge Qi Zhuoyun.

If he chose to open his eyes at that moment, perhaps their gazes would meet.

Qi Zhuoyun secured the light-colored belt, his slender fingers deftly tying an elegant knot.

Then, silently, he gazed down at the young man in his arms, a petulant expression on his face as he kept his eyes tightly closed.

The youth must've been feeling hot. As the room didn't have an ice basin, and being held tightly against Qi Zhuoyun, their body heat was shared. Beads of sweat formed at the hairline, and a few damp strands clung to his soft, pale cheek.

The warmth emanating from Shen He's slender back made Qi Zhuoyun feel a burning sensation in his chest.

He exhaled softly, his gaze deepening. After a long moment, he cleared his throat and released Shen He.

He murmured, "You're dressed now. Stand up."

Shen He was already at his limit. Hearing Qi Zhuoyun's words, he jumped to his feet immediately, glancing down to see his current, ridiculous appearance.

While the dress was undoubtedly elegant, it felt less enchanting on him.

Shen He twirled, eager to untie the belt and shed the dress.

Once his eyes were open, the earlier peculiar feeling was instantly forgotten.

He said, "Brother, now that you've seen it, I'm leaving."

Qi Zhuoyun's voice held an imperceptible rasp which Shen He, consumed by his embarrassment, failed to detect.

Qi Zhuoyun caught Shen He's hand, drawing him closer, positioning him in front of a small couch. Qi Zhuoyun then sat, looking up at Shen He.

His gaze fixed on Shen He.

Without makeup and with his hair styled in a male fashion.

There was a strange yet harmonious beauty about him.

From a young age, Shen He had delicate features, resembling a carved jade. Growing up, his soft cheeks retained some baby fat, and his eyes sparkled brilliantly, presenting an image that endeared him to all.

Shen He's youthful vigor was a vivid reminder of his gender to Qi Zhuoyun, yet there was a hint of distraction in Qi Zhuoyun's eyes.

Suppressing his own rapidly beating heart, Qi Zhuoyun diverted his gaze and smiled, "Do you know how you look right now, He He? Would you like Zhonghong to bring over a mirror for you to see yourself? Recently, overseas traders brought in mirrors, clear as water, reflecting every detail. I've acquired one; perhaps you'd like a glimpse first?"

The young man's eyes widened in shock, attempting to pull back and free his hand. His cheeks, pink from embarrassment, reminded Qi Zhuoyun of a peach he adored.

Shen He protested, "I won’t look! I'll have nightmares!"

Usually, Qi Zhuoyun would let go and apologize when teasing the boy to this extent.

Today, for some reason, he felt an inexplicable determination to have Shen He see himself in this state.

Qi Zhuoyun didn’t force him but continued to coax, "Are you sure you don't want to see? You look truly beautiful like this. Why would it give you nightmares?"

Frustration painted Shen He's features, "Brother, I’m sure you'd look even better in this dress! Why don’t you wear it and look in the mirror? Soon, I'll have Lianqiao tailor one for you!"

How infuriating!

Why insist on making him look after the fact?

After witnessing this spectacle, would he dream of the mortification and dream of digging a tunnel with his toes to escape the shame?!

He refused to look! He'd rather die than see it!

Qi Zhuoyun, noticing his flushed cheeks, exhaled softly, lowering his voice with a laugh, "Alright, if Shen He is so reluctant, I won't force you."

Once released, Shen He hastily slipped out of the skirt, donned his regular attire, fastened his belt, and dashed outside.

Halfway out, he darted back to grab the balled-up skirt, clutching it to his chest as he bolted out again.

As if being chased by a wild beast.

This shameful evidence! He must destroy it!

At this moment, he didn't care about waste; this skirt shouldn't exist in this world!

"Ugh, it's infuriating! It's all because of Qi Yanbing and that younger cousin of mine!"

"Had they not custom-made that dress, I wouldn't have been persecuted today!"

"Shen He didn't even go back to find Lianqiao and the others. Instead, he dashed off to the small garden, hiding from everyone. When no one noticed, he sneaked into the shade of the trees and began digging fiercely with the little shovel he had found."

"Buried!"

……

"Inside the palace, Qi Zhuoyun was watching Shen He's retreating figure, a smile plastered across his face."

"Midway through his laughter, his lips slowly straightened and the amusement in his dark eyes faded."

"He raised a hand to his forehead, pressing hard on his brow with his fingertip."

"The fluttering sensation in his heart grew more pronounced after Shen He left."

"It sounded as if he was having a sudden heart attack."

"Of course, Qi Zhuoyun didn't have heart issues. He was exceptionally healthy and was highly skilled in horseback archery, surpassing even Qi Leyong, whom he had outperformed since childhood."

Every autumn hunt, Qi Zhuoyun always secured the top prize. It wasn't because the other nobles and princes allowed him to; it was because he genuinely possessed such skills.

Precisely because he was exceptionally fit, he knew his worth, making his palpitations especially noticeable.

Qi Zhuoyun noticed a bright yellow corner on the small couch.

Zhong Hong entered the room, followed by Chang'an, each carrying an ice basin.

With a jovial smile, he noticed the yellow fabric on the couch, "Is this something the young master left behind?"

Just as he was about to pick it up, Qi Zhuoyun reached out, hooked it with his fingertips, and drew the slender silk ribbon into his hand.

It was about two fingers in width, a decorative silk belt meant to be worn around the waist.

Shen He ran so quickly that he missed this small piece of cloth.

Qi Zhuoyun wrapped the ribbon around his palm, looked up, and asked softly, "Is the list of attendees for the summer retreat finalized?"

After setting down the ice basins, Zhong Hong looked at Qi Zhuoyun's expression, perplexed. He was just teasing the young master moments ago, but now, for some reason, he seemed displeased.

Zhong Hong responded cautiously, "Your Highness, Minister Song mentioned yesterday that the list is almost settled. Once the final selections are made, it will be presented for your review."

Qi Zhuoyun pressed his temples, his expression unreadable, "This year, I will stay in the capital as regent. Let He He and Empress Xuan go to the summer retreat. You accompany him and take care of him."

Confused, Zhong Hong whispered, "Your Highness, if you stay in the capital, the Emperor might get angry. Furthermore, the second prince might find a reason to persuade the Emperor to remain here."

This was not like the time when Qi Zhuoyun was a child, a mere eight or nine-year-old crown prince. Back then, he couldn't command the courtiers, and the Emperor, still young and strong, dared to leave him in the capital, either to toughen him up or let him learn some hard lessons.

Year after year, the young Qi Zhuoyun indeed faced many challenges. The courtiers weren't easily subdued by a child of his age.

But year after year, Qi Zhuoyun persevered, overcoming every obstacle in his path to reach where he is today.

His wings grew fuller each day. From a fledgling shedding its down, he transformed into a majestic eagle ready to soar. Meanwhile, the Emperor aged, his once-sharp beak no longer as cutting.

The Emperor looked at the crown prince with suspicion, always feeling that this young, capable son was coveting his throne.

And indeed, he was.

Qi Zhuoyun said coldly, "It's fine, let him stay."

What's the harm in letting Qi Le Yong stay?

Zhong Hong was unsure of the crown prince's intentions. Seeing that His Highness had made up his mind, he nodded in acknowledgment, instructed Chang'an to stay and serve, and then left to attend to his duties.

Chang'an carefully remained in the hall, trying to anticipate the prince's every move, hoping to be of better service.

However, he lacked his master's keen observation skills. Despite stealing glances for quite a while, he couldn't discern what the crown prince required at the moment.

After some time, Qi Zhuoyun finally spoke to Chang'an, "In the future, don't casually allow He He to enter and exit my study or bedroom."

Startled, Chang'an responded, "Understood."

What had happened?

Had there been a rift between the young master and the crown prince?

Previously, within the Eastern Palace, there wasn't a place the young master couldn't visit—only places he didn't wish to.

Chang'an felt a pang of sorrow thinking of the ruthless imperial family. The young master was so innocent and naive; when did he upset the crown prince, and how was he unaware of it?

Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, the crown prince suddenly amended, "Nevermind. Let him come and go as he pleases. Forget what I just said."

Chang'an was taken aback.

What did that mean?

He was perplexed, wondering whether he should discreetly seek his master's insight.

But since the crown prince had told him to forget it, he knew better than to share it with anyone.

Chang'an bowed his head and murmured, "Understood."

Qi Zhuoyun felt irritable throughout the day.

He had been dealing with the individuals who had mistreated Shen He the day before. Now, upon seeing their names, his gaze turned even colder.

Right before bedtime, Zhong Hong cautiously reported, "Your Highness, the young master has sent word. He wishes to leave the palace in a few days and stay at the Duke's residence for a while."

Qi Zhuoyun paused, not looking up, "Why?"

Without lifting his head, he set his brush down, not writing another word.

Zhong Hong gave a wry smile, "The young master mentioned that he'd soon take a break from his studies before heading to the summer retreat. He wishes to spend a few days at the Duke's residence and then another couple of days at the Liu mansion."

Regret washed over Qi Zhuoyun.

He regretted not dining with Shen He that evening, letting his irritation get the better of him.