Tan Hua - Chapter 74

Since you left me, I’ve lived through a long night of unknowns for ten thousand years.

 

In this night, there was not a glimmer of light, only boundless darkness and cold, with no end in sight. Each day sank a little lower, eventually settling into an abyss, devoid of daylight.

 

Sadness stained Jun Qiyu’s deep, inky eyes, filled with an overwhelming longing.

 

He rubbed his eyes, trying to soothe the ache in his eye sockets, forcing a very strained smile.

 

“It’s a wonderful day; let’s not talk about these things.”

 

Jun Qiyu concealed his sorrow, picked up his things, and stepped up the stairs, pushing open the door.

 

The decor inside was just as it had been years ago; many items were even brought from the capital of Jing Kingdom, everything maintained in the way Song Liqing had arranged it.

 

But it was precisely because it was too familiar that it felt so empty.

 

No matter how Jun Qiyu arranged things or tried to hold onto them, he could not deceive his heart.

 

Thus, Jun Qiyu usually didn’t dare to come here.

 

Only today.

 

The people from the Western Regions had brought a type of tobacco from even farther away. When ignited, it produced smoke that filled the lungs. It was said to be bitter and harsh, but over time, it became addictive. Although it was bitter, it enticed people, leading them to indulge, until they were languid and their hearts and lungs rotted away.

 

It felt just like the longing for someone.

 

Clearly so painful, yet it became an addiction and a disease, only the one who longed could experience the joy of living despite death.

 

Normally, he endured the pain of longing for someone, but only on this day did he indulge himself, immersing in the illusory pleasure.

 

Thus, Jun Qiyu’s smile was genuine; it came from his heart.

 

“Liqing, every year I have to replace these old red paper cutouts; let’s consider it a fresh start for us.”

 

Jun Qiyu tore off the old paper cutouts and pasted up new ones he had prepared.

 

When they got married, everything in the residence was arranged by the eunuchs sent from the palace, and Jun Qiyu hadn’t taken any part.

 

So now, by placing each paper cutout, he was trying to make up for his previous absence.

 

“Isn’t it much more festive now?”

 

The entire room was once again filled with a fresh, jubilant atmosphere.

 

Jun Qiyu finally walked to the dragon and phoenix candlestick and lit the tall red candles.

 

As the candlelight flickered, a spark lit up in Jun Qiyu’s eyes.

 

“Liqing, I’m a proud man, always believing I would never regret anything. Now, I won’t be stubborn anymore; the thing I regret the most is that on our wedding night, I didn’t perform the grand rites with you, didn’t bow to you, and didn’t drink the cup of wine together… I know that what I’m trying to make up for now doesn’t count anymore… but is there any way to remedy it, even just a little?”

 

“Look, I’ve prepared the wedding robe as well.”

 

“Wait a moment, I’ll change into it now; you help me see if it fits.”

 

Jun Qiyu draped the bright red robe embroidered with dragon and phoenix patterns over himself and tidied it up, wearing it neatly.

 

“I never told you, but you looked really beautiful in your wedding attire that day. Come, let’s drink the cup of wine…”

 

Jun Qiyu paused, feeling frustrated as he slapped his forehead.

 

“Ah! I forgot to bring the wine… Look at my memory; I’m always forgetful. I forgot such an important thing. I’m sorry, Liqing. Without you, I’m really a mess… Liqing, when will you come back? I can’t manage without you; I can’t live without you…”

 

Those you think you can’t live without, it turns out you don’t depend on as much.

 

Instead, it was Jun Qiyu himself who couldn’t do without her.

 

Tears brimmed in Jun Qiyu’s eyes as he wiped them away.

 

“Wait for me a moment; I’ll go fetch a jar of wine, and we’ll drink from the cup together.”

 

This night was meant for the two of them, and Jun Qiyu didn’t want anyone to interrupt, so he didn’t bring any servants and went to the wine cellar himself.

 

When Hu Yue’er stepped into the main courtyard, it was empty.

 

But the corridor and courtyard were filled with red lanterns, and the lanterns were adorned with festive characters, lighting up the entire courtyard with joy, more splendid than any wedding Hu Yue’er had ever seen.

 

Hu Yue’er was momentarily stunned.

 

“What is this?”

 

Confused, she stepped inside.

 

“Crown Prince… Crown Prince?”

 

Hu Yue’er had heard that the Crown Prince had come to the main courtyard, which was why she came looking, but clearly, Jun Qiyu was not present.

 

Hu Yue’er shrugged, glancing around. This room was so beautiful, with carved beams and painted pillars, and the furnishings were top-notch, much more spacious than the dilapidated room next door.

 

“Is someone getting married?”

 

After surveying for a while, when she saw the wedding robe laid out, her eyes lit up suddenly.

 

She realized!

 

No one in the Qilin residence was getting married, and if the Crown Prince were to marry, it certainly wouldn’t be so low-key.

 

“So, the Crown Prince didn’t let me come here today because he was secretly preparing this surprise for me…”

 

Hu Yue’er’s joy was evident on her face.

 

“Right, since I’m not the Crown Princess, I can’t be carried into the Qilin residence in a grand sedan chair, so the Crown Prince specially arranged a courtyard, at least intending to let me be his concubine.”

 

Hu Yue’er was ecstatic, momentarily dizzy with excitement, torn between temporarily leaving to allow the Crown Prince to continue hiding this surprise or staying to spend a wonderful night with him.

 

“I didn’t expect that while the Crown Prince seems indifferent to me, he actually likes me in his heart.”

 

Hu Yue’er felt giddy with excitement.

 

So many gifts, even the table was set with red fruits for the wedding, and there was a red silk bedcover neatly laid out, along with a complete set of wedding attire and a golden crown.

 

Hu Yue’er held them in her hands, the smile on her face growing more and more uncontrollable.

 

She had never personally witnessed a wedding in the Central Plains, but she had heard about it; this was probably what they called the phoenix crown and red garments.

 

“Even the wedding attire is prepared; the Crown Prince’s thoughtfulness… truly touching.”

 

Hu Yue’er had only made preparations to welcome the favor today, so she wore a thin sari dress. However, this light attire was nothing compared to the solemn wedding gown.

 

The Crown Prince valued her enough to prepare such a grand phoenix crown and red garments for her!

 

Hu Yue’er’s eyes brimmed with tears, and her hands trembled as she held the dress. She couldn’t wait to try on this wedding attire; even though she was only being taken as a concubine, she was confident that she would eventually become the Crown Princess, the focus of the entire nation, radiant and beautiful.

 

“I can try it on… The Crown Prince should be surprised to see me wearing it, right?”

 

With a heart full of joy, Hu Yue’er slipped behind the screen to change into the full outfit.

 

When Jun Qiyu returned, he held a jar of wine in his hand.

 

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

 

He muttered to himself, then poured the fine wine into two cups, lifting one in each hand, ready to drink. However, he instinctively glanced at the wedding gown that Song Liqing had worn.

 

But the wedding gown on the bed was gone.

 

Jun Qiyu’s heart sank.

 

He thought perhaps he had drunk too much during the day and was seeing things, but he put down the wine cup and walked over—the wedding gown had indeed disappeared.

 

Someone had been here.

 

“Was it that little girl, Xiao Di?” Jun Qiyu wondered. “No, she knows what day it is; she wouldn’t make such a mistake.”

 

Jun Qiyu became alert and noticed a shadow moving behind the screen.

 

“Who’s there?”

 

He called out sharply.

 

No one answered.

 

Jun Qiyu strode over and caught a glimpse through the crack in the screen, where a familiar figure in a wedding gown appeared.

 

His heart skipped a beat.

 

“Liqing… it’s Liqing…”

 

“Liqing!”

 

Jun Qiyu shouted internally, but he didn’t dare to voice it.

 

Because he had seen this scene countless times in his dreams!

 

He feared that if he spoke too loudly, it would be just like in those dreams, and he would wake up!

 

Jun Qiyu hardly dared to breathe heavily, terrified of startling the one who filled his thoughts and dreams.

 

His voice trembled as he edged closer to the screen.

 

“Liq…”

 

Finally, the figure stepped out from behind the screen, wearing the very wedding gown of Song Liqing.

 

“Crown Prince…”

 

A woman’s voice shattered Jun Qiyu’s illusion.

 

As he clearly saw the charming face beneath the golden crown—a face that bore a Western appearance—Jun Qiyu froze in place, his gaze locked.

 

Hu Yue’er noticed Jun Qiyu staring at her in silence and shyly lowered her head.

 

“Crown Prince… do you think I look ugly in this wedding gown of a Central Plains woman?”

 

Jun Qiyu’s throat tightened.

 

He swallowed the bitter taste of his shattered dreams while immense rage surged within him.

 

Tonight was supposed to be a time for him and Song Liqing…

 

Yet this woman barged in, not only interrupting but also wearing Song Liqing’s wedding gown.

 

On that day, Song Liqing had lost her heart, burning almost everything related to him, and this gown had barely been preserved in another place.

 

Jun Qiyu treated it as a treasure, not only storing it carefully but never daring to take it out, afraid of getting it dirty or stained.

 

But now, it was being worn by this barbarian woman.

 

“Do you… deserve this?”

 

Jun Qiyu spat out those words heavily.

 

“What?”

 

Hu Yue’er’s shy smile vanished, thinking she must have misheard.

 

“Do you deserve to touch this gown? Do you?”

 

Jun Qiyu’s furious roar echoed, and he grasped Hu Yue’er’s throat, his eyes filled with tangible, raging fire.

 

Jun Qiyu could tolerate her imitating Hu Nuer, playing such tricks under his nose, but he absolutely could not tolerate her desecrating Song Liqing!

 

“Crown Prince… Your Highness…”

 

Hu Yue’er was overwhelmed by the sudden outburst of rage.

 

So terrifying!

 

Those eyes were so frightening!

 

Looking into Jun Qiyu’s eyes, Hu Yue’er couldn’t comprehend why the gentle Crown Prince had suddenly turned into someone else—violent and angry, like a demon ready to devour her!

 

“Your Highness… I… I don’t know what I did wrong…”

 

Hu Yue’er gasped for air, struggling to speak.

 

“Your Highness… spare me… please… spare me…”

 

Hu Yue’er was nearly suffocating, her eyes rolling back, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

 

She could hardly catch her breath, thinking she was going to choke to death.

 

Seeing the blood at the corner of her mouth, Jun Qiyu suddenly released his grip.

 

“I can’t… let the gown get dirty.”

 

That drop of blood almost fell onto Song Liqing’s wedding gown.

 

Finally freed, Hu Yue’er gasped for air, her steps unsteady, nearly collapsing, but Jun Qiyu caught her by the arm.

 

“Your Highness…”

 

Hu Yue’er was completely bewildered.

 

Just moments ago, the Crown Prince had wanted her life, and now he was steadying her to prevent her from falling?

 

What kind of capricious demon was this…?