Tan Hua - Chapter 45

During the period when Emperor Xuan was unconscious, many matters were left unresolved. Therefore, without further delay, he dragged his ailing body back to court and presided over state affairs until noon.

 

To his relief, Jun Qiyu stood there this time without showing the slightest impatience. Instead, he listened attentively, no longer as verbose as before, but rather earnestly considering the opinions of the courtiers.

 

In the past, he would have been visibly impatient, waiting for the Emperor to dismiss the court so he could flee faster than a rabbit.

 

“Qiyu, why aren’t you speaking today?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

Jun Qiyu was called upon by Emperor Xuan and stepped forward.

 

“During the days when Father Emperor was poisoned, I was only dealing with those documents, and it was… somewhat beyond my capabilities. I have reflected on this for several days. It is said in books that understanding worldly affairs requires learning, and mastery of human relationships is akin to literary prowess. I have indeed been lacking in the knowledge of statecraft. Moreover, each minister in the court is an important pillar of Jingguo, and their words all have their reasons. I was presumptuous before, and I apologize to all the ministers.”

 

As Jun Qiyu spoke, he bowed respectfully to the courtiers.

 

None of the ministers dared to accept his bow directly, and they all knelt down in return, praising his righteousness and wisdom.

 

Emperor Xuan was extremely surprised; he could hardly believe these words were coming from Jun Qiyu’s mouth.

 

For a moment, Emperor Xuan was deeply gratified, feeling that enduring his suffering from the poisoning had not been in vain.

 

“You understand the value of self-reflection. Listen more to matters of the court. When you return home, you can also consult more with Li Qing. Ask for his advice. He has a calm temperament and a profound understanding; he will always provide you with different insights.”

 

“Yes,” Jun Qiyu replied joyfully. “Father Emperor, I was just about to tell you that I wish to return to the academy for another year of study, and I want Li Qing to accompany me.”

 

Emperor Xuan paused for a moment. Jun Qiyu had always been resentful towards Song Liqing before, never showing a good face whenever his name was mentioned, wishing for nothing but to avoid any contact with him.

 

However, due to a misunderstanding, his attitude towards Song Liqing had changed significantly.

 

If they were to reconcile and rekindle their friendship, it would truly be a joyful and perfect resolution.

 

“You finally understand my earnest intentions,” Emperor Xuan said with relief. “But Li Qing only accompanying you to study might be a bit of a waste of his talents… You should ask him if he is willing. This is your family matter.”

 

“He serves as the Crown Prince’s tutor; he will definitely agree… Hmm?”

 

Jun Qiyu said, then heard a muffled drumbeat outside.

 

Dong — Dong — Dong —

 

Although the drumbeat was deep and low, the sound was enormous, echoing clearly across the palace grounds, even resonating through the court hall.

 

“Who dares to beat the Dingwen drum?” Jun Qiyu asked in astonishment.

 

The Dingwen drum was established outside the Jingtian Palace, and there had never been anyone who dared to strike it. The common people were generally peaceful and content, and even if there were grievances, they rarely escalated to the point of disturbing the Emperor’s peace. Such acts usually incurred severe punishment.

 

A eunuch who served in the Dingwen Drum Court, accustomed to idleness, hastily rushed to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

 

“Your… Your Majesty!” The eunuch kneeled down and reported.

 

“Who is striking the Dingwen drum?” Emperor Xuan asked.

 

“It is…” The eunuch pointed outside, saying in panic, “It’s the Crown… Crown Prince’s Consort!”

 

Both Emperor Xuan and Jun Qiyu looked utterly surprised.

 

The courtiers were equally shocked and could not help but whisper among themselves.

 

Unable to contain himself, Jun Qiyu hurriedly asked, “What… What is he striking the Dingwen drum for?”

 

Although Emperor Xuan had a premonition that something was amiss, he still issued an order, “Summon the Crown Prince’s Consort.”

 

Song Liqing wielded the drumstick, gradually weakening from exhaustion, and Xiao Di hurried to support him.

 

“Gonggong has gone to deliver the message. Please rest for a moment, sir.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Song Liqing still had to conserve his strength to go to the court hall.

 

The eunuch returned soon.

 

“His Majesty summons Crown Prince’s Consort Song Liqing to an audience.”

 

A moment later, amidst the gaze of the courtiers, Song Liqing, dressed in a green court attire, entered the Taihe Hall. He was neither humble nor overbearing, standing tall with a clear and cold countenance. However, amidst his handsome features was a trace of illness, starkly different from when he had just made the list and his face had been as beautiful as peach blossoms, with rosy lips and white teeth.

 

Moreover, someone noticed that Song Liqing’s eyes were unfocused, as if he couldn’t see. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have needed a maid to support and guide him.

 

Xiao Di was visiting the palace hall for the first time, inevitably nervous, especially since Emperor Xuan on the Nine Dragon Throne was right in front of her. The imposing presence made her too afraid to look around, so she could only lower her head and hold Song Liqing’s hand.

 

Song Liqing felt her sweaty palm and gently squeezed it to comfort her before kneeling down and kowtowing in front.

 

“Liqing…” Jun Qiyu walked over and spoke, “What are you doing?”

 

Song Liqing completely ignored him as if he hadn’t heard, continuing to kowtow three times on his own.

 

Jun Qiyu saw his distant and aloof expression and became even more uneasy.

 

Song Liqing had never been so indifferent, so cold as if he were a stranger.

 

“Liqing,” Emperor Xuan asked loudly, “are you not aware that ‘when the drums are heard, if not for urgent matters of grievance, they should not be sounded’? Even if you are the Prince Consort, you cannot avoid it. What are you doing today?”

 

“Seeking separation.”

 

Without warning, and resolutely.

 

The two words softly spoken by Song Liqing stirred up waves.

 

Jun Qiyu’s face turned pale, and he opened his mouth but couldn’t say anything for a moment.

 

The courtiers were shocked beyond measure, all expressing puzzled questions.

 

“What’s going on? The Prince Consort wants to divorce?”

 

“Could it be a momentary confusion? With the status of the Prince Consort, which countless people envy, how can he still seek separation?”

 

“This is truly unheard of in history!”

 

“He actually dares…”

 

Emperor Xuan remained composed outwardly but was inwardly vexed and irritated.

 

“Liqing,” Emperor Xuan spoke kindly, “I also know that you have suffered grievances in Qilin Mansion, and you have always been sensible and patient. Now that Qiyu has finally changed his attitude towards you, there were even praises for you in the court… You can still retract these two words.”

 

But Jun Qiyu couldn’t remain calm.

 

“How could you… How dare you?”

 

He couldn’t understand how Song Liqing, who was usually gentle and obedient, could say these two words?!

 

He had always thought that Song Liqing would never dare to defy.

 

And Jun Qiyu knew how deeply he loved him, so he couldn’t bear it.

 

Jun Qiyu had never thought that this person would leave him.

 

“Why?!” Jun Qiyu loudly demanded, “Song Liqing, why would you do this?”

 

Song Liqing remained indifferent; he had nothing more to say to Jun Qiyu.

 

“Lacking talent and virtue, I am unworthy of His Majesty’s love and marriage. After marrying Prince Qiyu, I have contributed nothing to the country and have no ability to extend our lineage. Now that our affection has ended and our fate is exhausted, I wish not to exchange harsh words but to part amicably. Your Majesty, you are both my sovereign and my father. On the day of my marriage to the Prince, it was celebrated throughout the realm. Today, I knock the Dengwen Drum, signifying my announcement to the world. Here is the divorce letter written by my own hand, please grant it.”

 

Song Liqing handed over the divorce letter with both hands, shocking the attending eunuch so much that he dared not accept it until Emperor Xuan nodded, after which he took it.

 

As soon as the eunuch took it, Jun Qiyu snatched it away.

 

Song Liqing’s handwriting was as dignified and elegant as his person, even though he was blind.

 

Jun Qiyu glanced at it and his blood boiled. Every line in it was like a dagger, cutting straight to the heart.

 

Jun Qiyu crumpled the divorce letter into a ball, tore it to shreds, and threw it away.

 

“Nonsense! This is all nonsense! Song Liqing, if you don’t explain yourself today, I won’t let you go!”

 

When Song Liqing heard the tearing sound, a piece of the page fell into his hand.

 

“Your Highness, you can tear a piece of paper, but you cannot erase the truth.”

 

“The truth?” Jun Qiyu said domineeringly, “I say it’s not true, so it’s not true. If you want a divorce, have you asked me?”

 

Only then did Song Liqing turn his head to face Jun Qiyu and ask, “Isn’t this what Your Highness has always wanted? Now that your wish has come true, why are you unwilling?”

 

“I…”

 

Jun Qiyu was speechless.

 

But being his nature, even if he knew he was at fault, he wouldn’t admit it.

 

“It’s because of some reasons… I once neglected you, but I decided to accept you. Why do you want to leave? Let me tell you! The day you entered Qilin Mansion, whether you stay or leave, it’s not up to you. You will always be mine, Jun Qiyu’s person. You bear my mark, which you can’t wash away!”

 

Song Liqing grabbed his arm and slowly rolled up his sleeve. There was a prominent scar in the shape of the character “君(Jun)” branded on his arm. At the same time, a dagger fell from his sleeve into his hand.

 

“Is Your Highness talking about this…?”

 

“What are you doing?”

 

Jun Qiyu already had a faint guess.

 

“People’s lives diverge in many ways, with you heading towards Xiaoxiang and I towards Qin.” Song Liqing sneered coldly, “Gentlemen, you all sent gifts to celebrate Song Liqing’s wedding. Now that you have disappointed this hospitality, I ask you all to witness: from now on, Song Liqing and Prince Jun Qiyu are completely estranged.”

 

Seeing his actions, Jun Qiyu panicked completely. He reached out to stop him.

 

“Song Liqing… don’t! No… Liqing!!”

 

Ignoring Jun Qiyu’s shouts, Song Liqing raised his hand and with a swift motion, cut off the branded scar, revealing flesh dripping with blood.

 

The hall fell silent.

 

Song Liqing let the blood drip from his hand. If it weren’t for the old wound, he would surely bleed profusely now.

 

“You said I couldn’t wash it away? Now it’s gone. There’s nothing left on me that has anything to do with you, Jun Qiyu.”

 

This was the cruelest thing Jun Qiyu had ever heard in his life.

 

And it came from the least expected person.

 

“Liq… Liqing.”

 

Jun Qiyu was momentarily at a loss.

 

He didn’t know what monumental mistake he had made to make the gentle Song Liqing so resolutely ruthless!

 

The murmurs of the courtiers buzzed in Jun Qiyu’s head.

 

They were all mocking him… mocking the dignified Crown Prince for failing to keep one person.

 

“You… you’re severing ties with me, disregarding everything, right?”

 

After choking up, Jun Qiyu’s anger carried a tone of resentment.

 

“Song Liqing!” Jun Qiyu burst into furious shouts, his eyes red, “Today…it is not a divorce… it’s me dismissing you! Do you understand? I’m dismissing you!”

 

Is there any difference between divorce and dismissal?

 

Song Liqing didn’t care at all.

 

In full view of everyone, he got up from the ground, supported by Xiao Di, and walked out of the hall.

 

“Song Liqing!”

 

Jun Qiyu caught up a few steps.

 

“You’d better… you’d better never come back! I’ll wait at Qilin Mansion, waiting for you to regret and apologize! As long as you dare to come back, I will definitely… I will definitely…”

 

Jun Qiyu’s voice hoarse and desperate, but no matter how threatening, he felt powerless. In anger, he kicked and shattered a vase in the hall.

 

Author’s notes:

 

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