Tan Hua - Chapter 2

Song Liqing was puzzled.

 

“Marriage contract? When did His Highness and I have a marriage contract?”

 

“Don’t play dumb!”

 

Jun Qiyu attempted to find a flaw in his bewildered expression.

 

Song Liqing shook his head, “I have never known about any marriage contract His Highness mentioned.”

 

Jun Qiyu lost his patience, and if it weren’t for being in front of the Taihe Hall, he might have erupted on the spot.

 

“Father summoned me back to the capital, and the edict mentioned the intention to betroth us. Wasn’t it instigated by you in the capital? You have the audacity to influence the Emperor but lack the courage to admit it. What’s with the innocent act of feigning ignorance?!”

 

Song Liqing was speechless. Besides seeing the Emperor at the palace exam, he had never had the chance to speak to the Emperor.

 

Seeing him unable to respond, Jun Qiyu thought he hit the mark.

 

“No words? I don’t know why you dare to think, based on a little friendship from ten years ago, that I would favor you? Dream on!”

 

Song Liqing opened his mouth, feeling an inexplicable bitterness welling up.

 

The memories he treasured dearly seemed worthless in Jun Qiyu’s eyes.

 

“No, I really didn’t ask His Majesty for a marriage decree. How could I have the qualification…”

 

“You know, that’s enough,” Jun Qiyu interrupted coldly. “Since it’s not your doing, fine. When we meet His Majesty later, if he mentions this matter, if you still want to retain even a shred of childhood friendship, you’d better reject it, or else it won’t just be losing face like today!”

 

With that, without waiting for Song Liqing’s response, Jun Qiyu left in a huff.

 

“Your Highness!” Song Liqing called after him, “Are you so repulsed by the marriage arrangement? Repulsed enough to… immediately seek retribution upon returning to the capital?”

 

“Yes,” Jun Qiyu didn’t look back, “What I detest the most is those who resort to any means, even treating marriage as a transaction. Don’t disappoint me.”

 

Song Liqing’s shadow appeared desolate in the vast palace, silently sighing.

 

Is this the kind of person you think I am?

 

I never hoped for such a thing.

 

…

 

The return of the Northwestern Army to the court was a major event, and the Crown Prince and the Grand Marshal’s report took a full two hours, leaving the newly appointed scholars waiting aside.

 

The Crown Prince, having matured through experiences, naturally pleased the Emperor, bringing joy to the entire court, until the atmosphere cooled abruptly when the discussion turned to praising the Grand Marshal.

 

Emperor Xuan sat on the throne, majestic and imposing, his voice deep and resonant. His imperial authority made it daunting to meet his gaze.

 

“Song Aiqing has labored in the Western Regions for years, and I have always remembered your contributions. No need to repeat them. I hereby bestow upon you…” Emperor Xuan seemed to deliberate for a moment before continuing, “the title of Duke of Feng’en, hereditary and irreplaceable.”

 

The court was in an uproar!

 

The first Duke of Feng’en since the founding of the nation! And hereditary too! As long as the country exists, the Song family’s prestige will not decline. It was truly the highest honor one could think of, leaving the courtiers envious to the point of gnashing their teeth.

 

Song Qing immediately knelt down to express his gratitude.

 

Emperor Xuan raised his hand, “You have followed me for many years, risking your life on the battlefield. Though not blood relatives, it’s as if we’re brothers. Sigh… reminiscing about the past. You have guarded a frontier for me, unable to reunite with your family for ten years. Now, take a rest, lay down the heavy burden of Grand Marshal, and enjoy family bliss.”

 

The court fell silent. Usually, the Emperor’s words at the end were the key point.

 

He was going to strip Song Qing of his military authority and take back the military token.

 

Song Qing kowtowed, “Apart from killing enemies, I have no other skills. Being able to continue leading troops is already the greatest grace…”

 

Song Qing had lived a life of warfare; all he wanted was to continue battling on the battlefield.

 

“Ah.” Emperor Xuan interrupted him, remembering something. “Song Aiqing, your Lin’er is quite remarkable, ranking first in the palace exam on the first try. You two haven’t even had a chance to speak yet, right? Where is the newly appointed top scholar?”

 

Song Liqing emerged from the corner of the court, standing upright and bowing respectfully.

 

“Song Liqing pays respects to Your Majesty.”

 

A friendly smile appeared on Emperor Xuan’s face.

 

“Rise, quickly. Indeed, you have the grace and bearing of a dragon. I have always liked you, this child. It’s Song Aiqing’s good fortune to have you. I envy it greatly. Unfortunately, my rebellious son only likes to wield swords and spears, like a barbarian.”

 

This was Emperor Xuan’s modesty, and Song Liqing hurriedly replied, “Your Highness, with your extraordinary talent and photographic memory, you surpass me a hundredfold.”

 

Emperor Xuan was greatly pleased, his gaze affectionate, “Your memory is just like the Empress’s, but she’s a bit too playful and neglects her studies. I still remember you two being childhood friends, always playing together… Now that you’ve reached marriageable age, how about I arrange a marriage between you and Qiyu? You’ll be part of my family in the future. Are you willing?”

 

Song Liqing raised his head in surprise, noticing a threatening glance from Jun Qiyu.

 

Everything was happening too fast, and Song Liqing didn’t have time to think it through.

 

Seeing his reaction, Emperor Xuan added, “If you agree, you can serve as the Crown Prince’s attendant in the future, accompanying Qiyu day and night, and maybe you can teach this unfilial son of mine. Of course, it’s just a suggestion. If you’re not interested, it’s fine. I won’t be angry. I can appoint you as a councilor of the Court of State Ceremonial, and you can pursue your career in the court as you wish.”

 

A choice…

 

Song Liqing found it difficult to accept.

 

Compared to being a prestigious fifth-rank councilor of the Court of State Ceremonial, serving as the Crown Prince’s attendant was just a low-ranking idle job with no hope of promotion. How could they be compared?

 

If he accepted the marriage, became the Crown Prince’s attendant, his future would be bleak. But the Song family would become relatives of the imperial family, sharing honor and disgrace with them. Emperor Xuan could temporarily leave his father in charge of the military, which would be a win-win situation.

 

But this would undoubtedly go against Jun Qiyu’s command.

 

If he refused the marriage, the Emperor would definitely strip his father of his position as Grand Marshal and take back the military token, as Emperor Xuan would never allow father and son to serve in the court at the same time, especially one civil and one military. If this continued, wouldn’t the court be dominated by the Song family?

 

Song Liqing was caught in a dilemma.

 

This decision affected his career, his father’s lifelong wish, the reputation of the Song family, and the rise and fall of the court.

 

This wasn’t his choice; it was simply Emperor Xuan’s decision, spoken through him.

 

Both paths were dead ends, and there was no way to choose.

 

In this situation, marriage was just a bond of power, and love was nothing more than an optional accessory.

 

No wonder Jun Qiyu was so repulsed!

 

As a naturally free-spirited person, how could he tolerate others manipulating his marriage?

 

Before imperial power, his own wishes were so insignificant.

 

Song Liqing caught a glimpse of the oppressive gaze from Jun Qiyu.

 

He was destined to disappoint Jun Qiyu.

 

Song Liqing felt numb all over, almost mechanically thanking, “Your Majesty’s grace is boundless, thank you for bestowing this marriage…”

 

Sure enough, the gaze turned disgustingly repulsive as he spoke these words, as if looking at something utterly revolting.

 

“But…” Song Liqing’s lips were already bitten, leaving tooth marks. “I agree to the marriage only because I admire the Crown Prince wholeheartedly. I am willing to be joined with him, nothing else matters.”

 

It was useless now.

 

No matter how much he explained, Jun Qiyu remained unmoved. At this moment, even the most touching words of love seemed feeble and futile, everything was just Song Liqing’s futile struggle.

 

Emperor Xuan was very satisfied, his smile even wider. “Since you have affection and he has intentions, that’s even better. It’s the Crown Prince’s good fortune to have you as his spouse. Rest assured, I will arrange a grand wedding for you, to honor the ancestors and the heavens, and I will definitely not disgrace you…”

 

“Wait!”

 

The only one who dared to interrupt Emperor Xuan so loudly was Jun Qiyu.

 

“Father.” Jun Qiyu spoke decisively and loudly, “I don’t agree!”

 

Song Liqing looked at him, not surprised.

 

Emperor Xuan’s eyelids twitched slightly. “Why?”

 

Jun Qiyu faced Emperor Xuan squarely, his words firm and powerful. “Song Liqing and I were just childhood playmates. There is no affection between us. Even if there was, I was young then, and I have long forgotten!”

 

Each word was like a dagger, spoken for Song Liqing’s ears.

 

Emperor Xuan half-jokingly pretended to be relaxed. “It’s understandable if you held onto someone and didn’t let go because you forgot about affection, but later, when you remembered, you clung to them tightly, snatching the embroidery ball of a young girl, pretending to be a groom and causing a commotion all over the capital. Have you forgotten?”

 

Jun Qiyu retorted, “Childhood playfulness doesn’t count, and times have changed. I don’t know what kind of person he is now. As for my own marriage, I will seek it myself.”

 

Childhood playfulness doesn’t count…

 

A crack appeared in Song Liqing’s heart, and he covered the waist pendant that hung from his waist.

 

He originally disliked wearing any accessories, but because he treasured this token of heart as a precious treasure, he wore a jade pendant with intertwined knots on it.

 

How could it… not count?

 

It turned out that not only tassels would fade and become old, but so would feelings.

 

Emperor Xuan’s tone had become stern. “Your marriage? Can you distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, and people’s hearts? I think Liqing is much more sensible than you. He is more than suitable for you; you are the one who is aiming too high!”

 

Jun Qiyu sneered, still stubborn. “Since he is so outstanding, why not marry whoever you want? There are plenty of young men in Jingguo who are just as suitable as him. There’s no need to force him to marry me just because I’m the Crown Prince!… I hope Father can see clearly and withdraw the decree!”

 

“You brat!”

 

A scolding voice made all the civil and military officials tremble.

 

Emperor Xuan only had this one son, whom he had always cherished and spoiled to no end. Sending him to the Western Regions for training had probably been the first time Emperor Xuan had been so angry with the Crown Prince.

 

“I thought you would temper yourself after a few years and change your arrogant nature, but it seems I’ve spoiled you too much. Marriage is a major matter, and it’s the command of your parents. As the sovereign of a nation, am I not even allowed to make decisions for you?”

 

Although Jun Qiyu was arrogant, he had to restrain himself in the face of the Emperor’s anger, but his face was still filled with stubbornness and refusal.

 

“Fine.” Jun Qiyu said angrily, “I agree to the marriage, but I have two conditions, and if Father can agree to them, I have nothing else to say.”

 

“Speak.”

 

Emperor Xuan frowned displeasedly, waiting to see what else he had up his sleeve.

 

Jun Qiyu immediately replied, “Firstly, please grant me an estate outside the palace, Father. I don’t want to live in the Eastern Palace, under someone else’s control.”

 

Jun Qiyu was at the age of rebelliousness, and Emperor Xuan turned a blind eye to these trivial matters, no longer entangling himself in them.

 

“Agreed.”

 

“Secondly,” Jun Qiyu glanced at Song Liqing, “I request that the marriage between Song Liqing and me be postponed until after I marry Hu Nu’er.”

 

Emperor Xuan furrowed his brows. “Hu Nu’er?”

 

“Yes,” Jun Qiyu chuckled lightly, “He is a slave I brought back from the Western Regions. I plan to marry him as the Crown Prince’s principal consort, and as for Song Liqing… he will only be fit to be my concubine!”

 

The courtiers were silent, holding their breath, and the Taihe Hall was as silent as death.

 

Jun Qiyu actually wanted the distinguished top scholar to become a concubine to a captured slave!

 

The Crown Prince was transferring all his dissatisfaction with Emperor Xuan onto Song Liqing, using him to vent his frustration.

 

He publicly humiliated him in front of the civil and military officials.

 

Emperor Xuan was already furious, his face darkening, and he grabbed a document and threw it at Jun Qiyu.

 

“Insolent brat! It seems you’re utterly blinded by your arrogance… presumptuous fool!”

 

The thick document hit Jun Qiyu’s forehead squarely, causing a bruise to appear instantly, breaking the skin. Jun Qiyu wiped away the blood that oozed out without a care.

 

“If it’s what I value in my heart, even if it’s a slave, so what? Whoever is forcibly given to me, even if it’s a celestial maiden from heaven, is worthless.”

 

Then he walked up to the kneeling Song Liqing, looking down at him.

 

“You said you admire me, didn’t you? Since it’s love, you shouldn’t mind your status, right? Being a concubine until old age is still considered a lifetime together, isn’t it? Aren’t you willing enough to be a concubine to the Crown Prince? Song Liqing?”

 

Jun Qiyu smirked sarcastically.

 

Song Liqing bowed his head, his face already devoid of color.

 

A pang of pain spread through his heart, engulfing him. He felt his entire body go cold to the bone, his heart freezing. He felt nothing but icy coldness.

 

“Answer me!” Jun Qiyu sneered, “Isn’t that right?”

 

A tear fell on the white jade slab with a light tap, forming a transparent droplet.

 

Song Liqing still hadn’t gotten rid of his habit of easily shedding tears. When Jun Qiyu made him cry as a child, he would still comfort him.

 

Song Liqing pinched his thigh hard to stop the tears.

 

He knew that the most worthless thing in the world was tears shed without anyone to pity them. The most pathetic thing was unrequited love without status.

 

Jun Qiyu softened slightly at the sight of the tears, but he remained unrelenting.

 

“You’re still the same, crying at the slightest inconvenience, just to gain sympathy. Are you feeling wronged? Unwilling to be a concubine, yet talking about affection and admiration? It’s just empty words to climb up the ranks, using sweet words and gestures, truly a prostitute with a signboard…”

 

“Your Majesty!”

 

At this moment, it was actually Song Qing who knelt down with a thud.

 

“Your Majesty’s intention to bestow marriage was originally a kindness, a great honor for the Song family. But Liqing is without talent or virtue, truly unworthy of the Crown Prince’s noble status. Although my son is of humble birth, he is not someone no one wants, no one cares for, or someone to be trampled on and bullied. With his father still alive, he has a home to return to and someone to love him! As a father, Your Majesty should understand… please retract the marriage decree. If I must disobey, I am willing to die on the battlefield to atone for my sins, never to return to the capital!”

 

After all, he was his own child. He couldn’t bear to see Song Liqing endure such humiliation.

 

Tears streamed down Song Liqing’s face. Although he was only an adopted son, he had been loved and cherished more than a biological son. How could he ever repay his father’s upbringing? Instead, he brought disgrace upon himself, causing his father great pain.

 

“Song Qing, you’re exaggerating. It’s this disobedient son’s ignorance and confusion.”

 

Things had come to this point, and Emperor Xuan also looked helpless, but he held great authority in his words. How could he easily be swayed by Jun Qiyu?

 

“Jun Qiyu,” Emperor Xuan addressed him directly, “if you want to degrade him, I will elevate him. Announce to the world that Song Liqing is to be granted  a golden knife. Regardless of marriage, three days later, Song Liqing will marry the Crown Prince as his consort!”

 

Author’s note:

 

Starting a new story, celebrating a new chapter~

 

In traditional Chinese culture, the “golden knife” (金刀, jīn dāo) is a symbolic item representing authority and honor. It is often bestowed as a token of recognition or reward for meritorious service or distinguished achievement. The granting of a golden knife signifies high esteem and special favor from the emperor or a superior authority. It is a prestigious honor and a symbol of status and prestige within the society.