At Prince Gong’s residence, Tantai Mingyu received the imperial edict of marriage with a thoroughly speechless expression.
Suppressing his anger, he still managed to maintain a gentle smile as he asked Cao Xi, “Eunuch Cao, I have never even met this Miss Lin. Why would His Majesty bestow such a marriage upon me?”
Cao Xi kept his gaze lowered. “This servant does not know.”
Tantai Mingyu tightened his grip on the edict, the smile at his lips beginning to falter. He cast a glance at a guard beside him. The guard stepped forward and discreetly pressed a heavy purse into Cao Xi’s hand.
Cao Xi hesitated, then said in a lowered voice, “His Majesty attended a gathering at Prince Yong’an’s residence yesterday. During the visit, the princess fell into the water. It was this Miss Lin who leapt in and saved her. Perhaps that is why His Majesty granted her this marriage.”
The explanation made no sense.
If Tantai Yi wished to reward Lin Xuemei with a marriage, he could have arranged it with Tantai Yue. Why assign her to him?
The smile finally vanished from Tantai Mingyu’s face. He lowered his gaze to the edict in his hand and said quietly to the guard, “See Eunuch Cao out.”
The guard acknowledged and escorted Cao Xi away. Cao Xi cast him a furtive glance, thinking that anyone in his position would hardly feel at ease, and took his leave without lingering.
Once Cao Xi had gone, Tantai Mingyu headed straight into the palace with the edict.
He went first to see Tantai Yi, but Tantai Yi clearly intended to keep him waiting. He was made to kneel in Yangxin Hall for the better part of the day before Tantai Yi finally appeared at his leisure.
Upon seeing him, Tantai Yi smiled without warmth. “Prince Gong has time to visit me today?”
Tantai Mingyu did not waste words. “I have come regarding my marriage. I ask that Your Majesty rescind the decree. How could I possibly take a woman of unknown background as my principal consort?”
Tantai Yi replied coolly, “You are mistaken. This young lady is the legitimate daughter of the Lin family’s second branch. She is more than worthy of you. How does she become a woman of unknown background in your mouth? If such words were to spread, those who believe you to be modest and courteous would be sorely disappointed.”
His tone sounded mild, yet every word carried a barb.
At sixteen, Tantai Mingyu had yet to appoint a principal consort precisely because his marriage was a matter of political calculation. He needed a wife who could bring him the greatest advantage. He could take side consorts and concubines as he pleased, but the position of principal consort was leverage. So long as it remained unfilled, he retained control.
And now Tantai Yi had casually assigned it away.
This was nothing short of an affront. This was imperial authority, the power to dictate his marriage, his future, even the course of his life.
Tantai Mingyu’s lips twitched faintly. He knew he stood no chance against Tantai Yi. There was no brotherly affection between them, nor would Tantai Yi grant him any face. Yet this decree still lay far beyond his expectations.
He knew Tantai Yi well. The man was not subtle enough for such calculated humiliation. There must be another reason behind it.
He bowed his head and said slowly, “It was a slip of the tongue. I ask that Your Majesty not take offence.”
Tantai Yi looked down at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips, his tone unusually gentle. “I have granted you such a beautiful wife. It is one thing for you to be displeased, but why do you look as though I mean to harm you?”
Tantai Mingyu fell silent.
He had never seen Tantai Yi so sharp-tongued. Clenching his fists, he said at last, “I thank Your Majesty for the decree.”
After leaving Yangxin Hall, a palace maid named Xiaotao hurried over. “Your Highness, Her Majesty requests your presence.”
Tantai Mingyu paused, then turned and followed her to Taiyi Palace.
Though the Empress Dowager was the mother of the nation, she was not the current emperor’s birth mother and thus received little favour. Her residence was remote and modest compared to others.
When Tantai Mingyu saw her, she wore no adornment, yet her beauty was striking all the same. She sighed softly. “I have heard of the marriage decree.”
Only in her presence did Tantai Mingyu allow his true expression to show. His face darkened. “Does Mother know who this Lin Xuemei is?”
Before she could respond, he continued, recounting his findings.
“She is indeed the legitimate daughter of the Lin family’s second branch. But at eight, she was sent to Jiangnan and raised like a trained courtesan. At fifteen, she was brought back. I do not know what the Lin family intends, but this marriage is an insult. How could my principal consort be such a… disgrace?”
The Empress Dowager tightened her grip on the armrest. After a long pause, she said, “Since His Majesty has issued the decree, there is nothing I can do.”
Mother and son exchanged a long look.
“At this point, for the sake of your reputation, you must marry her.”
“I will not,” Tantai Mingyu said. “I already have my own plans. Mother need not concern herself with this matter. You need only remain in the palace and inform me of His Majesty’s movements.”
The Empress Dowager coughed lightly. “I have received word that this matter may be closely tied to the Song family.”
Tantai Mingyu had suspected as much, but hearing it spoken aloud filled him with a strange sense of humiliation.
He had waited an entire day and night, yet Song Pu had not come. In the end, he was dismissed with nothing more than a letter.
What was it that he lacked, compared to Tantai Yi? What, exactly? If it truly came down to that… given Tantai Yi’s stature, he might well die in bed. And yet Song Pu still chose him?
His thoughts were entirely consumed by Song Pu.
As it happened, he encountered him upon leaving the palace. Before he could speak, Song Pu greeted him first. “Your Highness.”
Tantai Mingyu looked at him. “Do you know that His Majesty has arranged my marriage?”
Song Pu’s expression stiffened slightly. “I do. I was also surprised. However, though Your Highness and Miss Lin have not met, such a match may be fate. I have seen her myself. She is both beautiful and kind. She will make a good wife.”
Tantai Mingyu, however, focused on his expression.
Song Pu’s complexion was fair, his eyes clear as still water, yet now his face was flushed unevenly, his gaze unsteady, avoiding his own. The words did not ring true.
A strange feeling stirred within him, both irritation and a racing heartbeat.
“So you truly wish for me to marry?”
“How could I not?” Song Pu replied. “I should congratulate Your Highness on gaining such a wife, and also—”
He faltered, his face suddenly reddening. Raising a sleeve to cover his face, he said hurriedly, “His Majesty has summoned me. I must not delay. We shall speak another time.”
Without waiting for a response, he hastened past Tantai Mingyu and followed Cao Xi towards Yangxin Hall.
Tantai Mingyu watched him go, his thoughts unreadable.
Song Pu, for his part, remained oblivious to the prince’s interpretation. After turning a corner, he stopped and braced himself against the wall.
Cao Xi, noticing his flushed face and the sheen of sweat, asked with concern, “Lord Song, are you unwell?”
Song Pu’s fingers curled in embarrassment. “I am not unwell.”
Startled by his sudden tone, Cao Xi nevertheless maintained a polite smile. “Then we should make haste. His Majesty may not be pleased to be kept waiting.”
Song Pu gave a brief nod and straightened, continuing forward.
His mind was in turmoil, as though waves were crashing endlessly within his chest.
Could he truly go through with this? He had asked himself that question all night. Only at dawn had he finally steeled himself to do it.
The process had been… far from pleasant. Painful, humiliating. He had nearly talked himself into deceiving Tantai Yi again, but did not dare.
He had already lied once. If he did so again, he would have no place left by Tantai Yi’s side. He understood this much. And so he endured it.
Even now, though he had begun to adjust, every movement reminded him of it, a constant source of discomfort and embarrassment.
Tantai Yi, unaware of his inner turmoil, sensed only that something about him was different the moment he saw him.
His throat tightened slightly as he looked at Song Pu’s flushed face. “Have you done it?”
Song Pu lowered his voice. “I have.”
At once, Tantai Yi’s golden eyes brightened. “Come, sit.”
He shifted aside to make room. Song Pu walked over and sat, his posture stiff.
Tantai Yi remained outwardly composed, as though discussing state affairs. “The smallest one?”
Song Pu gave a faint nod, covering his face.
A flicker of heat rose to Tantai Yi’s expression. “Well done. You deserve a reward.”
Before Song Pu could react, Tantai Yi cupped his face, pulled his hands away, and planted several quick kisses against his cheek, smiling. “That is your reward.”
Then, lifting his chin, he kissed him deeply, his voice low and indistinct. “There is more where that came from.”
Song Pu could feel the warmth and satisfaction radiating from him. Gradually, the tension in his body eased.
