CHAPTER 2

...The Surrender...

The tension in the hall cracked like thunder.

A guard’s patience snapped—he drew his sword with a sharp shing, the blade gleaming under the torches as it pointed straight at Shen Wei’s throat.

The boy only blinked, tilting his head curiously, as though the sword was nothing more than a stick. A smirk tugged at his lips, as if he found the danger amusing.

But before anyone could move further, Crown Prince Liang Zhen lifted one hand.

The hall froze.

The guard, pale and trembling, immediately lowered his sword. No one dared defy that simple motion—the cold prince’s command was sharper than any blade.

Liang Zhen’s gaze did not waver from the boy. “In my palace,” he said quietly, “no one is permitted to break the laws. Not even you.”

For the first time, Shen Wei’s smile softened just a little. He raised both hands lazily in surrender. “Alright, alright, Your Highness. I was only joking.” He tilted his head, his dark eyes glittering with mischief. “I won’t break your precious laws.”

He gave a crooked, half-bow—mocking in its looseness, yet just deep enough to avoid insult. Then he straightened, twirling his wine flask once before tucking it away.

“See? I can behave.”

Without waiting for permission, he strolled back to his seat beside his friends, sprawling across the cushions as if the hall wasn’t still holding its breath. His posture was still careless, but his lips carried a victorious curve, like a cat that had tasted cream.

From the dais, Liang Zhen’s eyes followed him, unreadable but sharp.

No one dared speak. The heavy silence returned, but it was no longer the same silence as before. Something had shifted—subtle, dangerous, undeniable.

The boy had bowed… but not truly bent.

And for the first time, the Crown Prince felt an unfamiliar heat stir in the calm fortress of his chest.

...Brother’s Warning...

That evening, the palace lanterns burned low, painting the courtyards in soft gold. The new students had been assigned their quarters—simple yet elegant chambers lined with scrolls and weapons for study.

Inside one such chamber, Shen Wei lay sprawled across a bed meant for meditation and rest, but he used it like a tavern bench, one arm draped over the edge, his wine flask balanced carelessly on his chest. His long hair spilled across the pillow like ink. He looked entirely at ease, as if he hadn’t just provoked the most feared man in the city.

The door slid open.

Prince Shen Yun stepped inside, his robes neat, his expression calm as always, though a faint shadow lingered in his eyes. He closed the door behind him before speaking.

“Wei.” His voice was low but firm.

Shen Wei cracked open one eye. “Mm? What is it, gege?” His lips curved into a lazy smile. “Don’t tell me you came to scold me too. I already promised His Highness I’ll follow his rules.” He sat up halfway, flask still in hand, grin mischievous. “See? I can be obedient.”

Shen Yun’s brows furrowed. He walked closer, sitting opposite his younger brother. “You don’t understand, Wei. Crown Prince Liang Zhen is not someone you can tease so lightly. He isn’t like the nobles in our city. One wrong step with him, and you might not leave this palace alive.”

Shen Wei blinked, feigning innocence. “Alive? Gege, you make him sound like a monster hiding under the bed.” He chuckled, tipping the flask back for a sip. “He’s just another prince. Cold, boring, stiff. I don’t see why everyone fears him so much.”

Shen Yun leaned forward, his voice dropping lower. “Because he is not ‘just another prince.’ He has power unlike anyone else in this city. People disappear for less than what you said today. He doesn’t forgive. He doesn’t forget. Stay away from him, Wei.”

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Then Shen Wei tilted his head, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Stay away? But gege, that sounds almost like you’re afraid I’ve already caught his eye.”

Shen Yun’s jaw tightened. “Wei—”

Shen Wei only laughed, light and careless, leaning back on his elbows. “Don’t worry, gege. I know how to take care of myself.”

But as the laughter echoed softly in the room, Shen Yun’s heart grew heavier. He had seen the way Liang Zhen looked at his little brother earlier—sharp, unyielding, almost… interested.

And that, more than anything, terrified him.

...Main leads...

[The King-to-be → Crown Prince Liang Zhen (冷王殿下, cold and feared, soon to be king).

The Trouble Maker → Shen Wei (沈微, reckless, sulky, mischievous, yet beautiful).

The Prince Brother of Shen Wei → Prince Shen Yun (沈云, calm, loving, protective elder brother).]

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