Chapter 19

*warning: mentions of torture, gore

The crowd outside the carriage hooted for a long time. The carriage bearers look at each other and don’t dare to move*. Rong Tang sighs softly, drew the curtain open, and said to Shuang Fu, “Just return like this.”

(*TN: Just a little explanation to avoid confusion. When the bride is received, she gets into her own sedan or carriage—she doesn’t share one with the groom like Su Huaijing has just done. Once they reach the groom’s residence, the groom will escort the bride out of the sedan or carriage, and they will enter the premises together.)

As a result, when the nearby people saw a new groom peeking out of the carriage, there was a slight pause, and the subsequent cheers became even louder.

Rong Tang hasn’t yet realised what happened, but Su Huaijing has already leaned forward to grab his hand and tug him backward. He lowers the carriage curtain and says softly, “Tangtang is so good-looking today.”

Rong Tang: “?”

Su Huaijing’s voice is hushed, as if he is a little embarrassed and helpless: “I would want to gouge their eyes out.”

Rong Tang: “!”

He panicked and quickly stared wide-eyed at Su Huaijing. The main villain smiled. He raises his hand and gently combs the slightly messy hair on Rong Tang’s crown with his fingers. “I’m kidding.”

[He wasn’t kidding.] The system said.

Rong Tang: “…I don’t need you to remind me.”

In the first place, Su Huaijing doesn’t joke, and Rong Tang knows this better than anyone. The words that are uttered from his mouth, whether he wants to kill people, gouge eyes out, dismember a body, or create a human pig… are all truths.

Because he’s indeed done them all.

The only difference from the previous two lives is that no one can persuade Su Huaijing to change his mind. Now the main villain is at least willing to listen to him on occasion.

Rong Tang is slightly soothed, but he incidentally thought of another sentence: Tangtang is so good-looking today.

Rong Tang rarely faints for no reason these days, but the underlying illness of his body still exists, like tree roots that have been gnawed away by insects. No matter whether they are good or bad on the outside, they are putrid and rotten on the inside.

But today is an important day. Before going out, Wang Xiuyu made Rong Tang sit in front of the dressing mirror and she personally coloured his lips and traced his eyebrows.

A light layer of rouge has been applied to the side of his cheeks, and the sickly paleness is replaced by another healthier, brighter colour.

Even though he’s been coughing for a long time, it was undeniable that Rong Tang’s complexion appears remarkably good today.

Su Huaijing didn’t loosen his hold. He squeezes Rong Tang’s hand casually and naturally, as if he were fiddling with a piece of jade. His voice was so clear and light that it was almost completely covered up by the hubbub that filled the air outside. But it permeated clearly into Rong Tang’s ears without missing a word: “I miss Tangtang terribly.”

Rong Tang: “…”

Rong Tang’s face heated up. He coughs a little, then looks away and withdraws his hand before lifting the curtains a crack and awkwardly changing the topic: “Didn’t you say you wanted to let me see your inscription? What name did you choose?”

The mildly cool sensation in his hand disappeared, and there was a flash of darkness in Su Huaijing’s expression. His fingers paused in the air for a moment, and then he casually kneaded his fingertips. He looks at Rong Tang, who has shifted away half his body and is practically sticking his head out. For some reason, he chuckled. He then leans forward; his voice sounding almost right next to his ears: “Tangjing Residence.”

“Tangtang gege gifted me the house, so naturally your name should be placed at the front.” Su Huaijing said with a smile. His voice is slow and soft, much like a lover’s murmur.

Rong Tang is dumbfounded. He turns around stiffly, curling his fingers, and then curling them again. He can’t stand it anymore, and bends his fingertips, using the backs to push Su Huaijing’s chest. “Move a little further away from me…”

Su Huaijing looks at the force on his chest, which is like a kitten scratching. His gaze darkens slightly. He hesitates for a moment or two, then steps back and says, “Tangtang, you are so thin-skinned. If you act like this, how are we going to continue our performance later?”

Rong Tang hasn’t yet recovered from the uneasiness when he suddenly hears these words. He is dumbstruck and looks bewilderedly at Su Huaijing.

Su Huaijing said, “I’ll be living in your courtyard in the future. Will you blush and push me away every time I come near you?”

He smiled and asked, “Won’t Wang Fei be suspicious?”

Rong Tang is stunned before he realises what he is saying. Inwardly, he thought it made sense.

He struggles for two seconds, then says “Then come closer a little—not too close!”

Su Huaijing smiles radiantly, and Rong Tang suddenly thought of the camellia on the desk.

After being plucked, it didn’t bloom for many days. Fortunately, there are no shortage of flowers in the yard. Once it withers, Shuang Fu will take the initiative to replace a fresh one for Rong Tang. Every day, he can view camellias that are in full bloom. The blossoms are gorgeous and tall in a basin of clear water. However, they aren’t as beautiful to look at as Su Huaijing.

Dayu’s wedding garments use a red and green colour scheme. If a man and a woman are getting married, the groom wears red and the bride wears green. In the case of a same-sex marriage, the one marrying into the other household wears a green robe.

Rong Tang is adorned in a grand red wedding garment in the style of “Phoenix Soaring Nine Heavens,” while Su Huaijing is wearing a garment named “Crane Facing the Clouds.”

The phoenix is the emperor of birds and represents men. The meaning expressed in this set of clothing is self-evident. The class status is clearly obvious, but when Su Huaijing wears it, it carries an air of literary grace and casual elegance.

Rolling gold cloud patterns are embroidered on the collar and cuffs, and the bottom of the dark green robe is decorated with silver wave patterns. A slender crane seems to have stepped out of a sea of dreamy clouds and mountains, raising its noble head to gaze at the clouds in the distant sky.

The clouds are surging, woven with silk threads of multiple colours. It is unknown whether it was intentional or not, but at a glance, one of the clouds has a red tail, which resembles a colourful phoenix flying in the sky.

Rong Tang was about to take a closer look, but Su Huaijing lowers his head and lifts a part of Rong Tang’s wedding outfit. He points at one of the patterns and asks, “Is this me?”

Rong Tang’s attention is diverted. He looks in the direction of his finger and notices that at the bottom of his robe is a stretch of lake. The rising sun is reflected in the water, and the figures of phoenixes and birds are reflected in it. Next to the shadow of the phoenix, there is another inverted image of a creature. Upon closer look, you can spot white feathers, a black neck, and a bright red head. Presenting a posture of extreme dependence and fondness, it is pressing itself against the reflection of the colourful phoenix, exhibiting a nearly devout submission.

Su Huaijing’s voice is joyful: “I like this little design.”

Rong Tang’s face is as red as it can possibly be. He is starting to feel glad that he’d put rouge on his face this morning before going out. The illumination in the carriage is dim, so the blush on his face cannot be obviously seen.

Why is the Wang Fei still smuggling personal items?

And do you, the main villain, really not mind at all?? In the future, you’re going to sit on the dragon throne. How can anyone in this world make you submit to their rules?

Wake up a little!!!

The system said silently, [He sacrificed so much.]

“Indeed…” Rong Tang said, eyeing Su Huaijing with unnatural shame and a bit of inexplicable pity.

Su Huaijing: “…?”

The system said: [Host, according to data from the transmigration database, the cannon fodders that made the villain grovel in the early stage did not have good endings.]

Rong Tang is indifferent: “Besides, I won’t survive until the end.”

He is merely a little distressed!

[……]

After not seeing each other for over half a month, Su Huaijing seems to be suffering from some kind of lovesickness. As the carriage drove all the way, he stared at Rong Tang. At times, he gazes at his face, and at other times, he squeezes his hands. While he does that, he also pinches his arm to see if he has any flesh, as if fearing that the palace will treat him harshly.

This is an actor who can be chosen to win an Academy Award. Rong Tang once again reminds himself that there is nothing he can do about being stared at. He rummages through the secret compartment of the carriage and fishes out a pack of candied fruits. “Do you want to eat?”

The smile on Su Huaijing’s face is somewhat fixed, and his eyebrows lift a little as he looks doubtfully at Rong Tang.

Rong Tang braced himself and said, “It’s sweet.”

“…”

“Ah.” Su Huaijing let out a chuckle, as if he were being cajoled. He receives the bag of candied fruit, takes out a plum, puts it into his mouth, and chews slowly. A sweet and sour flavour flows out of his lips and teeth. Su Huaijing smiled most sweetly: “Thank you, Tangtang gege.”

“Don’t mention it.” Rong Tang quickly turned away.

The procession to receive the bride stops intermittently to receive everyone’s blessings. In order not to squander the auspicious time, they hasten back at a faster speed. The bearers exited the palace carrying an empty sedan chair and have also returned to the palace carrying an empty sedan chair.

A xipo’s* voice can be heard outside the carriage. Rong Tang straightens his clothing and is about to get out. Su Huaijing’s eyes linger on his face for a moment, then slowly moves down. He notices that his lips have been stained with rouge and takes a final glance at the tea cup that is placed on the table. He raises his eyebrows slightly without drawing his attention, only saying obediently, “Tangtang gege, you need to hold my hand.”

(*TN: A woman who accompanies the bride during Chinese weddings, who says auspicious words and at times leads the ceremony)

Rong Tang is already about to bend down and head out. When he hears this, he is a little puzzled and turns back to look at him. “I will naturally hold your hand.”

After all, he is the groom!

Su Huaijing smiles: “Okay.”

Rong Tang gets out of the carriage and listens to the xipo next to him saying auspicious words. Then he displays an imposing manner and raises his hand to tap lightly on the door: “Huaijing?”

Due to the atmosphere, even though he knows it it a fake marriage, Rong Tang still can’t help but hold his breath, feeling that the few seconds that pass are exceptionally long.

Then the carriage curtain opens from the inside and a plain white hand holds onto the carriage frame, extending out, Su Huaijing bends down and continues to exit the carriage, giving his hand to Rong Tang.

Firecrackers went off, rites were sung, and music played. Rong Tang is startled by the sudden excitement and unconsciously clenches his hands a little tighter. When he’d come to his senses, Su Huaijing has already sprightly hopped off the carriage, saying he wants him to hold his hand. But in fact, Rong Tang barely gave him any strength.

Rong Tang thought to himself that Boyboy is really considerate. He knows that he isn’t in good health, so he doesn’t let him do any strenuous work. However, he suddenly hears the younger sisters beside him call out softly a few times. Each of them are covering their faces, smiling delicately, and whispering.

His younger sister, Rong Ning, has always been favoured by Duke Ningxuan and possesses an outgoing personality. She actually shouts sweetly in front of the crowd. “Saosao*!”

(*TN: address for elder brother’s wife, sister-in-law)

Rong Tang’s eyes widen slightly when he got alarmed. He immediately turns around to see if there is any displeasure on Su Huaijing’s face, but he only sees him glance at Rong Ning with a smile and nod, then turn his face towards his.

Only then did Rong Tang realise what those half-sisters and younger cousin sisters are laughing at.

Su Huaijing, he, he…he…he…

He actually added an imperceptible red rouge mark to the side of his lips!

Rong Tang immediately remembers the cup of tea he drank in the carriage.

Is this something a person does?! Is this what a world-destroying main villain does?! You have no burden at all!!!

Rong Tang grew more and more resentful, and the emotions in his eyes when he stared at Su Huaijing were so complicated that they couldn’t be summed up in words. He led him into the house. When turning a corner, he felt in his sleeve, takes out a handkerchief, and said hurriedly in a soft voice, “Wipe it!”

Su Huaijing feigned stupidity at him: “Wipe what?”

Rong Tang: “…”

After today, neither of them should hope for any reputation!

The groom went to receive the bride in a carriage. Before seeing anyone, the bride impatiently got into the carriage. The flower sedan was empty. The groom and bride rode in the same carriage. The groom got out of the car with slightly red cheeks. When the bride appeared, there was still rouge on the side of his lips… I’ll just die, and that’ll be it.

Rong Tang’s gaze towards Su Huaijing is about to turn into reality. Su Huaijing smiled and took the handkerchief. He casually wipes the corner of his lips and then moves his face in front of Rong Tang. “Tangtang, help me take a look. Is there anymore?”

The snickering behind them increased. Rong Tang’s face heated up in panic. He takes the handkerchief and throws him a vicious glare. He lifts his hand and vigorously wipes the corners of his lips, replacing the rouge marks with another streak of red.

Su Huaijing whispers in pain, “So fierce aaa, Tangtang…”

Rong Tang turned his head and said, “Shut up!”

The people who are receiving the bride almost burst out laughing. Rong Tang holds this person’s hand and begins making unprecedentedly large strides!

–

In the hall, the old nanny listens to the maid’s report, then goes to the imperial palace with a smile. She stands beside Empress Wang and recounts in detail all the interesting things that happened along the way of receiving the bride.

After hearing part of it, Empress Wang covers her face to laugh. She looked sideways at Wang Xiuyu, saying, “It seems that Tang’er really likes this wife.”

Wang Xiuyu also laughed: “Moreover, this servant* has never seen him trust anyone like this. The manner in which he gazes at him—like he’s protecting the one he loves the most—makes people embarrassed.

(*TN: Wang Xiuyu is referring to herself in humility when speaking with the empress.)

As the only duke with a different surname in Dayu, Rong Mingyu has been firmly in his position for so many years since the new dynasty was established, and as such, he is prudent. He’s repeatedly told Wang Xiuyu to pay attention to the appropriate address and behaviour, even when talking to her own biological jiejie.

Empress Wang is two years older than her. She is sitting with Wang Xiuyu, and they appear like twin sisters. Anyone who’s seen them will say that the Emperor and Empress respect each other in their marriage as husband and wife. However, only those in the imperial palace know what the specific circumstances are.

Empress Wang smiles, takes a sip of tea, and leisurely says, “It’s a pity that the auspicious beast fell ill just after returning to the palace yesterday, and His Majesty is worried about it. He personally watched the imperial doctor tend to it. Otherwise, he would have come to watch the ceremony with me today.”

After hearing this, Duke Ningxuan quickly stood up and saluted: “Your Majesty has taken the trouble to come and attend my son’s wedding, which is the greatest honour for my Rong family. The appearance of the auspicious beast shows that our country is prosperous. State affairs are important, and His Majesty is wise. This humble official doesn’t dare to waste His Majesty’s time due to my son’s personal affairs!”

Empress Wang has long been used to this display of his, but she still can’t help turning her head and throwing Wang Xiuyu a look: “Mingyu is still so rigid.”

Wang Xiuyu stood together with her husband. As she faces her eldest sister, she seems annoyed and praised. She says with a smile, “The Duke only wishes to assist His Majesty wholeheartedly and share His worries. It would be more difficult for him to bear if he were to waste His Majesty’s time than to have himself killed.”

The ceremony group passed the moon gate and is about to enter the hall. Empress Wang waves her hand and says with a smile, “Today is a special day. What’s all this talk of death and killing? Quickly, quickly, hurry and sit down. Let ben gong* have a look at the young man that Tang’er cherishes in his heart.”

(*TN: The empress’ address for herself)

Su Huaijing happens to hear this remark, and boldly lifts his head. He looks at Rong Tang’s side profile to see that his lips are tense, his gaze is fixed, and he is pretending to be calm. He laughs, then obediently lowers his head and clasps his hand even tighter, presenting himself with the appearance of a young daughter-in-law.

The main seat in the hall is occupied by Empress Wang only. The Eldest Princess has dispatched someone to send a congratulatory gift. Before that person arrives, the next person to follow in ranking is Duke Ningxuan and his wife.

The older members of the clan have seats, while the younger ones are divided along with the guests on either side, watching the two newlyweds with smiles.

The officiant stood firm. Once Empress Wang has completed a careful assessment, a young male servant whispers that the auspicious time has come, and then the officiant clears his throat to shout: “First bow down to heaven and earth——”

The two turn around, kneel down facing the entrance, and soundly kowtow.

“Second bow to one’s parents——”

Rong Tang confirmed with Wang Xiuyu the day before that since the Empress is coming, she will accept the bow for the parents. Before he bows, Rong Tang glances at Su Huaijing’s expression out of the corner of his eye.

Beyond the disguised tension and shyness, there’s more of an elegant and composed demeanour, displaying a refined and poised manner. He doesn’t seem like a biao young master from a small and humble background. On the contrary, he exudes a more impressive aura than most in this grand hall. Adorned in elaborate formal attire, he possesses a pleasing sense of beauty.

When they stood up, Empress Wang smiled and said “good” three times in a row.

Rong Tang then slowly breathes out and loosens his grip on the red silk*.

(*TN: The bride and groom are each holding onto a section of the red silk during the ceremony. It symbolises happiness and good fortune for the newlyweds.) 

Su Huaijing glances at him somewhat doubtfully.

He doesn’t know why, but he always senses that Rong Tang is a little nervous when the officiant called out ‘second bow to one’s parents’ just now, and even covertly glanced at him a few times.

Is he afraid that he won’t perform well in front of the Empress?

Su Huaijing laughed a little in spite of himself. He doesn’t have the slightest doubt that someone would speculate on his identity. Unless Rong Tang is a celestial being, it is impossible for him to guess that he is the Seventh Prince of the late emperor.

Therefore, he could only regard Rong Tang’s small behaviours as him being worried that he would forget his etiquette before the empress of the country.

As soon as Su Huaijing figured this out, his heart felt a little itchy, and he couldn’t bear it anymore.

The officiant calls out, “Husband and wife bow to each other——”

Su Huaijing clasps his hands, bends down, and knocks against Rong Tang a little in the space between them. Amidst the cheers of the guests in the hall, he smiles and asks in a voice that only two people could hear: “Tangtang, are you consummating the marriage with me?”

The officiant concludes the ceremony by calling out the final part: “Escort into the bridal chamber!”

Congratulations came one after the other.

“Wishing you a happy marriage!”

“Have a long and happy life together!”

“Conjugal bliss in a ripe old age!”

“Everlasting and unchanging!”

There is a newly-perceptive, naive child who is also shouting loudly along with everyone.

What he shouted was, “Give birth to a son soon!”

The hall is instantly filled with jubilation. Rong Tang follows Shuang Fu’s directions and walks out, still holding the red silk in his hand. When they rounded the moon gate where the elders can’t see them, Su Huaijing moves closer and follows the red silk to grab his hand again.

Rong Tang heats up. He subconsciously wants to withdraw, but he forces himself to endure it while asking the system in his mind: “Did you hear what Su Huaijing said when we bowed to each other just now?”

The system froze for two seconds and obscurely said, [Forget it, host.]

Rong Tang: “…”

F*ck!

He isn’t hallucinating!

The main villain actually asked him if he wants to consummate the marriage with him!

Rong Tang can’t help but think: You dared to ask; do you think I dare to answer? He played dead all the way, severely suspecting that the main villain’s character has collapsed in another direction.

–

The newlyweds were escorted to Tanghua Courtyard, and Rong Tang has to go out as a formality.

In the normal course of events, he should accompany him until dark before he can return. But everyone who came are aware that Prince Ningxuan isn’t in good health. For today’s wedding ceremony—except for fetching the bride, to which he insisted on going personally—all the rest that his didis can do on his behalf have all been delegated to Rong Zheng and Rong Yuan.

Outside the door, the young attendant urged. Rong Tang settles Su Huaijing in his room. There are several plates of dried fruit snacks on the desk: “Pad your stomach first. I’ll leave Shuang Shou to stay and take care of you. If you are hungry, let him help fetch some food back from the kitchen.”

As he said that, he paused again and added, “Get some for me, by the way. I’ll be back to eat later.”

Su Huaijing laughed, his eyebrows curving. “Then I’ll wait for you.”

Rong Tang’s brows furrowed. “Better not, they might tease or make a fuss about me.”

Su Huaijing is very resolute: “I’ll wait for you to come back and have dinner together.”

Rong Tang hesitated for a moment, then ultimately nodded: “Then I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

Su Huaijing watches him go out. Shuang Shou knows that this bridegroom* here likes peace and quiet, so he retreats outside the room after Rong Tang leaves.

(*TN: I’m following the original raws where it states “husband” or “bridegroom”, although it is referencing Su Huaijing. Just so readers don’t get confused, I’ve used “groom” for Rong Tang and “bridegroom” for Su Huaijing.)

Su Huaijing is sitting alone in a wedding room decorated with red silk and paper decorations, which was a bit unplanned and novel.

He looks around the room with great interest. The last time he came was at night, and he’d been in a fit of anger, thus not in the mood to observe at all.

The gold-outlined picture frames, sunken bronze mirrors, and screens embroidered with landscape paintings are made using brand-new silk. The embroidery thread has been mixed with gold powder to make it glisten. The tables and chairs are all made of the best yellow rosewood. There aren’t any ordinary furnishings in the entire room. Even the tea cup is a rare, precious teacup made by the one and only Longyao kiln.”

Su Huaijing’s eyebrows twitched. He rests his cheek on one hand while tapping his cheek with his finger a few times, murmuring in a low voice, “What an extremely noble prince aaa.”

Two orioles are singing outside, and someone knocks lightly on the window. Su Huaijing gets up and opens it. Xingfeng is hiding there. “Master.”

“Ng.” Su Huaijing responds, “When you go back, there is a box on the desk in the study. There is some gold and silver inside. You can share it with everyone.”

Xingfeng is dumbstruck. “Aaa?”

Su Huaijing says, “It’s red envelopes.”

Xingfeng: “…” For a moment, he didn’t know whether he should be grateful that his Master is willing to explain to him or sad that his master has to accept a compromise and put on such a hard act that he’s even prepared red envelopes for the wedding.

Xingfeng can only discreetly grit his teeth and feel distressed for his master. He said, “This subordinate understands.”

Su Huaijing threw him a look, wondering where his thoughts had gone, but he doesn’t correct him. He just said it as if he were prompted by a sudden impulse: “Those restaurants in the west of the city, buy them as soon as possible.”

Xingfeng’s expression grew a little more serious.

Purchasing property in the capital is something that the Master started to do when he was still in Sichuan. He has his own plans for which store to buy and in which location, whether it was a restaurant, a tea shop, a publishing house, or a clothing store. He walks cautiously every step of the way.

Although the restaurants in the west of the city make a lot of profit, they don’t need to transfer ownership so early, according to the plan.

Fortunately, except for matters related to Rong Tang, Xingfeng will always act according to Su Huaijing’s orders, no matter what he decides. He acknowledges upon hearing the words, but he isn’t aware of what his master is thinking now: The young prince is too noble and pampered. It seems that I need to earn more money to support him.

Xingfeng waited for a while and noted that Su Huaijing didn’t give any further instructions, so he reported: “Master, the Second Prince wants to meet with you.”

The calm and relaxed look on Su Huaijing’s face gradually changed. He asked somewhat sarcastically, “Did he settle Ding Weishan or tame the white tiger? He still has the face to meet with me if he hasn’t accomplished either?”

At the mention of the white tiger, Xingfeng said, “There is something strange that I want to report to Master.”

Su Huaijing raised his eyes. “Oh?”

Xingfeng: “The white tiger stopped eating and drinking after entering the palace. Even Chen Feiyi doesn’t want to approach it anymore. Last night, I heard that it was fed a rabbit.”

Su Huaijing looks lazily at him, and Xingfeng lowers his voice: “It’s the Fifth Prince, Sheng Chengli.”

“That little prince who just came out of the cold palace?” Su Huaijing asked.

“Exactly.” Xingfeng nodded.

Su Huaijing was silent for a moment and said, “Find something for him to do. Don’t let him delay the plan.”

“This subordinate understands,” Xingfeng said. “Then, the matter of the Second Prince…?”

Noisy voices are heard outside the courtyard again. Su Huaijing’s expression became gentle for a moment. He waves his hands and said more impatiently, “Tell him to meet at the Liujin Parlour in three days.”

“Yes.” Xingfeng disappears outside the window in a blink of an eye. There are sounds of laughter from the front courtyard. Rong Tang came in again, escorted by the xipo. Normally, Su Huaijing should be sitting on the bed with a smile and waiting for him. The moment the door opened, his nose twitched, and his expression dropped a little unconsciously.

Rong Tang felt that the atmosphere in the air seemed to be stagnant, and his footsteps slowed down a beat.

However, the xipo was oblivious and pushed him: “The Prince has to drink the nuptial cups with the bridegroom!”

Rong Tang immediately stumbled, and as soon as he stabilised his body, Su Huaijing stepped out from behind the screen. He stretched out his hand to support his waist and threw a condescending look at the xipo: “Madam ought to be more careful in your movements. The Prince’s body is delicate. If he knocks or bumps and falls somewhere, what are you going to compensate him with?”

The xipo’s face froze, and her cheerful-aunt expression suddenly turned awkward. She glanced around and caught sight of Shuang Fu and the maid from the Wang Fei’s chambers eyeing her with a very subtle look.

She immediately panicked and clutched the bridal veil. Rong Tang spoke up to save her at the right time: “I was distracted and walked slowly.”

Su Huaijing turns his gaze, and the expression in his eyes abruptly changed. There was a hint of disapproval and a bit of resentment: “Tangtang is too kind-hearted.”

The head maid, Hua Qin, immediately looked at the bridegroom with a bit of gratitude.

Their Eldest Young Master is so kind-hearted and has been ill for many years. The other young masters and mistresses in the family have bullied him plenty since he was a child. If the Wang Fei hasn’t always been arranging matters behind his back, Heaven knows how much the Eldest Young Master would have been bullied by them.

Now it’s better. The bridegroom is a man who knows how to deal with people and has the Young Master in his heart. The Wang Fei can rest assured.

Hua Qin stepped forward with a smile and took the xipo’s position: “Bridegroom is right, Young Master, you should listen. But let’s not worry about this on the big day. Young Master, Bridegroom, you should drink the nuptial cups.”

Rong Tang doesn’t understand why even his mother’s head maid has mutinied and is now siding with Su Huaijing in just a few hours!?

In his first two lives, he’d lost most unjustly. He might not be able to learn this skill of winning people’s hearts even if he tried it another ten times.

Rong Tang threw a miserable glance at Su Huaijing, but Su Huaijing had lowered his head and said in a deep voice, “You’ve been drinking?”

Rong Tang panicked, and an inexplicable feeling of fear quickly sped up his back. He considered it for a moment and replied softly, “Just a little.”

Su Huaijing nodded and removed his hand from his back. “Oh.”

Rong Tang became even more panicked and automatically reached out to grab Su Huaijing’s sleeve. His tone was weak: “It’s really just a little, tiny sip.”

Su Huaijing looks down at the hand that is holding onto his clothes. His fingers are white, his joints were soft, and his nails are pale and not healthy at all. When matched with the dark green wedding garments, the colour contrast is too intense, which instantly made people come up with some strange thoughts.

He wants to pinch it, colour it red, and personally hold something tightly so that the veins and bones will stand out.

Su Huaijing is thrown by his own thoughts for a moment, but he quickly suppresses them. Instead, he holds Rong Tang’s fingers and said with a smile, “I didn’t blame you. Why is Tangtang alarmed?”

Rong Tang thought to himself: You haven’t blamed me yet; just look at yourself in the mirror!

Hypocritical, bad man!

The system watched from the side for a long time, and it couldn’t hold back anymore. It complained: [Host, you are a bit spoilt…]

It’s been following its host for seven years, and this is the first time seeing Rong Tang like this, a little out of sorts.

Rong Tang instantly refutes: “You’re blind.”

System: […You even got angry from the embarrassment.]

Rong Tang: “…”

Rong Tang decides to ignore it. He is cheered on by the crowd and pushed to the edge of the table. By now, the xipo has come to her senses, and her conduct has become more cautious. After saying auspicious words in accordance with societal norms, she had someone serve the nuptial wine.

The alcohol content isn’t high and is more similar to fermented fruit juice than wine. It is specially prepared on the Wang Fei’s orders. Su Huaijing’s face brightened somewhat after sniffing it, but when Rong Tang took a sip and wanted another, his arm was gently pressed and his movement interrupted.

Right away, Rong Tang obediently put down the cup.

After distributing some lucky money, Hua Qin led everyone away, and Shuang Shou placed all the dishes on the table. There are only two people in the room. Su Huaijing’s wild energy that had lasted all day has subsided, and he returned to being a cold and aloof young man.

Rong Tang felt that this was right, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel a little scared. He didn’t pay attention to how much he’d eaten during the meal. He only wonders whether the main villain has eaten anything to his liking. Su Huaijing has made a little pile on the plate next to his bowl using serving chopsticks.

Su Huaijing’s eyelids twitched slightly when he saw it. He considers telling him directly that he isn’t angry, but he feels that he has to scare him. If not, he’ll be utterly clueless about the condition of his body.

He actually dared to drink. All the wine prepared by the palace has been aged for many years. They are highly potent and have long-lasting effects. Even if he only drank a little bit, his body—which is like a wrecked ship and filled with leaks—can’t bear it.

Therefore, it is so depressing to eat this meal.

When he finished eating, Rong Tang eyed him with a frown. He pondered for a long time, then suddenly remembered, clapped his hands and said, “Wait for me!”

With that said, he ran out, footsteps thudding. Su Huaijing wanted to remind him to slow down, but he disappeared before the words could come out of his mouth.

Su Huaijing has rarely felt so frustrated in his life.

He shakes his head, feeling exceedingly helpless.

Fortunately, Rong Tang came back after a while with his hands behind his back. He drags over a stool, sits in front of him, and says in a gentle voice, “Huaijing, are you angry?”

Su Huaijing looks at him and replies, “What’s there for me to be angry at?”

Rong Tang: “Angry because I drank.”

Su Huaijing said deliberately: “When you marry, you must drink nuptial wine.”

Rong Tang is certain that this person is angry. His voice grew calmer, and he honestly confessed the facts of the crime: “You’re angry because I was drinking outside.”

Su Huaijing looked at him for a moment and finally asked, “How much did you drink?”

Rong Tang stretches out a finger—this time he doesn’t say ‘a little bit’: “One cup.”

Su Huaijing almost laughed in anger. He eyes him with a cold look. After staring for a while, he is about to get up, but Rong Tang quickly holds him down: “I’m wrong!”

His apology is most convincing. Before Su Huaijing can reply, Rong Tang removes his hand, which has been hidden behind him. He spreads open his palm and preens: “I said I would help you beg for a safety talisman. This was the first day of the new year. That day, I kneeled in front of the Buddha for two hours and recited a whole sutra before asking for it. I got the incense ashes inside myself! The abbot said that I’m the first one this month to have asked for it. It will definitely protect you safely and make everything run smoothly.”

Su Huaijing’s expression went blank for a moment, as if he was a little confused. Rong Tang took advantage of the victory and used the same pestering force he uses against Wang Xiuyu: “Huaijing, don’t be angry any more. I promise I won’t drink next time, okay?”

The pure and innocent eyes, like a little creature’s, appeared again. Su Huaijing suddenly realises that Rong Tang is really skilled in the art of apologising.

He will deliberately position himself in a spatial environment relatively lower. Even if he is sitting at the same level, he will instinctively bend his body, appearing obedient and gentle. He lifts his gaze to look at you with a soft and gentle voice, each word as if grinding, relentlessly softening one’s ears.

Su Huaijing is silent for a long time. Rong Tang frowned and struggled. Just as he was considering whether or not to say directly, “Today is our wedding day; are you still angry?”, Su Huaijing sighed softly and lowered his eyes to gaze at him.

With a look of helplessness and resignation, he calls, “Tangtang.”

As soon as the villain called him “Tangtang” in this tone, Rong Tang feels his skin tense, and he swallows: “Ng?”

Su Huaijing raises his hand and wipes off the last bit of lipstick on his lips from eating just now. His voice is very shallow and gentle: “You can’t just come to coax me when you do something wrong.”

“You know I’m soft-hearted towards you, right?”

There’s a petty person in Rong Tang’s heart. He shakes his head like a rattle and shouts, I don’t know!

In his previous life, he’s heard people remark about Su Huaijing’s soft-heartedness such as: “In the end, Master Su is still soft-hearted. That old man spoke so impertinently and openly humiliated him, but he just put him in jail and sentenced him to beheaded after autumn. If you ask me, he should be executed slowly and painfully.”

But within a few days, Rong Tang heard that rats had entered the prison. The official who was supposed to be executed after autumn had half the flesh of his lower leg chewed off by rats in the prison. When he was taken out, tendons dangled from the bone, dripping with blood.

Su Huaijing was still “soft-hearted” and went over personally to take a look. He said with some melancholy, “The imperial edict stated that it would be until the beginning of autumn. If you die now, it would be disrespectful and in defiance of the edict. Why don’t you quickly find a doctor to treat Excellency Li?”

The man staggered through it with a single breath and was thrown into the sky prison. Not long after, a mottled snake made its way into the prison. Its poison isn’t fatal, but extremely painful. Excellency Li teetered with half his life remaining and only a layer of skin left on his body.

Even at the end, on the way to the execution ground, a wild dog leapt out of nowhere and went berserk. It rushed in front of the execution carriage and shredded half of his face through the cage bars. Even one of his eyeballs was dangling out. Rong Tang happened to witness this scene, and a fever was triggered from the shock when he went back that night.

Fortunately, in the end, Su Huaijing wasn’t “soft-hearted” this time. He stared coldly for a while, confirming that the man was still alive, curled up in the cage, and groaning in pain. He said, “Continue hastening on the journey; don’t lose time.”

The person who was sentenced to be beheaded after autumn was actually beheaded after autumn in the end. However, Rong Tang suspected that he hadn’t heard the full extent of the inhuman torture involved during the course of events.

By the way, this Excellency Li is none other than Li Changfu, Su Huaijing’s distant uncle.

So when Rong Tang heard him say he is soft-hearted, he felt a little PTSD, and his body trembled.

However, Su Huaijing merely assumed he knew that he was wrong. He sighed softly, reached out to take the safety talisman, then poked his palm gently with the corner of one of the tips: “Not to be repeated.”

Rong Tang was astounded for a moment, then abruptly lifted his head and saw Su Huaijing smiling at him with an expression that is verging on helplessness, indulgence, and happiness: “Thank you so much, Tangtang. This is the first time I’ve received a safety talisman.”

Rong Tang immediately felt sad and senses that the scene he just recalled isn’t this boy in front of him at all. He inwardly spurned himself and spoke impulsively: “Then I’ll help you ask for one every year from now on!”

Su Huaijing is slightly astonished, and there is an indescribable emotion in his heart that felt nice and warm. But before he could reflect on it carefully, Rong Tang hastily added, “Until I die!”

Su Huaijing’s expression promptly crumbles.

He glares hatefully at Rong Tang, and there is an instant where he very much wants to sew his mouth shut. Su Huaijing turns his head so as not to look at him, pressing the safety talisman as if to vent his anger.

Rong Tang noted that this man appears to be successfully cajoled, so he happily took him out.

There is still a banquet out front, and the officials from various ministries are taking advantage of this occasion to build connections, while the scions of noble families form alliances for future prospects. Each of them is running around and managing their affairs, happily engrossed in their tasks.

Rong Tang didn’t manage the back house in the courtyard. He presented everything he prepared for Su Huaijing one by one, like offering treasures.

The bedroom has the same structure and decoration as his room, except that the separating screen is replaced with clouds, mountains, mist, and the sea. A vase by the window contains an almond blossom that was just plucked this morning, and a white jade chessboard has been added in front of the small couch.

The study room has been opened up and divided so that neither side disturbs the other. There are blocks of high-quality ink, ink stones, and weasel-hair paintbrushes hang one by one and in front of the desk. Even the papers, which are the best-selling styles in the capital, are stacked in piles on the shelves.

On Rong Tang’s bookshelf, aside from storybooks, there are Buddhist scriptures. As for Su Huaijing’s side, there are books on astronomy and geography, historical records and collections, political memorials and governance essentials, water management and road construction, river levelling and bridge building, concise military strategies, and incomplete chess records… He’s practically collected everything he can get his hands on.

Su Huaijing’s side occupies almost two-thirds of the room because of these books.

For the first time, he truly understands the actual meaning of those words that Xingfeng had communicated to him.

-The Prince had tidied up a side room with the best light in his courtyard. The Prince wanted to paint the walls, turning it into a pepper room, but was stopped. The Prince ordered craftsmen to build the most luxurious furniture. The Prince almost bought out the books from all the major bookstores in the capital…

Sure enough, there isn’t a single lie.

Moreover, the letters that he’d recently instructed Shuang Shou to bring back have been stored by Rong Tang in a box inlaid with gold beads.

That treasure box ought to be one used by the Wang Fei to keep valuable jewellery, but he’s using it to hold a few pieces of paper…

Su Huaijing hasn’t felt this way for several years—a sort of… feeling similar to returning home and being cherished by others.

From Yong’an Lane to Tanghua Courtyard, it started when Rong Tang burst into his world without any explanation.

It seems that he finally has a way home and can take a rest.

Rong Tang is still staring at him with a smile, a small expression that appears to be inviting praise. But Su Huaijing inclined his head, not daring to look at him. He said in a hoarse voice, “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it! I’m doing what is expected!” Rong Tang smiled even more happily.