Song Pu, unaware of the gravity of his words, recalled the situation and said, “Master Qian’s storytelling is unrestrained, with a distinct personal style and considerable charm. I am certain he is the best storyteller in all of Yanjing. Your Majesty will surely enjoy listening to him.”
Tantai Yi’s voice was cool. “Lord Song speaks of him so highly, I am quite curious. But given my expectations, if he disappoints me—”
He drew out his voice slightly, with a hint of lazy nonchalance, yet the words that followed were icy. “I will have someone behead him.”
Song Pu was about to laugh at the first part, but the second made his smile freeze. His eyes darted around nervously, he swallowed hard, and stammered, “Your Majesty intends to…behead him?”
Tantai Yi lowered his golden eyes, long fingers tracing the rim of his wine cup. His smile was forced, but his tone was sharp. “Did you not hear me, Minister Song? If Master Qian disappoints me, I will have him beheaded.”
Song Pu fell silent, unsure what to say.
Tantai Yi lifted his eyelids, looking at him coolly. “Why does Lord Song remain silent? If you admire him so, why do you not plead for him?”
His voice softened slightly as he added, “I like Lord Song. Should Lord Song plead, I will let him go.”
While the two spoke, no one dared interrupt. The atmosphere left Song Pu awkward, unsure what the emperor had suddenly decided. With the emperor speaking, he had no choice but to reply. Clearing his throat, he began, “Your Majesty, many admire Master Qian, which shows his skill. Perhaps Your Majesty should hear him speak fully before judging?”
Tantai Yi’s smile turned instantly cold. He fixed Song Pu with a steady gaze. “Lord Song truly admires Master Qian, defending him again and again. Presumably, aside from family, your heart holds pure affection only for him?”
Before Song Pu could respond, Tantai Yi laughed again. “Since Master Qian is so eloquent, why not let him come before me and speak his case? Let us see if his silver tongue can sway me.”
With that, he raised his arm to summon a guard.
At that moment, Song Pu finally caught on. Was the emperor jealous?
No, not jealous. He was annoyed that Song Pu was giving someone else praise.
Realising this, Song Pu was utterly dumbfounded. He had never imagined the emperor would try to monopolise his admiration.
Though, to be fair, he had not been lavishly praising Master Qian; he had only been honest.
Seeing the guard approach, he tensed and quickly said, “Your Majesty, truly, Master Qian possesses no great powers. It is simply that I have studied the classics and know little of worldly affairs, which made me think him remarkable. Your Majesty dislikes matters of ordinary men and women; listening to his stories may offend Your Majesty. It is my own ignorance that causes trouble. I beg Your Majesty to be lenient and forgive Master Qian.”
Tantai Yi’s voice was cold. “Minister Song praised him so highly just now, yet you change your words. Is it because you fear I might harm him?”
Song Pu remained silent.
Tantai Yi’s expression darkened slightly, a shadow settling over his fair, translucent face. “Why is Lord Song silent? Am I right that your tongue fails you?”
A bitter smile tugged at Song Pu’s lips. He was anxious, hot and cold running through him, cold sweat on his back, deeply reminded that serving a ruler was like standing beside a tiger. Yet he showed nothing on his face. Just as he was about to speak, the restaurant owner and several waiters brought over the pastries, cold dishes, and hot tea he had ordered… more than he had requested, more plentiful, and beautifully presented. The staff were respectful as they served, preparing to withdraw, when Tantai Yi suddenly spoke. “Bring your storyteller, Master Qian, to me.”
The owner froze. Seizing the moment, Song Pu immediately said, “Your Majesty, my heart belongs entirely to Your Majesty. How could I tolerate another? I may admire him, but only as a matter of fact. My devotion to Your Majesty is as clear as heaven and earth. My body and soul are yours. I can live for Your Majesty; I can die for Your Majesty.”
He took a breath and continued, “As for Master Qian, I support him when I think of him, and I do not when I do not. These past days, I have not visited him. But if I cannot see Your Majesty for even a day, I cannot eat or sleep, I wither away. In my heart, Master Qian is a firefly, Your Majesty the sun and moon. How can the light of a mere firefly compare to the brilliance of the sun and moon? Even a host of fireflies cannot rival the sun’s radiance. Why should Your Majesty concern yourself with a tiny spark?”
This torrent of praise eased Tantai Yi’s brow, and a smile lifted his lips, revealing a trace of pleasure. “Minister Song is right.”
Seeing the emperor’s satisfied smile, Song Pu felt a slight relief, yet he still feared Tantai Yi might harm Master Qian. He mustered himself and said, “Your Majesty’s words earlier truly saddened me.”
Immediately, someone kicked him under the table. He did not know who, but he glanced subtly around.
Tantai Yi’s smile faded slightly. “Why do you say this, Lord Song?”
Song Pu replied, “Your Majesty said I have a pure heart for Master Qian, and I am saddened. I thought Your Majesty understood me. My admiration and respect for Your Majesty are like a river in flood, ceaseless and unstoppable, like the Yellow River overflowing. Through history, in books about emperors and generals, I have seen the majesty and grace of an emperor only in Your Majesty, and I am deeply impressed. To serve by Your Majesty’s side is my life’s greatest honour. My heart is not enough for future wife or children, how could I give it to a storyteller?”
Tantai Yi was moved and, before all, could not help but grasp Song Pu’s hand again.
Song Pu thought, “So shaking hands at every turn is a bad habit?” Before he could cry out, he realised his hand did not hurt. Tantai Yi had controlled his strength.
Tantai Yi said, “It was my mistake. My words were careless, I did not mean to hurt you. I shall make it up to you properly.”
His attention had clearly shifted from Master Qian. His golden eyes shone like the sun, as if burning all in their gaze. “Lord Song may make a request, and I… will grant it.”
Song Pu smiled with delight. “Your Majesty, is this truly so?”
Tantai Yi said, “Indeed. If you have no request, I will decide for you.”
Embarrassed, Song Pu said, “All Your Majesty bestows is your affection. I… I would still wish for a reward, yet if I request anything, I fear it may offend Your Majesty.”
Tantai Yi’s gaze was intense. He smiled, “Then all shall be yours. I will select it personally. You may make one more request, and I shall grant it.”
Song Pu asked, surprised, “Even if my request offends Your Majesty?”
Tantai Yi’s eyes flickered, his smile warmer. “Of course. My word is my bond.”
Author’s Note:
Ah-Gou: I’m even a little looking forward to how Lord Song will “offend” me.
This chapter contains Ah-Pu’s scumbag quote: They’re all just playing around, only you are my beloved, Your Majesty (boyfriend).
Although it’s scummy, Ah-Gou inexplicably fell for it.
#Maybe our Ah-Gou is a naive and innocent dog.
ps. The rainbow fart from “Too Much River” is from *The Deer and the Cauldron*, just quoting it.
