Chapter 16: Siblinghood

After returning to the system space, Shen Ru took some time to recover from his emotions. The system watched him crying and offered him a handkerchief. Shen Ru took it hastily and sneezed on it.

After he was finished crying, he told the system, "I want to transfer to the next world."

[Are you sure, Host? I can detect that you still have high emotional fluctuations.]

"What can I do now that he's gone? We've already spent over 70 years together. In the end, I'm a transmigrator. I have more worlds to go to, recklessly holding onto a memory would be useless. I have to move on."

Despite saying that, the system could still detect that he hadn't fully moved on over Jun Zixin. Tactically, it didn't mention this to its host. There were just some things that didn't need to be said.

[Okay host, I'll transfer you now.]

[Transferring to World 2…]

Shen Ru took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

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The moment he opened his eyes, he found out that he was in a luxurious bedroom. There was a large bed with curtains covering it. He was sitting on a chair overlooking the desk and the window. He realized in no time that this was an ancient China world because the designs were dated and old, very unlike the furniture in the modern world.

While tapping on the desk, he explored the information sent from the system.

As he had realized, this was an ancient China world, more specifically the story of Aladdin set in ancient China. In this world, Jasmine was Bai Mei, a princess. Although she was a princess and couldn't inherit the throne, she was extremely favored by the emperor as she was kind and graceful. One day, a neighboring empire, which had long been going against their empire, came to offer peace in exchange for Bai Mei's hand in marriage.

The emperor, of course, refused. This was his beloved daughter, why would he throw her to his enemies? However, the other side was stubborn. They actively said that if Bai Mei remains unmarried, they'll snatch her away.

And so, the emperor started finding suitable suitors for her daughter. These suitors came from different empires, and some were high-ranking officials in their empires. One of these suitors was Shen Ru's character. However, the original Shen Ru was just a lowly prince from a small empire that had never seen the outside because of his sickly and weak body. To make things simple, he was a spoiled brat that depended on his servants to live. Bai Mei, of course, wasn't attracted to him so he was refused.

Strangely, there was one suitor that also came from the same empire as Shen Ru. He was the Aladdin of this world, Shen Yufei. He was the crown prince of their empire and was so handsome that Bai Mei visibly blushed when she saw him. At the end of the novel, Shen Yufei married Bai Mei and they continued to lead a prosperous empire together.

Of course, there was something behind the scenes, or else this wouldn't be a dog-blooded novel. Shen Yufei wasn't actually a crown prince, but a lowly beggar! After hearing about the matter of possible marriage between Shen Ru and Bai Mei, he was extremely jealous that such a lowly prince that couldn't even be called an heir to the throne could marry a beautiful princess.

Luckily, he found a lamp that had a genie in it. This genie offered him three wishes that would come true. There was also an added buff that made things more dangerous: if the lamp happens to come to anyone other than the owner's hands, it would disappear after a few seconds and will only appear again once it is returned to the owner. After Shen Yufei killed the real crown prince, he replaced the crown prince in everyone's memories.

And one more thing: Shen Yufei never actually liked Bai Mei. He just wanted to take the opportunity to take Bai Mei away from Shen Ru.

At this point, Shen Ru rolled his eyes and said to the system, "Your Lord God really likes messing up perfectly good fairy tales. I think my childhood just got ruined after reading this messed up plot."

[Read the ending of your character, your childhood will be ruined further.]

Although Shen Yufei was successful in stealing the heart of Bai Mei, he still had misgivings about Shen Ru. He was afraid that, as his fake half-brother, Shen Ru would find out that he stole the position of the crown prince. Although he had already killed the crown prince, he always was paranoid that all his plans would be exposed.

And so, he sold Shen Ru to a brothel. Because he was the crown prince, Shen Ru had no choice but to give in. Shen Yufei directly earned the money that he got from his "work".

"Okay, I didn't see that coming. Don't you think it's strange though that a beggar like Shen Yufei has a deep hatred towards a lowly prince like Shen Ru? If Shen Ru had never seen the outside, then there would be no chance for them to meet before the marriage suitor shenanigans."

[Wow, I'm surprised, Host. You actually guessed the first mission.]

A ding then sounded out.

[Mission 1: Find out why Aladdin hates Shen Ru]

"It was pretty easy to figure it out. The brothel thing was too extreme," Shen Ru reasoned. Then, he laughed. "I'm definitely not going to let myself get sent to the brothel though, so good luck for him."

After chatting with the system some more, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Shen Ru called out, "You can enter."

In an instant, the door opened and many maidservants came holding breakfast and clothes. "Your Highness, after breakfast, you are asked by the emperor to come to him. He has called you."

Oh, he must've been at the point of the story before his suitor status was announced.

Despite thinking this, Shen Ru had a confused expression on his face. "Why did Imperial Father call ben wang [1]?"

The head maid, who knew the exact reason why the emperor had called him, felt her heart break at the innocent expression on his face. "This lowly slave does not know. However, don't worry, your highness, the emperor will definitely take into account your sickness when giving you a mission."

In their empire, the emperor gives the princes mission when they become adults to show their strength and power. Shen Ru was 18 this year. However, his birthday was already 2 months ago so it was most probably not a normal mission that the emperor was giving him.

Shen Ru proceeded to give a small nod and smiled. "Ben wang is happy that Imperial Father finally gave a mission. I'm always jealous when my older brothers go on their missions."

Faced with the caring faces of the maidservants, Shen Ru could only inwardly shrug. He couldn't show much of his acting skills last world because he had the same fighting power as that original Shen Ru, but, considering his character now, he had to go the 'white lotus' [2] route.

After eating breakfast, Shen Ru set out to meet the emperor. All throughout this, he was looking around his surroundings with amazed eyes. At this point, he wasn't acting. He was actually amazed at the furniture and architecture of ancient China. There were flowers and trees all around, much different than the modern world.

Of course, his actions were seen by his maidservants as 'a boy who hasn't seen the world much'. They felt their hearts break even more knowing that the prince rarely could get out of his room because of his sickness.

When he arrived at the court, many officials were standing on the side and the emperor was sitting on the dragon throne. Shen Ru kowtowed the emperor. The emperor then said, "You can stand up."

After Shen Ru moved to stand up, he still didn't meet the emperor's eyes. The emperor couldn't help but laugh. "Xiao Ru, you can look at me. I'm your father, after all."

Even though Shen Ru didn't have a high position as a prince, that was more because of his sickness and inability to fight. The emperor liked his concubine mother so he was fed with the necessary medicine and given the clothes and food that a prince deserved. Even the crown prince had once visited his residence and was amazed that the food he deserved was even better than his.

"I'm just nervous, Imperial Father. Am I going to go out on a mission?" Shen Ru replied.

"Not exactly a mission, but you could consider it one. Do you know the Chuanli Empire?" the emperor asked.

Shen Ru nodded his head. "Imperial Father, I've read it once from the books Scholar Li gave me."

The emperor smiled proudly. "As expected of my son." Then, he explained, "The emperor of the Chuanli Empire has recently been finding suitable husbands for his favored princess. This is a great opportunity for you. Even if you don't end up marrying their princess, you can take it as a chance to broaden your horizons."

Shen Ru was speechless. "…Imperial Father, I can't help but think that I'm going to the battlefield. Am I also going to meet the other suitors?"

The emperor laughed once again and said, "You're correct. The day after you arrive at the Chuanli Empire, the princess will meet up with the suitors. It's really funny, their emperor must favor their princess much. I've only seen such things happen when the emperor is searching for concubines."

After they talked for some more, Shen Ru finally excused himself. Once out, he was immediately approached by his royal siblings. The second princess asked him, "Oi, Xiao Ru, did Imperial Father really give you a mission?"

The second prince similarly said, "Ai, our Xiao Ru is an adult now!"

Shen Ru smiled awkwardly and answered, "I'm going to be a suitor for a princess from the Chuanli Empire."

"Why would Imperial Father do that? Can't you even survive the travel there? I heard there are many robbers on the way there," the first princess asked.

"Marrying a princess from the Chuanli Empire has its benefits, especially if she's favored by their emperor. Maybe Imperial Father wants to give Xiao Ru some security?" the crown prince wondered.

"He already has security here. I can even find him a good wife, I have many beautiful and single friends!" the second princess said.

Shen Ru couldn't help but sigh genuinely. At first, he had thought that, because of his lowly position in the line of heirs, he would get bullied by his royal siblings. Who knew that they would be this protective of him despite them having different mothers? Now he knew why Shen Yufei was jealous of him. Except for his illness, he really did have everything in life.

"Don't worry, brothers and sisters, I'll definitely be fine. Imperial Father isn't pressuring me to marry the Chuanli princess, anyway. Even if I don't end up marrying her, at least I can see more people and travel more. This is already enough for me," he comforted them with this explanation.

This wasn't enough for his royal siblings, however. The second prince put a hand on his shoulder and promised, "If someone bullies you, don't hesitate to send a letter! We'll definitely take revenge for you."

The crown prince added, "I can arrange some assassins for you."

"I can lead them!" the first princess said.

The second princess rolled his eyes. "Can you even lead trained assassins?"

"You're just bitter that you can't aim an arrow correctly."

While they continued bantering with each other, Shen Ru laughed along with them. Even though this was the first time they had met with them, it really felt like they were his real family. His Imperial Father was patient with him despite his illness and inability to take the throne, while his royal siblings were protective of him. Such a life must be envied by others.

He couldn't quite the bad feeling in his gut now though. While he chatted with the crown prince, he felt uncomfortable knowing that he would die soon.

…That is, though, if he doesn't stop Shen Yufei from doing so.

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During the days before he sets out to the Chuanli Empire, Shen Ru spent his time with his royal siblings, especially the crown prince. The first strategy he made was subtly implying that he was worried for the safety of his royal siblings and wanted them to bring more bodyguards with them.

Unfortunately, the crown prince already had this response, "I never expected that you would become such a worrywart, Xiao Ru." After that, he would laugh and ruffle his hair.

Shen Ru tried to broach this subject to his other royal siblings but they only had this to say, "Imperial Brother already has enough bodyguards to guard him. His martial arts are pretty strong too."

The second princess even teased him, "Aww, our Xiao Ru has really become an adult!"

The first princess was laughing as well. "Xiao Ru, remember us after you marry the Chuanli princess!"

As the time to embark on his journey was nearing, Shen Ru grew more nervous to the point that he was panicking on the day that Shen Yufei would replace the crown prince position. It wasn't that he didn't prepare enough for the occasion, but he didn't want anyone to destroy such a loving siblinghood.

As his royal siblings have said, the crown prince's martial arts were enough to beat up possible murderers, much less his trained bodyguards. The day he died, however, he chanced upon Shen Yufei in a tavern while drunk. At that point, Shen Yufei was planning on ways to become a suitor for Bai Mei. When he saw Shen Yufei, he started up a plan.

He made a wish to the genie to put the bodyguards in a disoriented state. Then, he killed the crown prince in cold blood. The next wish was, of course, to replace the crown prince's position.

Today, Shen Ru was keeping an eye out for Shen Yize. He made an "accidental" encounter with the crown prince who was heading to the local tavern and declared that he wanted to go with him.

"But I'm already 18—"

"It's not about your age, Xiao Ru, it's that I'm afraid your health can't take alcohol." Shen Yize was disapproving of his suggestion.

"Can I just go with you for a few minutes?"

"No drinking?"

Shen Ru had puppy eyes. "No drinking!"

Shen Yize finally succumbed to him and said, "Fine, but you're not allowed to drink, and you have to stay with me at all times. Don't let yourself get tricked by others."

On the way to the tavern, however, Shen Yize's attitude was different. He kept pointing at buildings and stores and introduced them to Shen Ru like he was a tour guide. Shen Ru had a seemingly perpetual smile on his face, eagerly listening to his words. Not only did he enjoy the feeling of being doted on by his brother, but he also benefitted from it because he wasn't familiar with the terrain of ancient China.

When they arrived at the tavern, Shen Yize said to the owner, "We're going to the usual private room."

"Of course, your highness!" the owner cheerily replied.

On the way to the private room, Shen Ru noticed that some customers were looking their way. They didn't seem surprised at the sight of the Shen Yize but at him. They kept looking his way and whispering amongst themselves. As someone whose handsome boyfriend kept spreading dog food with him, he was practically immune to their stares.

When they arrived at the private room, Shen Yize gave him a cup of orange juice and said, "Don't be dissuaded by their stares. They're just surprised to see you because you don't usually go out of the palace."

Shen Ru smiled and nodded. "Do you come here often, Imperial Brother?"

While they chatted, Shen Ru monitored Shen Yize's drinking and stopped him when he figured that it was enough. "Imperial Brother, don't drink more. You'll get drunk."

"Oh, I noticed just now, thanks for warning me." Shen Yize immediately stopped his drinking.

After a while, Shen Yize stood up and said, "I'm going to the bathroom quick."

The moment that he left the room, Shen Ru told the bodyguards, "Can we follow Imperial Brother? Ben wang is afraid that something will happen to him."

Although the bodyguards were confused, they still followed his orders, thinking in their hearts that the crown prince was so lucky to have a considerate younger brother.

Shen Ru followed behind the bodyguards as part of the plan. When they arrived at the bathroom, they found the crown prince on the ground with blood running down from his arm. A man dressed in dirty and ripped clothes holding a bloody knife was standing in front of him. Upon seeing this sight, the bodyguards immediately began to move but they were stopped by a voice, "I wish that the crown prince's bodyguards will lose consciousness!"

In an instant, the bodyguards fell to the ground, exposing Shen Ru who was beside them. Shen Yize yelled at him, "Xiao Ru, leave, I'll handle this!"

"No, I won't!" Shen Ru shouted back and ran at Shen Yufei, snatching away the lamp in his hands.

Shen Yufei reacted, about to take it back, when Shen Ru screamed his wish, "I wish that Shen Yufei will lose consciousness and will forget his memories up to 5 minutes ago."

Just like the bodyguards before, Shen Yufei fell down to the ground. Shen Ru hastily turned to the crown prince and asked, "Can you stand up, Imperial Brother? We need to leave!"

"What did just happen? Can that lamp make wishes come true?" Shen Yize managed to stand up, although he was still holding onto the wound on his arm out of pain.

"Yes, Imperial Brother, I'll explain it later. We have to leave fast, though." Shen Ru told the lamp again, "I wish that no one will notice us going to the carriage."

After he made that wish, suddenly, the lamp disappeared from his hands. Shen Ru sighed inwardly, knowing that bringing him to prison right now was pointless.

Although Shen Yize was confused by the fast turn of events, he still heeded his words and followed him up to the carriage. Along the way, no one ever noticed them, despite the blood running down his arms. The coachman had already been informed about the whereabouts of the safe house that Shen Ru had arranged beforehand, so once they were inside the carriage, the carriage immediately left the area.

While Shen Ru bandaged Shen Yize's wound through the first-aid kit that he had prepared just in case, Shen Yize was filled with questions, "Xiao Ru, what did just happen?"

"Imperial Brother, do you think that it's possible that someone can know the future?"

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Footnotes:

[1] This prince/king (used by princes or kings)

[2] A person who is pure and innocent