Chapter 76
Note: Early chapter release, thanks to Sakuradahl's support on Ko-Fi (´｡• ◡ •｡`) ♡
After Qin Zhongyi finished speaking, with a wave of his wide sleeve, the room filled with antique racks and various collectibles suddenly disappeared. No sooner than the people in the room had a chance to react, they found themselves in a beautiful scene full of the splendor of spring, with babbling brooks and lush greenery.
It seemed they were at the foot of a mountain, where a royal banquet was set in two long lines. Women in palace dresses, carrying dishes and wine pots, shuttled back and forth. An emperor dressed in bright yellow with a dragon embroidered robe sat in the central seat, raising a cup to celebrate the spring banquet with his ministers and the heads of prominent families.
The rules of the spring banquet were relatively relaxed, allowing free movement among the attendees. The adults toasted and joked with each other, occasionally engaging in clever banter. Children, unable to withstand boredom, ran around playing, and even nearly collided with the palace maiden serving wine and dishes.
Amid this clamor and hustle, one child stood out. He looked about four or five years old and was quietly sitting in his mother's lap, clumsily eating with chopsticks.
This child was as adorable as a doll, his baby-fat face tapering cutely at the chin. His mouth was rosy, and his long eyelashes fluttered over his young, bright eyes, appearing as if two little stars were nestling inside them. Though he looked primarily cute now, one could already glimpse the breathtaking beauty he would grow into.
This was Mu Cai in his childhood.
In this virtual scene, except for Mu Cai himself, the eyes of the others couldn't help but be firmly locked on the child.
Little Mu Cai was using chopsticks earnestly to pick up his favorite lotus root cake. His hand was small, and he tried hard to hold the relatively large chopsticks, finally managing to pick one up. He quickly scooted his mouth towards it, opened wide, took a bite, and then chewed with satisfaction, squinting his eyes.
His chubby cheeks moved around, making him look like a little hamster eating, and irresistibly drawing the gazes of countless people.
The ministers and patriarchs of aristocratic families sitting next to Mu Cai's parents couldn't help but inquire about the child's name. A palace maid, momentarily dazzled by the sight of little Mu Cai intently eating, nearly collided with someone coming towards her.
The maid, frightened and pale, immediately bowed her head to apologize, while the person facing her didn't pay any attention. A big child dressed in a moon-white shirt and wearing a jade collar pendant rushed to the youngster, who was struggling to eat the lotus root cake, and bluntly asked, "What's your name?"
Though his face still looked young and tender, his features were already grown and showed traces of distinction.
This was Qin Zhongyi.
Little Mu Cai, faced with this sudden question from the newcomer, first struggled to swallow the lotus cake in his mouth, and then seriously and with a childish voice answered, "My name is Mu Cai."
Qin Zhongyi was known for his ferocity and was used to being domineering. The children in the palace usually avoided him. When he saw that this adorable child with baby smooth skin was not scared of him, he felt intrigued and extremely satisfied. His affection for little Mu Cai grew even stronger.
He said immediately: "Come with me!"
As he spoke, Qin Zhongyi reached out to grab Mu Cai's tiny, fair hand that was still holding the chopsticks. The parents of Mu Cai couldn't really stop the impulsive prince in front of them, afraid that it might potentially harm their beloved son. Anyway, they tried to fake deterrence by blocking the prince's hand and asked amiably, "We are wondering what matter the Second Prince has with our Cai Cai. He is a bit shy and might trouble your highness."
Normally, Qin Zhongyi won't tolerate anyone attempting to stop him. However, considering these were the parents of the little boy, he demonstrated unusual patience and responded frankly, "He's too adorable. I want to take him to play in front of Father Emperor."
Speaking, he stretched out his hand again to grab Mu Cai's little hand. While his parents were unable, Mu Cai blinked and said, "Father, Mother, don't worry. I believe big brother will take good care of me."
Upon finishing, he hopped off his parents' knees, actively extended his tiny, fair hand to Qin Zhongyi: "Big brother is tall, so run slower because Mu Cai can't keep up. Big brother, you have to take good care of me. Otherwise, Mu Cai will get hurt."
The child spoke so naturally and assertively, completely ignoring the identity of the person in front of him and making demands.
Seeing this scene in the virtual world, everyone wished they could immediately pick up this little darling and coo him.
Qin Zhongyi smiled at Mu Cai: "Look, this was our first meeting, and you were so adorable back then." After saying that, he looked at Mu Cai's face, greedily adding, "Now, you have grown up to be so beautiful."
Mu Cai felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze. Initially, his impression of Qin Zhongyi from the system's script description and his fragmented memories was quite good. However, for some reason, when Mu Cai met him in person, their interaction was not as natural as he imagined, and he always felt that there was something strange about Qin Zhongyi.
Nevertheless, he did not reveal his feelings and said, "I could already tell at that time that Big Brother Zhongyi would grow up to be very handsome."
The two of them continued their conversation.
Meanwhile, Qin Zhongjin, who had barely managed to sit up from the ground, turned his head towards the two, clenching his hand hanging by his side. His mouth still had dried blood stains, looking lonely and helpless.
Fortunately, Mu Cai and Qin Zhongyi didn't talk for long before turning their attention back to the virtual scene. Qin Zhongjin felt slightly better, shifting his focus to the ongoing banquet.
In the lively banquet, the older child, Qin Zhongyi, seemed bewitched as he held little Mu Cai's soft hand. He felt like he had changed, unexpectedly caring so much about a child's feelings, slowly leading him to the banquet's main seat.
The Emperor naturally noticed them.
The majestic monarch looked at Mu Cai and couldn't help showing a slightly loving smile on his face: "Zhongyi, what are you doing? Why did you bring the Mu family's child over here?"
Qin Zhongyi immediately bowed and said, "Father, I am going to start school this year, and I want Mu Cai to be my study companion!"
He finished his words and waited joyfully for his father's approval. However, the Emperor didn't respond immediately, but instead turned his head aside.
Where the monarch's gaze fell, there sat a gentle and elegant woman. Beside her, a child dressed in blue robes was sitting with a cold look. He was handsome, resembling the emperor. He was originally watching the little Mu Cai on the field. Now, noticing the Emperor's gaze, he stood up unhurriedly, bowed to the emperor, and said, "Father."
The Emperor smiled, "Zhongjin, have you been watching the little boy from the Mu family?"
Qin Zhongjin simply replied, "Yes."
Before the banquet began, he had already noticed this child who was quietly eating his meal nestled between his parents. Qin Zhongjin always kept his composure, unlike other children who ran off to play. He remained in his place, speculating the child's identity and watching him devour several bowls of rice.
The child was irresistible — soft and gentle — and Qin Zhongjin wanted him.
Qin Zhongyi had already felt upset that the Emperor didn't immediately respond to his request. Now, seeing his younger brother step forward and continuously set his eyes on the person he was interested in, he was infuriated. Although he was domineering on normal days, he respected his superiors. He understood that while the Emperor could pamper him, he would never allow him to be presumptuous in his presence. Thus, his face was filled with indignation, but he didn't utter a word.
Seeing his straightforward reply, the Emperor revealed a smile, "So, Zhongjin, do you also wish for him to be your study companion?"
Qin Zhongjin didn't conceal his desire, "Yes, Father."
The Emperor turned his head and looked at the clean and innocent-looking child below. He asked in the most amiable manner, "Who does the little boy from the Mu family want to be the study companion for amongst my two sons?"
This question immediately changed the expressions of Mu Cai's parents. At the same time, the birth mothers of the two Princes on the seating area also grew tense.
No one knew what the Emperor's intentions were, throwing such a question to such a small child. The Prime Minister sighed inwardly, the saying 'Attending to the Emperor is similar to encountering a tiger' seemed fitting. How could such a small child understand the complexity of the situation? A single misstep may create an enemy out of his entire family. Though it's said "childish talk is uncensored", the two concubines would not think so, they would only believe the child's words are a reflection of his parents' upbringing.
On the ground, the little Mu Cai struggled to raise his head to look at the regal Emperor. His chubby baby face puckered up like a bun, seeming to have pondered for quite a while before he finally said innocently, "Emperor Uncle, both brothers are older than Mu Cai. Can Mu Cai not start studying so early? Learning to read is very hard."
As he spoke, his little red mouth puckered up slightly.
As soon as these words came out, the tension that had unconsciously built up in the entire venue vanished, replaced by warm smiles.
The child's words were cute and soft, as if he were acting spoilt in front of an affectionate elder, revealing a desire to play rather than study.
What a perfect response that cleverly sidestepped the query. However, the innocence painted on this clean-faced child was on full display. His coquetry was executed so well it was hard to discern if it was a fluke, or if this little Mu Cai was simply born intelligent.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor burst into laughter, his guffaw filled with delight, "If only my son were as adorable as Mu Cai!"
Mu Cai's father and mother finally breathed a sigh of relief quietly.
After finishing his laugh, the Emperor turned to the two Princes and said, "Now that the young boy from the Mu family doesn't want to study, what do you two think should be done?"
Being young, Qin Zhongjin immediately showed regret on his face, but he nevertheless bowed and said, "If younger brother Mu Cai doesn't wish to, then let it be. It appears I don't have this good fortune."
Even after speaking, his gaze still didn't leave the little child.
Mu's parents felt embarrassed upon hearing this. Mu's father quickly responded, "Prince Qin is being too serious. It is my son who is not fortunate enough."
Qin Zhongyi, on the other hand, was not pleased. He tried to tempt Mu Cai, "What is there to be afraid of reading! Come and study with me. I will get you good food and even horse milk from the Hu people. Come and play with me!"
While saying this, Qin Zhongyi attempted to reach for Mu Cai.
Mu Cai twisted his little body slightly, showing some reluctance, but was still grasped by the other person.
Seeing this scene, the Emperor finally spoke, "Enough, stop it now."
Qin Zhongyi had to stop his actions.
Looking at Mu Cai affectionately, the Emperor said, "Little Cai, although you are indeed still young, uncle Emperor would very much like to see more of you. After this spring banquet, you'll come to the Imperial Academy, read and play with your elder brother Zhongjin, so that uncle Emperor can see you, alright?"
The Emperor was usually stern and severe in his speech. This was the first time he spoke in a gentle tone, intended to negotiate, and unexpectedly, it was with such a young child.
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhongyi was immediately unsatisfied, he boldly said, "Father Emperor, it was I who first asked you. Why can't Father Emperor let Mu Cai be my reading companion?!"
The Emperor's gaze swept over, "Little Cai doesn't want to do it, yet you insist on forcing him. How would you properly take care of such a small child?"
Qin Zhongyi didn't speak anymore, but there was a look of discontent on his face, clearly unconvinced.
The Emperor, however, ignored him and continued to kindly look at Mu Cai: "What do you think of uncle Emperor's proposal, Little Cai? If you don't want to, you can definitely speak up. It's just that uncle really wants to see more of you."
Little Mu Cai pouted and thought for a while, then finally said, "Alright, since uncle Emperor wants to see Mu Cai, Mu Cai can read some books. But if Mu Cai doesn't read well, uncle Emperor can't blame Mu Cai." As he spoke, he couldn't help but cover his mouth with his little hand and yawned slightly, clearly showing that he had not slept enough from waking up early.
The Emperor laughed, "Okay." To this, he looked at the somewhat nervous parents of Mu, "The Mu's residence is a bit far from the Imperial City, not convenient for little Cai to go to school. Henceforth, the Mu family shall move to the vacant mansion on DingZhong Street"
Mu’s father inhaled deeply, accepting this overwhelming Imperial grace.
The matter was settled. The older child, Qin Zhongjin, came down from the stage and walked up to little Mu Cai.
He reached out to hold the other’s squishy little hand and announced in a clear voice, "Cai Cai, would you like to play with brother?"
Mu Cai was a bit resentful, "But I want to eat lotus root cakes."
Hearing this, Qin Zhongjin paused.
Mu Cai continued, "I haven't had enough to eat."
Without a moment’s hesitation, Qin Zhongjin picked up the little treasure, took a plate of lotus root cakes from a palace maid, sat on a chair, and began feeding him one by one. Tiny Mu Cai behaved well, nestled against him, eating the lotus root cakes he had been craving.
Meanwhile, Qin Zhongjin, who was immersed in the virtual scene, couldn't help but smirk as his lips traced with bloodstains.
Frustrated, Qin Zhongyi waved his hand, and the scene in front of him immediately sped up.
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Author's note:
Qin Zhongyi: What a misstep! I had intended to drive a wedge between them, but in the end, it seemed like I got a mouthful of bittersweet dog food instead!
Originally, I had planned to finish writing about the past in this chapter, but as I wrote, I found little Cai too cute and couldn't help but write a bit more qwq. The previous life's plot should be fully explained in the next chapter qwq.
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Thanks for the update
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