Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 73

Ling Qixin also specially sent a small wooden shelf for the clay figurines. They were all inserted on a thick bamboo stick. With such a shelf, complete with holes drilled in the bottom and waist, it provided perfect storage while also being pleasing to the eye.

Song Miaomiao departed, leaving Yi Qing with a lost appetite.

The bone soup he had prepared lay cold on the table, and he sat for a while, fighting complicated emotions before finally rising and making his way to the study.

Upon entering the study, Yi Qing found Song Miaomiao engrossed in a book, a smile adorning her lips. It was a story book similar to the ones he had given to the Princess earlier, yet he had never witnessed her reading them. While the theater troupe often performed it, the Princess merely listened on occasion. Yet here she was, poring over the new book someone else gave her with utmost seriousness.

The rendition of ‘Journey to the West’ within the book differed significantly from the version penned by Wu Chengen in later generations. The logic and characters within were not solely his creations; even characters like Xuanzang had their prototypes. While the core characters resembled the four masters and apprentices depicted by Wu Chengen, the narrative diverged in its progression. Nonetheless, it remained a captivating tale, one that Song Miaomiao adored.

“Princess, it’s late at night. You should retire for the evening,” Yi Qing finally spoke, his tone steady after a prolonged silence.

Song Miaomiao, deeply engrossed in her reading, had grown accustomed to the late-night hours spent absorbed in literature. Yi Qing approached her, placing his hands on her shoulders and speaking loudly, “Princess, it’s time to rest.”

In a daze, Song Miaomiao heard his words. Engrossed in the exciting plot, she replied, “I’ll go to bed after finishing this chapter. You go ahead.”

Yi Qing remained silent, proceeding to undress and lie down on the bed. Despite his efforts, sleep eluded him.

As the night progressed, Song Miaomiao eventually succumbed to drowsiness, falling asleep at the table.

The next day, she awoke in a daze, finding herself already tucked into bed, courtesy of Yi Qing who had left for court. Still groggy from her late-night reading session, she decided to sleep a little longer.

Upon waking again, Yi Qing had returned, urging her to eat. She managed only a quick bite before lazily excusing herself to return to bed, citing fatigue from the previous night’s indulgence in “Journey to the West”.

Unbeknownst to her, she had missed Yi Qing’s birthday and disregarded his hopeful gaze.

Two days later, Song Miaomiao opened the copy of “Journey to the West” sent by Ling Qi again. Apart from its shorter length compared to Wu Chengen’s version, it featured more comedic elements. The theater troupe contemplated presenting it to the Emperor, hoping to offer some lighthearted entertainment amidst the burdensome task of reviewing memorials.

So, Song Miaomiao and Yi Qing once again entered the palace to meet the Emperor.

As fate would have it, Song Miaomiao encountered the number one scholar, Lang Lingqi, outside the Zhanggan Hall once more.

Coincidentally and unfortunately, Yi Qing was not present. However, Song Miaomiao, who had been summoned into the palace first, took the opportunity to present some small snacks she had made herself to the emperor. When the Emperor started to talk to the Prince Consort, she left as she had no interest in politics.

When Ling Qi saw the Princess, he naturally couldn’t simply turn away or avoid approaching her without offering a respectful salute.

At that moment, Song Miaomiao was enjoying a cup of tea in the shade of the corridor at Zhanggan Hall.

“This subject greets the Princess,” came a respectful voice.

Song Miaomiao looked up, her expression brightening. “Ah, Master Ling, excuse me. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the book you gifted me.”

Unfortunately, the champion of righteousness was accompanied by the second-ranked scholar from the Imperial Examination.

The second-ranked scholar’s eyes gleamed with gossip. After all, it was quite a spectacle to witness the unmarried top scholar giving a storybook to the married Princess. What an intriguing thing to see.

Ling Qi smiled gently in response. “Compared to the gift from the Princess, this humble minister is merely reciprocating.”

Ah! The married Princess had outdone the unmarried champion in gift-giving! What an intriguing situation!

Despite the playful words, both maintained polite smiles. Was this what they called a “pleasant exchange”?

Song Miaomiao briefly discussed the matter at hand before transitioning to lighter topics with Ling Qi. Unfamiliar with court affairs, she opted for casual conversation, even remarking on the recent hot weather and the importance of preventing heatstroke.

To the onlookers, it seemed like a display of mutual care between the married Princess and the unmarried champion—a heartwarming exchange. They appeared to share a connection, fostering warmth and understanding.

Wasn’t this what love looked like?

Meanwhile, Yi Qing hurriedly approached from the hall, his expression somber. As a Prince Consort, it was not customary for him to salute the Princess. However, it was expected for the champion and the second-ranked scholar to do so. The second-ranked scholar perceived Yi Qing’s inner turmoil, thinking, “He clearly cares about the conversation between the Princess and the top scholar, yet he hesitates to express his feelings.”

After bidding farewell to the top scholar and the second-ranked scholar, Song Miaomiao and Yi Qing left together. Tentatively, Yi Qing broached the topic, “It seems Madam and Master Ling had a pleasant chat.”

Thinking back to her encounter with the young waiter at Tianci Building, Song Miaomiao replied, “Yes, it was nice. He’s very friendly.”

Yi Qing simply responded, “Oh.”

On the second day, unbeknownst to Song Miaomiao, a storm of gossip had already engulfed the capital. The second-ranked scholar showed no fear, openly giving gifts and engaging in lively conversations outside. Rumors spread like wildfire, painting a picture of a cheerful exchange between the Princess and the champion, leaving the Prince Consort feeling unsettled and unable to voice his concerns.

As one of the involved parties, Yi Qing remained oblivious until early court proceedings. There, outside the palace gates, his eldest brother approached him with quiet sympathy and said, “His Majesty will allow her to do as she pleases. She won’t concern herself with others’ opinions or attitudes. It’s inevitable and understandable for such things to occur.”

Yi Qing, confused, queried, “Brother, what are you talking about?”

His eldest brother placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, drawing him close to whisper, “Brother, we share this pain. There’s no need to feign ignorance. The Princess and this year’s top scholar… they’re rumored to be involved in an affair. The entire capital is talking about it.”