Whenever Song Yu recalled that year’s Spring Ceremony Banquet, he would always be unable to contain his smile.
The drunkard under the bushes of Chinese Roses, being seized as a hostage, willfully and noisily cried over the wound, he had seen three different manners of Li Cong Qing’s character, yet, all of these three different manners of character were cute. Even though Li Cong Qing was a man, besides ‘cute’, there wasn’t any other adjective that would be more suitable for him that could be thought of.
“Uh-huh. Sometimes, he is cute indeed. Especially when he had that sleepy expression, like a delicate and charming puppy… Not right! I wasn’t here to talk about this. Third Brother, you let Xiao Miao go to Chunan, do you intend to give him to seventh little brother?” Song Xuan asked.
“Want or not want to follow seventh little brother, it’s all up to Xiao Miao’s wish.” The Emperor lightly answered.
“If that’s so, why order Li Cong Qing to go together?”
“I have my own purpose.”
Song Xuan hesitated for a while, he was about to say something, considering whether to say it or not: “Third Brother, recently, your subject brother has heard several hearsay… Mmm… I don’t know if I should tell you or not.”
“I know, hearsay about Li Cong Qing, right?”
“Indeed, in this world, there are no affairs that could be hidden from you!” Song Xuan exaggeratedly sighed in admiration. “You let him go at this time, aren’t you afraid that henceforth he won’t come back again?”
“No. He surely will come back. Come back to my side.” Although the Emperor’s expression remained the same, without any rise or fall like a railing wave, the words he said revealed his firm trust.
“Sometimes your subject brother truly doesn’t understand, actually is it you who is set on Li Cong Qing or is it Li Cong Qing who set on you?”
The Emperor only laughed without saying anything.
To properly say, it was both of them mutually set on each other!
Every time Li Cong Qing displayed his obstinacy, he would surely patiently use warm speech and soft words to coax and comply with his whim. He never felt bored or sick of him, he couldn’t get angry at him even the least bit. He only thought to dearly dote on him, to indulge him, to give him the world’s best things, he was actually spoiled and pampered by him. To think that he was the impressively dignified Son of the Heaven, Emperor of Dashao, in this world who could have caused him to be most willingly on the verge of petty and low, there was only Li Cong Qing.
The so called, ‘there is a greater thing above a great thing’, was this saying coming from this kind of sense?
In the beginning, he also didn’t expect that Li Cong Qing would hold such important measure in his heart. Thread by thread, drip by drip, directed to the bottom of his heart, rooted deeply, firmly tangled and thickly wrapped around, until it couldn’t be removed anymore.
In this life, he already couldn’t be without this person.
But he believed, Li Cong Qing was also the same.
Whoever couldn’t be without the other?
He knew that outside the Imperial Study Room, the rumor regarding the Emperor and the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites was quietly spreading like the ripples. Presumably not so long after, it would surely cause stormy winds and waves that could break them apart. He knew this person too well. He practically already could predict what kind of reaction he would have.
He would run away!
Afterwards, he would come back to his side again.
The stars, no matter what kind of movement they made in the sky, in the end, they would return to the same place. Li Cong Qing once pointed at the starry sky and told him this. Those pair of eyes which in the daytime would always be half open and half closed as if he didn’t have enough sleep, under the dim light of the night scene would have such clearness and brightness as if shining.
So, no matter where he went to, how far he was, how long, in the end he would return to his side.
Definitely!
------------------------
Having escaped safely from great calamity, certainly one would have future blessings until one’s old age.
Li Cong Qing who had the worst of luck yet the best of fortune had confirmed this saying.
In fact, even though his shoulder was stabbed and pierced through, but that sword was thin and sharp to the point that it would cut through iron as if it were mud 1, the tip of the sword was small, so the wound it caused was considerably nimble, the thrust and pull of the blunt part of the sword was the main cause of the greater injury. At the same time, it was very fortunate that it didn’t wound the muscle, arteries and veins. At one glance it was as if a very harmful accident happened, but it barely prevented him from dreadful harm. The skill of the assassin whose brain wasn’t so bright was truly wonderful. What an awesome skill!!
Strictly speaking, his wound could be counted as a fairly serious wound on the skin and flesh only. Under the treatment of the Imperial Doctor and the application of the Imperial medicinal material, his wound was closed and healed in a short period of time. The recovery also went extremely smooth. He no longer occasionally cried out in pain like a butchered chicken.
However, he was being pampered and spoiled during the two full months he stayed at home to recuperate. His family towards the injured him doubled their care. Even the Li Cong Yin who loves money like his own life also didn’t mind to spend money on him. He purchased the highest grade of valuable nutriment to completely nourish him every day.
But yet, big brother’s mouth was as harsh as before, he said , ‘You don’t have to be so moved, your big brother here still counts on you to form a connection with the government, so, please don’t waste my highest grade of antler and thousand years of ginseng. Quickly get your health back and get out, go back to the Palace.’
Li Cong Qing was giggling while retorting, ‘Your younger brother here still wants to eat Yu Chan Xue Ha2 and Ice Lotus Seed from the polar region.’
‘Stupid kid!! Why don’t you just drop dead!!’
The next day, thick Yu Chan Xue Ha soup and Ice Lotus Seed broth were served as his after meal snack. Reaching out his hand, here comes the tea. Opening up his mouth, here comes the food. He was literally living in heaven on earth. What a dreamy world.
What kind of blessing would he have next?
It was on that very day when he returned to the palace to resume his duties, finally he could fulfill his long wished for desire, to be transferred to the Ministry of Rites as the Assistant Minister.
Here was how it happened. After the morning court, he was summoned to the Imperial Study Room. At that time, Minister Xu from the Ministry of Civil Office, Minister Zhang from the Ministry of Rites and the Great Teacher of the Nation were already present on the scene. These three were quite the highest officials as well as the most honorable.
After he had kowtowed to bow in salute to the Emperor, The Great Teacher of the Nation looked at him with his kind brows pleasant eyes3 and asked: “The flowers are already in full bloom, do you want to pick it again?”
Li Cong Qing cupped his hands in obeisance for greeting and answered him: “Thank you Great Teacher for the other day’s guidance. The flower had been dedicated to the Emperor, humble subject need not to pick it again.”
“I remember that the flower was eaten by you.” Minister Zhang, with the same kind brows and pleasant eyes as the Great Teacher, at one look he definitely had a very very good old gentleman’s appearance.
Li Cong Qing didn’t show his embarrassment, he was laughing while cupping his hand and respectfully said: “Sir Zhang has a very good memory, could remember this humble subject’s embarrassing’s affair of that day.”
“Today His Majesty summoned you to come here, it’s all because months before you had performed a meritorious service by saving the Emperor. Asking you, what do you want for the reward?” Minister Xu mentioned of the main topic.
Performed meritorious service by saving the Emperor? Li Cong Qing was slightly dumbfounded. Could it be that they pointed at that time when he pushed away the Emperor thus causing the assassin’s failed attempt to wound the Emperor? Ai, actually that was because the assassin exerted all of his strength in pushing him, so he also ended up pushing the Emperor away. At that time, the scene was too chaotic so they confused his action as if he had dealt with the strike himself. What’s with the thought of him wanting to save the Emperor? It was merely like what others had said, purely sheer coincidence.
“Humble subject wouldn’t dare4. Only wish for His Majesty’s wellbeing. Even though humble subject lost his life, it was worth it. Absolutely does not dare to seek any award.” Li Cong Qing assumed an air of in fear and trepidation5, speaking as an honorable official who was lacking his confidence.
“Li Cong Qing, you might as well feel free to ask for whatever you want.” Said the Emperor.
“That’s right. You don’t need to refuse. What is yours will be yours.” The Great Teacher of the Nation smilingly added, he looked like he was quite fond of this young man.
To straightly refuse other’s offers was a kind of impolite manner, also the Emperor insisted on giving to him. If he didn’t accept, it would be counted as disrespectful. Li Cong Qing pondered, then followed what is right as a stream follows its course6: “In that case, humble subject only has one wish, wishes he could be transferred.”
“Want to have a promotion?” Minister Xu raised his brows.
“No. Humble subject wishes he could be transferred to the Ministry of Rites. If needed to be demoted I also wouldn’t mind.”
It was too late to ask for a promotion, but actually there was someone who asked for a demotion? Minister Xu looked at him in astonishment. Could it be that this fellow’s brain was ruined by that assassin’s strike?
“Ministry of Rites isn’t bad at all. If you transfer to Ministry of Rites, you could only frequently go to Baihu temple to pick peony.” The Great Teacher of the Nation laughingly told him.
Mentioning the pot that didn’t boil7, the Great Teacher of the Nation especially raised this matter. Li Cong Qing couldn’t help but think to himself, I heard that unceasingly repeating the same matter is the indication of an old man starting to lose his wisdom, could it be that The Great Teacher is having this old man’s imbecility?
“Why do you want to be transferred to the Ministry of Rites?” Minister Zhang asked.
It was reasonable to say, at present he was dealing with the Ministry of Revenue which was the easiest way to show his wisdom and ability amongst all Six Boards of Ministry. It was a department to obtain the opportunity of achieving some appreciations. Why would he wish to be transferred to the Ministry of Rites which had the least prospect amongst all Six Boards of Ministry?
“Answer, Sir Zhang. Because humble subject has more interest in the Ministry of Rites’ general affairs.”
Interest? Was he taking the court’s general affairs as a joke? The astonishment in Minister Xu’s eyes was completely wiped out. He was in charge of appointing, dismissing, and transferring the forth rank and below officials for such a long time in the Ministry of Civil Office, naturally he would look down on people who had no initiative at all.
“Is there any vacant position in Ministry of Rites?” Asked the Emperor.
“Answer, Your Majesty. The Ministry of Rites is still in need of Assistant Minister.” Minister Zhang replied.
“Then, starting from tomorrow, Li Cong Qing will be transferred to the Ministry of Rites to fill the post as the Assistant Minister and granted a third rank official title.” The Emperor decreed right then right there.
“Humble subject thanks Your Majesty.” Li Cong Qing knelt down to kowtow as his gratefulness. Being an Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites for him was a dream come true position. Deal with little problems, great amount of salary, and very close to his home.
“You all can get back to your job. Li Cong Qing stays here.” The Emperor gave them his order.
“Humble subject asks to be excused.”
“Li Cong Qing, you can rise now.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Lift your head.”
Li Cong Qing listened to the order and lifted his head.
The Emperor attentively gazed at him. Didn’t see him for a full two months, his complexion compared to the time when he was wounded had become much better, to the point that he became plumper and ruddy, utterly a smooth appearance. His skin emitted a thin and soft glossy color, his lips also regained its spring flower color, delicate, fresh and beautiful.
The Emperor realized, unconsciously he had missed him.
“The wound still hurts?” His tone without him realizing had somewhat become soft and gentle, unlike the previous unapproachable tone.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern, it doesn’t hurt anymore.”
The Emperor suddenly had the impulse to look at Li Cong Qing’s wound, wanted to check whether it had really healed or not. His status as an Emperor of course wouldn’t allow him to do so, also this kind of impulse even made him surprised at himself and caused his heart to beat harder for a while. He didn’t understand why he was particularly so concerned about this person? Was it because two months ago he almost died for him?
He is an Emperor. Even if in order to rule the world by virtue, would he be less of people who willingly died for him? He had never had this kind of strange concern about someone before. Because of this he couldn’t help but be a little annoyed, irritated towards this indescribable feeling which he shouldn’t have.
Li Cong Qing who was being looked at intensely by the Emperor started to have a numb feeling on his scalp. For him who always could find himself at ease and comfortable in whatever circumstances, in front of the Emperor he actually felt uncomfortable, to the point of awkward, especially when the Emperor silently looked attentively at him, it was as if he wanted to find something on his body, made him really wish to tell the Emperor, can you not stare at me anymore, I am not the least bit good looking.
The Emperor could see his uncomfortable state, solemnly asked him: “You have passed your adulthood, why haven’t you gotten married yet?”
Ehh?? For the Emperor to have concern about this complicated problem, Li Cong Qing couldn’t help but be startled. “Answer, Your Majesty. Humble Subject has not met an appropriate partner yet.”
Actually, there were people who offered to be his matchmaker, or intended to have the sheltered girls to be married to him, both were not small in number, after all he was a youthful official who had passed the Imperial exam, perfect candidate as he had hopeful prospects for the future. But each and every one of them was refused by him. Furthermore, the Li family’s concept regarding romantic feeling, marriage and such was considerably lenient. Whether he wanted to get married, or wanted to stay single and unmarried, as long as he was happy, it was more than good already, they wouldn’t force him. His life belonged to him, he could freely choose the way he wanted to live his life.
“How about I become your matchmaker?”
Ehh? Ehh?? Li Cong Qing was dumbfounded, in an instant he became stupefied. The great and mighty Your Majesty the Emperor, can I plead to you not using this serious and solemn expression as well as the earnest tone of speaking. Talking like those women of dubious characters, it didn’t match your brilliant divine impressive and dignified figure at all.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Humble subject hasn’t had the intention to get married at the moment.”
“Why?” Breaking the rock and smashing the sand8, straightforwardly he asked for the real reason.
It’s simply because I don’t want to, there is no such thing as why. “Answer Your Majesty, humble subject only wishes to be able to have complete achievement, only then will I be capable of establishing a family.” Supposedly if this was truly the case, then he most likely wouldn’t be able to establish a family in this life time.
The Emperor still gazed at him for a little while before saying: “You may go.”
“Humble subject asks to be excused.” Phew, Li Cong Qing secretly let out a relaxed sigh. Who would have thought that the Emperor also loved to play matchmaker? He even concerned himself with his subject’s marriage affairs. Truly proved himself as the so called good Emperor that every voice gave praises9, who loved his people like his own children. (Is it?)
Henceforth, our fellow Li Cong Qing went to ride and to take up an official appointment10, joyfully and gleefully he strode to enter the Ministry of Rites’ doorstep. Entering a modest, not too big also not too small, clean room as his office, to carry out his ideal job and to start his good days ahead.
Excluding the fact that he had to punctually enter the Grand Audience Hall since he also had started to join the morning court every day.
Although previously he also had to attend the morning court, but for the fourth rank and below officials, they were attending the court from the outer side of the Grand Audience Hall, on the public square to be exact. Pay courtesy to the Emperor inside the Grand Audience Hall who couldn’t be seen from the outside, ‘Step forward and report when there’s a matter, move back and retreat when there’s nothing to report’, afterwards he could return to his office and resume his nap for a short while, didn’t have to endure the tiredness from not having enough sleep and standing in the Grand Audience Hall unable to leave.
To enter the Grand Audience Hall and participate in discussing official affairs, almost could be said as soaring to the sky. Other people would admire and envy him. But for him, it was rather a hard and unprofitable thing. Sigh, if only he knew, at that time he would have immediately asked to be a mere middle class official, to the extent even if he had to be demoted to a lower official, it would be fine. It was alright to promote him, but why did he have to be of a third rank Assistant Minister?!
Nevertheless, it still had its good points. The Ministry of Rites compared to the Ministry of Revenue indeed was far more relaxing. Even though it also had to deal with many general affairs, but he was an Assistant Minister now. One rank lower than the Minister, he could appoint the right and proper people to do things for him, sort out the files, transcribe and copy, all those small odd jobs, he no longer needed to do them by himself. He only needed to assign the lower ranked officials to complete the jobs on the list for him then look closely one more time to check whether they made a mistake or not, before it was presentable to be submitted to his superior the Minister.
Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites was publicly known as the idlest position. A position that people most avoided since there would be no chance of promotion. Yet, Li Cong Qing happily and leisurely filled that position.
The colleagues in the Ministry of Rites also got along better than at the Ministry of Revenue. For the middle ranked officials in the Ministry of Rites, Li Cong Qing was a completely miraculous person. If they made a mistake, he would correct them and guide them with a good voice and a mild temper, he would never sternly reprimand them; he looked as if lacking in discipline, absentminded, yet still able to realize so many tiny detailed parts, he prevented a great deal of mistakes to have happened.
The strangest thing was, no matter when and where, he would be able to doze off. If they had a problem and woke him up, they could only see his thread like narrow sleepy eyes looking at the documents, very soon he would fall head first on the documents. But after he went through all the documents he still as before could correctly point out their mistakes without fail. Even instructed them how to revise and amend the issue. Afterwards, he would fall head first again to continue his nap. Minister Zhang was seemingly lenient towards him. He wanted to sleep, just let him sleep. As long as he performed his responsibility and finished them on time. The Internal affairs had become better and better.
Sir Li was actually very smart, only that he loved to sleep a little bit, only his body was a little weak and his bones a little soft, it was so rare to see him stand straightly or sit uprightly with vitality. Except for this, there was nothing bad about him. This was the conclusion of the Ministry of Rites officials after they observed him.
But, Li Cong Qing viewed himself as --- Not wishing to have any merits, only wish for no mistakes.
Being an Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites truly suited his taste. Not even the least bit desired to be transferred to another Board or to be promoted.
On the other hand, the Emperor noticed that Li Cong Qing often dozed off during the morning court. Sometimes from the beginning to the end of court he closed his eyes as if concentrating on listening, sometimes he would nod his head. People still thought that he was agreeing with one’s political view. However the Emperor could clearly see, he was obviously dozing off. Even if he stood at the corner of the last row, a corner that mostly wouldn’t be noticeable, the Emperor still could notice him. But he never reprimanded him in the public, just acted as if he didn’t see.
Eventually, other people would also find out. Henceforth Li Cong Qing gained a title --- The Sleepy Assistant Minister.
Minister Xu looked down on him even more. He often tried to find his fault, to seize an opportunity to drive him away from the Grand Audience Hall. He couldn’t stand the person who had an attitude of negligence to stand in the sacred Grand Audience Hall. Contrary to his expectation, except for dozing off, he couldn’t find any fault. The Emperor also turning a blind eye regarding his dozing off, making Li Cong Qing peacefully stand on his place, steadily for the rest of his life.
Afterwards, the Emperor accidentally found out that Li Cong Qing not only dozed off during the morning court, but also, ordinarily he was a lazy sluggish person who always seemed to be short of sleep.
On a certain afternoon, by chance he went pass the Ministry of Rites, caught the sight of the bending over the table and taking an afternoon nap Li Cong Qing. He was sleeping so soundly to the point that he wasn’t aware of his flowing out saliva. Inwardly said, this person truly loves to sleep, lethargic nature, no wonder he asked to be transferred to the Ministry of Rites.
The Emperor entered the Ministry of Rites’ General Affairs’ Office. All the officials left their jobs at hand at once and knelt down to kowtow. One person in a great rush was about to shake Li Cong Qing to wake him up. The Emperor made a keep silent gesture, meaning, don’t make a noise that could wake him up.
“All of you can leave first.” Wei Xiao Miao told the other officials in a low voice, then together with all the officials he stepped out, leaving the Emperor alone with the unaware of the situation Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites in the administrative office.
The Emperor sat by his side. Silently gazing at his childlike innocent sleeping face. There was such an intriguing feeling that he had never felt before, by merely having a clear look at this person, his heart could relax with the same leisured feeling, it seemed like all of the burden on his shoulders could be put down temporarily.
Perhaps because there had never been anyone who could appear to be so relax like this in front of him before. Even his own two year old son seemed to be overcautious in front of him. Only this Li Cong Qing, being respectful yet could reveal the highest quality of his comfortable and idle nature.
Slightly smiling, he lifted his sleeve to wipe the drop of spilling saliva by the corner of his mouth. As if the flapping wings of a butterfly, his fingers caressed the slightly parted pair of lips.
All of a sudden, butterflies were fluttering their wings in the pit of the Emperor’s stomach, gently, mildly, delicately, throbbing from nervousness.
The beginning of summer, the refreshing breeze would come in occasionally from the window, gently whisked over the wind-bells of colored glass which hung under the eaves, emitting a clear and melodious jingling sound of bells, the pleasant to the ear sweet sound seeped into the heart.
The Emperor didn’t call to wake him up. Also didn’t touch his hand nor his foot, only quietly sat, soundlessly he gazed at him, all the way until he left, Li Cong Qing didn’t wake up.
But after the Emperor left, Li Cong Qing slowly opened his eyes, slowly sat upright, lifted his hand to touch his lips, sitting blankly as if in a trance, until all of the others had come back, only then he stood up and stretched himself, twisted his waist, pounded his shoulders, and kneaded his waist.
Hu! Ha! --- This afternoon’s nap really caused his arms and legs to become stiff and rigid, his waist tingled, and his back ached.
___________
The breeze is still, waves are quiet11 peaceful days were going on, summer had passed in the twinkling of an eye, and autumn had come.
The shoulders of the Emperor must bear the whole of the nation, surely his workloads compared to ordinary people would be much more heavier. For this reason, he needed proper amusement to leisurely relax and loosen the pressures of work.
The Imperial outing for hunting was the Emperor’s common leisure exercise. To adjust the function of body and mind altogether, as well as to keep the body fit and buildup its strength. The hunting trips would be particularly often during the autumn.
This year’s first time out of the Palace for an autumn hunt, the Emperor called in several civil officials to accompany him, Li Cong Qing was one amongst them. His reason was, the civil officials also required to possess a healthy physique, so that they could do their best to serve the country with all their life.
Li Cong Qing was naturally a weak scholar whose hands didn’t even have the power to tie up a chicken, needless to say about his heroic spirit to whip a horse and enter the forest, even more about his ability to hold a hunting bow, for not losing his balance on the horse and tumbling down with four legs facing the sky12, he already thanks the heaven and thanks the earth. In addition, this spring he had just suffered a dreadful injury, although under attentive care he was already recovered, but the shoulder which endured the wound would still feel uncomfortable once in a while, especially when facing the changing of weather.
He chose the most docile mare, even riding on a horse also was leisurely slow, he lagged on the very last row far far behind the main procession, compared to a pulled by an ox cart not even a bit faster.
After catching two deer, the Emperor went back to the Emperor’s tent to have a rest, to listen to the report regarding government affairs, while the rest of his companions were spreading out a hunting competition.
When everybody was striving to be the best and fearing to be the last13 in hunting the foxes and deer, Li Cong Qing was just the same as before, hanging around and hovering about. Leisurely he went for a stroll to enjoy the scenery. He lacked the hunting interest. He was running here and there to chase after the small animals, wore himself out even more than the pitiful small animals.
Granted as a matter of course, Li Cong Qing didn’t even manage to hunt a little bird nor a little rabbit. With both hands empty, he filled the honorable last place. He didn’t care the least bit, in any case he wouldn’t lose his head or his job just because of this, at the most, only causing people to ridicule him as useless.
The worth of a man was not determined by how many foxes or rabbits they could hunt. He fully understood his own worth and capability. How people evaluated him was their business, it was not a big deal to him.
At the nightfall time, everybody returned to the temporary Imperial residence in a vast and mighty procession. A lot of people offered their hunting as a tribute to the Emperor, wished to gain the dragon’s favor. In the end, all of these hunted animals were sent to the kitchen, to be served on the table and entered the temple of five internal organs14. So, it didn’t matter at all whether he caught one or not since he would still be able to eat it.
However, if they could eat the deer that the Emperor personally hunted, that’s what’s called receiving the Emperor’s grand favor, the utmost satisfactory merit, like having the benefit of eating the sacred flesh of Tang San Zang15.
What had made everybody shocked was, the Emperor called Li Cong Qing to sit by his side, shared with him the deer he caught today. Of course everybody else also shared a little chunk of the meat, but none of them had as big a chunk as Li Cong Qing’s meat.
But even to the extent that the Emperor granted the most tender belly meat to this Sleepy Assistant Minister! Fine, at the time being it was because he had saved the holy Emperor’s life, it could be counted as one of court’s merits, so for the Emperor to grant him a small chunk of deer meat there wasn’t anything extraordinary. The refused to believe officials busily found a good logic to reason, to not taking this occasion seriously.
Li Cong Qing very calmly sat by the Emperor’s side. Little by little he nipped and bit the deer meat. Chewed carefully and swallowed slowly in his own leisure, didn’t socialize with the other person by his side. The Emperor also acted normally and unceasingly received the Officials who stepped forward and proposed a toast to drink together to their heart’s content. No one looked to the other’s side anymore.
Only until all had drunk and eaten to theirs heart’s content that the feast ended. Having their own talks in two’s or three’s.
“Sir Li, you really make me envy you to death!!” These words were said by the also called to join this hunting trip, Geng Bai Zuo, who came over to have a chat with him. He was also the last year’s successful candidate who passed the Imperial Exam. He could be counted as the few people that rather got along well with Li Cong Qing. At present, he served as Assistant Minister of Ministry of Transport and Irrigation. He stood not too far away from Li Cong Qing during the morning court in the Grand Audience Hall.
“What do you envy me for?”
“To be able to eat the deer meat that His Majesty hunted, truly makes me admire you!”
That’s right, so do you want to replace me to take the envy and the admiration? I would gladly hand over that piece of meat to you. Li Cong Qing thought to himself. Then casually said: “Only a piece of meat, nothing to be admired at!”
“The person who is in blessing wouldn’t realize the blessing. Don’t you know just now how many people stared at you?”
Can I refuse this kind of blessing? He didn’t intend to be the Emperor’s and everybody else’s focus of attention, not the least bit, he almost let out a sour expression. The meat just now was definitely delicious, the roasted skin of the meat was crisp and crunchy, on one bite the delicious juice of the meat would spurt out…however, the him now only felt that it was not different with sugar coated arsenic, as if it poisoned him to death.
At this time, he could feel that the Emperor ‘treated him favorably’. The always wanted to feel relax Li Cong Qing was slightly pouting, couldn’t help but bitterly cry in his heart.
Night was getting late, the laughter and clamor in the temporary Imperial residence gradually quieted down. After they played and tired themselves, everybody went to have their rest.
Unexpectedly, Li Cong Qing didn’t sleep. He walked out of the temporary Imperial residence, with slow steps he went to a prairie plain that was not so far away.
Raising his head, tonight the crescent moon looked like a hook, the stars and constellations were shining brilliantly, the Milky Way extended all the way across the vast night sky, each and every constellation was presented clearly and reflected in his eyes.
“Běidǒu, Gōu chén, Hǔbēn, Língtái, Shǎo wēi, Tàibái, Zhǎng Yuán, Yīndé …16” Concentrating on observing, he muttered all the names of the stars and constellations that he could see.
“What is that that can make you look so engrossed?”
Eh!? The abruptly raised voice made Li Cong Qing jump out of fright, turning his head, he was surprised to see the Emperor was standing at his back, at a very close distance.
“Humble subject pays respect to Your Majesty.” Busily he turned his body to salute the Emperor.
The Emperor stretched out his hand and held him up, obstructing him from kneeling down. “Minister Li, no need to be too formal. Next time if you see me, you don’t have to perform such formality.”
Li Cong Qing paused for a while, made a bow with hands clasped: “Humble subject obey.”
“What are you looking at?”
“Stars. Tonight this place is extremely suitable to see the configurations of the stars.”
“You often observe the configurations of the stars?”
“Yes.”
The Emperor finally understood, not only that he originally loved to sleep, one of the main reasons was because he was observing the stars every nights resulting in him sleeping during the day.
“Do you want to foresee the luck or the disasters as foretold in the stars?”
“Answer Your Majesty, humble subject observes the stars merely as a hobby, just feels like looking at them. Not at all to make astronomical observations about disasters or to advise people. So, couldn’t foresee whatever luck or disasters.” Replied Li Cong Qing. His pair of pupils were glistening and sparkling under the night sky. Completely a never seen before kind of spark. “A person’s fate lay in their own hands. Not to be determined by the stars at a faraway place.”
The Emperor smiled, asked him: “Do you want to be transferred to the astronomy office?”
“Thank you Your Majesty, but I better refuse. When a hobby becomes a must do work, it will lose its delight.” By these words, how Li Cong Qing spent his time in this world could be seen, passing through life in leisure was his main point, other things in life such as hobby could be placed next.
Probably because they were talking about Li Cong Qing’s most favorite subject, maybe because of the Emperor’s intimate manner, both of them, word for word had started to engage in their idle chat. Gradually they became more relax towards each other, no longer restricted or strained, not having any distance anymore.
“For an instance, the appearance of Mars, since ancient times was considered to bring disaster and national calamity as well as the most dreadful omen. The fact is, it is only a natural pattern for it to revolve.” Li Cong Qing pointed at the stars. Very rare for him to start a conversation. “The stars, no matter what kind of movement they made in the sky, in the end, they would return to the same place.”
The starry sky was just like the scattered ice crystals that filled the sky, twinkling and flickering, each of them as if hiding a tale of their own.
The Emperor realized, he liked to listen to Li Cong Qing’s unhurried voice when he talked, slightly he leaned in to listen.
Li Cong Qing realized, he liked to see the Emperor’s warm and gentle smile. The Emperor’s warm and intimate gesture made him almost forget that they were a monarch and a subject.
Few hours ago he still distressed over the Emperor’s special treatment towards him, after chatting for a while, his distress had been casted to the back of his mind. To forget things in an instant was one of his strong points, moreover, even if the Emperor wanted to look at him with a different view, it was out of his control. He was too lazy to be annoyed, it would be better not to be annoyed.
They were talking while standing, after being tired out from standing, both of them sat side by side, shoulder to shoulder.
Both of them had become silent, but the atmosphere didn’t become uncomfortable because of the silence.
Merely sitting calmly and leisurely, didn’t utter even a single word, also could create a very good feeling.
The love to sleep Li Cong Qing sat, sat, unknowingly had fallen asleep. His head nodded and nodded, his body shook and swayed, extremely disrespectfully leaned on the Emperor’s shoulder by his side.
The Emperor turned his head to stare at him.
Both of them were leaning on each other on such proximity, so close to the point one could feel the other’s warm breath. Involuntarily, the ruddy rosy lips were also at a very close range.
Your lips, is it delicious? Let me have a bite to taste it, alright?
Upon this thought, he was unable to restrain himself and arched his head, softly pressed on the red like spring flower lips… In a split second, even he scared himself and gave out a jump, he sprang up his body, quickly stood up and patted the soil.
Li Cong Qing’s bended body tumbled on the grassland, he awoke with a start, opened his pair of misty eyes, and bleakly looked up at him without knowing the reason why.
The Emperor wordlessly gazed at him, the always gentle and refined person who never showed happiness nor anger on his face, at this moment appeared somewhat annoyed and rather angry, his eyes were showing mixed feelings and darkened like the ocean.
“What’s wrong?” Li Cong Qing blinked his eyes.
The Emperor’s throat became tight, an unknown line of brilliant light passed through his pupils, with a not so pleasant expression he turned away his face, not looking at him anymore. Without saying a word he turned his body and left.
“What is he getting angry at?” Li Cong Qing was puzzled and murmured to himself. Shaking his drowsy head, he reclined on the grassland. With a miraculous speed, he fell back into the dreamland.
Since when he was at home he often fell asleep in the courtyard, he was already accustomed to it. Didn’t consider that when at home there would be someone who would bring him a quilt to cover his body, but this was a desolate open field on the countryside, The Heaven wouldn’t be as kind to drop down a warm quilt for him.
However what made him surprised was, the next day when he awoke, he realized that didn’t know since when he was already back to the room in the temporary Imperial residence. It was also unclear who brought him back. He was sleeping so soundly, almost no different from fainting. The outdoor landscape appeared to be obstructed.
Mmm… Could it be the Emperor? Sigh, how could there be such possibility!
Li Cong Qing was wrong! The one who brought him back to the room, exactly the one he deemed as the most impossible, was the Emperor.
At that time, after the Emperor left for quite some distant, he couldn’t help but to turn his back to look at Li Cong Qing. He surprisingly didn’t get up, only reclined and continued with his sleep. Made him simply want to get angry, also wanted to laugh. To be lazy also to this extent. Really didn’t know how to properly take care of himself!
The night in autumn was very cold. Didn’t have the heart to let him suffer the freezing wind, he could only come back to his side. Originally he intended to order him to return to the temporary Imperial residence, but upon the sight of him sleeping so soundly, he hesitated for a while. Bowing his waist, he took him up into his embrace. To avoid the keep watch at night guard, he arranged for him to stay in a vacant room, after putting him down, he left in a hurry. Not even staying for a while…
The Emperor who used to have control over himself, for the first in his life found himself going out of control.
End of MSHK Chapter 4
1) Cut through iron as if it were mud: This is to say that the sword is an exceptionally sharp sword. 2) Yu Chan Xue Ha: Literally means, Jade toad snow frog. I am not so familiar with Chinese traditional cuisine. So, I am sorry that I can’t properly translate this one. T.T. 3) Kind brows pleasant eyes, an idiom means: Amiable looking. 4) Wouldn’t dare: I translated it this way since the original text doesn’t feel so right. 惶恐 , Huángkǒng. Literally means : Fear, terrified. So, if I translated as what it is it will be like this: ‘Humble subject fear / Humble subject terrified’. 5) In Fear and trepidation, an idiom means: With reverence and awe. 6) Follow what is right as a stream follows its course, an idiom means: Ready to accept other people’s good advice. 7) Mentioning the pot that doesn’t boil, idiom means: To touch somebody’s sore spot/weakness. 8) Breaking the rock and smashing the sand, idiom means: He straightforwardly asked for the real reason 9) Every voice gives praise, an idiom means: With an extensive public reputation. 10) To ride to take up an official appointment means: To take a job with alacrity. 11) The breeze is still waves are quite, means: A calm and tranquil environment. 12) Four legs facing the sky, an idiom means: Fall flat on his back. 13) Striving to be the best and fearing to be the last, an idiom saying: They are outdoing one another or vie with one another in doing something. 14) Temple of five internal organs: Heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. 15) Tan San Zang: Tripitaka (602-664) , Tang Dynasty Buddhist Monk and translator who traveled to India (629-645). 16) Mars: In China ancient times, Mars was a star of fire. Mars is a guarding star because it is the star of fire as well as the brightest star. (Antares, the brightest star in Scorpio) overlapping the configurations.
北斗: Běidǒu -- Polaris 勾陳: Gōu chén -- Curved Array (i think this is actually a constellation instead of a single star) 虎贲: Hǔbēn -- Emperor’s Bodyguard, in the Supreme Palace enclosure of the constellation Leo 灵台: Língtái -- I can't find a star for this, but it seems to be the word for astronomical observatory 少微: Shǎo wēi -- Junior Officers in the Supreme Palace enclosure of Leo Minor 太白: Tàibái -- Venus 長垣: Zhǎng Yuán -- Long wall, in the Supreme Palace enclosure of the constellation Sextans 陰德: Yīndé -- Hidden Virtue, in the Purple Forbidden enclosure of the constellation Draco
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