“Chapter 142”

"Chapter 142"

"Rong Tang and Cheng Chengli locked eyes, as a breeze swept over the lake, the revelers returning home, singing boldly on their boats. The disrupted fleet soon returned to order, the incident just a minor interlude on the return journey, unnoticed by most."

"Except for the three people on this boat."

"Rong Tang stood outside the canopy, then after a moment, returned to his original seat."

"Ke Hongxue gave him a disapproving look, but Rong Tang gestured for him to sit down as well."

"Boats of various sizes, from exquisite painted boats to crude covered barges, the more careless ones even lacked a roof, allowing one to lie down, gaze at the stars above, and drift into starry dreams."

"A wooden table was set at the bow, with tea brewing. Rong Tang sat down, effortlessly poured himself a cup of tea, and then asked softly, 'What was Your Highness talking about? Is there something wrong with the tea?'"

"Sheng Chengli looked at him, a hint of teasing in his eyes. After a few moments of eye contact, he chuckled and took the teapot Rong Tang had just put down, poured himself a cup, sipped lightly, and said, 'The Third Prince is greatly favored by the Emperor, and the Empress's maternal family is affluent. Everything in Song Garden is of the finest quality, including this early spring Longjing tea. What could possibly be wrong?'"

"Rong Tang held the teacup beneath his nose, inhaling lightly without sipping, and spoke slowly, 'Then I'm unaware of what tea Your Highness is referring to, nor do I understand why I would be afraid to attend the Flower Picking Festival, or who exactly I shouldn't trust?'"

"The sound of the paddle stirring the lake water was clear and distinct. Sheng Chengli looked down at his teacup, feigning indifference, and after a long time, he spoke softly, 'With my cousin speaking like this, I really don't know what to say.'"

"Ke Shaofu, ever the diplomat, timely broke the stalemate with a smile, 'Your Highness has been recuperating at home for three months. What made you decide to attend this banquet? I heard that you were afflicted with miasma in the southwest before the new year. Have you fully recovered now?'"

"Sheng Chengli put down his teacup and replied, 'My third brother's Flower Picking Festival is so lively, the Emperor asked me to come and share his burden. As for the miasma—'"

"He paused, then lifted his eyes to look at Rong Tang again. His beautiful and clear eyes showed no impurity, nor any trace of graft, and his entire face radiated superiority."

"Sheng Chengli chuckled softly, 'Much better. The poison had affected my eyes, and I couldn't see clearly. Now, it seems like I've been living in a fog all along.'"

"Rong Tang frowned slightly, clearly catching the implied meaning in his words, appearing somewhat unsuspecting."

"He sat in the cabin in silence, while Ke Hongxue chatted casually beside him, keeping the atmosphere from becoming too awkward and subtly fishing for information."

"It was only when the covered boat docked and everyone was about to part ways on the shore, that Sheng Chengli suddenly called out in a low voice, 'Teacher, how did our relationship come to this?'"

"Rong Tang paused in his steps, stopping along with Ke Hongxue, but did not turn back."

"Ke Shaofu, with a puzzled expression, replied impeccably, 'Your Highness is of noble birth, while I am but a lowly official. It is proper to maintain the distinction between monarch and subject. Please refrain from such remarks, lest it leads to accusations.'"

"Sheng Chengli glanced at him and said, 'I forgot, Minister Shu is now the Censorate Chief, with the power to impeach officials. I shall indeed be more careful with my words in the future.'"

"He brought up Shu Huaijing himself, and Ke Hongxue smiled and reminded, 'The night is deep and the dew is heavy. It's best for Your Highness to return to your room to rest early, to avoid the deep night blindness and the risk of accidentally stepping into a pitfall and getting hurt.'"

"Two years ago, Yue Rong fell into the pond in Song Garden and died, followed by Sheng Chengli's 'accidental' fall into the pond in the Imperial Garden, breaking his leg."

"Sheng Chengli's expression shifted slightly, he nodded without saying much, and then turned to leave."

"The smiles on the face of the resourceful scholar finally faltered."

"He walked alongside Rong Tang for a while. After the crowd dispersed, he let out a low scoff, not clearly mocking anyone but said, 'I originally thought my senior's taste was the worst, but it seems, Young Master, you surpass even him?'"

"Rong Tang's lips curved slightly, he didn't retort or directly respond to the jest, just continued walking forward, his eyes tinged with fatigue."

"Ke Hongxue pondered for a moment and asked, 'Do we need to keep it from Shu Huaijing?'"

"Rong Tang was momentarily startled, a second of temptation flickered, yet he said, 'It can’t be hidden.'"

"Ke Hongxue: '...Indeed.'"

"From the moment they agreed to let Sheng Chengli on the boat, it was impossible to keep it from Shu Huaijing. It was just a matter of time. Ke Hongxue's question was more about understanding that if Shu Huaijing found out, Rong Tang would likely have a hard time."

"Rong Tang just smiled, using the cover of night to mask the traces of hostility and sorrow in his expression, and walked back with Ke Hongxue."

"However, just as they were about to step into the courtyard, Ke Hongxue spoke in a low voice, half-murmuring, half-asking, 'Don’t you think Sheng Chengli seems to have changed a bit?'"

"The person who had been forcibly composed all night, keeping his emotions in check, felt his heart sink suddenly."

"Rong Tang licked his somewhat chapped lips and softly said, 'It’s normal for someone to grow quickly at the age of seventeen or eighteen.'"

"Ke Hongxue looked down, gazing at Rong Tang’s hair, realizing he didn’t wish to elaborate, but understood clearly. He simply agreed with 'indeed' and escorted him back to his room before returning to the other side of the small courtyard."

"Rong Tang washed up and lay in bed, struggling to fall asleep."

"The door opened from the outside, someone carrying the cool night air came in and stopped by the bed."

"A faint light particle hung at the head of the bed – the last remnant of the departing system's tears."

"Rong Tang sat up, using the dim light to look at Shu Huaijing, softly asking, 'Are you angry?'"

"Without a word, Shu Huaijing leaned in, capturing his lips in a gentle, yet insistent kiss. It wasn’t exactly a release of frustration, but his mood was clearly not great."

"Rong Tang was compliant, letting him kiss from lips to eyes, then from earlobe to the hollow of his neck, docile like a doll."

"Shu Huaijing murmured against his neck, 'I'm not angry with you.'"

"I know," said Rong Tang.

Su Huaijing remained silent for a long time, not proceeding further, but instead held him and asked, "What tea was it?"

Rong Tang hesitated slightly, then asked in a low voice, "Did Ke Hongxue tell you?"

Su Huaijing disliked conversations where a question was answered with another question, but since it was Rong Tang, he replied honestly, "Yes."

Rong Tang thought for a moment, then complained with a smile, "Why did he do that? He really didn't hide anything at all."

Su Huaijing said, "He thought it concerned me and didn't want any misunderstandings between us."

“……”

Rong Tang was silent for a couple of seconds, then sincerely marveled, "He's so smart."

The person on top of him dimmed his gaze and bit gently on his neck.

Rong Tang winced in pain, hissing softly. Su Huaijing raised his head, looking into his eyes, "Tangtang, don't praise others in bed."

"…Little jealous jar," Rong Tang muttered under his breath, then quickly interrupted Su Huaijing before he could speak again, reaching up to embrace him and coaxing softly, "Let's do it first."

Su Huaijing was surprised, pausing for a moment. His physical reaction, however, honestly betrayed his desire.

Rong Tang smiled, nudged his nose with his head, and whispered, "Let's do it first. I have so many things on my mind right now, I can't sleep. Make me faint so I can get some good sleep, okay?"

"It was hard to say whether this was seduction or complicity, but Rong Tang seemed confident that Su Huaijing wouldn't press him too hard, inviting him with a sense of security."

"Su Huaijing watched him for a long while and eventually chose to sink together with him."

"In the heat of passion, both drenched in sweat, Rong Tang bit Su Huaijing's earlobe hard, a jolt of pain bringing clarity, then whispered in a nearly exhausted voice, 'Huaijing, there are no misunderstandings between us.'"

"Whether it was that cup of tea or the two lifetimes of opposing each other, we have always been transparent."

"Su Huaijing didn't utter a word, just under the dim light of those particles by the bed, his gaze deepened, filled with an intense desire that seemed almost unquenchable."

"Wanting to hide him away, to consume him entirely."

"Yet also wishing for his safety and health, for a life free of worries."

……

"In the days following the Shehua Gathering, Su Huaijing didn't leave Rong Tang's side even for a moment."

"Rong Tang laughed helplessly, finding Su Huaijing's vigilance excessive, yet understanding his inability to let go."

"So he just let it be, staying in the garden until the last day before returning to the capital."

"On the way back, they took a detour to visit Tuolan Temple."

"Su Huaijing didn't understand his exact intentions, but as always, indulged him."

"Whatever Tangtang wanted to do, he never refused."

"The incense at Tuolan Temple was always abundant. The young novice monk I had seen last time was still waiting at the temple gate. On seeing visitors, he first chanted a Buddhist mantra, then said, 'Please follow me.'"

"Rong Tang nodded in acknowledgment, 'Thank you, young master.'"

"Recently, Su Huaijing seemed to have developed separation anxiety. Frowning slightly, he asked, 'Can’t I come along?'"

"Before Rong Tang could respond, the novice monk said, 'The master has instructed that if Su donor insists, he may be taken to the outer court to wait.'"

"Su Huaijing thanked him and followed them inside. Rong Tang was slightly surprised but then shook his head and chuckled."

"So much for monks renouncing all worldly ties; these familial bonds are clearly unsevered."

"In the small courtyard, the pear tree had shed its snow-white blossoms for green leaves. Hui Mian was kneeling on a mat, chanting sutras softly. Rong Tang entered without disturbing him, also kneeling beside, chanting the scriptures slowly towards the ancient Buddha and the sandalwood incense."

"Only when he reached the last word of the scripture did he notice the scent of fresh tea. Opening his eyes, he saw the white-haired monk had already left his mat and was now gracefully preparing tea, his demeanor calm and serene."

"Hui Mian said, 'You’ve come earlier than I expected. Have you found answers to those four questions from before?'"

"Where you came from, why you came, when you came here, and where you are going."

"Rong Tang stood up, shaking his head honestly, 'No.'"

"Unsurprised, Hui Mian poured him a cup of tea, then gestured for him to sit, 'Then, what brings you here this time?'"

"Rong Tang asked, looking into his eyes, 'Doesn’t the master know?'"

"Hui Mian smiled gently, 'How can I, a mere practitioner in this mortal world, presume to know the secrets of heaven?'"

"Rong Tang’s eyes darkened, his fingers slowly curling into a fist by his side."

"The scent of tea mingled with sandalwood, and tiny fruits began to form on the pear tree in the courtyard."

"Rong Tang asked, 'Is there a flaw in the ways of heaven?'"

"After a pause, he rephrased, 'Or, more precisely, who is out of their rightful place?'"