Chapter 26: Imperial Grace

Song Pu didn’t think too much of Tantai Yi’s words, assuming he still wanted to hear more flattery, and was momentarily surprised at the emperor’s self-admiration.

Still, he felt that his own praise was hardly brilliant enough to leave the emperor lingering, and so a flicker of doubt arose.

Yet Song Pu had met confident, narcissistic people like Tantai Yi before and considered himself somewhat versed in their ways; the doubt quickly faded.

Tantai Yi released Song Pu’s chin and continued, “Minister Song is still unwell. Once you have fully recovered, then you may attend to me.”

Song Pu came to his senses and asked cautiously, “Your Majesty, do you mind my drunken ramblings?”

Tantai Yi narrowed his eyes slightly. “Minister Song misspoke; I can pretend I did not hear it. But if it happens again, I will not be so lenient.”

The predicament that had weighed on him for so long had been resolved so effortlessly that he could not help but exhale in relief. His previously restrained and anxious feelings relaxed considerably.

He bowed on the bed and said, “Your Majesty is gracious. I am deeply grateful. From now on, I will be careful with my words and deeds, and will never touch alcohol again.”

He dared not speak too freely, fearing that Tantai Yi might reconsider and punish him further.

Tantai Yi said, “Minister Song’s drunken state is most pleasing to me. I permit you to be drunk in my presence.”

Song Pu blinked in astonishment. His drinking habits were so poor that he had cursed the emperor outright while inebriated. And yet Tantai Yi actually allowed it?

He remained puzzled, but Tantai Yi brushed past the subject. “Take off your clothes. Let me see your injuries.”

Recalling the matter with Duke Song, Song Pu asked delicately, “Did Your Majesty punish my father to avenge me?”

Tantai Yi replied matter-of-factly, “I clearly told Duke Song that nothing had happened. Yet he dared to reprimand you on my behalf! I must ask him, as your father, how he could be so cruel. I pity you, so naturally I am avenging you.”

Of course, Tantai Yi knew he shared some blame. After the Duke had promised to teach him a lesson, Song Pu would naturally be ‘handled’ in full.

But given Tantai Yi’s nature, how could he admit it was his own vagueness that led to Song Pu’s punishment? As emperor, even mistakes were always the fault of others; he must remain immaculate and blameless.

Song Pu remained silent.

Tantai Yi’s logic seemed sound. Though Song Pu was almost swayed, a moment’s reflection revealed just how suffocating his actions were.

Duke Song was his father; father and son were one. Punishing him was, in effect, punishing Song Pu too. If he had not known Tantai Yi’s arrogance, he might have thought the emperor was deliberately toying with him.

Song Pu said with difficulty, “Duke Song is my father, and naturally has the right to admonish me. I indeed misspoke; the fault was mine. Your Majesty may forgive me, but I am responsible for the Duke’s household, and therefore deserved punishment. Your Majesty’s pity makes me feel ashamed, yet I am also moved by your benevolence. You truly possess the spirit of a great emperor.”

Tantai Yi’s tone grew soft and sweet. “I understand your feelings, Minister Song. Why would I punish you for a moment of drunken words? I show you a leniency that no one else does. There is no need for fear; simply treat me as you always have.”

Song Pu said, trembling, “Your Majesty’s favour overwhelms me. I shall serve you faithfully henceforth.”

Tantai Yi said, “Remember what you have said today. Forget it, and I will not forgive you.”

Song Pu agreed.

“Show me the injury. I have asked twice already.”

“I am terrified,” Song Pu replied, removing his clothing to reveal his shoulder and back.

Tantai Yi saw the strips of cloth, some still stained with blood, and frowned. “Duke Song is truly cruel, to wound Minister Song so. It seems I was too lenient. If you still feel resentment, I will punish your father further. I cannot break his bones, but I can make him bedridden for a few days, as you were.”

“…No, let it be.”

“Your Majesty’s compassion humbles me. But my father is innocent. Please, do not make things hard for him.”

Tantai Yi said, “Minister Song is pleading for Duke Song?”

In truth, Tantai Yi understood everything perfectly. He was recalling days of grievance under the late emperor, when his thirst for vengeance had been fierce. Seeing Song Pu’s suffering stirred a pang of empathy, and personal feelings had momentarily outweighed reason, leading him to punish the Duke.

He was secretly pleased, thinking himself considerate, though he had not expected Song Pu to be so ungrateful.

Calming himself, he sneered before Song Pu could speak, “Minister Song and his father have a deep bond. It seems I have become the villain.”

He felt a sudden irritation.

Song Pu, masterful at reading him, sensed the change immediately and quickly said, “How could Your Majesty be a villain? Though your actions may seem improper, they were truly for my sake. From sending medicine to summoning the imperial physician, to punishing my father to avenge me, all showed your concern. How could such a ruler be a villain? Why belittle yourself so, making me feel so ashamed that I wish I could die on the spot?”

Tantai Yi enjoyed hearing him speak, but he sensed that Song Pu’s tone was now subdued, unlike his previous passionate and commanding speech. It stirred a strange frustration, a sense of distance. “…It is enough that you understand, Minister Song.”

His mood was darkened.

As they remained silent, a commotion arose outside. Cao Xi’s voice scolding someone carried in. Song Pu peeked out, asking, “Who is causing a disturbance?”

Tantai Yi smiled. “When I arrived at the Song residence, I sent no word ahead. I only wanted to surprise Minister Song, but instead I’ve seen a couple of amusing things.”

Song Pu remembered what Denglong had said about Tantai Yi stumbling upon his mother and second wife. Understanding dawned, and he said, “Your Majesty, it was my fault. I failed to protect Dou… Liuli, and he was injured.”

Tantai Yi said, “I know. Minister Song should know that I rarely grant rewards. Since I can remember, you are only the second person I have ever rewarded. Every reward I give is a token of my goodwill. If that goodwill is insulted, even the late emperor would not escape my wrath.”

He sneered, lowering his voice. “The women of the inner quarters have such narrow eyes. They have quite opened mine. And now they’ve even come before me, thinking they are untouchable.”

A cold, violent undertone crept into his words.

Seeing this, Song Pu recalled that he was indeed a tyrant, who at the start had often threatened others with slow slicing. He had been blinded by favour and forgotten this truth.

Tantai Yi’s expression changed instantly. Smiling at Song Pu, he said, “That woman has bullied you. If I avenge you, would you be pleased?”

Song Pu asked cautiously, “How does Your Majesty intend to exact vengeance?”

Tantai Yi said, “I could throw her into the Dark Prison. A month or two there, and her body will be ruined. She is, after all, your relative. If I were to kill her, you might regret it and blame me.”

Song Pu said nothing. Seeing his expression so reluctant and mild, Tantai Yi did not find him unpleasant. His innocence remained endearing; being called ‘dog emperor’ seemed almost affectionate.

Tantai Yi spoke for him. “She offended me. Even without avenging you, I would punish her. You need not speak; I have decided. As for Song Jian and Song Wanyu, I will not let them off either. To insult my gifts is to insult me, to trample my dignity. I would be lenient even if I skinned them alive.”

Song Pu was indeed angered; hearing this, his own private fury flared, and he said nothing.

Outside, Cao Xi sent back Song Zhiming and Duke Song, who had come to plead. Seeing Tantai Yi had yet to emerge, he stood guard dutifully, ensuring no one disturbed them.

After a while, night had fallen. Tantai Yi said, “I am too lazy to return to the palace. Why not spend the night here, Minister Song?”

Song Pu was momentarily surprised. “Your Majesty, my humble abode is small. If you stay, I fear it would trouble you.”

Tantai Yi’s golden eyes gazed at him, voice soft and gentle. “With you here, Minister Song, how could I feel troubled?”

Shouldn’t it be Minister Song who felt troubled? Yet knowing he was still drunk and unaware, Tantai Yi said nothing further.

Since Tantai Yi intended to rest in his courtyard, Song Pu had Denglong prepare a side room.

But Tantai Yi refused. “I wish to sleep with you in the same bed.”

Song Pu was taken aback. “I have caught a chill and am not fully recovered. If Your Majesty sleeps with me, you might fall ill. Should your health suffer because of me, I would not know how to apologise.”

Tantai Yi said, “I am strong and have never been sick. If Lord Song infects me, I will recover, and it matters not.”

At this, he felt once more that he was exceedingly considerate and gentle. Since memory began, apart from his birth mother, who else had ever received such attention? Only Lord Song.

He genuinely hoped Song Pu would recover quickly, so he could summon him to serve again once fully well.

Seeing discussion was useless, Song Pu consented.

Tantai Yi had clearly prepared, bringing a change of clothes. He bathed in Song Pu’s tub, wearing only underpants, his undergarments half-draped, revealing a vast expanse of firm, sculpted abs.

Like a peacock courting, he displayed his body deliberately by candlelight, golden eyes flicking at Song Pu, who stared unabashedly.

Tantai Yi’s lips curled with self-satisfaction. “Why do you stare at me, Minister Song?”

Clasping his hands, a chill ran down Song Pu’s spine. Carefully, he replied, “Your Majesty, I admire your health and beauty. I am unworldly and easily surprised; please forgive me.”

These words, however, delighted Tantai Yi. His smile widened. “Since you are so envious, Minister Song, I will allow you to touch my abs.”