Chapter 173 Is this male best friend even worth dating?!
Zhao Qi and Shen Yulou talked for a long time, until her throat was dry.
Shen Yulou immediately ordered some wine and dishes to be brought, and he chatted and drank with her in the Seventh Princess's room.
When they reached an emotional part of their conversation, the Seventh Princess simply placed her hand in Shen Yulou's.
"After so many years, you are the only one who truly understands me!"
Shen Yulou gently caressed the Seventh Princess's delicate hand.
"Your Highness, it truly feels like we met too late; you must have suffered greatly all these years."
As they spoke of their deep feelings, the Seventh Princess couldn't help but shed tears, then she threw herself into Shen Yulou's embrace.
Shen Yulou naturally did not hesitate, holding her in his arms and comforting her thoroughly.
A moment later, the Seventh Princess, her face flushed, sat up straight and said, "I have been a bit impolite."
Although she had some alcohol in her system, she still maintained a basic level of sobriety.
Some said the Seventh Princess was a widow, but in reality, she had never been married.
For a man and a woman to be embracing like that with Shen Yulou was truly inappropriate.
Shen Yulou, however, smiled and said, "In the Imperial Academy, Your Highness does not need to be overly concerned with etiquette.
You and I share the same aspirations and agree on matters; Your Highness can think of me as a male best friend."
The Seventh Princess paused, "What is a male best friend?"
"It means achieving a resonance on a spiritual level, where we can disregard gender differences. You can treat me as a woman, and then we can communicate without barriers."
Hearing Shen Yulou's words, Zhao Qi nodded in surprise; it was the first time she had heard this term, and she found it very novel.
"Alright, then from now on, you will be my male best friend."
... In the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Emperor Ren finished reviewing the memorials and said to He Shun.
"What do you think of the current situation at the Imperial Academy?"
He Shun smiled and said.
"If Your Majesty is worried, you could go and see."
Emperor Ren shook his head.
"The Imperial Academy has only been established for two days, and it was just impeached by these ministers today. If I were to go now, it would inevitably appear as if I don't fully trust Minister Shen."
"I still advocate for trusting those you employ and not employing those you distrust. Since I have allowed Minister Shen to proceed, he should be given full responsibility."
He Shun said, "Your Majesty is sagacious," then continued.
"Your Majesty, Lord Shen is no ordinary man; he will certainly take good care of those children."
Emperor Ren nodded.
"I also have great confidence in Shen Yulou, but the only thing that worries me is the Seventh Princess."
The mention of the Seventh Princess gave Emperor Ren a headache.
Among all the Imperial Heirs, the Seventh Princess was the one he worried about most; that girl was truly stubborn.
He Shun also smiled helplessly.
"Perhaps Lord Shen has a brilliant solution."
Emperor Ren chuckled twice.
"With the Seventh Princess's temperament, she will definitely give Shen Yulou a run for his money."
... "Mr. Shen, are you raising fish? Have another drink!"
It was already almost midnight, but Zhao Qi still refused to sleep, insisting on drinking with Shen Yulou until dawn.
"Mr. Shen, your words today truly enlightened me!
You are right, we should help the princesses achieve economic independence and self-worth, rather than being dependent on men!"
Zhao Qi felt like she had met the first, and only, soulmate of her life!
This man, he understands her!
Zhao Qi's face was already flushed; at this moment, she was nestled in Shen Yulou's arms, crying one moment and laughing the next. Where was her former cold and dignified demeanor?
Shen Yulou said, "Your Highness, it's getting late. I should return to my room, and you should also get some rest."
Zhao Qi shook her head, her two hands tightening around Shen Yulou's waist, pressing her face against his neck.
"No, I won't let you go."
"Didn't you say that good best friends must have slept together to truly be good best friends?"
"Your Highness, isn't this inappropriate? If His Majesty were to find out, this subject would be in serious trouble."
"If you don't say anything, and I don't say anything, who would know?"
"Alright, Mr. Shen, I'm tired. Come to bed quickly and rest."
Shen Yulou sighed.
Truly, the more beautiful a woman, the harder she is to refuse... Waking up naturally, Zhao Qi stretched with a lazy yawn, feeling every bone in her body relax.
Last night was the most peaceful sleep she had had in twenty years.
She rubbed her eyes, and turning her head, she saw exquisite breakfast already laid out on the table in the room.
A bowl of warm bird's nest porridge, several delicate pastries, and even a steaming cup of milk.
A warm current immediately flowed through Zhao Qi's heart.
She got out of bed barefoot, walked to the table, and her fingers traced the warm rim of the bowl.
This man... he not only understood her thoughts but also her stomach.
Zhao Qi's mind instantly conjured up the so-called young talents her Imperial Father had sought out for her.
Every single one of them was either a boastful fake scholar.
Or a hypocritical moralizer.
Their gazes towards her were either possessive or reverent; when had there ever been such thoughtfulness and equality?
Especially equality!
"Alas, a soulmate is hard to find…"
Her Royal Highness sighed softly, picked up the spoon, and slowly sipped the porridge.
Her heart felt warm.
This male best friend, he's a keeper!
... After breakfast, Zhao Qi pushed open the door, intending to find her soulmate to discuss life's ideals again.
However, as soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw Shen Yulou leading a group of little kids, gathered together, seemingly playing some novel game.
"Mr. Shen! Mr. Shen! Let me try!"
"Me too! Me too!"
Several children took turns, their small faces flushed, exerting all their might to try and crush an egg in their hands.
Yet, no matter how much they grimaced and their veins bulged, the small egg remained perfectly intact.
When it was Shen Yulou's turn, he simply held the egg in his hand and, with a light and effortless squeeze.
"Crack!"
With a crisp sound, the egg white and yolk flowed through his fingers.
Of course, it wasn't wasted; it was tossed into a bowl for an extra meal at noon.
The children immediately let out gasps of amazement and worship.
Zhao Qi also found it new and interesting. She walked over, picked up an egg from the basket, and tried to squeeze it with force, just like Shen Yulou.
Hmm?
It didn't budge.
She didn't believe it and added more force, but the egg was like a stone.
She looked at Shen Yulou curiously: "Mr. Shen, how did you do that?"
Shen Yulou chuckled, like a street magician, and said mysteriously.
"Actually, it's very simple. Soak the egg in vinegar for a while, and let alone you, even a three-year-old child can crush it."
Zhao Qi suddenly realized, unable to help but exclaim: "Mr. Shen is indeed learned."
Shen Yulou waved his hand, his face full of humility.
"Haha, these are just tricks to fool children, nothing impressive."
Song Hu next to him:??
Is that polite?
... After a whole day of devilish training yesterday, the chubby Zhang Tianbao was completely deflated.
Especially when he received a letter from his Parents, who not only didn't comfort him but instead told him to obediently listen to Mr. Shen.
When they threatened to break his legs if he didn't listen, his last bit of hope was also shattered.
He was truly stuck in the hands of this Shen fellow for this lifetime.
Having understood this point, Zhang Tianbao's attitude towards Shen Yulou took a complete 180-degree turn.
"Mr. Shen, have some water!"
"Mr. Shen, let me massage your legs!