Tan Hua - Chapter 35

On the day of the Emperor’s birthday, Song Liqing stood outside the Pleasure Pavilion for two hours in the rustling autumn wind before Jun Qiyu finally emerged with a yawning stretch.

Jun Qiyu hadn’t forgotten his father’s birthday and had dressed in a dragon-patterned robe befitting the crown prince, with a golden headdress and auspicious cloud-patterned boots, looking quite grand.

Song Liqing approached and adjusted his headdress.

Jun Qiyu, naturally noble in appearance, looked even more regal in this attire.

“Your Highness, I’ve prepared two gifts: one is red coral from the East Sea, and the other is a glass lamp from the Western Regions. Are they acceptable?” Song Liqing asked.

“What rare treasures hasn’t Father seen? Hu Nu’er has already prepared them for me,” Jun Qiyu said, handing him a food box.

“You present this to him,” Jun Qiyu said after some thought. “Say that I made it myself, emphasizing the sincerity. He will surely be pleased.”

Song Liqing opened it to find an exquisitely crafted longevity peach emitting a fragrant aroma, without saying anything further.

“Let’s go.”

The two entered the carriage together. Jun Qiyu sat down first but noticed that Song Liqing didn’t sit beside him as usual; instead, he went to the opposite side, parting the curtain and gazing out, his thin profile showing a hint of melancholy, his eyes slightly dimmed.

Song Liqing was dressed in slightly formal official attire, a round-necked blue robe and black soap boots. He still had some of the spirited appearance he had on the day of his examination, but the air of self-satisfaction was gone.

Jun Qiyu noticed the yellow concentric knot tassel he was wearing.

“You’re still wearing this tassel?” Jun Qiyu spoke up.

Song Liqing turned his head and glanced down.

“Yes.”

“The Qilin Mansion hasn’t given you any jade to wear? Today is an important day; you shouldn’t look so… plain,” Jun Qiyu clicked his tongue. “If your father sees you like this, he might think someone has mistreated you.”

Song Liqing adjusted the tassel, strangely noticing that although he had kept it hidden for over a decade, it hadn’t faded, but in recent days, its color had faded rapidly, almost turning white.

“Fine.”

Reluctantly, Song Liqing took it off and tucked it into his bosom.

“I won’t wear it anymore.”

Jun Qiyu had only wanted to make conversation, expecting Song Liqing to stubbornly insist on wearing it, but he unexpectedly agreed so readily this time.

The Emperor’s forty-sixth birthday wasn’t a major celebration, so there was no extravagant ceremony, but it still involved a large gathering. Relatives, trusted ministers, and envoys from neighboring countries had gathered, totaling around two hundred people, not to mention the numerous palace servants and eunuchs attending. So, the Taihe Hall was particularly crowded and lively today.

Golden cups of wine, precious dishes on jade plates, and lively music and dance filled the air.

Song Liqing accompanied Jun Qiyu to sit at the Emperor’s side, while his father, Song Qing, as the Grand Marshal and a close relative of the emperor, sat not far away, only about twenty feet from Song Liqing, constantly casting concerned glances his way.

However, Song Liqing dared not communicate with Song Qing.

He looked sickly thin now, with lifeless eyes that would surely reveal his condition upon closer inspection.

Fortunately, Song Liqing had Xiao Di apply some powder for him, making his complexion appear somewhat healthier, though still pale. But the wounds on his fingers had not healed, so he kept his hands hidden under the table, not picking up his chopsticks.

Then another voice spoke up.

“The Crown Prince Consort seems to have lost weight.”

It was Pei Xingxu, sitting across from Song Qing.

As soon as Song Liqing arrived, Pei Xingxu’s gaze had not left him.

One’s complexion could be concealed with powder, but not one’s spirit.

Pei Xingxu knew he wasn’t faring well at the Qilin Mansion.

After his illness, not only did Jun Qiyu fail to take care of him properly, it seemed Song Liqing had become even more listless!

Song Liqing immediately became nervous. He hadn’t seen Pei Xingxu during this time, and Pei Xingxu seemed to have changed as well, less carefree and more troubled. 

Jun Qiyu’s hostility surged immediately, but he didn’t react immediately.

“Brother Pei, are your eyes failing you? Is it possible for the Qilin Mansion to lack clothes and food?” 

Pei Xingxu deliberately said, “Oh, is it that the Crown Prince Consort, managing such a large mansion, is exhausted, or is he unwell… sick?”

Jun Qiyu deliberately concealed Song Liqing’s recent serious illness, but Pei Xingxu persisted. How could he not be angry?

“Today is the Emperor’s birthday celebration, Brother Pei hasn’t offered congratulations to my father, yet you’re concerned about my Crown Prince Consort? Whether he’s sick or thin, what does it have to do with you? Are you still coveting Liqing and unwilling to give up?”

Pei Xingxu joked, “I dare not. I’m just curious. It’s only been three months since your marriage, a time of great affection, yet the Crown Prince has been chatting with everyone the whole time, ignoring the Crown Prince Consort completely, not even looking at him… Is the honeymoon phase over so soon? Your Highness, you seem a bit too fickle.”

“Pei Xingxu!”

Jun Qiyu was furious, about to stand up, but Song Liqing quietly tugged at his sleeve.

Taking a piece of fish, Song Liqing smiled and offered it to Jun Qiyu’s lips.

“Qiyu, don’t get angry on such a good day. Try this.”

Jun Qiyu swallowed it, forced a loving smile, and chewed randomly.

Song Liqing added, “I’ve been a bit listless recently, just caught a chill during the autumn transition. Thanks to Prince Loulan for his concern. Qiyu and I… have a deep affection, much obliged for Prince Loulan’s concern.”

Watching their interaction, although it seemed affectionate, Pei Xingxu still felt deeply pained.

Pei Xingxu looked at Song Liqing and said, “Love nurtures, hate wounds… Crown Prince Consort, warmth and coldness are not only known to oneself.”

Song Liqing hurriedly said, “Our private matters… don’t need outsiders to worry about!”

“Outsiders…”

Pei Xingxu repeated the word, his heart shattered.

What if he admired him more? He was just an unnamed outsider, while even if Jun Qiyu was a jerk, he was still Song Liqing’s husband.

“It’s my fault for being nosy.”

Pei Xingxu emptied a cup of strong liquor with a melancholic expression.

He didn’t blame Song Liqing.

He just felt heartbroken. Clearly, Song Liqing had been worn down to this state, yet he swallowed all the bitterness and pretended everything was fine in front of everyone!

The Emperor was unaware of what was happening at the Qilin Mansion, thinking Jun Qiyu was just being jealous, so he intervened to smooth things over.

“Liqing, it’s been a while since you’ve been back to the Grand Marshal’s Mansion. Father and son must have something private to discuss. Go and offer a toast to your father. I deeply understand a father’s concern for his children.”

Song Liqing couldn’t refuse and obeyed. He picked up a cup of wine and walked to Song Qing’s side, the man who had no blood ties to him but had saved him from misery and raised him. Perhaps he hadn’t fulfilled his filial duty in a long time.

Tears filled Song Liqing’s eyes, and he knelt down to kowtow, unable to say the words of farewell he had in mind, choking up after just calling out “Father.”

Song Qing got up and helped him up.

Disturbed by Pei Xingxu’s interference, Song Qing had long been suspicious.

“Are you… okay at the Qilin Mansion?” Song Qing asked with concern written all over his face.

“I… I’m fine, Qiyu treats me well.”

Song Liqing turned his head away, unable to contain his grievances and reluctance anymore, tears streaming down his face.

His father shouldn’t blame him. Perhaps this was their last meeting, and he was still lying.