chapter 109

Chapter 109: Rumors Abound

Shen He packed up and moved back to the Eastern Palace.

A few days later, he ventured out to inquire about the situations of his friends.

If he didn't, he was afraid Qi Yanbing might be harmed by his elder brother.

However, when Shen He arrived at Prince Heng's mansion, the gatekeeper, wearing a troubled expression, told him, "Young master, the young prince has been grounded. The crown prince left the capital and won't return for some time. He ordered that the young prince is not to leave until he's back. It's not that I don't want to relay your message, but I dare not defy the crown prince's command."

Shen He thought to himself, was the situation really that dire?

He's been grounded?

Given the crown prince's business outside the capital, it would be at least half a month before he returned. So, did that mean Qi Yanbing would be confined for that duration?

Shen He couldn't help but feel sympathy.

Come to think of it, Qi Yanbing was partly influenced by him. Should Shen He devise a plan to get Qi Yanbing out?

He remembered Shen Yan hadn't returned to the capital yet.

He wasn't sure when he would be back.

As Shen He returned to the Eastern Palace, this matter still occupied his thoughts.

Before he could fully process it, he heard Zhong Yan announce from outside that Master Song was looking for him.

No, with the prince ascending the throne as emperor, Master Song had been promoted, now holding the prestigious title of Grand Tutor of the Empire.

Even after being appointed Grand Tutor, Song Lin'an still found time to instruct his students—a true testament to his commitment as a teacher.

However, for his student, young Master Shen, times were challenging.

Wearing a long face and a forced smile of politeness, he greeted him, trying to correctly address the newly-promoted figure: "Master... Grand Tutor."

Song Lin'an entered with a book in hand, stating, "His Majesty instructed me to tutor you. He expects to see you excel next year, hoping you'll become his first Scholar Champion."

Shen He: "..."

Perhaps it would be best to get rid of him?!

Is there anything more terrifying than overbearing parents pushing their child's education?

Yes!

It's when your pushy parent becomes your boyfriend!

The pressure intensifies even more!

Shen He was handed a book. Grand Tutor Song continued, "You've had ample leisure this past year and have become lax. Last time, you were tasked with an assignment to correct your mistakes. With such a long gap, have you forgotten about it?"

Shen He gave an awkward smile, "No... I have it somewhere. Just wait a moment, Grand Tutor, and I'll fetch it."

He was all too familiar with the task of analyzing errors.

Young Master Shen hoped to find an excuse to delay the lesson just a bit longer.

But could he really outwit the sharp-eyed Grand Tutor Song?

As a dedicated educator who loved guiding his students, he was all too aware of their little tricks.

Especially those petty tricks of Shen, who particularly dislikes reading.

Song Lin'an said, "No need. Young Master, you should attend your class first. Once today's lessons are finished, you can then look for me. When I return tomorrow, you can give it to me."

Shen He: QAQ (Note: 'QAQ' is an emoticon typically representing crying eyes and can be understood by both Chinese and English readers.)

I don't want to study, sob sob!

Man, I've lived two lifetimes, come of age twice. Can't I just lay down, retire, fall in love, enjoy good food, and read novels?!

Elder Song ruthlessly prepared the paper and inkstone. He handed Shen the brush and book, and started the lesson.

He added, "Young Master, please pay close attention. If you have any questions after the lesson, do ask. Also, I'll inquire about your opinions on the text, so reflect on them while you listen."

Shen He: "Understood, Elder Song." Sob, sob! There's even a Q&A after the lesson to check if I've been paying attention.

Shen He was on the edge of his seat, hanging on every word that Elder Song said, with utmost concentration.

Afraid that he might miss something and get reprimanded during the post-lesson questions.

It's clear without guessing: if he gets criticized, Qi Zhuoyun will definitely find out and mock him later.

Shen He was irritated.

He listened so intently that his fair cheeks seemed to tighten.

The servants discreetly kept their gaze low, not wanting to disturb the Young Master. They only watched Elder Song and the Young Master's movements, ready to grind ink or offer tea when needed.

Elder Song's teaching style was undoubtedly impressive.

While Shen He was getting tired of listening, the teacher seemed inexhaustible, continuing to speak eloquently, pausing only occasionally to sip tea and soothe his throat.

Meanwhile, Shen He listened while taking notes.

Thus, the day flew by swiftly.

Time always seems to slip away fastest when one is deeply engrossed, unnoticed.

Elder Song quizzed Shen He, posing seven or eight questions. The last two were somewhat challenging. Shen He blinked, pondered for a while, and just when Elder Song thought he wouldn't be able to answer, he hesitantly provided a response.

After finishing, Shen He looked up uncertainly at his teacher, his eyes full of anticipation, hoping for a judgment on his answer.

Elder Song revealed a comforting smile, "Young Master, your response was commendable. Although a bit naive and missing a few points. However, with more reading in the future, you'll naturally improve."

Elder Song assigned some homework, gathered his books, and left just as he came.

Shen He suddenly felt as if the life was drained from him, collapsing backward onto the floor, staring at the ceiling beams.

Such an intense afternoon session!

Nearly overwhelming.

He stretched his limbs, lying on the floor with no intention of getting up.

Zhongyan entered and inquired, "Young Master, the kitchen has prepared sour plum soup. Would you like it now or later? Also, the royal kitchen sent over some chilled mung bean shaved ice. Would you like some?"

Shen He lazily replied, "Sounds good, I'll have both. Just give me a moment. After sitting the whole afternoon, I feel like my bones have rusted over, sigh~"

He sighed dramatically as he complained.

Zhongyan couldn't help but chuckle, "His Majesty eagerly awaits your top exam score, Young Master. No room for slack!"

Shen He covered his face with his sleeve, not wanting to engage in that topic.

It's too much.

After a moment with his face covered, the chamber went quiet, probably Zhongyan going to fetch the sour plum soup and shaved ice.

Shen He shouted while still covering his face, "Add extra ice cubes to the sour plum soup! A lot of them!"

Overthinking on such a hot day, he thought he should consume something cold to cool down.

Shen He believed that after working hard all afternoon, he deserved a treat to lift his spirits.

After his call, he heard footsteps returning, echoing on the wooden floor of the study.

Assuming it was Zhongyan, he mumbled, "Back so soon?"

As he lowered his sleeve to see who it was, he was suddenly lifted off the ground, greeted by the smiling handsome face of the young emperor, "You're allowed just one serving."

Shen He froze, staring at Qi Zhuoyun's face. After a few seconds, he finally reacted, protesting with displeasure, "Why? I want them all! It's so hot, and I'm grown now. What's the harm in having an extra bowl of ice?"

Shen He squirmed, trying to get down and walk on his own.

Suddenly, a broad hand landed on his backside, patting it neither too lightly nor too heavily.

After the tap, Qi Zhuoyun leaned down, rubbing his nose gently against the boy's, cautioning, "Behave, or you'll get hurt."

The boy seemed frozen, startled by the gesture. While he had been clamoring for ice treats, now his ear tips flushed, and he remained silent.

Qi Zhuoyun found this amusing, especially the boy's overall blushing appearance.

Settling down on a couch with Shen He in his lap, he feigned ignorance to the boy's flustered state and asked earnestly, "How was your learning today, Hehe? Elder Song mentioned you answered well. If you diligently attend classes and study, becoming my top scholar in the next examination won't be a problem."

Shen He's mind was racing, responding distractedly, "It was okay, it was okay... who knows about the future..."

Qi Zhuoyun probed, "What's on your mind, Hehe?"

The flush from Shen He's ears was now spreading across his face.

Noise came from outside the chamber. Before Zhongyan entered, he announced, "Young Master, the kitchen also sent peach-flavored shaved ice. Would you like to taste it?"

Shen He immediately wriggled in excitement!

He pulled away from Qi Zhuoyun's arm around his waist, took a couple of deliberate steps towards the door. Once Zhongyan entered, he eagerly approached, showing a delighted expression, ready to receive his treat.

Clearly forewarned of the emperor's return, Zhongyan carried a tray with four servings – both shaved ice and sour plum soup.

Carefully placing it on a small table, he bowed and retreated.

Shen He was reluctant to return to Qi Zhuoyun's side, focusing on savoring the ice and peach chunks, the blush on his cheeks slowly fading.

Qi Zhuoyun also took a bowl of the peach-flavored ice, sampling it. He didn't quite understand Shen He's fondness for it. But what Shen He enjoyed was always worthy to him, prompting Qi Zhuoyun to try things he would normally overlook.

Qi Zhuoyun inquired, "Would Hehe like to share a room with your big brother tonight?"

As the young emperor asked, his expression was casual, a hint of amusement in the corner of his eyes and lips. He continued to savor the ice as if asking Shen He about its taste.

Shen He: "?" What on earth?!

How is this any different from teasing him?!

How astute is Master Shen!

He instantly perceived the ulterior motives in Qi Zhuoyun's embrace and righteously declined, "No! The weather is too hot. It would be ill-advised for two grown men to share a room; we might suffer from heatstroke. Moreover, considering your royal duties and the early morning court sessions, if my presence disrupts your rest, wouldn't that be a grievance on my part? Let's remain in our separate chambers!"

Shen He had already prepared a list of excuses internally.

He certainly wouldn't easily fall for Qi Zhuoyun's temptations.

Having experienced the varied allurements of the modern world, would Master Shen be swayed by such simple tactics?

Regardless of what Qi Zhuoyun might offer, be it threats, enticements, or even seduction, Shen He was resolved not to comply!

With such rapid developments, young Master Shen felt somewhat uneasy.

After all, Qi Zhuoyun's storyline wasn't completed. They couldn't merely focus on romance every day.

Shen He had an abundance of refusals at the ready, piling up, ready to be unleashed as soon as Qi Zhuoyun spoke.

However.

The sly man who had initiated the provocative invitation simply sampled his ice and, after swallowing, replied, "Very well, I'll sleep alone tonight. Once autumn arrives, I'll inquire again about your wishes, Lord He."

Shen He: "..."

Shen He was choked up.

Unable to voice his many prepared retorts, he felt a deep sense of discomfort.

In disbelief, Shen He looked up at Qi Zhuoyun, observing him for a long while.

The latter made no further move.

……

Alright then, playing hard to get, eh? A classic strategy of advancing by retreating.

Having delved into novels and the world of fiction for years, do you think I wouldn't recognize such tactics?

Hmph, I won't fall for it.

Shen He pressed down on the shaved ice in his bowl with his spoon, crushing some pieces into finer bits, producing a crisp "crunch crunch" sound.

The corners of Qi Zhuo Yun's lips tilted up even more. He looked at Shen He and asked, somewhat surprised, "Aren't you happy, He He? Do you have any worries? Tell big brother, and I'll help you solve them, alright?"

Shen He clenched his molars, taking a big spoonful of ice, which made him grimace from the cold. He mumbled, "No!"

Such a treacherous and scheming protagonist!

How infuriating!

*

After the new emperor's ascension, apart from addressing the lingering policies of the past, he began reforming the old system left by the previous emperor.

The first to be consolidated under the new emperor was inevitably military power.

On the eve of the emperor's coronation, many generals stationed on the frontier came to the capital to attend the ceremony and subsequently report to the new emperor.

Once the army was reorganized and received imperial orders, the generals returned to their posts.

Only a select few were retained in the capital, temporarily forbidden to leave.

Among them, several military officers from the southern border stood out; without an imperial decree, they couldn't step outside the capital.

However, among these southern commanders, the distinguished Crown Prince of Heng, never returned to the capital since his departure.

What's more, rumors began circulating among the populace.

No one knew the origin of these rumors. Initially, only the city outskirts were aware, but soon they spread into the capital, causing a significant stir.

The whispers alleged that the current empress dowager, the previous queen, was doomed by the prince's malevolent fate.

Additionally, the wife of a duke, being close to the prince, died outside the capital, leaving behind a frail young heir under the prince's care.

The prince, cold-hearted and unempathetic, was not favored by the previous emperor. Plans were rumored to replace him with the second prince. Holding a grudge, the prince allegedly murdered his father to seize the throne, and now aimed to purge political adversaries and wage significant wars.

Furthermore, due to the prince's malevolent destiny, upon becoming the emperor, he'd bring heavenly wrath. In the future, this would result in widespread disasters and hardships for the people...

As these rumors spread, elaborating on the prince's ominous nature and predicting upcoming calamities, they became increasingly bizarre but also increasingly unsettling.

The common people were indifferent about whether the prince usurped the throne. In their eyes, he was the heir apparent; it was his rightful place.

Had he not assumed the throne, and someone else did, it would be just as acceptable to them.

Whether the queen was doomed by the prince's fate, whether the duke's wife died because of this, or whether the young lord raised by the prince was genuinely ailing—such matters were of no concern to the average person.

The common people only care about one thing: their means of survival.

The once-beloved crown prince, now the new emperor, has developed a sinister reputation among the masses, as if he were the reincarnation of the King of Hell.

Stoked by rumors, rural folk rallied together, raising flags in dissent, harboring rebellious sentiments.

That day, Shen He was engrossed in composing policy essays.

After setting down his brush, he pressed the papers flat and stretched languidly.

Qi Zhuo Yun was in the Hall of Diligent Governance, meeting with officials and discussing state affairs. Grand Tutor Song had been busy lately and hadn't had time to tutor Shen He, though he'd assigned a significant amount of coursework.

Having completed his tasks for the day, Shen He leisurely headed to Qi Zhuo Yun's study, browsing through the bookshelves.

After scanning a bit, Shen He pulled out a book and skimmed through several pages before abruptly throwing it aside, eyes wide in exasperation: "Damn it! I've finished my studies for the day. Why bother with more essays? Enough!"

As he voiced his decision, he closed the book and set it aside, turning gleefully to a set of paintings.

One perk of Qi Zhuo Yun being the emperor, Shen He mused, was easier access to his cherished collections of master artworks.

The scroll in his hand was a recent acquisition by Qi Zhuo Yun for him.

Unrolling it, Shen He was utterly engrossed, increasingly impressed by the mastery of the artist.

After cherishing it for a while, Shen He decided that the emperor's desk would be a perfect place to spread the scroll out for a better view.

Making his way there, he carefully shifted aside some items, creating space for his beloved artwork.

He was cautious not to mix things up, especially the emperor's official documents—misplacing them would spell trouble.

Thus, he only slid stacks aside gingerly. In the process, his sleeve accidentally knocked over the topmost document.

Picking it up, he felt a flicker of curiosity and skimmed through it.

Qi Zhuo Yun had never been secretive with Shen He, leaving all manner of documents in places Shen He might access, believing there was nothing Shen He shouldn't see.

However, Shen He rarely showed interest. On the few occasions he did, it was fleeting. After glancing through a couple of documents, he'd quickly lose interest.

They were always so wordy.

Can we get straight to the point?

When Shen He considered it, he thought, "If he truly becomes the top scholar, given Qi Zhuoyun's meddlesome nature, he'd surely force him into an official position."

There's just no end to it! The mere thought gives me a headache!

With that in mind, Shen He couldn't help but take a closer look, primarily to understand the format of the document.

I've heard that these bureaucrats have a standard format for reports. He should learn it first.

Once Shen He looked, he couldn't tear his gaze away.

Concurrently, all the miscellaneous thoughts in his mind froze.

He was completely captivated by the content.

Or perhaps, utterly infuriated by it.

What on earth is this?!

Can this even be trusted?!

Superstitions are not the way forward!

These are old tricks used to frame people from nearly two decades ago, and now they're still targeting Qi Zhuoyun with them? Resurrecting old tactics?!

Why weren't they used back then?!

Shen He's cheeks tightened as he meticulously read each word and sentence. His pink fingernails turned white from the strain.

He closed the document and returned it to its place.

Turning to look at his precious painting, he lost all mood for leisure and relaxation.

He nearly forgot, the rebellion plot was still unfolding.

Though this time without "Shen He" to fan the flames and contribute to the chaos, rebellions throughout the ages were never minor incidents in historical records.

Especially with Qi Zhuoyun just ascending the throne, many matters are still unresolved; a rebellion now would only add to the chaos.

Shen He knew that Qi Zhuoyun certainly had his ways to deal with Qi Leyong.

But he wanted to help.

Extremely, particularly, utterly!

Shen He summoned Zhongyan and left the palace.

Before leaving, he instructed Chang'an to inform Qi Zhuoyun in the palace, mentioning he'd spend the night at the Duke's mansion to keep his grandparents company.

When Chang'an relayed the message in the Hall of Diligent Governance, Qi Zhuoyun inquired, "With the elder Duke and the Duchess?"

Chang'an nodded, "The young master said so."

Observing that the Emperor's expression remained unchanged, he cautiously asked, "Should this servant fetch the young master back during the night, Your Majesty?"

Qi Zhuoyun glanced at him and said indifferently, "Let him do as he pleases."

Chang'an softly responded, "Understood."

*

There was one thing Shen He was very clear about.

That was, if rumors had already reached his ears, the extent of their spread outside must be unimaginable.

Shen He spent a full two days outside the palace.

During this time, Qi Zhuoyun sent someone to inquire when he would return.

Shen He replied, "In another two days."

He roamed the streets, and during his outings, he bumped into Sui Yunxing and they continued together.

Sui Yunxing obviously knew who was behind these rumors, and the young master must be equally aware. However, Shen He insisted on wandering the streets to hear the gossip himself. Sui Yunxing, unable to persuade him otherwise, could only accompany him.

Standing by a stall, Shen He purchased a sugar painting and engaged the vendor in conversation.

Regrettably, when the topic of rumors came up, the vendor's expression stiffened for a moment. He chuckled awkwardly and feigned ignorance, saying, "Where did the young master hear such tales? One must be careful with words in the capital."

Shen He seemed thoughtful. "You're right. I won't mention it next time."

He nibbled on his sugar art, biting off a small piece and holding it in his mouth, strolling along while swinging the little wooden stick in his hand.

Sui Yunxing noticed him heading to crowded, diverse places and couldn't help but warn, "Young Master, the gossip here is mostly the same, just some embellishments by people..."

He even changed into a plain-colored blue shirt for the occasion.

Shen He, with ears pricked up, listened to the whispers around and nodded, taking a moment to reply to Sui Yunxing, "I'm aware. The more versions I hear, the better I can determine the real story."

Sui Yunxing looked somewhat exasperated.

After holding back for a moment, he suddenly remarked, "Young Master, even at the base of the Imperial City, the rumors spread wildly. Beyond the city, in places far from the Emperor's reach, you'd never finish hearing them all."

Sui Yunxing stated, "The common people are naive, not pondering the truth in words. They follow the crowd. Once His Majesty sends troops to suppress and show benevolence, with such complementary actions, these people will be subdued. You needn't worry."

Shen He paused, biting his sugar art, with fragments falling off the edges.

He licked off the sugar bits on his lips, the sweetness filling his mouth, making one feel pleasant, ensuring that the outrageous rumors didn't enrage him too much.

With his clear, contrasting eyes fixed on Sui Yunxing, he asked, "A mix of punishment and reward, right? I understand that concept."

Thinking Shen He had taken his advice, Sui Yunxing sighed in relief and whispered, "Since you understand, Young Master, perhaps we should head back..."

Shen He inquired, "But if we suppress with force, wouldn't we have to make an example of some, like killing a chicken to warn the monkey?"

Facing the young man's calm and bright gaze, Sui Yunxing found himself momentarily speechless.

However, the young man seemed to have his answer, not really needing a response from Sui Yunxing.

He continued to bite into his sugar art; the head-sized treat was already half-eaten.

To make his words clear, Shen He spoke slowly, "If making an example means death, I don't like that. If there's a better way, why shouldn't I think about it?"

If there's a better solution, why not ponder on it?

His words seemed only natural.

Yet, his expression held not a trace of naivety.

He knew precisely what he was saying, and with that clarity, he wanted to make an extra effort, even if it might be in vain.