“Chapter 25”

"Chapter 25"

"The first time Rong Tang saw Sheng Chengli was on the fifteenth day of the first month in the ninth year of Qingzheng, during the Lantern Festival."

"The carriage from Ningxuan King’s Mansion to the imperial palace was filled with burning charcoal, so hot that Shuangfu would sweat upon entering, yet Rong Tang tightened his heavy cloak around him, still feeling cold."

"In truth... he wasn’t so keen on saving the male lead."

"When he first transmigrated, caught in his adolescent fantasies and deceived by the system, he felt like a savior, burdened with a supreme duty to this novel world."

"But as pain racked his body and illness tormented him, lying half-alive in bed for over ten days, Rong Tang didn’t even want to live, let alone save the male lead."

"Whether due to the system’s mission or the desire to game the system with his omniscient view, Rong Tang still went."

"The imperial palace during the Lantern Festival was the most opulent place in the entire capital of Dayu."

"Exquisite dishes and fine wines, emperors and nobles seated on high platforms, beauties flitting through gardens, lanterns hanging from tree branches, and winter plum blossoms blooming across the palace."

"It was stunning, and for a moment, Rong Tang felt as if the historical dramas he had seen in his past life had come to life, the characters gaining vitality."

"Matching the living people before him with the names from the e-book, he saw their reality, not the fictional creations of a novel spanning hundreds of thousands of words."

"Holding a palace lantern, he walked along the stone path, coughing every step, pausing every three, bypassing all the opulent and hazy halls, until he reached a dark and gloomy cold palace."

"Someone was burning with high fever, delirious, curled up in a cold blanket, a teardrop mole near the eye sparkling like a lit candle tear under the firelight."

"'How pitiable.'"

"That was Rong Tang’s first thought."

"He might have spoken out loud or not; the feverish youth was restless in his sleep. Rong Tang thought to go out and find an imperial physician for him, but as he turned to leave, his dangling hand was suddenly grasped."

"It was like clutching a lifeline, the grip desperate and forceful, as if afraid he would run away, clutching so hard it hurt."

"Tears gathered around the mole, and the youth curled up in bed. On a festive night in the palace, where even eunuchs and maids savored a feast, he called out with a crying tone, his voice hoarse, 'Mother…'"

"Rong Tang thought, you're trying to deceive me."

"And then he was deceived for two lifetimes."

"From mother, to teacher, to Rong Tang…"

"He himself couldn't recall when the change happened, nor could he explain when the male lead, whom he saw as a child, started harboring different thoughts."

"Suspicion, wariness, anger, resentment… until finally, under a compassionate Buddha statue in a dilapidated temple, he firmly plunged a sword into his chest."

"Rong Tang thought, he had raised an ingrate."

"It took him seven years to raise an ingrate favored by fate, born as the center of the world."

-

"Lanyue Pavilion was on an island in the middle of the central lake in Song Garden, accessible only by boat."

"Rong Tang didn’t arrive particularly late. Lanterns lit the ferry point, surrounded by a bustling crowd. Su Huaijing led him onto a small boat moored at the shore, taking the water route with Shuangfu, while Shuangshou stayed back in the courtyard to continue tidying up."

"Every so often along the lake, tall wooden poles stood, each topped with a light, their reflections mingling with the moon’s on the water, as if to pull down the Milky Way."

"After watching for a while, Rong Tang couldn’t resist bending over to stir the water with his hand. Shuangfu, watching anxiously, reminded, 'Young Master, the lake water is cold.'"

"Rong Tang grasped at the water, slightly stunned. Su Huaijing asked him, 'Cold?'"

"Rong Tang shook his head, 'It’s fine.'"

"If Shuangfu hadn’t mentioned it, Rong Tang might have even overlooked it. Recently, he rarely felt cold. On rainy days, Su Huaijing wouldn’t let him leave the house, and staying indoors, he didn’t feel the temperature change. At night, he used the hand warmer less. But now in Song Garden, dipping his hand in the spring night's lake water, he surprisingly didn’t feel very cold."

"Rong Tang poked the system: 'Has my body gotten better?'"

"The system mercilessly shattered his illusion: [Impossible, this body can only live for four more years.]"

"So, Rong Tang attributed it to the warming weather and the slightly warmer lake water, not noticing Su Huaijing's relaxed expression upon hearing his reply."

"Lakeside Island was dotted with banquets everywhere, some by the water, some on high grounds for drinking, or simply under a blooming spring tree, sitting on the ground with a blanket, a few snacks and cold dishes, playing the zither or flute, just enough to enjoy the spring night."

"Previously, Rong Tang attended the Zhehua Conference to network for Sheng Chengli, but this time, with a different mindset, he realized that the Third Prince really knew how to enjoy life and was truly carefree."

"The Noble Consort Hui forced such a grand destiny on her young son but let her eldest son grow into a hedonistic prince, who if not caught in the struggle for power, Rong Tang sometimes wondered what their lives would have been like."

"Su Huaijing led him up to the Lanyue Pavilion."

"The pavilion had four floors, hollow in the middle, with the first floor draped in red and performances on stage, surrounded by freshly picked seasonal flowers, filling the air with a rich fragrance."

"Rong Tang initially wanted to join Ke Hongxue's table but hesitated, not wanting to see Sheng Chengli. While hesitating, Su Huaijing nodded at Mu Jingshu from afar and led Rong Tang to a different spot."

"Rong Tang spotted the wealthy young men from Liujin Tower."

"He frowned unconsciously, but Su Huaijing remained unbothered, leading them over with ease. Rong Zheng hurriedly stood to greet them, and they were ushered to two chairs next to the main seat."

"Surrounded by dandies, Rong Tang felt out of place in their midst."

"But Su Huaijing didn’t care. The banquet tables at the Zhehua Conference were changed regularly; there were no strict rules. He was concerned that Rong Tang hadn’t eaten properly all day and promptly served him a bowl of yam and pigeon soup."

"As Rong Tang was about to eat, a mocking voice sneered, 'Lord Rong truly shows deep affection for the Lord Consort, so engrossed as to forget themselves. With the main seat still empty, how could you dare to start eating?'"

"Below were strings and woodwinds, above was clinking of cups, amidst the noisy crowd and music, and outside, the water rippled, with the crescent moon hanging high, reminding Rong Tang of the night he first met Su Huaijing in Fengyue Tower."

"He looked up at the speaker, who turned out to be Qin Pengxuan."

"Staring at him, Rong Tang coldly retorted, 'What’s the matter? Are you jealous?'"

"Qin Pengxuan's voice faltered, his eyes widening in disbelief, as if hearing something preposterous."

"Rong Tang glanced casually at his side and asked, 'Speaking of which, we are in-laws, aren’t we? Brother-in-law, where is my husband Su Huaijing’s cousin? Didn’t you bring her along?'"

"Rong Zheng, who had been uneasy since Qin Pengxuan’s remarks, was about to retort but Rong Tang spoke first. Realizing that Qin Pengxuan was about to be publicly humiliated, Rong Zheng silently sat back, ready to enjoy his brother's verbal riposte."

"Rong Tang’s mood was already sour, not having reached an agreement with Su Huaijing. Although he didn’t want to meet Sheng Chengli, it was an inevitable encounter."

"As the crown prince of Ningxuan, he couldn’t avoid Sheng Chengli forever, whether it was royal banquets or hunting grounds."

"Rong Tang felt regretful about making Su Huaijing give up this opportunity because of his own emotional overflow. Before he could think of a way to persuade Su Huaijing otherwise, Qin Pengxuan walked into his trap, giving Rong Tang the perfect opportunity to strike."

"As if just remembering, Rong Tang turned to Su Huaijing and asked, 'Oh, on our wedding day, I heard Minister Li mention that your cousin is pregnant? Su Huaijing, have you prepared a congratulatory gift?'"

"Su Huaijing, aware of Rong Tang's intentions, indulgently smiled, 'She’s just a month pregnant. It’s too early for a gift. How about we prepare it together when it’s time for her delivery?'"

"His voice, tender and unbelievable, coupled with his strikingly beautiful and refined features, almost made Rong Tang lose his composure."

"Yet, when he heard Su Huaijing call him 'Lord', Rong Tang couldn’t help but tremble slightly. Su Huaijing casually grabbed Rong Tang’s hand under the table, looking proper, but idly played with his fingers."

"Rong Tang felt a small shudder, but Su Huaijing pressed it down. Resigning himself, Rong Tang nodded and said to Qin Pengxuan, 'I wonder what kind of gift my brother-in-law would like? As Su Huaijing’s cousin and Minister Li’s legitimate daughter, I will not be stingy. Whatever your residence lacks, feel free to ask from my palace, yes?'"

"Su Huaijing looked down, a layer of amusement in his eyes."

"He had always known the young lord was articulate, but Rong Tang was usually so endearing in his presence that Su Huaijing sometimes forgot how relentless he could be when justified."

"In just a few moments, Rong Tang had assumed a superior stance, graciously bestowing favor while stepping on Qin Pengxuan."

"You say we’re unworthy, but what are you, then?"

"Su Huaijing grew fonder of Rong Tang, sitting quietly beside him, letting him defend them while casually pressing along his meridians."

"Engrossed, Rong Tang rested his right hand under the table, propped his left cheek with the other hand, and swept his gaze around the table, noticing Rong Zheng's hesitant demeanor."

"Narrowing his eyes, Rong Tang asked pointedly, 'Second brother, do you have something to say?'"

"Rong Zheng, barely containing his frustration, immediately responded, 'If my brother intends to prepare a gift for Miss Li, it should not be a celebratory gift for childbirth, but rather nourishing supplements for her health.'"

Rong Tang raised an eyebrow, curious, "Why is that?"

Before Rong Zheng could reply, another young noble at the table, clearly disdainful of Qin Pengxuan, interjected, "Because his concubine miscarried."

Rong Tang looked slightly startled, glancing instinctively at Su Huaijing, who remained composed in his seat, even offering a faint smile when their eyes met.

Feeling a tremor in his heart, Rong Tang quickly looked away, composed himself, and slammed his free hand on the table, exclaiming angrily, "How could this happen!"

Qin Pengxuan was taken aback by Rong Tang's reaction. Rong Tang angrily said, "My cousin traveled all the way from Shu to marry into your Duke of Wukang household as a concubine, which was humbling enough. She finally conceived your child, and you failed to care for and cherish her, leading to her miscarriage! Instead of staying by her side, you’re here attending a banquet?!"

"A man should establish his family before achieving success. How can you serve the Emperor and contribute to Da Yu with such behavior? Your father, the Duke of Wukang, earned great military merits. Sheltered by your family’s legacy, instead of seeking to bring honor and fame, you waste your days in debauchery. How are you fit to be the Duke's heir or to enjoy royal privileges!"

Amidst the singing below the Lan Yue Pavilion, the cool moonlight outside, and boats gently floating along the river, Rong Tang's voice, though soft, resonated powerfully. Su Huaijing, head bowed, repeatedly squeezed Rong Tang's hand to suppress the laughter that was threatening to spill.

Rong Tang, fueled with indignation, glared furiously at Qin Pengxuan, his righteous anger leaving Qin Pengxuan and the entire table in stunned silence.

The system, usually offline at night, watched the entire scene unfold, curiously musing, [Host, how do you manage to speak so eloquently and incisively every time?]

"If you don't want to compliment, you don't have to," retorted Rong Tang.

The system then fell silent.

Rong Tang asked, "Ever been through nine years of compulsory education?"

The system was puzzled: [?]

Rong Tang continued, "Ever taken exams, written language papers, done reading comprehension, know what textual analysis is?"

That was the secret.

Regardless of the situation, he’d first frame the narrative, then speak.

"Idiot Qin Pengxuan, you've been given more than enough face."