Around the tenth month, a large-scale event, the Autumn Hunt, would be held.
This event, much like a modern school sports meet, took place annually and was a long-standing tradition.
When Tantai Yi mentioned it, a flicker of anticipation showed in his eyes. He said to Song Pu, “My two uncles will be attending.”
He was referring to the Prince of Huainan and the Prince of Yong’an.
Song Pu, curious about them, asked, “What is Your Majesty’s relationship with these two uncles?”
Tantai Yi replied arrogantly, “These two old fellows are advanced in years and still act without respect. My relationship with them is nothing special.”
Song Pu pointed out the flaw in his words, “If that were true, why would the two uncles travel such a long way just for a hunt? I would have thought their relationship with Your Majesty was rather good.”
Tantai Yi’s ears twitched as he glanced at him. “Minister Song, you were the one who called them ‘uncles’ first.”
Song Pu covered his mouth, giggling shyly, “After all, I am the future Empress.”
Tantai Yi’s lips twitched. “Minister Song, smile normally.”
“I am smiling normally,” Song Pu insisted.
“Minister Song, with this attitude towards Prince Gong, I do pity him,” Tantai Yi remarked, finally grasping just how ruthless Song Pu’s psychological tactics were. “Even so, Prince Gong didn’t think to strike you?”
“Your Majesty jokes,” Song Pu replied. “How could Prince Gong dare? I am the one he cherishes most.”
Tantai Yi: “…”
He pressed a hand to his chest, pondering how Prince Gong could tolerate such coy behaviour. “Prince Gong didn’t touch you, did he?”
“Rest assured, Your Majesty,” Song Pu said naturally, “I wouldn’t let him lay a finger on me.”
Tantai Yi believed him. From the start, he had stationed Twelve to watch over Song Pu. Every movement was observed, and there had been no physical contact. Yet the expressions Prince Gong had worn were unforgettable. Though Tantai Yi had not seen them firsthand, Twelve, being more articulate than Thirteen, described the changes to him in detail, amusing Tantai Yi greatly.
This amusement, it seemed, was even more satisfying than a direct beating. So Song Pu was allowed to continue teasing Prince Gong.
On the day of the Autumn Hunt, Tantai Yi’s two uncles arrived.
Ordinarily, such princes, commanding armies of a million and holding overwhelming achievements, would naturally inspire wariness in those above them. Yet Tantai Yi showed no such concern. His attitude toward his two uncles was gentle, respectful like any ordinary elder, but tinged with a subtle, spoiled arrogance. As a result, when they reached the capital, he gave them the highest ceremonial reception.
Thanks to Tantai Yi’s private motives, Song Pu was able to stand at his side.
The Prince of Huainan and the Prince of Yong’an were both full brothers of the late Emperor, and their features bore some resemblance to Tantai Yi. But he ultimately resembled the Grand Princess of the Northern Region more, so the similarity was faint and easily overlooked.
Both were towering, imposing men. The Prince of Huainan’s homeland was more humid, giving him wheat-coloured skin. Though aged, his handsome and noble features remained apparent. The Prince of Yong’an’s homeland was harsher; his skin was darker, and his face more lined with age. Yet the raw, hard resilience of his manhood was unchanged. His eyes were sharp, like drawn swords; a single glance could make one’s knees weaken.
They had not come to hunt but rather on a familial visit, bringing their families and trusted lieutenants. To Song Pu’s surprise, Song Lingyun had accompanied the Prince of Yong’an.
Song Lingyun wore silver armour. His skin was darker, but he remained strikingly handsome, his soldierly, austere charm making him appear even more impressive.
Seeing Song Pu, his previously tense expression softened, and he offered a gentle smile, transforming from a cold soldier into a familiar, friendly older brother. Yet, both being in the company of their superiors, they could not speak freely and could only exchange glances… though that alone seemed sufficient.
The two princes paid their respects to Tantai Yi according to court etiquette. Tantai Yi maintained his reserved imperial composure, inquiring briefly after their recent affairs before beginning the banquet.
This time, the Empress Dowager appeared.
It was Song Pu’s first time seeing her, and at first glance, his eyes betrayed his amazement. Tantai Yi noticed the change, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he swept a cold glance over Song Pu. Yet Song Pu ignored it, instead stealing several more looks at the Empress Dowager.
Though called Empress Dowager, she looked remarkably young, barely over twenty. Her makeup, heavy enough to mask her delicate features, did not hide her striking amber eyes, deep-set features, and snow-white skin. Her splendid palace attire, adorned with colourful phoenixes and jade ornaments, enhanced her breathtaking beauty.
Still, she appeared to be recovering from a severe illness, softly coughing into her hand. Perhaps disturbed by Song Pu’s gaze, she lifted her eyes to meet his, offering a polite, supremely elegant smile.
Song Pu, embarrassed, looked away. His gaze lingered briefly on Tantai Yi, then paused. Sure enough, Tantai Yi was staring at him coldly.
Song Pu: “…”
He felt awkward, even guilty, lowering his head and gulping his wine. Meanwhile, Prince Yong’an had already begun speaking with Tantai Yi.
“Your Majesty is now twenty-one,” he said. “I’ve heard that since the imperial concubine selection, positions of Empress and Consort have remained vacant. What is Your Majesty’s intention in this?”
This prompted Tantai Yi to finally speak patiently. “Uncle, are you, like the ministers in court, urging me to take a consort and establish an Empress?”
Prince Yong’an sighed. “Your Majesty, this is no trivial matter. When the late Emperor was your age, you were already three. Even if you do not follow his example, you must take a consort to reassure the ministers.”
Tantai Yi, irritated, glanced at Song Pu and suppressed a sigh. “Uncle, you don’t know. I have already made my decision regarding the Empress. I shall establish her when the time is right.”
At this, Song Pu could not help but spit out his wine with a “pfft,” drawing the attention of everyone present. He put down the cup and casually wiped his face with his sleeve.
Both princes, seeing Song Pu, found him unfamiliar. They asked Tantai Yi, who was about to explain when Song Pu shot him a meaningful look. Tantai Yi narrowed his eyes and replied, “…Lord Song is the youngest son of Duke Song. Uncle, the Song Lingyun beside you is his older brother.”
Prince Yong’an realised and laughed. “So he is Yurong’s child.”
The Prince of Huainan said, “I haven’t seen Song Yurong for three years. This child bears six-tenths of Yurong’s features; I didn’t recognise him.”
Song Pu was surprised to hear that his father had a good relationship with the two princes.
Tantai Yi said, “His name is Song Pu, seventeen years old, handsome, lively, and adorable, possessing both talent and virtue. I am very fond of him.”
Though a compliment, Song Pu felt only trepidation. His heart leapt into his throat, terrified that Tantai Yi would follow with, “I intend to make him Empress.” If those words were spoken, they would both be ruined!
He quickly glanced at Song Lingyun, who frowned, looking serious and displeased. Tantai Yi gave Song Pu a brief look but said nothing more.
Song Pu exhaled in relief. In such a crowded hall, his failure to maintain composure had been noticed by the Empress Dowager and Prince Gong, but he had survived.
The Empress Dowager and Prince Gong exchanged a glance; Prince Gong nodded, and the Empress Dowager’s lips curved into a smile.
She coughed lightly, drawing Prince Yong’an’s attention. Seeing her, he politely asked, “Your Majesty, are you unwell? Have you consulted the imperial physicians?”
She looked sorrowful. “I have consulted several, but none have helped. I fear this is my lot.”
Tantai Yi’s eyes flicked to her, his expression betraying undisguised annoyance and disgust. Were it not for the crowd, he would have moved elsewhere to avoid her illness.
Prince Yong’an continued, “I brought a famed physician from the north. If Your Majesty allows, I can have him examine you later.”
The Empress Dowager’s eyes brightened slightly. “Prince Yong’an, you are thoughtful.”
His concern ended there; further discussion would have been inappropriate.
Prince Yong’an asked, “Your Majesty mentioned a candidate for Empress. May I know which noble family she comes from?”
Tantai Yi replied enigmatically, “Uncle, all you need to know is that my Empress will be gentle, virtuous, and talented, a model for the nation. Her status is secondary.”
Prince Yong’an said, “Your Majesty, choosing an Empress concerns the foundation of the state. You must consider it carefully and not act rashly.”
Tantai Yi, impatient, said, “Uncle, do you not trust me? The Empress I choose will be the finest person in the world besides myself. Even if she becomes Empress, it is a favour to her!”
Prince Yong’an: “…”
He did not distrust him; rather, the boy was famously unreliable in youth. While his elder brother lived, he often complained to him when drunk. Over time, he genuinely doubted the boy could select a suitable Empress. Having heard rumours during this palace visit, his scepticism grew. Yet, hearing Tantai Yi speak so sincerely of the chosen Empress, his curiosity was piqued.
“If Your Majesty deems her suitable, then she must be. I trust Your Majesty… I trust Your Majesty’s judgment,” he said.
Song Pu blushed at such public praise, his heart pounding. So, he really was that valued in Tantai Yi’s eyes? Song Pu felt moved.
Tantai Yi moved on, directing his attention to the person beside Prince Yong’an. “Is this Yetong?”
Prince Yong’an smiled. “Your Majesty, this is my daughter, Yetong.”
Tantai Tong was small and unlike her father. She was very pretty but timid. When asked, she shyly greeted, “Your Majesty.”
Tantai Yi was gentle with her. “Yetong, when you were little, I held you. Do you remember?”
She shivered; being held by Tantai Yi was not a fond memory. “I don’t remember,” she whispered.
Tantai Yi said, “It doesn’t matter. We are close in age, so you can call me tang-xiong*. No need to say Your Majesty.”
(*TN: similar to “tang-ge” but is a more formal address for paternal elder cousin brother)
He looked at Prince Yong’an, who nodded. Only then did she address him, “Tang-xiong.”
