It’s Exciting to Snatch the Supporting Male Lead and Run Away [Quick Wear] - 38

 

IETSTSMLARA | The Richest Merchant In The World | 38

Very few people would praise him so directly for his looks, but it did bring a pleasant feeling.

Unfortunately, just because he was feeling pleased didn't mean he would compromise. Shen Tang looked at him and said, "Thank you for the praise, Brother Lin. I don't recall our encounter at the moment. So let's wait and see."

He is proud and confident, like a summer sun shining amidst the spring scenery.

As the carriage drove away, Lu Guo emerged from the cabin. "Look, you let him slip away."

"It's my fault," Lin Su said, looking out at the ripples of the lake. "He's a man of great pride. I should give him a fair duel."

Lu Guo looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"It means if I don't make him acknowledge defeat, he won't bow down," Lin Su said, turning back into the cabin. People are different, so naturally, they require different approaches.

【Do you have any other concerns?】 System 06 felt confident that Shen Tang wouldn't act impulsively, especially when the other person's feelings weren't clear.

【There's no need to rush this matter,】 Lin Su didn't elaborate but smiled. 【You seem to understand me well now; it seems finding a compatible system isn't far off.】

【Host, I am celibate,】System 06 stated solemnly.

Although love might seem sweet, and exchanging data might be enjoyable, encountering a system with emotional intelligence as high as Shen Tang's would definitely not be easy to handle. Being celibate is better.

Lin Su didn't expose its thoughts. 【I didn't expect you to be so career-oriented.】

---

In the midst of the new shops springing up in the capital like mushrooms after rain, the triennial imperial examination was approaching.

This timing had a significant impact, with candidates from all over the country gathering in the capital. In the original timeline, this was the period when Shen Tang was aggressively expanding his wealth and enhancing Yun Hui's reputation. 

However, with Lin Su's presence, the number of shops surpassed those of Shen's, and the fame of Master Yan Gui spread even more widely among the candidates.

Shen Tang was so consumed with competing against Lin Su that he felt like he might faint at any moment.

With the imperial examination approaching, he had something to tell Xiao Huang. When Xiao Huang and Yun Hui met up with Shen Tang, Yun Hui approached Shen Tang with concern when he saw his state. "Brother Jingzhen, you should rest well. There's always different ways to earn money."

"I can't lose!" Shen Tang, leaning on the table, abandoned all pretense. "I refuse to believe I can't beat him. I can only wish you success in the examination, Zi Yu."

As he finished speaking, he fell asleep.

Yun Hui gently adjusted him and then discussed the upcoming imperial examination. "We must be vigilant this time. I've heard rumors of questions being leaked."

Indeed, there had been cases of cheating in the imperial examination in the past, although in his previous life, it was done by others, and he was falsely accused and met a tragic end because of it. 

This time, besides dealing with the treachery within his own family, he also intended to use Xiao Huang's help to root out the corrupt officials in the court, partly for revenge and partly for the good of the country.

"...If we can uncover this, it will help rid the court of some corrupt officials," Xiao Huang discussed with him.

Once their discussion was over, Yun Hui departed. Xiao Huang patted Shen Tang, who was still lying on the table, and said, "Wake up, he's gone."

Shen Tang lifted his head from the table, his face marked with red imprints. He rubbed his face casually and said, "Zi Yu seems to favor you."

"Why have you been avoiding him lately?" Xiao Huang asked.

"If he becomes the top scholar in the imperial examination, he'll be a true noble, while someone like me, with a merchant background, won't be suitable," Shen Tang mocked himself. With his own abilities barely able to protect himself, let alone others, how could he protect Zi Yu?

 "If you have feelings for him, treat him well. Don't scheme against him or let him suffer."

Xiao Huang's eyes darkened. "That goes without saying. You don't need to worry."

Shen Tang felt a hollow feeling in his heart upon hearing this, but he also felt relieved. He shouldn’t have to try so hard to please others in the future, only to be rejected and disappointed. 

Besides his parents, there would be no one else interfering in his life.

"In that case, I can rest easy," Shen Tang said, his gaze already becoming unfocused as he propped up his cheeks.

Xiao Huang furrowed his brows and tapped the table, causing Shen Tang to snap back to thoughts. "What's going on with the Shen family? I heard you got into a conflict with the owner of Cloud Visitor?"

Shen Tang slapped his forehead abruptly, trying to clear his mind. "Yes, we did. Shen Family's restaurant lost, but things like rice and grains are things that can be controlled by him. So I've cut off his supply. It's going to be hard to cook without rice even for a clever wife."

His words sounded simple, but seeing Shen Tang's exhausted state, Xiao Huang couldn't possibly put his mind at ease. "Why did it turn out like this?"

"He refused to cooperate, so Shen Family had no choice but to fight back," Shen Tang waved his hand dismissively.

Xiao Huang looked at his profile and asked, "Why did I hear that he sought a marriage proposal from you and got rejected, leading to this?"

Shen Tang suddenly looked at Xiao Huang, his pupils contracting for a moment. The people who went to the lakeside with him that day were all his trusted confidants. If Lin Su wanted to spread the news, it would surely be known throughout the city, yet the matter didn't leak out, yet Xiao Huang knew about it.

He also had his own people among Shen Tang's confidants.

"The members of the Shen family can only marry one main wife," Shen Tang glanced sideways, sounding somewhat lazy, "Being forced into marriage is not something a real man should resign himself to. Besides, I might not necessarily lose."

"Exchanging a main wife position for the peace of the Shen family or even the entire city is a small price to pay," Xiao Huang said with a serious face. "But bringing him back doesn't mean you have to harmonize with him. Jingzhen, you were not such a willful person before."

Shen Tang's hand under his sleeve suddenly tightened. Having been friends with Xiao Huang for many years, he knew that he would weigh the pros and cons. Useless things would eventually be discarded by him. 

He used to think that such things would never happen to him, but he didn't expect the coldness of the royal family to seem inherent.

This person was indeed the child of the late emperor, with no difference in temperament from the late emperor.

"Ah, for the greater cause, I'll stop when it's appropriate," Shen Tang smiled. "Don't worry, the Shen family won't fail under my leadership. If we're really on the verge of losing, I can always marry him then."

Xiao Huang's expression softened slightly, patting his shoulder. "Jingzhen, your words were a bit harsh just now, but you need to know, we're on the same boat now. It's not wise to be too outspoken at this moment. Keeping quiet will ensure the safety of you, me, and the Shen family."

"I understand your words," Shen Tang replied earnestly. He sighed and stretched lazily. "It's getting late, I'll go back first. We'll have to rely on you for this imperial examination."

Xiao Huang watched him leave, only speaking once his figure disappeared. "Do you think Shen Tang will obediently follow orders?"

"The Shen family is the richest, but also the most feared by His Majesty, second only to the prince," a figure emerged behind Xiao Huang.

Xiao Huang's lips curled slightly. "Indeed, keep a close eye on Jingzhen's affairs. If this succeeds, we can pull out some fishy characters."

"Yes," the person retreated.

Shen Tang appeared normal as he left the prince's mansion. It wasn't until he got into the carriage and closed the door that he covered his mouth and nose, feeling a slight nausea.

Although he wasn't overly sentimental or loyal, he wouldn't easily play with others' emotions. As for the musicians in the brothel, they all knew that he only liked to listen to music. 

His family was wealthy, his parents harmonious, and his relationship with Xiao Huang was close enough to treat him like a brother. 

Although there were occasional disagreements, it didn't affect their bond. But today, those words had touched a nerve with him.

It’s not that he can’t compromise, but he detests being used as a tool, like a pawn. The years of friendship and loyalty now seem like mere facade, like his value was being weighed against pros and cons.

"Master, several new rice shops have opened in the capital, each one being sold for half a penny less compared to the Shen family's rice shop," the shopkeeper reported.

Shen Tang had just arrived home when he heard this news, he felt his vision darken. He pinched the bridge of his nose and asked as he got off the carriage, "Come with me, tell me what happened."

The situation was straightforward. Initially, the Shen family had cut off the rice supply from Cloud Visitor and prohibited other rice shops from supplying as well. However, Cloud Visitor seemed to have storage in advance and directly opened several rice shops, all of which offered top-quality rice.

"If this rice was transported from Jiangnan, it would take at least a month, how did he manage this?" Shen Tang asked, puzzled.

"It's strange. He bought a large piece of barren land dozens of miles outside the city and actually grew rice there. It's unheard of!" one shopkeeper said. "Master, what should we do now?"

Shen Tang had a splitting headache. He stood up, leaning on the table, but suddenly felt dizzy and lost consciousness. The last thing he saw was the astonished cries of others.

He lost.

Lost completely and openly.

In the darkness, he didn't know how long he had been sinking in the darkness. When his consciousness returned, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth, as if he had been fed bitter medicine.

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the lamp hanging above the bed. The second thing he saw almost made him jump out of bed, but was gently pressed back by a hand that reached out.

Sitting by his bedside was none other than the man who had just defeated him, with an extremely despicable face.

"Why are you here?" Shen Tang lay on the bed, his hand found the dagger under the pillow. If this guy dared to do anything to him, he would stab him to death. "Seeing me lying weakly in bed like this, you must be very pleased."

"Yes, the Shen family will soon be mine, and so will you. I can do whatever I want with you," Lin Su tickled the tip of his nose and behaved in an affectionate manner, but the speed was too fast for Shen. Tang didn't have time to pull out the dagger.

"You're dreaming," Shen Tang sneered at his words. "Though I may have temporarily lost, it doesn't mean I'll keep losing."

"If you want to keep losing, I can help you with that," replied Lin Su. His words might sound arrogant from others, but from him, they seemed perfectly natural.

Shen Tang's hand, this time, didn't hesitate to draw the dagger, but Lin Su swiftly seized the sheath, examining it meaningfully. "You can't stab with the sheath," he remarked.

"It was a mistake," Shen Tang insisted stubbornly. 

Even though he had lost, Lin Su hadn't resorted to trickery or underhanded tactics. Shen Tang had to admit his defeat.

"Thank you for the mistake," Lin Su graciously accepted the dagger and set it aside. "The heavens wouldn't want to witness you murdering your spouse."

Shen Tang couldn't find a way to retaliate. Even if he wanted to tease Lin Su back, he lacked the mental and physical energy. "How did you get in here?" he finally asked.

"Auntie let me in," Lin Su stroked his cheek gently. "Don't worry, it's perfectly legitimate, not considered an affair."

“You…um…” before Shen Tang could respond, his pupils dilated as he felt a soft touch on his lips, but being held up behind his head brought him closer.

He was kissing him. When he realized this, Shen Tang could only hear the roar of his heart throbbing in his ears. Although his hands and feet were weak, it was still easy to push him away.

But this unprecedented feeling was so novel and wonderful that he unconsciously wrapped his arms around Lin Su's neck.

The sound of breaking porcelain was heard, and when Shen Tang turned around to look, he happened to meet his mother's surprised gaze.

"Mother!" Shen Tang found himself flustered for the first time.

"Ah, don't get up!" Madam Shen tried to approach but ended up covering her mouth, turning her surprise into a smile. "So, this is the one you mentioned before? Alright, I'll brew some medicine for you. Rest well."

Having seen Lin Su's appearance before, she had only thought of him as her child's friend with remarkable looks, comparable to her own son. Now, seeing him again, she was even more pleased. 

Finally, there was some reliability in her son's life.

As Madam Shen left, Shen Tang's breathing became erratic. He glanced at Lin Su and quickly withdrew his arm.

Although Lin Su had initiated the previous incident, Shen Tang hadn't resisted and had even responded. He couldn't blame anyone but himself.

"Did you mention me to Auntie earlier?" Lin Su asked with a smile, observing Shen Tang's awkward expression.

Shen Tang awkwardly forced a smile, unable to dispel the ambiguous atmosphere. "No, I was talking about Zi Yu. My mother misunderstood."

"You like Yun Hui and yet you kissed me. What do you like about him?" Lin Su pulled down Shen Tang's hand covering his face and asked, "Jingzhen, what do you like about him?"

"What difference does it make even if you know?" Shen Tang found himself in a passive position whenever he faced Lin Su. "Can you learn something from this?"

"Why should I be like others?" Lin Su wasn't angry about Shen Tang liking Yun Hui, as that was before his arrival, but it was still in the past. 

He needed to help Shen Tang move past that chapter. "Forget it, if you don't want to talk about it..."

"He is kind-hearted by nature, maintaining integrity even in adversity," Shen Tang spoke calmly, his heart showing no signs of the intense palpitations from before, which was quite baffling. "He excels in poetry and literature, and if he becomes the top scholar this time, he would be respected by scholars across the country..."

Lin Su leaned on the edge of the bed, carefully observing him. He realized he might have been mistaken. 

While the wealthy Shen Tang had a fondness for Yun Hui, it was far from reaching a profound level.

In the original timeline, their passionate collision of emotions occurred after Yun Hui entered the court as an official. 

Lin Su had originally thought there was some progress before that, so this was indeed an unexpected pleasure. If possible, he wished his lover's heart and eyes were filled with only him.

As Shen Tang went on elaborating, somewhat tedious and seemingly endless, it wasn't that he enjoyed endlessly praising someone else's virtues, but rather, despite mentioning so many positives, his heart remained as calm as ever.

He thought he liked Yun Hui, but was it really this kind of liking he imagined?

"After hearing you talk so much, are you thirsty? Have some water," Lin Su kindly poured him a glass of warm water.

Shen Tang's words were cut off as he drank, stealing glances at Lin Su. "You don't seem to mind?"

Wasn't it said that if one truly loved someone, you will become what the world calls jealous?

"If you have feelings for him, have you ever considered treating him as I did just now?" Lin Su countered with a question.

Shen Tang couldn't help but imagine the scene and felt Yun Hui might just wield his grandfather's sword. 

He still remembered vividly how Yun Hui personally administered punishment to his father when he was expelled from the family. Each strike on his unjust father felt satisfying, but if it were directed at himself...

Shen Tang shuddered involuntarily. "Don't speak of such indecency, and don't speak nonsense. How can you still have your scholarly integrity if you act like this?"

"A merchant values profit, what need is there for scholarly integrity?" Lin Su mocked lightly.

Shen Tang had felt the same way, but in the past, whenever he was with Xiao Zhang and Yun Hui, he couldn't help but feel out of place. 

His hobbies, such as listening to music in brothels, were looked down upon by many scholars, and his preference for gold and silver over calligraphy and painting made him seem vulgar.

Now, when someone told him, "Why should I be like others? What need is there for scholarly integrity?" 

Shen Tang surprisingly felt a sense of resonance, much like when he found a kindred spirit while listening to music that day.

However, this didn't change the ruthless tactics employed by this jerk during their business rivalry, just to force him into an engagement, or even belittle his recent flirtatious behavior.

In this world, only Shen Tang could flirt with others. How could he allow himself to be flirted with?

"No matter what you say, I will never marry you," Shen Tang casually wiped his mouth and smiled. "It's impossible to coerce me into submission."

"Despite being astute in business, you're quite naive," Lin Su patted his head and stood up. 

"Remember when you said 'A good bird chooses a tree to roost'? Shen Tang, was the tree you chose really the right one?"

At the moment, Xiao Huang might seem like a better emperor than the current one, but he was also lacking in compassion. 

He was quite adept at eliminating his enemies like rabbits and dogs, though such actions were commonplace among many emperors, from Lin Su's current perspective and status, he didn't like such a monarch.

Shen Tang’s sore spot was mentioned and was about to retort when he heard Lin Su's words . "What do you mean?"

"Nothing much," Lin Su turned around, facing away from him. "We've been fighting for so long, and I've seen your determination to not marry me. I won't bother you anymore, nor target the Shen family. But if you ever need help in the future, you can find me. Goodbye."

His words were decisive, but Shen Tang felt somewhat uneasy. "You..."

"I'll also explain to Auntie clearly, you don't need to worry," Lin Su smiled.

Shen Tang: "How are you going to explain that?"

That was a kiss. Although his mother-in-law was a bit older, she wasn't at the point of having poor eyesight.

"I’ll just say I'm actually a rogue, taking advantage of you when you were not paying attention," Lin Su said, rubbing his chin.　

Although this was also true, Shen Tang felt inexplicably aggrieved for him.

Did he wake up with a damaged brain?!

But just now, he wasn't completely unwilling either.

Shen Tang's thoughts were tangled. Never before had he felt so troubled. He was keenly aware that if Lin Su left today, it meant that this person really intended to let go.

It should be a relief to have one less person chasing him relentlessly, and without the pressure of those business battles, he should be happy. 

But all he felt was reluctance.

Reluctance my foot! Was he a masochist?

He's not, it's just that this person used tricks to whet his appetite, and used a dominant approach to break into his heart, made him feel unique, and now that he wanted to withdraw completely, so he couldn't help but feel attached.

Shen Tang understood such means because he had witnessed some rich young masters using such means on respectable girls, just for momentary pleasure, gaining their true feelings, and then either abandoning them or taking them as concubines. 

In the end, both outcomes were the same - manipulating people's hearts.

He knew it well, and had scoffed at it before, but only when he truly stepped into this situation did he realize that such infatuation was not easily controllable.

【Host, are you really going to give up?】 System 06 inquired.

【Yes, if Xiao Huang can't ascend to the throne, the Shen family will always be safe.】 Lin Su answered as he stepped out of the door.

Competing with the Shen family was just to make Shen Tang see the ruthlessness of Xiao Huang. The subsequent choice to stay or leave depended entirely on Shen Tang himself. It could also be considered repaying the kindness of the initial handout. 

As long as he continued to grow, even if the Shen family fell, Shen Tang could be protected and live without worries.

Although he was attracted to that person's appearance, he didn't want to force him. Shen Tang had his own persistence, so he could only let him follow his own path.

It was no different from the previous world, where he had come alone.

After Shen Tang finally sorted out his thoughts, he looked up only to find that the man had disappeared.

A moment of panic surged in his heart. Shen Tang told himself to stay calm. Even if he didn't see him today, he could still regain control. But when he got out of bed, he didn't even bother to put on his shoes, and even resorted to lightness techniques. 

When he saw the man's back in the corridor, there was an inexplicable feeling of wetness in his eyes.

"Don't go!" Shen Tang hugged the person from behind, resting his forehead on his shoulder. His tightened arms even trembled slightly. "Don't leave!"

He lost.

He liked Yun Hui, but he would never be reluctant to see him leave. He just felt like he was being excluded, so he kept fighting, not knowing what he was fighting for.

But he was afraid of Lin Su leaving. This person had given him too many surprises. After months of struggle, his mind was filled with thoughts of this person. He made him rack his brains, toss and turn... it was difficult to let go.

If his brain really was damaged, then so be it.

Lin Su's eyes darkened slightly. He tried to pull his hand away, but Shen Tang held onto him even tighter. "Are you really giving up?"

Shen Tang had never been so nervous as he was now, so nervous that he didn't dare to breathe.

"No, I'm considering whether to show some restraint," Lin Su looked down, "and you're not wearing shoes. The doctor said you fainted from overworking. Do you want to get sick again?"

"A martial artist isn't so fragile," Shen Tang refused to let go. He had been taught by his master since childhood, and it was only after several consecutive days of sleeplessness that he reluctantly saw a doctor. What harm was there in standing barefoot on the ground?

"But I think you should let go," Lin Su looked ahead. Before Shen Tang could feel any disappointment, he continued, "Otherwise, the medicine that Auntie will bring later will get cold. You don't want your mother to suffer, do you?"

Shen Tang looked up and met his mother's reproachful gaze, feeling at a loss. This time, he was the one hugging Lin Su from behind, looking quite reluctant to let go. It seemed impossible to explain this clearly.

But wait, why should he explain it clearly?

It would be to his advantage if things remained unclear.

Shen Tang released one hand, while the other hand rested on Lin Su's shoulder, trying to create a feeling of dependence. "Mom, you came without even saying anything."

"Mom didn't know you would come chasing after someone without wearing shoes," Madam Shen chuckled. She felt more relieved than angry. Her son had grown up. 

Although she didn't know what had caused him to be angry, he knew how to soothe his wife.

Truly his father's son.

System 06 was puzzled: 【Host, will you accept it?】

【Yes, I'm a fickle person.】 Lin Su changed his mind quickly.

He didn't like to use force, but he also didn't like wasting his time. Many people missed out due to a small step. According to the current sentiment of the little peacock, there was no need for wasting time.

But System 06 felt like the Host had planned this from the beginning.

【Yes, but it seems like they think you're the one below.】 System 06 remarked.

Lin Su didn't care about this at all: 【What they think doesn't matter. It's what I think that counts.】

Lin Su took the opportunity to embrace Shen Tang's waist and effortlessly lifted him up, heading towards the room.

Shen Tang was dazed, and Madam Shen covered her mouth with one hand while holding a tray with the other.

This daughter-in-law seemed to be stronger.

It wasn't until Shen Tang was placed on the bed that he somewhat regained his senses. As he watched Lin Su bow his head to wipe his feet with a handkerchief made him feel like something was off.

Although he hadn't experienced it personally, he knew that there was a distinction of top and bottom between two men. But Lin Su didn't seem like the submissive type. Would he be willing to take the lower position for him?

As Shen Tang recoiled his feet, Madam Shen had already entered the room. Seeing Lin Su's actions and the frequent eye signals directed at her unruly son, Madam Shen could only lament that he was still so clueless and had to intervene herself.

"Don't mind him, Mr. Lin," Madam Shen placed the bowl of medicine at Shen Tang's bedside and advised Lin Su, "This child has been spoiled by me, but his temperament is actually very good. He only goes to Lefang to listen to music. I heard that you and him bonded over music, and he was reluctant to give away the lamp you gave him. He hung it by his bed and said that it was a token of love."

The tone of promoting her son seemed to be the same for all mothers in the world.

Lin Su nodded with a smile. "I understand that Jingchen is kind-hearted and virtuous, different from what the outside world says."

"Exactly," Madam Shen beamed with joy, finding Lin Su more pleasing.

How could a mother not like hearing praises about her son?

"Those two who are in love should choose a day to settle down.," Mrs. Shen's tone was urgent. 

After all, other people's sons got married when they were teenagers, while her son kept procrastinating, causing her worry.

Lin Su wouldn't modestly say that there's no rush. He just smiled and said, "Auntie can decide, it's fine."

Just as it seemed they were about to set the wedding date, Shen Tang interrupted, "Mom, I need to rest after taking the medicine. You can go back first. He can accompany me."

Madam Shen was first surprised, then realized that her son wanted her to leave so they could be alone. She smiled and covered her mouth, "Alright, alright. I won't disturb you. Rest well. Son-in-law Lin, make sure to stay for dinner tonight."

Madam Shen gracefully left, closing the door behind her and even sending away the servant who was attending to them, leaving only the two of them in the room, sitting in silence, the atmosphere momentarily tense.

"You said you wanted to marry me, right?" Shen Tang tentatively asked.

Lin Su nodded. "Yes."

It's well known that wanting to marry and actually getting married are different. Shen Tang felt relieved hearing this answer. 

He directly reached out, grabbed Lin Su's hand, and placed it near his lips, his lips curving into a gentle smile, affection filling his peach blossom eyes. "By coming back with me, you're promising not to leave, right?"

"Yes," Lin Su nodded, adding, "Just this once."

"You're quite the skilled one, I suppose you've fooled many young ladies before," Shen Tang said, unaware of the hint of sourness in his tone. 

But no matter how many there were before, he was confident he could be his last.

After all, his appearance was definitely top-notch. Even though he lost this round in playing mind games, it didn't mean he would lose every time. Even in defeat, one could still discern his tricks.

Lin Su had indeed deceived two before, but that was in the past. Some things reached their end with the passing of time. Bringing up past matters now would only cause trouble for himself. "There's no one else, only you."

Shen Tang lifted Lin Su's chin with one hand and leaned in closer. "Really? I won't do anything if you tell me. Who doesn't have some past, right?"

He stared intently into Lin Su's eyes, trying to find some clues. He wanted to see who had previously captured this man's interest!

However, Lin Su's gaze showed no signs of nervousness. Instead, it was filled with amusement as he said, "Who doesn't have a past? Jingchen, what's your past? Oh, right, Auntie said you would go to Lefang to listen to music, bond with others over music, and the token of love..."

His tone was meaningful, causing Shen Tang to involuntarily shift his gaze. It landed on the lamp, and his face flushed.

One, because of the mention of the token of love from earlier. Two, because of the previous assertion that the person wasn't Lin Su.

Was this person a professional at messing with him?

If they were to talk about past experiences, Young Master Shen's reputation in the capital was impeccable. No one would believe that he would have remained chaste. "At this point, we both have our faults. Why not just let it go?"

"But I have admired only one person from beginning to end and that person is Jingchen alone," Lin Su looked deeply into his eyes. "How can I be falsely accused so easily? If a woman loses her innocence before marrying into the Shen family, she'll end up in a pig cage."

Shen Tang found himself feeling both repulsed and strangely satisfied. "You're really good with words, but this young master likes it."

He leaned in closer, gave himself a mental pep talk, then kissed Lin Su's lips and attempted to dominate. The anticipated resistance didn't come; instead, he felt excited.

But in practice, it didn't quite match with his thoughts. It felt like the fire in his heart was burning, but he couldn't extinguish it.

In theory, he was in the dominant position. However, after parting their lips, seeing Lin Su's calm face made him feel like he was a child being indulged in mischief.

How did this person manage it before?

"Give me some reaction," Shen Tang intentionally lowered his voice. "I'm not kissing a piece of wood."

His voice was actually quite pleasant, which was why he could attract so many genuine admirers. His methods were also skillful, but in Lin Su's eyes, there was a hint of childishness, a cute eagerness to turn the situation around.

"Alright," Lin Su's voice was hoarse when he spoke, striking Shen Tang's heart directly. Shen Tang unconsciously swallowed some saliva, feeling breathless until they parted again.

But his gaze was tender, filled with affection. His peach blossom eyes overflowed with genuine affection, and the sight of him gasping for air made Shen Tang feel like someone had bullied him.

"You..." Shen Tang began, but Lin Su interrupted smoothly, "Jingchen, you've taken liberties, but you have to take responsibility."

Lin Su got up without any hint of embarrassment, gently wiping away the tears in Shen Tang's eyes. 

"That’s natural," Shen Tang scratched the bedsheet unconsciously, "I'll discuss the marriage proposal with my mother soon."

Though the situation just now felt off, the feeling was incredible. He had never felt such closeness to someone before, and now he understood.

"Where are you going?" Shen Tang asked as he watched Lin Su move.

Lin Su simply got up and pulled the curtains down, darkening the room. 

When it became somewhat dark inside, he pushed Shen Tang down on the bed. Shen Tang, nervous, yet excited, tried to maintain his composure, "Are you suggesting... doing it during the day? Perhaps we should wait until..." night.

"Rest well," Lin Su chuckled lightly, placing his hand over Shen Tang's eyes. "Overexertion harms the body. I went too far this time."

The warmth of Lin Su's hand covering his eyes made Shen Tang grateful that he couldn't see. 

However, it was too warm and too precise, making it difficult for Shen Tang to fall asleep. After enduring for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he said, "Why don't you do something else? I'm feeling very anxious."

His emotions were indeed in turmoil. Whenever he thought about the upcoming marriage, he felt like laughing, but he didn't want Lin Su to notice. He had to suppress it and also worry about other miscellaneous matters, feeling chaotic and headache-inducing.

"How about I play the piano for you?" Lin Su noticed several musical instruments in Shen Tang's room, all of them treasures, and all exquisitely beautiful, perfectly matching Young Master Shen's aesthetic.

But he could see signs of wear, indicating that they weren't used often.

"That sounds wonderful," Shen Tang said, pulling Lin Su's hand down. "If you marry into my Shen family, you'll surely be a virtuous wife."

This time, System 06 didn't need to remind the host. It silently made a note about Shen Peacock's debt.

Lin Su smiled and didn't respond to his words. Instead, he sat at the piano and began to play gently. The soothing melodies filled Shen Tang's ears. 

Unconsciously, he closed his eyes, feeling his mood relaxing, his eyelids growing heavy until he drifted off to sleep.

As the gentle sound of breathing filled the room, Lin Su's fingers stopped on the trembling strings of the piano before he got up and left.

Although Madam Shen had said to stay for dinner, with Shen Tang still resting, Lin Su's departure left a somewhat awkward atmosphere. Madam Shen only made an effort to keep him, then let him go.

Upon returning to Cloud Visitor, Lin Su was informed that a guest was waiting. He immediately went upstairs and, upon seeing the figure drinking under the moonlight on the rooftop, he bowed respectfully. "I apologize for not welcoming you properly, Your Highness. I didn't expect your visit."

The figure under the moon turned around upon hearing the sound, bearing some resemblance to Xiao Huang, the Prince Ning. However, his features were more relaxed, exuding a carefree air of someone who didn't worry about anything.

Prince Xiao Shao, the eleventh son of the late emperor, was born of a low-ranking concubine. 

While other princes were bestowed titles or given official duties upon the new emperor's ascension, he chose to live each day leisurely, playing the zither and enjoying music, resembling more of a carefree hermit. 

However, when he turned his gaze to Lin Su, the indifference turned into eager delight. "The wine here is truly excellent."

"The newly brewed Emerald Orchid in the building has yet to be sold outside. Your Highness is indeed fortunate to taste it," Lin Su replied, taking a seat opposite him and pouring himself a drink, clinking glasses with Xiao Shao. "What brings you here today?"

"There may be some people who are cheating in the imperial examination," Xiao Shao swirled his own glass, "I overheard some rumors at the Le Fang. I'm not sure if they're true or not, but perhaps you could make use of this information?"

"We can," Lin Su affirmed. "If it's true, it's an opportunity for us."

He knew that at this point of the plot, uncovering cheating in the imperial examination wasn't as simple as just intervening. The exam questions had already been leaked, and while the current emperor was disinterested in governance, he was ruthless and wouldn't tolerate manipulation under his nose.

In the original timeline, Xiao Huang utilized the advance knowledge provided by Yun Hui to dismantle many courtiers still loyal to the emperor, including Yun Hui's grandfather, a renowned veteran in the army, who then sided with Xiao Huang in subsequent court struggles.

"What should we do?" Xiao Shao inquired.

"For now, we wait and see," Lin Su advised.

Xiao Shao breathed a sigh of relief. "I really don't understand the complex matters of the court. I'll have to rely on you to keep a close watch."

Lin Su didn't readily agree but instead remarked, "If you aspire to be emperor in the future, you should think about these matters for yourself."

Xiao Shao chuckled sheepishly. "Brother Lin, you're truly wise. I find myself relying on you more and more."

After a few more rounds of drinks, Xiao Shao took his leave and hurriedly departed in an unmarked carriage.

"I don't think this prince is a pushover," Lu Guo remarked, standing beside Lin Su with folded arms.

"If he were a pushover, he wouldn't have survived," Lin Su replied with a smile.

In the inner courts of the palace, survival depended not on holding the highest position but on who could live the longest. 

The true winners were those who survived. Regardless of one's title or status, death awaited everyone.

"But why choose him? Aren't you afraid of being bitten back?" Lu Guo knew that saving a villain might lead to one's own downfall.

"Compared to Xiao Huang, he has more weaknesses," Lin Su explained. He understood that navigating the world of power struggles meant facing challenges at every turn. 

However, even in such a world, one had to consider bloodlines. 

From what he knew, Xiao Shao wasn't bloodthirsty and had a keen sense of self-awareness. 

That's why he managed to live peacefully despite being born from a low-ranking concubine. 

Xiao Shao's weaknesses were numerous, unlike Xiao Huang, who was always cautious and guarded. Even if Xiao Shao ascended to the throne, Lin Su didn't need to be constantly wary of him.

"Wow, you're really aiming for the emperor's throne," Lu Guo exclaimed, feeling like he was dreaming. He had never even seen the emperor before, and now someone dared to think about replacing him. "Oh, by the way, how's that young master from the Shen family? I heard he fainted because of you. Did he try to attack you with a sword when he woke up?"

He had a smug look on his face, but Lin Su wasn't about to let him have his way. "No, that didn't happen. We're actually planning to discuss marriage in a few days. Would you like to attend as a guest?"

Lu Guo: "..."

Had that young master from the Shen family been kicked in the head by a donkey?

How on earth did he manage to woo a wife like this?!!!

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