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

Chapter 391 His Highness the Crown Prince is Outstandingly Talented (29)

Four years have passed in the blink of an eye, quietly slipping away amidst the vortex of power and silent struggles.

As Crown Prince Lin Shen's methods have become more sophisticated and his power has grown, his status is no longer what it used to be.

In the imperial court, his voice carried more and more weight, and most of the doubts of the past turned into respectful bows of the head.

His coming-of-age ceremony was extremely grand and extravagant, with bells ringing and delicacies served, officials coming to court, and the people praising him, almost pushing the crown prince's prestige to its peak.

Just then, a thought-provoking rumor began to circulate in the capital, like dandelion seeds scattered by the wind—the white-robed national advisor, who had been living in seclusion on Yunting Mountain for twenty years, was about to return to the capital.

This imperial advisor was a legendary figure from the reign of the previous emperor.

It is said that he never ages, and time has never left a mark on his face. He always covers his eyes with a white cloth, so his true eyes are not visible. He has white hair and wears white clothes all year round, and he is ethereal and otherworldly. He is revered by the world as the "White-Robed Immortal".

During the reign of the late emperor, he enjoyed unparalleled prestige, and his every word and action could influence the fate of the nation.

However, after the late emperor passed away, this national advisor seemed to vanish into thin air, completely disappearing into the misty Yunting Mountain, and never concerning himself with worldly affairs again.

Now, at this delicate juncture when the new crown prince has just completed his coming-of-age ceremony, he has announced his return without any warning. The timing is so coincidental that it inevitably arouses suspicion.

Considering his father's obvious restlessness these past few days and his frequent absent-mindedness when handling state affairs, Lin Shen was almost certain that there must be some unknown connection between the two.

……

Inside the East Palace's sleeping quarters, incense smoke curled gently.

Lin Shen stood thoughtfully in front of a floor-length bronze mirror, which was about the height of a person. The young man in the mirror was dressed in a dark-colored casual dress with subtle patterns. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his brows already exuded an undeniable air of authority.

He slightly raised his hand, allowing the eunuch Cheng Song, who was kneeling in front of him, to adjust the jade belt around his waist.

"Tell me," Lin Shen's gaze remained fixed on his reflection in the mirror, his voice calm yet inquisitive, "who exactly is that white-robed immortal who is about to return?"

Cheng Song was bowing his head, serving with utmost focus. His fingers deftly circled the brocade belt, his movements gentle and precise. Occasionally, his fingertips would brush against the fabric with extreme restraint, as if he could feel the warmth and power of the young body beneath through the layers of clothing.

He did not look up when asked the question; his voice was as gentle and submissive as ever, almost dripping with tenderness.

“Your Highness, this servant is foolish and has never seen your face, so I know nothing of your appearance.” He paused, his voice filled with a resolute, almost blind faith, “But in this servant’s heart, even if he were truly a god descended to earth, he would be no match for even a single finger of Your Highness.”

The piety and obsession in these words almost solidified into reality.

Lin Shen seemed to be used to his attitude. Hearing this, he only subtly twitched the corner of his mouth and didn't take it to heart. He impatiently brushed away Cheng Song's hand, which had already tied the jade belt but still seemed to linger. The movement was casual, with the unquestionable distance that a master has towards a servant.

"Prepare the sedan chair." He straightened his cuffs, his tone resolute. "That fellow will definitely show up at tonight's welcoming banquet. I want to see him for myself." A faint smile, tinged with interest and scrutiny, appeared on his lips. "Just who is this 'deity' who can make even Father Emperor uneasy?"

Having said that, he didn't linger. He turned around, his robes fluttering and creating a slight gust of air, and strode out of the hall.

The palace doors slowly closed behind him, cutting off the light from both inside and outside.

Cheng Song remained kneeling for a long time before slowly raising his head and looking in the direction Lin Shen had left, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

He slowly raised his right hand, which had just been adjusting Lin Shen's robes, brought his fingertips close to his nose, and took a deep, utterly absorbed breath.

The air seemed to still carry Lin Shen's unique, clear, and precious ambergris scent, mixed with the vibrant life force of a young man.

Cheng Song closed his eyes, a near-morbid infatuation and satisfaction appearing on his face, and murmured softly, like the most secret whispers.

"Your Highness's scent... is truly delicious."

……

Inside the hall, the lights were dazzling, wine cups were clinked, and there was a scene of singing and dancing.

When Lin Shen's figure appeared at the entrance of the hall, the previously noisy atmosphere suddenly subsided. Immediately, everyone at the table turned their heads, stood up, and their movements created a rustling sound of fabrics as respectful greetings rose and fell.

"May Your Highness be well."

Lin Shen remained calm, his gaze sweeping steadily across the entire room. He nodded slightly and stepped into the silence and flattery that had been erected for him.

He went straight to the first seat on the left below the throne, where his seat was.

On his throne, Emperor Qi seemed somewhat detached, a deep melancholy etched between his brows.

But as Lin Shen approached, he forced himself to be cheerful, managed a gentle smile, and even stood up himself, speaking in an overly intimate tone that was almost unlike an emperor speaking to his crown prince.

"Abao's here, please have a seat."

Lin Shen's eyes flickered slightly. He thanked her politely, his face showing no sign of anything amiss, and quietly took his seat behind his luxurious table.

He had just picked up the jade cup, and before he could even touch it to his lips, a high-pitched, drawn-out announcement came from outside the hall.

"The Imperial Advisor has arrived!"

coming.

Lin Shen's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around the wine glass. He turned his head, his cool gaze falling on the wide-open palace door, which was illuminated by the lights as if it were daytime.

Against a backdrop of dazzling gold and vibrant colors, a pure white figure slowly entered.

The newcomer was dressed in a plain white robe, spotless, flowing like clouds across the ground.

His snow-white hair cascaded over his shoulders, and a soft, equally white cloth loosely covered his eyes, obscuring his most expressive features but highlighting his beautifully shaped jawline and pale lips.

He seemed to be shrouded in an invisible barrier, shutting out all the noise and extravagance, exuding an almost icy, aloof, and otherworldly aura.

The Imperial Preceptor, named Yun Qing, did not greet the emperor on the throne as usual when he stepped into the palace.

Behind the white cloth, it seemed as if an invisible gaze pierced through the crowd and the clamor, landing precisely and directly on the young prince on the left, who was wearing an apricot-yellow python robe and a high crown.

His steps faltered almost imperceptibly, and he stood still, gazing at Lin Shen from afar across the noisy hall.

This abrupt pause caught the attention of the Qi Emperor. His brows furrowed imperceptibly, and his voice carried a barely perceptible tension: "Grand Preceptor, why don't you come forward?"

Yun Qing seemed oblivious to his momentary lapse in composure, and resumed his steps, his robes fluttering as he approached the throne. He did not perform a full bow, but merely nodded slightly, his voice clear and melodious like a jade chime, yet utterly devoid of warmth.

"May Your Majesty be well." Then, he turned to Lin Shen and nodded slightly as well, "May Your Highness the Crown Prince be well."

Lin Shen nodded politely in response, but doubts arose in his heart. This inexplicable sense of familiarity, like an undercurrent beneath the surface, violently assaulted his memories.

It's so similar... The figure, the temperament, especially the unique sense of alienation brought by the white cloth covering the eyes, instantly reminded him of a mission world that had long been archived and sealed away, and the person in that world whose fate was intertwined with his...

Emperor Qi seemed eager to break the delicate atmosphere. He pursed his lips slightly and introduced Lin Shen, his tone carrying a deliberately emphasized calmness.

"Abao, this is the Grand Preceptor of our dynasty, Yun Qing, whom I have mentioned to you before."

Yun Qing!