“Go on in.” Yu Yi let out a cold snort, not waiting for anyone else as he strode into the main hall on his own.
He was always like this arrogant and domineering, treating everyone else as if they didn’t exist.
Within the borders of the Jing Dynasty, from the beggars in the most obscure alleys to the generals with peerless military achievements, not a single person was unaware that this Second Prince was the current Emperor’s most dotingly cherished son.
Countless awards and gifts flowed like a river into his residence day after day, and his food, clothing, and daily amenities surpassed even those of the Son of Heaven himself. He had been granted a prince’s title and his own estate outside the palace at the age of seventeen. Now, seven years later, the imperial favor remained as potent as ever, to the point that even the notoriously unsparing censors in the imperial court, who would critique anything under the sun did not dare utter a single syllable of criticism against him.
Yet just days ago, when the Emperor intended to select a wife for Yu Yi, the Second Prince dropped a stunning declaration: after reviewing the portraits of nineteen aristocratic young ladies, he proclaimed that he had a penchant for longyang (same-sex affection) and specifically favored men.
The Emperor had been so infuriated by him that he gave him the cold shoulder for several days, before finally issuing an imperial decree personally appointing the Xiao family’s son to serve as this unprecedented “Imperial Prince Consort.”
Lowering his gaze, Xiao Tan followed behind Xiao Zhengze, thinking that Yu Yi was indeed no different from what was written in the book. Upon first meeting, he carried an intimidating aura, and only after spending time with him would one realize how soft-hearted his inner core truly was.
“Duan Fangzhu, has the imperial decree been brought?”
Yu Yi took his seat in the principal host’s chair, resting his head on one hand.
An elderly eunuch stepped out from behind him, solemnly holding a scroll of the imperial decree and making as if to read it aloud.
Xiao Zhengze acted as though this was his first time seeing an imperial decree promulgated in such a manner; his lips twitched repeatedly, but he could only take a deep breath and lead his family members and servants down to kneel.
“Wait, didn’t you have two sons? Why did only one come?” Yu Yi abruptly sat up straight.
“This…” Xiao Zhengze froze as well, failing to understand what game Yu Yi was trying to play.
Could it be that the decree being conveyed today wasn’t about the marriage bestowal? He had even specifically instructed Lady Zhao this morning to keep Xiao Qiang strictly confined to his room so he wouldn’t accidentally offend His Highness.
“You might as well summon the Prince’s other son here together; otherwise, promulgating this imperial decree won’t quite conform to the rules,” Yu Yi said with a faint, ambiguous smile.
Though consumed by internal doubts, Xiao Zhengze dared not slack off and immediately dispatched someone to summon Xiao Qiang.
Kneeling on the ground, Xiao Tan lowered his gaze.
In the book, when Yu Yi came to the Xiao Prince’s Mansion to deliver the decree, he merely skimmed through it as a perfunctory formality. Its sole purpose was to initially showcase how extraordinary the original owner’s appearance and temperament were, so breathtakingly wonderful that even the unworldly Second Prince’s eyes would “light up.”
Yet summoning his so-called heir brother out here now, what was his objective?
“Your Highness, Father, I have arrived.” Xiao Qiang arrived swiftly, accompanied by Lady Zhao trailing right behind him. He originally intended to walk ahead of Xiao Tan to kneel, but was yanked back by Lady Zhao, barely managing to halt his steps and kneeling down in a rush just behind Xiao Tan.
“Your Highness, the people have arrived. Look at this imperial decree…”
Xiao Zhengze harbored a somewhat ominous premonition.
Yu Yi nodded slightly, and Duan Fangzhu immediately unrolled the imperial decree, proclaiming the Emperor’s mandate:
“By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The two young masters of the Xiao Prince’s Mansion are both gentle, respectful, frugal, and accomplished in both talent and appearance. We…”
“Immediately command both of them to enter the palace for an imperial audience—”
The moment Xiao Zhengze heard the opening line, his heart began to pound heavily against his ribs; upon hearing the concluding sentence of the decree, cold sweat threatened to soak right through his garments.
Why does His Majesty want to see Qi’er? Clearly, I already reported a few days ago that the eldest young master of the Xiao Prince’s Mansion was the most suitable candidate for the Prince Consort, and His Majesty had already agreed. Why is such a decree being issued today instead.
“Prince of Xiao, the imperial decree has been delivered, so this Prince will take his leave first.”
“Tomorrow, your son had best perform exceptionally well before His Father to win His Father’s approval before he can enter my Duan Prince’s Mansion.”
Yu Yi sat ramrod straight, though his complexion was as pale as paper. He had stayed out too long, and refusing to show any vulnerability in front of others, his body was already reaching its absolute limit.
Duan Fangzhu watched anxiously from the side, repeatedly wanting to suggest returning, yet failing to find a suitable opening to speak.
“Your Highness, Your Majesty means, means, means… what does this mean?”
Xiao Zhengze forcefully suppressed his flustered emotions, feigning an expression of utter astonishment as he asked, “Could it be that my eldest son has done something improper?”
Remaining silent, Xiao Tan wondered to himself whether his arrival had altered the original plotline, causing the candidate for the Prince Consort to shift as well not to himself, but to Xiao Qiang?
Yet if Xiao Qiang married Yu Yi, would he be forced to remain in the Xiao Prince’s Mansion and assist Xiao Zhengze in those despicable, underhanded plots?
Xiao Tan frowned. The political struggles for the throne within the Jing Dynasty depicted in the novel felt sickening just to read about, let alone being personally plunged right into the thick of it.
“The eldest young master is very capable; it’s simply that the Heir and I share mutual, in, ter, ests.”
Yu Yi enunciated each word clearly, his breathing slightly labored as he painstakingly maneuvered his wheelchair past the crowd.
In his past life, he had been far too stubborn, refusing to let anyone pity or sympathize with him in the slightest. Countless times, when he was already suffering unbearably, he still insisted on putting up a facade as if nothing were amiss.
Everyone else assumed he was completely fine, dismissing it as ordinary physical weakness, and even the Emperor had been deceived by him.
What was the point?
Yu Yi thought with bitter self-mockery. He was merely a cripple; indeed, he was utterly incapable of protecting those around him or holding onto the person he loved.
No wonder that person chose to betray him back then a useless person like himself could give him nothing, nor could he safeguard him within this treacherous capital city.
It was simply a pity that he had transmigrated back at such an inconvenient moment: a second before he had tactfully expressed to His Imperial Father that Xiao Qiang was an idiot, he had been reborn, missing the chance to thoroughly swap out the candidate for the Prince Consort.
It didn’t matter, though. Xiao Tan was a son abandoned by Xiao Zhengze among the commoners; naturally, he could never catch the Emperor’s eye quite like the heir whom the Xiao Prince’s Mansion had poured all its painstaking resources into cultivating.
He was confident that after entering the palace tomorrow, Xiao Qiang would obediently be married off to the Duan Prince’s Mansion, remaining right under his nose. When that time came, Xiao Zhengze…
“Eldest young master, what—what are you doing?”
Duan Fangzhu’s startled cry pulled Yu Yi out of his reverie.
Without knowing when, Xiao Tan had stepped forward and gripped the handles of the wheelchair.
Yu Yi’s expression darkened instantly as he barked in a deep voice, “Let go!”
Though he no longer held any obsession regarding pushing his own wheelchair, that didn’t mean just anyone was qualified to touch him.
Was he even worthy?
Unfazed by Yu Yi’s intimidation, Xiao Tan pushed the wheelchair straight toward the entrance.
The original owner’s emotions seemed to linger persistently.
Just now, upon seeing this person forcing himself beyond his limits, he had subconsciously walked over. By the time he snapped back to his senses, Duan Fangzhu had already been nudged aside.
Xiao Tan had been pondering why he had suddenly transmigrated into a book, and now he felt he understood.
His former self in that other world had likely already passed away from illness. Arriving here was perhaps a second chance granted by Heaven allowing him to finally experience what it felt like to be healthy, freeing him from the torment of chronic illness, and letting him strive to alter various lingering regrets, big and small.
Even though this regret was so minor merely aching with pity for a character in a book before falling asleep, feeling a lingering sense of unfulfillment.
“Eldest young master, leave it to this humble servant.”
Bending low, Duan Fangzhu respectfully yet firmly took over the wheelchair handles from Xiao Tan. Any later, and he feared his Highness might commit murder on the spot.
Xiao Tan didn’t press the matter, stepping back a few paces to watch the retreating procession.
He had always been cared for by those around him parents, brothers and sisters, and his page boy A-Zhu. He too wished to try caring for others, but the end result was always causing them trouble and prompting them to worry over his frail health instead.
The Xiao family was wealthy; he didn’t pursue fortune, nor did he crave power. His lifelong aspiration was simply to possess a healthy body, use that healthy body to accomplish things he wished to do, and love those who loved him in return.
He had originally assumed such a wish would be difficult to fulfill for the rest of his life.
Xiao Zhengze was still issuing stern reprimands in his ear, but Xiao Tan turned a deaf ear, his mind already set on a plan.
Turning his head to look at Xiao Zhengze, he said earnestly, “Prince, rest assured, the Second Prince is someone I will certainly marry. I only ask that you instruct the Heir not to perform too well tomorrow; otherwise, if His Majesty chooses him instead of me, it will become an absolute laughingstock.”
Xiao Zhengze choked, casting a suspicious and scrutinizing gaze at Xiao Tan. “Weren’t you opposed to this in every possible way before? What are you plotting this time?”
Xiao Tan smiled. “I’m not plotting anything. I simply think His Highness is wonderful, and marrying him is no loss.”
Before Xiao Zhengze could respond, Lady Zhao rolled her eyes toward the heavens.
“Oh my, could it be that you’ve taken a fancy to the Second Prince? I advise you to save yourself the trouble. His Highness was personally raised by the Empress Dowager herself. That erudition and bearing, is that something a brute like you from the pugilistic world can ever hope to climb up to and match?”
“Just hope that once you marry over, you don’t bring shame upon our Xiao family.”
A mere “brute from the pugilistic world.”
Internally impatient, Xiao Tan maintained an outwardly aggrieved expression, turning his head away and falling silent.
Lady Zhao let out a cold snort and sauntered off with a sway of her waist.
Outside the doors, Duan Fangzhu pushed Yu Yi along for a short distance before releasing his grip and standing respectfully to the side to offer a low apology.
To his surprise, Yu Yi merely knitted his brows slightly and said, “Keep pushing.”
Duan Fangzhu paused in surprise before breaking into a delighted smile and grasping the wheelchair handles once more.
He had always felt pained seeing how overly forceful the Prince was with himself, constantly living such an exhausted life. It seemed this Young Master Xiao Tan had genuinely entered the Prince’s heart; merely meeting once was enough to prompt such a change in the Prince.
If he could marry into the Prince’s Mansion sooner, the Prince might perhaps become a bit happier.
At noon the following day, Xiao Zhengze personally led the two of them into the palace for an audience.
The current Emperor, named Yu Yinjiang, possessed an imposing and majestic presence. In both state affairs and domestic matters, his word had always been final.
Kneeling in the grand hall, Xiao Tan appeared exceptionally refined, outstanding, and peerlessly handsome. Both wore cyan robes, yet Xiao Qiang standing beside him was instantly overshadowed.
Yu Yinjiang was immensely satisfied.
Initially, he had harbored concerns that Xiao Zhengze might be reluctant to let his own son serve as the “Prince Consort.” Upon laying eyes on Xiao Tan today, however, he truly radiated the fine, clear-breeze-and-bright-moon temperament; if he hadn’t been destined to marry Yu Yi, one could imagine matchmakers would be trampling the threshold flat trying to secure his hand.
“Minister Xiao has raised his sons well; both young masters are talents of the highest caliber,” Yu Yinjiang said, a slight smile gracing his features.
Xiao Zhengze hurriedly expressed his gratitude, a wave of relief washing over him it seemed His Majesty was indeed satisfied with Xiao Tan.
Yu Yinjiang waved a hand to signal for them to be seated, then inquired, “Xiao Tan, I hear your health has been poor, and your father has kept you recuperating within the estate all this time.”
Appropriately lowering his gaze, Xiao Tan replied, “Reporting to Your Imperial Majesty, this subject was frail in his youth, and Father dared not let me endure the hardships of the Imperial College; thus, this subject has always engaged a private tutor for instruction at home.”
This was the narrative they had rehearsed and agreed upon last night.
Xiao Zhengze had given repeated, stern warnings that His Majesty must never learn that Xiao Tan was an abandoned son retrieved by the Xiao family from pugilistic figures. Otherwise, given the Emperor’s degree of doting indulgence toward the Second Prince, this marriage alliance would never be approved.
Xiao Tan didn’t feel there was anything wrong with people from the pugilistic world galloping on horseback, singing songs freely, seeking vengeance and gratitude with a swift sword they represented a carefree youthful spirit he had never possessed.
Yet Xiao Zhengze was right about one thing: if the Emperor discovered the Xiao family had found a son outside who only knew how to wield blades and swords to marry off to Yu Yi, no matter how well Xiao Tan performed, he would never step foot through the gates of the Duan Prince’s Mansion.
“Mm,” Yu Yinjiang nodded without pressing further, continuing, “My reason for summoning the two of you today is to assess your scholastic talents. The Second Prince is thoroughly accomplished in both civil and martial arts, possessing exceptional talent and appearance; naturally, only those with genuine capability are worthy of matching him. Do you understand?”
“This subject understands.” All three kowtowed in unison.
Yu Yinjiang immediately had examination topics brought out. Sitting at one side of the grand hall, Xiao Zhengze coughed softly a few times inaudibly.
As they had discussed in the carriage earlier, Xiao Qiang was to hold back as much as possible, though not too obviously after all, the Emperor wouldn’t believe a dignified Prince’s heir possessed such mediocre standards; the crucial factor still depended on Xiao Tan’s own performance.
The first hurdle, appearance and temperament had already cleared the test. What followed was an evaluation of literary and scholarly talent. To serve as the Duan Prince Consort, even if male, one needed to be well-versed in the arts of the qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and prose; while not necessarily mastering every single one to perfection, one could not lag too far behind either.
During his recuperation, Xiao Tan’s most frequent pastimes were practicing calligraphy, painting, reading, and playing the qin and coincidentally, all four subjects would be tested today.
Collecting his focus without a shred of panic, his wrists proved significantly steadier than before. As this series of competitions unfolded, Xiao Qiang appeared somewhat mediocre by comparison.
Observing their respective performances, Yu Yinjiang had already made up his mind, merely waiting to consult Yu Yi’s opinion shortly.
Sitting at the side with a composed exterior, Xiao Zhengze was inwardly struck with absolute astonishment. He had only arranged for tutors to instruct Xiao Tan for less than a month, how could he possibly exhibit such proficiency?
Could it be that he truly possessed innate genius?
Behind the folding screen, Yu Yi sat in his wheelchair with his eyes closed in meditation, the surrounding air pressure sinking so low that even Duan Fangzhu felt a shiver of alarm.
How could this be?
How is this possible?
Yu Yinjiang might remain ignorant of Xiao Tan’s background, but Yu Yi knew it all too well: he was merely a child from an ordinary commoner household. While his exact upbringing remained unknown, he certainly had no opportunities to come into contact with such frivolous, aristocratic pastimes as poetry, prose, qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Yet judging by his performance today that refined and jade-like temperament, that poised and generous demeanor, not to mention the moments when he wielded his brush to execute ink or plucked the qin to produce lingering melodies even Yu Yi could not help marveling in astonishment.
“Yi’er, what do you think? I feel Xiao Tan is truly exceptional. Matching him with you might be a bit of a stretch for him, but it’s still acceptable.”
Yu Yinjiang had walked in at some unknown moment, smiling warmly as he looked down at Yu Yi.
“Imperial Father,” Yu Yi forced himself up to pay respects.
Yu Yinjiang immediately stopped him. “Remain seated. Do you still stand on such formalities with me?”
With a faint smile, Yu Yi didn’t insist further.
His Imperial Father remained precisely the same as before, and his affection for him was genuine. It was simply tragic that due to all sorts of foolish reasons, he had still ended up personally sending his most dotingly cherished son into the heavenly prison with his own hands.
“Let’s hear your thoughts.” Yu Yinjiang took a seat and sipped his tea.
Pondering for a moment, Yu Yi weighed his words carefully: “Imperial Father, Young Master Xiao Tan is indeed extraordinarily talented, but Minister Xiao is, after all, a pillar of the court with monumental contributions to the nation.”
“Keeping Young Master Xiao in the imperial court allows him to render great service. This son is unwilling to become the shackle that binds him.”
Yu Yinjiang hadn’t anticipated hearing such a response. Startled at first, he promptly burst into laughter: “You, oh you! I truly haven’t doted on you in vain.”
Lowering his head in respectful obedience, Yu Yi concealed the mockery in his eyes.
Xiao Tan is certainly adept at putting on an act. In his past life, he preferred enduring public humiliation rather than exposing these talents, yet in this life, he is flaunting his brilliance so aggressively, isn’t it all simply to marry into the Duan Prince’s Mansion and fulfill those ulterior motives?
He refuses to let him have his way.