I Don't Want to Be a Charmboy【Quick Wear】

Chapter 398 His Highness the Crown Prince is Outstandingly Talented (36)

A cold sneer suddenly came from outside the carriage. The voice was like ice, carrying undisguised sarcasm.

"Your Highness is really amazing. Your elder brother went to the south of the city before dawn and queued for half an hour for you."

Lin Shen paused slightly, his fingers holding the pastry, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

It is the fourth prince, Lin Ming.

Lin Shen frowned and said in a deep voice, "Fourth brother, watch your words. Besides, Father Emperor ordered you to be confined to your quarters to reflect on your mistakes, so why are you here?"

This happened a few days ago.

A few days ago, the Fourth Prince Lin Ming was riding his horse through the streets when, over a trivial argument, he whipped a commoner who had bumped into his horse's head and killed him.

The matter caused a great uproar, and the aggrieved family members risked their lives to appeal to the emperor. The emperor was furious and ordered Lin Ming to be flogged eighty times and confined to his quarters for a month as punishment.

Lin Shen happened to pass by during the execution and saw the fifteen-year-old boy lying face down on the torture bench. The heavy board fell, tearing his skin and flesh, and blood soaked through his robes, staining the ground red.

But throughout the entire ordeal, Lin Ming gritted his teeth and didn't utter a single sound.

Until he raised his eyes and his gaze precisely caught Lin Shen passing by, there was no pain or regret in his eyes, only the coldness of a venomous snake and a suffocating feeling of being entangled, as if he wanted to engrave Lin Shen's appearance into his bones.

Lin Shen immediately felt a chill run down his spine and turned away, unwilling to look any longer.

Unexpectedly, just a few days later, he not only left the mansion, but was also able to ride a horse.

The carriage curtain was not lifted, but Lin Shen seemed to be able to see through the carriage wall Lin Ming's pale and gloomy face, which must be wearing a twisted, cold smile at this moment.

"Confined to my quarters?" Lin Ming's voice was hoarse with a nonchalant air, like sandpaper rubbing against his throat. "What's there to fear about eighty strokes of the cane? My father is merciful, so naturally he won't really keep me locked up for long."

He spoke of it so casually, as if the serious injury that would keep an ordinary person bedridden for months was nothing more than a mosquito bite.

Lin Shen could even imagine the way his facial muscles twitched slightly from the pain as he tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Lin Shen looked at the remaining half of the crispy cake in his hand, and felt that the sweet aroma now smelled somewhat dull, and it no longer aroused any appetite.

He put down the pastries, picked up a damp cloth from the side, and slowly wiped his hands. His voice came through the carriage curtain, calm and even, yet carrying a hint of coldness.

"Fourth Brother is strong and has extraordinary willpower, which is good. But I wonder if, when we get to the hunting grounds, his body, which has just been tortured, will still be able to draw that hard bow and ride that wild horse steadily?"

There was a moment of silence outside the car, then Lin Ming's cold laughter came through, a laugh filled with a ruthless energy, like the low howl of a wounded beast.

"Of course. Second Brother, just watch."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of hooves grew louder. Lin Ming seemed to have cracked his whip hard, and the horse, in pain, sped up, overtook the prince's carriage, and kicked up a cloud of dust as it headed towards the front of the procession.

As the carriage curtain swayed, a glimpse of Lin Ming's straight but stiff back could be vaguely seen.

Lin Shen withdrew his gaze, and the car returned to silence. However, the sweet aroma of pastries seemed to be mixed with a faint trace of blood and coldness.

He leaned back on the cushion and closed his eyes.

The Royal Hunting Grounds were soon reached.

The motorcade stopped one by one, and the sons of nobles and civil and military officials dismounted and got out of their carriages. For a time, the place was bustling with noise and the horses neighed, creating a lively scene.

As soon as Lin Shen was helped down from the carriage by the eunuch and stood up, he looked up and saw the Third Prince Lin Yu, who was not far away, wearing a silver armor and directing the Imperial Guards to set up defenses.

The sunlight shone on his armor, reflecting a dazzling light that made his figure appear even more upright and heroic.

It seems that he has been put in charge of security for this year's autumn hunt.

Lin Yu also spotted Lin Shen at a glance. His eyes and brows, which bore a resemblance to Lin Shen's, immediately lit up with a smile. He quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands in a greeting, and spoke in a loud and energetic voice.

"Second Brother! You've arrived!" He looked Lin Shen up and down in his red riding attire, his eyes sparkling, and sincerely praised, "Second Brother, you are truly exceptionally handsome and radiant today!"

Lin Shen's cool demeanor softened unconsciously, taking on a touch of genuine warmth as he smiled lightly, "It's just ordinary attire. But you, in your armor, are in charge of security. You've worked hard."

Lin Yu quickly waved his hand, saying nonchalantly, "It's no trouble at all! It's my honor to be able to share Father's burdens and protect the safety of my second brother and all the ministers!"

He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and said with a mischievous smile, "In my opinion, this year's hunting champion will surely be yours again, Second Brother! Everyone knows that your archery skills are superb, even Father often praises you."

Lin Shen chuckled at his undisguised flattery and pointed at him lightly, saying, "Alright, stop being so cheeky. You have important security responsibilities, so hurry up and patrol carefully. Don't fool around here."

Lin Yu chuckled and scratched the back of his head, a gesture that contrasted sharply with his imposing armor, revealing a touch of boyish naiveté.

"Second Brother is right. However, I have already arranged for Second Brother's camp to be ready. It is not far from Father Emperor's dragon tent, and it is the safest and quietest place. Shall I take Second Brother there now?"

Lin Shen nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Third Brother."

Lin Yu immediately beamed with joy, like a big dog that had just received a compliment, and excitedly led the way.

The two brothers walked side by side through the bustling crowd toward the magnificent tent set up specifically for the crown prince.

The tent was already properly furnished, with a soft carpet, a neat table, and a faint, calming incense.

Lin Yu, like a child showing off a treasure, busied himself introducing the various items inside the tent, confirming that everything was in order.

Seeing him busy running around, Lin Shen felt a warmth in his heart, but glancing at the increasingly dense crowd outside the tent, he knew that Emperor Qi's imperial carriage was about to arrive. If it was discovered that Lin Yu was not at his security post and was instead staying in the Crown Prince's tent, it would inevitably attract criticism, and he might even be accused of dereliction of duty by those with ulterior motives.

He had no choice but to interrupt the enthusiastic Lin Yu, and said gently, "Third brother, your second brother knows your intentions. Security is of utmost importance, you should hurry back to your post, lest I cause you to neglect your duties. If Father arrives and finds you absent, it will not be good."

Lin Yu's face immediately showed some reluctance, and his lips pouted slightly, but he knew that his second brother's words made sense and were for his own good. He hesitated for a moment, and finally clasped his hands in a fist and bowed.

"Then... I will take my leave now. Second brother, please rest well. If you need anything, please send someone to call me at any time."

"Go ahead." Lin Shen nodded.

Lin Yu then walked out of the tent, turning back every few steps. As he approached the door, his sharp eyes caught sight of a plain white handkerchief embroidered with silver cloud patterns tucked into Lin Shen's waist. With lightning speed, he yanked it out and grabbed the handkerchief, his movements so practiced as if he had rehearsed it countless times.

"I'll take care of this for you, Second Brother!" He waved the handkerchief in his hand, grinning and revealing a set of white teeth. Before Lin Shen could react, he darted out of the tent and ran off into the distance.

Lin Shen watched his disappearing figure and pursed his lips helplessly. This guy, really... every time he sees him, he always manages to steal a handkerchief, claiming it's to "help him deal with it," but in reality, he keeps it somewhere.

If this continues, the handkerchiefs he keeps in the Eastern Palace storeroom will soon be insufficient for his "convenient" needs.