Chapter 21

Su Huaijing only went out once on the 22nd of March, and after that, he was so leisurely that even Rong Tang couldn't stand it, asking the system if he had given up on his revenge.

The system assured him that it was impossible. The character setting of the main antagonist in "The Emperor's Conquest" was to become engulfed in darkness due to revenge; even in death, he would not abandon this goal.

However, after giving this answer, the system was also unsure of what Su Huaijing was actually doing.

He wasn't serving Rong Tang as diligently as he had on that rainy day, bringing him tooth powder right to his room, but seemed to be suffering from a kind of thirst, always needing to be close to Rong Tang.

He would knock on Rong Tang's door after waking up, prepare clothes for him, watch him get neatly dressed, and then have breakfast together.

In the morning, they occasionally visited the princess together, then did gardening, sunbathed until lunch. After lunch, as usual, Rong Tang would sleep, while Su Huaijing would read in the study. Once Rong Tang woke up, they would either read or play chess, or do some other activities.

Su Huaijing would talk about the customs of Shu, and Rong Tang would intentionally or unintentionally reveal information about officials and nobles in the capital.

But the main antagonist seemed completely uninterested in these matters. His thoughts were more about how to make Rong Tang happy, whether they could go shopping today, if the newly purchased jerky was finished, and that they could probably plant another date tree in the yard. Rong Tang had once tried a Sichuan restaurant and wanted to go again, but Su Huaijing refused, saying the flavors were too spicy for a sick person.

Nevertheless, just a few days later, a dish of spicy rabbit head appeared on the table at Tanghua Court, reportedly cooked by Su Huaijing himself, with sugar-pickled chili that was spicy but not overly so.

And in the storeroom, there was a paper kite in the shape of a goldfish, which Su Huaijing said they would fly when the weather got warmer.

Rong Tang, who had died and lived so many times, finally relaxed and started to enjoy life; leisurely and comfortable, not having to think about anything, contentedly living like an idle person.

But while it didn’t matter if Rong Tang was idle, Su Huaijing being so leisurely made him feel uneasy. Moreover, since the system told him that the male lead had been released from the Cold Palace, Rong Tang had felt a vague sense of worry.

He checked the system space a few times and unexpectedly found that the almost overwhelming blackness was showing signs of dissipating, starting from the edges where a faint grey tint was spreading. The color was too light, blending into the black mist, and not easily noticeable. Rong Tang couldn’t understand what it meant but had an ominous feeling.

On this day, there was a family banquet at the Ningxuan Prince’s Mansion. Rong Tang, dressed in spring attire, took Su Huaijing with him to the main courtyard for the banquet.

As the crown prince of the Ningxuan Prince's Mansion, Rong Tang was one of the most idle yet wealthy people in the entire mansion. Surprisingly, everyone’s attitude towards him was consistent: respectful on the surface but indifferent behind his back.

Outwardly, everyone respected him as the eldest brother and the crown prince, but behind his back, they treated him as if he were invisible. Therefore, since marrying Su Huaijing, Rong Tang had not allowed him to meet his uncles, aunts, or younger siblings.

The eldest princess Duan Yi and her husband had three children: a daughter who married into a foreign land for political alliance, an eldest son who was conferred the title of Ning Xuan Wang, and a second son holding a nominal post in the Ministry of Rites. The family enjoyed great favor and trust from Emperor Renshou.

The Rong family hadn't split up. In principle, the eldest princess's family should live together, but once Rong Mingyu was titled as a king, he had to move to the royal mansion. The eldest princess, who preferred tranquility, and her second son Rong Mingli also moved there. So, in effect, Rong Mingyu and Rong Mingli's families both resided in the Ning Xuan Wang mansion.

Rong Mingyu had three sons and two daughters, while Rong Mingli had two sons and three daughters. With ten children between them, family gatherings during festivals and banquets were always lively.

Rong Tang arrived late; his younger siblings had mostly settled down. Two tables were set up: the main table for Rong Mingyu, Rong Mingli and their spouses, and their children above fifteen years, while the other table was for the younger ones or those needing attendants.

Rong Tang could hear laughter inside, but as he entered with Su Huaijing, the room suddenly fell silent.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled, casually scanning the room before his gaze settled on Rong Zheng, asking slowly, "What were you discussing that was so amusing?"

Recently feeling uneasy around Rong Tang, Rong Zheng had been avoiding him. Hearing Rong Tang address him directly, he clenched his teeth in annoyance, then stood up and greeted formally, asking about Rong Tang's health.

With Rong Zheng standing, others also stood up. Rong Tang, having achieved his aim, slowly took his seat with Su Huaijing, then asked with feigned nobility, "Since it's just trivial matters, why not share with me? I almost thought you were discussing state affairs at the dining table, brother."

Su Huaijing poured him tea, his indulgence undisguised as he glanced at Rong Tang with a smile.

Rong Tang sipped the tea and set down the cup, frowning slightly.

Indeed, only Su Huaijing’s tea leaves tasted the best.

Displeased from not getting good tea and his leisure time being disturbed, Rong Tang looked at Rong Zheng, who remained silent, then feigned shock, "Don’t tell me I guessed right, and you really brought up court matters as dinner entertainment?"

Rong Tang clicked his tongue, sizing up Rong Zheng, then shook his head, "You're quite bold, brother."

Su Huaijing was amused by his partner’s antics, asking Shuang Shou to brew a new pot of tea. He then subtly raised Rong Tang's arm, using a handkerchief to clean his spot on the table meticulously.

Knowing Su Huaijing’s penchant for cleanliness, Rong Tang let him be, amusedly watching Rong Zheng's alternating pale and flushed expression.

Rong Tang didn’t think he was particularly targeting Rong Zheng; although Rong Zheng wasn’t very bright or fun, he did respect him for his calligraphy skills.

Over the generations, although Rong Zhen looked down on himself, he never schemed against Rong Tang in secret and always greeted his elder brother with respect in person.

Rong Tang's annoyance with Rong Zhen stemmed purely from recalling the incident at Fengyue Tower.

Qin Pengxuan was despicable, the Second Prince was a fool, and Rong Zhen was just a lackey mixing with fools and scoundrels! Su Huaijing was sent to the Wu Kang Marquis in his past lives, and even if Rong Zhen didn’t participate, he was complicit in his indifference!

Narrowing his eyes at Rong Zhen, Rong Tang's demeanor suggested he wouldn't let the matter rest without an explanation, resulting in a tense silence in the hall.

Without the elders present, Rong Tang, the highest-ranking individual there, demanded answers, leaving everyone in a state of confusion.

Only three months had passed, and the once ridiculed and foolish elder brother/cousin had changed, exuding an aura akin to a hidden sharp blade. And his wife, Su Huaijing, from start to end, only gently served tea and cleaned the table, showing no intention to mediate.

Rong Ning, Rong Zhen's full sister, bit her lip anxiously, looking around for help, eventually pleading quietly with Su Huaijing, “Sister-in-law…”

Rong Tang glanced over, about to rebuke, but Shuangshou arrived with freshly brewed tea. Su Huaijing took it and poured a new cup for Rong Tang, then turned his gaze to Rong Zhen with a smile, “The ink cakes you sent were excellent, thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Rong Zhen, caught off guard by the sudden kindness, was nudged by Rong Ning and managed to reply, “There’s no need for thanks, sister-in-law. If you like them, I’ll buy more from the bookstore tomorrow.”

Su Huaijing smiled, not responding, as Rong Tang disapprovingly looked at him, then turned his attention back to Rong Zhen, who quickly explained, “We were discussing the Third Prince’s upcoming Flower Folding Festival, inviting talents and ladies of the capital. I wouldn’t dare discuss state affairs so recklessly, elder brother, you misunderstand me.”

Rong Tang looked at him coldly: “Is that so?”

Rong Zhen felt uneasy under his gaze but insisted, “Indeed, it is.”

Expecting another trap, Rong Zhen was surprised when Rong Tang simply turned away, casually saying, “Then that’s fine.”

Confused, Rong Zhen was pulled aside by Rong Ning.

While elders Rong Mingyu and Rong Mingli hadn’t arrived yet, others were entertaining children at another table. Unnoticed, Rong Tang sipped his tea, his displeasure slightly eased, but still frowned at Su Huaijing, “Why did you help him?”

He had heard earlier; Rong Zhen was clearly discussing the Second Prince being rewarded by Emperor Renshou again, even hinting at privileges usually reserved for the Crown Prince. Rong Zhen's closeness to the Second Prince was well-known; his words carried an implication of coveting the throne. If Rong Yuan had been present, Rong Zhen would have been in serious trouble. Rong Tang’s confrontation was justified.

Yet Su Huaijing’s intervention left Rong Tang feeling somewhat unhappy.

"Su Huaijing coaxed gently, his voice soft, 'She calls me sister-in-law.'"

"Rong Tang's gaze flickered for a moment, then refocused, frowning as he stared, 'She calls you sister-in-law, and you help her. What about me calling you my husband? Why don't you help me?'"

"His complaint was somewhat unreasonable. Su Huaijing blinked innocently, 'But Tang Tang, you've never actually called me 'husband', have you?'"

"Rong Tang was momentarily stunned. Su Huaijing started listing, 'Tang Tang proposed to me, married me into your mansion, gave me pocket money, bought me a residence, ordered a carriage for me... But indeed, you've never called me 'husband', 'spouse', or 'wife'."

"'Tang Tang, did you marry me out of pity?' Su Huaijing asked, looking down at him with a pair of eyes that held a familiar sense of déjà vu."

"[Uh-oh—] The system silently watched the drama unfold, [Host, the antagonist has learned your trick.]"

Rong Tang: "......",

"Now, he truly regretted it, deeply so."

-

"As Wang Xiuyu stepped into the hall, she immediately sensed the different atmospheres on each side."

"Rong Zheng, along with his younger brothers and sisters, was amusing the three-year-old youngest cousin, Rong Yao, in one corner. Apart from Rong Yuan and the eldest son of the second branch, Rong Zhe, who hadn't arrived yet, the rest, all six of them, were fixated on Rong Yao, stubbornly avoiding glances towards the main table."

"At the main table sat two people. Rong Tang was dressed in a bright, goose-yellow spring outfit, looking exceptionally delicate and vibrant, bringing joy to Wang Xiuyu's heart. Tang Tang's newlywed spouse sat beside him, wearing emerald-green clothes made from the same cloud-patterned brocade gifted by the Empress Dowager."

"Together, they looked like a perfect pair of beauties. Wang Xiuyu's smile deepened as she saw Su Huaijing adorably and obediently leaning forward to look up at Rong Tang, a smile on his lips and his eyes filled with Rong Tang’s reflection. On Rong Tang's usually pale face, there was a rare hint of red, his expression vividly staring back."

"Though staring, the two were very close, creating an intense atmosphere."

"For a moment, Wang Xiuyu didn't feel like going over, just standing there silently watching, feeling a warmth in her eyes."

"Huaqin, who had gone to the bride's room with the matchmaker on the day of the wedding, was well aware of the intimate relationship between the eldest young master and the groom."

"These days, the groom's affection for the eldest young master was obvious to everyone in the mansion, so when she saw the Princess Consort's expression, she knew what she was thinking and reassured her in a soft voice, 'Your Highness, look how loving the young master and his husband are.'"

"Wang Xiuyu nodded, her eyes lifting to hold back the tears, and curved a slight smile: 'The person Tang Tang likes must be good.'"

While speaking, Su Huaijing glanced at her from the corner of his eye, toning down his teasing. Rong Tang turned his head, and together they stood up and walked a few steps towards Wang Xiuyu.

Rong Tang smiled sweetly, "Mother."

Su Huaijing followed suit, "Mother."

"Ah, yes," Wang Xiuyu repeatedly responded, guiding them back to the main table. Rong Zhen hesitated whether to join, but Wang Xiuyu warmly said, "No need for formalities, you can sit down when your father arrives."

Rong Zhen then really didn’t come over.

Wang Xiuyu might have thought Rong Tang was being ostracized on other days, but recalling the scene upon her entrance and Rong Zhen's relieved expression upon hearing her instruction, she had an unrealistic suspicion.

She felt it was a bit absurd and asked in a low voice, "Did you bully your siblings?"

Rong Tang protested, "Mother, you wrong me. I would never bully anyone."

Su Huaijing found his aggrieved expression adorable and silently laughed to himself.

Observing her son and daughter-in-law, Wang Xiuyu could tell they conveyed different meanings, but she wasn’t sure whom to believe.

After a moment of thought, she chose to believe her daughter-in-law but didn’t blame Rong Tang. Instead, she softly said, "It's good then, I always worry about you being bullied."

Rong Tang couldn’t maintain his feigned grievance, reminded of his previous lives’ negligence towards Wang Xiuyu, feeling a tinge of guilt.

But before the guilt could deepen, his hand on his lap was held. Su Huaijing’s face turned serious, his voice gentle yet earnest, "Mother, rest assured, I won’t let Rong Tang be bullied."

Rong Tang looked down at the hand holding his, still smooth and warm.

As he stared, he felt a strange conviction in Su Huaijing’s words.

And... he felt he had heard similar words before.

-

The third prince, among Emperor Ren Shou’s sons, was known for his elegance and taste, with readers speculating it might be due to his ranking as the third son, much like the former emperor's third son known for his romantic pursuits.

Since establishing his residence, the third prince held a Flower Folding Festival every spring. In the year 11 of the Chengzheng era, both Rong Tang and the male protagonist attended the third festival.

The court was already quite unstable at the time. With the Duke of Wukang annihilated and the Second Prince exiled, Su Huaijing moved from behind the scenes to the forefront, as a commoner standing in the court, joining the Imperial Censorate to monitor officials, gradually becoming Emperor Ren Shou's confidant.

At seventeen, the same age as Su Huaijing is now, Sheng Chengli was far more spirited and flamboyant than the seemingly accommodating and amiable antagonist of today.

Standing at the center of the struggle for succession, with the help of Rong Tang and many loyalists, Sheng Chengli already wielded considerable power, his thoughts growing increasingly inscrutable.

But in Rong Tang’s eyes, he was always the little prince from the cold palace, longing to be taken away and gazing at the sky from the four corners of his confinement.

Rong Tang couldn’t quite remember what exactly happened back then, probably a disagreement over state affairs. Since the New Year's Eve of the 11th year of Chengzheng, this had happened a few times, each ending with Sheng Chengli backing down, making Rong Tang unaware that some relationships had already changed.

He had an argument with Sheng Chengli at a corner of the Flower Folding Festival, with the male protagonist storming off in anger. Rong Tang gazed absent-mindedly at a pink peony, as various people came and left, including the male protagonist's followers and those of the sixth prince and other princes.

They all witnessed Rong Tang's quarrel with Sheng Chengli, mocking or feigning alliances. Rong Tang handled them one by one until another set of footsteps approached, making him want to leave. The person behind him then called out, “Does the Crown Prince like this peony?”

Rong Tang paused, recognizing Su Huaijing’s voice.

That was his first transmigration. His relationship with Su Huaijing was peculiar; they were neither acquainted nor aware of each other. Rong Tang knew he had to defeat Su Huaijing as part of his mission and that his existence led to the world's destruction, so he had no intention of playing a role before him.

Despite having a 'God’s view', Rong Tang couldn’t see Su Huaijing’s moves or hear his conspiracies, harboring some apprehension towards him.

Yet, despite the apprehension, Rong Tang couldn't deny his admiration for the strong.

He had never interacted with Su Huaijing. The original story deviated due to the butterfly effect, and much was unknown. Yet, somehow, Su Huaijing could predict his actions, and Rong Tang could guess his strategies. They sat at opposite ends of an invisible chessboard under the night sky, each anticipating the other's next move, then capturing or encircling, marking their territories, waiting for the chance to counterattack.

Rong Tang actually… enjoyed this tacit understanding.

Su Huaijing didn't look at him, merely gazing at the peony, a faint smile on his lips, exuding the image of a jade-like, gentle nobleman. Amidst the strict Imperial Censorate, holding countless punitive powers, he was but a nineteen-year-old youth, at his most radiant age, yet he walked alone into an ever-deepening darkness, letting hatred consume him.

Rong Tang turned back, not leaving, and shook his head, saying, "It's not that I like it."

He paused momentarily before he could speak further, and Su Huaijing interjected with a smile, "Is it just because it happens to bloom here?"

Rong Tang was slightly startled and after a brief silence, he nodded.

It was just because he needed a secluded spot to talk with Sheng Chengli, nothing more than having found this peony blooming here when he was too emotionally unsettled and physically unwell to walk further.

There was no other special reason.

Too many people in this world love to speculate on the thoughts of others, eager to dissect every word and action, attributing meaning to each syllable and gesture.

But in reality, many things happen without a reason.

His looking at the peony was just a coincidence.

As dusk deepened and lights were lit in the manor, with the distant sky shimmering with twilight colors, Rong Tang stood before a peony bush. He and the novel’s main antagonist silently admired the bloom of the flower under the glow of the sunset, witnessing the night sky stretch wide, a vast and magnificent world, pausing for a moment for a peony that just happened to bloom.

After a long while, Su Huaijing said, "If you ever feel wronged, Crown Prince, you can come to me."

Rong Tang was puzzled; he didn't feel wronged, and he was bewildered by the antagonist's sudden remark.

Under a splendid starry sky, with flowers shrouded in the expansive night, Su Huaijing shifted his gaze, smiling at him, his lips slightly curling up, eyes shining as if reflecting the stars. Rong Tang heard him say, "You're an interesting person. Sometimes I think, it's good you stand opposite me; it prevents life from being too dull."

Rong Tang’s eyes widened slightly, somewhat in disbelief.

Back then, Su Huaijing was the Emperor's trusted confidant and a favored figure in the eyes of Emperor Ren Shou. Despite being sought after by many, he spoke to Rong Tang in a bustling estate, jokingly telling him: "Our stands differ."

How could our positions differ? After all, everyone is vying for the throne in the Golden Palace.

It's just that you desire destruction, while I seek to amend the order.

Suppressing his emotions, Rong Tang chuckled: "Lord Su jests. All I desire is the prosperity and continuity of the Great Yu dynasty."

Su Huaijing laughed, his gaze moving from Rong Tang's face back to the peony.

Rong Tang couldn't stay any longer. After a while, he excused himself and left. But before fully leaving, he caught a glimpse of Su Huaijing plucking the flower and examining it in the moonlight.

Su Huaijing spoke softly, almost whispering, and Rong Tang heard him say, "Yet sometimes, I feel that you should be standing with me."

The voice was distant, and Rong Tang couldn't hear clearly. His heart fluttered in chaos. The Flower Folding Festival was lively, with talented men and beautiful women from the capital participating. Leaving the corner with the peony, Rong Tang immersed himself in the chaotic banquet, joining Sheng Chengli and advising him on whom to associate with, as if their earlier argument had never happened.

Rong Tang was always in poor health, his decent appearance only maintained by mission-related system coins for life-saving drugs. But for paving the way for the male lead, he still drank at the banquet that night.

Dizzy and confused, he barely remembered someone offering him a second choice, or perhaps his stance was never his own choice to begin with.

Drunken Rong Tang returned to his room, where a cup of tea, now cold but good for sobering up, awaited. Unaware, he drank it down, only to wake up to the system's alarming notification that his mission had failed.

Remembering the peony picked by Su Huaijing, Rong Tang was caught in a lengthy turmoil of conflict, until the system informed him that the poison wasn't Su Huaijing's doing. Only then did he emerge from the shadow of dying right after speaking to the antagonist in his previous life.

-

The current Su Huaijing, at the age of seventeen, with an innocent smile, gently placed his hand over Rong Tang's, promising Wang Xiuyu softly, "I won't let Rong Tang be bullied."

For a moment, Rong Tang didn't know what to think. He stared blankly at Su Huaijing, who smiled at him, causing Rong Tang to shift his gaze away in turmoil.

In the first life, Su Huaijing said, "If you're bullied, come to me," but in the second life, upon seeing Rong Tang's corpse, he coldly said, "Pity, bury it."

Rong Tang, who endured many injustices, initially thought the antagonist was quite decent for granting him a burial. Now, recalling the initial turning point that made him approach Su Huaijing, he felt puzzled.

Last cycle, Su Huaijing's indifferent "Pity" was for what, exactly?

Without any prior interaction, he could stand by his side and quietly observe a flower, then extend an olive branch. How could he, after the chance to enjoy moonlight and casual conversations, so indifferently dismiss seeing his corpse as a mere pity?

Was it something unknown to him that Su Huaijing encountered, or had he done something to disappoint him?

The doubt in Rong Tang's eyes deepened, causing Su Huaijing to unconsciously furrow his brows, tightening his grip slightly, his voice soft yet laced with an inexplicable danger: "Rong Tang, what are you thinking?"

Rong Tang snapped back to reality, shaking his head in denial, "Nothing."

He withdrew his hand and casually picked up the teacup from the table, sipping it little by little, pretending not to notice Su Huaijing's increasingly darkening gaze.

Wang Xiuyu, still immersed in Su Huaijing's recent words, failed to notice the shifting atmosphere between the two, looking at Su Huaijing with eyes full of relief.

Their divergent emotions persisted until Rong Mingyu and his wife Rong Mingli entered, breaking the subtle tension.

As the family heads arrived, everyone took their seats, and those at the other table respectfully waited for their elders before finding their own places.

Ten people sat at the main table: Rong Mingyu, Rong Mingli and their spouses, the eldest, Rong Tang, with Su Huaijing, Rong Zheng, Rong Yuan, and the eldest children of the second branch, Rong Zhe and Rong Ying.

The dishes were served, and Rong Mingyu made formal conversation before allowing everyone to start eating.

Rong Mingyu acted kindly and affectionately, inquiring about the younger generation's studies. Rong Tang, reminded of the current emperor, felt his appetite diminish.

Su Huaijing, though irritated by Rong Tang's sudden avoidance earlier, still attentively observed his eating, noticing his lack of appetite, leaned in and softly asked, "Do you want to eat hotpot?"

Rong Tang's eyes brightened, turning to look at Su Huaijing.

Su Huaijing's displeasure dissipated at Rong Tang's bright eyes. Smiling softly, he said, "Let's go out later. Shudao Pavilion has reopened with a night market."

Rong Tang immediately nodded, his interest in the banquet's dishes gone, eagerly anticipating the night snacks.

The Ningxuan Royal House's family banquet was more than a meal. With many younger members, especially four boys eligible for court positions, resource distribution was crucial.

Unlike students who aspired to officialdom through examinations, these boys had the luxury of securing positions through family connections — a path similar to Ding Laibao's.

Yet, this wasn't the honorable route. Except for the often-ill Rong Tang, the others pursued different paths, like Rong Zheng's friendship with the Second Prince, likely with Rong Mingyu's tacit approval.

Mingling with princes through family ties, then using those connections to enter the court, was a common strategy among noble families.

Naturally, the day's banquet conversation turned to the upcoming Flower Folding Festival, with Rong Yuan being particularly close to the Third Prince.

This was where Rong Mingyu's shrewdness lay.

He couldn't overtly support any prince. Among the emperor's sons of age, only the Second and Third Princes had their own residences. The emperor allowed them to cultivate their influences in secret, and Rong Mingyu let his sons align with one each.

Should the emperor decide to limit the princes' power, Rong Mingyu would promptly cease these private connections, always aligning with the emperor's wishes and never overstepping.

However, Rong Mingyu's question today was directed at Rong Zheng, "Will you attend the Third Prince's festival?"

Rong Zheng hesitated, instinctively glancing at his father.

Ningxuan King always maintained a composed demeanor, making it hard to gauge his emotions. Rong Zheng sensed danger in the question.

After a moment's hesitation, he replied honestly, "The Second Prince invited me two days ago."

"Is that so?" Rong Mingyu glanced at him, his gaze sharp and cold. Rong Zheng, realizing his intuition about the danger was accurate, bowed his head, feeling a chill.

Rong Mingyu remained silent, casting a tense atmosphere over the table. Rong Tang picked up a piece of peach blossom pastry with serving chopsticks, placing it on Su Huaijing's plate, softly suggesting, "This is made by a chef from Jiangnan, quite sweet. Try it?"

Su Huaijing suppressed a smile, looked at Rong Tang, then obediently bit into the pastry, crumbs falling.

Rong Mingyu finally relaxed his intimidating aura, thoughtfully glancing at Rong Tang before asking Wang Xiuyu, "I heard from the doctor that Tang's health has greatly improved these days?"

Wang Xiuyu smiled, "Yes, he's much better now, seldom fainting. Huaijing is indeed Tang's lucky star."

Rong Tang didn't look at them, his eyebrows twitching slightly. Su Huaijing, sensing his discomfort, soothingly pulled at his hand.

Rong Mingyu then suggested, "Since that's the case, let Tang and Huaijing go to the Flower Folding Festival together for a change of scenery." Turning to Rong Zheng, he added, "You must take good care of your brother and sister-in-law, understand?"

Rong Mingyu made the decision without even asking Rong Tang and Su Huaijing if they wished to go. Rong Zheng quickly agreed, internally relieved. Rong Tang appeared increasingly indifferent, and Su Huaijing, after finishing his piece of pastry, didn’t touch his food anymore.

After the banquet, they returned to Tanghua Court to change clothes, preparing to leave, when Shuangfu announced Rong Zheng's visit.

Eager to leave, Rong Tang was reluctant to meet the guest, but Su Huaijing suggested, "Let's hear what he has to say."

Rong Zheng didn’t come empty-handed; he brought significant gifts.

Two superior Wenfu ink sticks, a pair of Taicang brushes, a pot of Guifang Xuan osmanthus wine, and a Buddhist scripture from Tuolan Temple.

Shuangfu and Shuangshou watched in amazement, never having seen Rong Zheng show such respect to Rong Tang. Rong Tang only showed mild interest at the sight of the ink sticks and brushes, and asked Rong Zheng, "What's the meaning of this, little brother?"

Rong Zheng bowed respectfully, "I'm grateful to my brother and sister-in-law for helping me out of a difficult situation."

Su Huaijing, busy packing tea sets, hand stoves, and cloaks for their outing, showed no interest in intervening. Rong Tang stared intently at Rong Zheng for a moment before asking lazily, "How old are you this year, little brother?"

Rong Zheng replied, "Seventeen."

Rong Tang glanced at Su Huaijing, thinking to himself that both were seventeen, yet one was inscrutable while the other was foolishly naive.

But perhaps Rong Zheng wasn’t entirely hopeless, at least aware enough to bring a gift of thanks.

Rong Tang advised, "Being seventeen, you should know what can and can't be said, what should and shouldn't be done. In such a large estate as the royal residence, even in your own courtyard, you must be careful with your words. How could you be so thoughtless?"

Even if Rong Yuan and Rong Zhe weren't present, there were plenty of servants in the dining room. If they weren't Rong Yuan's people, wouldn’t Rong Mingyu have his own informants monitoring the household?

Rong Zheng, like the Second Prince, became arrogant with a bit of achievement, speaking without thinking things through.

Rong Tang actually didn’t want to help him, but then he thought, since Su Huaijing had just helped Rong Zheng before the meal, it wouldn’t hurt to add another favor for Huaijing.

Besides, Su Huaijing was already in contact with the Second Prince, and sooner or later, even if initially as a staff member not involved with the prince's faction, he would be introduced to everyone by Sheng Chengming.

So, letting Rong Zheng genuinely appreciate and fear him wasn't a bad thing.

Rong Tang observed Rong Zheng quietly, and the latter, feeling the heat on his face, clasped his hands in respect: “Big brother’s lesson is well taken.”

As the heir of the Ningxuan royal family, Rong Tang had always been perceived as naive and foolish, and with the second son, Rong Zheng, having less power, he was treated as another heir in the house, often pampered by everyone.

Seeing Rong Zheng’s expression, Rong Tang silently praised whoever named him, providing a sweet date after a beating.

Rong Tang coughed lightly, softening his tone: “You know I'm a sick man with not much time left. The future of our house rests on you. If you don’t grow up, what will become of your mother and sister?”

Rong Zheng, shocked, looked at Rong Tang unbelievably. Rong Tang waved a hand dismissively: “You can leave now. I'll accept your gifts. The four treasures of the study are very much to your sister-in-law’s liking. Thank you.”

Rong Zheng, his mind racing, blurted out: “It's no trouble. These are just trinkets you can buy with money. If sister-in-law truly likes them, I’ll make sure to send new stationery to Tanghua Court every month.”

Rong Tang, his head lowered, slightly raised his eyebrows in slight happiness, but remained composed. Only after Rong Zheng left did he turn to Su Huaijing gleefully, “I’ve just swindled some treasures for you!”

Despite having plenty of assets, Rong Tang found joy in taking advantage of others, especially Rong Zheng. He then eagerly urged Su Huaijing to go out with him for hot pot, oblivious that Shuangfu and Shuangshou had already left.

Su Huaijing, packing their outing essentials, also stopped, unable to suppress the surging irritation any longer.

Approaching with a cloak, Su Huaijing leaned down to help Rong Tang wear it. As their heads neared and breaths mingled, Rong Tang awkwardly shifted aside, but Su Huaijing suddenly tightened his grip, forcing Rong Tang to face him while tying the cloak.

The villain's lips curled in a smile, but his eyes roiled with stormy waves.

He seemingly gently helped Rong Tang with his collar, but it almost felt as if he was slowly strangling him.

Rong Tang belatedly sensed danger, his voice hoarse as he softly called, “Su Huaijing? What's wrong?”

Su Huaijing's gaze lingered on Rong Tang's throat, his fingers gently twirling the cloak's collar, restraining himself from pressing down.

His voice deepened slightly, “Rong Tang, I didn't like what you just said.”

Rong Tang was momentarily confused, unable to recall what he said to displease the antagonist. However, Su Huaijing smiled, his expression as gentle as ever, speaking slowly, “Pacify me.”

“If you placate me, I won’t be angry anymore.”

Author's note:

Our Tang Tang has no idea why his wife is angry. Poor Tang Tang.