The next day, Song Pu rose at first light. He had matters weighing on his mind. Duke Song spoke to him several times, yet all he received were perfunctory “mm” and “yes” in reply. Unable to bear it, he raised his voice, “You seem distracted. Is something troubling you?”
Song Pu came back to himself and replied, “Your son has no troubles. Father need not worry.”
Duke Song said, “You do not look as though you are without troubles. Has His Majesty done something to you again?”
The imperial edict had not even been stamped, so it hardly counted as one. Duke Song had submitted it, yet Tantai Yi had not issued another in its place. It seemed he was treating the matter as though it had never happened.
Song Lingyun remained determined to go to the northern frontier. He had been beaten and scolded, all to no effect. Duke Song had fretted over it so much that several new lines had appeared on his forehead. Now, seeing his youngest son returning to serve in the palace, also looking troubled, he assumed it was because he had been too idle of late and now had to rise early again, which must have left him somewhat aggrieved. With that in mind, Duke Song consoled him, “When you serve at His Majesty’s side again, speak as little as before. I do not ask that you win great favour. So long as you behave yourself and keep to your place, that will suffice.”
Song Pu thought to himself that this was no longer a matter of simply behaving himself. The real issue was that his rear might soon be under siege. If Tantai Yi only coveted his silver tongue, that would be one thing. But if his designs extended further… then his life might very well end here. He needed to make careful plans for himself.
Though his mind churned, nothing showed on his face. He merely gave a quiet acknowledgement before drifting off into thought again.
Duke Song noticed a large bundle placed on the small table in the carriage. Reaching out towards it, he asked, “Why are you bringing something into the palace? Is it for His Majesty?”
Still lost in thought, Song Pu barely registered the question. Only when he glimpsed Duke Song’s hand reaching out did he pause, snapping back to himself. “Father, don’t touch it!”
But it was too late. The bundle had already been opened.
Song Pu’s outstretched hand froze mid-air.
Duke Song looked at the four bold characters on the title page, “Double Dragons Sporting with a Phoenix”, and an inscrutable expression appeared on his face. “This is…”
Song Pu said awkwardly, “It isn’t something I wanted…”
Duke Song examined the title page more closely. “Ah, a work by Laughing Hermit. My son has good taste.”
Song Pu: “…”
It was inevitably awkward for father and son to speak on such a topic, but Duke Song was, after all, a composed adult. He cleared his throat and said, “I have quite a number of Laughing Hermit’s works myself. If you like them, come to my study when we return home.”
So he was a long-time admirer.
Song Pu gave an awkward smile. “It isn’t mine. His Majesty asked me to find it for him.”
The fact that Song Pu supplied the Emperor with such books was no secret, and Duke Song was aware of it. But that was not the point. He fell silent for a moment before remarking softly, “His Majesty has good taste.”
…
Blushing, Song Pu carried the indecent illustrations into the palace.
He had something weighing on him and was in a hurry, so this time he was the first to arrive.
Yet Tantai Yi had risen unusually late.
Cao Xi led Song Pu to the entrance of Tantai Yi’s bedchamber and said in a low voice, “Lord Song, His Majesty had a fever last night and has not yet risen. He instructed that if you arrived, you were to come straight in.”
A bad premonition rose in Song Pu’s heart, though he had no time to dwell on it. The guards at the door inspected the bundle in his arms once more, confirming that he carried no weapons before allowing him inside.
It was only half past five in the morning. Though still early, the sky outside was already faintly bright, while the bedchamber itself was lit as brightly as day, easing some of Song Pu’s unease.
He walked towards the dragon bed and glanced lightly in its direction. The heavy bed curtains were drawn, obscuring Tantai Yi from view. After that brief look, he lowered his head and offered a salute. “Your Majesty, I trust you are well.”
Tantai Yi extended a hand and beckoned him. “Lord Song, come here.”
It was an exceptionally beautiful hand, long and fair, imbued with a masculine strength that briefly held Song Pu’s gaze. He quickly came back to himself, noticing that the Emperor’s voice was hoarse, carrying a faint heat, as though he truly had a high fever.
If he was unwell, it would hardly be appropriate to present him with such indecent illustrations.
With that thought, Song Pu set the bundle aside, rose from the floor, and approached the bed.
No sooner had he drawn near than Tantai Yi’s hand shot out, seizing his arm. With a forceful tug, Song Pu was pulled forward, toppling straight onto the dragon bed and falling behind the curtains.
“Your Majesty?!” Song Pu cried out in alarm.
Tantai Yi caught hold of his flailing hands and said, “Do not be afraid. I am here.”
Held tightly in his embrace, Song Pu’s vision went dark and his breathing faltered, nearly suffocating him.
“Your Majesty… could you let go? I can scarcely breathe,” Song Pu said.
Only then did Tantai Yi slowly release him. “Why are you so delicate, Lord Song? You cannot even endure a casual embrace from me.”
Freed at last, Song Pu felt his breathing ease. Hearing those words, he could not help but roll his eyes.
Tantai Yi did not notice his expression. Instead, he seized the back of Song Pu’s collar and lifted him up like a chick. Lowering his gaze, he saw that Song Pu had not removed his shoes. He reached out as if to take them off, but paused just before touching them, frowning in distaste. “Where have you been, Lord Song? These shoes are filthy. Take them off at once. If you soil my bed, I shall have you walk back barefoot.”
Still being held by the collar, Song Pu struggled to steady his breathing, irritation rising within him. Nevertheless, he complied, removing his shoes before kneeling properly on the bed.
Tantai Yi released his collar and sat there, smiling at him, his eyes bright as starlight. “Today, I shall broaden your horizons.”
With that, he produced a thick volume from behind him.
The moment Song Pu saw that tome, thick as a brick, his eyelids began to twitch violently. A sense of foreboding rose within him, and he hastily said, “Your Majesty, I have something of value I would like Your Majesty to appraise.”
Tantai Yi’s interest was piqued. With measured composure, he said, “Since Lord Song has something of value, you may begin.”
Song Pu hurried down from the bed, retrieved the bundle from the floor, and, knowing Tantai Yi’s fondness for cleanliness, opened it below before taking out the books. After removing his shoes again, he climbed back onto the bed.
“Your Majesty, please take a look. These are all rare pieces I have borrowed. Your Majesty will certainly be satisfied,” Song Pu said with utmost respect.
Tantai Yi reached out and took one from him. It happened to be the Laughing Hermit’s work that Song Pu had found particularly elegant in style.
Song Pu lifted his eyes, watching him with a measure of anticipation, hoping to glimpse some sign of interest or excitement. Instead, he was disappointed.
Tantai Yi frowned. “This is what you wished to show me?”
Song Pu asked nervously, “What does Your Majesty think?”
Tantai Yi tossed the book down before him, his brows darkening with displeasure. “I thought it was some treasure. It is merely erotic illustrations. I saw plenty of such things in my youth and long ago grew tired of them. Why do you present them like a child offering a curiosity?”
Song Pu: “……?”
He froze where he sat.
Then, as if nothing had happened, Tantai Yi’s expression brightened again, his voice softening. “I understand that Lord Song lacks experience. Today, I shall broaden your horizons.”
As he spoke, he pulled Song Pu into his arms and settled him against his chest. “Come, sit here. This is a posthumous work of the Founding Emperor, sent to me by a trusted confidant. The other figure is the Founding Emperor’s male consort. Upon closer inspection, he bears some resemblance to you.”
With that, he wrapped an arm around Song Pu and opened the thick volume before him.
Song Pu took one glance and felt as though he had shattered.
By his ear, Tantai Yi spoke gently, “I read through the night and have only reached a few dozen pages. Since you do not understand how men conduct such matters, you may as well read it together with me.”
Song Pu could hear a note of excitement in his voice. Pressed against him, the hairs on his back stood on end. “Your Majesty… will you truly not look at the illustrations I brought? If you do not like this one, I have others. Surely Your Majesty will find something to your taste…”
Before he could finish, he felt a warm breath against the back of his neck. His body stiffened.
Tantai Yi had leaned in and lightly bitten his ear.
The damp, faintly ticklish sensation made Song Pu’s scalp tingle.
Tantai Yi released him and asked in an entirely serious tone, “Lord Song, did that feel pleasant?”
