Chapter 88: This Minister Thinks…

The atmosphere at this moment was simply too conducive to softening the heart. When Tantai Yi spoke, he felt a strange emotion he could barely put into words. It was not entirely pleasant, pressing against his chest and making his breathing slightly uneasy. Yet he could clearly see the change in Song Pu’s expression after hearing his words.

Sometimes Tantai Yi could not pay close attention to what was on Song Pu’s face. In his memory, Song Pu mostly wore a smile, a smile that masked all emotions. Over time, Tantai Yi came to think Song Pu was always like this. But now, truly observing him, he realised Song Pu could make faces that softened one’s heart from the very depths.

A strange warmth rose in his chest, like soft, gentle water flooding through him, washing away all resentment and grievance. If admitting fault could please Song Pu, then admitting it once was not too much.

Tantai Yi said this to himself.

Song Pu had never expected Tantai Yi to genuinely admit fault, and he was a little overwhelmed by this unexpected favour. In a hushed voice he said, “I was also wrong. I should not have shouted at Your Majesty. As a subject, I should not have said so many things to Your Majesty just now.”

Tantai Yi said, “I did not realise I spoke so harshly to you, even causing you to hide under the covers and cry. In the future… I will be more mindful.”

He reached out to cup Song Pu’s face, lowered his head, and kissed him on the bridge of his nose. Then he asked, “May I kiss you properly now?”

Song Pu’s eyelashes trembled. Before he could speak, Tantai Yi softened his voice again and said, “There is something I have never told you. If I were an outsider, I would think your appearance is plain. But from the moment I considered taking you as my male consort, or even as Empress, I have seen you as uniquely beautiful and adorable. Your eyes, nose, mouth… I love them all, endlessly.”

Song Pu looked up and met Tantai Yi’s blazing golden eyes. They seemed to draw in all the light around them and sparkled brilliantly as they looked at him. Song Pu suddenly understood. Tantai Yi was sincere.

A fluttering panic rose in his chest. His gaze flickered and he tried to look away, but then Tantai Yi asked again, “May I kiss you now?”

Song Pu replied softly, “If Your Majesty wishes, then you may. Is it really necessary to ask me?”

Tantai Yi’s fingers gently stroked his smooth, delicate cheek. “If you do not wish it, you may refuse me. I will not force you. In that case, does it mean I truly hold you in my heart?”

Song Pu did not expect this and froze.

Tantai Yi looked into his eyes. “Am I doing this right?”

Song Pu parted his lips and said hoarsely, “Your Majesty… you are doing very well.”

It was long past the heat of summer, yet Song Pu felt a rush of warmth through his whole body. His face, his hands, even the soles of his feet were sweating.

More disconcerting was his chest, where his heart thumped wildly. He could almost hear its intense beating.

Tantai Yi asked, “So, may I kiss you?”

Song Pu closed his eyes, his voice like a whisper, “Yes.”

Tantai Yi’s lips curved into a radiant smile. He held Song Pu’s face, lowered his head, and kissed his full lips.

It was an exceedingly gentle kiss. Song Pu felt Tantai Yi’s lips and tongue much softer than before, and unlike the first time, there was no mess on the corners of his mouth or neck.

After the kiss, Song Pu’s face flushed deeper. His gaze glistened with tears, prompting Tantai Yi to lean down and kiss him again.

Tantai Yi said, “Now, you will not hold past grievances against me?”

Song Pu’s throat was soaked with their mingled saliva, making his voice hoarse and unclear. “If Your Majesty would hear me more often, I would be truly content.”

Tantai Yi was silent for a moment. “What you have said today, I will consider carefully. In the future, do not be angry with me again.”

Song Pu said nothing.

He suddenly realised just how much courage he had somehow found, enough to speak such words to Tantai Yi. He had truly let down his guard and grown haughty in his favour. And yet Tantai Yi, faced with him, could still yield repeatedly. Surely… he really, truly liked him.

That affection was so sincere and intense it almost threatened to consume him.

Reflecting honestly, Song Pu realised he did not resent what Tantai Yi did. Even just a kiss had immersed him so completely that his entire body reacted in ways he could not have imagined.

He could no longer deceive himself.

*

Tantai Yi did not participate in the remainder of the hunt, but the black bear he had shot was immense. He collected a total of thirty-four wooden tokens, accidentally claiming first place.

The men present were full of regret, while nearly half the women’s attention drifted from Yunluo to Tantai Yi.

He was undeniably an exceptional man. He was tall, perfectly built, strikingly handsome, and, most importantly, supremely noble as the Emperor of the country.

Though many knew of Tantai Yi’s reputation, his status alone was enough to stir desire in some women.

Even well-born women maintained decorum, but those of slightly lower status began to scheme.

Tantai Yi remained unaware of the many moths flying to the flame in the world. At this moment, he was instructing Cao Xi to deliver twenty rolls of Yunluo fabric to Song Pu.

Song Pu did not wish to take them, so Tantai Yi said, “If you do not want them, I will burn them. I heard that when Yunluo fabric burns, it glows like the sunset. I have yet to see it.”

Song Pu asked, “Even if I do not want them, Your Majesty could give them to someone else. Why burn them?”

Tantai Yi looked at him. “Who else could I give them to? Leaving them in the storage takes up space, and if you do not want them, I am too lazy to move them back.”

Song Pu hesitated, thought of his mother, and accepted the gift. This fabric would look especially flowing and beautiful on a woman. Surely his mother would like it.

As they spoke, faint cries came from outside the tent. Tantai Yi frowned, about to scold, but Cao Xi had already done so first.

Song Pu said, “I will go see.”

Tantai Yi said, dissatisfied, “Leave it to Cao Xi. You need not concern yourself.”

Song Pu looked at him, “I want to see.”

Tantai Yi paused, then said, “I will go with you.”

Song Pu smiled, “Thank you for accompanying me.”

Tantai Yi stepped out with him. Outside the tent, a woman was crying silently, supported by her maid.

Cao Xi, seeing Tantai Yi emerge, grew flustered and shouted sharply, “Move along! Is Your Majesty’s residence somewhere you may approach?”

Cao Xi knew why the woman was there. Since the harem had been opened, many young girls had entered, all aspiring to become consorts, not to spend ten years as palace maids. From that moment, Cao Xi guarded rigorously, never allowing any girl to offend Tantai Yi.

He knew Tantai Yi was not one to indulge prettiness, and anyone who angered him, no matter how beautiful or delicate, would be punished severely. Not even the attendants could escape if they failed in their duties. Tantai Yi was easily angered and would vent it on others.

The woman before them was breathtakingly beautiful. Tantai Yi gave her no glance. Cao Xi, even seeing her, noted no reaction in the Emperor’s eyes, confirming his assessment.

He truly had no masculine impulse.

The woman’s maid, terrified, said, “Miss has injured her foot. We cannot leave. Please forgive us, Your Majesty.”

Song Pu glanced down and saw fresh blood on the hem of her skirt, some dripping onto the ground.

Tantai Yi narrowed his golden eyes and signalled a guard, who stepped forward and grabbed the woman to remove her.

At that moment, an elderly man hurried over. “Your Majesty, it is my fault for not supervising my daughter. Please do not be angry. I will punish her upon returning.”

Tantai Yi, with a good memory, recognised him instantly. “Lin Ruozheng, at your age, you come to the hunt?”

Lin Ruozheng was flustered, “Your Majesty remembers me?”

Tantai Yi smiled. “How could I forget? Your son Lin Youcheng’s memorials had piled up this high before me. Did you know or not?”

Lin Ruozheng remained impassive. “My son is straightforward and would never harm anyone. Someone has slandered us. I beg Your Majesty to judge clearly.”

Tantai Yi’s smile faded. He looked deeply at Lin Ruozheng. “I know the situation, but you do not. Today, I will say no more. Leave quickly and do not disturb my rest.”

Lin Ruozheng hurriedly obeyed, pulling the woman away.

After he left, Song Pu asked Tantai Yi, “Who was that just now?”

Tantai Yi’s eyes were cold, a mocking smile at his lips. “Just an old wretch.”

Song Pu asked, “?!”

It was the first time he had heard Tantai Yi speak in such a crude manner. Curious, he asked, “What do you mean?”

Tantai Yi glanced at him, smiling. “You need not understand. Just know he is a cunning old fox.”

Song Pu frowned. “I want to know.”

The word “want” was subjective, expressing his will, his desire. This was something he had long wanted to do, and Tantai Yi had received the signal.

He paused, then said softly, “I truly have no way to deal with you.”