Chapter 100

Chapter 100

Right after Shen Yuan and Ji Ping'an returned, a palace messenger arrived, summoning Shen Yuan to the palace for an audience the next day.

Early the next morning, the gatekeeper announced that a carriage from the Xie family was waiting outside.

Xie Yulin knew Li Xing wanted to see Shen Yuan today and had come specifically to escort him into the palace.

Once in the carriage, Shen Yuan asked Xie Yulin if his wound was any better.

During the journey, Xie Yulin’s wound hadn’t been healing well and kept reopening, which had Shen Yuan deeply worried.

Hearing Shen Yuan’s concerned inquiry and seeing the worry in his eyes, focused entirely on him, Xie Yulin’s mood lifted.

"It’s manageable."

Since they were in the carriage, Shen Yuan couldn't check the wound, so he nodded. "When we return, come to my place. I'll take a look and change the dressing for you."

Xie Yulin then asked Shen Yuan, "Regarding the impertinence of the family juniors yesterday, I have already punished them. Would you like them to come and apologize in person?"

Having heard from Luo Yun that Shen Yuan didn't want to see them, Xie Yulin intended to make Xie Xingfeng and the others apologize properly, but first he wanted to ask if Shen Yuan wished to see them.

Shen Yuan shook his head. "Your punishing them is enough. I'll probably be very busy later on and don't want to see them; it would put me in a bad mood."

Xie Yulin nodded. "In that case, I will send them away so you won't run into them in Youyang."

Shen Yuan shook his head again.

Xie Yulin didn't quite understand why Shen Yuan shook his head this time and looked at him questioningly.

Shen Yuan raised his hand and patted Xie Yulin's shoulder. Xie Yulin looked at the hand on his shoulder as he heard Shen Yuan say, "Your family members fear you but do not respect or honor you. Their behavior shows they are extremely pampered, raised in the palm of their hands. Punishing them is one thing, but if you send them away, I'm afraid your family's attitude toward you will worsen."

"Xie Yulin, you've already stood up for me and helped me enough. I don't want you to create further rifts with your family because of me."

From the juniors' behavior yesterday, Shen Yuan could see Xie Yulin's situation within the clan. Recalling what Ji Ping'an had told him—that Xie Yulin had once left home and the Xie clan nearly disowned him—Shen Yuan found it hard to imagine what Xie Yulin's circumstances would have been if not for Emperor Wu's ascension and their life-and-death bond as sworn brothers.

For someone as noble as him to suffer such hardships...

Just thinking about it made Shen Yuan's heart ache.

He always felt that Xie Yulin deserved the best things in the world, that he was someone who should be treasured and pampered with gold and jade.

As things stood, Shen Yuan was in a vulnerable position himself. If not for fearing that his actions might cause trouble for Xie Yulin, he wouldn't have let those disrespectful, foul-mouthed dandies off so lightly yesterday.

Xie Yulin was deeply moved. He couldn't help but grab Shen Yuan's hand resting on his shoulder, wanting to pull him closer, even closer.

Shen Yuan seemed to have made a significant decision.

He grabbed Xie Yulin's hand in return, seizing the initiative, his gaze serious and firm.

"Xie Yulin, I've made up my mind."

"I want to become your adopted son. From now on, I'll be your son. I will respect you, honor you, love you, and protect you. I'll take care of you in your old age and see to your funeral arrangements. I absolutely won't let anyone treat you poorly or look down on you!"

"If you're willing, I can call you 'Dad' right now."

Shen Yuan simply couldn't bear the thought of anyone treating Xie Yulin that way. Xie Yulin wasn't going to marry or have children later, and the family juniors were all like that. What would happen when he grew old?

No wonder Xie Yulin wanted to adopt him as a son. With a family like that, he must be planning for the future early on.

Shen Yuan threw caution to the wind. So what if sworn brothers became father and son? What's the big deal!

Calling him 'Dad' is no big deal. After all, Xie Yulin treated him as well as a father already.

Xie Yulin: "..."

Xie Yulin felt he was going mad.

A guard's voice from outside interrupted the strange silence inside the carriage.

Shen Yuan also felt he had been too impulsive. Xie Yulin hadn't brought it up, probably because he wasn't ready.

Seeing Xie Yulin remain silent, Shen Yuan didn't say more, giving him time to consider.

The Youyang palace complex was more ancient, grand, majestic, and solemn than Shen Yuan had imagined.

Weeds grew in the cracks of the bluestone paths, full of vitality. Everywhere in sight, armored soldiers stood guard with weapons in hand.

Attendant Cheng came out specifically to greet them. At a glance toward Xie Yulin, the smile on his face immediately faded, and his heart skipped a beat.

Which deity had provoked this lord to such displeasure? Looking at that icy demeanor, he seemed absolutely livid.

He would have to be extremely careful today and definitely not become a punching bag.

"This humble servant, Attendant Cheng, pays his respects to Prime Minister Xie and Young Master Shen." Attendant Cheng bowed respectfully with clasped hands.

Shen Yuan returned a very polite smile. "Hello, Attendant Cheng. I am Shen Yuan."

Not daring to get close to the frigid Xie Yulin, Attendant Cheng deliberately stood closer to Shen Yuan, enthusiastically introducing every plant, tree, palace, and hall they encountered along the way.

"A short walk behind His Majesty's bedchamber leads to the Imperial Garden. There are flowers to see there all year round. Right now, the lotuses are in full bloom. His Majesty takes pleasure in sharing joy and never restricts palace staff or officials from visiting the Imperial Garden to admire the scenery. If Young Master Shen has time after your audience, you really should go see it. That pond of pink and green is truly breathtaking!"

As Attendant Cheng spoke, Shen Yuan responded promptly, which made the attendant speak even more sincerely.

Feeling Attendant Cheng's enthusiasm, Shen Yuan thanked him earnestly. "Thank you for telling me such wonderful news. Otherwise, I would surely have missed the beautiful lotus pond this time!"

Attendant Cheng felt incredibly comforted. It was as if his words were particularly important, had been heard and accepted, and were met with sincere thanks.

"Oh my, Young Master Shen, you are too kind!"

If they hadn't arrived and he didn't have to announce them, Attendant Cheng wouldn't have wanted to leave; he could have talked with Shen Yuan much longer.

"Xie Yulin, what's wrong? I feel like you're a bit unhappy."

After Attendant Cheng went inside, Shen Yuan sidled up to Xie Yulin and asked him quietly.

Xie Yulin looked down at Shen Yuan's concerned eyes, his gaze dark and deep. He reminded himself internally: He is still young, not yet awakened to such matters. As the older one, I must be more patient and restrained.

"It's nothing. Do you want to go see the lotuses?"

Shen Yuan nodded.

"After we come out, I'll take you to see them."

Shen Yuan's eyes lit up. "Okay!"

Attendant Cheng soon came out and respectfully invited the two of them inside.

As soon as they entered the hall, a childish voice rang out: "Are you the storytelling immortal, Shen?"

Shen Yuan looked down and saw a young girl as pretty as a porcelain doll, dressed in a small riding outfit, with a spirited and heroic air in her eyes.

Before Shen Yuan could respond, a booming, hearty laugh followed: "The little immortal Shen has arrived! This is my daughter, Yueqing. She must have startled you by popping out like that."

Shen Yuan saw the tall, sturdy emperor smiling at him, giving off a blunt, straightforward demeanor like a seasoned soldier. Emperor Wu didn’t seem as intimidating as he had imagined, and Shen Yuan felt much more at ease. He bowed with his hands clasped in front, "This humble one, Shen Yuan, greets Your Majesty and the Princess."

"Dad, what are you saying? He’s a little immortal—how could I startle an immortal? Dad, put me down! I want to talk and play with the little immortal!"

Li Yueqing wriggled out of Li Xing’s arms and clattered over toward Shen Yuan.

Just as she was about to reach him, a white figure blocked her path. Li Yueqing screeched to a halt, her round eyes widening in fright.

Whew, that was close! She almost crashed into the big ice cube!

Li Xing was also startled. Xie Yulin hated nothing more than being touched, so he quickly called out, "Yueqing, come back! Or even your dad can't save you!"

Li Yueqing scurried back, climbing into her father’s arms before finally relaxing a little.

She hated and feared the big ice cube the most.

Li Xing, doting on his daughter, carried her inside. Shen Yuan and Xie Yulin followed.

Attendant Cheng had the tables and chairs wiped down and invited Xie Yulin to sit. Shen Yuan, seated nearby, observed the scene. It seemed Emperor Wu and Xie Yulin truly had a close relationship.

Emperor Wu, ever blunt and direct, was incapable of beating around the bush. Once everyone was seated, he held his daughter and spoke to Shen Yuan as if making small talk.

"Earlier, I asked Prime Minister Xie to bring you to Youyang. In recognition of your stories' educational merit and your contribution of paper—allowing Wu Country to finally have such a precious resource—I am aware of the terms offered by other states. I also know you hold Wu Country in your heart. Therefore, I hereby appoint you as State Preceptor."

As he spoke, Emperor Wu glanced subtly at Xie Yulin. Seeing no objection, he knew his younger brother Xie was satisfied with this high-ranking appointment.

In Wu Country, the State Preceptor held a prestigious position with little real power—essentially a mascot. There was no requirement to attend court or fulfill many duties.

However, the State Preceptor did have specific responsibilities.

Emperor Wu continued, "State Preceptor Shen, our Wu Country differs from other nations. The State Preceptor is highly respected but primarily focuses on education and moral guidance. Coming up with clever schemes falls to the Prime Minister. Your stories are excellent. I hear you have two more tales. I believe they, like 'Love Between Human and Ghost,' can be disseminated widely. Incorporate elements that educate our people, help them understand etiquette, laws, and penalties, and reduce outsiders’ perception of us Wu people as mere barbarians."

Shen Yuan hadn’t expected Emperor Wu to appoint him as State Preceptor. Initially worried he might not be up to the task, he listened as the emperor explained. This position was tailor-made for him!

It was perfect—no involvement in state affairs he knew nothing about, and he could continue writing stories!

Shen Yuan—State Preceptor, mascot—responded: "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for the appointment and will not disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations."

Emperor Wu liked direct and decisive people. Shen Yuan’s directness pleased him, and in his delight, he waved his hand grandly. "Excellent! State Preceptor Shen, you have great ambition! Noble clans put great stock in pedigree and status. Given your humble origins, I’ve decided to arrange a marriage for you to elevate your standing. If any noble family tries to throw obstacles in your path, you have my leave to push right back!"

Shen Yuan was taken aback. A marriage arrangement? So suddenly?

What followed left him even more stunned.

"State Preceptor Shen, what do you think of my daughter? As the Royal Son-in-Law, no one would dare disrespect you. It’ll just require some patience—waiting eight or ten years for the Princess to grow up."

From the moment Li Xing saw Shen Yuan, he thought the boy was a fine choice.

He had good looks, a solid character, a clean family background, extraordinary encounters with the immortal path, and loyalty to Wu Country.

With such qualities, it would be a shame not to make him the Royal Son-in-Law.

He didn’t want his daughter marrying into some noble family—that lot would surely bully her behind his back.

Moreover, the status of the future Royal Son-in-Law would indeed transcend class barriers and elevate Shen Yuan’s position.

Since the State Preceptor role didn’t involve the central administration, serving as the Royal Son-in-Law was entirely feasible.

The more Li Xing thought about it, the better it seemed, and the more satisfied he grew with Shen Yuan.

Li Xing glanced over and his breath hitched. Who had upset his brother so much? Why was he so angry? The visible displeasure made Li Xing curious. "Prime Minister Xie, what’s the matter?"

Shen Yuan also looked at Xie Yulin. It seemed Xie Yulin had been unhappy since the carriage ride. Was his wound hurting again?

Xie Yulin took a deep breath, reining in his frayed nerves. "A-Yuan, what are your thoughts on the marriage arrangement?"

"Right, right! State Preceptor Shen, what do you think? I was being dictatorial—that was my fault." Li Xing realized the issue and sighed in relief.

Xie Yulin had previously advised him that an emperor shouldn’t be dictatorial. Likely, his younger brother Xie thought it was improper to arrange a marriage without asking the person's opinion.

After a moment’s thought, Shen Yuan replied, "Your Majesty, your servant currently has no plans to marry or start a family."

However, considering the emperor mentioned waiting eight or ten years, by then he’d be around twenty-five or twenty-six—an age he felt was suitable for marriage. If the emperor insisted on him becoming the Royal Son-in-Law, refusing now but marrying later might not be feasible.

Shen Yuan didn’t dare speak too definitively, lest he commit the crime of deceiving the sovereign—if this wasn't handled properly, it could cost not only his life but also his family’s.

He cautiously added, "Regarding the marriage arrangement, perhaps we can discuss it again in ten years."

Xie Yulin stared at Shen Yuan, enunciating each word, "A-Yuan, are you agreeing to the marriage arrangement?"

Shen Yuan wasn’t sure how to respond. In reality, if Emperor Wu insisted, he had no real right to agree or refuse.

"It can't be helped," Shen Yuan murmured, frowning slightly.

But by then, the Princess would have grown up, and his age would be considered quite advanced for this era. Most likely, the Princess wouldn’t be interested in him. As long as she wasn’t interested, everything would work out. Shen Yuan quietly pondered this.

Xie Yulin’s expression turned icy as he glanced at Li Yueqing, who sat in the emperor’s arms, picking at her fingers.

Li Yueqing shivered for no apparent reason before resuming her fidgeting.

"Your Majesty, State Preceptor Shen cannot become the Royal Son-in-Law." Xie Yulin stood and bowed to Li Xing.

Li Xing valued Xie Yulin’s opinion greatly. If he said it couldn’t be done, then it couldn’t. Assuming there was something unfavorable about Shen Yuan he didn’t know, Li Xing glanced subtly at Shen Yuan before asking Xie Yulin, "Prime Minister Xie, you must have a reason for saying this. Why can't State Preceptor Shen become the Royal Son-in-Law?"

After a brief silence, Xie Yulin replied, "Your servant has something to discuss with State Preceptor Shen. May we borrow Your Majesty’s Imperial Garden? After our conversation, I will return to report to Your Majesty."

How mysterious.

Intrigued, Li Xing immediately nodded.

After Shen Yuan and Xie Yulin left, Li Xing handed his daughter to the attendants and quietly followed them.

In the Imperial Garden, lotus flowers were in full bloom.

Yet neither of the two in the pavilion had any mind to enjoy the view.

Leaning against a pavilion pillar, Shen Yuan listened as Xie Yulin asked, "Why didn’t you refuse? Do you want to become the Royal Son-in-Law?"

Without hesitation, Shen Yuan shook his head. "The Princess is so young—how could I possibly want to be her consort?"

"What if the Princess were of a suitable age?"

Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment.

His hesitation pushed Xie Yulin’s restraint to the brink.

Shen Yuan saw that Xie Yulin’s expression was grim, his brows tightly furrowed—he rarely let his emotions show so openly.

Remembering how Xie Yulin’s wound would often split open, causing high fevers, and how he would frown like this while enduring the discomfort...

The depth of his restraint this time seemed greater than ever before. Worried Xie Yulin’s fever was worse, Shen Yuan habitually reached out to press his hand against Xie Yulin’s forehead but couldn’t tell if it was hot. So he simply grabbed Xie Yulin’s collar and pressed their foreheads together.

"You don't feel hot... Xie Yulin, where are you uncomfor—"

Shen Yuan’s voice trailed off, his breath hitched along with it, while his heart pounded wildly.

The moment Shen Yuan’s forehead touched his, the last thread of Xie Yulin’s rationality snapped completely.

Any thought of an elder’s patience, of waiting, of not scaring the child—vanished without a trace.

He couldn’t control his body from leaning slightly forward. His tall, straight nose lightly brushed Shen Yuan’s slightly rounded one, his thin lips hovering a hair’s breadth away.

Their breaths mingled. Realizing what Xie Yulin intended to do, Shen Yuan’s eyes widened.

His hands braced against the wooden pillar; he was completely flustered. He instinctively tried to lean back, but it didn’t occur to him to push Xie Yulin away.

But he was stopped. A large hand cupped the back of his head, not allowing him to retreat, while also preventing his head from hitting the pillar.

"X-Xie Yulin, what are you doing? You can't..."

"I'm going to kiss you." Xie Yulin’s voice remained cool and detached, as if puzzled. "Why can't I?"

"A-Yuan, the marriage arranged by His Majesty is something you can't refuse. Me kissing you is also something you can't refuse."

Xie Yulin stated it as a fact.

Shen Yuan was stunned.

He couldn’t analyze the situation. His mind went blank, and he blurted out, "But I've decided to agree to become foster family. You're my dad now."

Xie Yulin’s expression darkened slightly. He was both angry at Shen Yuan’s cluelessness and couldn't help but be amused by his reaction.

This person was truly something.

He made you angry, made you annoyed. Yet you couldn’t help but keep thinking about him, watching him have his fun, letting him be mischievous.

Xie Yulin glanced down at Shen Yuan’s hands still braced behind him, propping himself up, and let out a soft chuckle.

Someone who truly resisted wouldn’t keep their hands behind them; they’d try every means to push him away, to block him.

Xie Yulin withdrew his gaze, not mentioning this detail. Perhaps Shen Yuan himself hadn’t realized it. Xie Yulin couldn’t deny that Shen Yuan’s subconscious action pleased him, cheering him up.

With a hint of amusement, he asked, "Who gave you the idea of recognizing me as your foster father?"

Shen Yuan wanted to turn his head away, but the moment he moved, Xie Yulin pulled him back.

He felt awkward being so close to Xie Yulin, so he settled for lowering his head slightly.

"Didn't you want to recognize me as your son?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Shen Yuan himself froze.

Wait, that’s not right. If he wanted to recognize him as a son, what was this scene about?

Finally, Shen Yuan’s mind caught up.

So, Brother Ping’an had passed on the wrong information? Xie Yulin didn’t want to recognize him as a son, but as his... wife?

It wasn’t that he was putting himself in the submissive role; it was just that the aggressiveness Xie Yulin was displaying right now didn’t seem like someone who’d be on the bottom at all.

With just that one sentence, Xie Yulin guessed the gist.

He had always known Ji Ping’an thought Chen Yuye was truly with him. He had never intended to hide or explain his preference for men. And the only person who could have given Shen Yuan this misunderstanding was Ji Ping’an.

So that’s why Shen Yuan never seemed to catch on. All his previous actions had been interpreted as a father’s care for a son?

For a moment, Xie Yulin didn’t know whether to be angry or laugh.

Now that the cause was clear, things were easier to handle.

"A-Yuan, my feelings for you are a man’s love, the affection of wanting to hold you and kiss you. It’s the care and intimacy one wants for a partner. Not a father’s concern for a son. Do you understand now?"

Xie Yulin’s voice was low, his expression still cool.

Shen Yuan found it hard to imagine Xie Yulin had just confessed to him.

How could someone confess so rationally and calmly?

But Shen Yuan was more bewildered. He had never considered the possibility that Xie Yulin liked him, so much so that he didn’t know how to respond.

But he knew he couldn’t let Xie Yulin misunderstand that his feelings weren't returned or that he was disliked.

That would make Xie Yulin sad.

Shen Yuan didn’t want Xie Yulin to be sad, so he honestly spoke his mind. "Xie Yulin, I never thought of this possibility, so I’m not sure about my own feelings. Can you give me some time?"

So obedient.

Xie Yulin looked down at Shen Yuan’s face, and only this thought remained in his mind.

A sound came from not far away. Xie Yulin glanced over out of the corner of his eye and said to Shen Yuan, "Go back to the carriage first. Don’t wander off. I’ll be back soon."

Shen Yuan was released, free from Xie Yulin’s restraint, but his heart was still racing wildly.

"Your wound... did it split open?" Shen Yuan’s gaze fell on Xie Yulin’s shoulder. "You used that arm to hold my head quite firmly just now. Did it pull on the wound?"

"Did I hurt you? Let me see."

Xie Yulin wanted to check Shen Yuan’s head, while Shen Yuan wanted to check Xie Yulin’s shoulder.

But Shen Yuan didn’t get the chance because Xie Yulin said, "A-Yuan, choosing to get close to me right now is a very dangerous thing."

How dangerous? Shen Yuan could probably guess.

He obediently let Xie Yulin examine his head. After confirming Shen Yuan wasn’t injured, Xie Yulin said, "Alright."

Then Shen Yuan turned and ran off without a backward glance.

Li Xing couldn't see very clearly from a distance, as trees blocked the view, but he vaguely sensed some conflict between the two, and State Preceptor Shen seemed to be restrained by his Brother Xie.

Now, seeing Shen Yuan suddenly run off, Li Xing decided not to hide anymore and quickly stepped out, striding into the pavilion with a puzzled expression. "What happened? Why did he run off? Did you two have a fight?"

Xie Yulin was in a decent mood and replied honestly, "We didn't fight. I just lost control and almost kissed him."

Li Xing made a dismissive sound, not too concerned at first. "Oh, so it was almost a kiss. I thought you were quarreling—wait, what?"

Realizing what he had just heard, Li Xing couldn't help but exclaim mid-sentence, "Kiss him? You kissed him? Like, a lip-to-lip kiss?"

Xie Yulin nodded calmly. "Yes."

Li Xing glanced around, relieved that he had dismissed everyone earlier and no one else was around to hear his outburst.

He said incredulously, "Brother Xie, are you saying you wanted to kiss Shen Yuan on the lips? But he's a man! He is a man, right? Not a woman disguised as a man? That kid looks delicate, fair, and tender—could he actually be a woman?"

Xie Yulin said seriously to Li Xing, "Shen Yuan is a man, and I like men. So Shen Yuan cannot become the imperial son-in-law. I am devoted to him."

Li Xing was stunned for a moment before asking Xie Yulin, "Have you lost your mind?"

He truly couldn't understand and looked utterly bewildered.

After pondering for a while, he thought of one possibility and said to Xie Yulin with a serious and earnest expression, "Brother Xie, you know what kind of person I am. Without you, I wouldn't be alive today. Rest assured, even if you have descendants in the future, I would never be wary of your influence. So, brother, you can relax—marry a wife and have children. There's no need to claim you like men just to protect yourself. Even if one day you hold a knife to my throat, I'd only think you wanted me to take a closer look at the blade."

Xie Yulin chuckled lightly. "I thank Your Majesty for your trust. But my affection for Shen Yuan is genuine. I am not using him as a safeguard. I wish to marry him and grow old together with him."

"You even want to marry him! And grow old together!" Li Xing exclaimed again in shock.

Once he confirmed that his good brother was truly interested in a man and wanted a male partner, Li Xing resigned himself to it.

Knowing his brother's character, it was certain that he had made the first move and fallen in love first. Once targeted by Xie Yulin, regardless of whether Shen Yuan liked men or not, he would inevitably fall for him in the end.

Thinking of Shen Yuan, Li Xing had also taken a liking to him. Such a fine young man—the imperial son-in-law that was practically in his grasp had flown away. What a pity.

Li Xing couldn't help but click his tongue. No wonder his Brother Xie had looked like he wanted to devour someone when the topic of the marriage decree was brought up earlier. He had thought he was being too arbitrary, but it turned out his brother's partner was about to be snatched away—he was panicking!

"At your age, and State Preceptor Shen is still so young. How could you set your sights on him? And even try every trick to win him over?"

Recalling how Xie Yulin had earlier admitted to deliberately worsening his injury, Li Xing suddenly understood. "That injury of yours—you made it worse on purpose, didn't you? Was it to make State Preceptor Shen feel distressed for you?"

Xie Yulin didn't hide it. "I enjoy seeing his eyes filled with concern for me."

Li Xing pointed at Xie Yulin, heartbroken and exasperated. "You're devious and wicked, leading that kid around by the nose. Not only are you an old cow eating tender grass, but you're also deceiving that tender grass."

"As Your Majesty said, A-Yuan is still young. He is also brilliant. If I don't find a way to hold onto him, someone so exceptional won't end up with me," Xie Yulin said, looking at Li Xing. "Didn't Your Majesty also want A-Yuan as the imperial son-in-law, thinking highly of him?"

Li Xing thought about it and realized it was true.

No wonder his brother was so anxious that he even resorted to a pity tactic.

But he had to settle the score for snatching away the imperial son-in-law.

Li Xing's eyes darted around, then he turned away, a rogue's smile curling his lips.