The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

In domestic strife novels, there’s often a supporting male lead with a good family background, excellent appearance, self-restraint, and refined manners.

He has virtues all over, admires the female protagonist, and is determined to marry no one but her, except for having a merciless mother who disrupts their romance.

He Dongchen was playing such a role.

His mother was the reigning Emperor’s eldest sister, holding the title of Grand Princess. His father was the second son of a founding-era Marquis. In the absence of sons under the Emperor, the original owner was showered with immense favor from birth. They had everything they wished for and were granted the title of Duke Fufeng and a second-grade noble rank upon coming of age.

The young Duke Fufeng, favored by the Emperor, was practically the dream son-in-law and a golden turtle son-in-law for every family in the capital.

Unfortunately, Grand Princess Xiangyang had discerning tastes and, after selecting and rejecting for more than 10 years, had yet to find a suitable noble lady.

According to the original trajectory, the original owner was to fall in love with the reborn and decisive female lead, determined to marry no one but her. Grand Princess Xiangyang would obstruct their romance in various ways, even threatening with death. The original owner would helplessly let go, watching as the female lead fell into another’s arms.

Later, during the struggle for the throne, the original owner repeatedly saved the female lead, committing grave sins. Grand Princess Xiangyang, dying to atone, left him as a solitary and wandering figure.

[Big boss, I’m here!] The system arrived late, promptly projecting an image without further ado.

[Previous small world: “Such a Fragrant Young Uncle”]

[Basic Mission: Never forgive (Complete)]

[Mission Merit: 135,801]

[Points Gained: 100 + Redeemable merit 135,801]

[Current small world: “Reborn Legitimate Daughter”]

[Summary: Song Qile was the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Marquis Pingyang’s family. Unfortunately, her mother died during childbirth, leaving behind only a younger brother.

In her previous life, Song Qile cautiously protected her brother, treading carefully in the grand household. She only wished to marry into a good family to escape her misery, but her stepmother was sweet-talking yet bitter-hearted, and her stepsister constantly clashed with her. Her father turned a blind eye, her brother was raised to be weak, and Song Qile was schemed against.

She had no choice but to marry her stepmother’s nephew, enduring torment and losing her charm.

Reborn, Song Qile vowed to confront gods and buddhas alike, to educate her brother, and to gain a good reputation, soaring to new heights!

(T/N: confront gods and buddhas alike = extraordinarily powerful, fearless, and capable of overcoming any challenges or opponents, regardless of their nature or status.)

[Basic Mission: Stay away from disputes, protect the Princess’s residence (Incomplete)]

[Mission Merit: 0]

***

He Dongchen stretched lazily, rising from the favored ornate couch. His robe of cloud-patterned gold silk draped down, and the jade pendant at his waist swayed gently.

Outside the door, the young servant Tong Nian hurried in upon hearing the noise, tidying his appearance, and whispered, “Duke, the flower banquet is about to begin. Her Highness has sent people to urge you twice. Please get ready and go to the main hall quickly.”

He Dongchen nodded, stepping out of the room. He walked through the corridors, where the servants bowed respectfully, not daring to meet his gaze.

Passing through a round archway, the lively atmosphere hit him. Drums and music resonated, and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Talented men and beautiful women gathered in the colorful garden, reciting poetry and enjoying themselves with cheerful conversation.

Today, Grand Princess Xiangyang had hosted a banquet under the guise of a flower appreciation event, inviting all the unmarried talents and noble ladies from the capital to gather in one place, actually aiming to select a daughter-in-law.

The visiting guests were well aware of this unspoken understanding.

The noble ladies were all dressed up, their attire flamboyant. If one could catch the eyes of the Grand Princess and Duke Fufeng, it would be a leap to success.

Currently, with no sons under the Emperor, Duke Fufeng was the most talented young man in the capital.

As for the heirs of other imperial houses, ordinary families didn’t dare to get involved, as it could result in the destruction of their families.

He Dongchen arrived late, drawing attention as he stepped into the main hall. A group of people greeted him with bows and salutations.

He Dongchen maintained the demeanor of his original owner, smiling slightly and nodding, then proceeded with Tong Nian to pay respects to Grand Princess Xiangyang.

Among the noble ladies, Song Qile looked up at the retreating back of Duke Fufeng, a determined glint in her eyes.

In her previous life, when she attended the banquet, she fell for Duke Fufeng at first sight. Later, at the flower banquet, a song she performed won the Grand Princess’s admiration, and she was chosen first. She thought it was a stroke of fate bringing good fortune her way. However, she didn’t expect her malicious stepsister to become envious and deceive her into a side room, where the debauched Wang Wu took advantage of her!

Losing her purity and face at the Grand Princess’s flower banquet, Song Qile had no choice but to hastily marry Wang Wu, suffering torment and losing her charm within 2 years.

Reborn, Song Qile stood once again at this flower banquet, determined to carve out a different life for herself!

Song Qile’s heart surged with emotions. She took a deep breath to calm herself and glanced at her stepsister Song Minle, who was gazing dreamily at Duke Fufeng. A cold smile flickered in her heart.

***

The show began.

He Dongchen arrived at the main hall and paid his respects to Grand Princess Xiangyang.

The main hall was filled with prominent officials and noble ladies from the capital, all adorned in their official robes and grand attire.

“Greetings, Mother,” He Dongchen said, maintaining a straight posture as he approached Grand Princess Xiangyang, who was seated in the main position.

Grand Princess Xiangyang, dressed in resplendent red robes, was regal and elegant. Her hair was adorned with a few delicate jewels, and she appeared as distinguished as ever among the other finely dressed noble guests.

She raised her hand slightly and spoke with her lips parted, “My son has arrived. Quickly greet the ladies.”

Princess Chunhua, sitting at the lower end, covered her face with a gentle laugh and teased, “Elder sister has hidden her son for so many years and has finally decided to show him to everyone.”

Grand Princess Xiangyang glanced at her half-sister with a dispassionate look and replied, “What is there to hide about a man?”

Princess Chunhua realized her mistake and, feeling vexed, quickly shifted the topic with a smile.

With so many ladies present, He Dongchen didn’t stay long. After exchanging pleasantries, he was sent by Grand Princess Xiangyang to entertain the male guests.

He Dongchen left the heavily perfumed hall and was greeted by a breath of fresh air. His brows relaxed, and he took the ink-painted fan handed to him by Tong Nian, unfolding it and giving it a gentle wave. A light breeze brushed against his face, causing his hair, draped over his shoulders, to sway lightly.

“Let’s go, time to entertain the guests,” He Dongchen said, heading towards the garden where the male guests were hosted.

Grand Princess Xiangyang was a legitimate Princess, the Emperor’s direct older sister, and her residence was naturally outstanding, grand yet exquisite, imposing yet cultured.

The estate had a garden divided by a central lake. At the lake’s center stood a pavilion, connected to both sides by a small bridge. The east side was for female guests, while the west side was for male guests, clearly separated.

Soon, performances would take place at the pavilion in the center of the lake, catering to both sides.

Having just come from the east garden, He Dongchen took a turn and went to the west garden.

As soon as he arrived, the young talents, who were engaged in poetry recitals and games, immediately approached him with enthusiastic and sincere smiles.

Among them was the Heir of Prince Nan, who warmly addressed him as brother. The warmth of his reception made others wonder if Grand Princess Xiangyang’s residence was aligning itself with Prince Nan’s house.

He Dongchen evaded the Prince Nan’s Heir’s enthusiasm and engaged in casual conversation with others.

The Heir of Prince Nan, feeling disgruntled, gritted his teeth and tried to join the conversation again.

With the Emperor over 40 and without a son, the selection of the Crown Prince had to be made from among the imperial relatives. Naturally, the closest noble houses were scrambling and forming alliances everywhere.

Grand Princess Xiangyang, being the Emperor’s direct older sister and enjoying his favor, was a crucial ally. Securing her support could bring one a step closer to the coveted position.

Unfortunately, Grand Princess Xiangyang and Duke Fufeng were resistant to both soft and hard approaches. They hadn’t yet made any clear statements, much like the Emperor, who was ambiguous and had yet to appoint a Crown Prince.