When Song Pu returned home, Qingmei had already had the kitchen prepare dinner.
The young masters who accompanied the emperor were all legitimate sons of officials, yet none of them were particularly important within their families. Li Zongyi, for instance, came from the General Fengguo’s residence, but because two elder brothers already upheld the family’s standing, he himself was of lesser importance. Chang Jiangming and the others were much the same. Even above Song Pu there was an elder brother destined to inherit the Duke’s estate.
Attending that dog of an emperor was without doubt a nerve-wracking duty. The Duke and Duchess of Song both doted on their youngest son. They even allowed him the use of a private kitchen, and tonics were sent to Serene Cloud Villa, Song Pu’s residence, in an endless stream. His daily meals were also exceptionally lavish.
After finishing his meal, Song Pu’s elder brother Song Lingyun came over.
In his youth Duke Song had been a famous beauty in the capital. Lady Song, however, possessed only modest looks, and her family background was likewise unremarkable. She was merely the daughter of a county magistrate from a remote district. Although their status differed vastly, the couple had lived in rare harmony for many years, as inseparable as zithers in tune. Duke Song had never taken other wives or concubines, and thus their branch of the family was somewhat thin in male heirs.
As for Song Pu’s gege Song Lingyun, he had fair skin, sword-like brows and bright eyes, and a tall frame. He had perfectly inherited Duke Song’s handsome appearance. Five years older than Song Pu, the brothers were very close. Song Pu was always afraid this brother might notice something amiss about him, so he behaved even more cautiously with him than with Duke Song and the others.
“Ge, did you need something?” Song Pu asked as he poured him tea.
“Can I not come and see you unless I have business?” Song Lingyun replied casually.
Song Lingyun was different from Song Pu. Though born into the Duke’s household, he possessed excellent martial skill and now served as a thousand-household commander in the Fire Cavalry Camp, a fifth-rank post. With the duke’s title awaiting him in future, his prospects were exceedingly bright.
Song Pu, by contrast, had been a little bookworm. He had devoted himself entirely to study, hoping to gain an official post through the imperial examinations. Unfortunately his talent was mediocre. Even in his teens he had only managed to pass the xiucai* degree. Seeing that his chances through the examinations were slim, Duke Song arranged for him to take the post of assistant director in the Court of the Imperial Heir. It was at least a proper court position. Because Emperor Ren was young and had no crown prince, the Court of the Imperial Heir had long stood half empty. Song Pu therefore had an easy time of it. Spending his days accompanying Emperor Ren at play was considered work.
(*TN:秀才 xiucai = one who passed the imperial examination at the county level in the Ming and Qing dynasties)
“That is not what I meant. Come whenever you like,” Song Pu said.
Song Lingyun asked with concern, “His Majesty has not given you trouble, has he?”
Song Pu wanted to complain bitterly about that dog emperor, but he did not dare. People’s tongues were dangerous, and walls had ears. What if the dog emperor had secret guards crouched on the roof listening in?
It was not that his imagination ran wild. If such things existed, they existed for a reason. He certainly did not dare gamble with his life.
After organising his thoughts, Song Pu said solemnly, “Ge, do not say such things again. His Majesty is benevolent and considerate of his ministers. How could he possibly trouble me?”
“….”
Song Lingyun reached out to touch his forehead and asked worriedly, “Were you frightened again?”
Song Pu nearly lost his righteous expression. He very much wanted to seize Song Lingyun’s hand and pour out all his grievances.
But he did not dare. He had seen with his own eyes today how terrifying a tyrant could be. He could only be more cautious in every respect.
“…Do not talk nonsense. I am perfectly fine. I was not frightened,” Song Pu said.
Song Lingyun lowered his eyes. “His Majesty has been on the throne only three years and already bears the reputation of a tyrant. He truly does not deserve the honourific title the late emperor bestowed upon him.”
Song Pu nearly nodded, but immediately held himself back and said sternly, “Ge, do not say such things again. How can a subject speak lightly of the emperor? If such words spread, it will cost you your head.”
Song Lingyun glanced at him. “You have read yourself foolish. If the emperor is unjust, a minister may simply find another ruler to serve.”
You are absolutely right. Completely right.
Song Pu applauded wildly in his heart, while his face wore the expression of a loyal subject devoted to sovereign and country.
“If you say that again, I will tell Father!” he declared.
Song Lingyun flicked his forehead. Song Pu immediately clutched his head and cried out in pain. When he raised his face again his eyes were already red. Only then did Song Lingyun say, “You are so delicate, afraid of pain and injury. If you anger that muddle-headed ruler and he rewards you with a beating, will you still remain loyal?”
Song Pu said, “Father always says that if the ruler bids a subject die, the subject cannot refuse.”
Song Lingyun was one of those rare young men of the age who possessed a rebellious streak. If Emperor Ren, Tantai Yi, proved unfit, then he would rather see him removed and another emperor installed. This thought had not arisen suddenly later on. From the very beginning there had been a small spark in his heart. Only after his didi’s* tragic death in the future would that spark blaze into a wildfire.
(*TN: didi=little brother, also used to address a younger male.)
Hearing Song Pu’s words, Song Lingyun laughed. His little brother was simple-hearted, and he rather liked seeing him this way. With such loyal sentiments he would not reveal any flaws before that tyrant. Unlike himself. If he had to attend that tyrant daily, he would surely betray something.
“I came to tell you that I have a way to bring you back. Would you be willing?”
Song Pu started. “What do you mean?”
Song Lingyun said, “When you were gravely ill before, I had already persuaded Song Shaoqian to serve His Majesty in your place. Unfortunately the boy changed his mind at the last moment and refused.” As he spoke, his brows drew together in displeasure.
Song Pu thought for a moment. Song Shaoqian was the legitimate son of his late Fourth Uncle. Above him was a widowed mother, and below him two younger brothers and two younger half-sisters. He was a few years older than Song Pu, but far more capable. Last year he had placed third in the metropolitan examinations and now served in the Hanlin Academy compiling scholarly works.
Song Pu frowned slightly. “They are a single-parent household, with several younger siblings to support. What if something happens?”
Song Lingyun said coldly, “Fourth Uncle has been gone seven years. For those seven years the main branch of our family has supported them. Now it is time they repay the favour. Endure for a few more days. I will make him agree.”
Song Pu fell silent.
Song Lingyun was truly obsessed with his didi. If he discovered that the person before him had taken his brother’s body, he would probably kill him outright.
Song Pu’s voice trembled slightly. “Ge, does Father know about this? Besides, His Majesty will not let me leave.”
Song Lingyun said, “Our grandfather once taught His Majesty for two years. If Grandfather steps forward to persuade him, replacing one attendant with another will be the simplest matter. Song Shaoqian is a clever man. Clever men are pleasing. You, on the other hand, are foolish and delicate. Why would His Majesty like you?”
Song Pu felt indignant. “You should not say that. Today I even spoke with His Majesty, and he seemed quite pleased.”
Song Lingyun was taken aback. “What did you say?”
Song Pu felt somewhat embarrassed, but he still repeated the rainbow-coloured flattery he had delivered earlier. At the end he added,
“Ge, I truly think His Majesty’s martial skill is extraordinary. You did not see it. Afterwards I went to retrieve the arrow. It was more than four feet long and had sunk nearly two feet into the tree trunk. Could you manage that? And that Sun-Shooting Bow requires twenty-nine shi of strength to draw. Could you do that? I remember you can only draw an eight-shi bow. Also, when His Majesty competed with me in archery, the bow I used suited me perfectly. His Majesty is truly considerate. He even knew I was not very capable.”
Seeing his excitement, Song Lingyun felt a trace of suspicion. In the past Song Pu always returned from the palace utterly exhausted. This time he seemed strangely lively. There was no trace of fear toward the tyrant in his words, only admiration and praise.
Very strange indeed.
Although Song Lingyun had his thoughts, he did not voice them. Seeing Song Pu chatter endlessly about how formidable that tyrant was, he found he could not stay any longer.
“I still have matters to attend to. I will go and deal with them. Rest well.”
Song Pu hesitated, then said, “Ge, do not force Shaoqian-ge. He has had a difficult life, always living under another’s roof. Now he has finally made something of himself. If he saves some money he could even move out. If he were made to serve His Majesty and happened to speak wrongly and be punished, Aunt would certainly blame our family.”
Song Lingyun did not understand why he was speaking on Song Shaoqian’s behalf.
“Are you not afraid?”
Song Pu glanced around, somewhat worried about being overheard. But Song Lingyun had already spoken so many disrespectful words. Surely a few more from him would not matter. Still, he remained cautious.
“Of course I am afraid. I am foolish and very afraid of pain. But this matter was mine from the beginning. Life and death are in Heaven’s hands. If something happens, I will accept it. But asking someone else to take my place, I cannot do that. I wish to keep a clear conscience.”
Song Lingyun still did not quite understand, but since he had spoken so firmly he reluctantly nodded.
“Very well. We will leave this matter aside for now. I will not mention it again. If you change your mind, tell me.”
Song Pu’s lips curved upward. “I understand. Thank you, ge, for caring about me.”
Song Lingyun said, “So long as you know your own mind.”
Their conversation ended there. Song Pu did not regret what he had said. In any case he could never allow someone else to serve that dog emperor in his place. If something happened, his conscience would torment him. Since that was the case, he might as well continue facing that dog emperor himself.
With such thoughts in mind, Song Pu went to the palace the next day. The moment he encountered Tantai Yi, the latter greeted him in a gentle, intimate voice.
“Minister Song, I had no idea that your sincere heart could be revealed so readily at any time.”
Song Pu was somewhat bewildered. He raised his eyes to meet Tantai Yi’s slender gaze and felt a chill run through him.
Had what he said to Song Lingyun somehow reached Tantai Yi’s ears?
Yet Tantai Yi’s expression seemed pleased. His pale golden eyes glimmered with tiny sparks of light like the sun itself, carrying a striking brilliance. He reached out and grasped Song Pu’s shoulder, smiling faintly as he murmured, “Minister Song, from now on those words may only be spoken to me. Do you understand?”
Ah?
Ah???
Author’s note:
Tyrant: If you are praising me, do it to my face. Understood?
