Tan Hua - Chapter 117: Epilogue – Your Majesty, Keep Up the Good Work

Chapter 117: Epilogue – Your Majesty, Keep Up the Good Work

 

“Father, take care on your way, don’t bump yourself in the carriage, don’t fall while walking, don’t choke while eating, and come back early.”

 

Every day when Song Liqing left the house, he was subjected to Guan Sheng’s endless nagging and reluctant farewells. Usually, Song Guansheng would hold his hand for half a day, but today, he only followed him to the door.

 

“Go back and behave. Review yesterday’s lessons. I’ll test you when I return.”

 

“Yes.”

 

As the carriage rumbled away, Song Guansheng turned back and, after a moment, snuck out through the rear gate of the manor, calling out softly.

 

“Old Demon Jun… Old Demon Jun!”

 

Jun Qiyu, who had been lurking around outside, promptly appeared.

 

“So, what’s the verdict? Did you find out where your father is meeting someone?”

 

Song Guansheng nodded. “I did. The person invited him to Zuixian Tower.”

 

“Great!”

 

Jun Qiyu eagerly climbed into a carriage, instructing the driver to follow.

 

Song Guansheng chased after him. “Old Demon Jun, I’m coming too!”

 

Jun Qiyu hesitated and asked, “What are you tagging along for?”

 

“In case a fight breaks out, I can lend a hand!”

 

“Ha… Ten of you wouldn’t match one of my fingernails.”

 

Jun Qiyu chuckled but still lifted Song Guansheng onto the carriage. Along the way, they tailed the Song family carriage to Zuixian Tower, where the new top scholar, He Zhou, was indeed waiting. As soon as Song Liqing dismounted, He Zhou greeted him with the utmost deference.

 

“That He fellow has never groveled like that for me,” Jun Qiyu muttered unhappily.

 

Song Guansheng squeezed forward to peek out the window. “Move over, let me see… Oh, Old Demon Jun, you’ve lost.”

 

Jun Qiyu looked indignant. “Lost what?”

 

“He’s fairer-skinned than you.”

 

Jun Qiyu scoffed in disbelief.

 

“What good is fair skin? You can’t scrape off powder to make buns… Let’s go in.”

 

Jun Qiyu couldn’t sit still any longer when he saw the two of them walk into Zuixian Tower side by side.

 

“Welcome, gentlemen. How many?” the attendant greeted them with a smile.

 

“Where are the two who just came in?” Jun Qiyu asked.

 

“They’re in the Tianzi Room, Pingtao Suite.”

 

“The room next to theirs.”

 

Jun Qiyu tossed a gold ingot, and the attendant’s grin grew even wider.

 

“Of course!”

 

Zuixian Tower was famed for its two specialties: its stunning decor and its exceptional wine. The establishment boasted a scenic and elegant layout. However, Jun Qiyu had no time for aesthetics and was, in fact, frustrated by the excellent soundproofing of the private rooms.

 

With his acute hearing, he could barely make out snippets of the conversation between Song Liqing and He Zhou. Frustrated, he moved a screen aside and pressed his ear to the wall.

 

Song Guansheng leaned over his shoulder. “Old Demon Jun, I want to eat pine nut shrimp.”

 

“You’re so greedy!”

 

Jun Qiyu had no choice but to summon the attendant to bring every signature dish from Zuixian Tower, hoping this would keep the child quiet.

 

In the neighboring room, Song Liqing and He Zhou sat across from each other, fine dishes and wine laid out between them.

 

“Master Song, I wonder what flavors you prefer and if you have any dietary restrictions. The chef here is a renowned expert from Jiangnan. Do you find the food to your taste?” He Zhou asked cheerfully.

 

Song Liqing nodded. “Jiangnan cuisine is refined and flavorful; it’s worth a try.”

 

“That’s good. This squirrelfish is their specialty. Please have a taste.” He Zhou served him a portion. “Do you like it?”

 

The fish was tender, cooked in the Jiangnan style. Song Liqing praised it highly.

 

“It’s excellent—tender meat, flavorful sauce, perfectly cooked.”

 

Jun Qiyu pressed his ear harder against the wall but could only catch a few fragmented words, much to his annoyance.

 

“What are they saying?”

 

Song Guansheng also pressed his ear against the wall. “Are you deaf? That man is asking if my father likes him.”

 

Jun Qiyu’s eyes widened.

 

“And what did your father say?”

 

“He said the man is talented, not old, and quite suitable.”

 

“I’m not old either!”

 

Jun Qiyu’s irritation mounted. He grabbed the plate of pine nut shrimp from Song Guansheng.

 

“Use your sharp ears and listen carefully. You can eat later.”

 

Inside the neighboring room, He Zhou set down his chopsticks and pulled out a memorial.

 

“This is the memorial I prepared for the emperor. It’s my first time writing one, and I’m worried about making mistakes that might displease His Majesty. Could you please review it for me, Master Song?”

 

“He Zhou’s handwriting is delicate and neatly formatted. His Majesty is rather casual with his reviews and doesn’t nitpick. There’s no need to be overly nervous,” Song Liqing replied with a smile.

 

He Zhou relaxed slightly. “That’s reassuring. As someone inexperienced, I’m truly apprehensive.”

 

“What did they say next?” Jun Qiyu demanded impatiently.

 

“He said your handwriting is ugly, while the other man’s is neat and nice,” Song Guansheng blurted out.

 

Jun Qiyu’s brows twitched. His handwriting was indeed… casual. But did that even matter?

 

Song Liqing finished reading the memorial, his brows furrowing.

 

“Flooding along the Huai River… Has Jiangnan been hit by floods again this year?”

 

He Zhou sighed. “Yes. I’m from Suzhou and have endured many floods since childhood. This year, many people have been displaced. Now that I’m fortunate enough to serve as an official, I feel deeply for my hometown. That’s why my first memorial is to plead on behalf of my fellow townsfolk. But I’m unsure if requesting a relief fund of 50,000 taels is excessive.”

 

Moved by compassion, Song Liqing said, “Given the scale of this year’s floods, 50,000 taels is not excessive. This is a matter of great importance for disaster relief. Additionally, efforts should be made to encourage officials and wealthy merchants to raise funds. My personal savings are modest, but I am willing to contribute 5,000 taels for disaster relief, as a small gesture of goodwill toward the people of Jiangnan.”

 

He Zhou’s eyes filled with tears, and he stood to bow deeply.

 

“Master Song, your generosity is truly noble! On behalf of the people of Jiangnan, I express my heartfelt gratitude!”

 

“Please, no need for such formalities. While the court allocates funds for disaster relief each year, it merely treats the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. Annual embankment repairs are followed by annual breaches. This issue must be resolved thoroughly and promptly.”

 

“Master Song, your insights are invaluable. Let us discuss this matter further…”

 

Jun Qiyu moved away from the wall, urging Song Guansheng to explain.

 

“Quick, tell me.”

 

Song Guansheng hadn’t caught everything clearly and improvised.

 

“He said he had a hard life growing up but became an official to finally make something of himself.”

 

“Bah, appealing for sympathy—a mere trick.” Jun Qiyu sneered. “And what was that about 50,000 taels?”

 

“A betrothal gift, obviously!” Song Guansheng replied without hesitation.

 

Jun Qiyu’s frustration boiled over.

 

“Where would a newly minted official get 50,000 taels? He’s just painting a rosy picture for your father! With his salary, he couldn’t save 50,000 taels in a lifetime.”

 

“My father said it’s fine—he’s willing to throw in an additional 5,000 taels.”

 

Jun Qiyu gasped, momentarily stunned by the audacity.

 

Meanwhile, Song Liqing and He Zhou continued their pleasant conversation. As fellow scholars and officials, they quickly found common ground, discussing poetry, books, and various topics with laughter and smiles.

 

“To be bold, I feel an immediate kinship with you, Master Song. If the opportunity arises, I must invite you to my hometown in Jiangnan. Please visit my humble abode,” He Zhou said cheerfully.

 

Song Liqing nodded. “Jiangnan’s scenery is renowned, but I’ve never had the chance to appreciate it. Once things settle down, I’ll request leave from the emperor and pay you a visit. That is, if you don’t find me a bother.”

 

“Not at all! It would be an honor, as long as you don’t mind the modesty of my home.”

 

Jun Qiyu grew increasingly agitated. “What are they laughing about?!”

 

“That man said he’d take my father to his hometown, and my father said his hometown has beautiful scenery, so he wants to go and hide there.”

 

“Hide from whom?!” Jun Qiyu exclaimed.

 

“You,” Song Guansheng answered, mouth full of shrimp.

 

Jun Qiyu nearly blacked out from anger.

 

Song Liqing, having made a new friend, was in high spirits that evening. After washing up, he relaxed comfortably in bed.

 

But not long after he lay down, a heavy figure slipped into his blankets, wriggling and rubbing against him.

 

There was no need for Song Liqing to guess—this boorish intruder could only be Jun Qiyu.

 

“Do you think the Song residence is your home, coming and going as you please?”

 

Jun Qiyu burrowed closer, sniffing at his neck.

 

“Liqing, my good Liqing, I want…”

 

Song Liqing couldn’t handle his wolf-like antics.

 

“What do you want? Beg for food, maybe.”

 

Jun Qiyu, still fuming from the day’s events, was brimming with jealousy. Pressing himself against Song Liqing, he intensified his efforts.

 

“Jun Qiyu!” Song Liqing gasped, warning him. “Get off me! Get out! Stop fooling around in my room—Guansheng hasn’t gone to bed yet. He’ll come in to pay his respects!”

 

“No problem. He’s still young. It’s fine if he sees. I’ll just tell him we’re wrestling.”

 

“Wrestle your head…”

 

Song Liqing’s protests were in vain. A single shout later, he was swept away by the storm that was Jun Qiyu.

 

And so it went, until the early hours of the morning.

 

Song Liqing, utterly spent, stared blankly. “How am I supposed to attend court tomorrow?”

 

“What’s so important about court? Getting into your bed is far more critical.”

 

Jun Qiyu, satisfied and content, embraced Song Liqing with a smug expression.

 

Song Liqing tugged at his disheveled robe, full of resentment. “An emperor sneaking into the prime minister’s bed every night—what kind of behavior is this?”

 

Jun Qiyu pressed his forehead against Song Liqing’s, pleading pitifully.

 

“Who told you not to give me a title?”

 

“What title do you want?”

 

Song Liqing rolled over, pulling the covers over himself.

 

“A legitimate spouse!” Jun Qiyu proposed. “Liqing, let’s get married again. Please?”

 

Song Liqing didn’t even turn around. “Not even if you beg the gods. I’m not taking back a discarded husband.”

 

Jun Qiyu shot up, fuming.

 

“Hmph! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to… Tomorrow, I’ll exile He Zhou to a southern province, three thousand miles from the capital.”

 

Song Liqing, baffled, didn’t understand his sudden grudge against He Zhou.

 

“What’s he done to you?”

 

“He’s offended me.”

 

“I find him upright, talented, and quite decent. What mistake has he made?”

 

The more Song Liqing praised He Zhou, the more Jun Qiyu’s jealousy burned.

 

“He… He’s trying to bribe you and form cliques!”

 

Before Song Liqing could question further, the incensed emperor, disheveled and shoeless, was unceremoniously kicked out of the room.

 

…

 

The next day, Jun Qiyu sought out Song Guansheng.

 

“You didn’t listen properly and made things up, didn’t you? Also, the one proposing with a bride price of 30,000 taels is the city’s richest man, Zhou He, not the new scholar He Zhou. I now seriously suspect you of misleading the emperor on purpose.”

 

After ranting, Jun Qiyu looked down to see Song Guansheng clutching half a melon, far too large for his small hands, scooping out its flesh. After a long pause, the child shrugged.

 

“I mixed up the names.”

 

Jun Qiyu almost exploded.

 

“How could you? Can you focus more in your lessons? You can’t even remember names!”

 

Song Guansheng grinned, baring his teeth. “There are thousands of officials in the capital. Do you expect a four-year-old to recognize them all?”

 

Hard to argue with that logic.

 

Jun Qiyu grumbled, “Fair point… Now hand over that melon.”

 

Scooping out a big bite of melon flesh, he tried to suppress the jealousy still smoldering in his heart.

 

The path to winning back his husband would be long.

 

Your Majesty, keep up the good work.

 

[End of Main Story]

 

Author’s Note:

The main story ends here! Extra chapters may drop occasionally~

 

Thank you for sticking with me!

 

Please check out my next book, I Signed the Esports God into My Home!

 

A modern, hilarious, passionate esports story!