Shi Hanshang embraced Ke’er’s round little body. The expressions of the man and the child were identical: a slightly smug provocation.
Sheng Yuli pouted and suddenly stood up to sit beside Shi Hanshang. Taking advantage of a moment when Shi Hanshang was not paying attention, he suddenly placed his large hand over the slight swell of Shi Hanshang’s abdomen and said with mock sorrow, “Oh, child, look at this! You are not even born yet, and your Father is already bullying your Daddy! When you are born, do not learn from them!”
Shi Hanshang saw the glint of success in Sheng Yuli’s eyes and was moved to a frustrated laugh. He pushed him away and said, “The child I bear will naturally take after me! It is only right for a child to resemble the parent who bore them. Where does ‘learning’ come into it?”
“That is not how it works,” Sheng Yuli replied shamelessly. “I am his biological father too. It is only right that he resembles me! When the time comes, who knows whom he will take after more?”
Shi Hanshang rolled his eyes. “He will definitely take after me more.”
“Why?” Sheng Yuli argued. “It is just as possible he will take after me!”
“I am the one carrying him; he will surely be like me!”
“I am his true father; he might be just like me!”
“Like me!”
“Like me!”
Ke’er watched his uncle and the Pretty Uncle bickering back and forth for a long while, tilting his head in confusion. After an unknown amount of time, both men were parched from the argument, yet neither was willing to admit defeat.
Suddenly, Sheng Yuli looked up, about to speak again, when he saw that Shi Hanshang, who had been furious a moment ago, had abruptly composed himself. Shi Hanshang raised a hand and made a “shush” gesture.
Sheng Yuli’s heart skipped a beat. He followed the gesture and looked down. Ke’er, who had been happily munching on pastries while watching them argue, had fallen fast asleep, leaving a trail of drool.
As if doused with cold water, Sheng Yuli also calmed down instantly. Shi Hanshang looked up silently, giving Sheng Yuli a meaningful look. Sheng Yuli reacted immediately, rising quickly to gently lift Ke’er’s head while Shi Hanshang brought over a soft pillow to place carefully beneath it.
Worried that Ke’er might catch a cold, Shi Hanshang found a thin blanket in his room. Between the two of them, one adjusting the head and the other covering the feet their fingers suddenly brushed against each other while tidying the bed.
As if struck by lightning, a tingle of numbness shot through the point of contact straight to the depths of their hearts. Shi Hanshang quickly withdrew his fingers, suddenly feeling a strange sensation in his mood.
In the past, his interactions with Sheng Yuli were mostly competitive. If they stood within the same square inch of space, they could rarely last the duration of an incense stick before coming to blows. Peaceful moments were non-existent.
Yet, since learning of the pregnancy, the flamboyant and rebellious air around Sheng Yuli seemed to have softened considerably. He even lowered himself to climb through windows daily, bringing food and medicinal herbs to keep him company and relieve his boredom. If Shi Hanshang was busy, Sheng Yuli would wait quietly by his side until he finished, only leaving once he had seen Shi Hanshang eat the supplements he brought.
Though these visits only lasted the time of two incense sticks, it was something neither of them could have imagined before.
While they still bickered, they had not raised their hands against each other again. Sheng Yuli seemed to purposefully consider Shi Hanshang’s condition, restraining both his actions and words. Even when truly enraged, Sheng Yuli would only point a trembling finger at him for a long time before eventually gritting his teeth and turning away in annoyance. “Hmph, I will not bother with you!” he would say, and then, as if in a huff, he would not initiate another word for the rest of the night.
It seemed that since the night Sheng Yuli first knocked on his study window, a faint change had appeared in their relationship. Shi Hanshang could not help but turn his head to gaze at Sheng Yuli’s handsome and resolute features, momentarily dazed. He did not know if he liked or disliked this current change. He only suddenly thought: if this child in his belly were gone, would his relationship with Sheng Yuli return to how it was before?
The scent of sandalwood lingered in the study. Sheng Yuli tucked the blanket around Ke’er and looked up, catching Shi Hanshang staring at him. In the moment their eyes met, his heart skipped a beat. After a long silence, Sheng Yuli straightened his back awkwardly and suddenly asked a question that had been buried in his heart for a long time.
“Shi Hanshang, why do you actually hate me so much?”
In his childhood memories, when their fathers were still alive, the relationship between the two families was not close, but it was respectful. It was nothing like the current antagonistic state between the Shi and Sheng manors. But since the incident at the palace banquet when they were seven, their relationship had plummeted to this point of irreconcilable conflict. If Shi Hanshang’s hostility was solely because of that one incident, it seemed far too excessive.
Sheng Yuli’s brows knitted together. Shi Hanshang was startled by the question. His lips parted slightly for a moment, but he suddenly avoided the gaze, picking up a teacup and taking a slow sip. “It is nothing. It was simply that I wanted to take the top honors and stand above everyone, and you happened to block my path.”
Sheng Yuli’s expression showed a hint of dissatisfaction, but it vanished quickly. Shi Hanshang’s words sounded forced, but they were somewhat plausible.
The battle at Xuyi years ago had been a tragic defeat. It was inevitable that the people of Jinling would feel resentment and need a target for their anger. The first to bear the brunt were Shi Mingzhi and Sheng Changfeng, the civil and military commanders. Sheng Changfeng, the Great General who had fought his way up from the bottom and was known for his military prowess, was still condemned by thousands. It was even worse for Shi Mingzhi, who had been recruited and had always fulfilled his duties without any spectacular political achievements.
Instantly, all the frustration of the nation swirled like a hurricane toward the strategist who had died for his country. People sneered at Shi Mingzhi’s reputation as a “Sage of Talent,” claiming he was a fraud who did not live up to his name.
“What talent and virtue? He was just a worthless charlatan!” the commoners would spit. They claimed it was Shi Mingzhi who had mismanaged the military intelligence, delaying the battle and causing the death of General Sheng and so many soldiers, while the people of Jinling continued to suffer.
Overnight, Shi Mingzhi became an eternal criminal nailed to the pillar of shame in Jinling. Every fault and error was heaped upon his head. Even those associated with the Shi Manor became like rats crossing the street—whenever they appeared in public, they were chased and beaten by everyone.
Among them, naturally, were the two brothers, Shi Hanshang and Shi Yunhe.
At that time, Shi Yunhe was not yet eleven years old. A young boy forced to mature, he took up the burden of the Shi family amidst the curses of ten thousand people. At the most critical moments, he would silently push his younger brother into the arms of the manor’s butler, close the gates tight, and endure the public’s wrath alone. It was not that he did not want to hide, but that he could not. If even he fled, the Shi family would truly be finished.
The late Emperor still had some mercy for them, and with the secret help of Li Yi, who was the third prince at the time, the Shi family managed to scrape by. But they were at the end of their rope. Shi Yunhe understood that he had to grasp onto the remaining “mercy” in the Emperor’s heart. Like fallen grass in the wind seeking the protection of a great tree, they had to cling to the imperial family to ensure the safety of the Shi Manor.
Thus, Shi Yunhe threw himself into imperial circles, lingering among the nobility and learning how to please those in power. he offered smiles to the high platforms and learned to be smooth and worldly.
During that time, Shi Hanshang saw his brother endure cold looks and insults. His ears were filled with poisonous words that slandered his father and brother. Even within the Imperial Academy, he was not spared from bullying and ridicule. If not for the protection of Grand Tutor Jiang, his situation would have been even more difficult.
From then on, a seed was planted in his heart. Shi Hanshang was determined to wash away the shame of the Shi family and clear the names of his father and brother. There were no more carefree childhood days, only day after day of grueling study.
Later, when the late Emperor passed and Li Yi ascended the throne, he appointed his companion Shi Yunhe as the Minister of Personnel. The rumors finally subsided, and those who had once mocked them retreated with awkward smiles. However, while they were accepted in the halls of power, the private criticism and ridicule never truly ceased.
Shi Yunhe did not want his younger brother to be burdened, so he intentionally left the father’s hereditary position to Shi Hanshang while he himself relied on the Emperor’s protection to gain an official post. But Shi Hanshang was unwilling. After a decade of hard study, he took the top honors in the imperial examination. That year, he won the Triple First and was appointed as the Prefect of Jingzhou by the Emperor. He used his true talent to silence the world’s gossip, and no one dared to say the Shi family’s talent was a fraud.
Later, Shi Hanshang assisted the Emperor, stabilized the officials, managed the Six Ministries, and rose through the ranks. In his early twenties, he was appointed Prime Minister. Only Shi Yunhe knew the hardships he had faced along the way.
Recalling the past, Shi Hanshang inevitably felt a bit dejected. But he was never one for sentimentality. After a moment’s hesitation, he picked up his cup and drank it all. The bitter tea entered his system, yet it did not match the bitterness in his heart.
Shi Hanshang changed the subject. “Since you asked me, why do you not explain why you left the martial arts arena and came to the Imperial Academy to compete with me?”
“Listen to you,” Sheng Yuli pressed down on Shi Hanshang’s hands as he tried to pour more tea, fearing the tea’s cold nature. “Did you not also come to the martial arts arena? Is it that you are allowed to compete with me, but I am not allowed to compete with you?”
“Hmph,” Shi Hanshang silently withdrew his hands from the grasp and rolled his eyes. “Answering a question with another question. Truly a rogue.”
Yet, he could not help but let a smile touch his lips. The slight gloom that had accumulated in his heart was dispersed by their bickering.
“A rogue I shall be, then,” Sheng Yuli saw him smile and felt his own heart lighten. He shrugged his shoulders.
After that, the two talked about trivial matters to pass the time. Sheng Yuli would occasionally tease him, and Shi Hanshang would roll his eyes and retort. As Ke’er hummed in his sleep on Shi Hanshang’s lap, the peaceful and quiet day made Sheng Yuli think: If I could be with Shi Hanshang like this for a lifetime, it seems it would not be so bad.
It was not until the sun began to set that Sheng Yuesheng and Shi Yunhe finally finished their discussion. Their talk regarding Lu Hong was not meant for others to know, so they left through the side gate of the manor. Shi Hanshang and Shi Yunhe saw them off at the gate as a matter of hospitality.
As they were about to mount their horses, Sheng Yuli handed the now-awake Ke’er to Sheng Yuesheng, who had been waiting in the carriage. He could not resist turning back to look at Shi Hanshang. The elegant man remained as indifferent as the clear wind and bright moon, but this time, the look in his eyes held no disgust or impatience. He simply stood silently beside his brother and cupped his hands in a parting salute to the two as they moved away.
That night, Shi Hanshang was summoned to the study by Shi Yunhe. When A Sheng came to report, Shi Hanshang was already prepared. He set down the document he was writing, put on the outer robe A Sheng handed him, and headed to Shi Yunhe’s courtyard.
When he pushed open the door, Shi Yunhe was deep in thought, his brow furrowed. It took several calls from Shi Hanshang for him to react. He smiled gently. “It is Lan Bie. You have come.”
“Is Brother worried about the arrival of the Xuyi envoys?” Shi Hanshang asked. “The Xuyi nation is located in the south. It is small and its population is sparse. Even if they act ruthlessly, they have never amounted to much over the years. Even if they come with ill intent, our court will certainly be able to turn the danger into safety.”
Shi Yunhe knew Shi Hanshang was trying to comfort him, so he sighed softly. “Lan Bie, I know that what happened back then was because Jinling first underestimated the enemy and then feared the consequences of its mistakes. That one misstep became an eternal regret! But this Xuyi… they have always acted in a strange and unpredictable manner. Despite remaining in a corner for so many years, no nation has ever been able to truly uproot them. I fear it is not just their ruthlessness they rely on.”
“We… must not underestimate the enemy.”
Shi Hanshang did not wish to argue. He lowered his eyes and bowed his head. “Brother, I understand.”
“Sigh…” Shi Yunhe let out a long sigh. Grief flickered in his gentle brows, and his voice trembled slightly. “Lan Bie, in a few days, it will be the anniversary of our parents’ death. The Emperor wants to host the Xuyi envoys at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in half a month. This year… I am afraid I cannot leave.”
“I must trouble you to go in my place to offer sacrifices to our father and mother. Once I have finished these matters, I will personally go and apologize to them.”
Shi Hanshang replied, “Of course. Our parents in the afterlife will surely understand.”
Shi Yunhe patted Shi Hanshang’s shoulder with appreciation. He suddenly felt a bit sentimental; the little child who used to follow him and call him “Brother” could now truly hold his own. It was a bit bittersweet.
“Lan Bie, you are now twenty-four. Have you ever thought… of taking a wife?”
“Taking a wife?” Shi Hanshang was startled.
“Yes,” Shi Yunhe smiled gently. “I know you have been troubled by our father’s death all these years. You were extremely hard on yourself when studying, and since entering the service, you have never dared to relax! But… the past is already gone like drifting smoke. The Shi family is no longer that precarious family. Why must you be so hard on yourself?”
“I am sure if our parents’ spirits are watching, they would want you to marry, have children, and live a stable life.”
Hearing this, Shi Hanshang felt a bitterness in his heart. How could he not understand this? But in his current state, how could he possibly marry and have children? The fingers on his lower abdomen trembled imperceptibly. He suppressed his chaotic thoughts and forced himself to shake his head with a bitter smile. “No, Brother. Lan Bie… does not have such thoughts yet.”
“Why?” Shi Yunhe was puzzled, but then he seemed to remember something, his brows furrowing slightly. “Is it… because you still want to compete with Sheng Yuli? Today he was in your room…”
“No,” Shi Hanshang interrupted with a shake of his head. “This is my own decision. it has nothing to do with anyone else.”
“Lan Bie,” Shi Yunhe interrupted suddenly, unable to listen any further. Looking at Shi Hanshang’s flickering pupils, he hesitated for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh as if deflated. His eyes were full of sorrow. “Then… what about the child? Do you plan to keep this from me forever?”
Shi Hanshang looked up sharply, shocked. “Brother, you… you know?”
Shi Yunhe’s eyes trembled with unshed tears as his voice shook. “Lan Bie, I am your brother. No one knows you better than I do. If I had not become suspicious and asked Song Qing myself, were you… planning to hide this from me for the rest of your life?”
Shi Hanshang denied it in shock. “No, Brother. It is just… this matter is so strange, I was afraid it would frighten you.”
Shi Yunhe’s gaze did not waver. He looked at him quietly for a long time before asking, “Then what are your plans? Are you keeping this child, or not?”
Shi Hanshang was dazed. “I… I have not decided yet.”
He told Shi Yunhe the entire story, including the matter of the Blood Leaf Orchid. After listening, Shi Yunhe let out a long sigh and closed his tired eyes. After a long silence, he finally opened them and looked at Shi Hanshang seriously.
“Then, Lan Bie, tell me. Do you like that Sheng Yuli?”
Shi Hanshang froze. Hearing this, he replied without thinking, “Of course not!”
Shi Yunhe stared at him for a long while. Seeing that his expression did not seem false, his tense face relaxed slightly. He nodded. “Good. If that is the case, there is nothing worth lingering over.”
“I will send people to increase the search for the Blood Leaf Orchid,” Shi Yunhe said firmly, gently grasping Shi Hanshang’s cold fingertips. “Lan Bie, once this child is gone… you will still be the noble Prime Minister of Jinling. No one will ever be able to constrain you again.”
Shi Yunhe’s words were firm and heartless, and the decisiveness in his tone was absolute. His determination was clear. As an elder brother, his primary concern was for his brother’s well-being.
Shi Hanshang had come prepared, and his own thoughts were not much different from Shi Yunhe’s. But when he actually heard it with his own ears, his heart could not help but tremble, and he lowered his eyes.
Suddenly, the window frame rattled. A cold wind blew through the window, hitting Shi Hanshang directly. He could not avoid it and covered his sleeve as he coughed lightly several times.
Seeing this, Shi Yunhe immediately rose and closed the window. When he returned, he patted Shi Hanshang’s thin back and sighed. “Enough, Lan Bie. Go back and rest for today. This matter… we will discuss it later.”
“Brother,” Shi Hanshang suddenly grabbed Shi Yunhe’s retreating hand. Looking into Shi Yunhe’s sorrowful eyes, he said each word clearly, “I…”
Perhaps because of the bond between brothers, through Shi Hanshang’s conflicted eyes, Shi Yunhe seemed to know what he was thinking. It was not that he did not believe Shi Hanshang; he was just annoyed. He was annoyed that his brother was always so stubborn and unyielding, and even more annoyed that his brother was still unwilling to open his heart to him, just as he had been with the young Shi Hanshang, sharing only the good and hiding the bad.
But how could siblings linked by blood truly hide things from each other? It was simply that both hid their emotions in their hearts, one forcing a smile to greet the other, while the other hid his grief entirely.
Shi Yunhe looked deeply at the child he had watched grow up, who was now as tall as himself. He simply reached out and tucked the slipping outer robe tighter around him. “The night is deep and the dew is heavy. Be careful on the road.”
On the way back to the courtyard, Shi Hanshang remained silent throughout. A Sheng noticed that something was wrong with his master and understood that he must have had a disagreement with the eldest master. Not wanting to bother him, A Sheng simply followed in silence.
As they reached the gate of the courtyard, a gust of wind blew through the hall, making A Sheng shiver. He could not help but advise, “Young Master, the weather is getting cold. There is no charcoal in your room, and it is freezing. Soon the wind will be piercing. Staying there for long will make you sick! How about I go and get some charcoal for you?”
“Your current body cannot be neglected!”
Hearing this, Shi Hanshang’s footsteps stopped abruptly.
“The study is freezing, staying there for long will make you sick…?” he repeated in a murmur. He felt as though today, he had forgotten something.
“Hmm? Young Master, what did you say?” A Sheng did not hear clearly and looked up in confusion.
In the next second, he saw his master suddenly bolt toward the bedroom! The loose outer robe fell off and landed on the face of the chasing A Sheng. A Sheng quickly pulled the robe from his face and cried out in shock, “Young Master? Where are you going?!”
Shi Hanshang could hear nothing now. Only one thought remained in his mind! When he reached the study, he abruptly pushed open the closed door and looked around hurriedly. Finally, by the bed, he saw that familiar dark figure!
Shi Hanshang’s heart was still pounding from the sprint, yet he saw Sheng Yuli steadily catch a teacup he had tossed into the air. Hearing him, Sheng Yuli looked toward him and gave a bright, wide smile.
“You are back?”