“Chapter 23”

"Chapter 23"

"Emperor Renshou had seven princes. The eldest prince, born to Queen Wang, died young, passing away in the second year of Emperor Renshou's reign."

"Among the surviving princes, aside from the protagonist Sheng Chengli whose mother was a foreign singer and died early in the cold palace, the second prince Sheng Chengming's mother is Imperial Consort Yi, daughter of Elder Zhang of the Cabinet; the third and sixth princes are born to Noble Consort Hui, Lady Xia; the fourth prince’s mother, Consort Ru, was originally a maid of Consort Yi; and the mother of the seventh prince is the recently entered Lady Fang, who is close to the Empress."

"Lately, the second prince has been frequently praised by Emperor Renshou, bringing honor to Consort Yi’s family, much to Noble Consort Hui’s displeasure."

"Noble Consort Hui's father is the Grand Marshal of the Army, having contributed significantly to Emperor Renshou. To appease them, for the third prince’s departure from the palace to establish his own residence and hold a 'flower-breaking' gathering, the Emperor not only granted leave to some civil officials to attend but also, hearing that the third prince intended to choose friends through literary contests, generously offered a position in the Hanlin Academy as a prize."

"A position in the Hanlin Academy, though not an official post, is closely linked to the Cabinet, and many historical Cabinet ministers started as Hanlin scholars."

"Normally, Hanlin scholars are selected after the imperial examinations, so Emperor Renshou’s move is seen as appeasement and a significant signal."

"— A signal allowing the third prince to make connections with close officials, cultivate influence, and recruit subordinates."

"Thus, upon this decree, not only those already friendly with the third prince, but even noble scions like Rong Tang and Rong Zheng were urged by their elders to study diligently and attend the gathering."

"Rong Tang himself had little interest in the Hanlin scholar position. For others, the gathering was a step into officialdom, but for him, it was merely an opportunity for a short trip out of the city."

"However, Rong Tang was uncertain if Su Huaijing wanted this opportunity, and if so, he would strive to secure it for him."

"The next morning, at Rong Tang's insistence, they took Su Huaijing’s carriage out of the city. Three carriages left from the Prince Ning Xuan’s mansion: the first carried the crown prince and his consort, the second Rong Zheng, Rong Yuan, and Rong Zhe, and the third Rong Ying and Rong Ning."

"Once inside the carriage, Rong Tang settled into his seat, wrapped himself in a woolen blanket, and took out a box of playing cards, his eyes sparkling, 'Poker, anyone?'"

"Su Huaijing was about to pour tea for him but paused, chuckling, 'Just the two of us?'"

"Rong Tang happily knocked on the carriage door, 'Shuangfu!'"

"A round head popped in from behind the curtain. Seeing what Rong Tang held, Shuangfu's eyes also lit up, 'Young master, my lord.'"

"Su Huaijing, not knowing what to say about this master and servant, chuckled for a while, then poured a cup of tea for Rong Tang to cool and set up a small table to join them in the game."

"As a child in the palace, he’d seen his mother and the other consorts play leaf cards. His third brother, at the age of thirteen or fourteen, would often sit behind them, fanning himself and counting cards, annoying even the calm and serene Consort Mei to the point where she’d shoo him away. Then the third prince would bow and apologize with a smile, soon picking up Su Huaijing to go fly kites or catch crickets in the Imperial Garden, passing the long hours."

"So, Su Huaijing had never actually watched a full game of leaf cards played by the consorts, and in his memory, leaf cards weren’t called ‘poker’ and looked entirely different from what Rong Tang held."

"Shuangfu explained that Rong Tang had personally designed the cards and had them custom-made by craftsmen. Su Huaijing had been doubtful at first, but after hearing Rong Tang confess he was never idiotic, he felt much more reassured."

"Perhaps there were other reasons forcing Rong Tang to feign foolishness; the vast and deep residence of the Wangfu is like a beast’s maw, and for a young lord with a heart as kind as a Bodhisattva, playing the fool might actually be safer."

"Rong Tang taught them the rules of poker. The stakes were copper coins, and Shuangfu and Shuangshou often lost their monthly allowances. Yet, when the young lord suggested playing again, they eagerly joined."

"Fortunately, Rong Tang always returned the winnings the next day under various pretexts, saving Su Huaijing the trouble of soothing the servants."

"After playing half a game, Su Huaijing saw that the tea had cooled enough and offered it to Rong Tang, 'Wet your throat.'"

"Engrossed in the game, Rong Tang unblinkingly turned his head, instinctively leaning to drink from Su Huaijing’s hand."

"Su Huaijing paused, his amusement growing, indulging him by gently lifting his wrist to feed Rong Tang half a cup of tea."

"As soon as he tasted it, Rong Tang slightly faltered, then after releasing his lips, he asked Su Huaijing, 'Did you change the tea leaves?'"

"Su Huaijing nodded, 'Don’t you like it?'"

"Rong Tang said, 'It’s not that, I just got used to the previous one.'"

"Su Huaijing smiled, putting down the cup, as Rong Tang casually asked while playing cards, 'Did we run out of the old tea leaves?'"

"'Mm,' Su Huaijing replied, 'The previous tea was from Shu region, only so much was brought, and it’s all finished. If Tangtang brother likes it, I’ll ask my uncle’s family if they have more.'"

"Hearing Li Changfu’s name, Rong Tang couldn’t help but frown. They hadn’t visited Li Changfu's house since their return. Later, he heard from Shuangshou that on March 20th, the Li family in Songjing Alley had eagerly awaited their return visit, even hanging strings of firecrackers. Li Changfu and his sons waited at the door for half a morning, but the Prince Ning Xuan and his consort never showed, causing much amusement."

"Rong Tang didn’t care about him. Once Su Huaijing entered the gates of the Ning Xuan Prince's mansion, he belonged to him. The wedding banquet had already given enough face to Li Changfu, and Rong Tang wouldn’t give the man any chance to climb higher."

"So, with a slightly heavier tone and a hint of displeasure, Rong Tang said, 'Don’t ask him; this one is quite nice too.'"

"Su Huaijing smiled and asked, 'Does Tangtang like it?'"

"Rong Tang glanced at him, somewhat puzzled, 'Indeed, it’s not bad.'"

"Compared to the previous tea, this one was slightly more bitter but had a sweet aftertaste. The flavor was light, carrying a hint of morning dew, quite to his taste."

"Before Su Huaijing could respond, Shuangfu interjected with a laugh, 'Young master, you’re lucky you said you liked it, or I’d feel sorry for the young lord.'"

"Rong Tang looked a bit surprised, 'What do you mean?'"

"Shuangfu said, 'This is the dew Young Lord collected early in the morning before dawn from the garden. One pot from the grass, another from flower petals, boiled separately and stored once the sun came up, right before he knocked on your door. How could it not taste good!'"

"Rong Tang was so stunned that he played the wrong card. Su Huaijing’s eyebrows twitched, but he didn’t correct him, instead smoothly taking over and clearing the leaf cards from his hand. Shuangfu, who was laughing just a moment ago, suddenly looked crestfallen, reluctantly accepting defeat and pulling out two copper coins from his pocket, placing them in front of Su Huaijing."

"Su Huaijing opened his right hand, extending it towards Rong Tang, 'Tangtang, pay up.'"

"Rong Tang instinctively reached for his money, but halfway through, he paused and turned to Su Huaijing, 'Isn’t my money with you?'"

"'But that's my allowance,' Su Huaijing said without any guilt, his phoenix eyes curving into a harmless, innocent smile, 'Does Tangtang brother plan to use my allowance for the bet?'"

"Rong Tang was tongue-tied, inwardly grumbling."

"The system coldly commented, '[Host, you deserve it.]"

"Rong Tang didn’t feel like he deserved it, feeling more like he was being manipulated."

"These days, Su Huaijing had taken such meticulous care of him that Rong Tang had grown dependent. Not only did he give him the keys to his private treasury, but every time they went out, he would carelessly stuff money into Su Huaijing’s pockets, himself walking out empty-handed, only holding a hand warmer."

"It was the same for this flower-breaking meeting; he hadn’t brought a single coin with him. His money was either with Shuangfu or Su Huaijing."

"Now, having lost money to these two in cards, he had to ask his spouse for gambling funds..."

"Rong Tang felt somewhat embarrassed."

"But Su Huaijing just laughed, opening his money pouch and taking out a handful of broken silver and copper coins, piling them in front of Rong Tang, whispering, 'Remember to pay me back.'"

"Rong Tang, teased to the point of embarrassment, nearly forgot that all the money was originally his. He haphazardly agreed, then picked out two copper coins from the pile as gambling funds for Su Huaijing."

"The system clicked its tongue in amazement, '[Host, is this some kind of flirtatious game you're playing?]"

"All the banknotes Rong Tang had given Su Huaijing were in denominations starting from a hundred taels. Now, this little mountain of coins didn’t even total ten taels, yet they kept exchanging it back and forth, making it seem like flirtation."

"The system actually wanted to voice this conclusion directly but knew its host’s thin skin. It digested the thought, turned around in the system space, then curled up on Rong Tang’s lap to watch him play cards."

"It was Rong Tang who wanted to play poker, but in the end, he was the one who lost everything. He watched the pile of copper coins in front of him unscathed, returning to Su Huaijing's pouch, puzzled, 'Were you just pretending earlier?'"

"Su Huaijing smiled, 'No.'"

"Rong Tang didn’t believe him at all. Seeing Shuangfu also looking distressed from his losses, he handed over the two remaining broken silver coins. Initially wanting to give it all, but knowing Shuangfu wouldn’t accept, he said, 'One for you, keep the other for me. Next time we play, you can give it back.'"

"Shuangfu looked at him and then at Su Huaijing, hesitating for a long time before finally accepting and stepping out of the carriage."

"After losing the whole game, Rong Tang was unusually irritable, sipping his tea sullenly. Just as he was about to pour more, Su Huaijing reached out to stop him."

"Rong Tang glanced at him annoyedly. Su Huaijing lowered his eyes, looking a bit pitiful and aggrieved, 'Tangtang brother gave away my allowance.'"

"Rong Tang’s scalp tingled, 'Wasn’t it to repay you?'"

"Su Huaijing then said, 'Tangtang brother is sulking.'"

"Rong Tang retorted, 'I’m not.'"

"Su Huaijing didn’t believe him, observing him for a while before shaking his head and concluding, 'You are sulking.'"

"Rong Tang: '...'"

"He confronted Su Huaijing for two seconds, then deflated, decisively admitting, 'Yes, I am a bit angry.'"

"He asked in confusion, 'Can you count cards?'"

"Su Huaijing blinked, 'It’s not hard.'"

"Rong Tang was taken aback by his casual tone, and after a moment, he complained in a low voice, 'Counting cards in poker is so boring, it’s like standing naked in front of you.'"

"Su Huaijing's eyes darkened momentarily before lightening again, coaxing with a smile, 'My mistake, I won’t count cards next time.'"

"Rong Tang eyed him suspiciously, 'Really?'"

"Su Huaijing nodded, 'Really.'"

"Rong Tang asked again, 'Then why did you count cards this time?'"

"Su Huaijing's eyes curved into a smile, 'Because Tangtang brother said you’d pay me back.'"

"Rong Tang: '? You need money?'"

"Su Huaijing shook his head, 'No.'"

"Rong Tang, even more puzzled, asked, 'Then…?'"

"Su Huaijing explained, 'The treasury keys are with me, I handle the mansion’s monthly silver, and Tangtang brother gave me all your cash as pocket money right after getting married… Tangtang, you don’t have any money on you now, do you?'"

"He smiled gently and calmly, but to Rong Tang, it seemed as if he was looking at a fox, unbelievingly widening his eyes."

"Su Huaijing reached forward, gently grasping Rong Tang's hand, leisurely squeezing it, 'If you can’t pay back the money, Tangtang brother, you can repay me with something else.'"

"Rong Tang took a moment to process, his voice slightly hoarse, 'What do you want?'"

"Su Huaijing shook his head innocently, 'Haven’t thought of it yet, I’ll tell you when I do.'"

"Rong Tang was nearly infuriated, about to retort, when his hand was squeezed again. Su Huaijing released him and opened his palm, rolling up his sleeve, 'It hurts...'"

"Rong Tang paused, looking down to see the complex network of fresh, crimson scratches on Su Huaijing's pale wrist, all seemingly caused by grass or branches."

"Remembering what Shuangfu had said earlier, Rong Tang's annoyance instantly dissipated, even turning into concern. Su Huaijing looked up at him, his voice soft and gentle, 'Is it okay?'"

"Rong Tang: '...Yes, yes, yes.'"

"What could he do? He was the one who married him."

"Su Huaijing’s smile brightened, coaxingly asking, 'Then Tangtang, can you apply the ointment for me?'"

"Rong Tang: '...'"

"The ointment prepared by the mansion's doctor was very effective. Rong Tang had used some before and kept the rest, which Shuangfu had packed for the trip."

"He rummaged through his belongings, found the black ointment, scooped out a bit, and remembering how Su Huaijing had applied ointment for him in Yong’an Alley with an almost murderous aura, couldn’t help but glare at him, speaking sharply, 'You shouldn’t have gone to collect dew if you end up hurting yourself.'"

"Su Huaijing found the sentence structure familiar, paused for a second, then chuckled quietly, keeping his wrist still as Rong Tang applied the ointment, but corrected, 'Not quite right.'"

"Rong Tang looked at him, puzzled."

"Su Huaijing said, 'It should be, ‘How could you get hurt collecting dew, Huaijing, you shouldn’t have gone to collect it.’'"

"The way he said ‘Huaijing’ felt natural, even carrying a hint of deep, lazy intimacy, as if it were wrapped in affection, sticky and sweet."

"After speaking, Su Huaijing looked at Rong Tang with bright, sparkling eyes, 'Tangtang, could you say it again?'"

"Rong Tang: '...' I refuse."

"[You deserve it.]" The system once again retorted to its host.

"It couldn’t understand why its host, knowing full well he was no match for the antagonist, kept provoking him, only to end up flushed and speechless, finally quieting down."

"Rong Tang said, 'Shut up.'"

"He couldn’t outtalk Su Huaijing, but surely he could handle the system, this little fool."

"[You only know how to be harsh with me!]" The system grumbled, bouncing up and down on the leg of Rong Tang’s virtual character in frustration.

"Not hearing a response, Su Huaijing’s tone softened even more, stickier than before, 'Tangtang?'"

"Rong Tang’s ears began to heat up uncontrollably, helpless and with a weak voice, he pleaded, 'Don’t call me that.'"

"Su Huaijing paused, then burst into laughter. The ointment was already applied, a herbal fragrance lingering on his wrist. He withdrew his hand, propped his chin with one hand, and looked up at Rong Tang with a smiling, squinting gaze, 'Tangtang brother is bullying me.'"

"Rong Tang was even more embarrassed."

"Su Huaijing said, 'Since I can’t call you husband or Tangtang, then what should I call you?'"

"He paused, his smile deepening, softly asking, '...My lord?'"

"Panicked, Rong Tang leaned forward, pressing his palm directly over Su Huaijing's mouth, holding it firmly. His ears reddened, his eyes evasive, wishing he could disappear into a hole in the ground, his face filled with embarrassment."

"However, his hand accidentally pressed on the back of Su Huaijing’s hand resting on his cheek. Su Huaijing paused, his gaze shifting downwards, a smile creeping onto his lips. Rong Tang recoiled as if burned, but didn’t remove his hand. Su Huaijing then took this position to intertwine their fingers, slowly drawing their hands down, lifting them to Rong Tang’s face with a laugh."

"Proudly, like presenting a treasure, 'Look, our fingers intertwined!'"

"Rong Tang: '...'"

"Might as well be dead."

-

"The location of the Flower-Breaking Gathering was a manor called Song Garden, given to the third prince by Emperor Renshou at the end of last year. Situated on the outskirts of the capital, near mountains and by the water, it boasted beautiful scenery."

"The Ning Xuan Prince’s mansion’s carriage procession moved slowly, concerned about the young lord’s health on the bumpy ride. By the time they arrived at the manor, a row of carriages was already tied at the horse posts."

"Under the perfect spring light, flowers bloomed in the surrounding mountains and forests, casting green shadows. Rong Tang awkwardly dodged Su Huaijing’s hand as he alighted from the carriage and caught sight of Ke Hongxue getting off his carriage."

"Today, the young master Ke wore a spring outfit of emerald green, matched with a white jade folding fan, his hair held up with a hairpin, standing tall and elegant. His peach blossom eyes held thousands of charms, causing passing noblewomen to shyly cover their faces."

"Rong Tang: '...' What a troublemaker."

"As he inwardly grumbled, Ke Hongxue leisurely looked over, eyes widening and shaking his fan with a laugh, 'Prince, we meet again!'"

"Rong Tang turned to leave, but Su Huaijing stopped him, leading him forward with a smile, 'Lord Ke.'"

"Left with no choice, Rong Tang approached and asked, 'Is Lord Mu not with you?'"

"Ke Hongxue’s smile faded slightly, self-mockingly saying, 'My senior brother favors his little disciple too much. He personally escorted him, fearing he might be slighted on the road. Who would remember me?'"

"Rong Tang paused, frowning slightly, 'Sheng Chengli is here too?'"

"As soon as he spoke, Ke Hongxue’s expression changed, thoughtfully eyeing Rong Tang, hinting, 'Prince Ning Xuan is indeed favored by His Majesty.'"

"Stunned, Rong Tang turned to look at Su Huaijing, who was contemplatively looking at him. Before Rong Tang could explain, Su Huaijing said, 'The Emperor is fond of auspicious beasts, known to all. Has Lord Ke forgotten what you yourself said last night at the Shudao Pavilion?'"

"Ke Hongxue’s suspicion was simple: last night, they hadn’t mentioned Sheng Chengli’s name, yet Rong Tang immediately asked if the protagonist was present upon hearing Ke Hongxue’s words."

"Such sharpness was hard not to arouse suspicion."

"Hearing this, Ke Hongxue’s smile remained, leisurely asking Su Huaijing, 'Oh? What did I say that made the prince so quickly guess who my brother's disciple is? I would like the prince consort to enlighten me.'"

"Rong Tang frowned, feeling an urge to hit Ke Hongxue."

Yet, Su Huaijing calmly said, “It seems Minister Ke really has a poor memory. As a Lesser Prefect, Minister Ke interacts in the palace mainly with the eunuchs in charge and the princes and study companions from the Imperial College.”

Ke Hongxue nodded with his fan, “That makes sense.”

Su Huaijing added, “The person who would make Minister Ke disregard danger to rescue from a tiger's mouth is unlikely to be a eunuch.”

Ke Hongxue straightforwardly said, “The crown prince's consort is astute. It’s not only unlikely to be a eunuch, but more likely a prince. But how did you guess it was the Fifth Prince?”

Although the Grand Tutor, Ke Wenrui, recently suggested to Emperor Renshou that Sheng Chengli should be a governing minister, this matter was confidential, known only to the emperor's close confidants.

And Emperor Renshou’s confidants like Rong Mingyu were all tight-lipped, definitely not likely to share such subtle palace talk with their families. Ke Hongxue’s question thus revealed ulterior motives.

He harbored suspicions towards Rong Tang while also becoming wary of Ning Xuanwang.

Rong Tang's temples throbbed with frustration, wishing for him to stop speaking. How could he not understand Ke Hongxue after their interactions over the past two lifetimes?

This man had bizarrely stopped him at the Shudao Pavilion last night. Even if it was a chance encounter, the subsequent talk about the "tiger" and "your disciple" was initiated by him.

Not to mention today's “coincidental” meeting at the entrance of Song Garden. With just a casual question from Rong Tang, he brought up his disciple again.

Repeatedly hinting at an ulterior motive and yet managing to shift suspicion onto Rong Tang, putting himself in a position to question from a place of superiority.

Rong Tang didn’t believe Su Huaijing hadn’t noticed. If it weren’t for his sense that Su Huaijing's approach was also calculated, he would have directly exposed Ke Hongxue.

His head ached as he heard Su Huaijing laughingly say, "Forgive my impertinence, but as a prince, his travels must be accompanied by palace carriages and guards from the Xiaolongwei. Apart from the fifth prince, who else would dare neglect a royal grandson?"

Ke Hongxue paused slightly, his gaze towards Su Huaijing changing to one of satisfaction mixed with apprehension. He casually closed his fan, laughing as if he’d just realized, "It seems my careless words have led to suspicions from the Prince Consort and Consort. If not for the Consort's reminder, who knows how many mistakes I would make in the future. Thank you."

Su Huaijing ignored his gratitude, his gaze slightly colder, his tone deeper and more oppressive, “I dare not accept your thanks. I am curious, though, Master Ke, what's the purpose behind your repeated probes?”

Author’s note:

Su Huaijing: A hard-eating artist of rice and tea performances. Rong Tang: What can I do? He really is quite pitiable!