The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

The banquet ended, and the guests dispersed.

The aftermath was left for the servants to clean up, while He Dongchen followed Grand Princess Xiangyang back to the main courtyard.

On the way, Princess Xiangyang asked, “Did you intervene in the Song family’s matter?”

The maids and female officials behind them automatically slowed their pace, pulling back a distance, their eyes lowered and their expressions neutral.

He Dongchen spoke frankly, “I happened to learn of the matter and naturally had to stop it. How could I let them perform their drama here?”

“Well done,” Princess Xiangyang said with satisfaction.

She had grown up in the deep palace, having seen all sorts of demons and monsters. Now, someone dared to stage a show in her residence, as if they didn’t take her, the Grand Princess, seriously.

“Pass the order; from now on, no one from Marquis Pingyang’s residence is to be allowed into this estate.”

“Yes,” the female official responded. Once this news spread, Marquis Pingyang’s residence would likely become the subject of ridicule.

Princess Xiangyang’s mood lightened slightly as they turned a corner in the long corridor. She suddenly said, “Tomorrow, find a few people to visit Duke Wen’s residence and have a good look. Don’t let them learn the Song family’s habit of internal strife and end up dragging down my Princess’s residence.”

Duke Wen’s residence was He Dongchen’s paternal family, and it bore his title. Currently, it was neither thriving nor in decline, with no one in the court. They were hoping to rely on Princess Xiangyang for support.

Several years ago, after the death of He Dongchen’s father, the two households had become less connected, maintaining a tepid relationship.

This was mostly because the Princess’s household didn’t want to deal with them. Duke Wen’s residence had five branches, with sixty or so members, legitimate and illegitimate alike, all buzzing and bickering incessantly.

He Dongchen, walking beside her, raised his eyebrows slightly.

Duke Wen’s residence held only an empty title. Princess Xiangyang had married the second legitimate son, which showed that she didn’t care only about family background. After all, when Princess Xiangyang got married, the Emperor was already on the throne, and any household in the capital could have been at her disposal.

Perhaps, in the original plot, Princess Xiangyang’s disapproval of Song Qile entering the household was partly due to family background, and partly due to family conduct.

In ancient times, if one person committed a crime, the whole family could be punished. Glory and ruin were shared. Many prominent families began to decay from within, and the Song sisters had already fought each other at someone else’s banquet. One could only imagine what the situation at home would be like.

Princess Xiangyang didn’t even want to deal with her own husband’s family, Duke Wen’s residence, so how could she allow Song Qile into the family and be burdened with Marquis Pingyang’s household as well?

“Now your uncle is childless, and the imperial households are all in turmoil. Although we mother and son seem to be at the peak of power, with everyone currying favor, the future path is unclear…” Princess Xiangyang fell silent for a moment, then said, “Today, I found a few of the young ladies rather pleasing. Once their backgrounds are thoroughly checked, if they are of clear standing and uninvolved in those matters, we should quickly settle the marriage. You’ve already come of age; it’s time to establish your family and career.”

He Dongchen listened quietly, without concern.

In Song Qile’s memories of her past life, within the next 2 years, Princess Xiangyang wouldn’t find a daughter-in-law to her liking.

“By the way, Mother, I found a spy in the residence. He’s from Prince Cheng’s estate,” He Dongchen suddenly spoke.

In the original plot, Song Qile successfully counterattacked, and the spy from Prince Cheng’s estate observed the entire process in secret. After reporting back to his master, the Prince’s Heir immediately became interested in Song Qile.

Different people viewed the situation from entirely different perspectives. Princess Xiangyang, whose banquet was ruined, found Song Qile’s behavior inappropriate, while the Heir of Prince Cheng, also the legitimate son of the main wife, was suppressed by his stepmother and stepbrother. He naturally sympathized with Song Qile’s bold counterattack, seeing her in a new light.

This was where their story began, deepening step by step.

“A spy from Prince Cheng’s estate?” Princess Xiangyang was surprised, then sneered. “Usually they don’t show themselves, but to think they even planted spies in my Princess’s residence.”

Already furious, Princess Xiangyang grew even angrier, ordering the spy to be severely tortured. When no information could be extracted, she had the spy, bloodied and mangled, thrown at the gates of Prince Cheng’s estate.

At this point, she was still riding high, not allowing anyone to get away with overstepping their bounds.

No mention was made of how terrified Prince Cheng’s estate was.

***

The next day, He Dongchen chose the time after court to enter the palace and meet with his imperial uncle, the Emperor.

The system enthusiastically scoured the shop, [Boss, there’s a discount on the Fertility Pills! Buy three, get one free! Give them all to the Emperor, let him father a bunch of children, and watch the royal households scramble in frustration.]

He Dongchen shook his fan. “Rather than ensuring the throne has heirs, I’d prefer the Emperor live a long life.”

As for princes, they had maternal clans, wives’ clans, and benefactors—always one layer removed from the princess’s household. When it came time to fight for the throne, how would it be any different from the current situation?

As long as the Emperor remained on the throne, Princess Xiangyang’s household would always be his full-blood sister’s.

So, instead of Fertility Pills, He Dongchen would rather give the Emperor some Longevity Pills, hoping he could live to a hundred. By then, He Dongchen would be 80, having spent his life eating and waiting for death in comfort. Perfect!

[But the Emperor’s desperate for sons right now,] the system hesitated. The Emperor treated Princess Xiangyang’s household well, and while they had medicine in their hands, watching the Emperor fret day and night did seem a bit unkind.

“Since ancient times, Emperors have cared about nothing more than the throne under them, and immortality. If the Emperor becomes more energetic, he won’t want a son popping up to get in his way.”

He Dongchen thought for a moment and added, “Let’s wait and see. If the Emperor, even after gaining longevity, still yearns for a son, then we’ll give him one.”

Otherwise, it would indeed seem a bit unkind.

As they spoke, the Hall of Mental Cultivation came into view. A eunuch eagerly greeted them, “Duke Fufeng, His Majesty is reviewing memorials. I’ve already sent someone to announce your arrival. Please follow me to the side hall and take a seat. The imperial kitchen has recently been experimenting with new pastries. They’re quite delicious, even earning a few compliments from the Emperor.”

He Dongchen maintained a calm smile as he moved to the side hall.

Just after sitting down, two palace maids came in carrying pastries and hot tea.

He Dongchen had barely taken a sip of tea when someone came to announce that the Emperor had summoned him.

Well then.

He Dongchen stood up again, straightened his robe, and followed the young eunuch into the main hall.

The Emperor, now over 40, was weathered from dealing with state affairs and, with no heir, showed signs of aging. No matter how well he maintained his health, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and the tightness in his brow made him appear imposing, discouraging any disrespect.

He Dongchen entered the hall, saluted, and paid his respects.

Upon seeing his legitimate nephew, the Emperor’s furrowed brow relaxed, and he gave a faint smile. He set down his pen, stood up, and moved to sit by the window, gesturing for He Dongchen to take a seat across from him.

He Dongchen, without hesitation, sat down graciously.

Several palace maids quietly brought over tea and snacks, then retreated to the side.

He Dongchen signaled the system to slip a colorless and tasteless Essence-Nurturing Pill into the Emperor’s tea.

The Emperor drank the tea, thinking only that the warmth of the tea was soothing, without suspecting anything.

After setting down the tea cup, the Emperor picked up two walnuts from the table, playing with them in his hands as he asked, “Yesterday, Princess Xiangyang hosted a banquet to help you choose a wife. Was there any lady you fancied? Your uncle can grant the marriage.”

He Dongchen shyly replied, “There was no one suitable.”

“Don’t hold back; choose freely. Don’t overthink it. The sooner you settle down, the sooner you can establish your family and career,” the Emperor said earnestly.

Outsiders often said that Princess Xiangyang had high standards, but the Emperor knew well that his sister hesitated because of him. She didn’t want to rush into an alliance with another family, only to be caught in complications of divorce or separation, causing unnecessary trouble.

***

Just as He Dongchen was about to speak, a young eunuch entered and announced, “Your Majesty, Official Jiang has arrived outside.”

Official Jiang was last year’s third-ranked candidate in the imperial examination. Handsome and immensely talented, he was rare in his ability to navigate court life with discretion and keep secrets. The Emperor liked the young scholar and often called him to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to chat about poetry and literature.

“Let him in,” the Emperor said, raising his hand. Then, he turned to He Dongchen, “This Official Jiang is about your age. You’ll meet him in a moment.”

Soon after, a young man dressed in a blue official robe entered the hall. He Dongchen looked up and saw that the man had an elegant figure, ethereal and androgynous, with a refined presence. The blue robe, strict and formal, seemed to add a touch of celestial grace to him.

Such a beautiful man; it was no wonder the Emperor liked summoning him. It wasn’t any peculiar taste, just pleasing to the eye.

“Your humble servant greets His Majesty and Duke Fufeng,” Jiang Yueming cupped his hands in a formal salute, his demeanor composed and graceful.

The court treated scholars with respect, and in non-ceremonial settings, kneeling wasn’t required.

“At ease, take a seat.”

A eunuch brought over a stool and placed it slightly to the side, lower than the chairs of the Emperor and He Dongchen.

Jiang Yueming sat down, adjusted his robe, then turned his head slightly, meeting He Dongchen’s gaze directly. Without arrogance or subservience, he asked, “What guidance does Duke Fufeng have for me?”

He Dongchen showed no sign of embarrassment at being caught staring. Unhurriedly, he replied, “Official Jiang is so remarkably handsome, I couldn’t help but take a second glance.”

During last year’s procession of the Imperial Scholars, Jiang Yueming, as the third-ranked candidate, was said to have almost been buried in flowers thrown by the crowd on either side.

Jiang Yueming’s fingers paused briefly, then he smiled slightly. “Duke Fufeng jests. You are the bright moon in the sky, while I’m but a faint glow on the ground. I dare not accept such praise.”

The Emperor, watching the two young men exchange compliments, turned the walnuts in his hand and joked, “And here I am, just the old vegetable in the basket.”

Immediately, He Dongchen and Jiang Yueming switched the topic, seamlessly flattering the Emperor in tandem. Their playful banter made the Emperor laugh heartily.

As the atmosphere grew more relaxed, the Emperor brought up an old topic again, addressing He Dongchen, “Settle down early, so I can assign you a proper position.”

At this point, the Emperor suddenly thought of his own lack of sons and that Princess Xiangyang had only one child. He began to worry about his nephew’s descendants.

***

(TN: Yes, Jiang Yueming is a woman, from here on out, her pronouns would be a mix between “him” and “her” depending on how other characters view her in the setting around her. I’ll try to keep it far from being too confusing.)