chapter 76

Chapter 76

As the year's end approaches, a grand feast unfolds in the palace.

Officials of third rank and above may bring their significant family members to partake in the palace feast.

Shen He has always found such occasions rather vexing over the years.

Surrounded by a multitude of unfamiliar faces, he must adhere to strict protocols.

Whenever he gets a brief moment away from Qi Zhuo Yun, others approach to curry favor.

Shen He is well-aware of their intentions in trying to ingratiate themselves with him.

Yet, he cannot simply walk away, leaving him with no choice but to feign ignorance with an awkward smile.

After attending such events several times, Shen He decides it's best to stay close behind Qi Zhuo Yun, acting like an accessory or a shadow.

As the crowd mingles, Shen He sits reservedly, playing with two oranges in his hand, peeling one and popping a segment into his mouth.

The tartness of the fruit instantly overwhelms him, leaving his face contorted in distress.

He swallows with difficulty, then looks down at his cup. Zhong Yan quickly pours him some tea, which he sips with relief, before tossing the sour orange onto the table with a look of discontent.

Turning around, he realizes that Qi Zhuo Yun, who was just behind him chatting, has now disappeared.

Shen He glances discreetly around, then quietly rises from his seat, taking his cloak with him.

Zhong Yan follows, offering him a warm wrap, "Young master, it's chilly outside. What do you intend to do?"

Shen He replies, "Where did the Crown Prince go? I wish to find him."

Zhong Yan can't help but smile wryly, "His Highness is likely attending to matters. He'll be back shortly. You might not bump into him even if you venture out now."

Shen He is nonchalant, "I'll just take a stroll."

Whether he encounters Qi Zhuo Yun or not is immaterial; his main goal is to avoid the crowd.

He plans to wander outside for a bit, estimating when Qi Zhuo Yun might return, before heading back himself.

Unexpectedly, while Shen He didn't encounter Qi Zhuo Yun, he did bump into another significant figure.

It had been quite some time since Shen He last had a meaningful encounter with this Second Prince.

It was well known that Shen He and Qi Zhuo Yun didn't get along. Given an incident by the lakeside when Shen He was younger, Qi Zhuo Yun would always protectively stay by Shen He's side, keeping Qi Le Yong at a distance.

Their few interactions were mainly at unavoidable banquets, often with a significant gap between them, fleeting glimpses that felt almost non-existent.

Thus, unexpectedly meeting Qi Le Yong left Shen He momentarily stunned.

It took a few seconds for his brain to register the situation, recognizing their differing statuses, he quickly offered a formal bow: "This humble official greets the Second Prince."

Ah, now that he held an official title, he didn't need to address himself as a mere citizen before the prince, nor did he have to prostrate fully.

Shen He was rather pleased with himself.

After his momentary glee, he wondered what schemes the cunning Second Prince might have in mind. Best to slip away!

He smiled at Qi Le Yong, saying, "With the biting cold outside, it would be best for the Second Prince to return to the feast. I must find the Crown Prince, so I'll take my leave now. I hope for your understanding."

As Shen He turned to leave, Qi Le Yong, with a somewhat amused look, said, "Wait."

Qi Le Yong had good looks, a natural inheritance from the royal bloodline, and his mother was known for her beauty.

Unfortunately, when compared to the Crown Prince, he fell short, especially in terms of presence and demeanor.

Perhaps it was the numerous setbacks from Qi Zhuo Yun, but Qi Le Yong emanated a shadowy aura, his countenance tinged with a hint of gloom.

His deep-set eyes made it hard for people to feel close to him, giving off the impression of someone deceitful.

As thoughts raced in Shen He's mind, he concluded: One's appearance reflects their heart, and Qi Le Yong perfectly embodied a man of petty ambitions.

While Shen He's mind was bustling with thoughts, his face remained serene, and nobody could guess what was going on inside. His innocent demeanor, combined with delicate features, made him seem utterly guileless, quite deceiving.

The young man paused, his face tightened, responding with utmost respect to Qi Le Yong. His long eyelashes cast shadows on his cheek, hiding his rounded eyes, lips pressed firmly, and the cold had turned his nose a rosy hue.

Qi Le Yong assessed Shen He from head to toe, suddenly chuckling, "In a few months, young master Shen will be seventeen, right? How is it that you still reside in the Eastern Palace? Is it convenient being so close to the Crown Prince all the time?"

Shen He instantly became wary!

What does he mean!?

Asking if he's comfortable, with a tone feigning concern!?

Has the subplot about courting alliances shifted here now!?

Shen He would never betray the protagonist, especially in this setting. He must stand firm and make Qi Le Yong abandon any notion of winning him over, lest he wastes effort on a lost cause.

Shen He swiftly replied with a triplet of affirmations: "It's alright. Quite alright. Quite convenient."

Qi Le Yong raised an eyebrow, "Is it now?"

He squinted, surveying Shen He with an odd look. Neither hostile nor entirely friendly.

Shen He was momentarily puzzled, unsure of Qi Le Yong's intentions.

Qi Le Yong continued, "If it's convenient for you, it might not be for the Crown Prince. Nevertheless, let's not dwell on that. Young Master Shen, at your age, perhaps it's time to leave the Eastern Palace and consider an engagement. Many in the capital, at your age, are already married. Have you set your eyes on any young lady?"

Shen He felt a chill, thinking, "Already plotting my marriage and I'm not even seventeen?"

He replied with a chuckle, "Not yet. My elder brother has yet to settle his engagement. It's hardly my turn."

Sorry, brother! Using your name as a shield here!

Clutching the warm wrap inside his sleeve, Shen He realized that the cold hadn't bothered him until this exchange with the Second Prince. Now, he felt a chill down his spine.

He racked his brain for an excuse to leave.

Before he could, another figure approached.

The hurried footsteps suggested urgency, even taking shortcuts, brushing snow off tree branches in their haste.

Shen He looked up, meeting eyes with the Fifth Prince.

The Fifth Prince, in surprise, exclaimed, "Shen He? What are you doing here?!"

A quick glance at his older brother showed a brief hint of anxiety in his eyes, which he promptly suppressed.

He said to Shen He, "What are you doing outside in this cold? I don't see any wine in your hand. What's gotten into you? Get back inside. I have private matters to discuss with my royal brother."

Shen He's eyes brightened, and he eagerly responded, "Yes."

Without delay, he scurried away without looking back, fearing being called to a halt if he lingered.

The Fifth Prince watched Shen He's cloak billow in the wind, feeling both exasperated and relieved.

Just as he took a breath, he heard Qi Le Yong's voice, "Little Fifth, it seems you get along well with Shen He."

The Fifth Prince bristled, retorting loudly, "Nonsense! We've been at odds since childhood! He's the audacious one who dared strike me; if we were close, where would my face be?"

After stating his piece, he lowered his voice, "Royal brother, about that person you asked me to find – I've located them."

Hesitantly, he asked, "Why did you seek this individual..."

Qi Le Yong interrupted, a rare hint of excitement on his usually somber face, "Where are they? Ensure they're brought to me after the banquet; I want to see them."

The words on the tip of the Fifth Prince's tongue retreated inwards.

……

Shen He hastily made his way back.

Zhong Yan struggled to keep up.

Panting, Zhong Yan cautioned, "Young master, slow down! The path is slippery; be careful not to fall!"

Believing he had put a good distance between himself and the antagonistic Qi Le Yong, Shen He exhaled and lamented, "What rotten luck."

"What unfortunate event occurred?" A deep, amused voice gently whispered in his ear.

Shen He looked up to see the Crown Prince, Qi Zhuo Yun, smiling warmly at him.

Qi Zhuo Yun gently took Shen He's hand and led him forward.

With a mix of annoyance and a touch of grievance, Shen He asked, "Where did you go? I came out looking for you and ran into the Second Prince."

Qi Zhuo Yun chuckled, "I was gone for just a short while, and you missed me this much?"

Holding Shen He's wrist, his thumb tenderly traced Shen He's pulse, evoking a ticklish sensation.

It's unclear whether it's intentional or unintentional.

Shen He's heart raced. There was a faint, almost negligible oddity concealed within his pounding heartbeat.

Shen He naturally attributed this to the result of his run, causing his heart to race.

He reluctantly pulled back his hand, saying, "That's not true. Fine, I won't come looking for you next time. You can just let those people annoy me to death."

Qi Zhuoyun let out a muffled chuckle from his throat.

Laughing, he wrapped an arm around Shen He's shoulder, whispering apologetically, "That's my fault then. Next time, I'll take Lord He wherever I go, alright?"

He continued to smile as he spoke.

His laughter made the tips of Shen He's ears turn red, making him feel embarrassed.

Once Qi Zhuoyun had his fill of laughter, he asked, "Did you run into the second one? Did he say anything? If you see him again, don't hesitate, just walk away. He won't dare bother you."

Shen He replied, already aware, "He didn't say much. Just commented on how I'm still clinging to the palace despite my age..."

The amusement faded from Qi Zhuoyun's dark eyes, his voice softening, "Pay no mind to their idle talk. As long as I'm in the East Palace, there's a place for Hehe."

Of course, Shen He knew that.

His guardian's sense of responsibility was overwhelming, and he was currently in the phase of fretting over letting his young charge fly the coop, wishing he could protect him all the time.

Shen He reassured, "Mm-hmm, I know."

The two of them, one tall and one short, walked side by side affectionately. Upon reaching the entrance, Qi Zhuoyun dropped his hand, and they both became more composed.

Shen He returned to his seat and noticed the orange he had left on the table, the corner of his mouth twitching.

He pushed the orange aside, letting his gaze wander as he looked for something delicious.

Making eye contact with Empress Liu Xuan, Shen He immediately grinned, showing off a row of pearly whites, looking as adorable as can be.

Empress Liu Xuan smiled, casting a glance at him, whispering something to Quezhi beside her.

Quezhi then came over with a plate of something for Shen He.

She said with a beaming smile, "Young master, the empress specially ordered these peach-flavored cakes for you. Please, have a taste."

After setting down the treat, she bowed respectfully to Qi Zhuoyun and then returned to the side of Empress Liu Xuan.

Shen He's eyes shone with excitement as he took a slice and offered it to Qi Zhuoyun, "Try it, big brother!"

He then delicately picked up a piece for himself. Before Qi Zhuoyun could respond, Shen He was already happily munching on his slice, his round eyes curved in delight like crescent moons.

His joy was so infectious that one couldn't help but smile along.

Qi Zhuoyun was about to engage in further conversation when he noticed Shen He's attention was diverted elsewhere.

Shen He looked curiously across the way.

He spotted a young lady. By all accounts, he shouldn't know her, but the more he looked, the more familiar she seemed, as if he'd seen her somewhere before.

Shen He's gaze was rather intense, catching the young lady's attention. She raised her eyes towards him, covering her lips with a handkerchief.

Suddenly, Shen He remembered why she seemed familiar!

Wasn't she the girl he had met in the study, the one who almost became his sister-in-law?

Shen He's eyes sparkled even more. He quickly looked away, thinking to himself how beautiful she was. Even though the rumors of Qi Zhuoyun choosing a crown princess were false, he'd eventually need a wife in this lifetime!

A grin appeared on Shen He's face as he thought, she seemed gentle and talented. Perhaps she'd be a good match for Qi Zhuoyun.

Like a soulful resonance between two intelligent beings.

Shen He was inwardly troubled.

Qi Zhuoyun had faced hardships in the past. His life seemed filled with happiness on the surface, but with underlying sorrows. If Shen He didn't help him find a loving wife, he'd never retire in peace.

The thought of Qi Zhuoyun being lonely at the top was unbearably sad.

Of course! Shen He believed in democracy and would consider both parties' opinions!

In Shen He's mind, he saw himself as the symbolic red thread connecting Qi Zhuoyun to his future wife.

After all, everything depended on one's efforts!

Shen He shifted his gaze away. Though his thoughts zigzagged in many directions, his body naturally leaned toward Qi Zhuoyun.

He whispered with a mischievous grin, "Brother, look! The beautiful young lady across from us is Miss Wang, the one you previously considered for the role of Crown Princess."

Having said that and noticing Qi Zhuoyun's lack of response, Shen He edged closer, nudging him with his shoulder, "Did you hear me, brother?"

Of course, Qi Zhuoyun had heard him.

He had heard every single word.

And he had seen it all too.

If Shen He were to turn his head and look at Qi Zhuoyun, he would meet an intense gaze that Qi Zhuoyun momentarily failed to mask.

His voice was unreadable, "Do you like her that much, Hehe?"

Shen He's eyes brightened even more. When he smiled, the soft flesh of his cheeks slightly puffed out, his eyes gleaming in the lamplight, resembling an excited puppy that had spotted a bone.

Shen He whispered as if sharing a secret, "She's beautiful, has a good family background, seems smart, and is very amiable. Of course, I like her! Don't you?"

How could one not like such an outstanding young lady!

Shen He turned his head to gauge Qi Zhuoyun's expression, lowering his voice even more, "Brother, even if you're not looking for a Crown Princess now, you'll need one eventually. If there's a lady you like, don't hold back because of me!"

As long as Qi Zhuoyun finds a wife and doesn't remain alone, Shen He would be at peace.

Even if the woman Qi Zhuoyun liked didn't get along with Shen He, he wouldn't mind. After all, he'd retire in a few years!

Qi Zhuoyun lowered his gaze, picking up a cup of wine from the table and bringing it to his lips. The cold, spicy liquid flowed into his stomach.

The fiery sensation in his throat seemed to dissipate some of the heaviness in his heart.

But just "some" of it.

Qi Zhuoyun inquired, "Do you want her to be your sister-in-law?"

He wasn't sure whether to be pleased or irritated.

In his heart, he thought, I'm sorry, but this sister-in-law position might not be available.

Shen He quickly sensed that something was amiss.

He subtly moved away from Qi Zhuoyun and gave a sheepish smile, saying, "I was just mentioning it casually."

Apparently, he doesn't favor Miss Wang.

Indeed, these matters can't be rushed.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Shen He remained notably quiet for the rest of the evening.

At some point, the second and fifth princes returned to the banquet. Shen He, through the swaying dance of the courtesans in the middle, exchanged playful glances with the fifth prince. They seemed to be having their own little game.

The emperor was in an exceptionally good mood tonight, so spirited and radiant that it was astonishing.

With the emperor in high spirits, the rest naturally had to play along and ensure he enjoyed himself.

By the time the banquet concluded, it was already quite late.

The sounds around were bustling as the crowd dispersed towards the palace exit.

From a distance within the crowd, Shen He waved goodbye to Qi Yanbing and a few others, silently mouthing, "See you tomorrow!"

They smiled in response, echoing, "See you tomorrow."

After only a few waves, Shen He was suddenly pulled by the waist and half-dragged, half-lifted forward.

The arm around his waist was strong and firm, as if with a little more strength, it could easily lift Shen He entirely.

Shen He was settled into a carriage, and the young man followed right after, lifting the curtain to enter. But then, with a hint of unsteadiness, he stumbled forward, leaning heavily against Shen He.

He exhaled a warm, alcohol-laden breath.