Tan Hua - Chapter 1

What could be a greater joy than ten years of hard study finally leading to success?

 

Three days ago, when the gold list was announced, the streets of the capital were filled with the sound of firecrackers and congratulations. Today, the streets were even more crowded, with the triumphant scholars riding magnificent horses adorned with red flowers and feathers, parading around the imperial city. The people celebrated together, basking in the joyous atmosphere.

 

The citizens cheered with envy as they congratulated the three future nobles of the court.

 

However, it wasn’t the top scorer or the second place that drew most people’s attention, but rather the last placer, the Tanhua Lang. Men, women, young, and old eagerly anticipated catching a glimpse of the newly appointed Tanhua Lang’s true appearance.

 

“The top scorers only require literary talent, but the Tanhua Lang must be both talented and beautiful! A rare dragon and phoenix among men!”

 

As the streets bustled with excitement, the Tanhua Lang rode a white horse, causing a stir wherever he went. With just a fleeting glance, he elicited cheers and screams.

 

Perched on the horse was a young man in his early twenties, wearing a straight-brimmed hat and a green official robe with a round collar. With straight eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, a vermilion mole adorned his forehead. His gaze was indifferent, his skin fair as snow, and his posture upright and slender. He exuded an air of elegance and aloofness, with only a small mole on the left side of his neck adding a hint of charm, making him seem like a hidden gem, radiant and graceful.

 

“He truly deserves to be the emperor’s chosen Tanhua Lang. His handsome face is sure to steal the hearts of many young ladies in the capital…”

 

“Traditionally, the Tanhua Lang either marries the daughters of nobles or is betrothed to prestigious families for a boundless future…”

 

“Unfortunately, our emperor has no princess, only a crown prince who is said to be a domineering figure…”

 

“A princess wouldn’t be a problem; after all, the emperor has set a precedent by naming a male heir.”

 

“Quiet, let’s not speak irresponsibly about the royal family…”

 

“Did you know? The new Tanhua Lang is the son of General Song’s household, from a distinguished family!”

 

“Song Liqing from the Song family? But I heard he was raised by a brothel owner who runs the Green Lotus Pavilion…”

 

“That’s right, Song Liqing is just their adopted son, a mysterious orphan…”

 

“Hush—here he comes!”

 

Amidst the ongoing chatter, Song Liqing remained impassive.

 

He had grown accustomed to rumors, prejudice, and insults throughout his life.

 

Song Liqing knew his talents were average, so he had to study ten times harder than others, day and night, sacrificing his eyesight due to the strain. The scorching summers and bone-chilling winters, the early mornings and late nights, all contributed to his success, with his hardships known to none.

 

At least now he had made a name for himself and brought honor to his two fathers, repaying their shelter and warmth with his achievements.

 

In the liberal atmosphere of the capital, numerous young ladies secretly sent their tokens of affection to him. Song Liqing received a basketful of love letters and gifts, graciously acknowledging each one with a smile and a bow, although his mind was elsewhere, filled with greater excitement than any academic achievement—

 

“Gonggong.” Song Liqing leaned in to ask the young eunuch who was holding his horse’s reins. “I heard that the Northwestern Army will be returning to the capital soon?”

 

The young eunuch turned to reply, “Yes.”

 

With a flicker of thought upon receiving the confirmation, Song Liqing subconsciously touched the faded yellow tassel hanging from his waist.

 

Yuanyuan was coming back!

 

That prince, born with a golden spoon, the little rascal who was two years younger than him.

 

The young eunuch spoke reassuringly, “Master Tanhua, there’s no need to worry. General Song must be safe and sound.”

 

Feeling ashamed, Song Liqing realized that his father had been leading troops in the western regions for many years, yet his thoughts were solely occupied by that little rascal he hadn’t seen in a decade. He truly lacked filial piety.

 

He pressed on urgently, “But when exactly will they arrive in the capital?”

 

The young eunuch replied, “Who knows? It all depends on the prince’s mood as he travels…”

 

At that time, Jun Qiyu was only five or six years old. Due to his bullying behavior in the palace, which angered both heaven and people, he was sent to the academy by his father the emperor to learn about propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. It was during this time that he developed a friendship with Song Liqing, who sat beside him in class for a year.

 

As soon as the little tyrant arrived at the academy, he would pick fights with his classmates and force Song Liqing to do his homework for him. Although he committed many misdeeds, he treated Song Liqing well despite his domineering and capricious nature. He always stood up for him when he was bullied by others.

 

Jun Qiyu would also sneak laxatives into the old teacher’s drink, skip class with Song Liqing, cause trouble at matchmaking events, steal ribbons and embroidery balls, and run around the streets with Song Liqing in tow.

 

The tassel that Song Liqing wore as an accessory was actually plucked from one of these stolen balls by Jun Qiyu and given to him. Despite its faded color, Song Liqing couldn’t bear to throw it away.

 

The memories of the past were vivid in his mind. After Jun Qiyu left the academy, they lost contact. It was said that he was strictly disciplined and then went to the western regions to gain military experience. Song Liqing also went south to study, and they never saw each other again.

 

But Song Liqing always held onto the shadow of that unruly and carefree boy for ten whole years. These days, as the matchmakers came to the Song residence one after another, the shadow only became clearer and harder to shake off.

 

“Make way! Make way!”

 

The sound of hoofbeats behind him interrupted Song Liqing’s thoughts.

 

“The Crown Prince is returning to the capital!”

 

The cavalry cleared the way, and the people stepped aside. Even Song Liqing and his entourage led their horses to the side.

 

Song Liqing peeked at the approaching procession, feeling nervous and excited.

 

The army was majestic, with the banners of the Great Jin Dynasty and the Northwestern Army held high. Carriages carried prisoners of war and spoils of war, showcasing their illustrious achievements. This triumphant return received a warm welcome from the people, who knelt along the streets to greet them.

 

Soon, Song Liqing spotted the General of the Northwestern Army, his adoptive father, Song Qing. His face bore the marks of time, with a scar on his forehead, but he looked spirited. Song Liqing restrained his impulse to greet him, knowing that they would have time to catch up once they were home. As he stood by Song Qing’s side, he noticed a young man dressed in a dark war robe, riding a valuable chestnut warhorse.

 

Despite the long journey, the young man showed no signs of fatigue. He looked around confidently, his eyes sparkling like stars, his smile carefree and arrogant, exuding an air of nobility.

 

With just one glance, Song Liqing could overlay him with the memories of the little rascal from his childhood: Jun Qiyu!

 

Wherever this little tyrant went, he shone like a divine sun, standing out from the crowd.

 

Jun Qiyu held the reins in his left hand and a chain in his right hand, with the other end of the chain tied to a person!

 

This person was like a pet, chained by the neck, while Jun Qiyu acted as its master, with the power of life and death in his hands. Although he appeared to be a prisoner from the Western Regions, it was strange that he could ride the same horse as Jun Qiyu and even chat and laugh with him, their relationship ambiguous and unclear.

 

Unable to bear the sight, Song Liqing’s eyes darkened.

 

Jun Qiyu, riding through the streets and laughing with the slave, stopped directly in front of Song Liqing.

 

The old memories flooded back as Song Liqing looked at Jun Qiyu. The boy had shed his childishness and now exuded a sharp and imposing aura. His eyebrows were raised like peaks, his phoenix-shaped eyes long and narrow, seemingly smiling yet not, as he scrutinized Song Liqing.

 

“Are you the Tanhua Lang?” Jun Qiyu spoke, his first words.

 

Song Liqing lowered his head slightly, his heart beating wildly.

 

“I am Song…”

 

“I know you’re Song Liqing.”

 

He still remembers me…

 

Song Liqing was overwhelmed with emotions, choked up and speechless for a moment, forgetting to respond.

 

However, when Jun Qiyu mentioned his name, there was none of the eagerness of childhood, but rather a hint of… indifference and disdain.

 

Jun Qiyu stared at Song Liqing unabashedly, who felt a subtle sense of distance despite his clear features and cold demeanor. But in Jun Qiyu’s eyes, there was a hint of tenderness and affection.

 

Pointing at Song Liqing, Jun Qiyu blurted out.

 

“Take off your robe.”

 

Song Liqing was caught off guard. “What?!”

 

Not only Song Liqing, but everyone present was shocked. In broad daylight and in front of everyone, the Crown Prince was being overly bold, openly teasing the appointed Tanhua Lang.

 

This little rascal, after years of experience, not only hasn’t changed his arrogance but has become even more… barbaric and wild.

 

“I like…. this robe, take it off for me,” Jun Qiyu’s face was mocking, “You refuse?”

 

Song Liqing realized that Jun Qiyu had spent ten years in the Western Sea Palace, dealing with uncivilized people and being spoiled and pampered. He had developed such a brazen and unrestrained personality.

 

Just like when they first met at the academy, he arrogantly declared that Song Liqing “belonged to him”.

 

However, Song Liqing wasn’t angry. Outsiders didn’t understand that Jun Qiyu was still straightforward and cute in his eyes.

 

He gently said, “Your Highness, please conduct yourself with dignity.”

 

“Dignity?” Jun Qiyu was as overbearing as ever, “Wherever I go, I can have whatever I want. What’s wrong with asking for a piece of clothing? Let alone clothes, even you…”

 

At this moment, the slave in front of Jun Qiyu smiled and whispered something to him.

 

Jun Qiyu nodded and changed his mind, “The slave says he likes this flower on your robe. Give it to him to play with.”

 

Song Liqing’s heart sank. This silk ribbon and flower were given by the emperor himself as an honor, congratulating them on their success in the imperial examination. How could it be casually given away as a plaything?

 

Before he could refuse, Jun Qiyu had already drawn his sword, and in a flash, he had plucked the red ribbon from the robe.

 

Jun Qiyu held the flower in his hand, displaying it proudly.

 

Song Liqing barely caught the end of the ribbon and hurriedly said, “Your Highness, it’s a great offense to lose composure in front of the palace. Please return it for now… and I will give it to you later, is that acceptable?”

 

“I refuse. It’s your honor that the slave likes it,” Jun Qiyu scolded, “Will you let go?”

 

Song Liqing bit his lip and shook his head firmly.

 

As the standoff continued, General Song Qing rode over and spoke up for Song Liqing, “The prince is used to having his way, but this is not the Western Sea Palace. Offending the newly appointed Tanhua Lang in public is not appropriate and will tarnish the royal family’s reputation.”

 

Song Qing was Jun Qiyu’s superior in the military and also responsible for disciplining him on behalf of the emperor. He taught him many skills in the northwest, and Jun Qiyu listened to him and restrained his arrogance.

 

“Hmph.” Jun Qiyu turned his horse around, “Fine, you asked for it… Hu Nu’er, you can go.”

 

Hu Nu’er obediently dismounted.

 

Jun Qiyu dropped the iron chain that bound the slave, and with a kick of his legs, the warhorse immediately galloped away. Song Liqing was almost pulled off his horse and had to grab the reins and run along.

 

When Jun Qiyu turned his head and saw Song Liqing’s panic and fear, he laughed.

 

“Haha, since you’re going into the palace, I’m going too. Don’t break your legs, Tanhua Lang!”

 

Song Liqing remained silent, watching Jun Qiyu’s back as he rode off.

 

According to his father, Jun Qiyu had hugged him tightly and gnawed on him when he was one year old during his birthday celebration. Perhaps, in some mysterious way, their destinies were intertwined from that moment on.

 

At this moment, Song Liqing was certain that his admiration for Jun Qiyu had never changed, only grown stronger.

 

But why Jun Qiyu was playing tricks on him, he couldn’t understand.

 

With one dressed in green and the other in black, and their horses in pink and chestnut, connected by a red flower ribbon, they entered the majestic palace gate, creating a beautiful and harmonious scene of a young man in fresh clothes and a spirited horse enjoying the spring breeze.

 

After entering the palace, Jun Qiyu continued to ride recklessly, and no one dared to stop him as he rushed through the palace. He was the prince, and no one dared to interfere with him.

 

The palace maids and eunuchs observed Song Liqing’s embarrassment, but it wasn’t until they were close to the Taihe Hall that Jun Qiyu finally stopped and handed the reins to a eunuch.

 

“Take good care of my spirited steed. It’s not accustomed to the land here in the Central Plains after coming from afar. Make sure it gets the freshest and most tender grass.”

 

After giving his instructions, Jun Qiyu’s tone softened as the eunuch respectfully took the reins.

 

Song Liqing glanced over. Jun Qiyu cherished everything he approved of, even a slave and a horse, but not himself.

 

Song Liqing withdrew his envious gaze and tidied himself up, preparing to meet the emperor.

 

“Song Liqing.”

 

Jun Qiyu suddenly called out to him, striding closer. Song Liqing instinctively took a step back, realizing that Jun Qiyu now towered over him by a head.

 

“I will not marry you. It’s best for you to publicly cancel the engagement at the court session later,” Jun Qiyu said coldly.

 

Song Liqing was puzzled.

 

Engagement…?!

 

Author’s note:

 

Here comes the trilogy of the Jun family~

 

Continuing the story from “Mute Slave”.

 

Song Liqing * Jun Qiyu, the cold and aloof Tanhua Lang * arrogant Crown Prince

 

Their past is in the extras of “Mute Slave”.

 

Chasing wife at the crematorium, HE.

 

“Tanhua Lang” is a term used in Chinese novels to describe a male character who possesses exceptional talent, outstanding appearance, and a somewhat aloof or cold demeanor. Literally translated, “Tanhua Lang” means “exploring flowers gentleman.” 

 

In the context of Chinese historical romance novels, a “Tanhua Lang” typically refers to a male lead who is highly sought after by women due to his remarkable combination of intellect, charm, and attractiveness. These characters often have a mysterious or enigmatic aura, and they may exhibit traits such as stoicism, independence, and a sense of nobility. They are usually depicted as being aloof or distant towards others, especially romantic interests, which adds to their allure. 

 

Overall, “Tanhua Lang” represents a romantic archetype in Chinese literature, embodying qualities that make him both desirable and unattainable to others.