“Chapter 152”

"Chapter 152"

"Rong Tang pondered for a long time about how Su Huaijing would achieve his goals."

"The original story unfolded from the protagonist’s perspective, and readers only knew that by the end, the plot crumbled, deviating from the author's outline, with the supposed antagonist firmly seizing the throne."

"In his first life, Rong Tang died early and didn't witness it personally, but in the second, he experienced day by day and saw how Su Huaijing strategically encroached upon most of the court’s power, eventually forcing Emperor Renshou to seal the imperial edict of succession."

"However, as they were in opposing camps at the time, Rong Tang couldn’t accurately know Su Huaijing’s every plan and action. He had some guesses about the general direction but was also curious to see from a first-person view how Su Huaijing’s schemes unfolded."

"Yet, when the time came for the antagonist to be completely open and unreserved with him, Rong Tang preferred to guess, never taking the initiative to peek at Su Huaijing’s not-so-secret letters or listen to his unexecuted plans with his subordinates."

"Su Huaijing, feeling helpless, asked him, 'If Tangtang is curious, why not just come and look?'"

"But Rong Tang shook his head, calmly saying, 'It’s too much of a headache.'"

"Even between soulmates, it's impossible to always be in sync, without ever differing on any matter."

"Rather than seeing Su Huaijing's plans and subconsciously analyzing and judging them, possibly leading to disagreements, Rong Tang preferred to stay out of it."

"This way, playing a game of blind chess with Su Huaijing, every unexpected move could amaze him, and each perfectly aligned strategy could surprise him."

"As for those plans Su Huaijing might be uncertain about and need to choose…"

"If he had concerns, he would naturally discuss them with Rong Tang. The Young Master didn't need to go out of his way to seek him out and worry; he felt quite content with a laid-back approach."

"Mu Jingxu’s leave was smoothly approved, and Emperor Renshou even ordered the Imperial Household Department to personally deliver many treasures and precious medicines to his residence, urging him to take good care of his health."

"In the court, more alarming than the diligent and hardworking Deputy Minister of the Dali Temple fainting was the sight of Emperor Renshou spitting blood on the dragon throne."

"The entire court was in a state of anxiety, with ministers who had daughters serving as consorts or concubines in the palace desperately sending messages to get a definite answer, to calm their unsettled hearts."

"Under the imperial system, the emperor's health significantly determined the nation's course, and they couldn’t remain indifferent."

"Rong Tang, hearing that Mu Jingxu had successfully taken leave, felt relieved. He then asked Su Huaijing, 'Did you have a hand in this too?'"

"At the time, Su Huaijing was peeling a pomelo for him, smilingly asking, 'What is Tangtang talking about?'"

"The pomelo, naturally, was sent from Sheng Chengming's fief to the capital, bigger and sweeter than other fruits, with a longer storage life and better taste than those available in the capital."

"Rong Tang looked at the neatly peeled pomelo pieces, with not a single strand visible, and then glanced at Su Huaijing’s fair hands, which should have been holding a pen, a sword, or controlling the life and death of others. After a brief thought, he decided to generously forgive his feigned ignorance, replying, 'The blood Emperor Renshou spat out in the court.'"

"Su Huaijing laughed softly, putting the last piece of pomelo in the bowl while leisurely washing his hands, saying, 'A person troubled at heart, unable to rest, can suddenly spit blood under acute distress as a form of self-preservation.'"

"Rong Tang frowned, feeling like there was more to his words. He looked at him suspiciously, only to see Su Huaijing already drying his hands with a clean cloth, his phoenix eyes falling lightly on him, smiling, 'Just like the blood you, brother Tang, spat out at the Shehua meeting that year.'"

"Rong Tang: '…'"

"He promptly admitted his fault, changing the direction of the pomelo piece in mid-air, expressionlessly saying, 'Ah—'"

"Su Huaijing chuckled, 'What’s this, Tangtang? Offering me a stolen gift, or trying to placate me while you’re in the wrong?'"

"Rong Tang quickly stuffed the pomelo into his mouth, saying irritably, 'Just shut up.'"

"The sweet, fragrant taste of the fruit spread in their mouths. Su Huaijing looked down, smiling softly, no longer teasing Rong Tang."

"The autumn sky was clear, with scattered clouds drifting along the horizon."

"Mu Jingxu and the others decided to head south after mid-August. Ke Hongxue resigned from his teaching position at the Imperial College, planning to travel to Jiangnan with his fellow students and grandfather after the Mid-Autumn Festival."

"After transferring her dowry and assets from the Ningxuan Wangfu, Wang Xiuyu chose a day to return home and discuss a divorce with Rong Mingyu."

"Prince Ningxuan was furious, not only disagreeing but also wanting to send the princess back to her quarters for reflection. The senior princess timely intervened, taking the main seat with authority, dismissing the servants, and closing the door for them to discuss in her presence."

"That night, not a soul in the Ningxuan Prince's mansion slept peacefully. The next day, Wang Xiuyu went to the government office with the divorce papers for official documentation."

"In the open society of Dayu, common folks often separated amicably if their marriage didn’t work out. However, among the nobility, despite mutual aversion and grievances, divorces were rare."

"Too many interests and power relations were intertwined behind the scenes, making it difficult for anyone to easily sever ties."

"As a result, rumors abounded in the capital, with the emperor and empress even summoning them separately to the palace to inquire about the matter."

"Amidst the swirling gossip, Rong Tang was copying Buddhist scriptures and reading storybooks in his small courtyard in Yong'an Lane, watching the golden lotus above the Buddha statue bloom day by day."

"The servants in the mansion dared not breathe too loud, always lowering their eyes in his presence, fearing to upset the Young Master who was now the center of gossip."

"To their cautious demeanor, Rong Tang laughed, asking, 'What does my parents’ divorce have to do with me, or with you all, to be so worried?'"

"Shuangfu looked conflicted: 'Young Master…'"

"Rong Tang said gently, 'It's alright, I’m fine. Instead of worrying every day, think about how to move out the treasures from the mansion if the Prince’s residence denies me entry.'"

"Upon hearing this, Shuangfu and Shuangshou turned cautious, heading straight to the Ningxuan Prince's mansion. As night fell, they drove several carts to Yong’an Lane."

"The aunts in the alley, who were chatting after dinner, stared in shock at the sight, dropping the sunflower seeds in their hands."

"Seeing their reactions, Shuangshou involuntarily swallowed hard, feeling like he was carrying baskets of red eggs again."

"Once everything settled, the Ningxuan Prince and his wife officially divorced. Rong Tang retained his title as the prince's son, and aside from Wang Xiuyu's dowry, Emperor Renshou ordered Rong Mingyu to deposit money monthly in the bank for her future expenses."

"Hearing this, Rong Tang raised an eyebrow, commenting, 'He’s quite generous.'"

"Su Huaijing laughed, 'My mother's maternal family is the Wangs, the state's in-laws. Even if the empress's half-sister faced misfortune and sought his help, he would have to treat her well, let alone my mother, who is the empress’s full sister.'"

"Rong Tang pursed his lips, not too keen on hearing about Sheng Xuyan, and lazily responded before curling up on the beauty couch in the study to sleep."

"Su Huaijing chuckled, realizing he was helpless against him, and naturally slowed his movements, finding comfort in the chirping birds outside and Rong Tang's light breathing while he worked."

"Winter seemed likely to come early this year, possibly a cold one. Charcoal was bought in the summer, and by September it would be needed, as Rong Tang's constitution probably wouldn't withstand the cold."

"After handling his official duties, Su Huaijing, distractedly thinking, watched as the sky outside darkened. The candle on the desk burned quietly. He set down his brush, looking over at Rong Tang, who was dozing on the couch."

"For a moment, Su Huaijing wished time could freeze in this instant."

"After the Mid-Autumn Festival, with winter approaching, he planned to first visit the Shudao Pavilion after court the next day, to arrange for the beef and mutton sent this year to be partially processed and delivered to Yong'an Lane, to nourish Rong Tang."

……

"Following Emperor Renshou's coughing up blood, the court was suspended for three days. Afterwards, everything resumed as usual, with officials discussing state affairs daily."

"Only those closest to the emperor could see that he was deteriorating day by day, looking worse with each passing day."

"Su Huaijing and Rong Tang continued their usual lives. With Wang Xiuyu in Jiangnan, they seldom returned to the Ningxuan Prince's mansion, only occasionally visiting their grandmother in their suburban villa, leading a comfortable life."

"That day, after court, Su Huaijing descended the steps in front of the Taihe Hall towards the Censorate, hearing a light and crisp set of footsteps behind him, almost without the heavy breaths of exertion."

"Without changing his expression, he frowned slightly, not speaking or turning back until the person approached and called, 'Minister Su, please wait.' Only then did Su Huaijing stop, pretending as if he had just noticed the newcomer, courteously saying, 'Your Highness, Prince Wu, is well.'"

"Sheng Chengli observed his slightly bowed figure and respectfully lowered head, pondering something. After a moment, he responded, 'Minister Su, there’s no need for formalities.'"

"Su Huaijing stood up, saying, 'Your Highness’s steps are so light that I didn’t hear you at all. If it weren't for the imperial physician's diagnosis, who would believe you were once lame?'"

"'I was lucky to find a good doctor,' Sheng Chengli brushed off his sarcasm lightly, gesturing to walk and talk."

"The sky on the palace walls had just brightened not long ago, and the northern wind was about to sweep over the capital. Sheng Chengli casually asked, 'Is Minister Mu's departure to the south your doing, Minister Su?'"

"Su Huaijing countered, 'Does Your Highness find anything strange about Minister Mu’s sudden departure?'"

"Sheng Chengli smiled lightly, 'It's not particularly strange, but Minister Mu is my mentor, having just invited me to work together in the Dali Temple. Then he suddenly falls ill, causing Father Emperor to suspect me – it’s too much of a coincidence. I just wanted to inquire about the inside story.'"

"Su Huaijing replied, 'My relationship with Minister Mu is merely that of colleagues. Even if Your Highness truly believes there is some inside story, you’re asking the wrong person. Moreover—'"

"His voice taking a turn, Su Huaijing smiled, 'As a teacher, there's a duty to instruct. Yet, instead of first concerning yourself with the severity of the teacher's illness, Your Highness is worried about possible ulterior motives. Aren't you neglecting the duty of a student?'"

"He raised his eyes to look at Sheng Chengli, his phoenix eyes clear and lucid, as if devoid of any scheming or targeting, merely stating a heart-piercing truth."

"Sheng Chengli looked at him for a long time, then lowered his head and chuckled lightly, 'I wish to treat my mentor with the respect due to a teacher, but if the teacher is unwilling to impart all to me as if I were his own son, what should I do?'"

"Su Huaijing repeated softly, 'As if you were his own son?'"

"He laughed, his meaning unclear as he looked at Sheng Chengli, 'Your Highness, as a royal heir, now virtually a crown prince, should repay with a father’s affection if treated with a son’s. It seems only fair. Yet, I wonder, do you wish to serve your father or... usurp him?'"

"Author’s note:"

"Fun fact: Sheng Wu has two true mentors, one is his third brother, and the other is Tangtang :)"