Read Novel Full Chapter 24.1
Chapter 24.1
Unexpectedly witnessing this scene, Li Shu raised an eyebrow. Li Xinuo and Qi Mingxuan were… together? They usually have little interaction. Was this the so-called force of the plot?
Sensing the host’s confusion, 1314 turned its round body and replied, [Host, currently there is no romantic sentiment between the male and female protagonists.]
[You know what I’m thinking?] Li Shu narrowed his eyes dangerously, not continuing to inquire about the protagonists.
[No… impossible,] ‘Who dares to pry into the boss’s mind?’
1314 shrank its body and explained anxiously,[While we can sense the thoughts of our hosts, we cannot spy on an existence like the host unless the host himself is willing to let us know.]
In fact, when selecting hosts, systems preferred hosts with less mental strength in order to have a mutually beneficial partnership. A powerful demon like Li Shu would never be in the system’s consideration, binding him was a complete mistake.
Knowing that the system wouldn’t dare to deceive him, Li Shu skipped that topic: [If the male and female protagonists are together, shouldn’t the plot point get triggered?] If so, why wasn’t there a prompt?
Seeing Li Shu drop the previous topic, 1314 sighed in relief. It was afraid the host would linger on that issue. Checking the task progress, it found something strange: [The system is not showing that the third plot point has been activated.]
Not activated? Could it be that this time, the conditions for activation are not the protagonists being together? Li Shu couldn’t figure out the reason, and the two people in front of him had already separated, walking towards him one after the other.
Qi Mingxuan looked at Li Shu with deep eyes, and remained silent. Li Xinuo suppressed various emotions and pretended to be surprised, “Big brother, why are you here?”
Everyone knew that the issue of settling refugees outside the city was entrusted to Prince Qin, Qi Mingxuan. Li Shu’s role in this matter was unknown to anyone. Even the court officials were unaware of the details, let alone Li Xinuo.
Moreover, in her impression, Li Shu had not been involved in handling refugee issues from start to finish. In her memory, her elder brother was cold and power-hungry, someone who wouldn’t do something seemingly unprofitable like appeasing refugees.
“I heard that His Highness Prince Qin managed everything here efficiently, and the city is full of praise. I was curious about how Prince Qin did it.” Li Shu slightly shifted his gaze to Qi Mingxuan’s direction, and showed a faint smile. “Seeing it today, the external praises are not unfounded.”
Hearing this, Qi Mingxuan pursed his lips, his eyes deepening. He seemed to want to say something but ultimately, just gave Li Shu a meaningful look.
Only he knew how much credit the young man had in arranging refugee matters. It was the young man who promptly brought physicians, provided medical examinations, isolated those showing signs of disease, and collaborated tirelessly with the physicians day and night to find a solution. Otherwise, it would be impossible not to have a single refugee die from infection so far.
The young man played a much smaller role in this, but…it happened that the young man’s actions were deliberately hidden by that person. He was obviously a soft-hearted person, but because of that person’s selfishness, he could only act like a cold and ruthless person.
Looking at the young man’s faint smile, Qi Mingxuan felt a sense of irony. Wouldn’t the young man feel unfair about his unfair treatment? How would he view him, who took credit for his achievements?
He knew the young man might not care about this matter, but he couldn’t help but feel that it was unjust on behalf of the young man.
“Why is Xinuo here?” Completely unaware that his smile had led to the male protagonist’s imagination running wild, Li Shu looked at the female protagonist gently.
Under the gentle gaze, Li Xinuo’s mood was complicated. Regardless of what Li Shu did later, just considering his treatment toward her, he was a qualified brother. But that incident… why did such a thing happen later? Why did a good family fall apart and never recover?
After calming down, Li Xinuo tried her best to answer in a tone suitable for her age, “I heard many refugees came from outside the city, and I felt uncomfortable, so I came to see if there was anything I could do for them.”
Pouting unhappily, she glanced at the man beside her, and said in a slightly complaining tone, “But I ran into His Highness Prince Qin here, and he told me not to cause trouble.”
“A girl like you indeed shouldn’t wander around. Do Father and your mother know you came here? What about your maidservant?” Li Shu’s tone was slightly stern, disapproving. This place was different from others, and Li Xinuo, a delicate young girl, shouldn’t be alone here.
Hearing the reproach in Li Shu’s tone, Li Xinuo lowered her head in frustration. “I didn’t tell Father and Mother. I left my maidservant in the city.”
“Do you know how dangerous it is to act like this?” Li Shu glanced at Li Xinuo disapprovingly, then turned to Qi Mingxuan. “We’ve caused trouble for His Highness. I’ll take my sister away now.”
Hearing this, Li Xinuo hesitated for a moment. She hadn’t found the person she was looking for yet. She opened her mouth, but in the end, said nothing. With her big brother and Prince Qin here, her original purpose coming here was impossible to achieve.
“Wait, did Master Li come here on horseback? It might not be convenient to take your younger sister with you. Coincidentally, I’m preparing to return to the city. Let’s go together.” Qi Mingxuan said this with some ulterior motives. He wanted to spend more time with the young man.
Hearing this, Li Shu was momentarily stunned. But thinking of the female protagonist standing next to the male protagonist, he understood. “In that case, thank you, Your Highness.”
Li Xinuo was a girl after all, so Qi Mingxuan naturally couldn’t ride in the same carriage as the Li siblings. Instead, he rode alone outside. Initially, Li Shu also wanted to ride outside, but Qi Mingxuan refused, saying he had poor health.
The carriage’s soundproofing was not great. Li Xinuo tried to speak several times but was interrupted by Li Shu’s eyes. She knew it was not the right time to talk. However, ever since Li Shu moved out, his relationship with the Li family had become increasingly distant, just like her experiences in her previous life. This made her somewhat anxious.
Who could have expected that the huge Li family would be destroyed by it’s heir’s own hands? She still remembered that rainy night when she grabbed the cold hand of the young man, and asked why. She only received a cold glance from the pale young man, as if from the depths of an icy abyss. After that night, her home was gone, her family was gone, and everything was gone.
She really wanted to ask the young man sitting in front of her what had happened and why he did this.
“Inform your mother when you go back and don’t let her worry about you. If you want to go outside the city in the future, remember to bring a few more people.”
The sudden words interrupted Li Xinuo’s recollection. She quickly lowered her head, afraid that Li Shu would see her emotional state. “I understand, big brother. Today is a day of rest. Are you… going back to the mansion?”
Now it was Li Shu’s turn to be stunned. Since moving out of the mansion, he hadn’t returned to that place. He didn’t expect his sister to suddenly make such a request. Perhaps knowing he would refuse, Li Xinuo didn’t give him a chance to speak. She leaned in and coaxes, “Big brother, take a trip back. Everyone at home misses you. The flowers in the yard where you used to live have bloomed. Don’t you want to go back and see?”
“In a little while. I’ll go back in a little while.” It happened that he wanted to resolve the original owner’s matters in one go.
Satisfied with the answer she got, Li Xinuo was content. Although this trip outside the city had some unexpected events, it also brought unexpected joy. If she could use this opportunity to resolve the conflicts between her big brother and the family and prevent the tragic events from unfolding in the future, that would be even better.
After dropping off Li Xinuo at the Left Prime Minister’s mansion, Qi Mingxuan turned to escort Li Shu back.
“I will inform the world about this matter.” After Li Xinuo left, Qi Mingxuan boarded the carriage. He sat beside Li Shu and stated with a serious tone.
“Hmm?” Li Shu turned his head in confusion. “What matter?”
“The matter of settling the refugees. Clearly, you’ve done most of the work, but now, all the credit is given to me.” This was solid public sentiment, which was extremely advantageous for his future actions. However, Qi Mingxuan didn’t want to claim the young man’s achievements in vain.
Realizing it was about this matter, Li Shu shook his head with a light smile. “Your Highness, there’s no need to worry. I don’t mind. Besides, I believe you need these credits more than I do.”
This was the first time Li Shu had spoken such words in front of Qi Mingxuan, and he blurted out the question in shock, “You know?”
After saying this, Qi Mingxuan laughed first. The young man was smart, it was not surprising that he could guess this.
The suppressed laughter echoed in the carriage. After Qi Mingxuan laughed for a while, he looked at Li Shu without blinking, his eyes shining like bright stars in the night sky.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Li Shu shifted uncomfortably, feeling that Qi Mingxuan’s gaze was too intense.
Qi Mingxuan reached out to cover Li Shu’s eyes to prevent the young man from being frightened by him. He was just too happy. What could be more exciting than having someone he liked understand him and silently help him?
“You are the only one who knows me well.”
‘So it was about this matter.’ Li Shu chuckled. Of course he knew what Qi Mingxuan was planning. First, it was because the system provided the world’s plot, and second, Qi Mingxuan never concealed his intentions in front of him. After all, he had lived for so long, how could he not see through Qi Mingxuan’s obvious intentions.
“It’s because Your Highness didn’t hide it from me. I might not have understood Your Highness’s thoughts if you insisted on concealing them.”
“In that case, does Zi Shu think that I should fight for that position?” When saying this, Qi Mingxuan unconsciously sat up straight, his expression solemn. His gaze fell squarely on the young man’s face, wondering if the young man, like others, believed he was unworthy of that position due to his maternal family’s connection to foreign forces.
‘What… did he think?’
‘Why did the male protagonist ask such a question?’ Li Shu was momentarily stunned. When he came to his senses, he found Qi Mingxuan looking at him without blinking, his eyes carrying an imperceptible confusion. Oh yes, when the Mu family was framed and the whole family annihilated, it was only because the male protagonist was still young that he managed to survive.
Although he survived, the crimes of the maternal family were deeply imprinted in Qi Mingxuan’s bones. If the Mu family’s matters were not resolved, Qi Mingxuan would be unqualified for that position. He couldn’t even reveal a hint of his thoughts. After telling too many lies, he might have started to believe them himself.
In the original plot, the male protagonist forcibly seized the throne and, after ascending, ruthlessly suppressed any opposition, acting tyrannical and paranoid. Perhaps it was because the male protagonist agreed with those people’s views, thinking he didn’t deserve to occupy that position?
This kind of thinking wouldn’t do.
“Why does Your Highness ask such a question? Throughout history, capable individuals have always held such positions. Your Highness is just like other princes, children of the Emperor. Currently, the Emperor has not chosen a crown prince. If Your Highness has the intention for that position, you can naturally fight for it.” Li Shu raised his eyes and looked at Qi Mingxuan. The two locked eyes, and neither looked away.
Li Shu’s gaze was calm, and his dismissive words sounded as if he were saying, “The weather is nice today.” It seemed like a casual remark, but it was as impactful as a thunderbolt in Qi Mingxuan’s ears. He was so shocked he even forgot to react and stared blankly at the person in front of him.
Just like when they first met, those clear and charming eyes seemed to remove everything and reserved a place for only him, immersing people in them, making them reluctant to leave.
“Zi Shu, do you think this prince can fulfill his wish?” As if enchanted, Qi Mingxuan slowly voiced his thoughts.
“Your Highness, there’s no need to belittle yourself. What you desire, you will achieve.” Li Shu’s voice was pleasant, like a slowly flowing spring, trickling into the depths of Qi Mingxuan’s heart. He thought that Qi Mingxuan’s wish referred to ascending to the throne, but he didn’t know that Qi Mingxuan had another thing in mind.
“Then I’ll borrow Zi Shu’s auspicious words.” Qi Mingxuan secretly took a deep breath, resisting the impulse to hug the young man into his arms. It wasn’t the right time yet. Wait a little longer…
Qi Mingxuan didn’t know when he started having such thoughts about the young man. Perhaps it began from the first time they met, but by the time he realized it, this feeling had unknowingly penetrated into his bones. If forcefully removed, it would cause excruciating pain, leaving an irreparable scar that would ache when touched.
From the moment he became aware of its existence, Qi Mingxuan had never intended to abandon this feeling.
Now, after knowing the young man’s thoughts, he was even more unwilling to give up. It was not like he had never walked the road that was filled with obstacles, and he didn’t mind taking one more.
However, before confessing his feelings, the obstacles that could become hindrances for the two of them to be together had to be resolved one by one. For example, his two brothers fighting fiercely for the crown prince position, and the lofty emperor…
Before, he wanted that position to prevent being manipulated in the future. Now, Qi Mingxuan looked at the young man sitting not far away, and a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes. After the words the young man had just said to him, he now really wanted to claim that position.
The world believed that Prince Qin, Qi Mingxuan, despite having the emperor’s favor, was not a candidate for the crown prince position. The rebellion of the Mu family years ago resulted in severe punishment for everyone involved. The Mu family faced complete annihilation, and even infants in their cradles didn’t escape. Before that incident, the Mu family enjoyed glory. The legitimate daughter of General Mu became the honored concubine in the palace and her son, the seventh prince, was almost crowned as the crown prince.
After that incident, the Mu family plummeted from grace. His maternal family was annihilated, and his mother committed suicide. The young Qi Mingxuan had to struggle for survival in the palace. After facing numerous life-threatening situations, with the help of the remnants of the Mu family, Qi Mingxuan escaped to the border. Starting as an ordinary soldier, he gradually worked his way up, trading his life for the life he had now. Although he was summoned back to the capital, everyone assumed that Qi Mingxuan had no chance at that position.
Despite the current emperor’s favorable attitude towards him, once he showed an intention to fight for that position, his calm life would undoubtedly undergo a drastic change.
So, he obediently positioned himself as a courtier, not fighting or grabbing, seemingly devoid of desires. But was he really as indifferent as he appeared?
No, he had to get that position. He had to fight for that position for the sake of the heroic souls who could not sleep in peace, for the Mu family members who died unjustly, and for himself.
All his actions were carried out discreetly and such thoughts were never revealed. Only in front of the young man did he not deliberately conceal them.
The young man had always behaved normally before, so he thought the young man hadn’t noticed his little thoughts. But now, he realized the young man was aware all along and silently kept the secret.
Li Shu would never have imagined that a simple sentence led Qi Mingxuan to think so much. Seeing Qi Mingxuan laughing and covering his eyes, Li Shu quietly shifted away.
He felt that the male protagonist was not acting normal now.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for Qi Mingxuan to return to normal and discuss the matter of the refugees with Li Shu.
With the plan provided by the system, the resettlement of the refugees proceeded smoothly. No one caused trouble, and the feared epidemic didn’t occur. Everything progressed in a positive direction. Those who were hoping Qi Mingxuan would fail in this matter could only watch in frustration as his reputation improved.
The refugees who had traveled from afar to the capital only represented a small portion of those affected. Many more people suffered in places unseen by them. This incident sounded an alarm to the emperor, who began investigating local officials.
The things that were discovered were shocking, and what troubled him even more was that his two good sons were more or less involved in this matter. The deeper the investigation, the more was exposed.
“We can’t let this matter get investigated deeper. Are those people taken care of?” The eldest prince, Qi Mingyue, paced anxiously in the room. He never expected that the emperor would investigate so thoroughly.
“Your Highness, rest assured. Those who need to be dealt with have been dealt with. This matter will not implicate Your Highness.” Handing a cup of tea to Qi Mingyue, He Song spoke in a soothing tone. “Your Highness, don’t worry.”
“I always feel at ease when you do things.” Qi Mingyue took a sip of tea. He knew He Song’s methods; if he said those people were dealt with, they must be unable to utter a single word. However, a lingering unease persisted in his heart. Could things really go as smoothly as he thought?
Late into the night, An Yu silently appeared in Qi Mingxuan’s study.
“Master, the leads have been cut off.”
In the dim light, the man in dark robes sat at the desk with a straight posture. His eyes were lowered, and the long, curved lashes cast shadows, concealing his emotions.
After a while, An Yu heard a simple “mmm.”
Qi Mingxuan was not surprised by this result. Putting down the pen in his hand, he stood up. “Don’t bother with those people. The plan continues.”
He had planned for so long, and since he couldn’t make temporarily make a move on the main course, he might as well collect some interest first.
The matter became increasingly significant. The emperor dismissed many officials from various regions and promoted a new batch, most of whom hailed from humble backgrounds.
At ordinary times, such actions by the emperor would face strong opposition. However, in the current crisis, everyone was wary, and no one dared to use this matter to provoke the emperor’s displeasure. They could only watch the emperor purge inside and outside the court.
As an official personally appointed by the emperor, Li Shu’s official duties became busier. In addition, he also encountered some minor troubles.
Ever since rumors spread about his close relationship with Prince Qin, some people took it as a signal to try and win him over, and they frequently sent people to approach him.
Li Shu hadn’t been in the court for long, but he held considerable influence. He was a favorite of the emperor and had the Left Prime Minister backing him. In addition, he was also a successful candidate from the imperial examination. If they could win him over, it would undoubtedly’ add significant support.
The two princes fiercely competing for the crown prince position had long wanted to win Li Shu over, but he had always been indifferent. But now, with the example of Prince Qin before them, they felt that convincing Li Shu might not be as difficult as they imagined.
“This Li Shu, if we can’t use him, we must ruin him.”
Almost simultaneously, these words echoed in the study rooms of the eldest and fourth princes. These longtime rivals surprisingly had the same thought at the same moment. Even if Li Shu couldn’t be used for their benefit, he must not be allowed to serve the other.