Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Rong Tang spent five full days at Tuolan Temple eating vegetarian meals and chanting sutras, feeling quite calm and composed.

Although Rong Tang was thinking on his way down the mountain that if he hurried, he might be able to make it to Yong'an Lane for dinner, he didn't feel particularly eager to return.

The only thing was that he had just finished the small jar of tea that day and wanted more, which meant visiting Su Huaijing. But as soon as Rong Mingyu spoke, he got into his carriage and headed for the palace without waiting for Rong Tang to respond.

Rong Tang was puzzled, even a bit restless and irritable.

How could a father, who hadn't cared about his son for eight hundred years and was indifferent to whether his legitimate son married or favored men or women, suddenly become concerned about his health due to a change in weather?

If it weren't for the complete lack of emotion in your voice, like you were reading from a script, I might have believed you!

Rong Tang returned to his yard unhappily, with Shuang Fu and Shuang Shou treading on eggshells, not daring to make a sound.

As the weather warmed, the red charcoal in the house was removed. Early-blooming flowers had fallen, and seasonally appropriate plants were blooming, making the entire mansion fragrant.

Sitting in the courtyard at dusk, Rong Tang gazed at the vague twilight over the red bricks and green tiles, asking Shuang Fu, "Am I being confined?"

Shuang Fu, not daring to speak outright, said, "The Prince is concerned about your health."

"Huh," Rong Tang scoffed, then fell silent.

Rong Mingyu was the only non-imperial prince of the Great Yu dynasty. Emperor Renshou, originally a vassal prince, had ascended the throne with military support. In his first year as emperor, he had made no significant moves, but once his position was secure, he began to reduce the power of vassal princes.

During that time, Rong Mingyu was the subject of much discussion. Officials who had been friendly with him distanced themselves, knowing that once all the vassal princes in distant territories were stripped of power, it would be the turn of the newly appointed prince in the capital.

Yet, year after year, day after day, not only did the Ningxuan Prince's Mansion not face any misfortune, it flourished even more. With constant visits from officials, Rong Mingyu became an undisputed close minister of the emperor.

Some said that he was like a silent dog raised by Emperor Renshou.

Courteous and gentle on the surface, but all the unsavory and dirty tasks were done by him.

Such a person, even if smiling at you, warranted caution.

Hence, after Rong Mingyu's words in front of the mansion, Rong Tang truly couldn't step out of the house for days.

Rong Tang felt restless, fiddling with the triangular packet containing the peace amulet. Inside was the incense ash he had specifically collected in front of the Buddha statue. He handed it over, calling out to Shuang Shou, "Take this to Yong'an Lane for me tomorrow."

"Yes," Shuang Shou responded, stepping forward to take it. But as his hand touched the amulet, Rong Tang hesitated, then took it back, "Never mind, I promised to get it for him. I should deliver it personally."

As the stars spread across the sky, Rong Tang frowned and instructed, "Tell Su Huaijing tomorrow that I've been confined at home by the Prince and that we'll meet after the wedding. If the mansion needs or lacks anything, go directly to the bank and take money to send to him."

The more he spoke, the more annoyed he became. Rong Tang took back the amulet and entered the study with the Buddha painting given by Hui Mian.

Originally, he had planned to dedicate a room for the painting, but upon reflection, realizing he wasn’t a devout follower and couldn’t chant sutras daily, he decided it would be inappropriate. He eventually placed the painting in a prominent spot in the study's cabinet, keeping the amulet in his personal pouch.

Rong Tang wandered around the study, noting down decorations to add. He planned to have Shuang Shou buy them when he went out the next day and to inquire about any recent news in the capital.

But before Shuang Shou returned, Rong Tang, who got up early to pay respects to the Princess, saw Rong Zheng hurriedly dressing and rushing out from his courtyard, with dark circles under his eyes, evidently not having slept well for days.

Rong Tang stopped and waited. As Rong Zheng was about to rush past him, he leisurely called out, "Second brother, where are you hurrying off to?"

Rong Zheng paused, awkwardly greeting him with a bow, "Big brother."

"Mhm," Rong Tang smiled and stood aside, waiting for his reply.

Rong Tang stood silently and unmoving, like a formidable deity blocking the path. Rong Zheng felt irritated inside, but in the Wang Mansion, from top to bottom, everyone adhered to principles of benevolence, righteousness, and filial piety in their outward behavior.

If Rong Zheng dared show disrespect to Rong Tang in the garden today, his hypocritical younger brother would surely report it to their father the next day.

After pondering, Rong Zheng managed a strained smile, "I heard the market just received a new batch of premium Chenquan ink sticks. I'm going to buy some as gifts for my tutor, fearing they might be sold out if I'm late."

Rong Tang scrutinized him for a moment before smiling, "In that case, please also bring back a couple for me."

Rong Zheng's expression shifted slightly, "Why does elder brother need them?"

Rong Tang had weak health, and the Princess, out of concern, did not even allow him to engage in the family's scholarly pursuits, let alone handle such vigorous and potent ink like Chenquan, which required strong and forceful calligraphy.

However, Rong Tang simply smiled, "For your future sister-in-law."

Rong Zheng was left speechless.

He felt that ever since his elder brother recovered, he had developed a strange streak, managing to frustrate him with just a sentence or two.

No longer daring to question further, Rong Zheng respectfully bowed and let Rong Tang pass before hurrying off.

Suddenly, the system spoke up: [Host, he is likely going to meet the Second Prince.]

"The court session hasn't ended yet; there's still time," Rong Tang noted, looking at the sky.

Rong Tang had divided the study into two sections: one for his use and the other for Su Huaijing. He had been worried about his lighter ink not being suitable for Su Huaijing, but Rong Zheng's timing was perfect, dissipating much of his frustration from being confined by Rong Mingyu.

Seeing its host's successful little scheme, the system also seemed pleased, asking: [Do you need me to check on what they are doing?]

"No need," Rong Tang replied, "Su Huaijing is much less worrisome than Sheng Chengli."

When assisting Sheng Chengli, even with a perfect plan in place, Rong Tang always worried about the antagonist opposing and sabotaging his efforts, often needing to repeatedly confirm his strategies using the system’s functions. But with Su Huaijing, not only is he innately intelligent, but the male lead has just been released from the cold palace and lacks the capacity to oppose Su Huaijing. What can’t he achieve?

There's no need for the system’s help to find out.

Thinking this, Rong Tang's smile unconsciously faded a bit.

The system asked him: [Host, what’s wrong?]

Rong Tang replied with a hint of melancholy, "I miss him."

He couldn't see the scene of the main antagonist's first encounter with the early antagonist, the Second Prince, nor could he be involved.

He felt deeply disheartened.

【……】

-

Shangyang Guesthouse in the western city.

The guesthouse had been closed for several days, yet the earnings in the counter exceeded what was made in the past month.

A few nobles had booked the entire inn.

The innkeeper, flashing a gold-toothed grin, was counting money behind the counter when a young man in a green robe entered, followed by a servant carrying two hefty oil-paper packages, marked with the Lu Family Bookstore’s seal.

Rong Zheng, with an unconcerned expression, didn’t glance at the innkeeper and walked through the back door into the courtyard, where several people had already gathered. The Second Prince sat at the center, wearing a triumphant smile. His expression slightly hardened upon seeing Rong Zheng enter, remarking, "Jingzhi, you’re somewhat late today."

Rong Zheng's heart sank slightly. He quickly approached, bowing respectfully, "Before leaving, my elder brother asked me to buy two ink sticks for him. The detour delayed me, please forgive my tardiness, Your Highness."

Upon hearing Rong Tang's name, the Second Prince's expression softened, not wanting to dwell on the matter. However, Qin Pengxuan suddenly snorted, "That sickly elder brother of yours, barely attending school, what does he need ink sticks for?"

Rong Zheng slightly frowned.

He indeed disliked his foolish elder brother, but Qin Pengxuan, the heir to the Wukang Marquis, was even more crass. Despite his noble status, his behavior was no different from that of a petty person. The Second Prince didn't usually rely on him, but this time, Qin Pengxuan had fortuitously discovered the whereabouts of the rebel Chen Fei, gaining favor in the Second Prince's eyes.

Riding on this achievement, Qin Pengxuan had been flaunting his prowess among them.

Rong Zheng coldly replied, "My elder brother is procuring these scholar's treasures for my future sister-in-law."

Qin Pengxuan's expression faltered, a flash of intense hatred crossing his face as if recalling something.

The Second Prince, suddenly interested, raised his eyebrows, "Is Rong Tang really taking a male spouse?"

Rong Zheng confirmed, "Indeed."

"How curious," muttered the Second Prince.

Someone behind whispered, "With his frail body, if he marries a male spouse, it's hard to say who would be the one overwhelmed."

Such a vulgar comment was not appropriate in the presence of a prince, but everyone there was accustomed to debauchery, having frequented brothels numerous times. They burst into laughter at the remark.

Standing in front of everyone, Rong Zheng's expression was unreadable. He didn’t join in their mockery but instead asked the Second Prince, "Is everything going as planned with Your Highness’s current endeavors?"

The group that had been laughing fell silent immediately. The Second Prince waved his hand, "Why so serious? With the help of the young master, everything will naturally fall into place."

Rong Zheng frowned. It wasn't the first time he'd heard the Second Prince mention "the young master," but he'd never seen this person.

He first heard about it when Qin Pengxuan discovered Chen Fei. The Second Prince was overjoyed and planned to report it to the Emperor, intending to send troops for the capture.

For caution, he even personally visited Shangyang Guesthouse to observe but later changed his mind, claiming another method would be more pleasing to the Emperor.

So, they had been busy from the end of the second month until now, just waiting for a few more days when the Emperor and Empress would leave the palace for ancestral worship.

During these days, the Second Prince visited the brothel less frequently, often lost in thought and sighing while gazing at the moon, "The young master is so noble, like this bright moonlight. Every time I converse with him, I can't help but feel inferior."

Rong Zheng was quite curious about the "young master" frequently mentioned by the Second Prince. If it weren't for the Second Prince's known disinterest in men, Rong Zheng might even suspect him of being lovesick.

Fortunately, mentioning this matter seemed to have made the Second Prince more focused, and he began giving instructions for the tasks in the coming days.

Meanwhile, at the Tangjing residence in Yong'an Lane, the 'young master' who occupied the Second Prince's thoughts was standing at the doorway, watching the servants hang a newly made signboard.

Rong Tang had given Su Huaijing full autonomy over this house, even letting him name it. Initially, Su Huaijing hesitated as he couldn't call it 'Su Mansion' since he didn't even bear the surname Su.

Unable to leave it nameless, one afternoon, while Rong Tang was lounging and reading on the couch and Su Huaijing was practicing calligraphy, Su Huaijing glanced at Rong Tang and then wrote down Rong Tang’s name on a piece of rice paper.

After writing it, he realized that he not only liked Rong Tang’s style and behavior but also found his name pleasing to the eye.

Charmed by the sweetness of the name, Su Huaijing decided to title the residence with it, instructing Xing Feng to get a signboard made. Now, the paint was dry, and it was ready to be hung.

The new signboard lifted Su Huaijing’s spirits. After admiring it, he decided not to return inside, considering the time.

He ordered, "Xing Feng, brew some tea in the study, prepare a couple of dishes of nuts and oranges, and bring a stack of storybooks from the shelf, but leave out the third row; those have already been read."

Rong Tang didn’t like pastries but enjoyed nuts while reading storybooks, and he also had a fondness for roasted oranges. Su Huaijing thought that after five days of temple food, Rong Tang must be craving something tastier. He pondered whether to prepare some spicy snacks as well, recalling that Rong Tang seemed to enjoy the hotpot prepared by the kitchen last time.

Xing Feng's expression twisted at the instructions but dutifully prepared everything as ordered.

However, Su Huaijing waited at the doorway for a long time but didn’t see the gilded carriage; instead, Shuang Shou appeared in a small ox-cart. Surprised to see Su Huaijing, Shuang Shou hurriedly approached, panting, "Master Su, why are you waiting here? Our young master isn't coming today!"

Su Huaijing: “?”

Not coming?

His eyes narrowed, and his expression darkened instantly.

Author's note:

A competition with a prize: What will the main antagonist do when he can't see his beloved?