Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Rong Tang had been unconscious for three days, and when he woke up, the spring snow outside was melting, with the fragrance of plum blossoms in the air.

He lay in bed for a while, reorganizing the plot in his mind.

His current body was nineteen years old, and according to the original plot, he had four years left until the major antagonist ascended the throne. Rong Tang could live at most until that time.

The original character held a prestigious position; his grandmother was the Endowed Princess, personally titled by Emperor Mingzong. His father had made significant contributions to the current emperor and was specially titled a prince of a different surname. His mother was the younger sister of the current empress.

His family was honored and favored; he was the only legitimate son, a true noble. Unfortunately, he was frail and sickly, and a fever in his childhood had damaged his brain, leaving him with the intelligence of a three-year-old child.

The original story mentioned him briefly, stating that in the ninth year of the Qingzheng era, on New Year's Eve, the Prince of Ningxuan accidentally fell into water, developed a high fever for three days, and ultimately died.

Rong Tang transmigrated at precisely this time. In his previous two lives, he followed the script, hurrying to the palace to meet the male lead as soon as he could get out of bed. Thus, on the night of the Lantern Festival, he attended the palace banquet with his parents in pain and secretly brought warmth to the male lead in the cold palace.

This time, without such intentions, Rong Tang planned to take good care of his health, hoping to live a little longer before the plotline collapsed.

But he definitely couldn't maintain the persona of a simpleton; it was too exhausting. Even speaking a few extra words was a strain, and he lacked the energy for it.

Rong Tang stepped outside wearing a cloak, holding a brazier in his hand, and stood under the eaves looking at the red plum blossoms on the trees in the courtyard, asking, "When will Su Huaijing enter the capital?"

[Soon.] the system said, [The imperial decree has been announced, and Li Changfu's family is currently en route to the capital.]

Hearing the name 'Li Changfu,' Rong Tang narrowed his eyes and stood there for a moment before turning to go back inside.

Li Changfu was a distant relative of Su Huaijing's maternal family, the former Empress.

During the chaos in the palace, the seven-year-old prince’s nursemaid risked her life to take the young master to his maternal grandparents. At that time, Li Changfu happened to visit the capital. Unaware of the boy's identity and coveting a few precious items the boy had, he took him back to Shu territory and raised him for several years. It was only this year, with Li Changfu’s promotion to the Ministry of War, that he brought the story's major antagonist back to the capital.

The original story mostly focused on the protagonist. Rong Tang knew how much the protagonist suffered in his childhood, even the thickness of his bedding, but he had no idea how Su Huaijing had fared during his years away from the capital.

Until the end, no one could discern Su Huaijing’s childhood experiences from any hints. The cold-blooded tyrant did not need his past to be scrutinized.

His only memory was a recurring nightmare from his youth.

His parents were strangled to death by palace servants before his eyes; his nursemaid was poisoned; the crown prince, his brother, sent a letter saying he'd soon return victoriously, only to be killed the next day; his talented and romantic third brother, who promised to take him hunting, was beheaded and his head displayed on the gates; his fourth sister, dressed in intricate palace attire, jumped from the city wall, leaving him a warm lotus seed cake before she left…

The young prince was awakened by nightmares every night.

Rong Tang pieced together a vague childhood from these nightmares, Su Huaijing's expressions, actions, and the attitudes of his subordinates.

He felt sympathy but did not dwell on it too much.

It was only in his previous life, when he truly interacted with Su Huaijing and glimpsed many past events not mentioned in the original story, that Rong Tang began to seriously question the system's mission.

It was then that the system, angered, had shut down his privileges.

But now, the system, clearly aware of his intentions, remained silent and did not intervene.

Rong Tang couldn't help but think that this must be the revolutionary friendship developed over the years; in this world, only this occasionally malfunctioning, temperamental ball of light knew he had traversed time again and again.

Smiling, Rong Tang entered the house. His father, the only prince of a different surname in the current dynasty, was busy during the Spring Festival with countless visitors and daily banquets. Only his small courtyard remained peaceful, undisturbed by the outside world.

-

After resting at home for over a month, the entire capital knew that the Prince of Ningxuan had recovered from his folly. Even the Empress visited once to check on her nephew.

Until one afternoon, as the weather warmed, Rong Tang, reclining on a couch reading a book, heard the system addressing him: [Host.]

"Hmm?"

[Li Changfu has made his move.]

Rong Tang paused, then smiled slightly, a rare sharp glint crossing his gentle eyes.

He called Shuang Fu, "Go and invite the Second Young Master over."

Shuang Fu hesitated, worry flashing in his eyes at Rong Tang, who reassured him with a smile, "It’s alright, just invite him."

As the only legitimate son and the crown prince personally appointed by the Emperor, Rong Tang posed no threat to his half-brothers during his years of idiocy. But since his recovery, the Second and Third Young Masters, along with several aunts, had been inquiring about him in secret.

Outwardly, they claimed it was a blessing for the Wang family, but inwardly, they wished for his early demise.

Second Young Master Rong Zheng took half an hour to arrive. Rong Tang, sitting on the couch, greeted him with a smile, "How has your study been lately, Second Brother? Do you find it tiring?"

Rong Zheng, feeling awkward and disdainful inside, thought to himself, ‘How dare this fool ask about my studies?’ but replied politely, "Thank you for your concern, Big Brother. I must study hard to assist His Majesty and our father in the future."

Rong Tang maintained his smile, seemingly oblivious to the sarcasm in his words, "That’s good to hear. I heard someone say you haven't been attending lectures at the academy lately, preferring to spend your days at the pleasure houses. Surely that’s just baseless gossip?"

Rong Zheng's face paled in disbelief as he looked at Rong Tang. After a moment, he said gravely, "I don't know where Big Brother heard these rumors, but these days the Second Prince attends court and occasionally invites me to discuss state affairs. We meet in the private rooms of the Liujin Tower, across from Fengyue Tower. Perhaps someone saw and started gossiping."

Fengyue Tower was the most famous brothel in Da Yu, while Liujin Tower was a legitimate restaurant; the two were naturally incomparable.

Rong Tang poured himself a glass of water: "Is it just you attending?"

Rong Zheng, puzzled, replied, "Of course not. The Second Prince is open-hearted, with many friends and acquaintances in the capital. Many young nobles attend."

Rong Tang nodded, glancing at him: "Then, our father must also be aware of it?"

Rong Zheng was taken aback, not expecting this fool to suddenly become so astute.

As a close minister of the Emperor and with a slight familial connection to the princes due to the Endowed Princess, the interactions between the royal children and the Ningxuan Wang family's children could be understood as intimate. But now that the Second Prince had begun participating in government, and with Rong Tang’s weak health and uncertain future, the Wang family's standing would most likely fall on Rong Zheng. His closeness to the Second Prince subtly represented the family's stance.

Emperor Renshou was suspicious by nature, which was not good news for Ningxuan Wang.

But Rong Zheng stubbornly maintained his stance: "Of course."

Rong Tang then smiled: "In that case, when you meet the Second Prince tonight, why not take me along?"

"Why would you want that?" Rong Zheng was confused.

Rong Tang replied, "As the crown prince representing our father's stance, I should take up the responsibility, shouldn’t I?"

Rong Zheng's face turned the color of liver, but he couldn't refuse.

-

That night, Liujin Tower was brightly lit. Leaning on the railing, one could see the bustling Fengyue Tower across the street, alive with activity.

The Second Prince was particularly irate today. Having endured the old courtiers' annoyances in the morning, he had planned to unwind at Fengyue Tower in the evening to relieve his frustrations.

But Rong Zheng, the fool, actually brought his elder brother with him!

If it were anyone else, the Second Prince wouldn't bother and would simply lead them into Fengyue Tower, but he couldn't do that with Rong Tang.

Ningxuan Wang was a trusted minister of the Emperor, and Rong Tang, his legitimate son, also had a connection with the Empress. In the realm of Da Yu, his status was even higher than some less favored princes in the palace.

If the Empress found out that he had taken Rong Tang to a disreputable place like Fengyue Tower, she might cause trouble for him in front of the Emperor.

The Second Prince was infuriated, shooting dagger looks at Rong Zheng, cursing him as a fool in his mind. The heir of the Wukang Marquis beside him kept offering him wine, trying to calm him down.

Amidst the awkwardness, Rong Tang gently coughed a few times, stood up, and apologized to the Second Prince with a fist salute: "I'm feeling unwell and must retire early. I hope Your Highness will forgive my abrupt departure."

The Second Prince's face brightened instantly, and he stood up eagerly, expressing his concern: "Cousin, you're unwell and shouldn’t have come out. It's my fault for not considering your health. Someone, escort the Prince back to his residence."

Rong Tang smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, but I have brought my guards and don't wish to trouble you. Just, I hope you won't mention tonight's visit to my aunt, so as not to worry her."

The Second Prince was even more pleased, thinking it's no wonder the Empress had been praising Rong Tang to the Emperor ever since she visited the Ningxuan Wang residence. He indeed was considerate.

The Second Prince readily agreed, and the entire room of nobles stood up to see Rong Tang off. Before leaving, Rong Tang's gaze lingered imperceptibly on the heir of Wukang Marquis, then he smiled at the Second Prince, "I've had my servant prepare two jars of twenty-year-old Daughter's Red wine as a token of my apology. I hope Your Highness will taste them before leaving."

The Second Prince's smile grew wider: "I shall accept Cousin's kind offer."

Only then did Rong Tang descend the stairs.

Shuang Fu waited downstairs, lifting the sedan chair's curtain: "Young Master, shall we return to the residence?"

"No need," Rong Tang lifted his hand, "Let’s go across the street."

"Ah... ah?" Shuang Fu stammered, his mouth agape.

Across the street was a brothel. After a moment's thought, Shuang Fu bit his lip, advising, "Young Master, your health... You really shouldn’t go to such a place."

Rong Tang had been harboring an indescribable emotion. Hearing this, he was momentarily stunned, then laughed, "Don't overthink it, I’m going to meet someone."

Shuang Fu followed behind with a worried frown, muttering softly, "This is not the place to find someone..."

Rong Tang ignored him, entered the brothel, and worried that the Second Prince and his entourage might soon follow. He approached the brothel keeper, handed him a silver piece through Shuang Fu, and asked, "Lord Li told me he has prepared a gift for me?"

The brothel keeper was startled at first, then quickly nodded, "You've come at the right time, Prince. The person has just been brought here. Please follow me."

A cold look flickered in Rong Tang's eyes; he clenched his hand inside his sleeve and followed the brothel keeper upstairs.

The door was locked. Before Rong Tang could express his anger, the brothel keeper took out a key, smiling apologetically, "This young master is quite stubborn, always trying to escape. We had no choice but to lock him up."

Rong Tang glanced at him impatiently and gestured for Shuang Fu to throw another silver piece to him.

The brothel keeper immediately beamed, "Then, Prince, please come in. I'll take my leave."

"Wait," Rong Tang instructed, "Don’t let anyone disturb me."

The brothel keeper gave a knowing smile, "Understood, understood."

Rong Tang clenched his fist, then stepped inside.