Chapter 1.9 Shen Qi
"First Brother, Shen Qi is sorry for being late." A melodious, silky voice rang out in apology.
All the brothers turned their heads in perfect unison, as though they had rehearsed it a hundred times.
From the doorway, a figure slowly emerged. Her white robes fluttered with each step, swaying like a dance in the wind. The delicate chime of her hairpins echoed softly, and a playful smile curved her petal‑pink lips.
Her bright blue eyes arched into crescents, brimming with mischief. A beauty capable of toppling nations stood before them, and for a moment, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath.
"Brothers, you all look like fish out of water. Close your mouths, or a fly might wander in," Shen Qi teased, her giggle light and musical as she took in their stupefied faces.
"S‑Shen Qi, is that really you?"
Her Fifth Brother was the first to snap out of his daze, blurting out nonsense in disbelief.
"Fifth Brother, you've been away far too long. You don't even recognize your own sister anymore?" Shen Qi pouted, her spoiled act only making her charm more irresistible.
Since she couldn't break character too much, Shen Qi could only act her way through the moment.
In truth, the real Shen Qi had always been close to her Fifth Brother, even before her falling out with Mu Xuan. After that fight, their bond only deepened. He was the second brother who spoiled her the most, right after Mu Xuan, and the original Shen Qi adored him for it.
Shen Qi ran toward her Fifth Brother and clung to his arm, acting spoiled and coquettish.
"Fifth Brother, where is Shen Qi's gift? You promised to bring me something back from your journey, so where is it?"
Shen Qi's eyes sparkled with expectation.
"You little goblin, is that all you ever want from this Fifth Brother of yours?"
The Fifth Prince laughed as he ruffled her hair.
"Of course! What else are you good for, if not showering your sister with gifts?"
Shen Qi's eyes curved gently, her lips lifting into a playful smile.
The other brothers burst into laughter at their exchange, amused by the pair's closeness. But among them, one person's expression darkened, jealous at just how close the two seemed to be.
"You!" The Fifth Prince ruffled her hair even faster, deliberately messing it up.
"Fifth Brother, stop! You're ruining my hair, stop already! Alright, Shen Qi admits defeat. Shen Qi also misses Brother, so please stop!"
Shen Qi covered her head with both hands, trying to shield herself from her Fifth Brother's "demonic claws."
"Now that's what this Fifth Prince wanted to hear."
He chuckled, finally relenting.
"How could I ever forget my little goblin's gift? I might forget everything else in the world, but never that."
He handed her a small box. Shen Qi's eyes lit up as she opened it, beaming when she saw a compact mirror of polished metal, inlaid with colorful gems.
"Wow! Thank you, Fifth Brother! Shen Qi loves it so much!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.
"I knew my little goblin would like my present."
The Fifth Prince laughed, hugging her back before letting go.
"So... does Fifth Brother also have a gift for us?" the Fourth Prince asked with a grin.
The Fifth Prince smirked as he looked around at his brothers.
"Didn't I already say? I could forget anything else in this world, but never my little goblin's gift. In short... no gifts for the rest of you."
The Fifth Prince smiled mischievously.
ThThe other brothers' mouths twitched. They cursed their Fifth Brother silently in their hearts, each one itching to beat him into a pulp.
"Hahaha... Brothers, stop glaring at each other and let's eat. The food will get cold soon," the Emperor said, trying to ease the tension.
Dinner passed without further incident, though it ended rather quickly, and in silence. The brothers were locked in a deadly staring contest across the table.
Shen Qi had no idea why the meal had turned into a silent battlefield, though she suspected it had something to do with her Fifth Brother, who kept smiling calmly even as the others tried to stare holes through him.
Shen Qi only smiled to herself. Her brothers were so childish. Still, she couldn't help but enjoy the jealous look she caught from the corner of her eye.
"Then, I'll be going first, brothers."
Since it was already late, Shen Qi excused herself. Her brothers, however, continued drinking to their hearts' content.
Some had already passed out after downing too many barrels of wine. Shen Qi could only shake her head before leaving them to their own devices.
When Shen Qi opened the door to her room, a gust of air heavy with the scent of wine greeted her.
She frowned and stepped inside quietly.
On her bed lay a man sprawled on all fours. His snow‑white hair spilled across the sheets like a waterfall, his black robes slightly open to reveal a toned chest, and his silver mask hung loosely, ready to fall away.
Bathed in moonlight, his figure glowed with an ethereal beauty, one that could bring nations to ruin.
"Third Brother, I know you're awake. What are you doing in my room?"
Shen Qi's lips curved into a cold smile, though deep down she was shamelessly drinking in the sight before her.
"Shen'er, why don't you help your brother up?" Mu Xuan murmured, his ruby‑red eyes fluttering open to fix on her with a dangerous gleam.
"Third Brother, you're drunk."
Shen Qi's words came out more as a statement than a question; she could see it clearly—he was drunk, dangerously so.
"Your Third brother is not drunk. Come, help your brother up." Mu Xuan repeated, his gaze never leaving hers.
Shen Qi frowned, hesitating. She knew well that reasoning with a drunken man was useless, and in this moment, Mu Xuan was far beyond reason.
"Shen'er, won't you help brother up?" Mu Xuan said again, his eyes narrowing even more dangerously.
Shen Qi remained rooted to her spot, her face expressionless. Deep down, however, she wanted nothing more than to run into his arms, but she couldn't, not when Mu Xuan was like this.
"Shen'er, help brother up, won't you?" This time his voice softened, his expression gentler, yet still she did not move.
Seeing her unmoved, Mu Xuan could only close his eyes helplessly. He knew she was afraid of him—afraid to even come near.
And he knew why.
He was dangerous.
Just moments ago, had she reached out to him, his fragile rationality would have snapped, and he might have done something unforgivable, even if he died a thousand deaths in regret.
A sigh escaped his lips, followed by a wry smile. He was ready to let it go, to bury his feelings and perhaps disappear to the borders, wasting away until death finally claimed him.
But then—warm, soft hands touched his shoulders, steadying him. His eyes flew open in surprise.
Shen Qi—his Shen'er—was sitting beside him, supporting him upright. She said nothing, her face calm, no smile on her lips.
Yet he could feel it clearly: her quiet worry, her unspoken care, wrapping around him more surely than any words.
His Shen'er was worried about him. His Shen'er still cared for him!
Mu Xuan's heart warmed, and before he could stop himself, he pulled her into his embrace. He held her tightly, as though afraid she might slip away, the ache in his chest deepening with every thought of how much he had missed her.
Shen Qi was taken aback by the sudden hug, but seeing the pain in his eyes, she could only smile helplessly and return his embrace.
"Shen'er... brother is, brother is sorry. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," Mu Xuan whispered again and again, his voice trembling as he clung to her.
In his heart, he had already made his decision. From this moment on, he would only be her brother.
He would no longer burden her with his feelings, no longer pursue her, and—though it tore him apart—he would no longer love her.
As long as she looked at him, as long as she cared for him, even if only as a brother, he would be satisfied.
He would not be greedy anymore. He would not hurt her again. He would not be selfish. He would set her free.