Tan Hua - Chapter 100: I Am the Crown Prince's Consort

Chapter 100: I Am the Crown Prince’s Consort

 

The suitable residence that Jun Qiyu referred to is Wangqing Tower, the tallest building in Qilin Manor. This tower was built for a panoramic view, perfect for gazing at the fine willow trees in the sunset during the day, and the bright moon and twinkling stars at night. The scenery is magnificent.

 

The main reason for its charm is the open view, which helps Song Liqing’s mood brighten and alleviates some of his worries.

 

“Liqing, how do you like it here? Do you like it?”

 

Song Liqing knelt against the railing, and with one glance, he could see the streets and alleys of the city laid out beneath him. Farther away, the desert poplars were faintly visible.

 

“I like it.”

 

Song Liqing analyzed the situation. Next to Wangqing Tower is the outer wall of Qilin Manor, so escaping would be convenient; all he had to do was climb over the wall, and no one would notice.

 

Jun Qiyu didn’t want him to return to Loulan, but he couldn’t just sit and wait to die, so he had already prepared an escape route.

 

He even selected the shortest route out of the city.

 

“That’s good.” Jun Qiyu finally seemed satisfied and continued, “Look over here, this is the manor’s garden. At this time… the osmanthus flowers must have bloomed, right?”

 

Song Liqing moved to the other side. The garden contained various kinds of flowers, both rare and common. At this time, the golden osmanthus was in full bloom, and autumn chrysanthemums were about to open.

 

“It’s bloomed.” Song Liqing glanced sideways and asked, “Where is Xiao Di? Didn’t she come to the Northwest?”

 

He missed the innocent and kind little girl, Xiao Di.

 

Moreover, he felt lonely in this foreign Qilin Manor, where he wasn’t familiar with anyone.

 

“I asked, and the steward said the girl took a leave to return to the capital to visit her family. If you miss her, I can send someone to bring her back. She serves you well.”

 

What they didn’t know was that Xiao Di had argued several times with Hu Yue’er in the manor, and after getting fed up, she decided to take leave and return to the capital. But these were later events that outsiders didn’t know.

 

“When are you going to send troops to Loulan?”

 

Song Liqing couldn’t wait to hear news about Pei Xingxu.

 

“That depends on how long I need to recover from my injuries… cough cough” Jun Qiyu pretended to weakly cough and said, “Look at me, I’m so badly injured and weak, and you’re only concerned about the safety of your Xingxu brother, not my life?”

 

“Fine.”

 

Seeing Jun Qiyu’s injuries, Song Liqing didn’t want to pressure him further, as it would seem cruel.

 

After settling Song Liqing, Jun Qiyu returned to the grand hall of Qilin Manor. His previously fragile and sickly demeanor disappeared, and as he sat down, the guards threw a man wearing prison clothes, bound tightly, onto the floor.

 

“Your Highness, this man is a bandit. He raided a village, killing seventeen elderly, women, and children. The evidence is clear, and his crime is unforgivable.”

 

Jun Qiyu turned and asked, “Qi Taiyi, can this man be saved?”

 

Qi Miao glanced at the prisoner who was gagged with cloth and begging for mercy and bowed in response, “I have a fifty percent chance.”

 

“Fifty percent is enough. The worst case is that he will be blind for the rest of his life.” Jun Qiyu spoke with an authoritative tone, “The war is urgent, I can’t afford any delay. I leave everything to you, Qi Taiyi.”

 

“As you command.”

 

…

 

Song Liqing stayed in Wangqing Tower for three days. During these three days, Jun Qiyu visited every day, bringing news about Loulan.

 

Prince Xiao had been planning in the Western Regions for many years, recruiting soldiers and inciting many slaves and commoners in Loulan to rebel. The people of Loulan had long been dissatisfied with the nobles’ oppressive rule, and now, the entire country was under Prince Xiao’s control.

 

“And what about Xingxu brother?”

 

“The scouts have no news of him.” Jun Qiyu shook his head and replied, “He’s either hiding somewhere after being defeated or captured and imprisoned by Prince Xiao.”

 

“So his life or death is uncertain?”

 

Song Liqing’s heart grew anxious.

 

Jun Qiyu didn’t deny it: “Yes, that’s one way to put it.”

 

Song Liqing sighed deeply and said, “Sigh… You can’t even gather any news, you’re really useless.”

 

“Useless…” Jun Qiyu’s face twitched.

 

The impact of these two words was stronger than any other harsh words.

 

“I’m going to send a carrier pigeon now to deploy scouts at the border.”

 

“Wait.” Song Liqing frowned and asked, “You haven’t been slacking off on purpose, have you?”

 

Jun Qiyu didn’t expect much from this. Who knew whether he truly wanted to rescue Pei Xingxu or was secretly gloating.

 

That despicable villain.

 

“No, why would I? You think I deliberately neglected Pei Xingxu’s safety? Am I such a petty person? Pei Xingxu dying would give me no benefit… Well, maybe just a little.” Jun Qiyu explained, “But how could I bear to make you sad? Right?”

 

Song Liqing bit his lip and lowered his head.

 

“Sorry, I misunderstood you. I’m just a little anxious.”

 

Jun Qiyu seemed flattered and reassured him, “It’s fine, as long as you understand my sincerity.”

 

Song Liqing still felt that Jun Qiyu’s departure was too lighthearted.

 

Although it was somewhat unrealistic, Song Liqing decided to go to the border himself. He needed to hear the news with his own eyes and ears to feel at ease.

 

So, early the next morning, Song Liqing packed a bundle with several large steamed buns inside and sneaked quietly to the wall. He stacked up some of the bricks he had collected these past few days. As long as he climbed over the wall, he could escape.

 

Just as Song Liqing stepped onto the bricks, a woman’s voice came from behind.

 

“Who are you? What are you doing climbing the wall here?”

 

Song Liqing was startled and twisted his foot, causing him to fall and the bricks to collapse, scattering all over the ground.

 

Standing in front of him was a woman heavily made-up, dressed in a bright red sari with blue eyes and long eyebrows, a woman from the Western Regions. Song Liqing found her somewhat familiar, at least four or five parts resembled someone he knew.

 

“Hu Nu’er!” Song Liqing exclaimed.

 

The woman sneered and said, “I am Hu Yue’er, not Hu Nu’er.”

 

“Ah?” Song Liqing asked, “Are you his sister?”

 

“Who’s his sister?” Hu Yue’er said discontentedly. “Although I entered Qilin Manor to serve in his stead, I am different from him. In the future, I will get out of his shadow and become the Prince’s consort… You still haven’t answered me, who are you?”

 

“The former consort.”

 

Song Liqing thought for a moment but corrected himself.

 

“Ha, hahahaha——”

 

Hu Yue’er laughed like she had heard an incredible joke.

 

“If you’re the consort, then I must be the Empress of Jingguo.” Hu Yue’er moved closer and said, “You must mean you’re just a substitute for the former consort, right?”

 

“Substitute?” Song Liqing was confused.

 

“You were forced into this by the Prince, right?”

 

“Yeah.” Song Liqing nodded. “How did you know?”

 

He was indeed forcibly brought back by Jun Qiyu.

 

“I know of course. I heard these past few days that the Prince brought back someone and hid them in Wangqing Tower. Turns out it’s you. Our Prince is really nostalgic, he likes to collect substitutes for his old lovers.”

 

Hu Yue’er said mysteriously, then crouched down to take a closer look at Song Liqing. Despite the dirt on his face, his delicate features couldn’t be hidden. She considered herself the most beautiful, never thinking much of Central Plains beauties, let alone men. But this person in front of her, with his clear and cold eyes, had a touch of innocent and naive charm, a straight nose, and lips slightly red, giving off a scholarly elegance. She had heard the scholars of the Central Plains were suave and elegant, and he seemed to resemble that type.

 

Moreover, his eyes were wide and confused, making him seem harmless. Hu Yue’er, always competitive, didn’t feel the urge to treat him as a rival.

 

“You do have some looks.”

 

Hu Yue’er composed herself and returned to her indifferent expression.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Song Liqing stood up, brushing the dirt off his clothes.

 

“I didn’t compliment you.” Hu Yue’er grumbled, “You must resemble the former consort, that’s why the Prince picked you.”

 

“Why do you say that?” Song Liqing still didn’t understand.

 

Hu Yue’er glanced at him disdainfully.

 

“You really are clueless.” Hu Yue’er lowered her voice and said, “I’ll tell you a little secret, the former consort was a famous scholar. You may be foolish, but you look like someone who’s been educated.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Song Liqing opened his mouth. Was this some sort of major secret?

 

“Alright, why were you climbing the wall so early?” Hu Yue’er’s expression changed, and she anxiously said, “You’re trying to escape?!”

 

Song Liqing quickly made a shushing motion.

 

“Keep your voice down, don’t let Jun Qiyu know, or I won’t be able to run anymore!”

 

“You…” Hu Yue’er looked utterly confused. “Why are you trying to escape? Don’t you want the wealth and power of the Prince’s consort?”

 

Song Liqing replied seriously, “I’ll tell you the truth, I’m already married.”

 

Hu Yue’er’s face was full of surprise. “Oh? You have a wife?”

 

“It’s not a wife…” Song Liqing didn’t know how to begin.

 

“Then is it a lover?” Hu Yue’er was even more surprised. “Does His Highness know about this?”

 

Song Liqing nodded. “Yes, he saw us marry with his own eyes.”

 

“…” Hu Yue’er was momentarily speechless. “What does His Highness think? He doesn’t even spare someone who’s already married?”

 

Song Liqing shrugged. “How would I know?”

 

“I see, you’re still young. What does love matter? Power and wealth are what truly matter.”

 

Seeing him so naive and confused, Hu Yue’er didn’t bother to explain these deep concepts to him.

 

She stood to the side, arms crossed, and said, “Go ahead.”

 

Song Liqing picked up the big white buns from the ground, put them back in his bundle. These were the meals he had secretly saved every day. Though they were dirty, he could peel off a layer and still eat them.

 

He stacked the bricks up again, climbed onto the wall, then turned back and asked, “Will you keep this secret for me?”

 

Hu Yue’er nodded happily. “Mm, I didn’t see anything.”

 

“You’re really kind.”

 

Song Liqing was deeply grateful.

 

“Now that you’ve left, I have one less competitor, though even if I were to compete, you wouldn’t be my match.”

 

Hu Yue’er watched him awkwardly climb up on the wall, then decisively flip over. She heard a dull thud as he landed.

 

“……”

 

Hu Yue’er waited for a moment.

 

“Are you still there? … Are you sure you can escape with your skills?”

 

“I’m fine!”

 

A voice came from the other side of the wall.

 

“Be careful not to get caught and have your legs broken,” Hu Yue’er couldn’t help but say.

 

“Thanks!”