Tan Hua - Chapter 20

Jun Qiyu was flattered and couldn’t help but feel a bit smug.

Hu Nu’er used to be a prince of the Yili Kingdom, but now he was Jun Qiyu’s subordinate, which made him feel somewhat arrogantly proud, showcasing his strength and status to Pei Xingxu.

“Pei brother, you don’t know, this Hu Nu’er of mine not only looks good, but his dance skills from your Western Regions are also unparalleled.” Jun Qiyu boasted, “Hu Nu’er, go up and perform for them.”

Hu Nu’er’s expression changed slightly, showing reluctance.

“Master… Hu Nu’er is your person, how can he dance for others?”

Jun Qiyu couldn’t tolerate his resistance and ordered, “I told you to dance, so dance!”

Song Liqing was also startled. With representatives from various countries coming to congratulate, Jun Qiyu’s actions were too impulsive.

He sneakily glanced at the Emperor Xuan. Although the Emperor didn’t express anything publicly, Jun Qiyu’s frivolous actions would surely annoy him.

In the end, both of them would be reprimanded.

Song Liqing pulled Jun Qiyu’s sleeve and whispered, “Qiyu, this is inappropriate. You are the representative of the entire country…”

Jun Qiyu waved him off, drinking and laughing carelessly.

“If you don’t let Hu Nu’er go, are you going to go?” 

Song Liqing awkwardly withdrew his hand, feeling embarrassed.

Jun Qiyu was utterly unabashed, completely disregarding his dignity.

Although Hu Nu’er was unwilling, once on stage, he performed flawlessly, with graceful movements and a unique charm, earning cheers from the crowd.

Pei Xingxu also watched with a smiling face from the opposite side.

Song Liqing took a deep breath. Perhaps few of them internally approved, and there was more mockery than praise, but Jun Qiyu didn’t care, foolishly basking in the praises from all sides.

“Hu Nu’er, you’ve made me proud. When you go back, I will grant you a wish…”

“Thank you for your grace, Master.”

Hu Nu’er gently leaned against Jun Qiyu.

As the music ended, Emperor Xuan narrowed his eyes, deep as an abyss, and spoke without mentioning the matter again.

“Prince of Loulan.”

Pei Xingxu respectfully stood up and bowed.

The Emperor said, “You and Qiyu are of similar age and interests, you should interact more in the future.”

“Yes, I feel a kindred spirit with His Royal Highness. I have always admired His Royal Highness’s literary and martial talents. Although I am a prince, Loulan is only a tiny place compared to Dajingguo. Being able to befriend His Royal Highness is truly a great honor for me.”

Pei Xingxu spoke modestly and respectfully, and the Emperor appreciated it, allowing him to take a seat.

Jun Qiyu sneered at his flattery.

“Pei brother, one must rely on one’s own hands and fists to conquer the world. It’s useless to cozy up to anyone. If I were you, I would definitely strengthen my military forces. The Western Regions are nothing but easy prey compared to Dajingguo.”

Pei Xingxu’s smile remained unchanged.

It was the envoys of various countries and the courtiers of Dajingguo who became nervous together, even the Emperor, who usually remained calm, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, clearly displeased.

The Prince of Loulan had already expressed his willingness to submit, and Jun Qiyu’s words further strained the relationship between Dajingguo and the various countries, causing tension in the hall.

Song Liqing could only grit his teeth and speak up, “His Royal Highness means that military strength is the foundation of a country, but the ultimate goal is the well-being and prosperity of the people.”

Song Liqing’s voice was not loud, but it was refreshing.

“Sigh, although our Western Regions are vast, they are sparsely populated, with desert everywhere. How can it compare to the natural advantages of Dajingguo? Our Loulan is even more barren. According to His Royal Highness’s suggestion, how should we deal with it?”

While Pei Xingxu spoke to Jun Qiyu, his eyes had been on Song Liqing the whole time.

Song Liqing glanced at Jun Qiyu, then said, “Naturally, we should complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses… His Royal Highness privately mentioned to me that Loulan is located at the border of Dajingguo and various countries. If we open up trade routes, there are profits to be made. Precious stones and spices can be exchanged for food and medicine, solving the fundamental problems of the people, and prosperity is guaranteed.”

Pei Xingxu’s eyes lit up, and his gaze towards Song Liqing became even more fervent.

Song Liqing, with just a few words, not only indicated that Jingguo would no longer engage in large-scale warfare, but also hit the nail on the head of Loulan’s path to survival.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance. To be honest with everyone, Pei Xingxu’s main purpose in coming to Jingguo this time is to shoulder the heavy responsibility of opening up trade. With Your Highness’s words, a stone in my heart has also fallen.”

Emperor Xuan, who rarely showed emotions, smiled at this moment.

“Haha… haha! Good, Liqing, Minister Song has raised a good son. I didn’t misjudge you when I chose you to assist the Crown Prince.”

This was already a lavish praise from the Emperor Xuan, and the address was also very affectionate.

Pei Xingxu silently repeated this name.

“Song… Song Liqing, I remember.”

Song Liqing wiped the fine sweat from his forehead. He knew that by taking matters into his own hands, he might once again incur the displeasure of Jun Qiyu.

Sure enough, Jun Qiyu’s face darkened, completely devoid of the high spirits he had just shown.

“Aren’t you sick? Why are you still seeking attention at Qilin Residence? I don’t need your input. Go back to Qilin Residence.”

Jun Qiyu issued the expulsion order, and Song Liqing had no intention of lingering here to endure being snubbed, so he got up.

“Your Highness, it’s time for me to take my medicine…”

“Just leave.”

Jun Qiyu waved his sleeve, as if shooing away a fly.

After bowing to take his leave, Song Liqing departed.

Pei Xingxu watched Song Liqing leave with his head held high, feeling anxious. He then found an excuse to leave the table as well.

Leaving the Taihe Hall, Song Liqing walked to a secluded place, wanting to catch his breath.

“Song Liqing!”

Someone called him, and Song Liqing recognized the voice. Without looking back, he continued walking, but was intercepted by Pei Xingxu a few steps ahead.

“You’re Song Liqing, right?” Pei Xingxu seemed very happy.

Song Liqing remained silent, pretending there was no one beside him.

Pei Xingxu wasn’t annoyed and continued, “Have you seen the doctor? …It’s the Blood Exhaustion Syndrome, right?”

Song Liqing’s steps faltered.

“How did you know?”

“Of course I know. Look.”

Pei Xingxu jumped up, broke off a branch from a plum tree on the palace wall, and then cut his wrist forcefully.

Soon, blood began to seep out from the broken skin.

“Because I also have Blood Exhaustion Syndrome,” Pei Xingxu raised his hand, smiling at him, “for two years now.”

Song Liqing was surprised and didn’t know what to say for a moment.

“But… isn’t Blood Exhaustion Syndrome an incurable terminal illness? How can you still be alive?” Song Liqing felt that his words were not quite appropriate and changed his tone, “What I mean is…”

“It’s okay.” Pei Xingxu said optimistically, “I haven’t recovered, but my father searched high and low for a substance called Blood Rejuvenation Herb, finally finding one in the desert, which allowed me to survive.”

Song Liqing seemed to ignite some faint hope.

“Blood Rejuvenation Herb… Is there such a miraculous medicine in the world?”

“No more.” Pei Xingxu said disappointedly, “Our country is located in the desert, and we’ve only found this one. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had to look through the medical books of your Jingguo, also searching for a way to save my life.”

So, that day at the Imperial Hospital, he was indeed looking through medical books.

Thinking of that day, Song Liqing became annoyed.

“Why are you bothering me and telling me all this? Are you going to go complain to Qiyu again and get me punished for meddling?”

“Complain? Heavens forbid, I’ve never complained to Jun Qiyu about you.”

Pei Xingxu grabbed his shoulder, his expression serious.

“I sought you out to say… Will you stay with me from now on?”