Applaud for Happiness - Chapter 36

 

Chapter 36

Note: Hi everyone! I've just finished reading the first 35 translated chapters of this story and thought it would be such a shame to not continue this. If the original translator still wants to work on this story, I'd be happy to stop. For now, enjoy!

Among the fourteen warlords, except for Commander Wang of the Xiang Army, who had just inherited his father's position and had not brought his young son, the other thirteen families were all present. The oldest was eighteen years old and already designated as the successor, with the title of Young Marshal. The youngest was eight years old, the youngest son of Commander Hu of the Jin Army, Hu Hongye, who came with his two elder brothers, Hu Hongwu and Hu Hongwen.

Shen Qi had a good impression of this chubby and naïve-looking child. He waved at the kid and said, "Come here."

Hu Hongye grinned and was about to stand up.

Hu Hongwu glanced over at Hu Hongwen to give him a cue and Hu Hongwen promptly blocked Hu Hongye with his arm: "Our little brother is young and ignorant, father spoils him, making him a bit domineering. It's best not to go forward, so as not to offend Young Master Qi."

Shen Qi's face immediately darkened. The young masters who were whispering around also were silenced. Hu Hongwen's face turned pale, and he looked at Hu Hongwu, but the latter ignored him.

"Come." Shen Qi repeated.

Even though it was cold, Hu Hongwen's forehead was covered in cold sweat. He withdrew his hand and after mumbling a few words with his lips, he remained silent.

Hu Hongye, seemingly oblivious to it, dragged his plump body towards Shen Qi, saluted him with a naïve demeanor, and said, "Greetings, Young Master Qi."

Shen Qi laughed, erasing the intimidating air, to the immense relief of the others present. Those unaware of the situation glared at Hu's elder brothers. After all, Young Master Qi was showing preferential treatment to their younger brother. What a good thing! Did they need to behave as if Young Master Qi was a cannibal?

Those who knew the inside story were amused. Hu Hongye was Commander Hu's dearly beloved son. Commander Hu's first wife had been unable to bear children due to an early illness, leading her to lead a secluded life of prayer and meditation. The family's operations had always been managed by the mother of Hu Hongwu and Hu Hongwen, the third concubine. However, following the arrival of a dearly loved new wife, the third concubine, much like the other concubines, had been indirectly ousted from her position. If it weren't for her two sons, she would have likely been sent away by now.

Being the son of the beloved wife and the youngest in the family, Hu Hongye had always been pampered and favored, and Commander Hu always brought him wherever he went. Sadly, the child seemed somewhat slow-witted when he grew up. This forced Commander Hu to turn to his other sons, leading to Hu Hongwu and Hu Hongwen's emergence.

Despite appearing genuinely affectionate towards their little brother on normal days, even more than their father, the elder brothers unexpectedly revealed their anxieties in the face of Young Master Qi. But then again, they would probably feel the same if their competitor sibling received favor from Young Master Qi.

Shen Qi noted the demeanor of the young men. Apart from the calmness of those few already designated as successors, the others were somewhat rattled. They would certainly need further mentoring and tempering to be deemed suitable for greater responsibilities.

He smiled warmly at Hu Hongye, "What's your name?"

In the election for the president, Shen's father had won with nine votes to five. Among the five negative votes was Commander Hu's, but among the nine positive votes, not all were genuinely supportive. There were many with different intentions, for instance, the father of his treacherous son, Commander Zhao.

When President Hua first revolted, it was the Shen family that supplied the funds and Commander Zhao who rallied his band of brothers, but President Hua only formed a sworn alliance with President Shen. Following this, he had consistently promoted President Shen and even granted him his position as president. Before leaving, he ensured that Shen was supported by his loyal band of brothers.

Among these brothers, six were military leaders. During President Hua's time, he was the leader and everyone respected him. After his departure, each family had their plans and strategies. President Shen managed to get re-elected this time around, thanks to Shen Qi and the president's great efforts in managing these factions.

By comparison, Commander Zhao seemed to be a bit naive, expressing his thoughts without reserve and displaying any dissatisfaction on his face. Yet, he wasn't truly foolish. Recognizing the broad trend, he warmly attached himself to President Shen, presenting a complete picture of the situation of his offspring in front of him and Shen Qi. He asked him to pay special attention to his son, which Shen gladly complied with, and showed particular attention to Zhao Huaichao.

Fortunately, this intention aligned with what Shen Qi had in mind.

Hu Hongye, blankly staring at Shen Qi, said, "My name is Hu Hongye. Everyone calls me Ah Ye..." He paused, seeming a bit shy before adding, "You're really pretty."

Shen Qi laughed with delight, pulling Hu closer, pinching his chubby cheeks, and teased him. "Then why don't you come home with me? How does that sound?"

"Okay! Okay!" Hu Hongye nodded innocently.

Shen Qi was amused, shifting to make room for Hu to cuddle closer as they sat down on a bench. He displayed an affectionate gesture, seemingly fond of Hu.

The Hu brothers had recovered by this time, wearing smiles mixed with appropriate worry on their faces as if concerned that their little brother might upset Young Master Qi.

"Fake!" Zhao Huaisen muttered quietly and rolled his eyes. "Stop pretending; we all know the truth!"

He then glared at Zhao Huaiyu, "Don't waste any more time and figure out what to do. In a few days, once our youngest brother really enrolls in the military academy and clings to Young Master Qi, I'd like to see where you'll run to cry! Don't forget, you've taken advantage of him since we were kids!"

Zhao Huaiyu turned pale. "That... that was all you told me to do..." He gathered his courage to look directly at Zhao Huaisen. "Third brother talked to me and said he doesn't blame me. He even helped me get a doctor when I fell into the water that day... He said he knows you were the one who ordered me to do those things and that he wouldn't blame me. Once he joins the military academy, he will help me---"

He suddenly stopped, realizing he'd said too much, and looked afraid.

Zhao Huaisen was furious. He glanced at the joyful Zhao Huaichao, lowered his voice, and gritted his teeth. "Fine, if you two want to unite, go ahead. You think he'll really help you? He's just deceiving you. Once he stays in the capital and you go home, let's see how he helps you!"

With an air of brotherly fealty, he grabbed Zhao Huaiyu's arm and tightened his grip, showing malice in his eyes.

Zhao Huaiyu appeared frightened, not knowing what to do. "But, but..."

Zhao Huaisen proudly stated, "Just listen to me..."

Zhao Huaiyu lowered his head as Zhao Huaisen whispered his malicious ideas in his ear. His eyes filled with even deeper malice - barely perceptible, he curled the slightest smirk on his lips.

Shen Qi casually glanced in their direction, smirking. He knew from the look of it that the mischievous wolf cubs were up to no good again.

He kept his facial expressions neutral, but he couldn't help frowning internally.

He had high expectations for Zhao Huaiyu, but he had forgotten that the boy is still just a fourteen-year-old. His worldview and focus in life had been confined within the Zhao family's small world. This wouldn't do.

It seemed he had to adjust his plans.

As all the young lords from military families arrived, those from the capital who had a good relationship with Shen Qi came in, punctual to the point. They were all dressed in western attire, their hair neatly combed and glossy, and each bringing a female companion as if they were attending a ball.

Among those who had the best relationship with Shen Qi were the youngest son of the current Minister of Education, Chen Ding, and the grandson of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yang Jiadong, and the maternal grandson of the president of the University of Jing, Cun Xuemin and others. They all share a common trait - they don't undertake official duties or lead. However, they knew their limits and boundaries, and they weren't unruly.

Shen Qi found it amusing to watch them all maintaining amiable expressions as if they were walking down a red carpet. Accompanied by their female partners, whom all were staggeringly beautiful, Shen Qi couldn't help but wonder where they found such lovely companions.

When Chen Ding approached him, he winked at Shen Qi, straying from his usual brusque attitude. He respectfully greeted Shen Qi, "We're here to take advantage of your hospitality."

The ones behind Chen Ding, including Yang Jiadong, also showed respect, making Shen Qi feel like a crown prince being exalted, which intimidated the young lords present.

Feeling helpless with these fox friends and dog companions of his, he had asked them to find ways to probe these youngsters, not expecting them to pull a stunt like this on him.

He went along with it and said nonchalantly, "I suppose you all don't know each other yet. Why don't you introduce yourselves?"

Chen Ding introduced himself in a very friendly manner and also took the opportunity to introduce the woman by his side – a beautiful and fashionable lady. She giggled and greeted everyone, captivating the attention of quite a few young men who couldn't take their eyes off her for a while.

Shen Qi gave Shen An a look, and Shen An proceeded to remove each of these people from the list of potential matches.

As the son of a military leader, it wasn't possible that he had never seen women before. The mere sight of his father's concubines should have been enough, yet they were still staring at these women so intensely, which was rather...

Not to mention Shen Qi, even the brothers of these young men couldn't help but look away, embarrassed.

Chen Ding and Cun Xuemin secretly gave each other high fives behind everyone's back. Their efforts in preparing all this were not in vain, as these ladies were handpicked by them as the most beautiful socialites in the whole capital city.

After everyone had introduced themselves, Shen Qi specifically mentioned Zhao Huaichao: "Zhao's family has a young prodigy, despite his young age, he has already started taking college courses, much more advanced than any of you."

Chen Ding said with a grin, "Can't help it, reading gives me a headache."

Cun Xuemin shook hands with Zhao Huaichao with a warm smile, "Great, my dad loves those who are good at learning. What major are you studying? What part are you at…" He enthusiastically started questioning him.

Zhao Huaichao was a bit dazed and soon was stripped of all his defenses by Cun Xuemin.

Yang Jiadong glanced at Hu Hongye, who was sitting on a chair eating sweets with Shen Qi. "Hu's family?"

"Mhmm," Shen Qi pinched Hu Hongye's chubby arm. "He said he wants to go home with me, isn't that right, Xiaobao?" In a short period, he'd managed to get quite a bit of information out of Hu Hongye, such as the fact that Commander Hu called him "little treasure". (Note: Xiaobao = little treasure)

Hu Hongye confirmed intently, "Yes!"

Yang Jiadong gave an understanding nod, exactly what he understood, only he and Shen Qi knew.

Next, with the social maestro Chen Ding present, the party quickly heated up. He led everyone on a garden tour, and they all departed from the pavilion in a grand procession. Except for Shen Qi and Hu Hongye, Shen Qi lifted Hu Hongye so he could stand by the edge of the pavilion, looking down on everyone else.

Cun Xuemin warmly accompanied Zhao Huaichao on his side; it seemed like they got along very well.

Trailing behind was Zhao Huaisen, looking bitterly at Zhao Huaichao who was mingling effortlessly with the young masters. Seizing the opportunity when no one was paying attention, he kicked Zhao Huaiyu, who almost stumbled.

"What use are you? Even if you talk nicely, you're not as good as an eight-year-old baby!" He glanced at Hu Hongye, who was standing with the seventh young master above him. "That fool from the Hu family is really lucky!"

"I'm telling you, if you can't make Zhao Huaichao stumble today, you'll have a good time when you go back!"

The person spoke quickly and without a second thought, hurriedly followed the group.

Zhao Huaiyu also saw the beaming Zhao Huaichao ahead. He glanced back at Hu Hongye, who was being embraced by Shen Qi in the pavilion, and his fists clenched tightly.

How unfair life could be.

Born under the same circumstances, why was it that Zhao Huaichao could earn father's favor, while he had to hide his talents, like a dog, at the beck and call of Zhao Huaisen?

At the tender age of eight, he was kneeling in front of Zhao Huaisen, imitating a dog's bark for the mere opportunity to learn and to get his first full meal. Meanwhile, the fool from the Hu family was treated like a cherished jewel.

At the same age of eight, he knelt in front of Zhao Huaisen and imitated the barking of a dog in exchange for the opportunity to study, and then had a full meal for the first time, but the fool of the Hu family was raised as a treasure.

A faint tinge of blood-red flashed across his eyes, while resentment brewed in his heart.

Why?!

Why should Zhao Huaichao receive special treatment?!

Why can even a fool from the Hu family be treated well?!

He looked up at the pavilion again, where Shen Qi, the epitome of nobility and grace, was feeding a small cookie to the silly fool, unfazed by the saliva staining his fingers.

A certain memory surfaced abruptly.

He had confirmed that on that night, only Shen Qi had visited the eastern tower. Zhao Huaisen also mentioned that it was him who asked Shen Qi to summon the doctor.

For no apparent reason, he knew the individual in his dream was him.

Despite the confusion and lack of understanding, he made all sorts of guesses and preparations in his heart.

Yet, Shen Qi never reappeared, as if it had all been just a dream.

Upon seeing him again, he thought he would get answers. But there were none. Nothing. He didn't even spare him an extra glance.

A strange sensation began to creep into his heart, growing increasingly stronger, reminiscent of when he had secretly watched his father carry Zhao Huaisen past their door.

It was jealousy.

Followed by... envy.

And a hint of resentment.

Why was it that even after taking care of him, it felt like nothing had happened?

He was smarter and more capable than Zhao Huaichao, so why would he only look at Zhao Huaichao and not at him?

A feeling of resentment surged from within him for no apparent reason.

Realizing he was even capable of such emotions startled him; he immediately wanted to avert his gaze.

But the man in the pavilion was looking his way. Unexpectedly, he stretched out a hand and gestured him over with a hooking motion. He mouthed a word.

He couldn’t hear it, but he understood what the lip movement meant.

He said, "Come."

________________________

Author's Note: 

Just to clarify, Zhao Huaichao is not a scapegoat. Shen Qi had no such intention. His actions were deliberate. One is to train his 'little wolf pup', and the other is for the sake of the future.

Shen Qi: I’m a man with great ambitions.

Also, Zhao Huaiyu is the villain — a true villain, not a fake one. He is genuinely cunning, cruel, and twisted. Of course, he's only fourteen now, so it's not terribly severe yet. There's still room and time for change. Due to his young age, his understanding and perspectives may have limitations. Give him time to grow.

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter