It's Actually Not Easy Wanting to be a Supporting Male Lead

Translated by Eve

Edited by Wuxian

Carrying the scent of wine on his body, Sui Yuan, who was satisfied after eating and drinking his fill, carried away a big heap of good things. Next, he went directly to the palace to flaunt his own glorious achievement to his family's sweetheart. Meanwhile, Xie Ling who was left behind supported his tall, drunk, close friend, Zhang Zhenye. As he watched Sui Yuan mount his steed and stared at his quickly disappearing figure, he felt especially terrible.

Xie Ling was not a stingy fellow. Although it mentally pained him to promise those benefits earlier on, he did not truly take it to heart. It was just that the information he had paid such a big price for seemed rather unreliable no matter how you looked at it, ah?!

To Xie Ling, a person who could make Situ Yu, this illustrious individual, have them constantly on his mind, even if they were not as dazzling as Young Master Xu—pah! Even if they aren't a beauty unmatched within her generation, who was so beautiful she could cause the downfall of a city or state, it would at least be a noble woman belonging to a renowned family. However, 'the Shu daughter of the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet'…what kind of joke was this?!

Not to mention, Xie Ling has never even heard of this Shu daughter named Lin Xiao before. Was this one really worth being constantly thought about by the Fourth Prince, and was he really unable to get her despite wanting her? He, the Fourth Prince, whose Cefei were all women with connections to people of high social classes?

——No matter how he thought about it, it just didn't seem possible, OK?! To get a Shu daughter, one only needed to say a single sentence and the matter would be resolved. There is no need to hesitate at all, OK?!

Xie Ling felt that he had been cheated. However, Xu Tu was so certain when he said this, saying that he had personally seen the Fourth Prince fall in love at first sight with this woman. His description of the scene where he had 'stared unblinkingly' at her was very vivid and realistic, leaving Xie Ling no choice but consider it thoroughly.

…Even if it was for the sake of the good things he had paid with, he absolutely cannot take this information lightly, OK?! Even if he wanted to act like a prodigal son and squander away his family's wealth, he wouldn't do it like this!

Xie Ling's head hurt so much he wanted to die. He had originally thought that Xu Tu and Zhang Zhenye were about the same. Even if they were considered smart and were cautious, they would not supercede his control. Who would have thought that the first time they met, the other would cause him to face such a difficult problem and cheat him out of many good things. Xie Ling couldn't help but wonder if he had looked down upon Xu Tu in the past.

——Or rather, perhaps fortune favours the fools? Was it because Xie Ling had overthought matters that he was made a fool out of the other's feeble-minded remarks?

In short, regardless of how Xie Ling was cursing in silence, after he had escorted Zhang Zhenye back home, he immediately began to tirelessly collect information relevant to this 'Lin Xiao'. Furthermore, he tried to sound out Situ Yu's thoughts about Lin Xiao.

Sui Yuan was certain that Situ Yu had some kind of opinion about Lin Xiao. Although he didn't know why he hadn't made a move at the Flower Appreciation Banquet, Sui Yuan was not at all worried as the men of this era were without morals and would not turn a blind eye to a 'delicacy' that was set before them. Sui Yuan reckoned that perhaps it was because of the ill-timing of his arrival. At the Flower Appreciation Banquet, the protagonist gong had yet to inquire about Lin Xiao's identity before he was angered by Sui Yuan before subsequently fleeing. Furthermore, because he was an upright nobleman, he could not make inquiries about an unmarried woman. Therefore, he settled the matter by leaving it unsettled.

Now, Sui Yuan had directly delivered information about Lin Xiao to Situ Yu's hands via Xie Ling. Naturally, Situ Yu would accept this information with a cheerful smile and make his move. Then, everyone would be happy.

Although Sui Yuan was mistaken about some main points, his guess, however, was still quite accurate. The protagonist gong, indeed, did not have the time to inquire about Lin Xiao because of Sui Yuan. Likewise, because of Sui Yuan's interruption, although Situ Yu had recalled that glimpse of Lin Xiao's beauty before, what remained of his feelings towards this event was not goodwill but the shame of having been caught in the act.

Whenever he thought of Lin Xiao, the very first thing that appeared in his mind was Xu Tu's side profile, donning a smile that was not quite a smile as he sneered at him. Not only did this make Situ Yu anxious but also made his goodwill towards Lin Xiao gradually weakened. In addition, as he hadn't had the chance to inquire about the beauty's identity, he would not inquire about the inner residence of other people. Thus, he was not strongly attached to Lin Xiao nor did he make any superfluous actions.

This dragged on until he 'unexpectedly' saw Lin Xiao's portrait in Xie Ling's hands.

The protagonist shou and gong had an innate gravitational force between them. Even if Sui Yuan were a thick bar that stood between them, Situ Yu was still able to recognize the person within the portrait.

When he heard Situ Yu ask in surprise who the person in the portrait was, Xie Ling's heart went 'badump'. He had only inquired about Lin Xiao because he didn't want the price he paid go to waste. He never thought that Xu Tu unexpectedly hadn’t played him!

Xie Ling's feelings were very complicated at this moment. He really did not know if he should rejoice that the price he paid was worthwhile, and that Xu Tu hadn't been scheming, or if he ought to be worried about his master's worrisome taste.

As a young master stemming from a large, influential family, Xie Ling was handsome, confident, at ease, an outstanding literary talent, cultured and gentle, and was always the perfect husband in the hearts of women. Therefore, he, who has seen all kinds of beautiful women, had a high standard. To be honest, Xie Ling did not think that Lin Xiao's appearance was all that worthy of applause. His personality was also mediocre. He basically did not deserve being the one constantly on Situ Yu's mind. However, truly, it had happened already! It was just a quick glance but Situ Yu recognized this woman. If you were to say that he didn't think about her every day, even Xie Ling would not believe it at all!

#My master's sense of aesthetics urgently needs to be rescued, what to do?! I'm waiting online, hurry!#

"This woman is the daughter of the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Lin Xiao," although he was extremely conflicted inside, Xie Ling still told the truth while observing Situ Yu's expression.

Situ Yu felt that this was rather sudden. Soon after, he quickly came back to himself and looked at Lin Xiao with furrowed eyes, "Why do you have her portrait? Could it be…that you want to marry her?"

"Of course not!" Xie Ling denied flatly at once. He did not fancy Lin Xiao, and that Lin Xiao did not suit a person of his status. Even if it wasn't like this, he would not dare fight over a woman with his master, ah! To want to NTR your boss, it was simply courting death!

Unable to find an appropriate excuse, Xie Ling's eyes slightly rolled, and he decided to 'sacrifice his brothers for the sake of his interests', "You should know that Zhang Xiong and I have recently come into contact with Young Master Xu Tu, right?"

As soon as he heard Xu Tu's name, Situ Yu's heart subconsciously skipped a beat and he muttered an 'en', unflustered.

——He knew, of course he knew! Because of this, he hadn't slept for many nights, ne! When he heard that the three of them drank, ate, chatted and hugged (?), Situ Yu felt envious and hateful. He was worried that his close subordinates would be hooked away too, so he was very tormented inside. However, he was in no position to prevent this.

"It is from Xu Tu that we found out about this woman. Xu Tu obviously minds this person quite a bit. I was rather curious so I did a little investigation," Xie Ling frowned slightly, face earnest and frank. However, this worried Situ Yu half to death, "Could it be possible that Fourth Prince also knows this woman?"

Xi Tu and Lin Xiao? 'The old lover' and the 'new flame'? How did the two of them develop a relationship?! Situ Yu was so exhausted he could love no more! People's brain circuits that were all muddled from love were all rather weird, let alone people who wanted someone but could not attain them. The holes in their brains would horrify people to death in an instant! Situ Yu instantly imagined a love/hate relationship between Xu Tu and Lin Xiao. Before the label of 'new flame' could be successfully ripped off of Lin Xiao, a 'rival in love' tag was directly placed onto him. He was completely attacked for no reason.

Situ Yu knew that Xu Tu's and Lin Xiao's paths practically never crossed. Even if he didn't meet with Xu Tu, he had always paid attention to the other's every movement. He had never heard of him having secret relations with any woman. However, this did not stop a feeling of crisis from welling within Situ Yu. He wanted to immediately break the two people up before anything truly happened.

Xu Tu was always carefree when it comes to his lovelife. Although he restrained himself after being reprimanded by the Emperor, if he really took a fancy to someone, he would quickly bring that person to his rear court! It wasn't like Xu Tu had never forcefully taken a commoner girl before. Moreover, this Shu daughter of the Grand Secretary did not have a high position, nor was she favoured. As long as Xu Tu opened his mouth, she would most likely be packed up and sent to that little overlord in the name of fulfilling her filial duty, ah!

Break them up! He definitely had to break them up! Strike first to gain the upper hand!

Situ Yu could not do anything to Xu Tu but it was easy to take in the Shu daughter of the Grand Secretary. Besides, his heart was moved by her before. Since he was very unlikely to get Xu Tu in this lifetime, he might as well settle for the next best thing and choose this woman. This was the most correct way, ba? It was much better than being unable to have either of them! Rather than sigh while thinking of things that could not be, wasn't it better to properly cherish the person in front of him? After a long time, he should be able to gradually forget those abnormal, throbbing feelings he holds towards Xu Tu, ne?

Xie Ling watched as his master's expression changed erratically and his mood also undulated with it. He still held a very good opinion of Xu Tu and was afraid that after he used Xu Tu as a shield, Situ Yu would get angry that he had ideas about the person he liked and would try to teach Xu Tu a lesson. If things evolved in that direction, it would be inevitable for him to carry this burden and would need to notify Xu Tu of this matter…

While Xie Ling was worried about that candid and lively fellow and was brainstorming for his sake, he suddenly saw the expression in Situ Yu's eyes when the other lifted his head. His gentle and differential expression nearly collapsed right there.

Fortunately, Situ Yu's mind was also a complete mess. He did not notice Xie Ling's momentary loss of self-control, "Xie Ling, do you think it would be feasible for me to go to the Grand Secretary's family to ask for marriage?"

Xie Ling："……………………"

——Xu Tu, I won't curse you for cheating me again. The one who's doing the most cheating is obviously my family's master, ah!

Xie Ling silently re-arranged the expression on his face and smiled, "In all likelihood, Lin daren will be very willing to accept this marriage."

Situ Yu steeled his heart a bit and slowly nodded, "Since it's like this…then we'll do it like that, ba…."

The Fourth Prince Situ Yu proposed to make the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet's Shu daughter his Cefei! Once this news spread around, the entire Capital was in an uproar.

What was the status of the Fourth Prince? What about the status of the Grand Secretary's Shu daughter? This was simply a case of flying onto the branch and turning into a phoenix, ah! Not to mention, this Shu daughter was invisible in the Capital. First of all, her appearance was nothing special. Secondly, she had no talent nor education. What about her made her worthy of the Fourth Prince's favour?! The first reaction of everyone who heard this piece of news was 'this is impossible'. Then after inspecting and verifying this piece of news, their reaction became 'WTF?!'

Grand Secretary Lin, who was personally visited by the Fourth Prince, was dumbstruck. He had never thought that the Shu daughter he had never put in his eyes would unexpectedly have such good luck! Refuse? Of course not! If it wasn't for the Fourth Prince proposing to have a ceremony to induct her into his residence as his Cefei, Grand Secretary Lin would impatiently carry Lin Xiao out of his residence's side door and into that of the Prince's that very day!

The Fourth Prince was always low-profile, as if he held no interest in the Emperor's position. He was a very secure choice for marriage. Even if they were drawn into the battle for succession in the end, she was but a single Shu daughter. The Lin Family was very willing to part with her!

The Fourth Prince and Grand Secretary Lin hit it off. The most troublesome part, however, was the palace. Cefei were not like an ordinary concubine. They required the approval of the palace's Empress and Emperor. The Fourth Prince's Mufei did not like having this kind of low-ranking woman, who would be of no help to her son whatsoever, occupy one of the few Cefei spots. However, before she was able to speak out to prevent it from happening, the Emperor, who was usually completely indifferent towards the Fourth Prince, suddenly stuck his foot in this affair. After hearing the news of this matter, he directly approved this marriage, his work especially efficient and direct.

The Fourth Prince's Mufei："……………………"

The Fourth Prince："……………………"

Xie Ling："……………………"

——Yi, why does it feel like something isn't right? Is it my misconception?

Although everyone felt that the course of events was a bit strange, the Emperor's words were law and there was no way to change things. The Fourth Prince's Mufei silently choked down a mouthful of blood and took the initiative to help the Fourth Prince prepare, making arrangements to accept the new Cefei. Recently, the Emperor's thoughts were increasingly unfathomable. The concubines in the royal harem, whether their position were high or low, were all calm. Not to mention whether or not the Emperor was willing to enter the harem, they would already thank the heavens if their wrongdoings weren't exposed, which would have gotten them punished.

The Emperor allowed the Fourth Prince to have a woman whose status wasn't good enough as his Cefei! Then so be it! And she would be brought in with a happy and solemn manner!

The protagonist shou："……………………"

——Who did I provoke?! Who is the Fourth Prince? I've never seen him before, ah! There was not even a single sign and now I suddenly have to marry him. Save me. QAQ

Things proceeded so smoothly, making the Fourth Prince feel both relieved and depressed. He had thought that Xu Tu held intentions towards Lin Xiao and he would definitely try to ask Emperor Father to not allow this marriage. Furthermore, based on how Emperor Father's doting attitude in which he practically granted anything Xu Tu asked for, so long as Xu Tu spoke, Lin Xiao would not be his. In an instant, she would be granted to Xu Tu's residence.

However, although Situ Yu had thought of many responses, he had never thought that he wouldn't be able to use a single one of them. Emperor Father did not try to stop him. He seemed to be unexpectedly itching to bring him and Lin Xiao together? Emperor Father dealt with a host of problems everyday. He had never bothered with such a trivial matter. Furthermore, Situ Yu was not favoured. Lin Xiao was also unworthy of Emperor Father's interest…something must be amiss. Something must be wrong. Just what is he missing, ne?

Situ Yu completely did not have any of the joy that would come from being able to take soon as his wife the beauty that was constantly on his mind. On the contrary, he tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep for a long time. He carefully combed through the details that he had neglected before, recalling each and every action of Xu Tu and Emperor Father. Suddenly, thunder from a clear sky sounded within his brain.

Situ Yu suddenly sat up straight, his whole body breaking out in a cold sweat, face pale.

He finally clearly grasped onto the possibility that was in line with all the hints—the possibility that he had faintly perceived before but did not dare closely examine because of his fear and disbelief, and thus it ended up being tossedinto the back of his mind.

Why did his Emperor Father, who had used to praise Xu Tu only to put him at a disadvantage, suddenly treat him with sincere doting affection? Why did Emperor Father seem to get increasingly intimate to Xu Tu, order him to enter the palace to accompany him, and even have him stay the night frequently? Why was it that every time he saw Emperor Father and Xu Tu together, the atmosphere between the two people seemed intimate, far more so than what should be between father and son? Why was it that after Emperor ather reprimanded Xu Tu's wives, Xu Tu did not only change his frivolous temper but even changed his frequency of entering his own inner residence? Why was it that when Xu Tu paid attention to Lin Xiao, Emperor Father very quickly bestowed Situ Yu a marriage with Lin Xiao? Was he afraid that the situation could change even if his words were law? Why was it that when he saw Xu Tu and Emperor Father together, he always felt a sense of crisis and always felt that the other had stolen away something that belonged to him?

"This….cannot be…" Situ Yu raised a hand, covering his forehead. His voice was trembling as he denied the possibility but his heart was more and more certain of his conjecture.

——Emperor Father and Xu Tu were having a love affair, the kind between men and women. There was no doubt about this.

Situ Yu laughed bitterly. However, no matter how shocked he was, how panicked he was, he would let this secret rot in his stomach and never tell a soul.

In any case, he was destined to be unable to have Xu Tu. Right now, it was just that he knew that Xu Tu belonged to someone who was an existence he could only wish to be but could never be. It was not very different from how it was before….

——Not very different my, ass, ah! It's simply scary to death and abusive to death, OK?!

Provided that the person in his heart peacefully stayed on his branch and belonged to no one—remained available to everyone to love and adore—even if he was unreconciled, he could patiently bear with it until the day he is able to climb the tree and pick him off of the branch.

Right now, he could only watch on helplessly as the one he likes is picked up by someone else, played with in the hands of someone else, and affectionately looked after by someone else. Meanwhile, Situ Yu would never be able to reach him or touch him. This kind of setback and jealousy was unbearable, no matter who it was, let alone a Prince who had always thought highly of himself.

However, he had to endure. He could only endure. He could not expose even the smallest indication of his feelings. It was cruel, as if he was placed in a scorching, raging inferno but was not allowed to cry out in pain.

Situ Yu clenched his fists and shut his eyes, taking in a deep breath. When his eyes reopened, his gaze had already become calm.

The decision within his heart to ascend and stand at the top became increasingly resolute.

——Only when he truly sat on that seat would he be able to attain all that he wished for, just like how Emperor Father was able to take that person into his embrace without any scruples.

——Perhaps, so long as he ascended the throne, he will be able to fight Emperor Father, tit for tat.

The author has something to say:

…I suddenly saw 18700 plus comments. I am simply both happy and vexed…what the heck is with that 10086 more comments! Have you guys ever seen a 1000+ novel on JJ! This is not Qidian I'll bite you guys, ok! Ok, Ok, for now, I'll write at my own pace. In any case, there are at least two or three worlds before the story ends. At that time…cough, we'll see then. As for the little sisters who say they want their own copies…this silly author is really lazy…truly really lazy. Contacting people to make the books and sell the books and what not, I don't want to do it at all [lies on the floor]. JJ's custom-made function reinstatement still seems far in the indefinite future. Thus…everybody needn't think too much, la, wwww. If I can smoothly finish this novel, then I'll already be very thankful~

Eve: I'd love to see SY's reaction to Situ Yu trying to get him as his wifey after ascending the throne.

Wuxian: ZX.. hehehe.. a resolute competitor has arrived. Watch your back, bub.