chapter 68

Chapter 68: After the Exam

Carrying his lunchbox, Shen He darted through gaps between carriages to reach Qi Zhuoyun's side, looking up to address him, "Brother."

His eyes curved into a smile.

Qi Zhuoyun took the lunchbox from him, handing it to Zhong Hong, and then assisted Shen He onto the carriage.

Caught off-guard once more by being lifted, Shen He positioned himself on the edge of the carriage, about to speak. Qi Zhuoyun's hand pressed against his lower back, whispering, "Get in quickly; someone's approaching."

Following Qi Zhuoyun's cue, Shen He glanced sideways and indeed spotted someone looking their way.

That person seemingly wanted to approach, using Shen He as an excuse to strike up a conversation with Qi Zhuoyun.

Shen He had witnessed such scenarios all too often.

He quickly ducked inside the carriage and, turning back, gestured for Qi Zhuoyun to follow, "Brother, come on, let's go."

His voice lowered.

Qi Zhuoyun didn’t need Shen He's urging. His eyes landed on Shen He's extended hand, a playful smirk on his face. He took the offered hand, holding it tightly, and then stepped into the carriage.

Zhong Hong followed closely behind the two.

As the carriage moved away from the bustling area, Shen He boasted, "I think I did pretty well. Once the results are posted, I might just become a distinguished scholar."

Chuckling, Qi Zhuoyun teased, "A distinguished scholar? So Lord He enjoys such a title, does he?"

Shen He stood tall, hands on hips, "Distinguished scholar! Isn't it impressive?"

Qi Zhuoyun humored him, "Absolutely majestic! Our Lord He will certainly be the most dashing scholar."

Qi Zhuoyun took Shen He's sleeve, noticing ink stains on the cuff. Rubbing it gently, he looked at Shen He with amusement, "If He gets first place, he'll earn an even more prestigious title. When people see our Lord He, won't they have to respectfully call him 'Top Scholar'? That way, when I meet others, I can boast about..."

Although Shen He felt his exam went smoothly without any hitches and expected good results,

without a reference for the correct answers and knowing that topping the imperial exam wasn't an easy feat, he deflected, "Who knows? I still think 'distinguished scholar' sounds more impressive."

At this, Qi Zhuoyun pulled him closer, "Hmm? Who was it that said this morning that I was looking down on him?"

Shen He was pulled into Qi Zhuoyun's embrace, perched sideways on his lap. Hearing those words, he forcefully leaned back, struggling to tumble off.

After all, the carriage was cushioned with thick blankets; falling wouldn't hurt much.

Shen He's backward tilting motion was practiced, but Qi Zhuoyun's skill in halting him was even more adept. One hand gripped the young man's slender, flexible waist, while the other pinned the outer side of his armpit.

Shen He immediately gave up, like a kitten held by the scruff of its neck, powerless. Grasping Qi Zhuoyun's hand, he cried out, "Ticklish! Ticklish! Brother, let go!"

He pleaded, "I admit it was me, I was wrong, I won't boast again."

While apologizing, he also felt the need to justify himself: "The exams hadn’t started then, so I couldn't be negative. What if I had the stroke of luck and ranked first? Now that it's over, it doesn’t matter. Brother, I truly admit my mistake, haha!"

Qi Zhuoyun stared intently at Shen He's profile and eventually released him, a brief, hidden shadow crossing his eyes.

The moment he was freed, Shen He swiftly moved to sit opposite Qi Zhuoyun, next to Zhong Hong.

He accused, "That was a forced confession!"

Qi Zhuoyun resignedly responded, "Fine, next time I'll make you genuinely admit your faults."

His voice took on an inexplicable deep tone as he spoke.

Goosebumps rose on Shen He's back, and he stared at Qi Zhuoyun with a wary expression.

Was this man scheming against him again?

Shen He thought he had seen through all of his guardian's behind-the-scenes plots!

In Shen He's mind, after passing the court examination, there was no need to attend a preparatory school. He could go straight to the university.

The modern college he didn't get into could be compensated for in ancient times.

But Shen He had no such intentions!

He no longer harbored any aspirations for university life. If he could avoid school, he would!

Why even attend? Life is but a few decades, and all spent on schooling?

Truly infuriating!

He mulled over whom to seek assistance from, hoping to concoct a compelling reason to persuade Qi Zhuoyun not to press him into attending university.

Shen He would much prefer engaging in their money-making endeavors outside than attending an ancient institution. He aimed to fatten his purse even more.

Who knows what the future holds?

Money, in abundance, always comes in handy!

Woo-hoo~

Thinking about his assets deposited in various banks, Shen He's spirits soared.

In his jubilant state, when disembarking the carriage, Qi Zhuoyun stepped forward to assist. Embracing the youth wholeheartedly, Shen He thought nothing of it.

Such are the ways of parents struggling to accept their child's growth.

Constantly seeking reassurance of their indispensability.

It was a matter of simple cooperation. After all his years of currying favor, could Shen He really not oblige?

Gleefully, he realized that in just two more months, it would be the New Year. Perhaps it was time to start prepping the gifts.

Currying favor is a long-term strategy, often won in the details.

Shen He never missed an opportunity like this. Each festive season required thoughtful preparation.

Sometimes he'd present a newly cultivated flower variety, other times a novel gadget crafted in collaboration with Liu Zheng.

What should this year's gift be?

Shen He contemplated that shortly after the New Year, it would be Qi Zhuoyun's birthday. A grand birthday present was in order, so perhaps the New Year's gift could be slightly less extravagant.

After all, true value is discerned through comparison.

Heh heh.

Back in the palace, lost in his thoughts, Shen He barely registered Qi Zhuoyun observing his distant gaze and cheerful grin, who softly inquired, "What's on your mind, He?"

Instinctively, Shen He responded, "Considering what to gift for the New Year..."

Realizing what he'd just revealed, Shen He darted off in a flash, faster than a startled rabbit.

He grabbed the large stuffed tiger from the couch, hoisting it and using its head to gesture threateningly at Qi Zhuoyun, shouting, "Don't ask! I won't tell! I haven't even thought it through yet!"

Qi Zhuoyun walked past him and sat on the other side. He poured two cups of tea, placing one at the opposite end of the small table, within Shen He's reach, saying, "I wasn't asking."

Shen He felt slightly awkward, given Qi Zhuoyun's composed demeanor.

Holding the teacup, he gulped it down in two swigs.

Tossing the cloth tiger to the inner side of the couch, he climbed on, lying back with a relaxed sigh, "I'm hungry, big brother."

The youthful spirit in Shen He was unmistakably evident — impulsive and passionate, like a bright flame that blazes fiercely.

When he chose to calm down and be pampered, he no longer resembled the jumping flame but looked as soft and tender as a young cat or dog. His eyes, round and shiny, melted hearts with their radiant gleam.

It's as if he was acting coy.

Inviting someone to pet him.

Qi Zhuoyun spoke in a gentle voice, comforting him, "Big brother knows."

Before picking up Shen He, he had already given instructions.

Lian Qiao and He Ling returned from the kitchen in a short while, followed by others who swiftly served all the dishes.

Shen He sat up, ate two bowls, then felt limp all over.

His mind was blank.

Exams are indeed draining.

Qi Zhuoyun went back to the main hall to attend to affairs. The young master, Song Shaofu, had initially wanted to meet Shen He, to inquire about his exam and speculate on his potential score.

Qi Zhuoyun said, "He's exhausted. Shaofu, perhaps you can ask him tomorrow."

Song Shaofu agreed, "As Your Highness wishes."

In the side hall, after Shen He had bathed, Zhong Yan helped dry his hair, while Shen He held a small oil-paper packet between his fingertips.

A perfect square of sweetness.

Zhong Yan glanced at it and chuckled softly, "Where did the young master get this candy? Be careful if His Highness sees, he might have words for you."

Shen He leaned against the head of the bed, tilting his head, his gaze fixed on the candy at his fingertip, illuminated by the candlelight.

He explained, "This was given to me by big brother during the courtyard exams. I saved this piece."

After a moment, he handed the candy to Zhong Yan, "Keep this for me. I'll eat it tomorrow."

He glanced at the tips of his hair. They were mostly dry near the roots, but he grew impatient with the ends, saying, "I'm tired. You don't need to dry it any further. I'll sleep like this."

Hearing this, Zhong Yan, holding the candy, noticed the fatigue in Shen He's eyes. No sooner had he spoken than his eyes closed, looking utterly exhausted.

Gently, Zhong Yan adjusted the blanket, which was draped around Shen He's waist, pulling it further up. He set the bed curtains in place and placed the candy in a small box on the curio shelf.

The others in the hall saw this and discreetly dimmed the lights, leaving only a single dim candlestick lit in the inner room before exiting and closing the main doors.

As Zhong Yan was preparing to sleep on the outer couch for the night,

To his surprise, the crown prince, Qi Zhuoyun, had come for some reason.

Zhong Hong signaled Zhong Yan with a tilt of his head, and Zhong Yan did not re-enter. The doors were shut once more.

Zhong Yan felt puzzled, wondering what had transpired in the court.

The crown prince had only returned to the capital earlier this year; was he about to set out again?

Unable to decipher the situation, he retreated to his own room.

Inside the room.

Qi Zhuoyun moved with grace. As he pulled back the bed curtains, he saw the young man sprawled on the edge of the bed, the blanket kicked down to his waist, just covering his hips.

The nights at the end of October were chilly.

Yet the young man seemed unaffected.

Qi Zhuoyun bent down, his arms gently sliding under Shen He, lifting and repositioning him more comfortably within the bed.

Seeing the large stuffed tiger that Shen He was fond of holding, he picked it up and tossed it to the foot of the bed.

Zhong Hong stayed outside, not daring to follow in.

Hesitating, on the brink of speech.

In the end, he could only conceal his gaze, pretending to be blind and deaf, feigning ignorance.

Qi Zhuoyun shed his clothing and drew the young man into his embrace, encircling him in a near possessive manner.

Warm breath cascaded over the nape of his neck, and a soft cheek, separated by a mere layer of fabric, nestled against his shoulder.

Qi Zhuoyun's heart raced like a drumbeat.

Thumping.

The stirrings he dare not let the conscious youth hear during the day now reverberated through their closely pressed bodies, reaching Shen He's ears.

Allowing him, even in his dreams, to unknowingly sense the tumultuous and burning affections his elder brother held for him.

A desire, dark and hidden from the light.

Only in such a manner, after the young man had fallen asleep, did he dare let him hear, let him be aware.

Qi Zhuoyun softly murmured, "He He."

The exhausted young man slept deeply, entirely undisturbed.

His hand unconsciously rested on Qi Zhuoyun's chest, fingertips curling slightly, clutching the fabric.

An action reminiscent of his childhood, a gesture repeated since he was a boy.

Qi Zhuoyun captured the hand that grasped his clothing, his fingers intertwining slowly, yet undeniably, with the young man's.

Their fingers laced together.

The dreamer, perhaps sensing something, showed a faint frown of discomfort.

After a brief movement of his fingertips, a gentle patting ensued on his back, soothing like one would comfort an infant.

Shen He sunk back into the depths of sleep, his features relaxing, appearing utterly serene.