#81: The Southern Crowned Guest (IV)

Zhou Tan knelt before Song Chang’s bedside, carefully relighting the candles on the candle stand one by one. The flickering flames danced in the courtyard, but his expression remained calm and solemn, not even raising an eyelid.

Song Chang remained silent for a long while, only emitting a faint “heh heh” sound from his throat.

Zhou Tan was extremely patient. After lighting the candles, he stood up and poured a cup of tea from the side. The tea had been sitting in the hall for quite some time and was slightly cool.

Thus, Zhou Tan said, “I will go prepare a fresh cup of hot tea for Your Majesty.”

“Xiao Bai!” Song Chang called out sternly behind him. When Zhou Tan turned around, Song Chang’s voice dropped, becoming intermittent, “Teacher has known all along… You’ve also known… Why…”

“Your Majesty, did you find what you were looking for beneath Zhenru Palace?”

Zhou Tan gazed at him quietly, “What lies below, whether it exists or not, was unknowable before the construction of the Candle Tower. I do not know, nor do Teacher and the late emperor. At the time of his death, the late emperor didn’t even want to know. If Chancellor Fu hadn’t insisted on using this to sow distrust between you and Teacher, it would have remained their eternal secret buried beneath the ground… Whether I knew or not is irrelevant because regardless, you are the ruler of Da Yin. As long as it benefits the realm, the late emperor, Teacher, and I would exhaust ourselves to assist you.”

Song Chang coughed heavily for a long time before asking softly, “Xiao Bai, are you disappointed in me?”

Zhou Tan shook his head but didn’t speak.

Song Chang struggled to sit up on the bright yellow bed, with no other guards around, so Zhou Tan stepped forward to help him up and placed him against the soft pillows. Just as he was about to step back, Song Chang grabbed his hand, “You dare to tell the truth, aren’t you afraid I’ll kill you?”

“If Your Majesty wanted to kill me, why wait until today?” Zhou Tan gave a faint smile, showing no sign of panic, “There are countless people both inside and outside the imperial city. Since Your Majesty summoned me back from Ruo Prefecture alone, there must be something that cannot be entrusted to others.”

Song Chang loosened his grip slightly and asked, “In Xiao Bai’s eyes, is the Crown Prince a qualified heir?”

His question was straightforward. Zhou Tan paused briefly and gently shook his head.

Song Chang was somewhat surprised, “Why? Before you left Bian Capital…”

He stopped suddenly, choosing not to continue.

“Your Majesty still doesn’t trust me. Before I left, I already stated that everything I did was for Your Majesty, not for the Crown Prince.” Zhou Tan replied, “Now that Your Majesty is gravely ill, why doesn’t the Crown Prince come to attend to your medicine?”

Song Chang gave a bitter smile, “Before you entered Bian Capital, you must have already inquired about the situation, so why ask such a question knowingly? Last time the Crown Prince came to the palace to attend to my illness, it coincided with the Chancellor entering the palace at night. I didn’t even see him… Later, I learned that the Crown Prince overheard the Chancellor’s words from behind the curtain. Not long after, the incident regarding the national seal occurred.”

He closed his eyes, appearing very weary, “The Chancellor has schemed for the Crown Prince for decades. I originally thought the Crown Prince would be closer to him than to me, his own father… What could make the Chancellor enter the palace at night, and make the Crown Prince disregard old ties entirely? These days, I’ve been tossing and turning over this matter, often waking up startled in the middle of the night— If the Crown Prince can kill Gao Ze so decisively, what would he do if he faced me?”

When the son grows strong and the father grows old, it has always been the most concerning issue for every aging emperor. However, the imperial family knows no sentiment; how difficult it is for an emperor to die a peaceful death. History is filled with crown princes killed by their fathers and emperors killed by their sons, serving as a constant reminder to stay vigilant.

Zhou Tan remained silent, prompting Song Chang to continue, “I intended to cultivate another son, so the Crown Prince wouldn’t become so unruly. But I never expected my health to deteriorate so quickly… In the past, I thought that although the Crown Prince’s methods were harsh, he was still a good person. However, after the Chancellor incident, I began to worry that if he truly ascended the throne, he might become cruel and unpredictable, betraying our ancestors’ legacy…”

“I understand Your Majesty’s meaning,” Zhou Tan suddenly interjected, “Rest assured, General Chu has returned to Bian Capital and will surely protect Your Majesty. During this time, I will do my best to uncover what the Chancellor wanted to say when he entered the palace. By then, Your Majesty will have a clear idea if the Crown Prince should remain the heir.”

Song Chang grunted in acknowledgment, staring into his eyes, “You and your father are actually very alike.”

Zhou Tan smiled, “My father was a great general of golden spears and iron horses, while I spend my life entangled in conspiracies and mire. How can we be similar?”

Song Chang started coughing again, “I know you still hold resentment towards me… But ever since we parted ways two years ago, whenever I encountered someone from Ruo Prefecture, I would inquire about you. Even the letters I sent you received only a few words in reply. Despite that, I still believe you are as upright and loyal as your father…”

Zhou Tan couldn’t help but feel a tinge of irony. Song Chang’s perception of him likely stemmed from his deeply humble kneeling posture and heartfelt confession two years ago.

He bowed deeply before the bed, and Song Chang’s expression softened slightly. Suddenly, he said, “Xiao Bai, when I pass away, beneath the dragon throne in Xuande Hall, there is something I left for you. Qing Gong will help you find it.”

Zhou Tan was slightly surprised but ultimately bowed his head and respectfully responded, “Yes.”

The two looked at each other in silence. Zhou Tan rose to take his leave. After a few steps, Song Chang spoke heavily behind him, “In this lifetime, the people I feel most indebted to are perhaps your father… and Teacher. Take care of yourself. Regardless of who ascends the throne, I will do my best to protect you.”

Zhou Tan paused, feeling a surge of salty tears welling up in his eyes. It wasn’t due to the dying emperor’s final warmth but rather the memory of the departed Xiao Yue and Gu Zhiyan.

Once a person dies, it’s like a lamp extinguishing—what use is regret?

He lifted his leg and stepped over the high threshold of Shengming Palace.

Just outside the eastern gate, Zhou Tan noticed Hei Yi anxiously waiting for him, pacing back and forth in agitation outside the east gate.

It was rare to see Hei Yi in such a state, prompting Zhou Tan to give a light cough, “Hei Yi…”

Hei Yi immediately rushed over, speaking somewhat hysterically, “Master, Lady hasn’t returned to the residence… She was summoned by the Crown Prince.”

Zhou Tan’s chest tightened, and he involuntarily asked, “What?”

Qu You sat dazed in the sedan chair for a moment before hearing voices outside. She managed to gather herself and lifted the curtain, spotting Hei Yi’s intricately carved silver mask.

Zhou Tan waited for her in a small alley outside Bian River Street. She alighted from the sedan chair, refraining from appearing too close to Zhou Tan, saying, “The residence is currently busy, and the small kitchen may be short-handed. Let’s dine out together before returning.”

She dismissed the guard left by General Chu, and Zhou Tan got out of the carriage, walking alongside her along Bian River. Apart from Hei Yi following at a distance, all other attendants were sent back to the residence.

They arrived at a prearranged small boat beneath Twelve Bridges, entering the dark cabin and finally exhaling in relief. Hei Yi followed, pushing the pole toward Qifeng Courtyard.

Zhou Tan embraced her, noticing she was drenched in cold sweat, “I was startled when the Crown Prince summoned you. Did he send men to surround Qu Residence?”

Qu You clutched him tightly, remaining silent for a while, with only the sound of flowing water around them.

Thus, Zhou Tan continued in a strained voice, “Things happened too quickly, and I failed to consider fully. Fortunately, you’re safe. Otherwise… Let’s go see Mr. Ai first. Now that I’ve just returned, the Crown Prince hasn’t yet sent anyone over. After some time, it might become dangerous.”

“Xiao Bai,” Qu You called his name, feeling her teeth chatter, yet she was unusually lucid, “I have a few matters to entrust to you.”

Zhou Tan said, “Tell me.”

“You arrange for the entire Qu household to leave Bian Capital, including Yun Yue, and temporarily send them to Lin’an or Jinling… But don’t let them meet on the way; they can reunite upon arrival.”

“That’s exactly what I had in mind. They aren’t safe in the city, as evidenced by today’s events…”

“The Crown Prince promised not to cause trouble, but I fear he might change his mind. We need to act swiftly. In a while, I’ll return to inform my parents.”

“Alright.”

Bian River Street wasn’t particularly long. As they conversed, the boat docked. Several people dressed as commoners approached cautiously upon seeing the boat, then led them to the familiar Qifeng Courtyard.

Ai Di Sheng was waiting at the entrance, breaking into a smile upon seeing them, “Ah, Xiao Bai, Sister-in-law, you’ve finally returned…”

Upon entering the main hall, Qu You discovered Bai Ying, Su Chao Ci, and Song Shi Xuan were also present. Song Shi Xuan clasped his hands and bowed to Zhou Tan. At seventeen years old, he had grown significantly taller since they last met two years ago, “Zi Qian greets Master.”

Zhou Tan patted his shoulder, “Master Su frequently writes to me about you. It seems you’ve made great progress.”

Song Shi Xuan hastily responded, “I dare not disappoint the masters’ expectations.”

Now a tall youth, Qu You couldn’t treat him as a child anymore, gently saying, “Zi Qian has always been diligent. In a while, I’ll make lotus flower pastries for you.”

Zhou Tan nodded, then turned to Su Chao Ci, succinctly stating, “It’s done.”

Su Chao Ci visibly relaxed, asking, “Was it smooth?”

Zhou Tan lowered his eyes and grunted affirmatively, “Tomorrow or the day after, submit a petition to visit His Majesty and clarify your father’s old case. The evidence we collected back then, I’m sure you’ve kept well.”

Su Chao Ci responded, “Naturally.”

“Good… Go as soon as possible. Judging by His Majesty’s condition, I fear he won’t last much longer.”

Bai Ying, who hadn’t seen Qu You in a while, approached to chat, “The western border’s environment agrees with you. You look rosy-cheeked; you must be doing well.”

Qu You chuckled softly, “You’re doing well too. With Master Shisan absent, no one’s pestering you anymore.”

At the mention of Bai Sha Ting, Bai Ying sighed heavily, “This unlucky child deserved his demotion, but I suppose we needn’t worry about him. He knows how to keep himself happy. It’s Lady Chun…”

Ai Di Sheng sighed beside them, asking Zhou Tan, “What should Chao Ci do after entering the palace? Have you figured it out? Even if His Majesty issues an edict to depose the Crown Prince, he might appoint another heir. Wang Sun’s identity…”

Zhou Tan interrupted, “If Song Shi Yan is deposed, he certainly won’t sit idly by. There will definitely be a coup within the palace. It’s uncertain if His Majesty will have time to appoint another heir… Anyway, I now have remnants of Lingxiao under my command. Inside the imperial city, General Chu should be able to fend off Li Wei’s men without issue. We just need time for Little Yan to arrive, though we don’t know…”

Qu You continued his sentence, “We don’t know how long it will take for them to arrive. I fear General Chu won’t withstand the Crown Prince’s forced entry.”

Ai Di Sheng frowned, “Most of Li Wei’s men come from the Bian Capital camp. Though numerous, they can’t compare with General Chu’s troops. Guarding the imperial city for ten to twenty days shouldn’t be a problem.”

“But…” Qu You’s gaze swept across the group, slowly saying, “What if he borrows troops from elsewhere?”