chapter 88

Chapter 88: Storm Approaching

Hearing that Shen He and Shen Yan intended to visit the Jinzhou estate, Qi Yanbing spurted out his drink in surprise, "At this time of year? Isn't your birthday just a few days away?"

Shen He responded matter-of-factly, "That's why we'll return by then. What's the issue?"

Qi Yanbing felt something was amiss.

Very much so.

He couldn't immediately pinpoint what was off. After giving Shen He a once-over, he received an exasperated look from the young man. "Are you coming or not? If not, it's fine. My brother and I can go on our own."

Qi Yanbing quickly intervened, "Of course I'm going! Why wouldn't I? But, hehe, Shen He, you'll have to speak to my grandmother about this. She adores you. It wouldn't work if I asked her myself."

It's a golden opportunity to leave the city for some fun; only a fool like Qi Yanbing would refuse.

Whoever wants to read this book, read it!

He lacked ambition, with no desire to pursue any prestigious titles.

On this matter, he and Shen He were truly kindred spirits.

Shen He had anticipated this, and the two were instantly in agreement. Qi Yanbing immediately had his belongings packed, while Shen He went to the old princess's quarters, acting sweet and endearing to help Qi Yanbing gain his freedom.

The Princess of Heng affectionately pinched Shen He's cheeks, expressing her concern, "Oh dear, it's been a while, but Shen He, why have you lost so much weight? There's barely any flesh on these cheeks anymore."

Shen He thought to himself, "This must be the legendary 'grandma thinks you've lost weight' scenario." Heaven knows he never skipped a meal, always eating three bowls per serving.

In front of the Princess of Heng, Shen He expertly acted cute, leaving the elderly woman bursting with laughter, brighter than a blooming chrysanthemum.

Without a doubt, Qi Yanbing gained his freedom, permitted by the old princess to accompany Shen He on a trip outside the city to Jinzhou for some leisure time.

By the time Qi Yanbing received the message from the old princess's maid, he had already packed.

The elderly maid glanced at him. Qi Yanbing quickly put his hands together in a pleading gesture, "Please, pretend you saw nothing."

The maid, amused and slightly exasperated, passed on her message and returned to the old princess's quarters.

When Shen He came back to Qi Yanbing's quarters and saw everything packed, he was astonished, "How did you pack so quickly? We're not leaving until tomorrow."

Qi Yanbing waved dismissively, "Why wait for tomorrow? Let's leave today!"

With that, he instructed the servants around him to prepare the carriages and move his luggage out.

Shen He: "..."

Alright then.

Let's set off tonight!

Jinzhou is adjacent to the capital.

They traveled by carriage, departing at night and by the evening of the next day, they had reached the manor.

The steward of the manor, along with a group of staff, came out to greet them. After settling their luggage, the three rested for the night and prepared to head up the mountain the following day.

Shen He's archery skills while riding were not exactly exceptional, but they were passable.

At least during official tests, he had won a few top prizes in archery.

With his quiver slung across his back and one hand gripping the reins, once they reached the trail, everyone dismounted. Some were left at the base of the mountain to watch over the horses, while a few of them started their ascent.

It was a clear sunny day with a deep blue sky adorned with a few bright white clouds. The sun was so brilliant it was almost blinding, casting a warm, slightly stinging sensation on the skin.

However, upon entering the woods, it felt as though they had stepped into another season. The dense green canopy shielded them from the glaring sun, and the leaves rustled with every gust of wind.

Shen He had his hair tied up high in a ponytail, sleeves neatly rolled up, and was wearing boots. His whole demeanor looked both efficient and unrestrained, with a youthful spirit that was particularly evident in him.

His steps were light as he walked, and his high ponytail swung from side to side, mirroring his lively and buoyant mood.

Shen Yan followed behind, watching the swing of Shen He's hair, with a smile that grew increasingly wider on his lips.

Simply watching him made one's mood feel lighter.

Shen He's clear, youthful voice chirped throughout the woods, exchanging words with Qi Yanbing, who was walking in the lead.

Occasionally, when he couldn't out-argue the sharp-tongued Qi Yanbing, he would turn around in exasperation and seek his elder brother's support, "Brother! Tell him I'm right!"

Shen Yan, being partial and not principled, responded, "Right."

Qi Yanbing immediately began to protest loudly, "Hey! That's not fair, Shen He! Is this how you treat me? Are you two ganging up on me just because you share a surname? You've hurt your brother's feelings."

He then feigned a few sobs and even wiped his eyes for added effect.

Shen He rolled his eyes, "You're clearly just twisting the facts."

The two continued their banter as they climbed, and by the time they were halfway up, Shen Yan suddenly said, "There's something."

Shen He immediately fell silent, his eyes gleaming.

He first turned to look at Shen Yan, then followed his gaze deeper into the woods.

Qi Yanbing remained silent at this moment.

All three of them readied their bows, nocking arrows and steadying their breaths, pinpointing the prey's location.

The bushes rustled.

Shen He spotted a brownish-gray rabbit darting quickly from under the shrubs. Its plump figure was visible for fleeting moments between gaps.

With his eyes locked on the rabbit, he drew his bow to full extent. In the split second the rabbit showed itself, with a "whoosh," his arrow soared through the air!

Unfortunately, he was a split second too late. The arrow grazed the rabbit's tail and lodged itself in the mud.

Unwilling to accept his miss, Shen He heard another "whoosh" beside him—it was Qi Yanbing's shot.

Qi Yanbing's arrow went slightly off target, embedding itself in the surface of the bushes, an embarrassed look crossing his face.

Only Shen Yan remained poised. His dark eyes fixated on the prey, and at the precise moment, his fingers, hooked around the bowstring, swiftly let go. The arrow, with its tremendous force, pierced through the rabbit that was dashing from its cover in the bushes. The creature lurched forward a small distance, its legs giving a few feeble kicks before it stilled.

Shen He thought, "Damn, that was impressive."

He inwardly whimpered, wishing he could be that skilled.

The guards who accompanied them up the mountain quickly retrieved the game.

Shen Yan, noticing Shen He's envious look, deepened his smile, "Shen He, it's just practice. I'm sure you'll hit your target with the next prey."

Shen He felt encouraged!

He'd aim for something bigger!

He'd get a deer and bring it back for his grandparents!

With a wave of his hand, he exclaimed, "Let's go!"

Qi Yanbing added, "Shen He, just to mention, our elder brother's archery skills are quite commendable too..." he tried to salvage his pride.

However, young master Shen was already energetically dashing forward, much like an excited puppy.

The steward of the manor had mentioned that, at the halfway point up the mountain, where the terrain is somewhat flatter and more open, deer often roam.

Left behind, Qi Yanbing: "..."

My younger brother has grown up, no longer as cute as when he was a child. How heartbreaking.

But at least Zheng Xueze and Liu Zheng weren't here, and Shen He only called for him, not those two. This proves that he and Shen He are still the closest and most dear to each other!

Ah, ha!

His younger brother is still adorable!

The thought of Zheng Xueze and Liu Zheng, who were still in the capital and oblivious to their current expedition, brought a cheeky grin to Qi Yanbing's face.

They spent a day on the mountain, but only managed to catch a few wild rabbits, failing to snag any deer.

Shen He figured that since they'd be staying at the manor for several more days, not catching anything on the first day was to be expected.

Carrying their rabbits, they descended the mountain. That evening, Shen He sneaked into the kitchen, watching those rabbits being turned into spicy rabbit heads and legs. The aroma was so tantalizing that it made his mouth water.

Not far from the manor was a river.

When the sun was less intense, the group would head to the riverbanks to camp out, venturing into the water to catch fish by hand.

Between trekking up the mountains and exploring the rivers, they enjoyed several days in nature. Even their housemaids, like Qiao He and Ling, went wild with them. Two days before their return to the capital, Shen He was adamant about catching a deer.

The group went up the mountain to stake out.

While Shen He was initially excited, his enthusiasm waned during the stakeout. He became restless.

He became a target for mosquitoes, evidenced by the red bumps on the back of his hand and neck.

And then, some audacious mosquito decided to bite Shen He's earlobe. The usually pale earlobe turned a fiery red and swelled up, looking rather comical.

Qi Yanbing teased him for two days about it, and Shen He, in frustration, wanted to return to the capital to lodge a complaint.

Fortunately, persistence paid off. After Shen He's tireless vigil (and becoming a mosquito buffet), he successfully caught a mature stag.

And it was he who took the shot.

The group excitedly descended the mountain. After preparing the deer, they loaded it onto the cart, ready to head back to the capital.

Reviewing the fruits of their adventure, Shen He cheerfully allocated the bounty, "We'll split the deer in two. Half goes to my paternal grandparents and the other half to my maternal grandparents. As for the five rabbits, raise them well. I'll give two to my aunt, and the remaining three to my cousin. This one is for my male cousin..."

Lianqiao and Heling chuckled from the side as they took note. After circling a few, Shen He pointed at the finally marked deer, without a moment's hesitation, he blurted, "This one belongs to the crown prince..."

Shen He finished speaking, then suddenly fell silent.

His initially uplifted eyebrows gradually drooped, his expression seeming a bit dazed. The corner of his lips pressed slightly, and his gaze wandered over the game he'd separated.

Shen He had the most game, thanks in part to Shen Yan's assistance.

Excluding the robust stag, among the remaining game, this deer was the largest.

Subconsciously, he allocated the entire deer to Qi Zhuoyun.

"Young Master?" Lianqiao's voice brought Shen He back to reality.

The downturned corner of Shen He's mouth lifted slightly, offering Lianqiao a smile, "Ah, that's how we'll divide it!"

Shen He thought to himself: keeping a distance is one thing, maintaining a relationship is another.

Regardless, once back in the capital, he'd discuss moving out of the Eastern Palace with Qi Zhuoyun.

After leaving the Eastern Palace, with fewer meetings, the matter of distance would be effortlessly resolved. They'd still be brothers who grew up together.

Shen He, don't feel guilty.

He reassured himself inwardly.

Pretend he never had feelings for Qi Zhuoyun, as it was before.

Pretend they were just close brothers. Wasn't it the same before he realized his feelings, when their bond was purely fraternal?

Later, when Qi Zhuoyun ascends to the throne and major events pass, once the dust settles and he can ease his heart, he'd leave the capital, live abroad for a few years, sort out his emotions, and embrace a new life.

By the time new emotions fill his heart, when he meets Qi Zhuoyun again, their relationship will revert to that of pure and simple brothers.

As for his affection, only Shen He would know. As long as he keeps it to himself, it's fine.

With downcast lashes, while lost in these thoughts, Shen He absentmindedly fiddled with the edge of his sleeve.

……

The Fifth Prince silently departed the Emperor's sleeping chambers.

Leaving Qi Leyong alone inside.

Observing the bald monks invited into the imperial city, he found it somewhat absurd.

With age, it seems, anything becomes possible.

The Emperor, in the past, was clearly disdainful of such superstitious beliefs. Yet now, he invites this group into the city to perform rituals daily.

Utterly absurd.

Most ludicrous of all, his second brother assisted the Emperor in summoning these monks, and even the Crown Prince didn't object, supporting the Emperor's actions.

The Fifth Prince, having now established his own residence outside, took a stroll after leaving the palace and recognized a somewhat familiar face on the street.

He then noticed that face entering a medical clinic.

Despite racking his brain, the prince couldn't recall where he had seen that man before and decided to cast the thought aside.

Passing by the Duke's mansion, he couldn't resist stopping his carriage, instructing his eunuch to inquire when Shen He would return.

He had heard Shen He left the capital for leisure, but as the twelfth of the sixth month approached, why hadn't he returned?

The Fifth Prince wouldn't admit he missed Shen He a bit. The capital seemed dull, and Shen He's company promised some entertainment.

Everyone around him appeared on edge.

It kept him on tenterhooks, sensing an impending storm.

Only Shen He, with his carefree demeanor, sparring verbally with him, brought some amusement.

The young eunuch returned, saying, "Your Highness, the servants at the Duke's mansion are unsure but expect him back before his birthday, which is in a few days."

The Fifth Prince, stroking his chin, pondered, "What should I gift him for his birthday? I must choose wisely to prevent him from mocking my stinginess."