Song Pu remained unconscious for several days. When he finally woke, the air around him was thick with the pungent scent of medicine.
“Qingmei…” His throat was parched, his body weak, and his head swam.
Qingmei did not come. His mouth felt terribly dry, and he licked his lips with effort. After gathering a little strength, he called the maid’s name several more times.
But the person who hurried in from outside was not Qingmei. Instead it was a fresh-faced young servant, only twelve or thirteen, his features still childish. “Young Master, you’re awake!”
He cried out in delight. Seeing Song Pu repeatedly licking his lips, he hurried to pour a cup of water from the table and brought it over.
Song Pu drank more than half the cup from the boy’s hand. When his throat was finally moistened, he asked, “Where is Qingmei?”
The boy replied, “Sister Qingmei has been transferred to serve in Madam’s courtyard. This servant was newly assigned by the master to attend Young Master.”
He added cautiously, “Young Master, you are not yet well. You must rest quietly.”
Song Pu could still feel pain throughout his body. Those first few blows had struck bone and flesh alike, and his spine still throbbed with a dull ache. Yet his body was so weak that the sharpness of the pain seemed strangely muted.
“Qingmei was doing perfectly well in my courtyard. Why move her away?” Song Pu felt as though nothing was going his way, and his tone inevitably grew sharp.
The young servant hesitated before answering, “I heard it was ordered by His Majesty.”
Song Pu fell silent.
That damned emperor. What grudge does he have against me?
He lay back again, staring silently at the canopy above.
The servant asked with concern, “Young Master, would you like something to eat? I can ask the kitchen to prepare it.”
Song Pu had been lying there for quite some time. After the punishment he had even developed a high fever, throwing the whole household into chaos, though he scarcely remembered any of it. He only knew he felt terribly weary, weak beyond words, with barely the strength to move a finger. He did not feel particularly hungry, but after a moment’s thought he still asked for a bowl of vegetable noodles.
The servant ran out like the wind. After he left, Song Pu closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep for a while.
Before the boy returned, Madam Song came to see him. She sat beside the bed and touched his forehead, letting out a long breath. “At last the fever has broken.”
Then she smiled. “Ah-Pu has always been delicate since childhood. He cannot be scolded or beaten. Yet whenever he catches a chill and runs a fever, he recovers quickly. It shows his constitution is still quite sound.”
Seeing his mother gave Song Pu a little strength at last. He asked the question that had troubled him the entire time.
“…What exactly did I say in front of His Majesty?”
Madam Song studied his expression before replying, “Let us not speak of that yet. Eat something first. When your body is stronger, we can talk.”
Song Pu said calmly, “Mother, you needn’t spare my feelings. Even if you say that I cursed him as a ‘dog emperor’ to his face, I can remain perfectly calm.”
Madam Song froze, clutching her handkerchief. “…My son, you truly did use those exact words to insult His Majesty.”
Song Pu blinked with difficulty. “R-really?”
“Of course it is true,” she said. “You must never drink again. Drink truly brings disaster. If your ge had not taken the remaining eighteen blows in your place, you might have lost half your life.”
Song Pu’s face flushed red with shame, still unable to believe it. “I actually called him that to his face?”
No wonder his father had been so furious that he opened the ancestral hall to punish him. At best this was grave disrespect. At worst it was deceiving the emperor. Outwardly he had always shown such admiration and reverence for the emperor, yet privately he called him a dog emperor. Anyone would be angry. With that emperor’s arrogant nature, deception would be utterly intolerable. Killing him on the spot would not have been impossible.
And yet this time the emperor had let it pass?
Song Pu’s heart filled with unease and his mind went blank. He had always been thick-skinned and had never thought it wrong to call him that in his heart. But one night of drinking had spilled everything.
Madam Song said, “Although His Majesty said he would not pursue the matter, he also said he does not wish to see you for the time being. You should rest and recover. There is no urgency from the palace now.”
Song Pu’s face turned pale. “What does His Majesty mean? Does he no longer want me serving at his side?”
Madam Song herself seemed puzzled. “After you were punished, His Majesty sent someone with medicine for your wounds. That Eunuch Cao was very concerned about you. When he heard you had a fever, he even went to the Imperial Medical Bureau to invite a physician to treat you. Since he values you so highly, he may still wish you to serve him.”
Hearing that an imperial physician had been sent, Song Pu felt a ripple of doubt.
The emperor was not usually so magnanimous. After being insulted and deceived, he still sent medicine and summoned a physician? However he considered it, the matter seemed rather strange.
Just then a maid arrived with the noodles Song Pu had asked for, and Madam Song fell silent, watching him eat.
Song Pu had not felt hungry before, but the fright he had just experienced gave the simple bowl of vegetable noodles the feeling of a last meal before execution. He ate it so thoroughly that not even a drop of broth remained.
Seeing his appetite, Madam Song smiled. “Still hungry? Shall I have them bring more?”
Song Pu set the bowl down solemnly. “Hunger. Terrible hunger. I can eat more.”
Madam Song brightened at once. “Good, good. I will have the kitchen prepare more. Eat well and you will recover faster.”
And so Song Pu ate quite a lot, stopping only when his stomach was round and full.
By now he could actually get out of bed, but even the slightest movement tore at the slowly healing flesh of his back and caused unbearable pain. The weather was also growing warmer, and the bandages wrapped around him were not very breathable, so the dressings had to be changed frequently.
Song Lingyun brought him some scar-removing ointment and had the young servant apply it.
Song Pu forced a smile. “I am a man. A few scars mean nothing. There is no need to go to such trouble.”
Song Lingyun replied, “If scars remain on your body, it displeases me. For my sake, behave and apply this ointment properly. Do not waste a single drop.”
Song Pu made a soft sound of assent.
The young servant applied the ointment very gently and caused him little pain. Song Pu looked at the boy for a moment and asked, “What is your name?”
The boy replied cheerfully, “This servant is called Denglong.”
“How old are you?”
“Thirteen.”
“Can you read?”
Denglong blinked. “No.”
Song Lingyun said, “If you are so bored, why not talk with me instead?”
Song Pu asked, “About what?”
Song Lingyun glanced at Denglong, who immediately withdrew.
Once they were alone, Song Lingyun said, “Mother has already come to see you and told you what happened. Now I will ask you again. Do you still wish to serve at His Majesty’s side?”
Song Pu fell silent.
The mere thought made him feel deeply embarrassed. In front of Tantai Yi his carefully constructed persona had completely collapsed. How was he supposed to mend it now?
If he continued flattering him, that single cry of “dog emperor” would forever stick in his throat. Tantai Yi would surely see him as utterly hypocritical.
But if he changed his approach entirely, that would be another deception. When Tantai Yi eventually realised it, his death might not be far away.
He truly felt trapped between two impossible choices.
Seeing his troubled expression, Song Lingyun understood his hesitation.
“There is some affection between you,” he said calmly. “With His Majesty’s temperament, the fact that he did not pursue the matter, sent medicine, and even summoned a physician to the residence shows the matter has passed. If you still wish to serve him, it may not be impossible. Say a few more pleasant words and you may yet smooth it over.”
Song Pu felt his heart leap with alarm. “Ge, do not say such things. Walls have ears.”
Song Lingyun smiled faintly. “You are cautious in all matters, Ah-Pu. How was it that once drunk you revealed everything?”
Song Pu said nothing.
Song Lingyun’s voice softened. “I do not blame you, nor is it your fault. Your heart is simply too soft. Yet if you no longer wish to remain at his side, I can help you.”
Song Pu blinked. “How?”
“I can send you to our maternal grandfather in Yunan. We will claim you are gravely ill and have gone there to seek treatment. The emperor is far away. Even if he urgently summons you back, I can say your illness has worsened beyond cure. In this vast world he will have no way to verify it. Whatever we say will become the truth.”
It was indeed a good plan, Song Pu thought.
Seeing the hesitation in his expression ease slightly, Song Lingyun relaxed. “There is no hurry. Think about it carefully. Give me your answer in three days and I will make preparations immediately.”
Song Pu asked, “Have you told Father and Mother?”
“No. The fewer people who know, the better. Mother is too straightforward. Someone might coax the truth from her. Better not to tell her.”
Song Pu lowered his eyes. “Let me think about it.”
Although his words still held hesitation, in truth he was already mostly persuaded. Yet he felt uneasy letting Song Lingyun shoulder the consequences of his mistake.
“If His Majesty learns that my illness is only an excuse, will he become angry and implicate the Song family?”
Song Lingyun laughed. “You foolish boy. Ours is still the Duke’s household, with a noble title and the old master, a minister who has served three reigns. They will not move against the entire house because of you alone. Do not worry.”
Song Pu breathed a sigh of relief. “Ge, let me think about it a little longer.”
Song Lingyun showed no impatience when he heard this. He already knew Song Pu was wavering and would most likely agree in the end.
Tantai Yi did not remain long at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Early the next morning he returned to the palace.
These past few days he had been restless, refusing even to summon Chang Jiangming and the others.
At noon that day he drank a bowl of sweet soup, yet his mood was still foul. After injuring several guards in the practice arena, he began venting his temper.
Cao Xi entered the arena with his head lowered and reported the situation at the Song residence. “Young Master Song woke at the hour of Si. He is much improved now.”
Tantai Yi’s golden eyes brightened slightly, and the anger on his face subsided at once. “He has truly awakened?”
Cao Xi replied, “Young Master Song is weak, and the wounds from his punishment have not yet healed. Though he has woken, he still cannot leave his bed.”
Tantai Yi drove the sword in his hand point-first into the ground, his mood suddenly lightened. “Cao Xi. Summon Duke Song to the palace.”
Cao Xi paused briefly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
*
When Duke Song entered the palace, he felt somewhat uneasy. He had heard some of the rumours circulating in the palace these past few days, that Tantai Yi had been losing his temper frequently, which showed he was in a very poor mood.
Now that he had been summoned to the palace, could it be that the emperor had reconsidered the matter, grown angrier the more he thought about it, and intended to punish his youngest son again?
His mind was heavy with worry, and the concern showed clearly on his face. Yet when Cao Xi brought him to the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he immediately composed himself, not allowing the emperor to see even a trace of what he was thinking.
Cao Xi said softly, “Duke Song, please wait here for a moment. This servant will go and inform His Majesty.”
With that, he entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation. But this time he did not come out again.
Duke Song gradually grew anxious as he waited. The sun overhead burned fiercely, and before long his face had turned red from the heat.
Only when the blazing sun had shifted from the eastern sky to the western did Cao Xi finally emerge. His face was full of apology.
“Please step inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Duke Song.”
Duke Song wished to ask why he had been kept waiting so long. Yet the sun had not burned the wits out of his head. After a moment’s thought he understood that the emperor had deliberately meant to trouble him.
He shook his head to clear his mind, then stepped into the hall.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation was where successive emperors conducted state affairs and received their ministers. It was a solemn and austere place. Unless the emperor specifically granted a seat, any official who came here had to kneel.
Duke Song was a man of distinguished rank and by rights should have been offered a seat. Yet Tantai Yi did not grant one, and the duke could only kneel obediently on the floor.
He lifted his head slightly and glanced forward. But he did not see Tantai Yi at all.
At that moment he was the only person in the entire hall.
Duke Song could not help but smile bitterly.
Only when the sun was setting behind the western hills did Cao Xi finally arrive again.
“His Majesty indulged somewhat too freely in drink,” he said. “He is now so drunk that he cannot wake. He was therefore unable to come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Duke Song may withdraw for now and need not concern himself with it.”
Duke Song had knelt the entire afternoon and could scarcely feel his legs anymore. Hearing Cao Xi speak like this, he could not show the slightest resentment.
“In that case, this minister will take his leave.”
He could not even stand. Fortunately Cao Xi had anticipated this and summoned two guards to carry him out.
After escorting Duke Song out of the palace, Cao Xi returned to report.
Tantai Yi gave a cold snort. “Lord Song is still unable to rise from his bed. Since Duke Song is his father, he should naturally share in the hardship.”
Cao Xi knew that Tantai Yi was blaming the duke for opening the ancestral hall and punishing Young Master Song. Yet treating Duke Song this way was indeed somewhat excessive.
Such thoughts, however, he dared only keep to himself. He would never speak them aloud.
Looking at Tantai Yi again, his mood had clearly improved. A faint smile even curved at the corner of his lips as he murmured to himself,
“I have vented a little anger on Lord Song’s behalf. When he comes to see me, I can speak with him properly.”
Cao Xi thought silently to himself that this was hardly venting anger. It was more like making an enemy.
*
Song Pu had remained bedridden and had not stepped outside, so he did not know that Duke Song had been carried home.
Duke Song was first the pillar and public face of the entire Song family, and only afterwards the head of the eldest branch. Seeing him return in such a state, clearly punished by the emperor, caused the other branches of the family to stir restlessly.
In the Liang dynasty, noble titles were inherited by the legitimate eldest son. Thus the ducal title could only pass to Song Jingrong, the eldest son of the Song family. After him it would pass to his son Song Lingyun. In short, the other branches had no connection to it at all.
This imbalance of fortune at birth was felt most strongly in the household of the second son, Song Zhiming, who did not bother to conceal the ugliness of his resentment.
Though it was still early, Song Zhiming was already lying in bed with his wife Zhao Shi. Laughter drifted from the room as though they were sharing private pillow talk. But if one listened carefully, it became clear they were discussing his elder brother Song Jingrong.
“That branch has truly angered His Majesty,” Song Zhiming said with undisguised delight. “Not only was that wastrel second son punished, even my elder brother could not escape.”
“Your elder brother simply had the good fortune of birth,” Zhao Shi said jealously. “If he were not the legitimate eldest son, how could he inherit the ducal title? In both talent and ability he is inferior to you. I truly feel indignant on your behalf.”
Song Zhiming nodded emphatically. “If Mother had miscarried him at the beginning, I would be the eldest son. The entire Duke’s household would be mine. I would not be so frustrated now. It is all my elder brother’s fault.”
Zhao Shi said, “In seven days His Majesty will select consorts for the imperial harem. Why don’t we send a daughter into the palace? If she gains even a little favour, she might whisper a few words beside his pillow and persuade His Majesty to make an exception, strip Song Jingrong of the ducal title, and bestow it on you instead.”
Even as she spoke she was already calculating in her heart. Song Zhiming had taken the duty of producing heirs very seriously and had brought concubines into the household year after year. By now he had three sons and five daughters. Two sons and three daughters were born of concubines. Among those illegitimate daughters, several were quite pretty.
Song Zhiming, however, did not know what she was thinking. Hearing her words, he glared at her in disgust. “You women know nothing of such matters. In this dynasty, titles are abolished only if there is no heir. My elder brother has a son. Unless he commits treason, His Majesty has no reason to strip him of his title.”
This was precisely what filled Song Zhiming with jealousy and resentment. Some things were truly decided from the moment of birth. They were born from the same mother, yet their status was worlds apart.
Zhao Shi, scolded in this way, grew angry as well. “Yes, yes, I am only a woman and understand nothing. Jiang Qingling understands everything. A lowly merchant’s daughter from Jiangnan married Song Jingrong and became the mistress of the entire Song household, throwing her weight around and even charming the younger brothers. Of course I cannot compare.”
Song Zhiming choked on his anger and slapped her across the face. “If you do not learn to hold your tongue, even if I spare you, my elder brother will not.”
“I am from a prince’s household myself,” Zhao Shi retorted furiously. “If you were not at least passably handsome, do you think I would have married you? You dare strike me? Aren’t you afraid I will expose your filthy thoughts?”
The two immediately began grappling with each other.
Their quarrel was so loud that Song Jian and Song Wanyu heard it. They poked their heads out of their room, listened for a moment, realised the couple were fighting again, and quietly slipped back inside instead of trying to intervene.
“Ge, this wretched creature is so hateful,” Song Wanyu complained bitterly. “I gave it food but it would not eat, and it even scratched me.”
She glared at the white cat in the cage with venomous eyes, murderous intent already forming.
Song Jian hurriedly asked, “Where were you hurt?”
“Luckily I pulled back in time,” she said. “Otherwise my hand would have been scarred.”
Song Jian examined her hand carefully. “This beast recognises only its master. Why insist on keeping it?”
“I want it,” Song Wanyu snapped. “Why should Song Pu have one when I do not? Why does he get such a beautiful cat?”
Song Jian hesitated. “After all, it was bestowed by the emperor. What if someone traces it back to us?”
Song Wanyu took a stick and jabbed the white cat with it. The cat let out a pitiful howl. Hearing it cry eased her temper a little.
“Only the two of us know,” she said with a grin. “If you say nothing and I say nothing, no one will ever find out.”
Song Jian relaxed somewhat. “That is true. But if we keep it here, Father and Mother might notice. We must hide it.”
“I will not hide it somewhere else,” Song Wanyu protested. “If it is hidden away, how can I play with it?”
Song Jian kicked the cage lightly. The white cat shrank into itself, trembling violently. Its snow-white fur stood on end and it looked utterly terrified.
A surge of irritation and dislike rose in his heart. “This wretched animal has only followed Song Pu for a few days, yet it already recognises him as master. When we tease it, it looks like this. Truly detestable.”
Song Wanyu said calmly, “Beat it a few more times and it will be fine. Just like with our elder sisters. Treat them badly ten times, then show them a little kindness once, and they are so grateful they could cry. Do the same to it. Within three days it will know who its real master is.”
Song Jian smiled approvingly. “You are clever, little sister.”
Song Wanyu lifted her chin proudly. “Mother says I am suited to become the mistress of a household.”
Song Jian clapped his hands. “Then we will do exactly as you say.”
*
Song Pu still did not know where his cat Doufu had gone.
Madam Song, however, was aware that the cat was missing.
For the past few days Song Pu had been ill and she had remained by his side caring for him. The maids had been coming and going constantly. When Doufu disappeared, no one noticed at first. By the time they realised, the cat was nowhere to be found.
They called for it everywhere, but it never appeared.
The maid responsible for caring for Doufu was named Xizhu. She was usually very capable and had looked after the cat meticulously. She had only gone once to Song Pu’s courtyard to fetch cat food. When she returned, the window had been pushed open and Doufu was gone.
After searching the entire courtyard without success, Xizhu burst into tears and apologised repeatedly to Madam Song.
Madam Song was generally kind toward her servants. Seeing the girl so distraught, she first comforted her and then ordered people to search outside the courtyard.
Although the cat was a rare breed treasured by nobles, it was still a cat. Agile by nature, it could easily leap over the low courtyard wall. If it was not in the mistress’s courtyard, it must be somewhere outside.
In any case it could not possibly escape the Duke’s residence. The high surrounding walls made sure of that.
The search by Madam Song’s servants caused quite a commotion throughout the entire mansion.
When the search party reached the courtyard of the second branch, the sheer noise and activity made Song Wanyu and Song Jian turn pale with fright.
“Why send so many people to look for us? Are they going to search the house as well?”
Song Wanyu was frightened too. She jabbed at the cat a few more times with her stick. “Stop meowing, or I’ll beat you to death!”
The cat, in pain, let out a pitiful mew.
Song Wanyu cried urgently, “Still meowing! You’re still meowing!”
Song Jian quickly grabbed her hand. “If you don’t hit it, how will it cry out? Hide it first, don’t let them see it.”
Dropping the stick, Song Wanyu grabbed a rag and covered the cage. Still worried it might make a sound, she turned to Song Jian. “Ge, find a way to stop it from crying. Its meow is so piercing; if they come in, they’ll definitely hear it.”
Footsteps grew louder outside. Song Jian’s heart hammered, and without thinking, he blurted, “Just kill it!”
Song Wanyu froze for a moment, then exclaimed, “I haven’t had enough fun yet! You can’t kill it!”
Song Jian sighed in defeat. “I’ll carry it out the window. If anyone asks, just say I went out on business.”
Song Wanyu thought that a good plan and nodded. Song Jian hurriedly lifted the cage and clambered out the window.
No sooner had Song Wanyu closed it than Xizhu and her group burst into the room.
…
Song Pu lay in bed, bored out of his mind, and picked up the storybook Chang Jiangming had given him.
There wasn’t much to read. Ancient writing often flowed like consciousness itself; at first glance it was all subtle, almost indecipherable imagery—flowing water, winding paths, the cryptic saying “nine shallows and one deep to reveal the realm of clarity.” Whether he was describing scenery or hinting at deeper meaning, it could be read subtly or directly. It was impossible to say definitively.
Bored as he was, he could still continue.
Denglong entered, changing his dressings, and mentioned how Duke Song had been helped back home.
Song Pu blinked, astonished. “Any other news?”
Denglong rolled up the used bandages, washed his hands, and blinked his round eyes at him innocently. “I don’t know, Young Master, but things outside have grown lively. Something seems to have been lost, and the Mistress has sent people everywhere searching.”
Song Pu didn’t think much of it at first; his mind was entirely on what could have happened to Duke Song in the palace. Why had he been helped home? Had he been punished?
Frustrated and sinking in mood, he muttered, “Once my bandages are changed, I’m going to Serene Cloud Villa to see for myself.”
Serene Cloud Villa was where Song’s mother lived, and naturally, Duke Song resided there too.
Denglong hesitated. “Young Master, your wounds aren’t fully healed. Perhaps you shouldn’t go?”
“I can’t wait,” Song Pu said.
Denglong, lacking a strong will, didn’t argue further. After changing his dressings, she fetched his clothes and helped him dress. Painful as it was to move, Song Pu finally managed to get ready.
Walking aggravated the wound, so he leaned on Denglong for support. Though only twelve or thirteen, Denglong was already almost a young man and more than capable of supporting Song Pu. Slowly, they made their way towards Serene Cloud Villa.
The path led through a courtyard with a pond the size of a football pitch, winding corridors, and artificial hills adorned with greenery. Normally, a stroll there would have been pleasant, but with injuries and urgency, the long walk felt torturous.
Partway along the corridor, Denglong suddenly whispered, “Young Master, look. There’s someone over there.”
Song Pu followed his finger and saw a furtive figure in the distance. The light was fading, but he could make out the person’s face: it was Song Jian from the second branch of the family.
He disliked Song Jian and didn’t want to look further. He was about to tell Denglong to leave when Denglong’s voice rose in urgency, “Young Master, isn’t that Young Master Song Jian holding your cat?”
Startled, Song Pu whipped his head around. Sure enough, Song Jian was holding Doufu.
Song Pu’s breathing became rapid, his voice hoarse and sharp: “Song Jian! What are you doing!”
Startled by the shout, Song Jian threw the cat into the pond and ran off.
Song Pu watched helplessly, eyes blazing, and was about to jump in, but Denglong grabbed him. “Young Master, you can’t! I’ll go!”
With that, Denglong dived in first.
Doufu couldn’t swim, flailing helplessly, letting out pitiful cries. Anyone hearing it would have been moved; Song Pu couldn’t believe someone could be so cruel. His breathing, coupled with the dull ache from his wound, made his chest burn. He gripped a nearby mahogany pillar, digging his nails into it until they bled.
Fortunately, Denglong was a capable swimmer. Soon, he reached Doufu, scooped him up, and headed for the shore.
Once ashore, Denglong ran to Song Pu, holding the drenched cat triumphantly. “Young Master, look! I rescued him! He’s clever, he didn’t scratch me at all, as if he knew I came to save him.”
Song Pu’s tense body relaxed, a weak smile appearing. “Doufu is clever. He knows who treats him well and who doesn’t.”
Doufu stretched out his paws towards Song Pu, mewing softly, as if seeking a hug and telling him of his woes.
Song Pu nearly cried. Ignoring his wet state, he hugged him. Immediately, he noticed something was wrong. His front paws hung limp, as if broken.
His heart sank. Checking carefully, he found bruises all over her body, some even bleeding.
Song Pu trembled with anger.
Denglong suggested carefully, “Young Master, shouldn’t we postpone visiting Serene Cloud Villa? Better to tend to Doufu first, so he doesn’t catch a chill.”
Reluctantly, Song Pu agreed. “Let’s go back first.”
The journey to Song’s mother’s house would wait; Doufu’s injuries came first. Denglong fetched a doctor.
The commotion soon reached Mother Song. Furious, she went to question the second branch of the family.
Madam Zhao, however, argued: “It’s just a cat! If this one’s gone, I’ll give you more. My son didn’t know his strength. Do you really want to punish him over a cat? Word would get out, and people would laugh!”
Mother Song, clumsy with words, argued back, “That’s a royal cat bestowed by His Majesty! Song Jian has shown disrespect; if His Majesty finds out, what then?”
Madam Zhao, slightly intimidated but still obstinate, replied, “I’ve seen His Majesty’s attitude toward your eldest son’s household. If he likes him, the cat is royal; if not, it’s just an animal. Not everyone treats His Majesty’s gifts as seriously as you!”
Mother Song fumed. This Madam Zhao could be called “Zhao the Bold.” Just as she opened her mouth, a melodious voice interrupted, “Who said I don’t like Lord Song? You said it!”
…
Song Pu, hugging Doufu, wiped away tears. Denglong finally brought the doctor.
“Her front paw is broken. Could you splint it?” he asked.
“My skills are basic, but if you don’t mind, I’ll have a look,” the doctor said.
“You’re our family’s most experienced doctor. I trust you. Please,” Song Pu insisted.
The doctor, skilled and familiar with the household, quickly set to work. “Cats have nine lives. Don’t worry, it’s just a broken paw. A splint and some ointment, and he’ll heal in under a month. Careful handling, though; no running around,” he instructed.
Doufu, obedient as ever, lay quietly while treated.
Suddenly, Denglong burst in, excited. “Young Master! His Majesty is here again!”
Song Pu paled.
Denglong, unaware of his inner panic, continued cheerfully, “Sister Qingmei said His Majesty came by and just happened to see the Mistress confronting the Second Madam. He was delayed, but now he’s on his way!”
Song Pu: “…”
It was still possible to feign serious illness! Reason told him he had time.
He had Denglong take the doctor and Doufu to the next room, then burrowed into bed. The strong scent of medicine helped mask him.
Soft footsteps approached.
Song Pu buried his face in the blankets, pretending to sleep.
Tantai Yi paused at the door, then entered without knocking. The medicinal smell hit him. It was a mixture of pungent and sweet that made his head spin. As he moved to open the window, Cao Xi whispered, “Young Master Song had a fever. He’s only just recovered; drafts are unwise.”
Tantai Yi withdrew, slightly displeased that the comment implied negligence. He glanced at Cao Xi and said, “Leave.”
The room now held only him and Lord Song. In good spirits, Tantai Yi lit a candle, bathing the room in light.
“Lord Song, are you asleep?” he asked, sitting beside him.
Seeing Song Pu prone, wounded, he felt pity. Recalling the day he had left Song Pu’s room, he now couldn’t restrain himself. His body warmed, and he reached to touch Song Pu’s face. “The ointment I gave you that day was for your mouth. You worked so hard, I didn’t mind. I just didn’t expect the Duke to make such a fuss and punish you. I’ve given him a small warning to vent your anger. I wonder how you’ll repay me?”
Song Pu, eyes closed, felt the hand stroke his face, finally brushing his lips. Confused, he didn’t understand.
Tantai Yi’s voice was gentle, as if he truly hadn’t minded his earlier words.
This was strange. Could the “dog emperor” really be so magnanimous? Something felt off.
Feigning dazed confusion, Song Pu grabbed Tantai Yi’s hand, opened his eyes vaguely, then closed them. Abruptly, he sat up, perfectly portraying someone startled awake.
Tantai Yi, seeing this, showed no guilt. His golden eyes softened as he asked, “Lord Song, you’re so frightened to see me?”
Doufu’s incident had left Song Pu’s eyes red and glistening with fear, making him pitifully endearing.
Seeing such fragility stirred a fire in Tantai Yi, a scorching sensation through his bones and flesh. He reached out, pinching Song Pu’s chin gently, smiling. “Lord Song, why don’t you use that mouth of yours to repay me again?”
