Chapter 011: Before, I Used the Identity of a Fool as a Shield; Now, the Identity of a Fool Restrains Me

Lin Shouyan was forced to move into the courtyard where Qi Zhen lived.

Just a second before moving in, he was still trying to negotiate. Could the teacher who taught the rules not move in?

Qi Zhen refused expressionlessly, “No.”

Lin Shouyan was so angry, and with his butt hurting and numb, he avoided Qi Zhen for two or three days, refusing to pay attention to him.

As the year-end approached, Qi Zhen was busy, and more and more people were coming in and out of the Eastern Palace. Every time an important person was about to arrive, Xu Fuquan would pull him aside to hide.

Therefore, it was on the third day that Qi Zhen realized the little fool was avoiding him. On his way back to the palace, he bought some pastries from a restaurant and also brought a small wooden eagle.

But as soon as he returned to the palace, he saw the little fool having a great time playing with someone else.

That person was the young master from the Minister’s residence, good-looking, with an impressive demeanor.

The little fool seemed to really like him, bringing out his treasure box and playing happily, even sticking to him.

Qi Zhen’s face darkened, his deep eyes exuding a cold aura.

Zhou Xudong saw him return, stood up with a smile, greeted him, and then said, “Your Highness, I never realized before, your crown princess is quite a little treasure, really amusing.”

Qi Zhen responded with a simple “Hmm.”

He had a good relationship with this young master, so Xu Fuquan didn’t stop him.

Qi Zhen walked up to the little fool, handed him a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and then stuffed the food box into his hands, “Go play.”

Lin Shouyan reluctantly glanced at Zhou Xudong.

What a great affair partner!

If he couldn’t have an affair, taking him out would be nice too!

Zhou Xudong held back his laughter, “I’ll come to see you next time!”

The little fool beamed with joy, hugging the food box and leaving with the nanny.

Zhou Xudong laughed, “Your Highness, he really is adorable.”

Qi Zhen’s face remained expressionless, “Is there something you need?”

Zhou Xudong quickly took out a letter from his pocket, “The matter Your Highness asked me to investigate has some leads. There indeed is such a man involved with the Emperor, and also having an affair with the Fifth Prince.”

Qi Zhen took the letter, scanned through it quickly, and put it away.

Zhou Xudong and Qi Zhen chatted a bit about political affairs.

The conversation eventually circled back to the little fool, and Zhou Xudong asked Qi Zhen if he had taken the little fool out to play. He was familiar with the capital, and if Qi Zhen didn’t have time, he could take Lin Shouyan out.

“Just now, the crown princess said he’s almost suffocating in the Eastern Palace.”

Qi Zhen lowered his eyes slightly, “He was injured recently, not suitable to go out.”

Injured?

What kind of injury?

Zhou Xudong chuckled, clearing his throat, “The crown princess said he’s so pitiful. Even with a broken lip, he still has to warm the bed for Your Highness.”

Qi Zhen’s hand, holding the tea, stiffened but quickly steadied, “Don’t listen to his nonsense.”

“Of course, I don’t believe it, but he’s really too cute! I used to think he was just a pretty face, but now I realize I was short-sighted. I’ve never met someone so interesting!”

Great, the third time now.

Qi Zhen’s eyes darkened a bit.

As Zhou Xudong was leaving, the little fool suddenly appeared, leaning on the door frame, hesitantly asking, “Is brother leaving?”

Zhou Xudong laughed heartily, “I’ll come to see you next time!”

“Okay!”

Zhou Xudong bowed and saluted, “Your Highness, I shall take my leave.”

Qi Zhen responded with a cold “Hmm,” his face like frost.

He turned around.

The little fool ran up with the little eagle, “Crown Prince brother, this little eagle is so fun! Thank you, Crown Prince brother!”

The usual sweet and soft address now felt grating to the ears.

“Is everyone your brother?”

The little fool was taken aback.

Qi Zhen’s face was cold, fierce.

“If you call others brother again, you won’t have the little eagle.”

The little fool quickly covered the little eagle, sensing that his brother’s tone was very serious, probably on the verge of anger, or already angry.

He moved closer, tugging at Qi Zhen’s clothes.

“Crown Prince brother, don’t be angry. Yan Yan won’t call others that anymore…” He looked up, “Yan Yan’s mouth is for you to bite… Yan Yan just ate cake, it’s sweet.”

Qi Zhen’s eyes darkened as he stared at him.

His moist red lips had a bit of cake crumbs, and his clear, innocent eyes reflected his dark face.

“Is this how you apologize to me?”

“Mm… Yan Yan won’t say it hurts, but brother has to be gentle.”

Qi Zhen’s gaze slowly moved down, landing on those soft lips.

He finally realized a problem.

Whether this fool could respond to his feelings was secondary.

Right now, if he didn’t take the initiative, didn’t teach him, this little treasure might be discovered by more people, who would want to hide him just like he did.

Qi Zhen reached out, pinching his chin.

Not understanding love isn’t a problem.

But Lin Shouyan needs to know which things to do with him, which words to say only to him.

He needs to be taught.

Xu Fuquan tactfully retreated, and before leaving, he sighed inwardly.

No wonder he’s a fool!

Such courage!

Just before closing the door, he saw their Crown Prince lift his other hand. The hand that had held a sword, drawn a bow, killed people.

Now it gently and forcefully rested on the back of Lin Shouyan’s head, pressing down for a kiss.

Xu Fuquan thought to himself.

This crown princess is probably going to live up to the name.

–

Qi Zhen’s softened attitude made Lin Shouyan a bit cocky.

“Crown Prince brother, can I not learn the rules?”

Qi Zhen rejected without hesitation.

“Keep dreaming.”

“……”

So, the next day, Lin Shouyan still had to follow the teacher to learn the rules.

Most of the palace rules were almost learned.

Now he had to learn what kind of etiquette to use in different situations. For example, in major events, grand ceremonies were required, like kneeling and bowing. In some daily situations, it would be more casual.

The teacher, with a stern face, finished teaching, paused, and said, “The crown princess and the crown prince are in a marital relationship, and in the presence of outsiders, they must adhere to the etiquette.”

Lin Shouyan nodded numbly.

The system popped up, [You’re not done yet?]

Lin Shouyan was on the verge of tears, “I finally saw a guy with potential, and now he’s gone!”

[Don’t worry. The New Year’s Eve banquet is coming up, you’ll definitely enter the palace.]

Entering the palace means meeting many people.

“……”

“Your Highness,” the teacher said sternly, “don’t get distracted.”

Lin Shouyan snapped back to attention.

“Did you remember what was just taught?”

“Yes.”

Lin Shouyan demonstrated for the teacher.

The teacher nodded, cleared his throat, and his expression became unnatural, “Now, I will teach you the etiquette for when no one is around.”

Lin Shouyan sighed deeply.

Thinking to himself, after this, he must take on several period dramas, can’t waste the etiquette and demeanor he’s learning now!

But as he listened, he felt something was off.

Serving food, saluting, adding clothes, grinding ink for the crown prince, he understood, seemed normal.

Entering the room and giving the crown prince a hug, kissing if conditions allow, what is this?!

Receiving something from the crown prince and thanking him is real, but kissing again, what’s that about?

Lin Shouyan shouted, “System, look at this! They’re treating me like a fool!”

The system poured cold water: [You are a fool right now.]

Lin Shouyan laughed in frustration.

Before, I used the identity of a fool as a shield.

Now, the identity of a fool restrains me.