chapter 91

Chapter 91: Moving Out!

Qi Zhuoyun followed Shen He and boarded the carriage.

Shen He leaned inside the carriage, half-leaning against the window, supporting his chin.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Qi Zhuoyun approaching, and his lips tightened involuntarily.

Qi Zhuoyun sat beside him with ease, asking, "Hehe, have you been having fun these days?"

The anger in Shen He's heart suddenly turned into guilt.

It was his idea to move out of the Eastern Palace, so what does he have to be upset about if Qi Zhuoyun agreed so readily?

He murmured, "Yes, I've been happy."

The carriage was silent for a moment.

Only the sound of the carriage wheels grinding over bricks could be heard.

Zhong Hong sat outside the carriage. Shen He's entourage followed behind, leaving only the two of them inside.

Qi Zhuoyun remained silent, and suddenly the interior of the carriage became eerily quiet.

This made Shen He a bit uneasy.

He felt irritated.

While his agitation didn't show on his face, his unconscious fidgeting with his fingers gave it all away.

A broad, warm, and dry hand covered the back of his hand, abruptly pulling Shen He out of his reverie.

Qi Zhuoyun unclasped Shen He's intertwining fingers, holding one of his hands and gently rubbing the reddened sides with his fingertips. With a slight reprimanding tone, he said, "Don't scratch."

Shen He replied weakly, "Oh..."

Holding Shen He's hand, after massaging it for a moment, Qi Zhuoyun asked in a deep voice, "Hehe wants to move out of the Eastern Palace... where to?"

Qi Zhuoyun wouldn't let Shen He go to the Duke's mansion, and certainly not to the Liu residence.

Visiting either of those places would complicate matters in the future.

Qi Zhuoyun realized that in certain matters concerning Shen He, he could be incredibly lenient, conceding countless times. But in others, he could only budge a half step.

Shen He felt a touch of anger again.

See, can't he just utter a few words of persuasion?

Shen He tried to pull his hand back. As he applied a slight force, Qi Zhuoyun didn't let go but looked up at him instead.

That gaze seemed a bit surprised, with a hint of scrutiny.

Once again, Shen He felt a pang of guilt, internally berating himself.

Having impure intentions and still complaining about others. They're raising a child and can't possibly be aware of all the complex thoughts in his mind, wanting this and that. Isn't he just being capricious and making things difficult for others?

Feeling ashamed, his eyelashes quivered as he lowered his gaze. A smile adorned his face, and he appeared rather cheerful, "I've been looking for a house in the capital and have asked the Minor Prince to help me. In a few days, there'll be news. Moving in after my birthday shouldn't be a problem!"

Qi Zhuoyun felt a sigh of relief in his heart.

He said, "In that case, why not let me find a place for you? You mentioned before that you wanted to take Zhong Yan and Lian Qiao out of the palace, and I promised you that. Additional guards will be assigned as well. List anyone else you wish to bring, and hand the names to Zhong Hong."

It can be said that all of Shen He's requests were being accommodated.

Shen He softly replied, "Alright then."

His face bore a smile, but his entire demeanor unconsciously radiated a sense of loss.

It took a lot of restraint on Qi Zhuoyun's part not to hug his beloved Hehe right at that moment.

He repeatedly reminded himself internally, this is a good thing.

He had initially thought that after the young man ran away in fright, he might resist him upon returning.

Especially after hearing from Consort Liu Xuan that he wanted to move out.

Fortunately, seeing Hehe's current state didn't bring the happiness he expected.

Instead, it was primarily a displeasure about him leaving.

Like a withered little kitten, pitifully shrinking in a corner, meowing softly at people pretending it wasn't upset.

What did this signify?

It meant that the tender bud, unnoticed, had sprouted new branches and had grown into a seedling, capable of withstanding some storms.

Qi Zhuoyun knew when to be patient; he also knew that sometimes taking a step back is the way forward.

Shen He was oblivious to being schemed against.

He felt rather wronged.

Balancing his grievance with self-reproach.

Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, he busied himself packing his belongings, grumbling under his breath with a cheeky pout, all the while muttering and fuming!

Once he's out of the palace, he would focus solely on making money!

In this world, everything is fleeting. Only the silver in hand is real!

As if it weren't enough that Qi Zhuoyun, this infuriating straight man, annoyed Shen He.

He kept hovering around, constantly in Shen He's sight, offering his assistance.

Assistance for what?

To further vex him!?

Now Shen He was irritable at just about everyone.

But he had to swallow it down because he knew he was at fault.

He had surreptitious feelings for someone, inappropriate emotions. What would a straight man know about that?

Hadn't he treated Shen He well enough?

Seeing that Shen He insisted on doing things himself without any help, Qi Zhuoyun had no choice but to sit on a small couch, holding a book, occasionally glancing over at the young man's activities.

The tension that had been building for days seemed to loosen at that moment.

Who could resist a flustered kitten?

One might even want to pet it to calm it down.

Unfortunately, petting it now might make the situation worse, possibly causing the kitten to lash out even more.

Shen He busied himself for two days. Lian Qiao and He Ling insisted he relax and let them handle the packing.

Shen He wanted to feel occupied, so he insisted on helping out.

On his birthday, Shen He left the palace and went to the Duke's mansion.

According to him, there wasn't going to be a grand feast this time.

The guests were close relatives and friends, with a few tables set for an intimate banquet.

The younger guests had their table. Schoolmates and close friends, including Jin Yuan and the others, were present. They began comparing the birthday gifts they brought for Shen He.

Zheng Xue found them quite noisy.

Looking up, he saw Shen He resting his chin on his hand, staring into space, lost in his thoughts.

After the banquet, a few people pulled Shen He aside to a more secluded spot.

Qi Yanbing was the first to notice, looking him up and down: "Little Brother Shen He, why do you look so distracted?"

Shen He: "?" Are you some kind of worm inside my stomach reading my thoughts?

He let out a long sigh, puzzling the group.

Without any fuss, Shen He casually sat down on a stone beneath a tree's shade, "It's nothing, just thinking about moving."

Qi Yanbing used his fan to cool himself, then gave Shen He a couple of waves, "Didn't the Emperor say he would find you a place? What's the issue? You don't like the house they've chosen? If you ask me, why don't you just move into the Duke's mansion? I felt the old Duke and Duchess wanted to discuss this with you earlier. After all, you're the future young master, and the Duke's mansion will be yours. Why leave your own home for some other place?"

Qi Yanbing squatted against the stone, abandoning all semblance of his royal stature.

Hearing this, Liu Zheng stood behind Qi Yanbing and playfully kicked him in the rear.

Qi Yanbing widened his eyes in indignation, shooting back an angry glare.

How daring! Liu Zheng actually dared to kick him! Intolerable!

Zheng Xue gave Qi Yanbing a stern look, asking calmly, "Where is the house located? Aren't you in a hurry to move out tomorrow?"

Shen He's sudden decision to leave the East Palace, especially so urgently, left the three somewhat puzzled.

Shen He scratched his cheek, "The house is on East Street, quite close to Prince Heng's residence. It's just around the corner. It used to belong to the Zhou family but was confiscated. It's not too big, no need for renovations, perfect for me to live alone."

He added, "I don't want to live in the Duke's mansion. I'd be unhappy there. If my grandparents wish to see me, it would only take a moment for me to visit them from my new place since I won't be living in the palace anymore."

Seeing Shen He's determination, Qi Yanbing didn't press further. However, he couldn't help but worry, observing Shen He's gloomy demeanor.

What was Shen He like before?

Always cheerful, like a warm sun on a winter's day. His presence would naturally draw smiles from everyone. Such a sweet, adorable child.

He rarely ever looked down.

But lately, ever since their trip to Jinzhou, Qi Yanbing sensed that the boy was hiding something.

Could it be... he's smitten with a girl?

Because he fancied a girl, he moved out of the palace. This not only made it easier to see her but also paved the way for future marriage talks.

Or perhaps, Xiao He has feelings for that girl, but she remains unaware. Is his current gloominess the result of unrequited love?

The more Qi Yanbing thought about it, the more plausible it seemed, fitting perfectly with Shen He's demeanor.

No way!

Qi Yanbing really couldn't bear to see his younger brother, Xiao He, in such a state.

As elder brothers, shouldn't they be planning for their younger sibling?

For some reason, a chill ran down Shen He's spine.

Sitting upright, he looked up at his two standing brothers, then glanced at Qi Yanbing. Shaking off his desolation, he asserted, "Besides, if I find a house on my own, we'll have a proper base! Doing anything within the Duke's mansion means walking on eggshells. It's inconvenient!"

Shen He patted his chest and promised, "Brothers, focus on your studies for now! Leave all the business matters to me!"

It's time to deploy the diverse marketing strategies of modern society!

Low-level merchants cater to demands, while high-level ones create demand!

Shen He felt he could definitely strive for the higher level.

His moods come and go.

Before anyone could console him, he cheered himself up and even found a new goal to divert his attention.

Still, Qi Yanbing was concerned about Xiao He's fleeting sadness. He planned to ask him about it at some point. If it was indeed about an unrequited love, the brothers needed to think of ways to help.

Qi Zhuoyun is very proactive.

Of course, he would never admit to not wanting to study.

The very next day, upon hearing that Shen He had moved out of the palace, he immediately dropped his books to go and celebrate.

This was somewhat a housewarming celebration. Liu Zheng, Zheng Xueze, and a few others arrived. Liu Dai's siblings and Shen Yan were also present.

While the house wasn't grand, it wasn't small either. Compared to the royal and duke mansions, it seemed modest. Yet, for Shen He and his companions, the house was just right, ensuring it wouldn't feel too empty.

As the group dined and chatted, Qi Yanbing sneakily leaned over to Shen He and whispered, "Xiao He, has the royal uncle visited yet?"

Shen He was taken aback, "He already visited around noon, stayed for lunch, and then left."

When it comes to moving, Qi Zhuoyun, as an exceedingly responsible guardian, would certainly come to check on him.

Qi Yanbing revealed a sly grin, gesturing to his servant, "Bring it!"

The group at the table asked in curiosity, "What is it?"

Qi Yanbing replied, "Now that Xiao He has moved out of the palace and isn't under the emperor's thumb, shouldn't we celebrate with some wine? The lad hasn't really had much of it, has he?"

Shen He quickly set the record straight, "Who says? I've tasted it!"

Who's he underestimating here?

It's not like there's a rule here about not drinking before the age of eighteen.

Qi Yanbing chuckled, "Tasting is different from properly drinking. I've brought two jars of my grandfather's finest wine. It's enough for all of us."

He then turned his attention to the only lady present, "Miss Liu..."

Liu Dai quickly interrupted, "I can drink! I can hold my liquor better than my brother, even better than Fifth Brother!"

She nudged Liu Dai with her elbow, "Brother, back me up! Why shouldn't I drink just because I'm a woman?"

Liu Dai rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Alright, alright. No one's saying you can't handle it."

Qi Yanbing's main concern was for Liu Dai, a young lady, drinking with a bunch of men. It wouldn't look good if she got drunk.

Hearing Liu Dai's assurances, he relaxed. After all, she was dressed in men's clothing and had her biological brother, Liu Dai, as protection. Why not let her drink?

As the wine jar was uncorked and presented, Shen He first took a tentative sip.

Finding it smooth and not too strong, he boldly downed a small glass.

Qi Yanbing beamed with pride, "This wine has been aged to perfection. It's mellow and doesn't burn the throat."

After his first glass, Shen He couldn't discern much of the taste. Lian Qiao refilled his cup, whispering, "Young master, please drink moderately. We wouldn't want you to get drunk."

Shen He obediently responded, "Alright."

He felt a rush of warmth, his cheeks flushing hotly.

In just a brief moment, the effects of the alcohol were evident on his face.

The drink was osmanthus wine. Its intoxicating scent of osmanthus made him feel as though he wasn't drinking wine, but rather eating an osmanthus cake.

After savoring his drink, Shen He heard Qi Yanbing urge him from the side, "Why worry? The emperor can't oversee you today. If you get drunk, so be it. You're at home, and if all else fails, just sleep it off!"

Even Liu Zheng, Zheng Xueze, and Shen Yan chuckled, not countering Qi Yanbing's words.

Shen He turned to Lian Qiao, promising, "I'll only have one more glass!"

He feared getting too intoxicated. Making a drunken spectacle of himself by throwing up or shouting was one thing, but spilling secrets would be a disaster.

Lian Qiao, with a resigned chuckle, responded, "Alright, I'll arrange for some hangover soup to be prepared for all the young masters to have later."

Qi Yanbing draped an arm around Shen He's shoulder, leaning in to whisper, "Xiao He, do you have someone in your heart? Tell me, and I can help you figure out a way to court her."

At the first half of the statement, Shen He's heart nearly stopped.

Thankfully, the latter part allowed the frozen blood in his veins to thaw.

Shen He, flushed with embarrassment and annoyance, pushed Qi Yanbing away, "Nonsense!"

His denial was so adamant that Qi Yanbing found himself uncertain.

It looked as though Shen He had feelings for someone, so why was his response now so vehement?

Liu Zheng snickered, "See? I told you he didn't. If Xiao He had feelings for someone, wouldn't we know?"

"How many times has the boy left the palace? Everywhere he goes is familiar. Where could he possibly meet a girl he'd fancy?"

He'd probably blush just from making extended eye contact with a girl.

A sulking Qi Yanbing questioned, "Could I really have misread the situation?"

Zheng Xueze blandly pointed out, "It wouldn't be the first time you've been wrong."

Qi Yanbing: "..."

Unpleasant memories of dressing as a woman suddenly flooded his mind.

……

The two jars of wine ended up in the bellies of the entire group.

Clearly, they had overestimated their alcohol tolerance.

By the time they were leaving, everyone staggered and stumbled.

As Liudai remarked, she surprisingly had the best alcohol tolerance, mockingly teasing the group of men as she left.

After getting drunk, Qiyanyi became even more talkative, chattering nonstop and hopping from one topic to another.

Liu Zheng, slightly tipsy yet still lucid, found his behavior quite exasperating.

Zheng Xue sat in his spot, his eyes dark and glossy. He sipped from his lips occasionally, picking up food with his chopsticks. From his demeanor, it was hard to tell if he was drunk.

Only occasionally, when his chopsticks failed to obey and dropped his food, could one discern the effects of the alcohol.

Shen Yan sat upright and stiff, resembling a long spear.

This spear-like figure looked at Shen He, his eyes appearing somewhat teary.

He asked Shen He, "Xiao He, shall we sleep together tonight?"

Receiving no answer, he repeated, "Xiao He, can't we share a bed tonight?"

Heling, unable to bear it, pointed out, "Eldest Young Master, the Young Master is over there."

People had their backs turned, yet he was still calling out "Xiao He".

But even if he asked directly, the Young Master couldn't respond now.

Everyone was knocked out by the drink.

Zhongyan called for the attendants from each household, helping the guests up. Each person was first given a bowl of sobering soup, then escorted to carriages for their journey home.

Liudai waved nonchalantly: "No need, I won't drink it!" The concoction had a peculiar taste she didn't care for.

After everyone was escorted out, Shen He was helped up by Zhongyan.

The boy's snow-white cheeks were flushed with pink. Having rested his face to the side for a while, an imprint formed.

He was drunk, his gaze foggy. His body felt limp, obediently doing whatever he was told.

Lianqiao chuckled, "It's a good thing he didn't drink outside. Someone would surely have whisked him away."

Holding the sobering soup, Heling laughed, "The young master is all grown up. What's there to fear if he gets drunk at home? Young master, drink the soup."

Shen He blinked in confusion. It was as if he was moving in slow motion, his eyelashes fluttering slowly before he looked down at the bowl of soup Heling was offering.

Then obediently lowering his head, guided by Heling's hand, he gulped down the entire bowl.

He didn’t fuss at all, a complete contrast to the boisterous Qiyanyi.

Zhongyan helped him up and escorted him to his room, preparing water for him to rinse.

Throughout, Shen He remained silent, doing exactly as instructed without any resistance.

Lianqiao's heart melted, and she yearned to pinch his cheeks, just like when he was a little boy.

As she wiped his damp hair, she teased, "Did the young master drink too much?"

Shen He let out a long sigh, "Obviously."

Heling chuckled, "With that tone, you sound as if you aren't drunk at all."

Shen He fell silent once more.

His gaze unfocused, settling on the hanging bed curtains. Slowly, a thought formed: they can't trick him into revealing any secrets. He won't spill a word!

The corners of his mouth tightened.

Signifying his intention to remain silent.

Lianqiao continued teasing, "Ah, so the young master knows he's drunk? I thought you were sober. Earlier today, the young prince asked if you had any troubles. Is there something bothering you?"

Shen He thought: Just as I expected! They're trying to pry into my secrets!

He quickly retorted, "No!"

"Really? Lately, the young master does seem a bit troubled, doesn't he?"

Shen He firmly denied, "No!"

Besides, having someone to cherish is a joy. How could it possibly be a cause for distress?

It's clearly a delightful matter.

The reason for his discontent is that he must internalize his affection, unable to reveal it.

It's vexing.

Lianqiao chuckled, her shoulders shaking with mirth. As she was about to say more, she suddenly heard Zhongyan's voice from the doorway: "Your Highness!"

Turning their heads, they saw, under the dim lantern light, that the young crown prince had arrived, unbeknownst to them.

His gaze skimmed past everyone, settling on the boy by the bed who, in his inebriated state, looked as docile as a doll. "Everyone, leave," he commanded.

Lianqiao was at a loss for words.

She tightly gripped the cloth in her hands, feeling somewhat flustered, and cast another glance at the young master.

Why would the crown prince come outside the palace at this time?

She could neither ask nor speak, only bow her head and retreat from the inner chamber alongside Heling.

Silently and gently, they closed the door behind them.

The bedroom here, compared to those in the palace, was undeniably much smaller, with limited distance between the inner and outer rooms.

Even Zhonghong didn't enter but stood guard at the door.

Qi Zhuoyun sat at the edge of the bed, observing the rosy hue beneath the boy's snow-white complexion, feeling a slight dryness in his throat.

He detected a faint scent of osmanthus.