The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

After a brief shower, He Dongchen emerged, dressed in white nightwear. He noticed Shen Weining sitting nervously on the edge of the bed and spoke, “We have a journey ahead tomorrow. Get some rest.”

“Okay,” Shen Weining nodded, shifting slightly. “Your Highness, you should get into bed first. I’ll sleep on the outside, so I can attend to you during the night.”

“No need, you sleep inside,” He Dongchen blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness. After a moment, moonlight seeped through the window, gradually illuminating the room.

Shen Weining ceased hesitating, feeling her way onto the bed and obediently lying down. Her bright eyes sparkled distinctly in the night.

With a slight dip, He Dongchen joined her, pulling the thin blanket over them both. The night outside was chilly, and not covering oneself would invite cold.

For the second time, they shared the bed, wrapped in pure cotton, and slept soundly.

In the dead of night, Shen Weining quietly snuggled into He Dongchen’s embrace, drifting into deep slumber with a smile lingering on her lips.

He Dongchen shifted his face without opening his eyes, making slight adjustments to find a more comfortable position.

The system, appearing out of nowhere, its puppet peeking from the bed’s edge, exclaimed eagerly, [Boss, still suffering from numb arms? With the special item, Golden Arm, only a hundred points, you won’t have to worry about numbness anymore!]

He Dongchen: …

“Get lost.”

A yellowish shadow disappeared into the horizon.

The guard on duty rubbed his eyes; Did I just see a dog flying in the sky? He asked his companion beside him, “Did you see a dog flying in the sky just now?”

His companion gave him a subtle look, “If you’re tired, take a nap. I’ll keep watch.”

***

The next day, the convoy continued its journey, and Shen Weining eagerly admired the scenery along the way. As a daughter of an official family, Shen Weining had rarely left her home, the farthest she had been being to the outskirts to pray and pay respects.

But soon, a familiar nausea welled up in her, causing Shen Weining to feel completely wilted.

Reading beside her, He Dongchen suggested, “You won’t feel sick if you ride a horse.”

“Really?” Shen Weining’s eyes brightened.

He Dongchen nodded, knowing that while she might not get sick from riding, her legs might ache.

The convoy slowly came to a halt, and a guard led forth a glossy white steed. Shen Weining stood before the horse, struggling to tilt her head up, feeling a moment of hesitation.

He Dongchen agilely mounted the horse, then leaned forward, extending his hand. “Give me your hand.”

Shen Weining looked at that hand, summoned courage, and placed her hand in his. The next moment, she felt dizzy, losing her balance. When she came to her senses, she found herself sitting securely on the horse’s back, the horse impatiently pawing the ground, emitting a snort.

Shen Weining’s body tensed, instinctively seeking security as she leaned against He Dongchen’s chest, seeking refuge.

“Relax, don’t be afraid,” He Dongchen comforted, his hands lightly holding her waist and the reins, his legs gently urging the horse forward.

Coincidentally, the convoy arrived at a grassland, with flat terrain and a gentle breeze. As far as the eye could see, there was a sea of green. Shen Weining gradually relaxed, a smile forming on her lips. Strands of her hair danced lightly in the wind, brushing gently against He Dongchen’s neck.

The two of them shared a horse, riding across the lush green grassland. In the distance, white birds flew by, butterflies danced lightly, and when the breeze blew, it formed waves of green. It was a beautiful moment amidst a splendid scenery.

***

By late evening, the convoy stopped outside a tall red wall, servants bustling in and out, efficiently moving luggage.

“We’re here.” He Dongchen acted swiftly, riding his horse directly to a courtyard, then dismounting and helping Shen Weining down from the horse, his hand supporting her slender waist.

“Can you walk?”

Why wouldn’t I be? Shen Weining wondered, but as soon as her feet touched the ground, her legs felt weak, a fiery sensation tingling on the inside of her thighs.

Seeing her condition, He Dongchen smiled knowingly, effortlessly lifting her up and striding into the courtyard, crossing several corridors before reaching the main hall.

The temporary palace had been uninhabited for a long time, dust settling on the furniture. The young attendant who followed quickly approached, deftly wiping the dust off the imperial concubine’s chair with his sleeve.

He Dongchen seated Shen Weining in the imperial concubine’s chair.

Servants began bustling in and out, cleaning up the place. Soon, the courtyard was transformed, with hot tea served, incense burning, gradually dispersing the musty smell.

Life in the palace was leisurely and comfortable. He Dongchen initially came to avoid the hustle and bustle but gradually grew fond of the place. He would often go hiking, fishing, and occasionally hunting in the mountains, riding freely on horseback.

Shen Weining, once a demure daughter of an official’s family, became more lively, accompanying him on excursions. Her skin darkened from the sun exposure.

Qin Momo nagged as she applied facial cream on her, “You’re already married, yet you act like a wild monkey.”

Shen Weining, feeling embarrassed, pursed her lips and thought for a moment before saying, “I feel like His Highness prefers me this way, a bit more lively.”

Qin Momo didn’t argue. She had noticed it too, which was why she didn’t try to stop her.

“Speaking of which, the facial cream His Highness made has really good effects.”

“If His Highness is so skilled in medicine, why hasn’t he taken better care of his own health?”

Shen Weining paused. Yes, we had been in the palace for 2 months now, drinking soups and tonics daily. Even the attendants who drank with us had rosy cheeks. Why wasn’t His Highness getting better?

***

The next day, Shen Weining took her entourage to a serene and elegant courtyard, where the accompanying Imperial Physician Ge and his assistant stayed.

Imperial Physician Ge spoke solemnly, “His Highness is deficient in vitality and needs some time to recuperate.”

Shen Weining returned, lost in thought. That same day, she enthusiastically proposed to learn medicine.

Watching her mischievous demeanor, He Dongchen smiled slightly, rising to the bookshelf and pulling out several books. “Alright, start by memorizing these books.”

Shen Weining looked at the thick stack of books, piled higher than a small dog, and narrowed her eyes slightly, clenching her fists. “I can do it!”

Then, with determination, she carried the medical books away.

The system’s puppet displayed a sly smile. “She must have discovered something, right?”

“After she memorizes these books, it’ll probably take her a few more months,” He Dongchen said calmly.

To everyone’s surprise, in less than half a month, Shen Weining proudly presented the stack of books to He Dongchen, her delicate chin held high. “Your Highness can ask me anything, I’ve memorized them all.”

He Dongchen, somewhat incredulous, tested her with several questions. Shen Weining responded fluently, without hesitation.

Setting down the books, he exclaimed, “Madam, your memory is truly remarkable.”

Shen Weining’s lips curled upwards. “I’ve been good at it since I was little. When compared to my brother in memorizing books, I was always the fastest.”

He Dongchen raised his hand to gently pat her head, his tone serious. “Madam, with such talent, it’s a waste to confine yourself to the backyard. Therefore…”

He turned around and fetched another stack of books from the back shelf, placing them in Shen Weining’s arms, instructing, “Read more of these books. In the future, our children will rely on Madam for enlightenment.”

Shen Weining held the stack of books, blinked, her mind filled with thoughts of teaching children, feeling a bit dizzy as she departed.

Over the next six months, Shen Weining, under He Dongchen’s various persuasions, immersed herself in the ocean of knowledge. Initially, she still worried about completing her tasks, but gradually, she became drawn into the world within the books, gradually becoming obsessed.

Qin Momo watched anxiously from the side.

“Madam, spring has arrived, think about your marriage chamber, think about the future little master!” she urged.

Shen Weining withdrew her head from the travelogue.

***

That evening, as the spring rain fell and thunder rumbled, He Dongchen closed the windows. Suddenly, there was an urgent knock on the door.

“Your Highness, please open the door,” Shen Weining’s trembling voice came through.

He Dongchen hurried to the door and the next moment, a petite figure crashed into his arms, arms tightly gripping his neck, voice trembling, “Thunder, I’m scared.”

He Dongchen noticed Shen Weining was damp and shivering when the cold wind blew, without hesitation, he scooped her up and placed her on the bed, wrapping her in blankets.

“I’ll go ask the kitchen to prepare ginger soup so you won’t catch a cold.”

“Don’t leave, Your Highness, I’m afraid,” Shen Weining’s arms clung tightly around him, a hint of mischief flashing in her eyes.

“…If you’re afraid, then just be afraid, but don’t move your hands,” He Dongchen whispered sternly, as a young man full of vigor, how could he not react to holding a charming woman who was squirming in his arms.

Shen Weining’s body stiffened at the reprimand, suddenly releasing her grip, burying herself under the blankets, tears streaming down her face. Offering herself had exhausted all her courage, leaving her feeling utterly embarrassed and ashamed.

He Dongchen sighed, lifting her along with the blankets, soothing, “You’re still young, what’s the rush.”

There was a muffled, choked-up voice from under the blankets, full of grievances, “This servant… is not young anymore.”

“I said you’re young,” He Dongchen’s tone was unusually stern. “What’s the hurry? You’re the only one by my side, wherever I go, I’ll take you with me.”

Shen Weining shifted her body, choking back tears, “This servant just… wants to have a child before the official wife enters the mansion. That way, you won’t miss me in the future, and I’ll have someone to rely on for the rest of my life.”

He Dongchen fell silent for a long time before saying, “Didn’t I tell you?”

“What?”

“This Prince won’t take in an official wife.”

“What!?” Shen Weining suddenly threw off the blanket, revealing her flushed face, her eyes shining with a mixture of shock and delight.

Seeing her reaction, He Dongchen couldn’t stay mad. He reached out and pinched her soft cheeks, explaining, “Before coming to the palace, I told the Emperor that once you gave birth to a son, you would be promoted to an official wife. The Emperor agreed.”

Shen Weining was stunned by this surprise, dumbfoundedly laughing for a moment. Then she threw herself into He Dongchen’s arms, eagerly urging, “Your Highness, let’s consummate our marriage!”

He Dongchen quickly held her hands, exasperated. “What’s the rush?”

Shen Weining asserted confidently, “I want to be officially recognized soon! I want others to address me as Madam without hesitation!”

“Don’t move!”

“Your Highness~”

The two of them playfully wrestled on the bed. In the end, relying on remarkable restraint, He Dongchen managed to tie her to the bed, tucking her in and wiping away the tears from her eyes.

“Be good and go to sleep.”

Shen Weining cast him a resentful look.

Actually, His Highness does have some health issues, doesn’t he?

Feeling overwhelmed, He Dongchen quickly stepped out, calling for the maids, “Get Madam a change of clean clothes.”

“Yes.” The two maids were elated, thinking that His Highness and Madam had finally consummated their marriage!

The two maids eagerly entered the room with clean clothes, only to find no romantic scene, but rather Madam tied up on the bed.

The silence that followed was the worst.

***

As summer approached, it was time for the old Emperor’s birthday. Reluctantly, He Dongchen had to return to the capital, lest he leave behind grounds for being deemed unfilial.

During this past half year, the capital had been bustling. Several princes and imperial sons spared no effort, taking turns to show their skills. Even He Dongchen, who was far away in the temporary palace, was affected once.

Fortunately, the old Emperor was decisive. He didn’t want anyone to disturb his eldest son’s pharmaceutical work, so he put a stop to all the commotion.

After taking the Nourishing Pill for recuperation, the old Emperor was now robust and healthy. When he was in the mood, he would go to the training ground and spar with the guards, even adding two unborn siblings for He Dongchen.

He Dongchen had no interest in meddling in the capital’s affairs. He left some elixirs for the old Emperor, took Shen Weining back to her family’s home, then packed up and returned to the temporary palace with his generous gifts.

Because Shen Weining was always thinking about ‘formalizing’ their marriage, every few days she would attempt to seduce him. He Dongchen found it unbearable. Finally, he made the decision to embark on a southern tour.

Traveling discreetly, they made their way south from Nanjing to Hangzhou, enjoying the sights and sounds of the land.

As Shen Weining became increasingly absorbed in the scenery and events along the way, and with Qin Momo not accompanying them due to her advanced age, there was no one to advise her. Shen Weining completely let loose, thoroughly enjoying herself.

***

On her 18 birthday, after drinking a few glasses of wine and feeling a bit dizzy, Shen Weining stumbled towards the bed and suddenly found herself pushed down.

“Why are you doing this, Your Highness?” Shen Weining, her tongue thick with alcohol, looked innocent.

“Why do you think?” He Dongchen leaned over.

Later, as He Dongchen held his sleeping young wife, his face was filled with contentment. It hadn’t been easy over the past 3 years.

***

When the old emperor turned 50, he was as vigorous as ever, and He Dongchen’s eldest son was born, starting to babble.

By the time the old Emperor turned 60, he was even healthier, and He Dongchen sent his eldest son into the palace, fulfilling filial duty on behalf of his father.

When the old Emperor turned 70, he was still vigorous, and He Dongchen’s eldest son was appointed as the Crown Prince of the next generation. He Dongchen’s brothers, who had been striving for the throne for decades, were left feeling aggrieved, crying in despair.

At 80, He Dongchen’s eldest son began to act as regent, while He Dongchen’s brothers, now leaning on canes, wept bitterly.

By the time the old Emperor reached 90, he abdicated the throne, and He Dongchen’s eldest son ascended, honoring He Dongchen as the Emperor Emeritus. He Dongchen’s brothers had long since passed away, with He Jingwen being the earliest, and Tian Weirong and He Jingwen had spent their lives resenting each other, both dying prematurely.

When the old Emperor turned 100, having bid farewell to his sons and grandsons, even his great-grandchildren were of advanced age. Slowly closing his eyes, he grasped the hand of his only living son, He Dongchen, and sighed, “In my life, I’m the proudest to have a son like you!”

The handsome old man with an air of ancient nobility, He Dongchen, smiled faintly. “Father and son, we will surely be remembered in history.”

One was an Emperor who lived to be a hundred, the other, a discarded Crown Prince who allowed his father to reach a century old.

It’s quite touching to think about.

After the old Emperor’s death, He Dongchen declined his eldest son’s insistence to stay, returning to the temporary palace where he had lived his entire life, continuing to lead a leisurely and carefree existence with Shen Weining.

Thanks to his efforts with the old Emperor, the status of physicians soared, and medical science rapidly advanced, producing many renowned doctors and experts, leaving behind numerous medical books and pharmacopoeias worthy of passing down through generations.

He Dongchen also applied surgical techniques to reality and propagated Western medical theories, which flourished rapidly.

In later generations, some praised this Emperor Emeritus who had never ruled, dedicating his life to the development of medical science, achieving immeasurable merits.

Many girls were moved by his lifetime commitment to only one Empress, refusing to take other concubines.

Some wanted to adapt his story into a film, but the descendants of the He family firmly insisted, “Our ancestors said, no relationships with any woman other than his wife, especially with the original fiancée, Tian Weirong!”

He Dongchen could almost envision the director portraying Tian Weirong as a white lotus, and Shen Weining as someone he settled for, even with his eyes closed.