"MiLord… do you really want to eat in such a place?"
Early in the morning, in the midst of the bustling medium-sized town, miles away from where the military barrack is located, one can see a young man dressed in an average silk robe sitting on a chair near a stall vendor selling clear-noodles soup.
At the same time, two young men wearing guard dress can be seen awkwardly sitting at the same table of the young man, patiently waiting for their food to arrive.
"Haha, are you surprised Qi? Although I usually eat in a prestigious restaurant in the Capital everytime I go out, I have always wanted to try eating in such a humble place."
Even before the memories blended with the modern time experience, Yusheng has always wanted to try experiencing the life of the common people.
And yet, in the end, he was unable to fulfill such a simple wish because he was worried about the opinions of the higher ups about him.
Particularly, when Guang had also seriously advised him to not do it for the sake of his reputation as an Imperial Prince.
"Even though my identity is honorable, and respectable. And although my situation is much easier than the Imperial Princes in other Empires, I have always envied the life of the common people."
There are always pros and cons in everything, and in life, some seemed to be favored by Heaven while the others were treated unfairly, yet, everyone still had their own set of problems.
But that is just how life is.
After living two lifetimes, seeing and experiencing two different worlds, he has already stopped questioning how unfair and complicated life is.
I just have to continue living no matter what difficulties or challenges I might face. Even if the future seems to be full of thorns with endless troubles, I still need to keep going.
Yusheng's smile widens after seeing the shocked and surprised expression of Xing Gen before him, particularly the fleeting emotion that the always paralyzed Qi showed in that split of second.
Watching the two young men before him, so young and full of youth, and just at the start of their lives, Yusheng can't help but feel how mentally old he really is.
Adding the ages of both his lives… Well, I am in my early forties… wow…
"I'm sure, Gen understands how heavy it is to carry the identity of an Imperial Prince after staying by Wang Ling's side."
"But… Yo-, Milord has it easier… adored and loved by your family."
… There isn't any infighting for the throne… no incurable illness… doesn't have to worry about being targeted by the people in the harem and no siblings wanting you dead...
Xing Gen can't stop himself from speaking out after remembering the great difficulties his real Master is facing.
At the same time, he silently observes the reaction of the Imperial Prince before him, who has been acting normal, harmless and gentle after they left the military barracks.
"Easier, huh… Do I appear like that in people's eyes? But you are also right. I am more blessed than Wang Ling."
Nonetheless, no matter if it's favored or not, being an Imperial Prince means constantly facing danger.
If you are far too weak with no strength in your hands or no power standing behind you, then the bunch of greedy, ambitious and hostile wolves underneath would instantly spring up to take a bite.
After all, who doesn't feel thrilled and excited in trampling a person who is born to be higher than you are just because of the difference in family background?
"Haha, don't give me that look. I also have great difficulties, you know? Anyway, let's stop talking, our breakfast is here."
Yusheng casually dismisses the dangerous topic that is about to become deeper, and nods his head in a friendly way towards the old lady who has put down the bowl of clear noodle soup in front of him, without putting any airs as a person with higher identity.
"Thanks, Old Lady, the food looks delicious."
Although it is a simple noodle dish with clear soup along with a few sprinkled green onions, in Yusheng's opinion, the taste of a refreshing soup without the usual contamination that was already starting to show in the foods in his modern life is simply great in his taste.
"It tastes good just like I expected it to be! Old Lady, give me another three bowls! We will definitely eat until our belly is bulging! Hahah!"
"Oh my, what a pleasant mouth you have, young man. For making this Old Lady happy, I will give you a free side dish I planned to sell in the afternoon."
"Really? Nice! I bet the side dish also tastes delicious!"
The old lady can't help but have a happy smile on her wrinkled face, feeling that happiness radiating from the young man dressed in silk robes is so contagious.
At the same time, she finally feels relaxed that such a person with a great identity based on his expensive dress, accessories and elegant bearing is being friendly and kind toward her which is born with a humble identity.
"Young man, the Old Lady's noodle soup is the best in this town! You sure got a great eye for picking her stall among the others!"
Suddenly, the other new customer sitting at another table can't help but finally speak up after a while.
"Really? Wow, then it's such a great honor to be able to eat Old Lady's food!"
After sipping all the soup in the average bowl, Yusheng lets out a satisfied smile before pointing at the children watching them from the entrance of the alley.
Which is definitely a group of children without parents from the way they are dressed, their thin figures, and hungry appearances.
Basically, orphans who can only stay with each other trying to survive for another day, which is unfortunately quite normal in this world.
"Hey Old Lady, you don't mind if I treat them, right?"
"Of course young man, I won't mind it. Instead, I will feel genuinely happy if you do it."
The old lady's kind eyes can only stare at the alert and surprised children being called over with pity and helplessness. The only thing she could do is offer a bit of food from time to time.
If she has the ability and money, she won't mind taking them with her.
"Oh? Young Man, since you are being generous, how about you treat us too?"
"Sure."
"...!"
Yusheng calmly watches how the middle aged man's chopsticks freeze from picking up the noodles in the bowl, displaying a surprised expression when his joke was taken seriously.
And when the middle aged man along with the other people eating their breakfast showed a bright smile on their faces for being treated for their meals, Yusheng showed an amused smile on his lips.
And yet, no matter how friendly and thoughtful he acts, there is no denying that there isn't any single wave of warmth in his heart.
Aside from the two young men, no one is sharp enough to notice that the smile doesn't reach Yusheng's eyes the whole time. Completely fooling the people around him by acting the usual expression he usually did in the past.
Although there are only indifferent feelings towards the common people after the previous life experiences in Yusheng's life as the Imperial Prince, at least there aren't many evil intentions or any permanent hostility in his heart towards them when it isn't needed.
I just can't seem to care anymore...
While Yusheng has easily blended in with the common people around, Xing Gen and Qi can't help but remain dumbfounded at how skilled and with ease the Imperial Prince interacts with the commoners like a normal person.
Nonetheless, they can also tell that there isn't a genuine heart being put into it. The Second Imperial Prince is simply talented and skillful in the way of getting along with normal people without displaying anything unusual about it.
Just like, it is second nature for him to talk, laugh and smile to the people around while treating the commoners completely normally without minding their identity is the only real actions they could detect.
… His Royal Highness has changed…
And yet, Qi's loyalty doesn't decrease at all, because in his opinion, it doesn't matter what kind of person the second Imperial Prince has become. The only goal in his mind is to faithfully serve the person who had saved his life a long time ago.
Even if the person himself doesn't have any idea about it.
"Slow down, there is a lot of food. Besides, even if the Old Lady runs out, I don't mind buying more food at another stall."
It's best to take these children to train them as loyal guards rather than letting some other people eyed them up.
Even if I leave the children alone, others will take advantage of their helpless situation.
Unfortunately, it's the most hidden but well known useful way to build strength in secret.
While Yusheng is gently patting a young child's head who is sitting next to his chair, happily eating the clear noodle soup, the anxious voice of Sun has suddenly resounded out in his mind.
"My Dear Host! An emergency detection is made. Wang Ling's life will be in grave danger anytime in the next three days! Please go and save him!"
"..."
Can you at least give me some directions? I am still waiting for a letter from that man...