I Faked My Death After Choosing the Wrong Protagonist - Chapter 6

As a central figure in today’s palace banquet, the Crown Prince’s public rejection cast a noticeable dampener on the atmosphere. The second half of the event was considerably quieter, with the air of celebration replaced by a subdued tension.

Those who couldn’t fathom why Young Master Shen had declined the Crown Prince yet failed to annul his engagement to Qi Ye dared only to whisper their confusion or keep their thoughts strictly to themselves.

Huangfu Ying spoke little after the incident. After a few silent cups of wine, he excused himself on the pretext of urgent business. Emperor Huangfu Chicheng, however, remained as hospitable as ever, steering the conversation toward cultivation and state affairs with the remaining noble families.

Shen Qingzhuo listened but did not re-engage, offering only faint, polite responses when the Emperor deliberately threw the conversation his way.

Now that he had confirmed the protagonist’s identity, Shen Qingzhuo was preoccupied with a new problem: how could he legitimately stay by the protagonist’s side without appearing to have an ulterior motive?

He noticed that while there were plenty of empty seats near Qi Yannian, Qi Ye had chosen the most isolated corner on the outskirts of the hall. It confirmed his suspicion that Qi Ye’s relationship with the Qi family was strained at best.

This might be my opening, he thought.

The customs of the Kingdom of Yun were relaxed, prioritizing profound power above all else. While there was a hierarchy of monarch and subject, the nobility and the commoners enjoyed a high degree of freedom. As the banquet reached its midpoint, members of various clans began to take their leave.

Shen Qingzhuo wanted to leave as well, but every time he looked up, the youth remained motionless. Ultimately, he abandoned the idea of an early exit. He needed to make some progress with the protagonist today even a few words would suffice.

“Actually, I didn’t summon you all for anything grand,” Huangfu Chicheng announced, raising his glass with a hearty air. “Beyond celebrating Xiao Zhuo’s return, I simply wanted us to reminisce. We all stand upon the same imperial soil; we should be well-acquainted! My lords, if you have business at home, you may leave at any time. The rest of us shall drink until we are merry!”

With one of the main seats now vacant, Qi Anning was the person closest to Shen Qingzhuo. Suddenly, Anning stood up. “Young Master Shen, could you, could you come outside with me for a moment? I have something I wish to ask you.”

Since the Prince had left, Shen Qingzhuo was the only “eligible” target remaining. After agonizing over it for a long time, Anning finally mustered the courage to ask. The “Book of Fate” said the Young Master would be devoted to him unto death. If the man had rejected the position of Crown Prince Consort, it must be because he couldn’t let Anning go. With a little effort, Anning was sure he could succeed!

Shen Qingzhuo looked up. He had no real impression of this person, but considering Anning was the protagonist’s half-brother, he found it hard to refuse. He gave a slight nod.

“Ah—!”

The moment they stepped outside, Qi Anning let out a sharp cry and collapsed to the ground, his face contorting in pain. He looked up at Shen Qingzhuo with a piteous expression, tears welling in his eyes instantly.

“Young Master Shen, I think I’ve sprained my ankle. Could you, could you help me take a look?”

He spoke with a hesitant stammer, intentionally acting shy and distressed. He looked the picture of a helpless victim.

Shen Qingzhuo’s brow furrowed. He had assumed Anning wanted to talk about the protagonist; he was willing to listen even if it was just gossip.

“I have no medical training,” Shen Qingzhuo replied flatly. “If Second Young Master Qi cannot walk, I shall call for assistance.”

Anning’s theatrical sobbing stopped abruptly. He looked up, startled.

“I… I think my foot is better now! No need to trouble the Young Master. Let us head back quickly!” Fearing that Shen Qingzhuo would actually bring an Imperial Physician over and expose his lie, Anning scrambled to his feet with panicked haste.

Shen Qingzhuo didn’t care to analyze the boy’s motives and simply nodded.

“Oh dear!” Anning cried out again.

“Young Master Shen, I. I must have torn my clothes when I fell.” Anning pointed to a tiny, finger-length slit in the hem of his robe. He moved his hands frantically to cover it, though the damage was so minor it didn’t even expose a hint of skin.

Anning looked at him with teary eyes, clutching the garment he had sabotaged himself. “If I return like this, my reputation and purity will be ruined. Young Master Shen, could you help me? Could you lend me a robe to wear…?”

He held up two fingers as if making a vow. “I promise to wash it and return it to you personally.”

To Anning, Shen Qingzhuo possessed the innate aura of a powerful, mysterious master. While he wanted to get close, he didn’t dare bridge the physical gap and maintained a respectful distance.

Suddenly, a figure stepped into that gap, a dark shadow blocking his view of Shen Qingzhuo.

Anning looked up to see Qi Ye. His piteous expression instantly curdled into annoyance.

Qi Ye wordlessly stripped off his outer black robe and threw it at Anning. “Take it and go.”

Anning gritted his teeth. Who wanted Qi Ye’s clothes? He wanted something the Young Master had worn! Why does Qi Ye always have to ruin everything? Does he think just because the Young Master didn’t dump him publicly that he actually has a chance? He tricked the Young Master out of the Seven-Leaf Kalpa Grass does he honestly think the man could love him? Keep dreaming.

Anning felt he was far superior to Qi Ye. Now that he knew how important the herb was to Shen Qingzhuo, he didn’t even want it that badly anymore. The Young Master would surely prefer someone kind and sensible like himself over someone like Qi Ye.

“Young Master Shen, this…” Anning held the black robe, his powdered face a mask of hesitation.

Shen Qingzhuo’s brow cleared. “There is your clothing. Second Young Master, please put it on and return inside.”

“But, but this ” Anning wanted to refuse and tell the Young Master that Qi Ye was a bad person that the Young Master shouldn’t be fooled by him. But suddenly, a bone-chilling aura radiated from Qi Ye, making it difficult for Anning to breathe. Qi Ye wasn’t even looking at him, but his dark presence was cold and suffocating.

The robe in Anning’s hands suddenly felt like ice.

See? I told you he wasn’t a good person! Anning thought. Although Qi Ye had no cultivation, Anning was only a beginner himself, fueled by expensive pills. If Qi Ye used some “despicable means” to attack him, Anning wouldn’t be able to fight back.

Anning shot an imploring look at Shen Qingzhuo, pointing a trembling finger at Qi Ye. “Young Master Shen, you must stay away from Qi Ye! He isn’t a good person, he just tried to kill me!”

Shen Qingzhuo looked at the black-clad youth being accused and remained noncommittal.

Qi Yannian, worried by Anning’s long absence, came out to find them. Seeing him, Shen Qingzhuo said calmly, “Master Qi has come for you. Second Young Master, please join him.”

Qi Yannian wasn’t just looking for Anning; he was also hoping for a private word with Shen Qingzhuo. Though it was Qi Ye who held the marriage contract, the fact that it hadn’t been annulled meant they were practically in-laws. Surely the Shen family would show him some face.

While he disliked his own son and wasn’t sure what Shen Qingzhuo was thinking, he knew his family had secured a marriage that even the royals couldn’t touch. As for the Crown Prince Qi Yannian looked at his beloved adopted son even if the royals couldn’t get Shen Qingzhuo, the position of Crown Prince Consort was still open. The Qi family still had a chance.

With the backing of both the Shen family and the Huangfu royals, the Qi family’s status would skyrocket. He was clearly the biggest winner today.

Qi Yannian doted on the weeping Anning. After a few brief words with Shen Qingzhuo careful not to overstay his welcome and cause annoyance, he excused himself and led Anning away.

He had intended to take Qi Ye with them, but Qi Ye had always been a loner, regardless of whether he was a genius or a “cripple.” His movements were unpredictable, and he rarely obeyed orders. Since Shen Qingzhuo explicitly stated he had something to discuss with Qi Ye, Qi Yannian could only back off, leading Anning away while secretly praying Qi Ye wouldn’t cause any trouble.

If he can actually win over Shen Qingzhuo, that would be for the best, Qi Yannian thought as they disappeared.

Once they were alone, Shen Qingzhuo turned to the youth and smiled. For a moment, he felt as though he wasn’t looking at a frail boy, but a powerful sovereign who could command the world.

Maybe that’s just the protagonist’s aura, he mused.

The youth’s face had been tense and expressionless, but seeing that smile, he faltered. It was as if a white petal had brushed against his heart, making him momentarily forget his surroundings.

That smile, he gives it to so many people, Qi Ye thought. I’m just one of them. The small spark of hope in his eyes dimmed.

“It seems our fate is quite deep,” Shen Qingzhuo said, his manner natural and noble. In Qi Ye’s eyes, every gesture the man made exuded an untouchable elegance. “Had I known it was you that day, I wouldn’t have tried to take the Seven-Leaf Kalpa Grass from you. But you are far too kind giving away something so important just because I asked.”

Qi Ye stared at him, his gaze frozen. He called me, kind?

Seeing the boy’s strange expression and silence, Shen Qingzhuo asked with concern, “Did you not receive the Seven-Leaf Kalpa Grass?”

“I received it,” the youth replied, his voice still sounding somewhat raw. He reached into his robes, pulled out the box containing the herb, and held it out to Shen Qingzhuo.

“You don’t have to give it back to me.” It took Shen Qingzhuo a moment to realize what the boy was doing, and he nearly laughed. What a sweet, gullible protagonist. No wonder people bully him.

“I sent that specifically for you,” Shen Qingzhuo explained. “I heard this herb can help repair a destroyed spirit root. The process will be very painful, but if you’re willing, I can stay and assist you.”

The youth paused for a long time, lost in thought. Then, he shook his head.

“Return it to you,” Qi Ye insisted.

Shen Qingzhuo hadn’t expected a refusal and was momentarily stumped. According to the System, shouldn’t cultivation be the most important thing to this type of protagonist? Was he, afraid of the pain?

But no matter how painful it was, surely nothing was worse than the agony of having a spirit root destroyed in the first place.

“It shouldn’t be too painful,” Shen Qingzhuo coaxed, his voice gentle and persuasive. “If you’re afraid, I promise I won’t leave your side. I’ll watch over you the whole time.”