Tan Hua - Chapter 10

With just a light remark, Jun Qiyu tore apart Song Liqing’s self-esteem, leaving him utterly wounded.

For a decade, Song Liqing had endured the harsh realities of scholarly pursuits, all to earn a prestigious title and rid himself and his younger brother of the disgraceful accusations hurled at them. His aim was to become an official of the court, not for wealth or power, but solely to safeguard his dignity.

Yet, this protective armor was ruthlessly pierced by Jun Qiyu, striking at his very core.

“Qiyu, you know very well… my father was framed and executed, our entire family disgraced, forcing us into the alleys of despair. You know, since childhood, I’ve endured their taunts on my back, and you used to… defend me.”

Song Liqing had believed Jun Qiyu to be different from those people, but now he realized that the one who knew how to strike at his heartstrings the most was him. Jun Qiyu knew his vulnerabilities, his pains, and could effortlessly wield them like swords.

Jun Qiyu’s eyelid twitched.

“Since you understand the feeling of helplessness, should Hu Nu’er be insulted as a lowly slave by you?”

Song Liqing’s lips trembled, feeling powerless to say anything meaningful.

“Master.” Hu Nu’er tugged at Jun Qiyu’s sleeve, softly sobbing, “Please don’t blame the Crown Prince Consort. Hu Nu’er doesn’t feel wronged.”

“Master has always been fair, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. If you return this slap, Master will consider it even.” Jun Qiyu looked at Song Liqing.

Hu Nu’er widened his eyes, “Isn’t this inappropriate? How can a servant hit their master? It’s beneath our status.”

“In front of me, you are my servant, but not anyone else’s. My servant doesn’t deserve to be bullied by anyone. Go!”

Jun Qiyu sternly issued the command.

Hu Nu’er awkwardly approached Song Liqing.

Song Liqing’s eyes lost focus, his dignity shattered by the “son of a prostitute”. 

“Imperial Crown Prince Consort, whether in appearance or status, Hu Nu’er is inferior to you. Why worry about me stealing your favor? His Highness has plenty of energy, and I’m just… helping to alleviate some of your fatigue.”

With those words, Hu Nu’er forcefully swung his hand, the strength known only to himself. With a crisp sound, his hand stung from the impact.

“My apologies, Your Highness.” Hu Nu’er rubbed his hand.

Song Liqing turned his face aside, unable to regain his senses for a long time, his ears ringing.

He closed his eyes, feeling dizzy, only recovering after several breaths.

A crimson handprint appeared on his face, with visible scratches from Hu Nu’er’s nails during the slap. 

If one looked closely, there were traces of blood in the crevices of Hu Nu’er’s nails.

This time, Song Liqing didn’t shed tears; his tears were reserved for Jun Qiyu. Hu Nu’er didn’t deserve them.

He opened his bloodshot eyes, devoid of joy or sorrow, just coldness, as if it wasn’t himself who had been struck.

Jun Qiyu, seeing him stop crying, felt an inexplicable emotion.

He knew Song Liqing was originally the weakest, prone to tears. Was it because of humiliation that he chose not to cry, to maintain that last bit of pride?

Song Liqing spoke, his voice hoarse.

“Can I have my things back now?”

“Hmm?”

He didn’t expect to be slapped, and instead of arguing or cursing, he was still demanding the tassel pendant.

“What did you take from him?” Jun Qiyu asked.

Hu Nu’er immediately took out the jade pendant from his sleeve.

“Master, last night the Imperial Crown Prince Consort left this item in the pleasure pavilion. Today, I found it and was about to deliver it to your courtyard, but the Imperial Crown Prince Consort arrived earlier and scolded me for a few words…”

Jun Qiyu took the jade pendant in his hand.

“Give it back to me!”

Suddenly, Song Liqing’s voice rose, albeit hoarse and lacking in authority.

Jun Qiyu was instantly angered. How dare Song Liqing shout at him?

“Take it! Get out of my sight! You’re excused from paying respects to my father today. Go!”

Jun Qiyu threw it aside carelessly, but his strength was unintentionally several times stronger than others’. Song Liqing couldn’t dodge it and was hit squarely on the forehead, immediately swelling up.

Song Liqing felt pain all over his body, but he was numb to it compared to the pain in his heart. What did these physical injuries mean compared to his emotional wounds?

He picked up the jade pendant from the ground; the tassel was still intact but covered in dust.

Song Liqing brushed off the dust, but the tassel seemed unable to be cleaned completely, its color dim and stained.

He tucked it into his chest, closest to his heart, without saying a word, and left the pleasure pavilion.

“Song…”

Jun Qiyu instinctively wanted to call him back but didn’t know why. Perhaps because Song Liqing left without even glancing at him, making him feel uneasy.

Jun Qiyu was puzzled.

They said Song Liqing was easygoing and weak, but when he became stubborn, he clung to old things and refused to let go.

“Who cares about this broken thing?” Jun Qiyu said angrily. “Hu Nu’er, do you like this thing?”

Hu Nu’er’s eyes turned, already having an answer in mind.

“It’s a precious item of the Imperial Crown Prince Consort. How could Hu Nu’er have the fortune to enjoy it?”

Jun Qiyu disdainfully said, “Tomorrow, I’ll buy you a whole box of them, with gold and jade embellishments.”

“Master…”

Hu Nu’er looked at him affectionately, tears of admiration in his eyes.

Jun Qiyu pondered a new idea, “If I appoint you as a side consort, he won’t dare to bully you recklessly.”

“No, no, no, Hu Nu’er just wants to accompany His Highness. Being an obedient servant for a lifetime is more than enough.”

Hu Nu’er was very clear-headed.

A side concubine, no matter how noble, couldn’t compare to the Imperial Crown Prince Consort bestowed by the emperor. Since both positions were inferior, the superficial title was less important than Jun Qiyu’s praise of being submissive and sensible.

With the prince’s heart in his hands, everything would go smoothly.

“Hmm.”

Jun Qiyu just responded with a grunt, and Hu Nu’er noticed his sour mood.

“What’s wrong, Master? Are you still troubled by what happened earlier? Hu Nu’er is willing to help ease your mind…”

Hu Nu’er said as he leaned closer to Jun Qiyu, understanding that nothing was more comforting than physical closeness.

However, Jun Qiyu waved him away and then grabbed Hu Nu’er’s wrist.

“In the future, don’t try to be clever in front of me, understood?”

Hu Nu’er replied fearfully, “Hu Nu’er doesn’t know where he went wrong. Please punish me, Master.”

“Song Liqing is left handed, so how could he hit your right cheek with his right hand?”

Jun Qiyu applied pressure with his fingers, causing Hu Nu’er to break out in a cold sweat from the pain.

“Master… Hu Nu’er knows he was wrong.” He knew it was best not to argue at this moment.

“Hmph.”

Jun Qiyu pushed him away, sat down, and took a sip of tea to soothe his frustration.

Hu Nu’er immediately knelt on the ground, lightly tapping his knees on the ground for forgiveness.

Jun Qiyu’s mood was unpredictable. When pleased, he treated you like a treasure, but when displeased, he could kill or abandon you. Hu Nu’er understood his place; he was just a plaything in Jun Qiyu’s hands.

“However… Song Liqing dared to cause trouble right after entering, relying on his father’s support. Such double-dealing and power-hungry behavior deserves the slap he received!”

Jun Qiyu murmured.

“After tormenting him for a few more days, he won’t be able to bear it anymore and will take the initiative to ask the Emperor for a divorce.”