Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Rong Tang’s throat tightened, his primal instincts triggered. Su Huaijing appeared to be smiling, but Rong Tang felt as if he was being held by the teeth at his throat, ready to be bitten off, blood splattering everywhere.

Rong Tang swallowed hard and quickly conceded, “I was wrong.”

But Su Huaijing was relentless, slowly asking, “Wrong about what?”

Rong Tang: “?”

The system, unable to watch any longer, suggested: [Host, maybe you should just pretend to faint.]

“I would if I could…” Rong Tang said, “but I can’t faint right now.”

He pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, “You don’t like that I tricked Rong Zheng? Think I’m morally corrupt?”

Hearing this, Su Huaijing laughed indulgently, “Tang Tang can do anything. Murder, arson, burying bodies, skinning people, I will help you with all of it. Don’t worry about that.”

But this only frightened Rong Tang more. He spent a long time wondering what part of his recent conversation with Rong Zheng had irritated Su Huaijing, the little king of hell. He was almost tempted to ask, ‘Are you upset because I called you Rong Zheng’s sister-in-law?’ But as soon as the thought arose, he desperately suppressed it.

He must not ask!

His instincts screamed at him not to ask! If he did, he feared the cloak’s drawstring might just tighten around his neck.

Rong Tang’s face crumpled in a mix of fear and grievance. No matter how hard he thought, he couldn't figure it out, while Su Huaijing just kept watching him, his fingers idly tracing his collar as if they might any second grasp his throat.

After a tense standoff, Rong Tang finally softened his tone, “Huaijing.”

“Hmm?” Su Huaijing responded.

“I’m hungry.”

Su Huaijing’s movements stiffened. Rong Tang looked at him, an innocent and aggrieved expression in his eyes, and repeated softly, “I’m really hungry. I didn’t eat much just now…”

Outside, the moon had risen, and the sound of insects was faint. Su Huaijing, looking at the pitiful face in the candlelight, remained silent for a long while before finally releasing his grip.

A flicker of relief crossed Rong Tang’s heart. Su Huaijing turned, gathering all the items prepared earlier, and strode towards the courtyard exit.

Rong Tang quickly followed, sticking close to him and matching his pace.

Before they reached the moon gate, Su Huaijing slowed down, keeping to a pace that Rong Tang could easily keep up with.

He still didn’t look at Rong Tang, but softly called out, “Tang Tang.”

“Right here!” Rong Tang cheerfully responded.

This caused Su Huaijing to choke back his reaction, struggling to contain himself, but he couldn’t help it and turned his head, glaring fiercely at Rong Tang.

Rong Tang immediately cowered, his neck shrinking back, his voice dropping eight degrees: "Yes, yes, I’m here."

Su Huaijing said coldly, “You’re not allowed to eat spicy hot pot tonight.”

Rong Tang exploded, “Why not!”

Su Huaijing replied, “When you realize where you went wrong, you can come and make requests.”

“But what’s hot pot without spice!” Rong Tang argued with reason.

Su Huaijing hummed in agreement, “You make a good point.”

Rong Tang’s spirits lifted, but before he could rejoice, he heard Su Huaijing add, “So, I’ll eat the spicy side.”

Rong Tang: “?”

“What about me?” he asked weakly.

Su Huaijing said, “Shu Dao Pavilion has a new pot called the ‘Yuan Yang Pot.’ You can eat from the non-spicy side.”

Rong Tang: “??? That’s too avant-garde, isn’t it!”

Irritated, he stopped in his tracks, glaring at Su Huaijing. This time, the antagonist didn’t indulge him, stopping too and lazily looking down at him. Under the moonlight, Su Huaijing appeared very stern: “Don’t want to eat?”

Rong Tang nodded.

To his surprise, Su Huaijing turned towards Tang Hua Court, “Then let’s go back. I’ll check the kitchen for ingredients and cook you a bowl of noodles.”

Rong Tang was stunned, impulsively reaching out to grab Su Huaijing’s sleeve, almost blurting out, “You’ve changed.”

It's hard to say whether Su Huaijing is indulging Rong Tang or not. His first option was to cook for Rong Tang himself, to fill his stomach; but if you say he’s spoiling him, well, Rong Tang would frankly disagree. The contrast is too stark, and it’s a huge mental adjustment for him!

Bigger than a dual-flavor hot pot!

Rong Tang felt a bit wronged, “It was you who said you’d take me out for hot pot.”

He initiated it! He enticed me! Rong Tang was a little angry.

Just a little bit!

Su Huaijing said, “But it was also Rong Tang who said he’d accompany me for a lifetime.”

Rong Tang was taken aback, his emotions deflating significantly, not quite understanding how the topic shifted here. But he suspected the antagonist was twisting his words, and he had evidence to prove it!

Rong Tang frowned and corrected seriously, “What I said was that I would protect you until I die.”

Su Huaijing’s aura suddenly became heavier in the night, which Rong Tang didn't notice immediately. He only heard Su Huaijing ask, “And what about after that?”

Rong Tang was momentarily puzzled, “After that, you should be able to protect yourself.”

After all, he would be the emperor then, who would need to protect him? Rong Tang was quite baffled.

Su Huaijing stepped closer, lowering his head, his voice slightly deep, “Rong Tang, you said before that you wouldn’t lie to me, right?”

That sense of danger surged up again. Rong Tang instinctively tried to pull back his hand but was caught by Su Huaijing.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “Yes.”

Su Huaijing asked, “That night at the medical hall, when you proposed marriage to me, what reason did you use?”

Rong Tang found himself struggling to keep up with his train of thought, trying hard to remember the nonsense he had blurted out at that time.

Just as Rong Tang was about to leave, he heard Su Huaijing speak, "Saving me from my cage, fulfilling filial duties to your mother on your behalf, disciplining your younger brother for you."

Rong Tang paused slightly, keenly aware that Su Huaijing had reversed the order of his initial excuses.

Coincidentally, the importance of these matters was exactly in that order.

Su Huaijing chuckled softly, his fingers caressing the back of Rong Tang's hand, and asked nonchalantly, "Tang Tang, do you really need me to discipline your brother for you?"

“！”

Rong Tang instantly understood.

The first reason he had used to persuade Su Huaijing to marry him was that his brothers bullied him, and he wanted Su Huaijing to discipline them.

However, after today's family banquet, not only did Rong Zheng not bully him, but he was also intimidated and even brought gifts to Tanghua Courtyard, which was completely different from the pretext Rong Tang initially mentioned.

He could claim that Rong Yuan and Rong Zhe were the ones bullying him, but honestly, even if they targeted him, would he not fight back? He had never been a pushover.

Su Huaijing's question clearly indicated he already had an answer, so Rong Tang didn't want to continue lying to him.

They had to live together for more than three years; he couldn't keep pretending and deceiving Su Huaijing.

Feeling somewhat guilty, Rong Tang lowered his head, choosing silence.

Su Huaijing tapped his fingers on Rong Tang's hand, seemingly sighed, then conceded and asked, "Tang Tang, before these reasons, you said something else. What was it?"

Rong Tang was slightly startled and looked up at Su Huaijing.

The antagonist's captivating and beautiful eyes could be tender and affectionate when smiling or cold and distant in silence. Rong Tang thought for a moment, then hesitantly said, "I fell in love with you at first sight?"

"Hmm," Su Huaijing replied, leading him by the hand towards the courtyard, his tone leisurely, "Then let's pretend you fell in love with me at first sight."

Rong Tang: "?"

He was a bit bewildered but not entirely averse to the idea. After all, the antagonist did possess qualities that could make someone fall for him at first sight, although what Rong Tang felt might be more akin to paternal affection.

He remained silent for a while, sneaking glances at Su Huaijing's expression, and asked softly, "Aren't you angry anymore?"

Su Huaijing turned his head to look at Rong Tang with a helpless counter-question, "How do you expect me to stay angry?"

Getting sulky when angry and acting innocent when calculating. Admitting mistakes faster than anyone, looking at someone with a wronged expression, how can one stay mad?

Rong Tang understood his meaning, slightly guiltily lowering his eyes. He felt there was more to the story, something crucial he might be overlooking. Su Huaijing's sudden anger tonight definitely wasn't just because he realized Rong Tang could handle Rong Zheng alone.

But Su Huaijing was already leading him forward, not seeming to dwell on it: "Let's go to Shu Dao Pavilion. You can't eat too spicy due to your health, so just a little bit, and I'll rinse it with water for you."

Rong Tang's eyes lit up momentarily, about to speak, when Su Huaijing shot him a cold glance, "Stop acting spoiled or I really won't take you there."

Rong Tang pouted, muttering softly, "I didn't say I wouldn't agree, you're really fierce."

He just wanted to say thank you!

-

The imperial city night market is mostly concentrated around Fengyue Tower on one street.

The Jin Fen River that skirts the city connects the bustling parts of Yu Jing. The ten-mile Shuiling Street comes alive at night with bright lights, elegant buildings, gambling houses, taverns, smoke-filled corridors. Painted boats are moored on the river, gilded carriages pass on the streets, showcasing the epitome of wealth and luxury.

They were heading to Shu Dao Pavilion, a Sichuan cuisine restaurant that had recently reopened two days ago, specializing in hot pot. Its owner was said to be a native of Sichuan. Business had been booming these past few days, and the scent of spicy chili had filled the entire Shuiling Street.

Rong Tang had just alighted from the carriage and sniffed, unable to resist sneezing.

Su Huaijing's brow furrowed slightly, hesitating, almost turning back to the royal mansion. Rong Tang quickly stopped him, "It just suddenly irritated me for a moment. I'm fine now, really."

He was too craving for this hot pot. Su Huaijing had finally agreed to take him there, and even if he had to eat a watered-down version, he definitely didn't want to go back.

Su Huaijing looked at him for a while, finding no way around it, and had to lead Rong Tang inside.

Shu Dao Pavilion was three-storied. The ground floor was divided in half: one side for dining customers at square tables, the other half with small stools and tables for fruit and snacks, semi-encircling a small, raised platform.

Performers from Sichuan, holding bamboo instruments like the qin and pipa, were playing and singing on the platform. Many people were sitting around, each group around a small table, listening to the music. Each table had a wooden number placard, and waiters would come to find the corresponding number, guiding customers to the inner hall or upstairs.

Rong Tang was stunned for a moment, slightly confused, and asked the system subconsciously, "Is this... a queueing system?"

The system was equally confused. It had learned about Rong Tang's era and knew this frustrating marketing tactic was something famous restaurants used. Hooking customers with anticipation, allowing them to peer into the dining area to see others enjoying their meals while they held a number, reluctant to leave, waiting for their turn.

[So impressive.] It genuinely admired.

Rong Tang nodded, unable to resist turning to Su Huaijing and remarking, "The owner of this restaurant is really clever."

He had just casually glanced around, not to mention the people already seated in the hall, even among those waiting for their number in the outer hall were many officials and children of noble families. The owner of Shu Dao Pavilion is not only smart but also skilled, managing to keep these influential people calmly seated without throwing their weight around. Truly a standout among people.

"Is that so?" Su Huaijing smiled and began leading him upstairs.

Rong Tang paused, pointing to the small tables at the entrance, "Aren't we supposed to take a number?"

Su Huaijing's eyebrows raised slightly, and seeing this, Rong Tang felt a foreboding feeling in his heart.

The next moment, everyone saw the owner of Shu Dao Pavilion coming from the main hall, bowing his head, and saying, "Are you the Crown Prince and Princess of Ning Xuan? We have reserved a private room upstairs for you, please come this way."

Hearing this, Rong Tang knew his premonition had come true. He turned back reluctantly, only to see a handsome and resolute face.

Unfortunately, it was Xing Feng, another confidant of Su Huaijing.

Rong Tang finally realized something was amiss.

In his past two lifetimes, Shu Dao Pavilion was also a restaurant like Liujin Tower, selling exquisite dishes. Although business was good, it wasn't as booming as now, specializing in a single type of cuisine.

[Host, what are you thinking about?] The system clearly sensed something unusual too.

Rong Tang glanced around the restaurant at the diners and those waiting for a table, the moon shining brightly outside, and before curfew, carriages continuously headed in this direction.

Rong Tang: "...I'm thinking of investing."

System: [?]

"This is such a profitable venture!" Rong Tang couldn't help but grumble inwardly, "Su Huaijing used my money to open this restaurant, why can't I invest in it!?"

With Shu Dao Pavilion, if he opens a few more chain restaurants in Da Yu, the profits would be incredibly substantial!

Rong Tang really, really, really wanted to invest!

He admitted, he was motivated by the prospect of making money.

Rong Tang glanced at Su Huaijing with a touch of grievance. Su Huaijing, slightly startled, instinctively narrowed his eyes and looked towards Xing Feng.

He began to ponder whether Rong Tang had discovered his orders to Xing Feng to monitor him, thus associating this restaurant with himself. But before he could think further, Rong Tang had already shifted his gaze away and casually started to follow Xing Feng upstairs.

Just after taking a few steps, a voice laced with amusement and sounding quite frivolous, embodying the epitome of a dandy, came from behind: “Boss Feng, just yesterday you said no reservations and no advanced number taking by servants. How come today, as soon as the Crown Prince appears, you invite him upstairs?”

Rong Tang paused slightly, turned back, and saw a young man in pink clothes getting up from a small table, discarding a handful of melon seed shells, and passing the seeds to his companion on another dish.

He smiled and clapped his hands, bowing to Rong Tang: “I am Ke Hongxue, greeting the Crown Prince.”

Xing Feng frowned, about to explain, when Ke Hongxue said, “Don’t worry, I’m not some chivalrous hero who insists on upholding justice wherever I go.”

Ke Hongxue looked at Rong Tang with a broad smile: “I’ve been waiting for two days and haven’t been able to secure a table. Today, I finally invited my senior here. If we can’t eat, I’m afraid he’ll never want to come out with me again. Crown Prince, could you please be so kind as to share a table with us?”

Rong Tang's gaze briefly swept over him and turned to the young man behind him.

The young man was dressed in white, his demeanor serene and elegant, with a handsome and delicate face, born with a natural beauty. Yet, he was exceptionally stoic, almost like a stern judge.

Having known him for three lifetimes, Rong Tang seemed never to have seen him genuinely smile even once.

He was the top scholar of their year, the Junior Judge of Dali Temple, Mu Jingxu.

At the same time, he was also the real teacher of the male protagonist, Sheng Chengli. Rong Tang had previously thought they were confidants, but it seemed that under Mu Jingxu's calm facade was a stagnant pool, undisturbed by any ripple. Apart from Ke Hongxue, no one seemed able to get close to him.

Everything he did had only one purpose: to elevate Sheng Chengli to the throne.

Did this bring him any pleasure? Rong Tang didn’t know.

He didn’t succeed, dying even earlier than Rong Tang.

……

After pondering for a moment, Rong Tang turned to look at Su Huaijing. Su Huaijing asked, "Tangtang, do you want to join their table?"

Rong Tang nodded, and Su Huaijing smiled, "Then let's join them."

Ke Hongxue bowed in thanks, then turned to pull Mu Jingxu. As soon as his hand touched the sleeve, it was swiftly shaken off. The young man in white gave him an icy look. Ke Hongxue coaxed with a smile, "Come on, we have to attend the Flower Folding Festival tomorrow, consider it as keeping me company?"

Mu Jingxu coldly countered, "Why should I accompany you?"

Ke Hongxue dramatically clutched his heart, feigning hurt, "Wow, you're so heartless. I almost got eaten by a tiger for your little disciple, and you won’t even join me for a hotpot meal?"

Before Mu Jingxu could retort, Ke Hongxue continued with a laugh, "Senior brother, I’m really craving it. You know what the third one is like, always into his fanciful poetry and sour pretensions. Every feast is so bland and sweet, and the Flower Folding Festival lasts seven days. I’ll starve!"

"No one's making you go," retorted Mu Jingxu.

Ke Hongxue laughed, "You’re going, how can I not?"

Hearing them openly discuss the Flower Folding Festival in such a public setting, Rong Tang couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

He looked at Ke Hongxue as one would at a warrior; Rong Tang had long known this flamboyant laureate had an eccentric manner of conducting himself, often speaking frivolously, something Rong Tang himself had experienced many times.

But regarding his private communication with Mu Jingxu, Rong Tang had rarely witnessed such unrestrained behavior, never imagining it to be so audacious.

How does Mu Jingxu manage not to kill him? Rong Tang was quite curious.

As he watched this drama without needing a ticket, many people around had already cast their glances over. Su Huaijing's face darkened, and he sent a meaningful look to Xing Feng.

Xing Feng got the hint and stepped forward, "Master Ke and Master Mu, please make your decision quickly. Our restaurant is busy, and standing in the middle of the path hinders the efficiency of our servers. Please understand."

Hearing this, Ke Hongxue hurriedly replied to Xing Feng, "Yes, yes, yes!" Then, bending down, he grabbed Mu Jingxu’s wrist and pulled him forward, "Senior brother, you're the best. This time you accompany me, next time I'll accompany you. Fair and square!"

As Rong Tang led the way, he overheard this conversation and couldn't help but want to look back.

Ke Hongxue, are you sure our Junior Judge of Dali Temple would agree to such reciprocal arrangements with you?

Rong Tang’s expression was more vivid than ever, feeling an itch in his heart yet trying hard to suppress it. Su Huaijing, noticing this, said with a slightly stern tone, "Tangtang, don't look at others."

Rong Tang turned around instinctively, looking at Su Huaijing with a bit of confusion.

Su Huaijing then smiled again, his demeanor as gentle as jade, seemingly jesting a moment ago, and said in the most relaxed tone, "Otherwise, I might not want to bring you out next time."

The system timely came online: [Host, he’s serious.]

Rong Tang: "…I really thank you."

Fortunately, with this episode, Rong Tang kept his eyes straight from the hall to the third floor, his gaze obediently fixed on the floor, stabilizing Su Huaijing’s mood somewhat, until Xing Feng led them into the private room.

The room was located by the river, allowing a view of the glimmering lanterns floating on the Jinfen River from the window. When the crowd wasn’t too noisy, one could even hear the faint and distant melodies sung in the brothels of Fengyue Tower, pleasing to the ear. The air lacked the overpowering scent of cosmetics, replaced more by the fragrances of willows and fresh grass by the river and the spicy aroma from Shudaoge.

Rong Tang was quite pleased with the private room, but Su Huaijing seemed somewhat displeased. Hearing the noise outside, he glanced at Xing Feng with a hint of reproach in his eyes.

Xing Feng quietly lowered his head, glancing at Rong Tang who seemed genuinely delighted.

“……”

It was the master who instructed to reserve a private room daily according to Rong Tang's preference, and Xing Feng noted that Rong Tang indeed seemed very pleased with it.

Xing Feng, avoiding Su Huaijing's gaze, handed over the menu and quietly left, letting another waiter take over.

Naturally, Rong Tang was the first to order. He hadn't had hotpot in a long time, firstly because of his frail health and secondly, due to the limited resources of the era, which meant that out-of-season or preserved foods were almost impossible to find.

Not to mention ingredients that required refrigeration; in ancient times, ice-making was costly and rarely available outside the royal court.

So when Rong Tang saw 'iced fresh tripe' on the menu, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes in surprise, turning to Su Huaijing to ask, "Iced?"

It was only the end of March; even if there was ice, using it for chilling tripe seemed extravagant.

Rong Tang suddenly felt relieved he hadn't invested in this venture. The overheads for Su Huaijing's hotpot restaurant seemed too high to guarantee a profit.

Before Su Huaijing could respond, Ke Hongxue interjected, "The Prince Consort doesn’t know yet? The reason Shudaoge is so popular and hard to get into is because they use the freshest ingredients. Freshly slaughtered cattle and sheep, fruits from the southwest, highland barley from the northern borders… anything you can think of, Boss Feng can procure. They even bought a manor outside the city to store ice, hollowing out underground spaces. Boss Feng said when the weather gets warmer, all three floors of Shudaoge will be cooled with ice blocks."

Rong Tang was stunned by the extent of Su Huaijing’s extravagance: “!?”

Ke Hongxue, fanning himself leisurely with a jade fan, said, "But correspondingly, the prices here are beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Rong Tang hesitated before asking Ke Hongxue, who appeared knowledgeable despite never having dined here, “So, how much would this meal cost us?”

Ke Hongxue waggled a finger.

Rong Tang guessed, “One hundred taels?”

Ke Hongxue shook his head.

Rong Tang was shocked: “A thousand taels?”

Ke Hongxue grinned like a fox, “For a private room on the third floor, the minimum charge starts at one hundred gold. Not to mention the exclusive view from this ‘Xianju’ room. Since Shudaoge's opening, this room remained unoccupied until tonight, when the Prince Consort and his wife graced us with their presence. It’s my first time experiencing it too.”

Rong Tang was initially shocked by the price he blurted out. He was still processing Su Huaijing's astonishing business acumen when he suddenly realized the hidden meaning in Ke Hongxue's words.

He frowned slightly, poured himself a cup of tea, and casually placed the teapot in front of Su Huaijing, blocking Ke Hongxue's unguarded inquisitive glances, and said in a deep voice, "Since it's rare, Master Ke should enjoy it thoroughly with your schoolmate."

Ke Hongxue was clever, Rong Tang couldn’t deny it even after living three lifetimes. This seemingly unreliable, carefree Master Ke, who possessed the talent to govern a country yet spent his days leisurely, was indeed sharp-witted.

Rong Tang’s words were indirect, but they carried significant implications.

Rong Tang understood that his suggestion to share a table downstairs wasn’t spontaneous.

He had started to suspect Su Huaijing's identity.

Ke Hongxue's eyebrows twitched slightly, a smile hidden in his peach-blossom eyes. He opened his jade fan and lifted it, covering half his face, and said in a seemingly low voice but loud enough for everyone to hear, "See, that's different. Couples who have shared the wedding wine are special. I haven't even said anything yet, and the Prince Consort is already so protective of the Consort, afraid that I'll eat him up."

Mu Jingxu, always cold in demeanor, pushed Ke Hongxue and his fan away with a finger, "If you're jealous, marry one yourself."

Ke Hongxue swiftly closed his fan, took the menu Rong Tang had selected, casually read a few dishes to the waiter, then turned to Mu Jingxu, "Alright, then, I'll ask Teacher to betroth you to me during the Dragon Boat Festival visit."

Su Huaijing had been quiet until then, but at this statement, he unconsciously glanced at the two sitting opposite him.

Unable to resist, Rong Tang said irritably, "Don’t listen to his nonsense. Half of Fengyue Tower's ladies are his close friends. Him getting married would be the real surprise."

Su Huaijing raised an eyebrow, but before he could speak, Ke Hongxue cheekily asked, "Has the Prince Consort inquired about me?"

Rong Tang rolled his eyes internally, thinking I need to inquire? Wasn't my first visit to Fengyue Tower because you dragged me there?

He had chosen six girls to accompany them, creating a lively scene with singing, dancing, and laughter, asking each girl about her romantic interests and if they’d like to join him at the Ke residence.

If it weren’t for the high reputation and strict family discipline of Master Ke, who knows how many descendants would now be roaming the capital.

But he replied, "Master Ke's charm is known throughout the capital. Half the city's noble ladies dream of entering the Ke household. Even without inquiring, I’ve heard bits and pieces."

Ke Hongxue laughed heartily, his gaze lingering on Rong Tang and Su Huaijing before returning to his own business, peeling melon seeds for Mu Jingxu.

Watching their interaction, Rong Tang suddenly felt a bit dazed.

"He remembered that in the past two lives, Mu Jingxu died quite early. This man seemed even weaker than him, burdened with the busy duties of the Dali Temple, not to mention his diligent work as an aide for Sheng Chengli. Mu Jingxu died in winter both times, and after his death, Ke Hongxue also disappeared."

"But now, looking at him, he felt that Mu Jingxu, although severely aloof, didn't seem unwell enough to die."

"Rong Tang was puzzled, but a phrase he had overheard downstairs flashed through his mind."

"-‘For the sake of your little disciple, I was almost bitten to death by a tiger’."

"So, has Mu Jingxu joined the protagonist's camp now?"

"Rong Tang was contemplating how to discreetly inquire without raising suspicion when his hand, resting on the table, was taken away."

"Su Huaijing took a towel soaked in warm water, bowed his head, and slowly, finger by finger, wiped his hand, the warm touch sliding over his knuckles. Rong Tang blinked, about to say thank you."

"But Su Huaijing just smiled and said softly, as if casually, 'Tang Tang seems to have heard a lot of new things in these three months.'"

"Rong Tang was taken aback, belatedly sensing a chill, his wrist instinctively forming tiny bumps, which were then pressed down by Su Huaijing's warm towel."

"He fell silent for a while, then said, 'Maybe because I'm actually a little genius?'"

"Because he was so smart, even after being foolish for nine years, once recovered, he could speak eloquently, know the network of families in the capital, and accurately point out the scandals of Ke Hongxue's numerous confidantes throughout the city after seeing him."

"Knowing too much and too varied, even a completely normal person would find it difficult to achieve, let alone Rong Tang, who had been foolish for so many years. Even if information reached his ears, it would be hard for him to categorize and digest it."

Not to mention, Su Huaijing now lived with him, fully aware that the main sources of outside information for Tanghua Courtyard were just Shuangfu and Shuangshou. It was almost impossible for Rong Tang to know anything they hadn't spoken about.

"Rong Tang was not surprised by Su Huaijing's suspicions, but it was the first time he felt troubled by the child's keen perception."

"Being doubted three times in one night... Rong Tang felt like dying."

"If he had known, he would have consulted the almanac before leaving his room in Tanghua Courtyard. He really shouldn't have stepped out today!"

"Rong Tang frowned, looking at Su Huaijing with a face full of grievance. There was little panic in his eyes, rather an almost imperceptible complaint that Su Huaijing caught."

"He smiled, released Rong Tang's hand, and with a relaxed and natural tone, as if to comfort him, said, 'Yes, Tangtang brother is naturally a genius.'"

"Rong Tang: '...' You don't seem to believe it at all!"

-

"During the hotpot meal, Rong Tang simply chose to remain silent. Su Huaijing, as he initially said, rinsed each dish in clean water before allowing Rong Tang to eat. This left Ke Hongxue stunned, eventually laughing and falling back into his chair, asking, 'Senior, may I do the same?'"

"Mu Jingxu sent a cold glance, shutting Ke Hongxue up, who ultimately did not dare to mimic Su Huaijing, probably fearing the wrath of the Dali Temple's young official."

"Rong Tang, adhering to the principle of 'the less said, the better,' quietly ate his hotpot from beginning to end. Mu Jingxu also remained silent, and eventually, it was Ke Hongxue and Su Huaijing who became familiar with each other."

"Rong Tang glanced at Su Huaijing from the corner of his eye, noticing a hint of interest in his eyes, making it clear that this joint meal wasn't entirely of his own volition."

"Su Huaijing was also interested."

"Rong Tang guessed that what puzzled Su Huaijing was likely the same thing that puzzled him."

"The story of the hero from Yuanmeng Mountain offering a tiger had spread far and wide in Dayu, even inspiring numerous folk tales and paintings by famous artists. Everyone knew that a white tiger was now being kept in the imperial palace."

"And Ke Hongxue said he almost got bitten by a tiger while trying to save Sheng Chengli."

"Rong Tang, who initially wanted to stay out of these affairs in this life, realized he couldn't completely remain an outsider. Half full, he sipped fresh sheep milk, listening to Su Huaijing and Ke Hongxue's probing conversation, lacking in efficiency. He decided to directly ask Ke Hongxue through the smoke, 'Is that white tiger very big?'"

"Ke Hongxue paused, shifting his gaze from Su Huaijing to Rong Tang, and smiled, somewhat intimidatingly, 'Very big. Seven and a half feet tall, nine feet long, well-fed and robust. In front of it, a young master like you could be eaten in one bite.'"

"Rong Tang knew his personality and was not offended by this remark. Su Huaijing, however, suddenly turned cold and said sternly, 'It seems that Young Master Ke must have exceptional skills to have escaped from the tiger's mouth.'"

"Ke Hongxue laughed, half-joking, half-serious, 'It's not necessarily an extraordinary skill.'"

"Rong Tang, having waited in vain for a continuation, took the initiative to ask, 'I hear that Young Master Ke has abandoned martial arts for the literary arts?'"

"Ke Hongxue looked a bit surprised but seemed more intrigued, propping his chin and eyeing Rong Tang, 'Does the young master have an interest in me?'"

"His gaze shifted ambiguously between Su Huaijing and Rong Tang, then suggestively said to Rong Tang, 'Why wait for another day? I have a private room at the Fengyue Building. After supper, would you care to join me there to listen to some music?'"

"Su Huaijing’s face darkened as if it could blacken a pot, and Rong Tang glared at Ke Hongxue, wishing he could sew shut his inconveniently outspoken mouth."

"After a brief pause, Rong Tang, with a forced smile, turned to Mu Jingxu, 'Lord Mu, according to the laws of Dayu, what is the punishment for a court official who openly consorts with courtesans?'"

"Dayu was rather lax in managing officials visiting courtesans, probably because from the emperor to commoners, countless people frequented the brothels. Unless deliberately reported, neither the Dali Temple nor the Censorate would actively intervene."

"Still, the law was the law, and Mu Jingxu coolly replied, 'Thirty lashes and a half-year salary fine.'"

"The punishment was neither light nor harsh. Rong Tang nodded and said to Ke Hongxue, 'In that case, perhaps Lord Ke should first receive his punishment at the Dali Temple before inviting me to Fengyue Building? I refuse to be the one encouraging a court official into such reckless behavior.'"

"Ke Hongxue, now in no mood to banter, quickly turned to Mu Jingxu to plead, 'Senior brother, good senior brother, I was just joking. I only go to Fengyue Building to listen to music. I swear, I’m still a virgin. You can check if you don’t believe me!'"

"Mu Jingxu rolled his eyes at him. Rong Tang, feeling pleased, cheerfully reached for a slice of beef with his chopsticks, intending to put it in his own bowl. But sensing a gaze on him, he deftly changed direction and placed it in Su Huaijing’s bowl instead, 'Here, I picked it for you, you eat.'"

"Su Huaijing asked coolly, 'Does Tangtang want to visit the brothel?'"

"Rong Tang was taken aback, his tone becoming even more obedient, 'No, I don’t. I was just teasing.'"

"Su Huaijing gave him a deep look, took the chili oil-stained chopsticks from Rong Tang, replaced them with a clean pair, and then lowered his head to eat the piece of beef Rong Tang had picked for him."

"Rong Tang, with a sullen face, fretted over the new pair of chopsticks in his hand. Ke Hongxue was almost dying of laughter, quipping, 'It seems the young master is quite henpecked.'"

"Rong Tang glared at him, 'Just eat your food.'"

"Ke Hongxue, slightly surprised by his attitude, raised an eyebrow and respectfully toasted Rong Tang from afar. Rong Tang then resumed drinking his sheep milk."

"As he drank, he suddenly realized that he hadn’t managed to ask a single question."

"It wasn’t that Su Huaijing was inefficient, but rather this Scholar seemed carefree but was actually impenetrable. Just as Rong Tang felt he was getting close, he’d be sidetracked by some joke or another topic, leaving Rong Tang unsure what to say next."

"In the past, when they were on the same side, Rong Tang found him challenging but reliable for handling many matters. Now, standing in opposition, Rong Tang felt a twinge of worry."

"The system inquired, '[Host, what are you thinking about?]"

"Rong Tang: 'I’m pondering the feasibility of getting those two on Su Huaijing’s side.'"

"After a brief silence from the system, and remembering its stance, Rong Tang hastily added, 'Just thinking out loud, don’t take it seriously.'"

"The system apparently took it seriously, conducting a search and concluding, '[Feasibility is low.]"

"Rong Tang was first pleasantly surprised to be 'sweet-talked' by his own system, then he said gloomily, 'I know.'"

"Whether in the original text or through their interactions over several lifetimes, Rong Tang never understood why Mu Jingxu chose to support the male lead among so many princes. If he had to find a reason, he leaned more towards it being destiny’s guidance, arranged by the world’s narrative."

"Someone had to stand behind Sheng Chengli, a wise and resourceful advisor willing to live and die for him. Rong Tang alone wasn’t enough, so Mu Jingxu joined, and Ke Hongxue followed."

"If there were other unknown reasons, Rong Tang truly couldn’t figure them out."

"However, this made Rong Tang's hope of swaying Mu Jingxu to Su Huaijing's side almost impossible. Without Mu Jingxu, Ke Hongxue would naturally not join either, leaving Great Tutor Ke as one of Sheng Chengli's main supports in the early stages."

"Great Tutor Ke, a veteran of three reigns and twice the Emperor's teacher, holds an invaluable position in the court. His support provides Sheng Chengli a significant advantage over the other princes."

"Thinking this, Rong Tang couldn’t help but turn his head and scrutinize Su Huaijing once more."

"Sheng Chengli is the favored son of destiny, blessed with every conceivable advantage, his birth even heralded by celestial phenomena. So how did Sheng Chengli, holding such a winning hand, end up losing so miserably to Su Huaijing?"

"Lost in thought, Rong Tang stared until Su Huaijing allowed it for a while, his smile deepening and eyes filled with tender emotion, before gently asking, 'Are you full?'"

"Rong Tang nodded, 'Yes, I’m full.'"

"Su Huaijing then stood up, fetching Rong Tang’s cloak and hand warmer, gesturing for him to stand up. He helped Rong Tang into his cloak and tucked the hand warmer into his chest, 'Then let’s go.'"

"Ke Hongxue and Mu Jingxu, still in the private room, simply stood up to bid farewell, not following them out."

"Their meeting was but a brief encounter over a shared table. Among the four present, there were 3,200 schemes and calculations, and none felt the need to pretend a newfound friendship."

"The prince's carriage was parked at the street corner. Instead of heading straight to it, Su Huaijing walked leisurely with Rong Tang, while Shuangfu slowly followed with the carriage."

"With the moon high in the sky, the bustling ten-mile Shuiling Street quieted down, shedding its glamour to reveal tipsy young nobles and homeward-bound carriages."

"Rong Tang walked slowly along the long street, the riverside breeze swaying the willows and brushing his hair."

"The spring was in full bloom, and Rong Tang, despite his frailty, didn’t feel the night’s chill, especially with the warmth from the hand warmer in his embrace."

"Feeling quite content, Rong Tang walked for a while before Su Huaijing casually asked, 'Does Tangtang want to be friends with them?'"

"'Them' referred naturally to Ke Hongxue and Mu Jingxu. Rong Tang paused, glanced sideways at Su Huaijing, but couldn’t discern much displeasure or anger in his expression."

"After pondering, Rong Tang nodded, 'Mm.'"

"Su Huaijing’s smile was light, 'Why?'"

"Rong Tang hesitated, as there were many reasons."

"Having been colleagues for two lifetimes, he found these two quite interesting and didn’t want them to end up as before; disliking Sheng Chengli, he also didn’t want him to have such powerful allies; both were too clever, and if they opposed Su Huaijing, his path of revenge would undoubtedly face setbacks..."

"But ultimately, Rong Tang was thinking about something else."

"He stopped walking, gazing intently at Su Huaijing, remaining silent for a long time."

"Su Huaijing wasn’t in a hurry, standing with him by the riverbank, waiting for him to speak."

"After a while, Rong Tang said, 'For you.'"

"'Me?' Su Huaijing seemed surprised."

"Rong Tang nodded, and Su Huaijing smiled, 'May I ask the reason?'"

"The reason was probably that Rong Tang suddenly remembered, in his previous life, Mu Jingxu died on a winter night. After Ke Hongxue dealt with the aftermath, he went alone to the Censorate."

"The next day Ke Hongxue was nowhere to be found. On the third night, Su Huaijing knocked on Rong Tang’s door, smiling as he asked, 'Young master, care for a drink?'"

"He was smiling, but Rong Tang felt an immense sadness from him..."

"That night Su Huaijing didn’t get drunk, but Rong Tang did. In a daze, he heard Su Huaijing ask him a question, which he couldn’t recall no matter how hard he tried later."

"Now, as Su Huaijing stood on the Jinfen Riverbank smiling at Rong Tang, his eyes held genuine amusement, tinged with a bit of confusion and incomprehension."

"Rong Tang shook his head, 'You can’t.' Because I don’t know either."

"Su Huaijing appeared even more surprised, hesitating briefly before asking, 'May I ask you a question then?'"

"'Mm.'"

"Su Huaijing inquired, 'When exactly did your idiocy heal?'"

"Rong Tang was momentarily stunned, thinking: He really didn't believe it!"

"But then he felt it was better this way. Suspicion led to direct questions, and whether the answers were true or false, or what he wanted to hear, it was far better than endlessly harboring doubts in one’s heart."

"So Rong Tang pondered and replied, 'Publicly, it was three months ago.'"

"Su Huaijing’s smile deepened, stepping closer in the moonlight and river lanterns’ glow, he asked in a calm tone, 'And privately?'"

"Rong Tang looked up, hesitating only for an instant before curving his lips into a frank smile, 'Privately, I was never idiotic.'"

"Under the cool moonlight, Rong Tang noticed the sudden brightening in Su Huaijing’s eyes. He stared intently at Rong Tang for a long time, then laughed, 'Alright, I will let them befriend you.'"

……

"Tangtang, see, you’re quite good at placating me, aren’t you?"

"You must live a long and healthy life; feel free to make any other requests to me."

"My... little Bodhisattva."

"Author's note:"

"To prevent confusion, let me explain why Tangtang saying he was never idiotic made Huaijing feel consoled. Huaijing’s main concern is Tangtang’s health. Tangtang is a combination of congenital weakness, postnatal illness, and brain disorders – a collection of multiple debuffs. If he never had a brain disease, Huaijing wouldn’t have to worry about potential relapses or neurological impacts on his physical health, meaning the treatment difficulty drastically reduces. But my readers are so smart, you must understand! If not, it’s all Ballball's fault for not making it clear! Mwah, mwah, mwah!!!"