chapter 107

Chapter 107: Little Tiger

It felt as if something had struck Shen He from the sky.

He seemed utterly dazed and bewildered, asking blankly, "What?"

Eyes that were trembling due to guilt now became still.

He stared straight into Qi Zhuoyun's eyes.

Qi Zhuoyun repeated his earlier words, whispering, "Doesn't Hehe like men? If so, become the queen for the crown prince."

Shen He couldn't discern whether Qi Zhuoyun was joking out of anger or just making a crude joke.

But as Qi Zhuoyun held him, lifting his chin and leaning in, their breaths intertwined.

In the sultry summer night, the heat penetrated deep within.

Their closeness became ambiguous, too intimate to be dismissed as a mere jest.

Shen He felt that any moment now, he would be kissed.

And then, that feeling became a reality.

His first love, the man he thought he had to let go of, the man he dared not fantasize about, kissed him on the lips.

A light touch, like a dragonfly skimming water.

Yet, such a fleeting touch was enough to reboot Shen He's overwhelmed mind.

Staring at Qi Zhuoyun, instead of feeling embarrassed about the kiss, he asked, "I'm a man, how can I be the queen?"

At this moment, Shen He felt like someone who'd been hit by a falling pie from the sky.

He was starving, and now that the pie had landed in his arms, he didn't care to consider whether it tasted good or if it might be poisoned.

The first thing on his mind was to take a bite of the pie and then deal with everything else.

Shen He's restless hands found their place, gripping Qi Zhuoyun's clothes. With unblinking rounded eyes, he stared at Qi Zhuoyun, pursing his lips, awaiting an answer.

His anxious demeanor made him look pitiable.

It seemed as if just half a negative word from Qi Zhuoyun would make tears well up in those bright eyes, transforming him into a drenched, woeful little creature.

Qi Zhuoyun held the hand that was clutching his clothes, his Adam's apple bobbed, and with great effort, he rasped, "As long as you wish, as long as you're willing."

"If you desire, if you're willing, I can give you anything."

"No, even if you don't desire or aren't willing, I cannot let go now."

His other hand rested on the young man's nape, touching the warm, sweaty skin, holding him possessively. Should the youth try to escape, he wouldn't stand a chance.

Qi Zhuoyun felt a torrent of emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

Yet before these emotions could consolidate, the young man easily scattered them.

The youth blinked, his eyes lighting up momentarily, only to become more dejected, as if facing an insurmountable problem.

He choked out, "But we will be criticized."

Qi Zhuoyun: "..."

For a moment, Qi Zhuoyun was at a loss for words, but a touch of inexplicable amusement emerged in his heart. Yes, this was so like the unpredictable Shen He.

Unable to resist any longer, he wrapped his arms tightly around the youth, pulling him close, and his chest vibrated with a muffled laughter.

It was absurd.

How did they jump to the topic of being criticized by future historians when they hadn't even clarified their relationship?

However, one thing was crystal clear: the young man was willing.

Instead of feeling fear or withdrawal regarding Qi Zhuoyun's emotions, he felt pleasantly surprised.

Ever since tearing down the veil between them, every move Shen He made expressed his fondness for Qi Zhuoyun.

Once embraced, Shen He became even more bewildered.

After intense sorrow or joy, a person's mind often fails to function as sharply as usual.

Right now, he felt as if he were drunk. Shen He wondered if he might be suffering from heatstroke, causing this disoriented sensation.

The carriage was sweltering, and he felt overwhelmingly hot. The air seemed thick, making it hard to breathe.

What had they just discussed? What were they about to talk about next?

He wasn’t sure. One thing he did know was that Qi Zhuoyun didn't seem angry.

Ah, he could act coquettish towards him now.

Shen He, in his daze, leaned into Qi Zhuoyun's embrace, whispering, "Brother, I'm feeling so hot, like I can't breathe."

His voice was tender, melting the heart of anyone who heard it, making them unwilling to see him suffer even the slightest discomfort.

The young man loosened his suffocating embrace, lifting Shen He. Before Shen He could regain his composure, he was escorted out of the carriage and into a courtyard.

It turned out Qi Zhuoyun had taken him to his own residence.

The cool breeze outside the carriage helped Shen He clear his mind, and belatedly, his cheeks began to redden.

He immediately struggled, protesting, "Brother, I can walk by myself!"

He felt like he was being treated like a child!

Qi Zhuoyun didn't release Shen He, coaxing him gently, "Stay still, don't fuss."

Shen He: "..."

He nestled down, burying his face in Qi Zhuoyun's neck, not wanting others to see his flushed face.

It was somewhat embarrassing.

And there's a hint of... well, joy.

Hehe.

The corners of Shen He's mouth split into an uncontrollable grin.

He wondered, was what Qi Zhuoyun just said a confession of feelings?

Perhaps?

How was it any different from saying, "I want you to be my wife" directly to him?

If that wasn’t a confession, then it's downright cheeky!

But then again, wasn’t Qi Zhuoyun known to be a straightforward and unyielding man?

So, that same man could be gay?

Shen He's thoughts were running wild, like a horse off its reins.

He thought, if Qi Zhuoyun was gay, hadn't he misunderstood and felt sorry for him all this while? Perhaps Qi Zhuoyun never wanted a lady as his queen; maybe he found a boyfriend in the original story...

Lost in his train of thought, Qi Zhuoyun set him down.

Sitting on the small couch, Shen He hesitated and then asked, "Brother..."

Qi Zhuoyun crouched down.

The newly crowned emperor, the most revered individual in the world, squatted in front of the couch, held Shen He's hand and looked up at him, "What is it?"

His voice was brimming with tenderness.

In the depths of his dark eyes, there was a warm glow, reflecting Shen He's face.

Filled to the brim, with only him inside.

Shen He lowered his gaze to meet Qi Zhuoyun's, softly asking, "Brother, are you into men?"

Qi Zhuoyun replied, "No."

Shen He was stunned.

Dislike?

Don't you like it?

His eyes slowly reddened. Could such a joke even be made?

Straight men truly know no bounds.

Qi Zhuoyun's hand enveloped hers: "Brother only likes Hehe, only has eyes for you."

Loving only you.

Anyone else on the side, I don't care for.

The sadness in Shen He's heart couldn't overflow, caught off guard by this abrupt change.

Shen He's heart started to race uncontrollably.

More fervent than ever before, full of exuberance.

As if the heart had gone mad.

Thudding so hard, Shen He felt a slight pain in his ribs.

He's heard so many sweet nothings before.

In this bustling modern world, amidst the noisy online realm, the most intricate and beautiful words of love could be crafted.

For the first time, Shen He realized the sheer power of these words, enough to make one's heart race uncontrollably upon hearing them.

Qi Zhuoyun asked him, "What about Hehe? Does Hehe like brother and wishes to be with him?"

He gripped the young man's hand, unconsciously tightening his hold.

He longed to hear an answer from the young man.

He didn't need his Hehe to share the same intensity of feelings; he just wanted Hehe to like him, and that's all.

It's still hard for Qi Zhuoyun, too timid to even imagine, what the future would look like if Shen He really left Kyoto today.

Would he truly find a man and spend his life with that stranger?

The mere possibility of such an occurrence made Qi Zhuoyun feel a gaping void in his heart.

This emptiness was him, and nothing and no one could ever fill it.

Only Shen He could.

For he was the one who carved out this void.

Only he could fill the void in Qi Zhuoyun's heart, alleviating his panic.

He was greedy, yet not. He yearned for his treasure, but he could bear if his treasure didn't love him in the same way. As long as he stayed by his side, it was enough.

And then...

The emperor saw his prized possession, eyes shining, brimming with laughter, and without hesitation leapt from the dais into his arms.

The treasure in his arms tightened its grip around his neck, the voice eager and resolute, declaring, "Brother, you are my favorite!"

The void in Qi Zhuoyun's heart was suddenly filled.

The anxiety receded.

For the young man's unabashed affection was so warm, so radiant and blazing.

He held the treasure in his arms delicately, as if fearing the slightest mishandling might shatter it.

Shen He felt the treasured touch of Qi Zhuoyun.

The closest, the most revered, the most trusted, the dearest; everything from his earliest memories and even before he came into this world.

How could he not cherish Qi Zhuoyun?

He couldn't find anyone in the world he'd adore as much as Qi Zhuoyun.

……

Qi Yanbing paced restlessly in the courtyard.

He thought, having heard someone's return, why has there been no sign for so long?

They couldn't possibly be hitting the child, could they?

That can't be right. If he was being beaten, wouldn’t Xiao He cry?

It's hard to tell, Qi Yanbing pondered. Xiao He is different from him. While he would wail and scream when hit, Xiao He might just silently shed tears, bearing his grief.

Such is the way of well-behaved children.

Just as Qi Yanbing was lamenting the tragic experiences he shared with his younger brother Xiao He, he heard voices from not too far off.

Someone was approaching with a lantern.

Entering the courtyard, Qi Yanbing saw it was the royal uncle, followed by a young man with flushed cheeks.

A pang of anxiety gripped Qi Yanbing's heart. Did they... did they slap his face?

Was it that serious?

His fear intensified.

In a shaky voice, he whispered, "Royal... Royal Uncle..."

After speaking, he shot a guilty glance at Shen He.

"I'm sorry, Xiao He. I didn't mean to betray you so soon; it was all in the name of self-preservation."

Shen He: ...

Shen He had already learned the gist of the situation from Qi Zhuoyun.

He knew this guy was unreliable, but he hadn’t expected him to be this unreliable!

Planning an escape, yet he's still fixated on someone buying him a fan!

Staying home until evening without leaving, what's his deal?

If he desires a fan that much, won't they find one in a prosperous region like Liang Huai?

If all else fails, they can simply have one purchased in the capital and sent to Liang Huai!

Fortunately, Shen He wasn't in the mood to flee now, or he'd genuinely want to give Qi Yanbing a good kick or two!

That being said, Shen He always held brotherly bonds in high regard.

Following closely behind Qi Zhuoyun, he whispered, "Perhaps we should let this go, brother... It was a misunderstanding, after all. Had I known, I wouldn't have thought of leaving the capital..."

Wait a minute.

That's not entirely accurate.

Shen He cast a glance at Qi Yanbing, musing that the plot twists from his original life hadn't yet fully played out.

Qi Zhuoyun didn’t indulge in further words, finding Qi Yanbing a nuisance in the scene, he commanded, "Escort him back to Prince Heng's Mansion."

Zhong Hong replied with a beaming smile, "Understood."

Dejected, Qi Yanbing was escorted out of the residence by the guards.

Why did both the royal uncle and Xiao He seem rather pleased?

Did the royal uncle's anger dissipate that quickly?

After dispatching Qi Yanbing, Shen He felt a bit uneasy.

He asked softly, "Brother, are you very busy?"

So busy, and yet not returning to the palace?

Shen He felt somewhat dazed, as if in a dream.

He felt the need for some time to adjust.

Unrequited love turned real, how exhilarating!

The mere thought lifted the corners of his mouth, an irrepressible joy evident.

Shen He's delight was clear. Qi Zhuoyun observed him with damp hair strands sticking to his cheeks and neck. Gently, he reached out, tucking those stray strands back.

Yet there were many such damp locks on Shen He, and with the heat, he kept sweating.

His face flushed, his fair skin tinged with a rosy hue, adorned with droplets of sweat. Under the candlelight, they shimmered brilliantly, reminiscent of a freshly washed peach after a rain.

It makes one want to take a bite.

Qi Zhuo Yun desired to kiss him.

But Qi Zhuo Yun refrained.

Watching the young man's twinkling eyes, he smiled softly, "I've been busy."

He didn't want to startle He He in his eagerness, even if He He shared his feelings.

Qi Zhuo Yun was accustomed to caring for Shen He. Even his desires were tempered with restraint. As long as reason prevailed, his first consideration was always whether He He would accept, whether he was willing, and whether he'd be scared.

He caressed Shen He's cheek and ruffled his hair gently, saying, "Big brother will return to the palace first. You get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to escort you into the palace, alright?"

Shen He's face turned even redder, "Uh-huh, okay."

Enter the palace? For what?

Heh heh heh.

Shen He could hardly contain his excitement and wished to skip around, maybe even take a nighttime run.

As he walked Qi Zhuo Yun to the door, the latter struggled to suppress a question, "Would you like to join big brother in the palace tonight?"

He wished to take him away immediately, to keep him close at all times.

Regrettably, the young man blinked, shook his head, and chuckled silently.

It was unclear what amused him, but his refusal was clear.

It seemed he couldn't be persuaded.

Qi Zhuo Yun had no choice but to let Shen He stay outside the palace.

As he boarded the carriage, he saw Shen He standing at the doorway, waving enthusiastically, "Goodbye, goodbye! See you tomorrow, big brother!"

Shen He then cheerfully skipped back.

Watching for a moment, Qi Zhuo Yun instructed Zhong Hong, "Have the shadow guards keep watch."

Zhong Hong promptly replied, "Yes."

He had been listening all the way and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The young master and the emperor have taken a liking to each other; it's truly a joyous occasion.

Meanwhile, Shen He skipped back into his room, glanced down at his clothes with disdain, thinking, "Did we really confess in this state?"

Young Master Shen immediately called out, "Is there water? Zhongyan, I want to take a bath."

The servants in the courtyard began to move.

Shen He felt restless; excitement surged in his veins, rushing to his head. He needed to move around to feel at ease.

He paced around the room, touching this, looking at that, but his heart wasn’t in it. All he could think about was: when did Qi Zhuoyun start liking him? Why? Did he fall for him earlier or later? How did their brotherly bond change?

Shen He realized that, even though they understood each other's feelings, there was so much left unsaid.

And as Shen He pondered, more and more details began to emerge in his mind.

He used to think of it merely as a stoic man raising a child without understanding boundaries, but now, looking back, it seemed off.

How intriguing!

Shen He, with arms crossed and a slight smirk in his heart, wondered, "Has Qi Zhuoyun been seducing me overtly and covertly all along?"

Tsk tsk, he even employed the tactic of using his good looks.

Shen He chuckled at the thought. After all, Qi Zhuoyun was undeniably handsome, the most handsome he'd ever seen. No wonder he fell for that charm.

He wanted to roll around on the small couch in glee, but considering how dirty he was, he resisted the urge.

After walking around for a while, Shen He reached into his chest pocket and took out his silver pass.

Almost forgot!

While he was delighted, he couldn't lose his assets!

Shen He immediately looked for a box, stored everything properly, and planned to exchange the silver pass back in a few days.

Shen He then remembered, since he wasn't leaving, he didn't need to keep the letters he wrote to his other family members.

Thinking of the words he'd written and the mishap he'd caused, the blushing young Master Shen began rummaging through his chest, intending to burn all the letters inside.

Fortunately, he had a spare key.

Shen He searched for a while and, while holding the chest, heard someone coming to assist him. He promptly declined with evident embarrassment, "No need, no need! I can do it myself!"

In his haste, Shen He dropped the key, which clattered under the bed.

He hesitated to reach for it directly, fetching a lamp to illuminate the area before daring to reach beneath the bed.

Wait a minute.

Shen He spotted a round object under the bed, about half the size of his fist.

He wondered, "Could it be a rat?"

He softly tried to scare it away, murmuring, "Hey! Shoo! Go!"

The small shadow remained still.

Moving the lamp closer for a better view, Shen He took care not to set his bed aflame.

It wasn't a rat, but a plush toy with orange and black stripes. It looked familiar to Shen He.

He reached out, retrieving the little tiger and dusting it off.

Isn't this the crown prince's toy?

How did it end up under his bed?

After cleaning it, Shen He set it on a side table, deciding to ask Qi Zhuoyun about it the next day.

After a bath and changing into clean clothes, Lianqiao was drying his hair. All the while, Shen He was fiddling with the tiger plush, a gentle smile curling his lips and eyes.

Lianqiao glanced at the young master and softly inquired, "Master Shen, are you fond of His Highness?"

Feeling a touch embarrassed, Shen He chuckled and replied, "Indeed, I am quite fond of him. I never imagined the crown prince would reciprocate my feelings."

Lianqiao couldn't help but say, "Who wouldn't be fond of you, young master? You're wonderful. It's just that you might not realize it yourself."

Delighting in Lianqiao's praise, Shen He playfully boasted, "I'm well aware. After all, I'm the renowned Little Shen!"

Shen He's lively demeanor brought a chuckle to Lianqiao. Yet internally, she mused, 'He really doesn't know.'

The crown prince's affection for Master Shen, a fervent longing, had taken root long before Shen He realized.

What surprised her was not just Shen He's inclination towards men, but that his affection was directed at the crown prince.

Her initial concerns shifted to relief.

Lianqiao chose not to share her past worries with the young master.

Had she done so, he would surely have rushed over, heart aching, to comfort her.

Imagining Shen He's likely gestures and expressions, a gentle smile emerged on her lips.

Young Master Shen, ever the jovial spirit, suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! I've forgotten! I can't call him 'Prince Brother' anymore. Now that he's the emperor, I should address him as 'Your Majesty'!"

Setting down the tiger plush, Shen He took a towel and began drying the other half of his hair, "Lianqiao, it feels as if I'm dreaming."

Today had been a whirlwind.

In daylight, he was frantically trying to sneak away, fearful of discovery. By nightfall, he was captured, only to realize his first love was reciprocated.

Lianqiao soothed him, "Master Shen, sleep tonight. By morning, you'll know if it's a dream."

As if seeking confirmation, she asked, "You are truly happy, aren't you, young master?"

Young Master Shen nodded, his eyes sparkling with joy, "Immensely happy!"

Lianqiao remarked, "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Young Master Shen then retired to bed.

Truly exhausted, his day was marked by fear of exposure and a night filled with profound revelations.

He soon drifted into deep slumber, the covers kicked to the foot of the bed, cradling his beloved tiger plush in his arms.

Even in sleep, a smile graced his cheeks, hinting at delightful dreams.

Lianqiao drew the curtains and extinguished the surrounding lamps.

He Lian stood by the door, waving at her with a squinted smile, and whispered, "This is mutual affection, isn't it?"

Lian Qiao glanced at her with a smile. He Lian took the lantern from his hand and pushed him out by the shoulder, "Let Zhong Yong stand guard tonight. The young master will enter the palace tomorrow. Who knows, we might have to move into the palace again, and I'd miss the freedom outside."

Lian Qiao teased with a chuckle, "Didn't see you being that restrained in the palace."

He Lian laughed, "Haha, I'm no longer a palace maid, and no more matrons to oversee me... except for Matron Lian Qiao~"

……

Shen He and Qi Yanbing's plan to leave the capital got spread in a small circle.

Prince Jin, known as Qi Leyong, looked displeased all day.

Last night, Qi Zhuoyun had his mansion surrounded. It was nearly an open confrontation, he even slapped him in public.

If Shen He were captured and caused a scene with Qi Zhuoyun, Qi Leyong wouldn't care much about the encirclement.

But then, early the next morning, news came that Shen He had entered the palace.

Without a doubt.

Shen He hadn't turned against Qi Zhuoyun.

In fact, it's possible that their relationship has grown even stronger, making it hard to sever in the future.

Qi Leyong asked his attendant, "Did Qi Chengfeng respond after reading the confidential letter?"

The subordinate replied, "Your Highness, the prince replied, asking you to wait for three more days. He needs to verify it personally."

Qi Leyong looked much more pleased, smiling, "Investigate. I never lied to him. Qi Zhuoyun committed regicide and parricide. The world should know, the emperor's supporters should know. The throne is not his for the taking."