Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 20

Faced with Zhen Puyang’s intense gaze and deep bitterness, He Lang was momentarily speechless.

Indeed, he had already investigated everything in detail, but he refrained from telling the prince to avoid provoking him into a tantrum, like a petulant child, rejecting all well-intentioned arrangements and only thinking about his own happiness.

However, he felt it was time for the prince to mature and take on the responsibilities expected of an adult, considering his path to the throne.

Understanding that the prince was more responsive to gentle persuasion than harshness, He Lang softly patted his shoulder, only to be pushed away. Undeterred, he continued to hold his hand until the prince clasped it in return.

“If you’re unhappy, you can treat her like a decorative vase, keeping her in your residence as a maid. Besides, the Emperor has also granted you a title and a residence right across from mine. You can visit me anytime. Don’t you like that?”

Though it sounded like comforting words for a child, Zhen Puyang responded to them, thinking that perhaps the concubine could serve as a good cover and shield. Reluctantly, he nodded.

But later, the thought of marrying another woman made him shiver with discomfort. He stormed into his mother’s quarters, demanding to know how this marriage had come about.

Consort Lin, relieved that he hadn’t caused a scene, calmly explained that she had been considerate of his feelings. Jiang Yuqing had a strong personality and would only accept the position of a primary wife, but she had negotiated for her to be a concubine instead, fearing that Zhen Puyang might not accept her otherwise.

Zhen Puyang tried to argue further, but his mother gave him a disapproving look, dismissing the servants and whispering angrily, “Do you think I don’t know about your shameful behavior? Associating with men like this—have you grown so bold? When you were younger, it was forgivable, and your father was lenient with you. But now, with your father’s illness worsening and your brothers becoming restless, you must be more proactive and strategic. You cannot afford to be complacent. Do you want to see your mother, your uncle, and our family fall from grace?”

Consort Lin’s eyes widened in shock, and her expression twisted with disappointment, leaving Zhen Puyang stunned and speechless.

It turned out that after the last time Zhen Puyang had been summoned by his mother, Consort Lin had sent someone to investigate his connections. She found no trace of a woman but saw him constantly with He Lang.

Had this been for official business, it would have been fine, but their private interactions revealed a different demeanor from Zhen Puyang.

Consort Lin was furious but restrained herself due to her years of experience in the palace. She was relieved to discover her son’s connections with officials, which showed he was growing up and strategically positioning himself among his competitive brothers.

Since this was the case, before his ascension, he must not have any blemishes or give others any chance to undermine their family’s reputation.

It was indeed alarming that a maid who had served her for years turned out to be an informant sent by the Empress years ago. Had Consort Lin not discovered and dealt with her early, such scandals could have been spread, tarnishing their reputation and making them targets of their long-time rivals.

The matter of taking a concubine could cut off rumors and provide considerable help, achieving multiple goals. Consort Lin couldn’t understand why her son was so stubbornly arguing with his birth mother over a man.

Zhen Puyang sat heavily in his chair, overwhelmed with countless thoughts. His mother made it clear that he had no choice.

Regardless of how strong-willed or stubborn one might be, such a predicament left no options but to temper one’s nature and proceed cautiously.

He recalled what He Lang had said to him, “Your Highness, you need to grow up.”

But the pace of this transition was too fast. Just yesterday, he had been nestled in He Lang’s arms, and now, preparations for the wedding had begun, with the formal wedding scheduled by the end of the month.

The joyous occasion, however, was particularly simple. Although it was just a concubine, there was no grand ceremony, and it ended with a modest banquet that lacked the solemnity of a royal wedding.

No one was surprised, knowing that the Ninth Prince would not conform to traditional norms.

Until today, Zhen Puyang had not met Jiang Yuqing. During the banquet, the bride was absent, and he lamented that at least he could enjoy one final pleasant meal.

However, things soon took a turn for the worse.

Officials took turns toasting him. He responded with polite nods and occasional words of thanks. But when He Lang also toasted him at the banquet, he could no longer remain composed.

“Mr. He? Why are you—” He gripped his cup tightly, trembling slightly. He didn’t want He Lang to witness this occasion.

Ignoring his discomfort, He Lang smiled warmly and offered his congratulations, “Congratulations on your marriage, Your Highness.” This was the proper etiquette and formality expected from a minister, and as his teacher, He Lang was obliged to attend.

“Marriage? It’s just a lowly concubine,” Zhen Puyang replied with a touch of sadness, his face expressionless.

He Lang was taken aback. He had hoped that the warmth and affection of a new marriage might please the prince, but he did not expect such aversion.

“Even if she is a concubine, she is still someone close to you. Your Highness should not demean a woman like this.”

Zhen Puyang felt a lump in his throat, unable to speak, and stared silently at He Lang. Wasn’t his closest person always He Lang?

Seeing Zhen Puyang’s unprecedented gloom, He Lang felt something was off, sensing that his plans were slipping away.

Attempting to lighten the mood, he raised his cup and offered one final toast, “I wish you a lifetime of happiness and an early—”

Zhen Puyang’s face darkened severely, interrupting, “Mr. He, please eat.” He then left the officials waiting and dragged He Lang away to eat.

Unfortunately, the meal was tasteless, and Zhen Puyang stopped eating after a few bites, watching He Lang eat slowly and occasionally serving him food.

“Ninth Brother, you really care for people? It looks like you’ll be a caring husband. The Marshal’s daughter is truly fortunate!” The brothers at the table joked.

Zhen Puyang swirled his drink and gave a perfunctory smile.

Soon, a distant shout announced, “The bride’s sedan chair is arriving—don’t miss the auspicious time, Your Highness.”

Zhen Puyang was surrounded to the center of the hall, but when he turned, He Lang’s figure had vanished. His mood dropped to zero, and he pushed away the people who were making a commotion, causing the entire hall to fall silent due to his sudden anger.

He looked around the banquet hall but could not find the figure he was seeking. Feeling dejected and overwhelmed by frustration, he turned away, the sense of despair almost suffocating, making it difficult to breathe.

On the wedding night, Zhen Puyang simply took up the wine jug and fed the bride drink after drink until she was unconscious. By midnight, he changed out of the cumbersome wedding attire and into night clothes.

With servants stationed outside, he used his light skills to leap onto the roof, quickly making his way to He Lang’s quarters.

**Author’s Note:**

Yes, it’s gotten melodramatic, shocking 90% of the capital! On the wedding night, the groom treated the bride like this…