Chapter 28

Chapter 28

While drinking his tea, Rong Tang silently recalled for quite a while.

His acquaintance with Lu Jiaxi was not deep. Lin Yuan Academy, the most prestigious in Da Yu, admitted students every spring, including commoners, merchants' children, and nobility. Essentially, anyone sincerely dedicated to learning and possessing some talent, who passed the entrance exam, would not be turned away.

Each dynasty has had its top scholars emerge from Lin Yuan Academy. In the hearts of scholars across the land, Lin Yuan's prestige is comparable to Mount Tai.

In the eighth year of Qingzheng, Lu Jiaxi entered Lin Yuan Academy. The following year, he participated in his first Flower Folding Meeting, and in the tenth year, he took part in the imperial examinations.

I vaguely recall that he was a second-ranked jinshi, entered the Hanlin Academy as a clerk, and was then transferred to the Ministry of Rites in the eleventh year of Qingzheng.

In my previous two lives, the case of Ding Laibao never occurred, nor was there any mention of a heroic figure offering a tiger. The Emperor didn't grant any additional clerk positions in the Flower Folding Meeting. I originally thought Lu Jiaxi was just a junior of Ke Hongxue's, there to gain some favor.

But in this life, the first-place commoner in the Flower Folding Meeting directly enters the Hanlin Academy as a clerk; Lu Jiaxi, a young master of a merchant family, was the one who sued in the Ding Laibao incident; and Su Huaijing personally visited Lu's Bookstore…

Too coincidental.

So coincidental that I can't help but suspect Lu Jiaxi is Su Huaijing's man, and that in previous lives, there might have been many such minor characters behind the scenes actually belonging to the antagonist.

If that's really the case… I feel a kind of indescribable palpitation, not nervousness, but a throbbing appreciation in my veins.

Seeing my previous failures from a different perspective is indeed very interesting.

Rong Tang put down his tea cup. Both he and Su Huaijing ignored Ke Hongxue's words. Ke Hongxue raised his eyes, his gaze pointed and smiling at Rong Tang, who, unable to endure it, said, “A few days ago, I sent my brother to Lu's Bookstore to buy some ink for Huaijing. It was quite good, hence my question.”

Lu Jiaxi hurriedly bowed, “It's an honor for our products to be appreciated by the Prince. If the Prince doesn’t mind, I would be happy to regularly send stationery and other scholarly items to Ningxuan Prince's Mansion.”

Rong Tang hadn’t seen anyone so eager to offer gifts. He choked slightly and said, “There’s no need for Lu Gongzi to trouble himself. My health doesn’t allow me to sit and write often, and I don’t need such treasures. As for the ink and brushes Huaijing needs, my stepbrother takes care of it. There’s no need to bother Lu Gongzi.”

At the small red-painted building, everyone seemed immersed in their own thoughts. Lu Jiaxi made a few more polite remarks, while Su Huaijing had already peeled half a plate of fruits, smiling as he offered them to Rong Tang, “Tangtang, have some fruit.”

Rong Tang glanced at him, mindful of the others present, said little, ate a few lychees, then lazily leaned on the railing, gazing distantly at the scenery of Song Garden, not paying much attention to their conversation.

The group was missing one member, but Lu Jiaxi had likely already inquired, and Su Huaijing wouldn't actively ask about Cheng Chengli's whereabouts due to Rong Tang.

As for Rong Tang, he would be mad to care about the male lead.

He casually asked the system, “How exactly are male leads chosen in this world? Is it purely based on the author's favoritism?”

As a reader, Rong Tang always followed the author's narrative without questioning the protagonist's choices. After transmigrating, his focus was on the system's tasks, leaving no time or energy for such thoughts.

But now that he had some free time, Rong Tang became curious.

Considering everything, including background and temperament, Su Huaijing seemed more suitable as the protagonist than Cheng Chengli.

Lu Jiaxi wasn't particularly significant. Even his move to the Ministry of Rites was advised by Mu Jingxu and Ke Hongxue. He did assist the male lead in some matters later, but logically, he shouldn't be Su Huaijing's man.

Rong Tang frowned slightly at this thought, harboring some doubts.

What if, in the previous two lives, Lu Jiaxi was indeed a minor character on the male lead's side because of Ke Hongxue?

So in this life, was it the butterfly effect from the Shen Feiyi incident or some other reason that led to his connection with Su Huaijing?

Lost in thought, Rong Tang didn't notice the conversation had quieted. Su Huaijing approached, skewering a plump, juicy lychee with a small fork and bringing it to Rong Tang's lips: “Tangtang, ah—”

Instinctively, Rong Tang opened his mouth, savoring the sweet coolness. He blinked and began to chew mechanically, looking up at Su Huaijing.

"What are you thinking about?" Su Huaijing asked.

Thinking about your relationship with Lu Jiaxi.

Rong Tang looked at him for a while, then turned his head and spat the lychee seed from his mouth into his hand, asking, "Didn’t you write in your letter that you bought some storybooks for me? Did you bring them to Song Garden this time?"

Su Huaijing paused slightly, smiling with his eyes curved: "I brought them. Do you want to read them today?"

Rong Tang nodded: "Yeah, I don’t feel like going out."

"Alright, I'll bring them to you in a bit," said Su Huaijing.

Ke Hongxue spoke up at the right moment: "If the young master isn’t going out, could you perhaps lend us your spouse for a while?"

Rong Tang shot a glare and was about to retort, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mu Jingxu frown slightly, and the desire to scold Ke Hongxue dissipated.

Why scold him? There are others to deal with his tactlessness.

Lu Jiaxi cautiously said, "How about I go write a poem? Before the meeting, our school teacher tested our knowledge, and there was a poetic composition topic about peonies."

Rong Tang caught the keyword: "Peony? Did Sheng Chengxing use peony as the topic on the first day of the Flower Folding Assembly?"

Lu Jiaxi was stunned for a moment, then blankly said, "Ah? Yes."

Without a word from Rong Tang, Ke Hongxue chuckled, swayed his folding fan, and casually took a lychee from his plate and threw it into his mouth, leisurely saying, "How about it? Does the young master now feel like leaving his quarters?"

Rong Tang pursed his lips, feeling a slight displeasure rising in his heart.

The harem of Emperor Ren Shou was well-stocked, and though he held respect and love for the Empress, Queen Wang was nearing forty and it was unlikely for her to conceive again.

Concubine Hui was domineering, with a powerful maternal family. She bore two princes, and the younger one was recklessly claimed by a sorcerer to be born with the prosperous imperial star. In the palace, though not the empress, she nearly had the same authority.

Peonies are the queens of flowers, while peonies are the prime ministers, easily reminding one of the empress and a favored concubine.

It wasn’t surprising for Sheng Chengxing to include peonies in the theme of the Flower Folding Assembly, but starting with them was indeed—

Sima Zhao's intentions are clear to everyone.

Rong Tang’s expression turned cold, and Su Huaijing said, “If Tang Tang doesn’t want to go out, then don’t. I can go alone.”

Rong Tang shook his head: "No, together."

Ke Hongxue immediately laughed: "Let's go, let's go together and see. Today, the renowned Pear Garden Purple Jade Troupe, the hottest in the capital lately, is at the Lanyue Pavilion. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time."

Rong Tang’s just aroused spirit dissipated, and he looked helplessly towards Mu Jingxu.

Mu Jingxu's gaze shifted to Ke Hongxue, his eyes containing icy coldness, freezing to the bone. Ke Hongxue, noticing his senior's look, quickly chickened out, remaining quiet all the way from the pavilion to the boat heading to the island.

But as soon as they disembarked, the opera sounds from Lanyue Pavilion reached their ears, and he was at it again! He turned to Rong Tang with a sparkling look in his eyes, familiar to Rong Tang from his past life but unseen in this one, the meaning in his eyes clear without words.

"You understand me, right? Brother!"

Rong Tang didn’t understand, didn’t want to understand, for understanding meant being led into a trap by him once he casually responded.

Tang Tang, feeling bitter inside, silently moved closer to Su Huaijing, who naturally lowered his hand, grabbing Rong Tang’s fingers, leading him towards Lanyue Pavilion.

Rong Tang glanced down at their intertwined hands. The major villain’s hands, seemingly unblemished and unstained with blood, were covered with layered scars, each one striking and heart-wrenching to him.

Whether picking dew would cut fingers, Rong Tang couldn’t say for sure, but the mark left by the broken porcelain cup definitely shouldn’t have appeared on Su Huaijing’s hand.

He was clearly panicked, trying to stop Rong Tang without any care or caution, reaching directly for a pile of broken porcelain, thus allowing his palm to be cut.

Rong Tang felt all the displeasure from being played by Su Huaijing in the letter dissipate, as he reached out to touch the fingertips holding his.

However, Su Huaijing misinterpreted this, stopping in his tracks with a slight frown, asking, "May I ask the two gentlemen, where is the Fifth Prince now, and why have we not seen him at all?"

Rong Tang was startled, turning his head towards Su Huaijing, only able to see his tall profile and handsome side face, feeling an indescribable emotion in his heart.

Mu Jingxu replied, "The Fifth Prince is unwell, resting in his room, and will not join us for these few days."

Su Huaijing's expression relaxed a bit, about to continue walking with Rong Tang, but then he saw Ke Hongxue shake his fan, looking arrogant and slightly disdainful like a proud rooster.

"That’s why I say, Senior Brother, your taste is really poor. Sheng Chengli has been sick and frightened these two months, who knows how long he can last, yet you treat him like the apple of your eye."

Lu Jiaxi, with his head down staring at his toes, didn’t dare utter a word, pretending not to hear any disrespectful remarks. Su Huaijing looked somewhat incredulously, his gaze shifting between the two before leading Rong Tang forward.

Only Rong Tang’s expression remained unchanged, as if he heard nothing at all.

Ke Hongxue looked down on the male lead. He not only disdained Sheng Chengli but even looked down on all of Emperor Ren Shou’s princes, including the emperor himself.

However, such words, if heard by the wrong person, could easily be construed as treasonous, something Ke Hongxue disdained to discuss with others.

Rong Tang, having heard this a few times, was curious and asked him, "If you don’t genuinely submit to Sheng Chengli, why do you put in so much for him?"

Not only did he persuade Ke Taifu to back Sheng Chengli, but he also spent a fortune to build connections for him, such a carefree playboy willingly taking the position of Junior Prefect at the Imperial College to watch over the Fifth Prince.

His loyalty is as clear as the sun and the moon, as evident as the earth and sky. Anyone looking at Ke Hongxue would think he is Sheng Chengli's most loyal subordinate, never guessing he doesn't think highly of the male lead.

After hearing his question, Ke Hongxue only laughed, his gaze traversing the sky, landing on some distant star, and retorted, "Who else could I choose, if not him?"

"The Second Prince has a mastermind behind him, the Third and Sixth Princes are backed by the Grand Marshal, rich in strategists. The Seventh Prince is too young, and the Fourth Prince is frankly useless, not even qualifying for the battle of succession."

Choosing among all, in this vast palace, only Sheng Chengli seemed a viable option.

Ke Hongxue lifted his cup, toasting to the moonlight, not looking at Rong Tang, but smilingly said, "Young Master, I don’t know if you remember, but ten years ago, the Great Yu Palace was just like this night sky, with twinkling stars and a melting moonlight."

It was the best of times, an era so dreamy one could hardly resist indulging in it, yet it was forever ruined by a rebellion, never to exist again.

-

In the beautiful spring of April, there was a breeze on the lake island, the water rippling. The morning light on the lake's surface created an illusion of mirages with its shimmering ripples.

The sound of opera came from within the pavilion. Rong Tang and his group of five crossed the apricot forest to enter Lanyue Pavilion, led upstairs by a servant.

Sheng Chengxing was leaning on the balcony of the third floor, smiling down at the performance on the red stage below. His expression was not arrogant but carried an air of superiority, different from his reputation of scholarly elegance, more like a mischievous child born to high status, looking down upon the world from the summit of mountains.

"Rong Tang didn't particularly like him. Compared to Sheng Chengming, he liked Sheng Chengxing even less."

"But there stood Sheng Chengxing on the balustrade, his eyes wandering aimlessly. Spotting Rong Tang, he smiled, lifted his hand in greeting, and mouthed the words, 'Cousin.'"

"Left with no choice, Rong Tang had to approach."

"Ke Hongxue and Mu Jingxu paid their respects to the Third Prince. Sheng Chengxing didn’t even nod his head, instead warmly walked up to Rong Tang, intercepting his formalities. With hands clasped over Rong Tang’s, he feigned closeness and chatted, 'Cousin, are you feeling better? A-Yuan told me you were coming, I hardly believed it. Had I known it was true, I would have asked the emperor to send a palace carriage to fetch you from your mansion, to spare you the journey’s hardships.'"

"Rong Tang felt annoyed inside, but calmly replied, 'Your Highness is too kind. My mother, knowing of my frail health, ensures that the carriages I use are specially made. Though they may not compare to the royal family's, they are far superior to ordinary ones.'"

"At these words, the smile on Sheng Chengxing's lips faded slightly, unsure whether it was due to Rong Tang snubbing him, or the mention of the Queen, a topic subtly brought up by Rong Tang."

"Everyone knew that the Ning Xuan Queen was the empress's own sister. Rong Tang's words, though reasonable and neither humble nor arrogant, seemed somewhat off, especially in front of the eldest son of Empress Huigui. The imperial family's taboos were numerous and complex."

"The Third Prince could easily bring up the Empress and the Eldest Princess when speaking with the Ning Xuan Prince's heir, but if Rong Tang mentioned anyone related to the Queen, Sheng Chengxing would become suspicious."

"Unable to discern whether Rong Tang's comment was casual or intentional, he maintained a steady smile, his eyes slowly becoming inquisitive. Relaxing his grip, he casually picked up a paper fan beside him, opened it, and fanned lightly, saying, 'If so, the Empress Mother must be much relieved.'"

"Behind Sheng Chengxing, who had been surrounded by a group of dazzling young nobles of the capital, Rong Yuan stepped forward after being nudged by the crowd, and bowed to Rong Tang, greeting, 'Brother.'"

"Rong Tang didn't nod, just glanced over. Rong Yuan, having paid his respects and not being called upon, stood up and smiled, 'Brother, you seem much improved lately. Have you had the chance to enjoy a good stroll around Song Garden during this visit?'"

"Su Huaijing stood by Rong Tang's side, having already re-grasped Rong Tang's fingers. His eyes lowered, hiding the shadows beneath, his fingertips slowly yet restlessly rubbed over Rong Tang's hand, as if trying to replace the traces left by Sheng Chengxing."

"Rong Tang didn’t withdraw his hand, letting him be. He lazily shifted his gaze onto Rong Yuan, coughed lightly, neither too weak nor too strong, and ignored his half-brother's question, instead asking, 'Have you paid respects to your sister-in-law?'"

"Su Huaijing paused momentarily, then, lowering his head and slightly raising his eyebrows, turned to glance at his little Buddha, his displeasure miraculously soothed."

"His actions slowed down, and he discreetly scanned Lanyue Pavilion, looking for a place to cleanse his hands."

"Surprised for a second, Rong Yuan's face then broke into a smile. He bowed again, hands clasped in respect, 'Wishing my elder sister-in-law well.'"

"Su Huaijing acknowledged his gesture with a slight nod, returning the courtesy without any intent of small talk."

"Rong Tang’s expression lightened slightly, and he then answered Rong Yuan's earlier question, 'I arrived yesterday afternoon and was a bit tired, so I rested longer. In the evening, I took a stroll around the lake on the island but haven’t yet set foot elsewhere.'"

"Among the three sons of King Ning Xuan, the eldest, Rong Tang, is known in Yu Jing as a sickly figure. His younger brother, Rong Zheng, under the shadow of his ailing brother, gradually became the renowned figure of their generation in the Ning Xuan residence. Many believe that once Rong Tang passes away, the estate will fall into Rong Zheng's hands."

"When people casually chat, they occasionally mention Rong Zheng, but rarely Rong Yuan."

"He completely concealed himself beneath his two elder brothers, neither competing for attention nor showing off, like a calm, still pond."

"However, Rong Tang was well aware that Rong Yuan was far from as benign as he appeared. If Rong Zheng was like a blunt and reckless tiger, then Rong Yuan was a venomous snake lurking in the dark, camouflaged by its surroundings, ready to strike and inject its venom into an enemy's veins at any moment."

"Rong Tang didn't like interacting with him, just as he disliked conversing with Sheng Chengxing. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he said he had to leave."

"Sheng Chengxing didn’t stop him, but finally deigned to shift his gaze to the few people behind Rong Tang and smiled, 'Mu Shaocing and Ke Shaofu’s scholarship is first-rate, even praised by the Emperor himself. Cousin, joining them, it seems you are determined to win this time's top honor?'"

"Rong Tang replied, 'I’ve never been to school. I'm just here to make up the numbers and am not concerned about this.'"

"Sheng Chengxing then asked, 'I saw the name of the Fifth Prince on the invitation list this morning. Why didn't he come with you?'"

"Rong Tang really didn't want to talk this time. He lowered his eyes, slightly irritated, and leaned toward Su Huaijing. Ke Hongxue then stepped forward with a smile and bowed, 'Answering Your Highness, the Fifth Prince had just recovered from a serious illness and was still weak. Traveling all the way from the palace and then getting tired on the road, last night he caught a chill by the lake... Now, he’s fallen ill again and is resting in the courtyard.'"

"'I see—' Sheng Chengxing paused, then said, 'He should indeed rest well. It would be unfortunate if the Fifth Prince fell gravely ill again after the flower viewing festival, and the Emperor blamed us. I wouldn’t know who to turn to for justice.'"

"He smiled, his eyes curving slightly, a glint of cunning in his peripheral vision, and seemingly offhandedly asked Ke Hongxue, 'And you, Ke Shaofu, usually so detached and unconcerned with worldly affairs, what brought you here to seek such worldly recognition with the Fifth Prince?'"

"Ke Hongxue closed his fan, feigning a pleading look, 'It wasn’t my choice, but my grandfather insisted before I came. He said that, being a teacher, I should support and assist my students. My schoolmate volunteered to accompany me, and since I get along well with Rong Tang, we teamed up to avoid boredom. Otherwise, I would have been driven back to the pleasure house by all those tedious poems and essays, seeking solace with the ladies there.'"

"Sheng Chengxing was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter, 'Ke Shaofu, your words are still as humorous and witty.'"

"Ke Hongxue smiled back, 'If my words can amuse Your Highness, it’s my honor. But there’s one favor I’d like to ask of you.'"

"Sheng Chengxing waved his hand grandly, 'Speak freely.'"

"Ke Hongxue said, 'I hope next time you see my grandfather, you can tell him that I’m just a good-for-nothing idler. I’m not fit to be anyone’s support and just want to live like a romantic, carefree in the arms of beauties. Please stop assigning me these thankless tasks.'"

"Sheng Chengxing laughed heartily, fanning himself, and shook his head, 'I dare not say such things to Taifu. If the Emperor heard, he might accuse me of disrespecting Taifu, and I’d end up copying Buddhist scriptures as penance to our ancestors. Better you explain it to your grandfather yourself.'"

"Ke Hongxue pretended to be upset, continuing the act until they finally parted ways with Sheng Chengxing."

"Once out of Sheng Chengxing and others’ sight, Su Huaijing led Rong Tang to a water source. Bowing his head quietly, he carefully and tenderly dampened a cloth

"Ke Hongxue dropped the overly theatrical demeanor he had just been displaying, watching as if it were a spectacle. When Su Huaijing switched to a freshly fragranced, dry cloth to wipe Rong Tang's hands, Ke finally couldn't hold back. He stepped forward and lightly bumped Rong Tang's back with his shoulder, asking, 'My Lord, where did you find such a wife? So gentle and considerate, aren't you afraid of making a whole bunch of people jealous when you take him out?'"

"The force was gentle, probably out of consideration for his illness. Ke Hongxue's joke was appropriately light, but Rong Tang's attention was completely on Su Huaijing's hands, still raw with healing scabs about to be washed away by water. Caught off guard, Rong Tang staggered forward slightly."

"Su Huaijing immediately wrapped his arm around Rong Tang's shoulder, his gaze sharply piercing as he glared at Ke Hongxue, devoid of any feigned calmness or tranquility."

"Ke Hongxue was taken aback, realizing his blunder. He quickly stepped back, straightened up, and apologized, 'It was my brashness that has offended My Lord. If the two of you wish to punish or scold me, I have no objections.'"

"Ke Hongxue's peach blossom eyes were exceptionally beautiful. It was said his mother was an orphan girl saved by Ke Xuebo during his business travels in the south, possessing both the gentleness and passion of southern women, and the resilience and stubbornness typical of those who've endured hardship. Ke Hongxue closely resembled her."

"Ke Shaofu usually carried a smile, those peach blossom eyes of his seemed to hook people in as if they could speak. It was rare for him to be so serious. Rong Tang paused for a moment, then instinctively responded, 'It's alright.'"

"Su Huaijing, like a beast whose fur had been smoothed, saw the sharpness in his eyes dissipate in an instant. He raised his hand to smooth out the creases on Rong Tang's clothes, gathered the cloth, and walked away from the cleaning area."

"Ke Hongxue, still shaken, walked over to Mu Jingxu's side and quietly called out, 'School Brother.'"

"Mu Jingxu glanced at him and asked, 'Bored?'"

"Fully aware that the Ning Xuan Prince’s heir was so fragile that he couldn’t be bumped or jostled, yet Ke Hongxue kept sticking to him like a doggedly persistent plaster. Had he not actually caused any serious harm, who knows if he would still be able to stand here properly."

"As Su Huaijing and Rong Tang walked ahead, Ke Hongxue furrowed his brows watching their backs, murmuring softly, 'I know, but I just feel...'"

"He paused, and Mu Jingxu fixed his gaze on him."

"Ke Hongxue let out a laugh, 'I just feel like maybe we really did have a connection in a past life.'"

"Upon seeing Rong Tang, he felt they were kindred spirits, suited to ascend heights today to gaze at the stars, and tomorrow, ride through Yu Jing, enticing maidens to beckon from their balconies."

"But how did it turn out that he's a frail, sickly person unlikely to live long?"

"Ke Hongxue's thoughts drifted to this, his expression growing indifferent again as he glanced at Mu Jingxu."

"It seemed his school brother had lost more weight."