The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

The next day, He Dongchen took Shen Weining back to the Shen residence. The Shen family members were pleasantly surprised and quickly opened the main gate to welcome the guests.

The members of the Shen family were simple; Old Master Shen, Father Shen, Mother Shen, the eldest son Shen Weize, and his wife Liu Shi.

The Shen family’s rise to prominence was recent; when Old Master Shen was young, he was still farming in the fields. Later, he had Father Shen, who seemed to be blessed from the start. He passed the imperial examination at a young age, settled in the capital, married an official’s daughter named Wu Shi, and had a son and a daughter.

Now, the eldest son Shen Weize also passed the imperial examination, achieving a double scholar in the family. As the father and son both scholars, their presence commanded respect. Following the trend, the Shen family’s future was boundless.

Old Master Shen was nearing 70, yet he was in robust health. In his leisure time, he still tended to the vegetables in the garden. He spoke with a mixture of simplicity and shrewdness, showing himself to be a very wise elder.

“The Shen family may be humble, but as long as our men pass the imperial examinations and lead peaceful lives, we ask for nothing more than that,” he said.

He Dongchen understood the meaning behind these words and chuckled, “Nowadays, I’m also a leisurely prince. In a few days, I’ll leave the capital and retreat to the temporary palace. Whatever intrigues arise, they will no longer concern me.”

Upon hearing that, the members of the Shen family not only did not feel disappointed but instead breathed a sigh of relief. If Prince Jing were to contend for the throne, they would truly be frightened. Throughout history, fights for the position of heir was no trivial matter; it would jeopardize the lives of the entire family and lineage.

Considering the recent downfall of Marquis Wu’an’s residence; A founding marquisate could be extinguished just like that. If they were implicated, not even a ripple would be stirred in their direction.

Once the matter was discussed, the atmosphere relaxed. The Shen family were all scholars, brimming with talent, not excessively fawning yet not arrogantly aloof either. Their company was very pleasant.

The front courtyard was harmonious, and the atmosphere in the back courtyard was also good. Shen Weining reported only good news and withheld worries. She also kept Qin Momo in check, not disclosing the matter of the first night, as it concerned Prince Jing’s reputation and a man’s dignity. It wouldn’t sound good if it spread.

Upon hearing that her daughter had been granted stewardship, Wu Shi smiled and continued with the usual talk, “May you soon bear children for the prince, with sons and daughters. Only then will you have someone to rely on in the latter half of your life. Women, the most important thing is offspring. Even if mistakes are made, they will be lightly punished for the sake of the children.”

Shen Weining nodded shyly, but in reality, he was deeply worried.

After having lunch at the Shen residence, they returned to the mansion as the sun began to set.

***

On the carriage ride back, Shen Weining watched as the Shen family’s large gate grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared completely around the corner, feeling reluctant to part with it. He finally let down the curtain with a hint of sadness.

Seeing the redness in her eyes, He Dongchen spoke consolingly, “When we return from the temporary palace, we’ll visit your parents.”

Shen Weining, upon hearing that, felt a sense of anticipation in her heart and wasn’t as saddened anymore. Just as she was about to speak, the carriage suddenly jolted twice. She exclaimed and fell directly into He Dongchen’s arms, listening to the strong and steady heartbeat by her ear. Her cheeks flushed red, looking extremely adorable.

He Dongchen chuckled lightly, steadying her. Ahead, the coachman anxiously explained, “Your Highness, an old man suddenly appeared just now and startled the horses.”

“As long as no one is hurt,” He Dongchen replied.

“No harm done, he’s already gone.”

The carriage resumed its slow movement, continuing on its way. Passersby noticed the family crest on the carriage and began whispering to each other. Wasn’t this the carriage of the deposed Crown Prince, Prince Jing’s residence?

After a little inquiry, they realized it was accompanying the side consort back home.

People clicked their tongues in admiration. “Prince Jing seems quite doting.”

“Indeed, who knows what the former Marquis Wu’an’s residence was up to.”

“Who knows, maybe they got used to the good life.”

***

A woman carrying groceries passed by, her expression rich with emotion. She hesitated to speak but ultimately decided against it. Silently, she walked away, weaving through several turns until she reached a secluded mansion, entering through a side gate.

She got busy preparing the meal, carrying the food container into the inner courtyard. Just as she took a few steps in, she heard a commotion inside. A woman’s shrill voice and a man’s impatience mingled with the sound of broken bottles and jars. The woman was accustomed to it, not even blinking an eye. She casually placed the food container on the table and started arranging the dishes.

“Master and Madam, it’s time for the meal.”

At that, Tian Weirong, who had been angrily pulling at He Jingwen’s collar, immediately turned and scolded, “Who’s the Madam? I’m not married yet! I’m the precious daughter of Marquis Wu’an’s residence, the future Crown Princess!”

He Jingwen sneered, pushing her hand away as he tidied his clothes and mocked, “Dreaming in broad daylight! Wasn’t it you who destroyed the Marquis Wu’an’s residence? And as for the position of Crown Princess, well, you didn’t want it in the first place, did you? You came to confide in me about it.”

“Shut up!” Tian Weirong screamed, grabbing the food from the table and throwing it at He Jingwen, “It’s all because of you! The position of Crown Prince is now vacant, and you managed to reduce yourself to a commoner! Worthless! Utterly worthless!”

Tian Weirong was now filled with countless regrets!

She never imagined that He Jingwen, who dared to barge in at the Crown Prince’s marriage in her previous life, would turn out to be so useless! Useless! Trash!

He hadn’t only not brought down the Crown Prince but couldn’t ascend himself! He brought calamity upon himself and her family. Thinking of her late father and three brothers, Tian Weirong wept bitterly, heartbroken.

“Yes, I am useless. Go find your Crown Prince brother who finds you useful!” He Jingwen, covered in food, left in a sorry state, storming off in anger.

Tian Weirong collapsed against the door, gasping for air between sobs. How could I have been so blind to think that He Jingwen would amount to anything?

Why did I believe that the Marquis Wu’an’s residence was invincible, thinking it would be easy to change the Crown Prince…

The woman who had diligently prepared the meal also felt frustrated as she tidied up. Irritated, she muttered, “Now you regret it. What’s the use? Today, Prince Jing accompanies his side consort home, everyone envies their love.”

“Side consort? What side consort!?” Tian Weirong grabbed the woman anxiously, her expression wild.

The woman shrugged her off unceremoniously, gloating, “Prince Jing’s side consort, Shen Hanlin’s daughter.”

Tian Weirong’s mind went blank. Brother Crown Prince had a side consort, and she was Shen Hanlin’s daughter!

She racked her brains, recalling every detail, and finally found a figure in her memory, a woman of middling appearance, not even half as beautiful as her! Why should a woman like that marry Brother Crown Prince!?

Tian Weirong felt indignant, unwilling, crying and laughing, like a madwoman, no longer the admired daughter of the Marquis’s mansion.

The woman shook her head, sighed, finished packing, and left the room filled with laughter and tears.

***

The next day, He Dongchen bid farewell to the old Emperor in the palace, also presenting him with longevity pills and specially prepared antidotes. With these two medicines combined, as long as it wasn’t an instant fatal blow, lives could be saved.

He Dongchen hoped the old Emperor would live a long life, preferably until his son was born, so he could help raise the child. Then, as a leisurely Prince, he’d rely on his son in his old age, living comfortably.

When the Emperor mentioned feeling weak lately, He Dongchen waited patiently for more.

The old emperor coughed discreetly, holding his fist to his mouth, and said softly, “There’s a few beauties in the harem…”

He Dongchen understood.

Then fell silent.

This improper old Emperor actually asked his son for vitality pills!

He Dongchen kept a straight face. “There are none.”

How could I deal with such medicine?

Besides, I don’t need it.

The old Emperor was somewhat disappointed but didn’t dare to insist on a custom order. He waved his hand and said, “What’s lacking at the palace? Just have someone come fetch it.”

“Thank you, Emperor Father.” He Dongchen paused and added, “I want to promote Lady Shen to the position of main wife when she gives birth to the imperial grandson.”

“Nonsense!” The old Emperor raised his eyebrows, speaking sternly, “Crown Prince, you must not be misled by beauty!”

To prevent the side consort from gaining power, upsetting the balance in the backyard, the old Emperor had gone to great lengths. He deliberately chose a daughter from a noble family, well-educated, well-behaved.

But this Lady Shen turned out to be formidable. In just a few days, she had won over his son!

Disaster! The old Emperor regretted deeply.

He Dongchen explained calmly, “After the incident with Tian Weirong, I’ve come to understand. Women are all trouble. One is enough, but a few more would be enough to ruin me. Lady Shen is from a humble background, easy to control…”

Listening to that, the old Emperor’s anger dissipated, replaced by a worried expression as he looked at his son. After considering for a moment, he tried to reassure, “Actually, women are just like that. There’s no need to be overly cautious.”

He Dongchen remained firm. Women are trouble!

And he solemnly declared, “If it weren’t for the sake of offspring, I wouldn’t even want to touch Lady Shen!”

The old Emperor fell silent, feeling choked up, and waved his hand, indicating for his troubled son to leave him alone.

He Dongchen left the palace with a bunch of rewards. On the way, he encountered several princes who were trying to curry favor with the old emperor.

“Eldest Brother, what’s going on in the palace? Why didn’t you take us with you?” The younger Thirteenth Prince stared at the rewards with a hint of bitterness in his tone.

Other families’ deposed crown princes were miserable and in danger, but their eldest brother seemed to be doing fine after being deposed, strolling around as if nothing had happened.

He Dongchen glanced at them calmly and said, “If I took you along, how would I handle things?”

Several princes choked, feeling uneasy under He Dongchen’s gaze.

Could it be that after being betrayed by his fiancée and having his ex-fiancée commit adultery, our refined and gentle eldest brother had snapped? Anyone with a bit of connections in the capital knew that the original Crown Princess had been sent to He Jingwen, the former Prince Huainan. Their dear eldest brother was now adorned with green grass.

(T/N: having green on one’s head (be it hat or grass) = being cuckold.)

“Anything else? If not, I’ll take my leave.” He Dongchen finished speaking, not bothering to look at their expressions, and left lightly, followed by two rows of palace maids and eunuchs carrying the rewards.

The princes exchanged glances.

***

In front of the old Emperor, the lively Ninth Prince casually remarked, “Father, we saw eldest brother when we entered the palace just now. He looked quite well, in good health?”

The old Emperor glanced at him indifferently and spoke solemnly, “He’s just holding on. I’ve allowed him to stay in the temporary palace for recuperation. Don’t disturb him unless necessary.”

The princes fell silent upon hearing this. The old Emperor was blatantly lying; what recuperation in the temporary palace? It was obviously a form of exile.

Their eldest brother was pitiful indeed. In just a month, he had been betrayed by his fiancée, his fiancée had committed adultery, he lost his position as Crown Prince, and now he was being feared by the Emperor. When he was given marriage, everyone else received main wives and side consorts, but their eldest brother was given a side consort from a humble background. Now, he was being sent to the temporary palace for long-term exile.

Tragic! Utterly tragic! Too tragic!

Seeing him suffer so much, they silently promised themselves to show mercy when they ascended the throne in the future.

The princes exchanged a knowing look, then cautiously began to subtly criticize each other in front of the old Emperor.