Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 9

He Lang was troubled by Zhen Puyang’s question, his temples aching slightly. He could only answer, “I have no ulterior motive. Your Highness, just believe that my heart is with you, and I will never betray you.”

He didn’t offer further explanations. This one sentence, delivered with utmost seriousness and determination, acted like a calming elixir or a spell, instantly soothing Zhen Puyang’s heart.

The assurance of no betrayal moved Zhen Puyang. At this point, He Lang asked in return, “All the princes aim for that throne. What about you? What are your pursuits or goals?”

This question clearly troubled Zhen Puyang as well. Upon being asked, his resolute brows furrowed slightly.

However, he soon relaxed, his expression becoming carefree. “What goals could there be? Life is meant to be enjoyable. To live joyfully, singing while drinking, and being carefree—that’s the best, isn’t it?”

He Lang felt a bit melancholic and silently raised his glass.

After a few sips, his mind became slightly foggy, his thoughts slowed down. Two flushes of color crept up from his neck, turning his ears and cheeks slightly red.

After a while, he set down his glass and managed to say, “You are emperor material.” The lingering warmth made his cheeks burn.

Zhen Puyang, still in good spirits, didn’t take his words seriously. He looked into He Lang’s slightly hazy eyes.

“Here we go again. Are you trying to persuade me? Then tell me, what’s so good about being emperor?”

He Lang wasn’t sure about the young prince’s desires. His slightly tipsy mind didn’t think much and casually mentioned, “Ruling over thousands… or indulging in the company of beautiful women?” 

Zhen Puyang responded dismissively, “I can already do that. What’s so special about it?”

He Lang fell silent. His task was clear. Although the prince was unwilling at present, he would eventually make him willing.

Seeing He Lang’s discomfort, Zhen Puyang chuckled lightly. If becoming emperor meant indulging in beautiful women, that wouldn’t be so bad, right?

He gave He Lang a meaningful glance and let out a mischievous laugh.

Finishing his drink, a hint of the alcohol’s fragrance lingering in his eyes, Zhen Puyang thought he might be slightly tipsy himself.

…

The Emperor was willing to pamper Zhen Puyang, but Zhen Puyang’s carefree and unrestrained nature was not suited for confinement. It was clear to anyone that the Emperor had no intention of passing the throne to him.

Currently, the most likely candidate was the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince, having turned eighteen, was married and had children. He was entering a phase of establishing his family and career. With the expansion of his influence, the Emperor had transferred some of his authority to him, making him appear almost like a co-ruler. His power was as solid as the roots of a tree.

Other princes had also reached adulthood and were assigned various responsibilities. While they might not qualify to become emperor, they were at least honing their personal skills. Only Zhen Puyang was carefree, without responsibilities.

The Emperor didn’t neglect him but rather pampered him excessively, making his life too comfortable. There was no need for him to learn statecraft; he would just be given a title of a prince and live a carefree life.

Zhen Puyang was unaware of this, living his unruly life contentedly.

However, this former troublemaker had become more restrained over the past year or two due to He Lang’s influence. Although he remained mischievous, he no longer caused major trouble.

In the palace, it was said that the Ninth Prince had matured. There were no longer rumors of him mistreating palace servants. He was becoming more cultured and articulate, showing a graceful demeanor like a gentleman.

When in a good mood, he would even smile at others, unlike before when he would show a cruel smile after minor punishments or teasing others, which was unsettling.

Though He Lang had heard countless praises and commendations, he still found Zhen Puyang to be the same mischievous, argumentative youth who liked to provoke him.

In the current sultry weather, the room was stifling, so He Lang took him to the shaded area of the back garden to read.

Even though the area was cool and the tea was chilled, Zhen Puyang remained restless. After He Lang began reading from the book, he started to fidget.

“More of these outdated principles? I’m not interested!”

Zhen Puyang, with his nose in the air, threw his sleeves and sat unceremoniously on a soft chair under the tree. Any notion of royal etiquette was cast aside, and he was far from the praised image others saw.

His words carried disdain, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes, like a pond warmed by the sun, sparkling with ripples.

It was hard to imagine the violent Ninth Prince appearing so seemingly sulky and childlike when annoyed, like a previously fierce tiger suddenly softening into a kitten.

He Lang had grown accustomed to Zhen Puyang’s criticisms of his old-fashioned ways. He knew Zhen Puyang didn’t truly mean it, though he wasn’t sure why he said it. Was he trying to provoke him?

He Lang ignored the comments, rolled up the book, and tapped Zhen Puyang’s forehead.

“If Your Highness behaves and doesn’t bully the servants or other princes this month, at the end of the month, I’ll take you out for some fun.”

“Eh—?” Zhen Puyang’s eyes lit up at the mention of going out.

Realizing he had been too enthusiastic, Zhen Puyang shot a glance at the smiling He Lang and quickly composed himself, raising an eyebrow and asking, “How do we go out?”

He indeed yearned for the bustling world outside. No matter how beautiful the palace scenery was, it would eventually become monotonous. Unfortunately, as a prince, he was often constrained by various rules and restrictions.

“I have my own methods,” He Lang said mysteriously, refusing to elaborate, which made him seem somewhat sly.

Tch, what methods could there be? It was probably just a matter of leveraging connections.

Zhen Puyang didn’t push the issue further, thinking that spending time socializing with officials and soldiers was less valuable than spending more time with him. After all, who was more important?

He gave his teacher a slightly displeased look, but He Lang, oblivious to his thoughts, continued to smile with a tolerant gaze.

Whenever the prince threw a tantrum, He Lang would respond this way, knowing that Zhen Puyang would eventually calm down as if striking a punch into a pillow, naturally diffusing his anger.

This mode of interaction made their relationship harmonious and pleasant, perhaps enhanced by the summer flowers blooming perfectly, reflecting the prince’s radiant demeanor.

Not far off, a passing figure paused, observing their subtle and harmonious interaction.

He was young, slightly slender, standing there blankly, watching the gentle look in the eyes of the person in the green robe.

He knew that his elder brother, the Ninth Prince, was usually the most favored but had a notorious temper and was known as a troublemaker.

He thought that someone with such a harsh nature could never truly be loved. Even the palace servants feared him. Such a person must be very unpleasant.

Although he had heard that the Ninth Prince had improved in recent years, he had always remained skeptical.

Even though he enjoyed the Emperor’s favor and was highly esteemed, his arrogant demeanor made it hard to respect him. Who knew what might happen when the other brothers ascended to the throne?

Though he was an insignificant prince compared to others, he did not envy the Ninth Prince’s favor, merely sighing at the unfairness of fate.

Yet now, a feeling of envy arose within him.

It turned out that someone really could make another person’s false arrogance disappear, clearing their confusion and filling them with new hope.

So, who would fill his own void?

He couldn’t help but feel self-pity and, in the end, shook his head and turned away.

—

**Author’s Note:**

Still short chapters. Next up, a scheming boy will appear.