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The white clouds drifted leisurely over the clear blue sky. With the gentle chirping of the birds echoing through the Imperial Garden, it was surely to be said that it was a very fine morning. Besides, the whole Imperial Palace was excessively busy that day as a certain faction was preparing for the appointment between His Highness, the Emperor and the Noble Minister Wu to decide upon the Crown Prince's marriage with the latter's daughter, Lady Tianhua.
Mei Nianqing stood at the pavilion with the other three vassals next to him. The pavilion was decorated with silk clothes and fragrant flowers, the cool north winds were not obstructed by the pillars. His Highness the Emperor and Her Highness the Empress sat side by side, accompanied by Noble Minister Wu, his wife and his daughter who had already exchanged pleasantries.
The Crown Prince was yet to arrive. Everyone else was already present.
Mei Nianqing was personally appointed by the Emperor himself, to take charge of the preparations of this important meeting. It was paramount to the decision of Wu Yong’s future itself. Just some weeks ago, Mei Nianqing had agreed to take such heavy responsibilities with his own words. Yet, when the day finally came, he was somewhat reluctant.
And why wouldn't he be?
After all, in the whole Imperial Palace, or rather, in the whole of Wu Yong, or perhaps, the whole world, only Mei Nianqing knew of the relationship he had harboured with the Crown Prince. Shameful to admit yet the utmost sincerest of feelings that he could not dare to betray, he could not deny the love he had already promised the Crown Prince.
After all, one can deceive their own mind, but how can one betray their own heart?
And to think that the Crown Prince had admitted and reciprocated such feelings towards him! Mei Nianqing felt he was already blessed. Having to conceal their relationship from the eyes of the others was far less than half the taboo regarding their relationship. After all, it was the Crown Prince he was devoted to.
Mei Nianqing looked towards the right. The Crown Prince should have appeared by now.
What was he up to?
The Crown Prince was quite aware that it was Mei Nianqing who was given the responsibility of this appointment. If the Crown Prince failed to show up, the blame would naturally fall upon him. The Crown Prince wouldn't run away at this critical juncture, would he?
After all, he had grown up so much but his heart was still light like the wind.
Mei Nianqing glanced towards the right again.
There was no one.
The two families continued to chat about trivial matters, a successful attempt by Her Highness the Empress to divert the others’ notice from the absence of the Crown Prince. Though Mei Nianqing grew a little anxious that the Crown Prince wouldn't show up, he was even somewhat relieved in his heart.
If the Crown Prince never looked at anyone else, perhaps Mei Nianqing could remain as the only one in his eyes.
It was good enough that the veil that covered his face today was made of pure silk of purple. Otherwise, how would he explain the stupid smile he adorned on his face at the thought of the Crown Prince refusing to see anyone else?
When His Highness the Emperor and Noble Minister Wu finally started discussing some matters of the state, Her Highness the Empress finally turned towards Mei Nianqing, trying to seem as natural as possible. She muttered, “Where is the Crown Prince?”
Her countenance was calm and unchanged. Only Mei Nianqing understood how difficult it was for her to conceal her frown. She was probably cursing the Crown Prince in her mind, calling him a nuisance.
“The Crown Prince will reach here shortly,” Mei Nianqing replied in whispers as well.
Her Highness the Empress said no more as it might seem unnatural to speak to the Crown Prince's vassal for so long. She turned towards the Wu family instead and gave some praises to the Wu family's good will and how well they had raised Lady Tianhua.
The minister's wife laughed in a polite manner and said, “Many thanks, Her Highness. But if I may ask, where is His Highness the Crown Prince?”
It was evident that the question would come up eventually.
Even the Emperor and the minister paused their conversation.
“The Crown Prince has barely managed to find some time for this appointment but it is unnecessary to fret. The Crown Prince shall arrive in a brief moment,” Her Highness the Empress replied skillfully.
But Mei Nianqing did not feel the same. The words he used to convince the other could not convince himself. He was anxious that the Crown Prince would fall into great trouble if he truly had decided not to turn up for this appointment.
Minister Wu was an old man with great power and acknowledgement bestowed by the previous Emperor. Absence of the Crown Prince would call for an unpleasant atmosphere.
Thus, he cupped his hand in front of Her Highness the Empress and said resolutely, “If I may, Her Highness, allow me to escort the Crown Prince here.”
Mei Nianqing did not dare look up to Her Highness the Empress but he could already feel the cold glares piercing into him. The whole appointment was already pre-planned, everything to be said and not to be said.
But Mei Nianqing had already defied such rules for the sake of the Crown Prince. It was better than the Crown Prince not showing up at all, wasn't it?
“That would be unnecessary,” A familiar imposing voice declared with great heaviness. Mei Nianqing did not need to look at the man to know who it was.
When Mei Nianqing turned towards the right, his eyes met the Crown Prince's for a brief moment. The rays of the sun blessed the son of heavens.
Those eyes that were a safe haven for Mei Nianqing, today felt a little distant. He quickly averted his eyes.
The Crown Prince walked towards the pavilion with some servants following him.
Mei Nianqing was not sure if it was simply a product of his own imagination but he could feel the Crown Prince's gaze pinned upon him. The Crown Prince specifically seemed to be in an unpleasant mood today.
Mei Nianqing could only come up with guesses behind his great fury but could not pin upon one. What could it be that caused the Crown Prince to be in such anger?
Surely, it wasn't because…
No, no, it couldn't be. How could the Crown Prince be free enough to realise that Mei Nianqing had been avoiding him for the past two days? It was not so that they did not even encounter each other, but Mei Nianqing would always come up with dutiful excuses to avoid him each time.
Her Highness the Empress smiled and said, “Oh, we were not sending him to escort the Crown Prince anyway. It is good that the Crown Prince is here so early.”
The Crown Prince entered the pavilion and greeted His Highness the Emperor and Her Highness the Empress according to the formalities. The Wu family stood up and bowed to the Crown Prince as well.
“Please be seated,” Her Highness the Empress commented.
“Yes, Imperial Mother.”
Mei Nianqing’s eyes were fixed upon the floor. He realised that the wooden floor of the pavilion was polished so cleanly that he could probably even look at his face if it were of brass.
The Crown Prince sat down on the chair behind which Mei Nianqing stood.
Mei Nianqing could not be relieved. He had never seen the Crown Prince in such concealed fury.
“We did not intend to arrive late, we were preoccupied with some important matters,” The Crown Prince said to the other party.
“No matter, no matter. It is natural for the dutiful Crown Prince to be busy,” The minister's wife said, waving her fan lightly in front of her face.
Oh, so it was only Mei Nianqing's wishful thinking that the Crown Prince was delaying the arrival to this appointment for the sake of him. Residing in the Imperial Palace for so long, how could his mind be deluded to the point of such naivety?
Selfish thoughts are a precursor to envy, thus must be eradicated entirely from one's mind.
Despite being aware of this, Mei Nianqing could not put a cease to his endless yearning towards the Crown Prince. He was content that the Crown Prince was aware of his responsibility towards the state and thus, this appointment. How could Mei Nianqing even dare to put himself first in the Crown Prince's heart?
The conversation between the Imperial Family and the Noble family continued in an easy manner. Only the servants were uptight and tense. As for Mei Nianqing, he was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to notice someone else's words. All he knew was that the Crown Prince did not put in any word throughout the conversation.
Was it a new method of his rebellion?
But no one said anything regarding it and the conversation continued in the most formal way possible, in the end leading to nowhere.
Her Highness the Empress finally said, “We are sure that The Crown Prince would like to take the Lady for a stroll. It would provide time to discuss the matters between them.”
Everyone present there already knew that it was a direct order from the Empress herself and was not liable to rejection, even if it was directed to the Crown Prince himself.
Mei Nianqing wondered if the Crown Prince was truly keen to stroll around the Imperial Garden with the lady. He knew that the Crown Prince held some silent fancy regard to flowers and gardens. But Mei Nianqing did not.
So whenever the Crown Prince would ask him to stroll alongside him, Mei Nianqing would always refuse. What was so good about the garden anyway? Wasn't it just some gaudy flowers of fragrance? Mei Nianqing hated the colourful flowers the most. For some reason, it would always leave his chest congested and his nose irritated. He hated the scorching rays of the sun. For some reason, it would often leave his skin red and inflamed. Wasn't it better to just remain at the library, studying and writing? There, he would not have to cover his face with a veil.
However, perhaps this one time, Mei Nianqing could even agree to strolling through any garden every day as long as it meant the Crown Prince would swear faith to him. But he held no such authority to do so.
Even after so long, the Crown Prince remained quiet, submerged in deep thoughts. Everyone else was patient.
The Crown Prince finally suggested, “Everything to be discussed may be discussed here.”
The words echoed in Mei Nianqing's ears. How could he reject the order of Her Highness the Empress!?
The Crown Prince continued, “Before anything else, we would like to see for ourselves if Lady Tianhua is fit to be our wife.”
Mei Nianqing noticed that Her Highness the Empress did not seem quite fond of the Crown Prince's words. But her face remained indifferent. She said, “Then do as the Crown Prince said.”
But the minister's wife did not mind much. She simply said, “Yes, Your Highness, it is our duty to be your servitude.”
The minister's daughter cupped her hands and said, “Replying to Your Highness, this subject shall answer honestly. Please do ask.”
“What does the Lady take pleasure in during her free time?” The Crown Prince asked solemnly.
Wu Tianhua answered, “This subject takes interest in sewing and cooking.”
“Cooking, you say? Which delicacies are the best by your hands?” The Crown Prince asked.
Seeing that the Crown Prince seemed to have genuine questions which were not asked only to stir trouble, Her Highness the Empress was relieved. The minister and his wife seemed to be amicable as well.
“This subject has gained praise for preparing Yu Chi Tang quite many times, Your Highness,” Wu Tianhua responded.
“Oh,” The Crown Prince uttered, “But we prefer Bao Zi.”
“I can prepare Bao Zi as well,” Wu Tianhua replied.
Mei Nianqing pursed his lower lip. He recalled the Crown Prince telling him how fond he was of the Bao Zi he made, though he only knew how to prepare Bao Zi and some trivial food items such as congee and soup.
Back then, the Crown Prince swore that he would never have Bao Zi made by someone else's hands. Mei Nianqing laughed it away with a wave of hand, not knowing that the promise would eventually be broken one day.
“Never you mind,” The Crown Prince said, “The finest toil to indulge in during leisure is to seek knowledge through books.”
“That is natural, Your Highness. There are many kinds of books that have enlightened me, may I ask which one the Crown Prince prefers?” Wu Tianhua asked.
“Are you entitled to know?” The Crown Prince tilted his head, “We shall do the asking.”
Wu Tianhua responded cautiously, “The fault lies within this subject. Apologies for having exceeded my boundaries, Your Highness.”
The easy-going Crown Prince was unusually tough today. Her Highness the Empress seemed displeased. She raised her cup and had a sip, not to relinquish her thirst but to relinquish her anger.
“Very good, then,” The Crown Prince uttered, “How about you tell us what is the book that enlightened you the most?”
“Remembrance of Wu Yong,” Wu Tianhua responded.
Mei Nianqing would have to admit it was a witty answer. Remembrance of Wu Yong was an anthology of contemporary tales and poems written by an anonymous writer about Wu Yong, quite natural for a Noble woman to be interested in such fine poetry. It neither glorified nor criticised the kingdom but simply regarded the general state of life thriving in the kingdom. It concealed no agenda, no religious or political undertones. Since the writer was anonymous, their background and ideals could not clash with that of the Crown Prince. Besides, its popularity had peaked in recent days.
“It is a little too inauspicious. The author regards Wu Yong in such a way as if the narrator mourns his very existence within these city walls. But I must say it is written very well,” The Crown Prince said.
What was he talking about? Mei Nianqing was the ‘anonymous writer’ of Remembrance of Wu Yong.
The Crown Prince stated, “Since Lady Tianhua has already asked which book we recall the most, we shall not disappoint her. It is Tao Te Ching.”
Mei Nianqing felt the silk robes he wore and fine delicacies he ate at the Imperial Palace were finally deserved by him. He had finally taught the Crown Prince the utmost important basic principle of cultivation.
“This subject has learnt Tao Te Ching by heart,” Wu Tianhua said.
“Oh, Lady Tianhua is also a cultivator?” The Crown Prince asked.
“Yes, Your Highness, it is so.”
The Crown Prince asked, “Does the Lady prefer swords or spells?”
“Swords, Your Highness,” Wu Tianhua answered, “This subject can assist and protect the Crown Prince in the battlefield, if required.”
“We prefer our wife to be more skilled in spells,” The Crown Prince uttered.
What was he talking about? It was natural that swords were more reliable than spells in cultivation. Mei Nianqing had always been pondering if his cultivation could be more stable, had he had the martial skills for it.
Wu Tianhua responded, “I have learnt some spells as well, Your Highness.”
“Forget it,” The Crown Prince asked, “If we said your hair is what we liked about you the most, what measures would the lady take?”
Her Highness the Empress finally seemed to cool down her anger a little. The Crown Prince finally seemed to be taking this marriage seriously. He was already of the marriageable age, it was good that he had grown up.
The minister and his wife shared glances and smiled. The near future of being related with the royals was not so far away.
Wu Tianhua did not falter at this comment as she seemed aware that all such compliments in the Imperial Palace were all for the sake of formalities. She replied, “Thanking Your Highness, I shall take care of my hair greatly and never allow any harm to it.”
Mei Nianqing felt his heart grow bitter. So the Crown Prince liked her hair? How quickly a young man's heart does change.
Just the other day when Mei Nianqing had busied himself in copying some new scripts that had arrived in the library, the Crown Prince sat by his side and commented so sincerely about how his hair was of ‘the finest raven in the whole of Wu Yong’. He had pestered Mei Nianqing for so long, deterring him from focus, that Mei Nianqing could not help but joke that he would sever his hair.
“If it were our wife, she* would volunteer to sever her* hair,” The Crown Prince said indifferently.
Mei Nianqing's face finally rose but he could not get a glance of the Crown Prince's face as he stood behind him. What was the Crown Prince even saying!?
The servants present in the pavilion looked at each other, alarmed. Was there anyone normal in the Imperial family? How many more people had the state affairs left insane?
Even the Wu family seemed visibly confused and reluctant. At this juncture, only the Imperial members remained unmoved. The grasp of Her Highness the Empress on the teacup tightened. His Highness the Emperor, who had been sitting silently with a facade of polite interest, turned towards the Crown Prince subtly.
“This subject is afraid that it would be a direct offense towards Your Highness,” Wu Tianhua answered, wittily.
“Yes, it would be,” The Crown Prince asked after a thoughtful pause, “Does the lady prefer horse riding or carriages?”
“It can be either as long as I can travel alongside Your Highness. But if possible, a carriage is more suitable for Your Highness,” Wu Tianhua answered.
“We prefer our wife to ride horses,” The Crown Prince said, sounding as if the said wife was already his.
What was the Crown Prince intending to do? It made no sense. Wasn't it the most lady-like for one to be in a carriage? If the future empress rode on horseback alone, wouldn't the Imperial Palace be accused of lacking funds?
Though Mei Nianqing understood why one would prefer the horse more, as he himself was one who greatly hated the stuffy carriages with no air to pass. Horses were better, he could feel the wind brush against his face and look at his colleagues following behind.
All the knowledge that Mei Nianqing had were mostly from the books he read. Thus he was not always quick to perceive some other matters. But he was not entirely stupid. Could it be that the Crown Prince said so resolutely that his wife preferred horses because he was hinting to Mei Nianqing that he was the sole wife of the Crown Prince?! Surely, it wasn't—!
“Tell us what you would like as a gift, Lady Tianhua,” The Crown Prince asked.
Hearing this, Her Highness the Empress seemed very pleased, and so did the others present in the pavilion. The Wu family were probably even planning to throw a feast right after returning to their abode. Only Wu Tianhua continued to be perfunctory and Mei Nianqing was the only whose heart sunk along with his gaze.
If the Crown Prince was asking what kind of gift she would prefer, he had probably taken an interest in her.
Mei Nianqing’s face sunk in his feet again. Was he not already tired of expecting beyond what he deserved?
But then why did the Crown Prince mention Mei Nianqing's comment of ‘severing hair’ or that ‘horses were better than carriages’, leaving Mei Nianqing miserably wondering and hoping? Was it just another way of humoring himself? If so, Mei Nianqing did not find it funny. But what could be done anyway? He was simply powerless in front of the Imperial influences.
He believed this was for the best. The Crown Prince deserved someone sensible to be able to stand by his side, for the world to know. The nation deserved a skillful and intellectual lady to be its next empress.
Wu Tianhua responded, “Any gift by Your Highness is a precious treasure.”
“But have you no thought of your own?” The Crown Prince asked as he picked up the cup of tea in front of him and soothingly had a sip.
“If the Crown Prince pleases, I am fond of flowers. Though seemingly trivial, it brings me content,” Wu Tianhua said.
It was truly a lady-like response that conveyed her humble heart of sincerity. Besides, Mei Nianqing knew the Crown Prince was fond of flowers too. Weren't they a match made in heaven?
“Perhaps the lady has not heard this before. We shall recite for her. Jades are too extravagant, flowers are too modest. If my empress is too easily moved by something as trivial as flowers, how could she swear loyalty to us?” The Crown Prince said, keeping down the cup of tea.
“Th-This subject misspoke. Please forgive this subject, Your Highness,” Wu Tianhua uttered. For the first time throughout the conversation, her voice finally faltered.
“No need for apologies, Lady Tianhua. We do not find any lack of skills or knowledge in the Lady’s answers. The conditions for which we ask are to be met by my wife. All encounters are destined and so are marriages,” The Crown Prince said, “If the Lady does not meet the standards, it is not her shortcomings but simply destiny which holds different regards for us.”
Her Highness the Empress had caught on the air. She seemed in such a fury that Mei Nianqing felt his feet go numb by such an imposing aura.
“Y-Your Highness, please reconsider. This subject can learn to be the ideal wife of the Crown Prince,” Wu Tianhua uttered.
“There is no need for the Lady to change herself for the sake of us. She is competent enough to find a good husband,” The Crown Prince said, “We do not want the Lady to be devoted to us with no reciprocation of our feelings.”
Her Highness the Empress glared at the Crown Prince so fiercely that Mei Nianqing felt the need to make the Crown Prince realise that it would be too late if he did not stop right then. Seeing that the other vassals did not approach to solve the matter, he pressed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder and said, “Your Highness…”
The Crown Prince finally looked at him but his eyes were so intense that Mei Nianqing had to avert his own eyes instantly. But then the Crown Prince placed his hand over Mei Nianqing's.
Mei Nianqing quickly retracted his hand which went unnoticed from the eyes of others. This time, when their eyes met, the Crown Prince’s gaze was gentle.
The minister and his wife shared a glance. Mei Nianqing was aware how inappropriate it was for him to intervene. But had he not taken this opportunity to bring back sanity to His Highness, he was afraid that things would go for the worse for the Crown Prince.
Mei Nianqing said, “Your Highness, please be mindful.”
Her Highness the Empress, finally not being able to contain herself, raised her right hand and ordered in a thunderous voice, “No need. Let him speak. We shall also hear what the Crown Prince wishes to convey.”
“Since it is the Imperial Mother’s command, we shall obey,” The Crown Prince added, “We are afraid there will be none who is just the same as our wife. Can the Lady sit in the library for hours and seek knowledge endlessly without any regard to night and day? Could she* be delighted if she* won a game of cards against us? Could they get away with one peripheral strike of the sword on this Prince's arm? Would they carry an injured prince on their back and promise to return him home? Would they challenge and evaluate this Prince’s words and actions? Would they dare to hold us accountable or punish us for our unreasonable demands? Who can be the utmost upright, caring not for others' remarks but on ethics? Can one be so blatantly honest to the point that they do not falter while directing words of offense towards us?”
Mei Nianqing’s eyes remained still on the floor. At this point, the Crown Prince was not simply dropping hints. It was as if his words were directed solely to Mei Nianqing himself.
The Crown Prince had always sat by his side in the library, not to study but to pester him, and even gave him access to the Imperial Library. It was only later that Mei Nianqing found out that it was a ploy of the Crown Prince to be by Mei Nianqing's side during studies.
The Crown Prince was the only person who had ever won against Mei Nianqing in cards and no matter how much the latter tried, the prior would always win— until one time when Mei Nianqing finally won, only to find out that the Crown Prince was just being merciful.
There was a time during martial arts practice, long ago when they were but small children, Mei Nianqing had a duel with the Crown Prince despite not knowing the correct ways of using swords. Perhaps because he was so sure that the Crown Prince could dodge every single of his attacks, he did not hold himself back and accidentally slashed a cùn of the Crown Prince's arm. He seemed so injured and crestfallen that Mei Nianqing was left with no choice but to carry him back— only to find out later that the Crown Prince was not injured at all and only a small part of his sleeve was cut. How stupid Mei Nianqing used to be!
But now, no longer. He had grown up enough to challenge and evaluate the Crown Prince’s words and actions. He even dared to hold him accountable or punish him for his unreasonable demands. He was the utmost upright, caring not for others' remarks but on ethics. He had learnt to be so blatantly honest to the point that he never faltered while directing playful words of offense towards the Crown Prince.
Just when Mei Nianqing thought that it was only his own imagination, he could even feel the stares of the other three vassals upon himself— Xu Yiran, Lu Qingshi and Chen Yuanbai. None of them were aware of the relationship between the Crown Prince and him— not until now, at least. But with such obvious remarks, if not anyone else, wouldn't the vassals understand at once? After all, they had grown up together and had been each other's confidants for so long. But how could he tell them of their shameful relationship?
Mei Nianqing could feel his hands growing warm and his entire face reddened out of embarrassment. It was a pity that the silk veil could only cover half of his face.
The Crown Prince stood up slowly in a calm manner.
The Noble Minister said, “Your Highness, please wait. My daughter is said to be the most beautiful lady of Wu Yong. She learns and adapts quickly and can be by His Highness’ side even if it is only as a Noble Consort. Please, Your Highness, if you will, take a look at my daughter's face.”
Lady Tianhua’s entire face was concealed by a thin gauze, but it was not entirely unseen under the bright rays of the sun. She was indeed beautiful with peach blossom eyes and tinted thin lips.
“No need. This Prince only wishes to unveil his wife,” The Crown Prince stated.
Just as he was about to leave, Her Highness the Empress said, “Cease. Did we allow the Crown Prince to leave? This matter is yet to be discussed.”
“There is nothing more to discuss. Hasn't the decision already been made?” The Crown Prince said, his voice calm and gentle.
He did not take a glance at Mei Nianqing even once but he walked towards the garden alone. Behind him, the three vassals followed in an instant.
Mei Nianqing was too stunned for a while and was a little late to catch on. Just as he was about to follow him as well, he heard Her Highness the Empress remark, “We apologise to the Wu family for the difficulty of today's situation. It was truly unintended. Allow Mei Nianqing to send you back. We shall compensate you in the future.”
She looked at Mei Nianqing, her eyes neither imposing nor gentle. Mei Nianqing could not guess what thoughts hid behind her indifferent face. What if she has caught on to the relationship he shared with the Crown Prince?
Mei Nianqing bowed slightly and cupped his hand to say, “Yes, this subject shall obey, Her Highness.”
It took him half a shi chen to send back the Wu family with due respect. Her Highness the Empress and His Highness the Emperor had also accompanied him.
All the while, Mei Nianqing was worried that the Empress had found out about their relationship and probably called him out separately to interrogate him of such matters. If that was truly the case, Mei Nianqing wondered if he was destined to be a headless ghost in the future. And such a future was perhaps not too far away.
-君梅-
Thankfully, that was not the case.
Her Highness the Empress only called Mei Nianqing aside to assure him that today's incident had nothing to do with Mei Nianqing's conduct of the appointment. She also spoke out her worries about the Crown Prince to him and asked him to guide the Crown Prince well. She even said that perhaps she failed to understand her own son and would not pursue the matter of the marriage for some time.
Mei Nianqing shared her worries and agreed to take good care of the Crown Prince, assuring her that nothing would go wrong.
When he finally reached the Crown Prince's manor and approached the doors of his study chamber (as the maids said that was where the Crown Prince was), Mei Nianqing found the three vassals standing in front of the door along with the Crown Prince's maids.
“What is the matter?” Mei Nianqing asked, taking large strides towards the chamber.
“You're finally here! Come, quick,” Xu Yiran beckoned.
“The Crown Prince refrained everyone from entering the study chamber. He said he shall remain there and contemplate. Only…” Lu Qingshi paused his explanation and averted his eyes.
Chen Yuanbai continued, “Only you are allowed to enter.”
Mei Nianqing flinched in surprise. Did the Crown Prince truly not intend to hide their relationship to those three anymore?!
With a cough, Mei Nianqing cleared his throat and asked, “Since when have you three had the decency to wait outside under the orders of the Crown Prince?”
“That is true, I have to admit, but this time, I fear my head will be off my body. The Crown Prince isn't exactly pleased at the moment. It is better to remain here. He can be mad at us but of course, he can not be mad at our little Qing’er,” Xu Yiran explained. Then he faced the doors of the chamber and declared, “Your Highness, Mei Nianqing is here!”
“We have been saying that for so long. Do you think he will really open the door?” Chen Yuanbai commented.
“You lied to the Crown Prince?” Mei Nianqing uttered.
Xu Yiran averted his eyes, “How can it be called lying? This is called soothing a man, in the absence of his lover.”
Mei Nianqing turned towards him with an unbelievable look on his reddened face. If the fire was kindling inside the study chamber, why was Mei Nianqing feeling so hot outside the chamber?
Lu Qingshi and Chen Yuanbai stopped Xu Yiran from saying any more. Lu Qingshi turned away his gaze with an embarassed countenance while Chen Yuanbai seemed as if he had already known about their relationship for quite some time.
The three vassals seemed quite acknowledging of the relationship shared between the Crown Prince and Mei Nianqing. Mei Nianqing was not sure how to respond to that. He was grateful enough that they did not react to their relationship negatively.
“Do not delay. The Crown Prince awaits your presence,” Chen Yuanbai suggested.
“Yes, Shixiong,” Mei Nianqing said as he knocked on the wooden door and said, “Your Highness…”
The door slowly stood ajar and two maids came out of the chamber. One of them said, “His Highness seeks the presence of Mei Nianqing. Anyone else shall not be admitted.”
Mei Nianqing's eyes furrowed. Even if the Crown Prince wished to reveal their relationship to the vassals, he should have discussed it with him. This was getting messier with time.
As soon as he entered the chamber, the doors were closed from outside. The Crown Prince stood at a faraway corner of the room and stared outside the farthest window. Mei Nianqing could not see his face clearly.
He bowed slightly and said, “Your Highness...”
The Crown Prince was unusually silent.
Mei Nianqing approached him, leaving all the formalities behind. He said, “My Dear Highness, why do you insist on being like this? Her Highness the Empress is fretful with a mind full of worries for you.”
The Crown Prince continued to be silent. Mei Nianqing could not comprehend what he was thinking.
Mei Nianqing uttered, “Your Highness, I demand an answer.”
He stood behind the Crown Prince, only separated by the distance of an arm. But today, the Crown Prince felt awfully distant, so much so, that he was beyond Mei Nianqing's grasp.
Suddenly, the Crown Prince turned around and pulled his hand so quickly that Mei Nianqing could not even get a glance of his face. His back hit the wall and the Crown Prince's hands held him gently.
The Crown Prince leaned into Mei Nianqing's shoulder blade and remained still.
Mei Nianqing inquired, “Your Highness?”
“Say no more,” The Crown Prince uttered, “It has been two whole days since Qing'er talked to us and yet after so long, all he speaks about are the matters of the Imperial Palace. We do not wish to hear any of it.”
“But His Highness should recognise the responsibility he holds towards the kingdom,” Mei Nianqing interjected.
The Crown Prince replied without raising his head, “What about the responsibility I hold towards Qing’er?”
Mei Nianqing bit his lower lip. How could he convince the Crown Prince if he was being like that?
The Crown Prince said, “Qing’er, it has been so long. Two whole days, we have yearned for you. With every shi chen passing, time weighed heavy on us. Say, Qing’er, won't you soothe us?”
Mei Nianqing's hands wrapped around the Crown Prince's torso gently. How could he refuse to embrace the Crown Prince when he was in such a miserable state? Yet it had not even been very long since he promised Her Highness the Empress that he would take good care of the Crown Prince. Were his words all meaningless to himself? If it was so, how could he take pride in being a scholar?
He retracted his arms at that thought and tried to push away the Crown Prince but the latter was unmoved and still. The Crown Prince’s hands tightened around Mei Nianqing's waist. Mei Nianqing felt the Crown Prince’s breath shift slowly towards the crook of his neck.
“Your Highness, today, might this subject make a bold request?” Mei Nianqing asked, his voice sounding a little foreign to himself.
“Whatever Qing'er wishes for, we shall have it prepared for him,” The Crown Prince uttered, “But, first, Qing’er should soothe us. Why did you avoid us for so long?”
Mei Nianqing paused before saying, “There is nothing to explain. Forgive me, this subject knows he was wrong.”
The Crown Prince said, standing up properly, “Qing’er, this is not enough. We wish to take a look at your face.”
“But His Highness said that he only wishes to unveil his wife. I shall not disappoint His Highness,” Mei Nianqing remarked as his eyes looked at the distant palace gardens from the windows.
“Haven't we already seen Qing’er's face so many times?” The Crown Prince added, “However, it is also true that we only intend to unveil our wife.”
Mei Nianqing did not say anything more. How could the Crown Prince say something like that so casually? For the Crown Prince, it might be some words that he threw as easily as he pleased but for Mei Nianqing, they were all true.
“I don't understand Your Highness,” Mei Nianqing muttered bitterly, “If Your Highness is such a devoted husband, then why does he insist on humoring me? My face can not even compare to half the beauty of a woman's face. Isn't it unseemly? I prefer His Highness to cease these childish games with me and seek what he wishes to seek without me burdening him.”
The Crown Prince’s eyes narrowed in a soft gaze. He said, “Qing'er’s words wound me. Is he not aware of the peril he holds in his simple glance, that far exceeds any beauty in the whole of Wu Yong? Qing'er’s face is the most pleasing to look at, beautiful enough to cause wars among kingdoms to seek such beauty. But we wouldn't allow it. We wouldn't allow any harm to befall upon him. No one is allowed to slander Qing'er, not even us, and not even himself. Hasn't he heard? In the eyes of a lover, a beloved is as beautiful as Xi Shi.”
The silk veil slid off Mei Nianqing's face as the Crown Prince pulled the string behind the latter's head, revealing Mei Nianqing's reddened face.
The Crown Prince said, “Qing’er, we're not upset that you avoided us for the past two days. We will not hold you accountable. But for the sake of us, could you at least look at us and express your mind?”
Mei Nianqing remained silent. His duties towards the nation and his duties towards his lover, Mei Nianqing was torn between the dilemma. But it seemed that the Crown Prince had already chosen. All this sincerity, Mei Nianqing felt he did not deserve. This was wrong from the beginning, utterly wrong.
“Qing’er, Nianqing, my beloved Qing’er, in this life, since we have already unveiled you, I shall take the responsibility and never unveil anyone else,” The Crown Prince stated, embracing Mei Nianqing in his arms.
Did the Crown Prince mean…
“Qing'er is my beloved wife— Oh, or shall we say my dearest husband? Whichever it is that Qing'er prefers, we shall bestow him that title and only ever unveil you,” clarified the Crown Prince.
Mei Nianqing's eyes widened. Oh, he had it all wrong. All this while, why hadn't he thought this? The Crown Prince meant to say Mei Nianqing was his only wife and would ever be. A stark shade of crimson dawned over Mei Nianqing's face.
If he was upset due to the appointment between the Crown Prince with some other lady, wasn't the Crown Prince more anxious than him? He should have thought it through and he should have been there beside him. Yet, he avoided him for two whole days.
Wasn't Mei Nianqing so utterly stupid?
“My Dear Highness…” Mei Nianqing whispered as he returned the embrace with twice the warmth.
“Yes, Qing'er, tell us. Do you finally wish to address your bold request?” The Crown Prince asked in a teasing manner as he pulled apart from their embrace.
“Oh… that… I dare not ask anymore…” Mei Nianqing replied.
“If you refuse to relay your request, this Prince will be crestfallen and die of a heartbreak. Wouldn't it be too miserable to watch? How can Qing'er be so heartless? Then he would be charged for assassination of the royal heir,” The Crown Prince narrated dramatically.
“Alright, alright, I understand what Your Highness means to say,” Mei Nianqing said, “As for my request, I wished to ask His Highness to answer me honestly. Can he do that?”
“I always have been, Qing'er. With you, always.”
Mei Nianqing proposed, “Your Highness has so many standards for his ideal wife. If one day, I fail to uphold my present self, would the Prince’s heart sway?”
The Crown Prince paused for a while, then he embraced Mei Nianqing and chuckled. He quickly suppressed his laughter and said, “Oh, those standards were not which we uphold for our own likings but that is how we perceive Qing’er to be. To be more precise, those are not the ideal standards of our wife but it is simply our Qing’er's nature that we love. Qing'er is truly adorable!”
Mei Nianqing regretted having asked that question. He knew the Crown Prince would laugh at him. He did not know why he was being so incessantly stupid that day. His cheeks reddened and his eyes faltered.
“Then— When Your Highness entered the pavilion, he seemed to be in anger. If this subject may ask why?” Mei Nianqing asked.
“We had not seen Qing'er for so long but I was obliged to see someone else. How could we not be angry?” The Crown Prince asked.
“Oh, I was afraid I had disappointed Your Highness,” Mei Nianqing muttered.
“Hmm, perhaps you have. But since this is Qing'er, I shall take no offense if he calls my name three times,” The Crown Prince justified.
“H-How can this subject call the Prince’s name?!” Mei Nianqing exclaimed. Those were the syllables that even His Highness the Emperor and Her Highness the Empress did never utter. Wasn't Mei Nianqing inviting an axe to his neck if he did?
“Since Qing'er doesn't comply, this Prince is left with no other choices but to punish him. It is a life sentence,” The Crown Prince declared.
Wasn't a life sentence in prison still better than basically begging to be executed?
“Oh, this Prince shall specify. Offender Mei Nianqing is sentenced to be by our side for his entire life,” The Crown Prince said playfully and placed a kiss on Mei Nianqing's cheek.
Stunned, Mei Nianqing laughed as the Crown Prince stroked his hand through Mei Nianqing's hair. At a distance, the flowers bloomed in the Imperial Garden. In the large study chamber, there was only the Crown Prince and Mei Nianqing.
-君梅-
—Fin.