“Chapter 53”

"Chapter 53"

"In the southeast, there is a divine mountain named Enyang, home to auspicious beasts like the white tiger, red phoenix, colorful snake, and spiritual deer. Legend has it that sighting these creatures brings fortune and destiny."

"Enyang Mountain is revered as sacred by locals, with abundant wildlife and ingredients. In spring, people climb the mountain to pick fruits, and in autumn, they hunt in the forest. This mountain nurtures dozens of surrounding villages."

"Sixty years ago, the Emperor Xuan of Dayu traveled south and passed by Enyang, where he fortuitously encountered a white tiger with sleek fur and eyes like black pearls, lazily basking in the spring sun, seemingly a divine beast descended to the mortal realm."

"Overjoyed, Emperor Xuan chased after it, following into the forest with dense trees and exotic animals, losing the tiger and getting lost. In confusion, a fierce tiger's roar sounded behind him, a large beast pouncing forward. Startled, his horse bolted, throwing Emperor Xuan off. The white tiger attacked, its massive jaws threatening the Emperor’s life."

"At this critical moment, with no help from attendants, a lone girl hunting in the mountain saw the tiger attacking. Without a second thought, she rushed forward, shielding the Emperor with her frail body and stabbing the tiger in the eye with her dagger, saving the Emperor’s life."

"Afterwards, the girl was acknowledged as the Emperor’s adopted daughter, granted the honor of a princess. After Emperor Xuan's death and Emperor Mingzong's accession, she, a mere woman, maneuvered through court politics with remarkable courage and strategy, earning the title of Princess Duenyi, becoming the most revered elder in the entire Dayu imperial family."

"Forty years later, with turmoil and calm in the Dayu court, Duenyi lived alone in the magnificent Princess’s mansion, spending her days in prayer and letting the austerity of sandalwood incense erase her once decisive and ruthless nature."

"As Su Huaijing finished speaking, the Buddhist hall fell into silence."

"After a while, Princess Duenyi spoke in a deep voice, 'Have I been of help to you?'"

"Su Huaijing replied, 'Immensely beneficial.'"

Duen Yi seemed to smile faintly, but this smile quickly dissipated under the imposing Buddha statue. She rose gracefully and turned to gaze intently.

Seventeen-year-old Su Huaijing was exquisitely handsome, with a complexion like spring water in the human world and a temperament like the autumn moon in the heavens, noble and brilliant. He stood properly at the lower end, straightening up after a bow, exuding an unyielding dignity like that of pine and cypress.

Standing there, he seemed to embody stories, with mountains that overshadow the skies behind his seventeen-year-old frame.

Duen Yi watched him silently for a long time. Outside the window, in the courtyard, a crisp oriole's song sounded, signaling the summer birds' arrival in the capital.

Duen Yi asked seemingly casually, "Is my grandson treating you well?"

Su Huaijing slightly lifted his lips, showing a hint of a smile, but his eyes flashed with mockery and sarcasm, coldly saying, "Tangtang is very good, so good that I am willing to wait for his death before dealing with your son."

Duen Yi remained silent, meeting his gaze.

After a moment, the Princess curved her eyes slightly, lightly dusting off the incense ash from her clothes, and said softly, "There are five-colored cords prepared in the mansion. Wear one when you leave, and discard it after the first rain falls."

Su Huaijing bowed again in gratitude, "Thank you, Your Highness, the Princess."

Duen Yi frowned slightly at his address but didn't correct it. She walked towards the door, with Su Huaijing following behind her.

Outside the courtyard, the weather was sunny in May, with the fragrance of herbs and sweet flag growing stronger.

-

Inside the hall, Rong Tang, who was chatting with Wang Xiuyu, subconsciously looked back at the corner. Not seeing Su Huaijing at first glance wasn't an issue, but after casually scanning the entire hall, he slowly furrowed his brows.

Princess Duen Yi observed her religious practices, refraining from eating after noon; Rong Mingyu and Rong Mingli were again leading duties at the court. Every year on the Dragon Boat Festival, Emperor Renshou, to show his benevolence, would invite high officials to watch the dragon boat races and only return home after attending a banquet in the palace at night.

Thus, the family banquet at the Princess's mansion was a lunch. When Rong Mingyu and Rong Mingli entered the mansion, they didn't go to the main hall but sent a servant to inform and went together to the Buddhist hall to pay respects to the Princess, then helped their mother over.

Rong Tang stood up with everyone, waiting behind the Princess Consort, at the forefront of the younger generation.

His brows were faintly furrowed the whole time, worried about the suddenly missing Su Huaijing.

Logic told him that with the villain's intelligence, he wouldn't be in danger anywhere, even if it was his first visit. But Rong Tang couldn’t help worrying.

It was not until a slight commotion came from behind and the hand hanging by his side was naturally grasped that Rong Tang's anxious heart gradually calmed down.

He didn’t even need to turn around, instinctively gripping back, and asked softly, "Where did you go?"

Su Huaijing answered in a low voice, "Grandmother called me over for a talk."

Hearing this, the recently calmed heart of Young Master Rong was agitated again. He immediately turned and scrutinized Su Huaijing, seeing nothing unusual but still looking unhappy. After thinking for two seconds, he said, "Next time something like this happens, call me along."

Su Huaijing's heart warmed, his eyes filled with a smile, leaning closer to Rong Tang, feigning ignorance, "Why?"

Rong Tang glared at him unhappily, "Aren’t you afraid of being bullied?"

Rong Tang had minimal interactions with the Princess in his past lives, but from his perspective, Princess Duen Yi was undoubtedly an unfathomable character.

He couldn't gauge Princess Duen Yi’s attitude towards Su Huaijing and wasn’t sure if any hints would make her suspect Su Huaijing’s identity.

The path Su Huaijing was walking was fraught with difficulties and dangers. Since Rong Tang wanted to protect him, he naturally didn't want anyone related to him to become an obstacle.

Everyone in Ningxuan King's mansion had helped Emperor Renshou's rebellion, and even if he shouldn't speculate wildly about Princess Duen Yi’s stance, it was unlikely that she could offer support to Su Huaijing.

Rong Tang speculated based on established facts.

Seeing Rong Tang's worried expression, Su Huaijing felt pleased. He actually disliked acting and pretending, but whenever he behaved obediently around Rong Tang and was indulged by him, Su Huaijing occasionally mistook himself for a genuinely well-behaved child.

He leaned close to Tangtang and whispered, seemingly considerately, "But your mother was talking to you, and you haven't seen each other for a long time."

Hearing this, Rong Tang became even more upset, glaring fiercely at him: "When can't I talk to my mother? She adores you so much, would she mind waiting a little while?"

He instinctively rejected Su Huaijing's excuse, but at that moment, Su Huaijing's gaze flickered, for the first time shifting his attention from Rong Tang to someone else during their conversation.

Wang Xiuyu stood upright, her back straight, eyes fixed on the door, waiting for her husband and mother-in-law.

She didn’t look back, but Su Huaijing remembered the red silk covered gifts during their wedding, extravagantly carried through the streets, circling most of the capital, stopping at Tangjing Residence, far exceeding the standard for a male spouse.

Yet Wang Xiuyu didn't blink an eye and had them all brought into his home.

Su Huaijing withdrew his gaze, lowering his eyes, his emotions unclear, "Mother does that out of love for her son-in-law."

Rong Tang pinched him irritably: "Loving the house and its crow means supporting you in locking me up? Mother just loves you. She even told me not to bully you since I live outside the mansion."

In fact, Wang Xiuyu’s original words were about her concern that Rong Tang, after mingling with Ke Shaofu and Lu Jiaxi at the flower-folding event, and even visiting the opera house's courtyard at midnight, might forget his duties once married, with a wife at home yet still engaging in flirtations outside.

Rong Tang felt quite wronged, thinking to himself that he wasn't that kind of person.

After much thought, he decided to blame Ningxuan King.

It was all because Rong Mingyu sweet-talked Wang Xiuyu during their courtship, but after marriage, he took in concubines and fathered several illegitimate children, causing Wang Xiuyu to feel insecure and consequently worry about Su Huaijing being let down by him.

Rong Tang felt exceptionally wronged.

After talking with her for a long time, Rong Tang returned to find Su Huaijing saying Wang Xiuyu was just showing love for her son-in-law. He really wanted to gather these two for a discussion, just to prove his innocence.

Rong Tang sighed deeply, deciding not to dwell on this issue, and asked, "What did grandmother want to talk to you about?"

Su Huaijing suppressed his earlier emotions and casually fabricated, "She asked about my family's situation, how I've been spending my days in the Wang mansion, and if I willingly married you."

Rong Tang's heart tightened, fooled by his response, and asked anxiously, "What did you say?"

"Of course, willingly," Su Huaijing replied without blinking. "I hit the jackpot when Tangtang noticed me. How could it not be willing?"

His response was so natural that Rong Tang was momentarily stunned, unexpectedly meeting his gaze and then looking away, his eyes flickering, he muttered, "Oh."

Su Huaijing then laughed out, happily pinching Rong Tang's hand.

After waiting for a while longer, several elders from the large family finally appeared at the entrance of the hall. Rong Tang, having waited a long time, was getting a bit impatient.

However, in such occasions, to show the deep affection and joy within the Princess's family, the younger generation needed to present congratulatory gifts and say auspicious words, wishing the Princess longevity and happiness.

Rong Tang, having been perceived as simple-minded for many years, didn't participate in these rituals. But now that he had improved, for the sake of maintaining hierarchy and respecting seniority, he inevitably had to lead the gesture.

Rong Tang, living in Yong'an Alley for a month, had no time to select a gift from the Wang mansion's storeroom. So, the congratulatory gift for the Princess was prepared after consulting with Su Huaijing, a jade Guanyin statue, specially rushed from Ke Shaofu's antique shop in the south.

It was appropriate for the Princess's Buddhist practices and was neither too modest nor overly lavish.

The Princess, as usual, composed and simple, thanked them with 'you have my gratitude' and had a nanny accept the Guanyin statue, allowing Rong Tang to finally sit down with Su Huaijing.

He had eaten before leaving in the morning and Su Huaijing had fed him a lot of lotus seeds in the carriage, so he wasn't really hungry. But perhaps due to the long wait and much talking, the scent of the lotus root soup on the table was tempting.

His gaze involuntarily lingered in that direction a few times. Su Huaijing, understanding his hint, was about to get up to serve him, but Rong Tang quickly grabbed his arm.

Su Huaijing looked at him, puzzled, offering a confused look.

Rong Tang shook his head, whispering during Rong Zheng's turn to offer his gift, "We have to wait until everyone is finished."

Su Huaijing frowned slightly, looking unhappy, his gaze shifting to Rong Zheng.

Rong Zheng, originally rehearsing his prepared speech to please his grandmother, caught the glance from his sister-in-law. Startled for a second, he stumbled over his words, cutting his rehearsed lines short and simply saying, "Wishing grandmother good health and everything as you wish," before stepping back.

Even Rong Mingyu was surprised by his brief words. Su Huaijing's expression softened considerably, sitting quietly, reaching under the table to squeeze Rong Tang's hand, both to pass time and to ease his slight irritation.

Rong Tang was timing, calculating how many tea rounds were left before he could have that bowl of lotus root soup. But before he could reach it, he heard Rong Yuan say, "Knowing grandmother devoutly worships Buddha and fearing crafted items may lack sincerity, I copied the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra early and had it enshrined in Tuolan Temple for two months. I retrieved it a few days ago and specially present it to grandmother, hoping she won't mind my modesty and may her merit protect her, turning misfortunes into blessings."

Rong Tang: "..."

He glanced around at the servants in the hall, unable to discern anything, then glanced at Rong Yuan.

Su Huaijing's expression had turned cold at the mention of 'lacking sincerity'. Seeing Rong Tang's expression, he intuitively sensed there was more to it, paused for a moment, turned over Rong Tang's hand, and asked, "What's wrong?"

Rong Tang couldn't quite put his finger on it, feeling it was too coincidental.

He slightly furrowed his brows, turning his head and said, "I also gave grandmother a hand-copied scripture."

But his was truly modest, intended as atonement for himself, and wasn't blessed in a temple. Compared to Rong Yuan's prepared scripture, his own seemed lacking in thoughtfulness.

Rong Tang felt Rong Yuan was belittling him, but it was all verbal conjecture with no evidence. He couldn't be sure of Rong Yuan's true intentions.

Yet he wasn't foolish enough to provoke Rong Yuan, especially when even Sheng Chengxing knew to not offend Rong Tang, even sending gifts to Ningxuan King's mansion after the flower-folding event. As Sheng Chengxing's follower, Rong Yuan had no reason to provoke him.

Rong Tang was puzzled.

Su Huaijing, however, was more concerned about something else, pondering for a moment before asking, "Why did Tangtang send a Buddhist scripture to Her Highness, the Princess?"

Rong Tang, deep in thought, responded absentmindedly, "To get grandmother's approval for you to marry into the family."

Su Huaijing: "?"

"He paused for two seconds, not quite understanding, and asked, 'What?'"

"Rong Tang, realizing he had inadvertently revealed too much, but not being someone to do good deeds anonymously, naturally explained to Su Huaijing, 'After all, I am the heir to Ningxuan Wang. If not for my poor health, I would inevitably inherit the mansion. From my generation onwards, as long as the Rong family descendants do not commit heinous crimes, the title would pass to my children. Marrying a male spouse meant giving up this prospect. I was worried my grandmother wouldn’t agree, so I tried to please her by presenting Buddhist scriptures.'"

"Rong Tang’s words were the unvarnished truth, without any embellishment or concealment. Su Huaijing was stunned for a long while, belatedly realizing what Rong Tang had given up to marry him."

"That night in the medical hall, Rong Tang spoke casually, and Su Huaijing listened without taking it to heart or truly believing it. Even under the influence of drugs, his thoughts were about how this proposition benefited him."

"At that time, he completely overlooked Rong Tang."

"But a pawn turned into the apple of his eye, cherished and protected. Hearing these words now, Su Huaijing suddenly realized Rong Tang was far better than he could have imagined."

"He was the little Bodhisattva from heaven, the golden statue in the temple, sent specially to save him."

"Su Huaijing felt an unusual bitterness, regretting the words he had spoken earlier to allay Duenyi’s suspicions, thinking it was the best thing to say."

"He didn’t want Rong Tang to die at all, but what if some deity happened to pass by and took his words seriously, bringing them upon Rong Tang?"

"Filled with regret, Su Huaijing tightly pursed his lips, gripping Rong Tang’s hand even tighter, as if afraid he would run away."

"The Princess, either seeing something or finding these formalities too tedious, accepted Rong Yuan's congratulations and then had everyone seated together, foregoing the usual auspicious sayings heard every year."

"Without a thought, Su Huaijing immediately stood up to ladle a bowl of soup for Rong Tang."

"Rong Tang’s hand, initially raised to refuse, awkwardly lowered again. His gaze floated, first glancing at Wang Xiuyu, then turning to Ningxuan Wang."

"Rong Mingyu’s brows were tightly furrowed, looking unhappily at Su Huaijing, his eyes full of reproach, as if blaming him for overstepping."

"Rong Tang coughed lightly, about to take the scolding for Su Huaijing, but then heard the Princess say, 'It must be hard for you to join me in a vegetarian meal during the festival. If you don’t like it, just tell the kitchen to prepare a meat banquet.'"

"At these words, not just Rong Tang, but everyone in the household was taken aback."

"Princess Duenyi, a devout vegetarian, wouldn't even let an ant be killed in her garden, let alone have meat dishes on her table."

"For this reason, she normally didn't attend banquets, not wanting to dampen the spirits of the younger generation. Only on the Dragon Boat and Double Ninth Festivals would the Ningxuan Wang household gather at the Princess's mansion."

"As for family-reunion festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival and New Year, the Princess would be invited to the palace by Emperor Ren Shou early on."

"After the rebellion, as the highest-ranking elder in the royal family, her habits were always accommodated, never modified for the sake of the younger generation."

"No one at the table dared to respond immediately, even Rong Mingyu was unsure of his mother's intentions."

"Only Su Huaijing, seeing Rong Tang not eating the soup he had served and looking somewhat displeased, and noticing everyone's silence, said, 'Thank you, Grandmother, for your compassion. Your kindness and devotion to Buddhism will surely be rewarded. I cannot abandon my culinary desires and cannot match Grandmother’s sincere devotion, I would be guilty to trouble you to break your vows for our sake. Please, Grandmother, do not mention it again.'"

"His response was respectful yet firm, and Duenyi was very pleased, her smile becoming more genuine, shedding her usual dignified and solemn demeanor, 'I like the way you speak. After the meal, go to the treasury and pick a few items you like to take with you.'"

"Su Huaijing quickly stood up to express his gratitude, 'Thank you, Grandmother!'"

"Rong Tang watched in amazement. He couldn’t help but glance around and unsurprisingly saw every face in the room displaying a variety of expressions."

"Rong Mingyu frowned thoughtfully, Wang Xiuyu showed surprise and delight, Rong Yuan tried to appear calm but tightly gripped his chopsticks, almost snapping them, jealousy visibly emanating from him. Rong Tang felt it was too much to bear."

"Then he turned to Rong Zheng."

"And he saw nothing but admiration in the fool’s eyes."

"‘…’ I wanted you to admire my darling, but this seems like the wrong approach!"

"Speechless, so was the system, which went promptly into dormancy."

"After Su Huaijing sat down again, Rong Tang, unable to contain his curiosity, leaned over and asked, 'You must have said more than those few words to Grandmother. Why is she so good to you?'"

"'Good?' Su Huaijing, smelling the sandalwood scent on Rong Tang’s neck, softly echoed the question."

Rong Tang immediately nodded, demonstrating earnestly that Duan Yi treated him exceptionally well, not only shielding him from Rong Mingyu's harsh criticism but even planning to break a rule for him.

Rong Tang remembered how, in his past two lifetimes, if he ever arrived at the Princess's mansion too late, he'd have to wait hungry, or if early, settle for a simple vegetarian meal. He had never imagined meat dishes on the Princess's table.

He was quite amazed, even a bit jealous.

Though he wasn't the original person, after all, the Princess was his biological grandmother. How come she seemed to treat Su Huaijing even better than him, given the connection was because of him?

Had he not read the original story, he would have suspected that Su Huaijing possessed the protagonist's halo.

Rong Tang's eyes sparked with irritation, while Su Huaijing, unable to hide his amusement, pushed the soup bowl closer to him and then casually said, "Grandmother probably feels sympathy for me, having lost my parents at a young age and living under someone else's roof, leading a rather pitiful life."

Hearing this, Rong Tang was taken aback, feeling his earlier jealousy was quite unreasonable.

He averted his gaze, glanced at Su Huaijing's empty bowl, and also stood up to serve him a bowl of lotus root soup.

Rong Mingyu's face turned almost green with displeasure. He couldn't understand why his eldest son and daughter-in-law were behaving so informally at the Princess's banquet. Looking anxiously aside, he saw the Princess's eyes fill with warmth as she watched Rong Tang serving soup for Su Huaijing, who was smiling and drinking it slowly.

Rong Mingyu was stunned for a long while, his eyes repeatedly shifting towards the two.

Rong Tang pretended not to notice, as his attitude towards Rong Mingyu was the same as Rong Mingyu's towards him.

With him, it was like having an additional father/son; without him, it made no difference.

Moreover, he had just been about to scold Su Huaijing, making Rong Tang increasingly irritated with him.

He and Su Huaijing finished their meal under the watchful eyes of everyone at the table. Afterwards, Su Huaijing went to the Princess's storeroom to pick things, while Rong Tang leisurely strolled to the mansion's entrance, standing at the door and staring at the still dilapidated and old house opposite the Princess's mansion.

Until Wang Xiuyu called him aside and handed him two strings.

Rong Tang was slightly startled, still not quite understanding, when Wang Xiuyu took his hand, tying a five-colored string around his wrist while explaining, "This is for praying for safety. You should take it off and throw it away after it rains. Tie the other one on Huaijing. I have to return to the mansion now; I'm going to the palace with your father tonight and can't wait for him."

Maid Huaqin timely added, "Young master, these were personally woven by the Princess Consort. Only you and your husband have them."

"Enough talk," Wang Xiuyu scolded her, then turned to Rong Tang and instructed, "Come back home once you're well rested. Mother knows you find the house noisy, so I won't rush you. But don't suffer outside and don't bully Huaijing. If you need anything, send Shuangfu and Shuangshou to fetch it, alright?"

Rong Tang blinked, feeling an inexplicable sourness in his nose. He nodded, subconsciously touching the five-colored string on his wrist, murmuring, "I can't bully him. It's always him bullying me."

Wang Xiuyu laughed, "Are you being reasonable? I'm not blind. Think about how well Huaijing has taken care of you since he joined the family. If it weren't for this accident, how long has it been since you were last sick?"

Rong Tang was at a loss for words, but Wang Xiuyu patted his hand and whispered seriously, "However, if he really bullies you, don't suffer in silence. Even if your father doesn’t intervene, I have ways to make him and his entire family regret it."

Her voice carried a fierce determination. Rong Tang was stunned for a long while, almost not recognizing this as the always super gentle Wang Xiuyu towards her son.

He was both amused and worried, fearing Wang Xiuyu had misunderstood Su Huaijing and created trouble for him, quickly clarifying, "I was joking. He's very good to me."

Wang Xiuyu immediately smirked at him, her harshness vanishing instantly, "I knew you were talking nonsense. I was just teasing you. I couldn’t bear to see him suffer."

Rong Tang: "……?"

The coachman had readied the horse, and Rong Mingyu had already boarded the carriage. Wang Xiuyu, with no time to say more, let go of his hand, "Return to the mansion soon."

Rong Tang nodded, watching her leave, and couldn't help but catch up to remind her, "Mother, please take care of yourself. If there’s too much work in the mansion, consider delegating some to my second aunt."

Wang Xiuyu glanced at Rong Mingli and his wife's position, replied nonchalantly, "I know."

Rong Tang frowned, wanting to say more, but the carriage was gently tapped from inside to outside. The servant immediately understood and hurried over to urge him.

Frowning and displeased, Rong Tang helped Wang Xiuyu into the carriage, once again finding Ningxuan King truly bothersome.

He stood in front of the Princess's mansion for a while longer, waiting until Rong Zheng left. Finally, Su Huaijing appeared behind the door, hastening his steps upon seeing him, reaching out to shield his head from the sun, "Why didn't you wait in the carriage?"

Rong Tang looked up to see the precious paintings and calligraphy collected by the Princess's mansion: "……" Fine, whatever.

He said, "I was worried you might be upset not seeing anyone waiting."

Su Huaijing instinctively wanted to argue, but then realized Rong Tang's statement seemed quite accurate.

After thinking it over, while walking Rong Tang to the carriage, he still corrected Rong Tang's words, "Tangtang is wrong."

Rong Tang: "?"

"It should be, I'm happier seeing you waiting for me," said Su Huaijing.

It wasn't a matter of cause and effect, but a progression. Stepping out of the Princess's mansion, leaving behind the vortex of schemes and plots, and seeing his little bodhisattva standing under the sunlight, aimlessly waiting for him, a sense of joy uncontrollably surged in him, urging him to rush towards Rong Tang.

Rong Tang paused for a moment, not further arguing with him.

Whether it's being unhappy or happier, in any case, his mood wouldn't be too bad.

They both got into the carriage, initially worried about being asked to return to the Wang mansion, but Wang Xiuyu's words indicated they weren't obligated to go back. Naturally, Rong Tang wanted to return to Yong'an Alley for a couple more days of relaxation.

As soon as Rong Tang got into the carriage, Su Huaijing said, "Tangtang, give me your hand."

Rong Tang, feeling sleepy after lunch, instinctively extended his left hand without thinking.

Su Huaijing rolled up his sleeve, then took out a piece of five-colored string and leaned down to tie it around Rong Tang's wrist.

Rong Tang was startled and instinctively pulled his hand back. Su Huaijing, unprepared, let it slip away, looking up at him with a slightly startled expression.

Rong Tang asked in surprise, "Where did you get this from?"

Su Huaijing replied, "The nanny who took me to the storeroom gave it to me. She said she made an extra piece for her own children and gave it to me."

Rong Tang opened his mouth in surprise, "Ah—"

Then he pulled out the string Wang Xiuyu had given him from his sleeve, lifting his right sleeve and said, "Mother also made one for you, asking me to put it on for you."

Su Huaijing was momentarily stunned.

Rong Tang didn't wait for his reaction, took his hand, and tied the string on firmly, speaking earnestly, "This is given by elders to the younger ones for protection and to ward off evil spirits. Since it was given to you, you should wear it yourself. Why would you give it to me?"

The warm touch of fingers and the smooth, soft feeling of the string intertwined. Su Huaijing looked down at his wrist, lost in thought for a long time, "This is from my mother?"

"Yes!" Rong Tang nodded vigorously, repeating, "Huaqin said it was handwoven by mother. We both have one each, specially for our protection, no one else has it."

He didn't even realize he was bragging and coaxing a bit as he spoke. Su Huaijing didn't know what to say for a long time. He never imagined Wang Xiuyu would weave a five-colored string for him as well.

This was his first time receiving a Dragon Boat Festival string from an elder, and his instinct was to give it to Rong Tang, ending up with such a pleasant surprise.

Su Huaijing lowered his hand, unconsciously touching his waist tag, unclear what emotion he was soothing.

Then he looked up, grabbed Rong Tang's hand again, and stubbornly tied the string given by the Princess onto Rong Tang's wrist, "Now that I have one from mother, I give this one to Tangtang. I hope you stay safe and healthy."

Before Rong Tang could refuse, both of his wrists were adorned with colorful strings, one on each side.

"......" Fine, he thought.

Rong Tang casually pulled out a bag of candied fruit from a hidden compartment, popping one into his mouth. Leaning in the carriage, he looked out the window at the increasingly noisy street, passing a patrol of Jinwu Guards. He frowned, then as if suddenly remembering, asked nonchalantly, "Huaijing, do you know where in Dayu there are White Tigers?"

Su Huaijing's gaze sharpened, fingers lightly twirling, "Not sure, why do you ask?"

"Nothing," Rong Tang shook his head, as if his question was just a spontaneous thought, "Just reminded of grandmother hunting a White Tiger in her youth, and recently there were rumors in the capital about a hero offering a tiger from Yuanmeng Mountain. I was just curious where all these White Tigers are coming from."

After speaking, he yawned, lazily lowered the carriage curtain, leaned back, and said naturally, "Huaijing, I'm sleepy, I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up when we arrive."

Su Huaijing naturally agreed, but watched Rong Tang for a long time after he closed his eyes.

He was uncertain.

He didn't know whether Rong Tang's question was casual or probing.

Often, Rong Tang seemed to have an insight into worldly affairs, but from any perspective, Rong Tang shouldn't know certain things.

Even the Princess only knew he needed a symbol of good fortune and had given him a White Tiger.

As for what he intended to do and how to do it, no one but Su Huaijing himself knew the exact plan.

Yet Rong Tang made him feel as if he had been seen through.

Su Huaijing couldn't figure it out, his hand unconsciously touching his waist tag, then pausing, eyes fixating on the brand-new five-colored string for a long time.

……

Let it be.

If Rong Tang really suspected him and wanted to ask, he might as well reveal everything, as long as it didn't scare Rong Tang away.

Su Huaijing silently shifted his hand, holding Rong Tang's palm, with both their five-colored strings stacked together, as if they were both children cherished by their elders in this world.

-

On the first rainy day after the Dragon Boat Festival, Rong Tang was reading in the study, lying on the divan, feeling drowsy, listening to the sound of rain outside. He hesitated for a second, then, without thinking, put on his shoes and ran out, standing under the eaves to watch the rain.

Su Huaijing approached from the corridor corner, carrying a tray, smiling at Rong Tang's excited appearance, and handed over the medicine.

Rong Tang sniffed it, finding the taste not too bitter or strange. Although still not tasty, it was much better than the ones he had drunk in Song Garden.

After taking the medicine and placing the bowl back, Rong Tang sat on a small stool in front of the porch, pulling Su Huaijing to sit beside him, "Let's listen to the rain."

The summer days in the capital were hot and humid, even he had switched to wearing lighter clothes. The rain brought a much cooler atmosphere, making Rong Tang want to let Su Huaijing rest for a while.

As many days as they had rested here, Su Huaijing had been busy behind the scenes.

With the situation in the capital changing daily, Rong Tang occasionally heard gossip from Shuang Fu, mentioning that the Third Prince had also come to court before the Dragon Boat Festival, at the heart of the two factions' struggle.

In the original story, this was the time for the male lead to bide his time. The more fiercely Sheng Chengming and Sheng Chengxing fought in the former court, the more advantages he picked up behind the scenes, until the Duke of Wukang from the Second Prince's faction was accused of rebellion, leading to Sheng Chengming's exile and Sheng Chengli's formal entry onto the stage of succession struggle.

Now, the male lead has lost the use of a leg, and Sheng Chengming consciously distances himself from the Duke of Wukang's residence. Unable to reference the original text and with his memories becoming distant and unfamiliar, Rong Tang truly finds himself with nothing to do.

He sat with Su Huaijing under the eaves, listening to the rain falling on the roof, watching ants in the courtyard frantically scurrying for shelter, and gardenia flowers knocked down into the mud.

They didn't speak for a long time, Rong Tang enjoying the breeze, even casually crossing his legs.

Su Huaijing took his hand, unwound the two colorful cords, and then obediently offered his own wrist.

Rong Tang got the hint and helped him untie it as well.

Su Huaijing kept the three cords, and Rong Tang, curious, asked before they went to bed after dinner, “Where do you plan to throw these?”

Su Huaijing shook his head, smiling, “It's a secret.”

Rong Tang: “?”

Lately feeling more childlike, Rong Tang felt provoked and blinked incredulously, “Hmph,” then turned to go inside, not caring where he intended to discard them.

Su Huaijing watched his retreating figure, silently chuckling to himself for a long time before returning to his room, taking out a sachet containing the peace charm Rong Tang had gotten for him from Tuolan Temple.

He then placed the three faded cords inside the sachet.

Though it's said they should be thrown away, he couldn’t bear to part with them.

The idea of the most honored Seventh Prince of the Great Yu Empire being sentimentally attached to three light cords might seem laughable to others, but he just couldn't let them go.

Just like he couldn’t bear to part with the peace charm.

It was a gift given to him, prepared purely for him, a token of wishes for his health and safety.

Su Huaijing even had moments of fearful relief these days. What if Rong Tang hadn't appeared at Fengyue Tower that day and hadn't taken him away? Where would he be now, and what kind of life would he be leading?

But every time he pondered these things, the Young Lord would miraculously appear before him, sometimes playfully craving spicy food, and sometimes saying the house was too stuffy and wanting to go out for a stroll.

Su Huaijing was so busy keeping him entertained that he had no spare time to contemplate those what-ifs.

If there was a comparison to be made, it would probably be between hell and the human world.

He began to cherish this.

-

The next day, Rong Tang woke up and casually asked, "Huaijing, do you want to go somewhere cooler to escape the heat?"

Su Huaijing was slightly taken aback, not understanding his meaning.

Rong Tang pouted, complaining, "It's getting hotter in the capital. I've been too restless to sleep well these nights. I'm afraid staying here longer might worsen my condition."

He was just rambling, but Su Huaijing immediately tensed, grasping Rong Tang's wrist in silence.

Rong Tang continued to grumble about the excessive heat in the capital being unsuitable for recovery, unaware of Su Huaijing's quickly relaxed and somewhat strange expression after feeling his pulse.

Lying.

Tangtang is lying.

The pulse was steady, still weak, but much improved from before.

At least five hours of sleep every day.

Deceiver.

Little lazybones.

Su Huaijing withdrew his hand, not exposing him but instead asked, "Where would you like to go?"

Rong Tang's eyes lit up, gazing at the distant sky, and without a second thought, said, "Jiangnan!"

He said, "Didn't Lord Mu accompany Ke Hongxue back to Jiangnan for a family memorial recently? He brought back many gifts. Ke Hongxue said it's really fun there. I've never been there before, Huaijing, will you accompany me?"

Rong Tang earnestly made this request to Su Huaijing, adding a touch of coquetry, while the latter narrowed his eyes, contemplating the destination he blurted out.

Just the day before yesterday, he had sent a secret letter to Sheng Chengming, suggesting he find time to visit Jiangnan and bring along some officials skilled in water conservancy. Today, Rong Tang was telling him he wanted to go to Jiangnan.

Strictly speaking, this was actually convenient for him.

But Su Huaijing hesitated for a moment before shaking his head, "It's too far, wait until you've fully recovered."

"I am recovered!" Rong Tang immediately retorted, "I can eat two bowls of rice in one meal now!"

He seemed eager to prove his strength, but Su Huaijing gave him a serious look and bluntly exposed, "You've been able to eat two bowls per meal since before our marriage, and sometimes three when you're really hungry."

As a physician, Su Huaijing sometimes couldn't understand how Rong Tang, evidently frail and thin, managed to consume so much food.

Rong Tang's face turned suspiciously red, stubbornly insisting, "I really am better. Let's go leisurely, staying in the capital any longer, I'll suffocate and die of frustration—"

His mouth was suddenly covered by a hand, Su Huaijing glaring at him fiercely, silent, his expression livid with anger.

Rong Tang blinked, prying his hand away, coquettishly pleading, "Let's go, let's go, I want to go out and have fun."

Su Huaijing was silent for a moment, then asked, "Just to have fun?"

Rong Tang immediately nodded, "Just for fun!"

The Young Lord's eyes were sparkling and hopeful, expectantly gazing at Su Huaijing.

After a prolonged standoff, Su Huaijing finally gave in, getting up from his seat.

Rong Tang grabbed him in a panic, asking nervously, "Where are you going?"

Su Huaijing replied, "I’ll ask Shuangfu to pack our bags and then pick a date for the journey."

Rong Tang blinked and immediately smiled, exclaiming, "Yay!"

Su Huaijing couldn’t help himself and ruffled Rong Tang’s hair before leaving.

The moment he stepped out of the study, the person still smiling on the divan's expression suddenly turned somber.

A mechanical voice echoed in his mind, mocking or perhaps advising bitterly, "Aren’t you aspiring to be a freeloader?"

Rong Tang leaned back, covering his face with a book, "I can be a freeloader in Jiangnan too."

System: [......] Stubborn.

[In the summer of the ninth year of Qingzheng, Great Dayu experienced continuous heavy rain, causing the riverbanks to break. The Jiangnan inspector neglected his duties, and many villages were flooded, leaving countless people displaced. This disaster, hidden and unreported, resulted in millions affected and losses of millions of taels of silver. Once a land of abundance, it became a place of widespread suffering and desolation.]

Many things had deviated from their expected course.

Sheng Chengli left the cold palace earlier than expected, Yue Rong died at an unexpected time, and Zhang Baoshan’s embezzlement of military supplies went undetected...

Rong Tang didn’t know how this story, centered around Sheng Chengli, would unfold in this lifetime, but natural disasters would not change, and human calamities were always present.

The common people are innocent.

Author's note:

To prevent confusion, the Princess is Emperor Xuan's adopted daughter, and the succession order of the throne is as follows: Emperor Xuan (the former Emperor's grandfather) — Emperor Mingzong (the former Emperor's father) — "Emperor Lu" (the former Emperor) — Emperor Ren Shou (the former Emperor's brother).