Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 74

Shock coursed through Yi Qing like a lightning bolt. Grabbing his eldest brother by the collar, his eyes wide with disbelief, he demanded, “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Urgently, his eldest brother pleaded, “Let go, brother.”

Relenting, Yi Qing released his grip. “Brother, I know you’re not one to spread rumors. Where did you hear such things?”

The brother sighed heavily. “It’s been circulating all over the capital. Even my wife mentioned it to me. They say that the Princess had an affair with the champion and was caught in the act.”

Unable to trace the origin of the rumor, it had spread from person to person until no one could recall its source. Nevertheless, the prevailing notion was that an affair had indeed taken place, with someone allegedly witnessing it.

Yi Qing’s expression turned grave. “Brother, I don’t know how my sister-in-law came to hear such things, but I can vouch for the Princess’s character. Rumors are the province of fools. Please refrain from discussing baseless rumors in the future.”

The brother couldn’t help but perceive Yi Qing as stubborn. After all, it was unlikely he would admit to being cheated on, especially by the princess herself. Nevertheless, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that Yi Qing was in denial. 

“Alright, alright. Just be cautious, brother, and mind the affairs in your own household.”

Although Yi Qing was angry, he knew well that the Princess and the champion couldn’t possibly have had any further relationship. He was always at home except for court and urgent government matters. The Princess never left his sight; he guarded her diligently every day. There couldn’t have been any substantial relationship between them. 

But what about the Princess’s feelings? Did she harbor any affection for the top scholar?

After his brother’s departure, Yi Qing led his horse down the street and unexpectedly encountered another group of people talking about the Princess’s affair quietly, adding fuel and vinegar, and talking in a meaningful way.

In anger, Yi Qing interrupted their conversation, mounted his horse, and headed straight for the princess’s mansion.

Upon entering, he found Song Miaomiao engrossed in “Journey to the West”, instructing the theater troupe on how to perform the play. She handed out roles to the actors, emphasizing the importance of not letting her down.

As the troupe departed, Yi Qing, still upset, followed Song Miaomiao back to the study and spoke with a somber tone, “Princess, can you please refrain from being too close to Master Ling?”

Song Miaomiao felt bewildered and lost. It was the first time Yi Qing had spoken to her in such a tone. “What do you mean by ‘close’?” She asked, puzzled.

Yi Qing hesitated for a moment before blurting out, “Do you know what’s being said all over the city?”

“What?” She inquired, her confusion growing.

Yi Qing appeared somewhat regretful as he sadly replied, “It’s nothing. But please, wife, refrain from any further contact with him in the future.”

Feeling angry and unjustly accused, Song Miaomiao retorted, “Why should I? Am I not allowed to talk to any man after marrying you?”

Yi Qing felt even more wronged than her. “You’re still defending him!”

“No! How am I defending him? You’re being completely unreasonable,” Song Miaomiao shot back, feeling exasperated.

“Princess, am I being unreasonable? You’ve been calling him by his name in your dream, and you’ve even given him gifts. You’ve never given me a folding fan. Since you received his book, you haven’t even spared me a glance these days…” Yi Qing’s tone was filled with frustration and hurt.

Song Miaomiao was even more bewildered. “When did I call his name in a dream?”

“A few days ago, when you had that nightmare! You kept calling out for Ling Qi all night,” Yi Qing explained.

“A nightmare? A few days ago… In the dream… Ling Qianyi…” Song Miaomiao mused aloud, attempting to recall the events. Ling Qi—Ling Qianyi… It was kind of similar. 

“I wasn’t calling his name. Please don’t read too much into it,” she responded defensively.

Just then, Yan Yu burst into the study, kneeling before Song Miaomiao, saying, “Princess, please calm down. His Majesty has urgently summoned the Prince Consort to the palace without delay.”

Urgently summoned?

For what reason?

Yi Qing sighed, casting a meaningful glance at Song Miaomiao before departing.

As the day wore on, Yi Qing failed to return for lunch, dinner, or even late into the night.

Feeling deeply unsettled, Song Miaomiao grappled with a mix of emotions. She felt wronged and angry at Yi Qing’s accusations, yet she knew there was nothing between her and Ling Qi. How could she explain to Yi Qing about calling out another man’s name in her dream?

Lost in her thoughts, Song Miaomiao suddenly realized that it was already late at night. In ancient times, people typically retired early, but it was nearing ten o’clock due to the busy day.

Yan Yu noticed Song Miaomiao’s distress and offered some snacks. “Princess, please eat something. You’ve only had breakfast today.”

Song Miaomiao replied listlessly, “I have no appetite.”

Yan Yu persisted, “The Prince Consort entered the palace before lunch and hasn’t returned. Song Miaomiao’s voice rose anxiously, “He hasn’t come back yet?”

“Yes, he went to the palace and hasn’t returned,” Yan Yu confirmed.

Song Miaomiao couldn’t help but wonder if he was angry with her, silently sulking somewhere.

Yan Yu suggested again, “Princess, why don’t we go look for him?”

Sighing heavily, Song Miaomiao hoped he would listen to her explanation.

Just then, a servant rushed in with a report that the Crown Prince had arrived.

“Quickly, invite him in. Is Yi Qing with him?” Song Miaomiao asked eagerly.

The servant responded, “I did not see the Prince Consort.”

Song Miaomiao hurriedly stepped outside to greet the newcomer, only to find Xiao Chengqi standing at the gate of the mansion, his expression a mix of sadness and anger.

Song Miaomiao was alarmed. “Brother, what’s wrong? Did something happen? Why didn’t you come inside directly this time?”

Xiao Chengqi sighed heavily. “There was a flood in Jinzhou, and many lives were lost. Local officials were more concerned with their own political gains than with the well-being of their people. It was only after the victims fled to Xuzhou that the authorities there were notified.”