Song Lingyun was not a man to waver. The moment he left Song Pu, he went straight to see the Duke.
When Song Pu heard, he hurried to the Duke’s courtyard. Before he had even stepped inside, he heard the Duke scolding Song Lingyun.
“This is utter nonsense. You are perfectly comfortable in Yanjing, yet you insist on going to the northern frontier to suffer. If you truly wish to endure hardship, I will not stop you, but look at your mother. Can you bear to let her worry herself sick over you?”
The Duke still carried great authority before his son. Even Song Lingyun, usually compliant, stood calmly and said, “Father, I am not here to discuss it. I am merely informing you and Mother.”
The Duke was truly incensed. He raised a hand to point at him, ready to continue, but Song Pu quickly stepped in. “Father, let me speak with Ge.”
Seeing him, the Duke’s expression softened somewhat. “Then you talk to your brother. What is all this about? Is he not doing well as a commander in the firearms battalion? In time he could become a general. Why must he go to the frontier and suffer?”
Song Lingyun could not help a trace of mockery. “And what is so admirable about being a general in Yanjing? Guarding the city gates for the Emperor?”
The Duke snapped, “Mind your tone. Even guarding the gates is a position of importance. You aim too high.”
Realising there was no persuading him, Song Lingyun fell silent.
Song Pu tugged at the Duke’s sleeve. Only then did the Duke stop, still fuming, and say more mildly, “Go on, persuade him.”
With that, he left and shut the door behind them.
Song Pu looked at Song Lingyun and lowered his voice. “You really mean to go?”
Song Lingyun said nothing.
“Ge,” Song Pu continued, “you know what Prince Gong is like. He is scheming. Do not take his words at face value. Has he been stirring things up between us?”
Only then did Song Lingyun lift his gaze. “I have a question. You must answer me honestly.”
Song Pu sat obediently before him. “Go on. I will answer truthfully.”
Song Lingyun gathered his thoughts, then asked with difficulty, “Prince Gong said the Emperor asked you to attend him in bed. Is that true?”
He fixed his eyes on Song Pu, searching his expression.
Song Pu’s eyes widened in shock. “Of course not.”
Song Lingyun said nothing, still watching him closely.
Song Pu had expected something more serious, yet it was only this. His breathing quickened, though he forced himself to remain calm. “Ge, think about it carefully. His Majesty simply spoke without thinking…”
He glanced up at the ceiling, as though wary of being overheard, then chose his words more carefully. “At the time, His Majesty misspoke. He only asked me to sleep beside him…”
The moment he said “sleep”, Song Lingyun’s eyes seemed to blaze. Song Pu hurried to explain, “Just ordinary sleep, nothing more. Truly. His Majesty was joking. You can ask Chang Jiangming or Xie Nuoyu, they both know it was said in jest. I do not know what Prince Gong is trying to achieve, telling you this. You trust him, but not me?”
Song Lingyun’s voice remained taut. “Is that truly the case?”
Song Pu nodded repeatedly. “Of course. Ge, why do you always assume His Majesty favours men? You believe rumours far too easily.”
Song Lingyun studied him for a long moment before asking again, “Then why did His Majesty have you share his bed?”
“He wanted to keep listening to my stories,” Song Pu replied. “It is because he enjoys the tales I tell, not because of me.”
Song Lingyun gave a short laugh. “He is no child. Must he hear stories to fall asleep?”
Song Pu quickly shushed him. “Lower your voice.”
Seeing how cautious he was, Song Lingyun paused, then laughed. “Do you truly fear someone might be listening?”
Song Pu gave an awkward smile. “It is better to be careful.”
Seeing his lively manner and the absence of any shadow in his eyes, Song Lingyun’s anger eased considerably. He spoke more calmly. “Even without this matter, I would still go to the frontier. If you intend to persuade me otherwise, there is no need. My mind is made up.”
“I was not going to persuade you,” Song Pu said. “I think it is a good thing. A fine blade is honed through hardship, and the fragrance of plum blossom comes from bitter cold. You will gain much from the journey, so I will not stop you… though there is something I should tell you…”
He hesitated, glanced around, dipped his finger into his tea, and wrote a few words upon the table.
Song Lingyun’s pupils contracted at once. His lips moved, but no words came.
Song Pu patted his shoulder lightly. “Ge, to be honest, I have been living well, and happily. Do not act rashly. You have your own life. Do not tie it too tightly to mine.”
Even between brothers, one should not bear the weight of the other’s life. Song Lingyun was a good brother, but he had gone too far.
Given the current situation, Song Pu did not want him to rebel as he had in the original story.
Because of his connection with the Emperor, he would not side with Prince Gong. Yet the Emperor’s neglect of governance and arbitrary punishments made supporting him feel wrong as well. Either he changed him, or he remained neutral.
Song Pu had tried the former and now knew better. Neutrality was the only path left, though his heart still leaned slightly towards the Emperor.
Song Lingyun was struck by his brother’s insight and remained silent for a long while. At last he said, “Since recovering from your illness, you have become much sharper.”
Song Pu, having heard this more than once, asked curiously, “Was I truly so dull before?”
Song Lingyun thought back, his tone softening. “You likely remember nothing from before the age of five. You were precocious. At your first birthday, you grasped Father’s official seal. Everyone said you would have a brilliant future. And you did. You could recite poems at a year old, and draw as well. I remember you saw a wild rabbit once in the market and later drew it perfectly. Mother praised you, and you covered the door in rabbits with a stone. You had a hearty appetite, yet were fond of snacking. Mother made you eat small meals, so you went about tricking others into feeding you…”
As he spoke, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
Listening, Song Pu could picture it clearly. Seeing that smile only made him feel more uneasy.
Unaware, Song Lingyun continued, “But when you were five… something happened. After that, you became slow, the brightness gone from your eyes. People said your soul had been taken. They even summoned a priest to call it back, but it was of no use. At least you could still speak and recognise people, so the matter was left at that. I always thought your struggles with study were because that lost part of you never returned.”
His gaze settled on Song Pu, growing intent. “Since your recovery, your eyes remind me of when you were small. They have spirit again, and light. They are very beautiful.”
Though it was the same person, anyone could see the difference. Before, his gaze had been dull. Now it was lively and bright, and even his appearance seemed more refined.
Like a pearl wiped clean of dust, now shining brilliantly.
Hearing this, Song Pu felt as though waves were crashing within him.
Surely not, he thought.
Yet if it were true, many of his doubts would be explained. Why they looked the same, why they shared the same sensitivity to pain, even the same placement of moles.
If they were not the same person, how could it be explained?
His worldview wavered.
Then again, he had already transmigrated into a novel. Was any of this meant to be normal?
Thinking so, he slowly accepted it.
Putting that aside, he managed to calm Song Lingyun’s restless thoughts and returned.
The next day he was to go to the palace to continue telling stories. Having grown accustomed to waking after eight, returning to a four o’clock start proved difficult, and he very nearly failed to rise.
After hurriedly washing and eating, he stepped outside to find Song Lingyun waiting.
Surprised, he asked, “Ge, are you coming to the palace as well?”
Song Lingyun smiled. “I have business at the Ministry of War. It is on the way.”
Song Pu understood at once.
“You are going north without rank?” he asked quietly.
“Of course.”
Song Pu gave a small sigh. To give up a position in the capital and start anew at the frontier was no easy choice.
Song Lingyun reached out and ruffled his hair, his smile softening further. “I will not be in Yanjing. Be careful. I have left some men with you. Take them when you go out. If the Emperor ever forces you, write to me. One day, I will settle accounts with him.”
Hearing such dangerously rebellious words, Song Pu merely gave a vague reply. “Ge, take care of yourself as well. Do not overstrain yourself. If it becomes too much, come back.”
“I am not like you,” Song Lingyun said. “All delicate skin and soft flesh, more precious than a princess.”
Song Pu could only laugh awkwardly.
After parting, he entered the palace.
It had been some time since his last visit, and he noticed changes at once. The palace walls had been freshly painted, a vivid red, and the air carried the faint scent of damp plaster.
Ahead lay the training ground. At this hour, the Emperor was always there. Even at the summer residence, he had never missed a day. His physique was accordingly strong and well-formed.
Sure enough, he was sparring with his guards. His expression was casual, almost careless, yet the guards attacked fiercely. Even so, he needed only to defend to leave them drenched in sweat and short of breath.
Song Pu came to a halt beside Chang Jiangming. The latter brightened at once and greeted him quietly. Song Pu responded distractedly, his gaze already fixed on the Emperor.
At that very moment, the Emperor looked over. Their eyes met, light as a dragonfly skimming water.
In the next instant, he flicked his hand, knocking a guard’s sword from his grip, and strode towards him.
