novelraw Chapter 660 - 649: The Cuckolded Prince
Chapter 660 - 649: The Cuckolded Prince
For nearly half a month, Ye Qiu meticulously cared for Little Ye Heng, during which he seldom visited the bustling streets and alleyways. Almost everyone in the Prince Wang Mansion thought it was merely because of the novelty of temporarily raising a child, but only Yanzhi and Little Lu, who served him closely, knew how much the Prince truly valued the Eldest Young Master.
Half a month was neither long nor short, yet it was enough time for the child’s previously thin face to become plump again. His eyes no longer looked as large, but his features, now more pronounced on his fair and tender cheeks, resembled Ye Qiu even more.
Moreover, he was very well-behaved, always quietly observing with his big eyes. When given delicious food, he would blissfully squint in contentment. Ye Qiu was now his favorite and the one he depended on most. After eating, he would snuggle against Ye Qiu’s chest and then quietly rest his head on Ye Qiu’s shoulder.
Sometimes, Yanzhi and Little Lu, upon seeing this, wished they could hold him and shower him with kisses, if only they had the courage.
"Come, today Father will take you out for fun," Ye Qiu said as he scooped him up to ride on his shoulders, wearing a carefree smile as he walked out the door.
Their country, Dongchen Country, occupied the most affluent eastern part of the continent, allowing its citizens to live in prosperity. The streets were bustling with people and endless cries of vendors, even the night markets operated till dawn.
Once the citizens were well-fed and quenched, they started seeking entertainment, so the capital had numerous teahouses, brothels, and theaters. There were even annual events like selecting the top Oiran or leading actor, places Ye Qiu used to frequent and linger in.
Although this dynasty did not specifically forbid nobles from visiting such places, frequent visits or scandalous behavior was generally looked down upon. Unfortunately, Ye Qiu was guilty of both, once even causing a humorous scandal over competing with another Prince for an Oiran.
But what did reputation matter? After all, he was a Prince, and his father was the Emperor. At most, he would be scolded and then continue his reckless ways. Besides, his great wealth made him a welcome guest at these establishments.
Today, with a child in tow, Ye Qiu could not visit the more scandalous places. However, aside from those, the polo field, Cuju Field, and the suburban horse ranch were all worth visiting. The child was still too quiet; he needed activities that would interest him.
"What fun places are there today?" Ye Qiu asked Little Lu after buying the child a skewer of sugar-coated hawthorns.
Having been with Ye Qiu for a long time, Little Lu was very astute and had already made inquiries early on.
"Today there is a polo match between the Imperial College and Honghu Academy. Would you like to take the Eldest Young Master to see it?"
"That sounds interesting," Ye Qiu said with interest.
The rivalry between the Imperial College and Honghu Academy was longstanding. The former was attended by the children of powerful officials and nobles, while the latter was attended by outstanding students selected from the common people. Although their social statuses were unequal, there was no disdain or fear between them. Instead, they competed academically every year.
It initially started with competitions over who had more students passing the imperial examination each year. Over time, they also competed in the Six Arts during non-examination times. Although there were occasional conflicts, they were kept under control, as no one wanted to jeopardize their future over such matters.
As the students showed greater academic improvement through these competitions, their teachers eventually endorsed these matches, even presiding over some themselves.
While the common people might not understand their poetry and literary contests, the polo and Cuju matches were exceptionally lively events. Ye Qiu and other Princes had also studied at the Imperial College. Although he was not good in other aspects, he excelled in polo and Cuju, so hearing about a polo match from Little Lu got him quite excited.
Additionally, the polo field was partly owned by him. Its annual profits were substantial. Initially built for his personal convenience to play polo, he hadn’t anticipated it becoming so popular. Being one of the owners, he naturally had access to the VIP seats, so he didn’t need to squeeze in with others.
The scene was packed with people, easily a couple thousand, and each head was like gleaming silver in his pocket, he couldn’t care less about reputation when the reality was filling his pockets.
"Brother Five, I knew you would come today." Just as he sat down, a loud voice rang beside him, and he even finished off the tea he had just poured.
He was about to pat Ye Qiu on the shoulder when he was startled by the child in Ye Qiu’s arms, "Damn, where did this kid come from?"
Ye Heng’s little head rested quietly in the nape of Ye Qiu’s neck, his hand holding a big candied hawthorn, lapping at it, with the syrup drawing a large map on Ye Qiu’s robe. His large eyes, similar to his father’s, curiously watched the man who had suddenly appeared.
Seventh Prince Ye Kai scratched his head and chuckled, "He’s quite cute huh, Brother Five, I remember your nephew was born less than three months ago, where did he come from?"
"Of course, he’s my child, this is my eldest son Heng’er, Heng’er, say ’hello to Uncle Seven’."
"Uncle Seven." Ye Heng obediently cooed in his baby voice, his big eyes fluttering twice.
Seventh Prince Ye Kai immediately clutched his chest; it was just too unfair, where did such an adorable kid come from? And he looks so much like Brother Five!
Ye Kai has a bit of a habit of judging by appearances, back then because Ye Qiu was the best-looking among all his brothers, Ye Kai always stuck close to him.
He had often wondered what his Brother Five looked like as a child; growing up this handsome, he must have been even more beautiful as a child, alas, he was younger than Brother Five, and by the time he could remember things, Brother Five had already grown up. He didn’t expect today would be the day he’d meet him again!
He wouldn’t believe this child isn’t his Brother Five’s own, he looked too much like him and was just too adorable!
And his Brother Five always acts all lazy and debauched, completely different from the child’s obedient demeanor, it directly struck his heart.
Ye Kai’s eyes gleamed as he fawningly said: "Brother Five, let me hold my nephew."
Ye Qiu lounged back, indifferent, but the child, hearing Ye Kai’s words and seeing his movement, immediately tightened his arms around his neck, then looked warily at Ye Kai.
Ye Kai, a bit embarrassed and reluctant, scratched his head, then took off a fine-quality jade pendant from his waist and coaxed Ye Heng, "Heng’er, right? I’m your Uncle Seven, let Uncle Seven hold you, this is for you."
Upon hearing this, Ye Heng hugged even tighter, and turned his head, smearing the candied syrup all over Ye Qiu.
"Pfft, just a jade pendant and you think you can take away my son? Dream on!" Ye Qiu scoffed at him.
Visibly miffed, Ye Kai still gently placed the jade pendant into Ye Heng’s embrace and then reluctantly moved to sit opposite, eyes longing on the content Ye Qiu with his full world in his son.