Tan Hua - Chapter 72

A year and a half later, summer arrived in the northwest.

 

This summer came particularly early, with the snow-capped mountains melting and the meadows flourishing. It seemed that due to the harshness of the previous winter, the heavens were especially generous this year.

 

Jun Qiyu had not returned to the capital of Jingguo.

 

The Xuan Emperor was still in his prime and had allowed him to establish a new residence in the northwest, assigning him to manage affairs in the region.

 

The northwest army was deployed throughout various locations, and the battles had subsided. Han people and foreign tribes began to coexist peacefully and prosperously. Jun Qiyu issued policies that benefited the populace, reopened trade routes, and the northwest thrived like a new fiefdom.

 

“Your Highness, Governor Xu of Qinghai Prefecture requests an audience.”

 

When his subordinate reported, Jun Qiyu looked up from his blue desk.

 

“He’s here again.”

 

Jun Qiyu said lightly, his gaze calm and his youthful exuberance long gone, his emotions steady and reserved.

 

“Since he’s here, let’s invite Governor Xu in.”

 

Governor Xu had become something of a regular at the Qilin residence; in the past three months, he had visited five or six times.

 

Jun Qiyu understood that he was serving the Xuan Emperor, and without showing any signs of impatience, he invited him to sit down.

 

“Governor Xu, what person have you brought me this time?”

 

Jun Qiyu took the initiative to ask, a faint smile on his face.

 

Governor Xu rubbed his nose, a bit embarrassed: “I don’t want to bother Your Highness, it’s just that… it’s just that…”

 

“It’s just that my father is urging you, worried that I might grow old and lonely?”

 

“Ha ha, ha ha…” Governor Xu chuckled awkwardly, “It’s good that Your Highness understands. You’re turning twenty this year, right?”

 

“Yes,” Jun Qiyu nodded, smiling, “I’m not old enough yet to be worried about spending my remaining years in solitude.”

 

“Your temperament and poise… don’t seem like those of someone only twenty. The harsh and barren northwest has reached such a peaceful and prosperous state thanks to your diligent efforts; everyone praises you for surpassing your predecessors.”

 

Jun Qiyu remained silent.

 

In truth, he felt he had done nothing significant. The policies he had issued were mostly those that Song Liqing had previously discussed with him many times, or written down on paper.

 

Jun Qiyu merely implemented them.

 

Now he realized that Song Liqing had worked tirelessly, solely to help him become a good ruler, without any selfish motives.

 

Jun Qiyu didn’t mention his name because he was afraid to speak it.

 

And he never did.

 

Governor Xu brought the conversation back, saying, “Alas… the hearts of parents everywhere are the same. Since you left the capital, you haven’t taken a new wife or concubine, and have kept your distance from women. How could the Emperor not worry? You need someone by your side whom they can trust.”

 

“Bring her in.”

 

Jun Qiyu ordered, cutting off Governor Xu’s attempt at persuasion.

 

A young girl from the Hu ethnic group entered the hall, with blue eyes and brown hair, a slender figure that bore some resemblance to Hu Nuer. However, her skin was fairer, lacking the wildness and passion, presenting more grace and softness.

 

Jun Qiyu smiled helplessly; it seemed Governor Xu had racked his brains for this.

 

Was this meant to be… Hu Nuer’s substitute?

 

A year and a half ago, when Jun Qiyu returned to Jingguo, he ordered the release of Hu Nuer from prison and sent imperial doctors to treat him. However, Hu Nuer had endured daily torture in the Ministry of Justice’s prison, severely injured and in poor health, ultimately unable to be saved, passing away within a few days.

 

“I broke my promise.”

 

At that time, Jun Qiyu looked at Hu Nuer’s corpse and silently whispered this to himself.

 

Everyone believed Jun Qiyu was still harboring feelings for Hu Nuer, which is why he forgave him for the crime of regicide.

 

Otherwise, why would he lament so much after Hu Nuer’s death?

 

Moreover, he restored Hu Nuer’s identity as the Prince of Yili, ordering his remains to be sent back to his homeland in the western regions for a proper burial befitting a prince.

 

Gradually, people began to believe that Jun Qiyu’s love was ultimately for Hu Nuer.

 

As for the mysteriously disappeared princess, Jun Qiyu never mentioned her again.

 

“Thank you, Governor Xu, for your concern.”

 

“No trouble at all, Your Highness. As long as you’re happy,” Governor Xu tentatively suggested, “then… shall we keep her?”

 

“The person is here now; if I send her back, you’ll only bring someone new next time,” Jun Qiyu paused before saying, “So, please convey to my father that I’m very satisfied, and he can rest assured.”

 

“Uh, um, good.”

 

Before Governor Xu took his leave, he whispered a few words to the Hu girl.

 

“His Highness is deeply attached to that person. You share some resemblance with her. If you can follow my advice and have the fortune to win His Highness’s heart, you’ll enjoy endless glory and wealth in the future!”

 

Governor Xu shared the same opinion as everyone else.

 

He was meticulous; every young man sent who bore any resemblance to Song Liqing was directly rejected on the spot by Jun Qiyu, while those resembling Hu Nuer were often allowed to stay in the Qilin residence, even if they were eventually dismissed.

 

This was enough to indicate that His Highness’s heart still favored Hu Nuer.

 

Governor Xu believed he understood this perfectly.

 

Jun Qiyu dismissed the matter and continued to focus on the memorials in front of him, writing and sketching.

 

The Hu girl stood in the hall for quite a while, her feet beginning to ache.

 

She twisted her legs, the gems on her clothing clinking softly.

 

Jun Qiyu, disturbed from his thoughts, finally noticed that the Hu girl was still standing in the hall.

 

“Oh, you’re still here… Xiao Di.” Jun Qiyu called out toward the entrance, waiting for someone to come in and instructed, “Take this young lady to the residence; let her choose any room she likes to settle in.”

 

Xiao Di complied.

 

“Miss, please come with me.”

 

The Hu girl hesitated, looking at Jun Qiyu.

 

“Your Highness hasn’t asked for my name yet.”

 

“Oh.” Jun Qiyu didn’t look up, “What is your name then?”

 

“Hu Yue’er.”

 

Hu Yue’er indeed saw Jun Qiyu pause his writing.

 

This was something Xu Governor suggested, intended to make her closer in resemblance to Hu Nuer.

 

“Hu Yue’er?”

 

Jun Qiyu raised the corners of his mouth, finding it somewhat ridiculous.

 

But he didn’t dwell on it, letting them be.

 

It was likely a bad idea from Xu Governor and his associates.

 

Jun Qiyu smiled gently, making the Hu girl blush.

 

As she left the great hall, she kept looking back, reluctant to take her eyes off Jun Qiyu.

 

This residence was modeled after the Qilin residence in the capital. Xiao Di was naturally accustomed to it, feeling at home as she took Hu Yue’er to the back courtyard while introducing her.

 

“Over there is the study, His Highness usually spends time there. Generally, he doesn’t allow anyone to disturb him, so let’s not provoke his bad mood. This path leads to the back garden; you can take a stroll, but don’t get lost. You’re free to choose from any of the courtyards…”

 

Hu Yue’er was hardly concerned about where she would live; instead, her thoughts were elsewhere.

 

“I thought the Crown Prince of Jingguo would be an arrogant and tyrannical young man, or perhaps a pampered fool. I didn’t expect him to be so handsome and majestic, speaking so gently and warmly when he smiles…”

 

Admiration shone in Hu Yue’er’s eyes.

 

Xiao Di suddenly turned back.

 

“Gentle?”

 

She couldn’t believe that someone would describe Jun Qiyu this way.

 

“Isn’t he? He doesn’t seem old, yet he’s so composed. His voice is soft, and he’s so gentle with me.”

 

Xiao Di blurted out, “He’s not gentle! He’s more barbaric than a scoundrel and more ferocious; it’s just that someone has restrained his nature…”

 

She stopped short, realizing Jun Qiyu was not present to hear her.

 

Hu Yue’er was lost in her own impressions, unconcerned.

 

“Perhaps His Highness is gentle with those he likes and fierce with those he doesn’t.”

 

Hu Yue’er raised her chin, stopping in front of one courtyard. She stretched her neck to peek inside; this courtyard was the best in the residence, spacious and bright. Although the furnishings were not visible, the flowers and plants were trimmed and maintained impeccably, and the ground and walls were spotless.

 

“Say he’s gentle if you want.”

 

Xiao Di was too lazy to argue with her.

 

Hu Yue’er pointed to the courtyard and said, “I want to live in this one.”

 

“This one? That’s not possible.” Xiao Di rejected her. “This is the main courtyard.”

 

“What’s wrong with the main courtyard? Isn’t His Highness living here? This courtyard is so nice; you can just arrange for me a random room next to His Highness’s. That way, I can be closer to him and serve him better.”

 

Hu Yue’er had already imagined it all.

 

Xiao Di’s face twitched slightly.

 

“His Highness doesn’t live here himself. He only steps foot here for two or three days a year.”

 

Xiao Di knew that it was only on their wedding date, Song Liqing’s birthday, and occasionally on festive occasions that Jun Qiyu would enter, and even then, he would stay for the entire day.

 

“Ah? Why not?”

 

Hu Yue’er was puzzled.

 

“Because it’s prepared for someone else.”

 

Xiao Di stated directly.

 

This was the space Jun Qiyu had prepared for Song Liqing, hoping that one day she would return. Therefore, he had Xiao Di keep it clean at all times, with everything arranged as it used to be, even the tea on the table was freshly brewed every day.

 

“Someone else?”

 

Upon hearing these two words, Hu Yue’er’s expression turned serious. What kind of person deserved to enjoy such a good place?

 

Could it be that the Crown Prince of Jingguo had someone he liked more than her?

 

Xiao Di was already tired of the discussion and insisted, “You just can’t stay here. Choose another place.”

 

“No, I want to live in this courtyard.”

 

Hu Yue’er insisted, stepping inside.

 

To her, it was just a courtyard; no matter how good it was, it was meant for someone to live in. Why should she give it up for that “someone else”?

 

She was here to take the place in Jun Qiyu’s heart.

 

She shouldn’t be at a lower status than anyone else.

 

“Hey! Stop right there!”

 

Seeing Hu Yue’er about to enter, Xiao Di quickly blocked her way.

 

“No one is allowed in this courtyard!”

 

Hu Yue’er refused to back down, saying, “His Highness said I could choose freely, which means I can live wherever I want in this residence. Step aside.”

 

“No way!”

 

Even if it were Jun Qiyu’s orders, Xiao Di herself would never let Hu Yue’er recklessly enter.

 

This was also her cherished memory of Song Liqing.

 

Hu Yue’er, faced with constant obstruction, was already furious.

 

With a loud slap, she struck Xiao Di.

 

“Filthy girl, you lowly servant, dare you point fingers at me?!”