Empty and Lonely

Wen Ying moved back to the Imperial Academy. Director Lin did not ask him much, only patted his shoulder and urged him to study well and put his mind back on the right path.

He was now a provincial graduate, and the room he lived in was much better than before. He no longer had to squeeze into a large common room; it was four people to a room, and his roommates were all provincial graduates from various places studying at the academy.

That Pan You'an was also there.

This man had been feeling quite pleased with himself lately. He had originally thought he had no hope of passing the provincial examination, but unexpectedly, he had a stroke of great luck and managed to barely secure the last place on the list. He now had the status of a provincial graduate and was considered outstanding among the regular students. Even if he never passed the metropolitan examination in his life, he could now be addressed as "Master Juren," and relying on his family's money, he could even purchase an official position. Consequently, he was extremely complacent.

This complacency lasted until Wen Ying moved back and, unfortunately, became his roommate.

If one were to say who in the Imperial Academy made Pan You'an the most unhappy, it was undoubtedly Wen Ying. In front of Wen Ying, the Jieyuan, his own last-place ranking was truly not worth mentioning. Even though no one was comparing them, he couldn't help but feel jealous and resentful.

Wen Ying entered carrying his bundle. Apart from Pan You'an, who remained seated and motionless, the other two roommates came forward one after another to greet him.

Wen Ying nodded. Without saying much, he put his things down and began to make his bed.

Pan You'an eyed him sideways, sneering sarcastically, "Well, now. Wasn't our Jieyuan living so well in Prince Yu's Manor? Why have you suddenly moved back to the academy? Don't tell me you failed to serve Prince Yu well and got kicked out, did you?"

Wen Ying ignored him completely, silently finished making his bed, and took out a book.

Already swept out the door by Prince Yu's Manor, and still putting on such self-righteous, lofty airs. Who is he putting on a show for? Pan You'an was extremely indignant and sneered, "We're all classmates here; no one is nobler than anyone else. Though you are the Jieyuan, it's hard to say what will happen after the Capital Examination. What kind of attitude are you putting on in front of us? Do you still think you're a retainer of Prince Yu's Manor?"

The other two men were somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this. Having just recently entered the Imperial Academy, they were unaware of the friction between Wen Ying and this Pan You'an. Not wanting to get involved, they both picked up their books and slipped outside.

With the others gone, Pan You'an's derisive words grew even sharper. "What? Lost the face to listen? Who doesn't know how a retainer like you served Prince Yu? How long can serving someone with your looks last? Did you really think you held any weight in Prince Yu's heart? And now, haven't you been despised and driven out of the manor by Prince Yu? I told you long ago, you'd be the next Zhao Xi sooner or later. I have no idea what you were so smug about before, looking down your nose at people."

Wen Ying raised his eyes coldly and reminded him in a deep voice, "Although it is only the two of us here, discussing the private affairs of Prince Yu like this... you can't be sure the walls don't have ears. How many tongues do you think you have for Prince Yu to cut out?"

Upon hearing this, Pan You'an's heart skipped a beat. He subconsciously glanced toward the door and windows but saw not a single shadow. Coming to his senses, he was instantly incensed by the humiliation, feeling he'd been tricked, and glared fiercely at Wen Ying.

Although Wen Ying was not wrong. Prince Yu had dared to cut out the tongue of a count's legitimate son. If a small figure like him, who dared to freely discuss the private affairs of Prince Yu, really had his words reach those ears, it was hard to say whether he would live or die.

Even so, Pan You'an grew more resentful, knowing that Wen Ying wasn't reminding him out of goodwill but was deliberately making a fool of him.

Wen Ying paid him no more mind. Whatever he said, Wen Ying simply ignored it, sitting at his desk and reading with undivided attention.

Pan You'an clattered and banged around for a while, but seeing that Wen Ying gave no reaction, he stormed out in a huff and slammed the door.

The room fell completely silent. Wen Ying turned a page of the book in his hand. Without the clamor, his mind, contrary to expectation, began to wander. Casually lifting his gaze, he saw a cool breeze outside swirling withered yellow leaves, which drifted down desolately, a bleak and dreary scene.

After staring blankly for a long while, Wen Ying closed his eyes. His heart, as calm as stagnant water, stirred no more.

Muttering and cursing, Pan You'an left the Imperial Academy. It was still the holiday break, and he couldn't bear to stay idle, wanting to go out and find some amusement.

If his family hadn't insisted he continue to study for the examinations next year, he would have returned to his hometown long ago. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and had grown up in luxury, yet in this capital city teeming with powerful officials and nobles, he could only act subserviently, fawning over others. How could he not feel aggrieved?

Before, he had managed to catch the eye of a young master from a count's manor. He had fully expected that even if it couldn't help his official career, with the count's manor as a backer, his family's business would be able to expand, and he might even snag the title of an imperial merchant. In the end, however, he was taken advantage of, gained no benefits, and was then cast aside. Still, he dared not voice his anger.

That was why he grew increasingly jealous and resentful of Wen Ying. What did Wen Ying have? Just better looks and better scholarship. But what did that count for in the eyes of the truly powerful? He just had a stroke of dumb luck and was noticed by Prince Yu, which made him grow arrogant as if his eyes were on top of his head. But in the end, didn't he suffer the same fate of being cast aside in disgust?

But that brat had now been driven out of the manor, yet he still dared to act so smug in front of him. By what right!

The more Pan You'an thought about it, the more displeased he became, until he was stopped on a back street behind the Imperial Academy.

He was a discerning person. One look told him that although the people stopping him were dressed as servants, the fabric of their clothes was not something a servant from an ordinary family could afford. With a quick shift of his eyes, he immediately put on a smile.

The men led him to a nearby brothel. Shen Xingyao was there, a beautiful courtesan in his arms, flushed with wine and passion. When he saw Pan You'an enter, he pointed casually, indicating for him to take a seat.

Pan You'an naturally recognized this man as the Heir of Duke Wei. He had seen him from a distance before at the Imperial Academy but had never interacted with him. Later, the man was expelled from the Imperial Academy, and he hadn't seen him since. He never expected that the person who had summoned him would be him.

After three rounds of drinks, Shen Xingyao, his breath reeking of alcohol, clapped Pan You'an hard on the shoulder. "If this is done successfully, a great future will be in store for you and your family."

Pan You'an's heart burned with excitement. "Does Your Lordship truly mean that?"

Shen Xingyao was drunk and spoke without reservation, "Of course it's true! Would I trick you? Even if my word doesn't count, the word of the one above is as good as gold!"

The next morning, Ling Qiyan was once again summoned to the palace. This time, the one who called for him was the Emperor.

After he had left the palace yesterday, Lady Shen had gone to the Emperor to cry and complain. She did not open her mouth to list Ling Qiyan's faults, but instead begged for forgiveness, saying she herself was incompetent and had not taught this eldest son well, which was why he had developed such an arrogant personality, disrespectful to his elders and uncaring toward his younger brother.

That was what she said, but who couldn't hear the insinuation in Lady Shen's words? After all, Ling Qiyan was raised by the Empress Dowager. Her words were clearly mocking the Empress Dowager for failing to raise him well. The Emperor understood this, but because of past events, he had always felt a sense of guilt toward his Empress. He said nothing to her, instead comforting her with kind words before summoning Ling Qiyan to the palace for a scolding.

Ling Qiyan had long expected this. He knelt on the ground and listened to his Imperial Father's torrent of reprimands. No matter what the Emperor said, he did not talk back, allowing him to scold however he pleased.

The Emperor was utterly disappointed in Ling Qiyan. This son held the title of the eldest legitimate imperial son, yet he was a cold, faithless, and useless oaf, not resembling him in the slightest. In the eyes of the court officials, it would seem that his, the Emperor's, own stock was poor. How could that not infuriate him?

In the end, it was the Empress Dowager who came to break the impasse, taking Ling Qiyan away to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity.

The Empress Dowager had naturally heard about what happened yesterday. After returning to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, she asked Ling Qiyan with great exasperation why he had gotten into such a major conflict with the Crown Prince again. Ling Qiyan refused to explain, insisting only on the words, "I was not wrong."

What wrong had he done? That bastard Ling Qiyu had humiliated him so badly; the fact that he hadn't throttled him to within an inch of his life was already merciful.

Seeing Ling Qiyan's stubborn and rebellious demeanor, the Empress Dowager truly did not know what to say.

They say more sons bring more blessings, but her two grandsons seemed to be natural enemies, destined to clash.

The last time Ling Qiyan had been angry enough to kill Ling Qiyu was when that little scoundrel Ling Qiyu had someone steal and slaughter a small dog that Ling Qiyan had raised for several years and cherished dearly. In his fury, Ling Qiyan had pushed the boy's head underwater and nearly drowned him. In the end, however, Ling Qiyan himself came out worse for it, receiving a vicious beating from the Empress and being forced to kneel for an entire day in the ice and snow.

At the time, she, the old lady, had left the palace to worship. By the time she heard the news and returned, Ling Qiyan was already unconscious from illness and nearly dead. After they had barely managed to snatch him back from the clutches of death, his position as Crown Prince was also lost.

Not to mention all the other small matters. From childhood to adulthood, the two boys had fought countless times; there was never a single day of peace.

It was because of these incidents, one after another, that the Empress Dowager was exceptionally worried. Once her second grandson ascended the throne, she feared Ling Qiyan would be the very first to be left with no way to live.

But Ling Qiyan was clearly a daredevil who feared Ling Qiyu not in the least. He was vengeful over the smallest slight and would not listen to anyone's counsel.

"Yan'er... the imperial decree for your marriage will be issued in a couple of days. After you are married in the capital, Grandmother will have your Imperial Father select a good fief for you. You should go to your lands ahead of time."

The Empress Dowager looked utterly exhausted. The child she had raised since he was small, dear to her as her own flesh and blood... once he was gone, she did not know if she would ever have the chance to see him again in this life. But what else could she do but let him go? If he remained in the capital, he would lose his life sooner or later.

Ling Qiyan was stunned for a moment, then clenched his fists tightly and replied, "Alright."

The more Ling Qiyan acted this way, the more distressed the Empress Dowager became. Although this child was a bit spoiled and playful, in her eyes, he was a truly good child. His Imperial Father and Mother were not affectionate toward him, and Lady Shen, in particular, treated the child like an enemy. Yet Ling Qiyan had never complained, nor had he ever fought for anything. To this day, he still had to give way to Ling Qiyu, be driven out of the capital, and his only reply was a single "Alright."

Just thinking about it, the Empress Dowager felt that her precious grandson had been terribly wronged.

Ling Qiyan smiled nonchalantly and, in turn, comforted the Empress Dowager, "Grandmother doesn't need to worry. I can eat, drink, and play just as well on my fief. I will also write letters home to Grandmother. If Grandmother misses me, just have Imperial Father send an escort to bring you to see me."

The Empress Dowager's heart ached as she nodded. "Good child. Grandmother knew you wouldn't forget Grandmother."

"Of course I won't. Grandmother dotes on me the most, how could I bear to forget Grandmother? Grandmother can't forget me either. If you have any goodies, you must remember to send someone to bring them to your grandson," Ling Qiyan said, coaxing her with a grin.

"Alright, alright." The Empress Dowager gently patted the back of his hand, suppressing the choke in her voice.

After coming out of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, Ling Qiyan stood outside the hall for a moment.

From the eaves, a crow spread its wings and flew off at an angle. He tilted his head back, watching in a daze, and finally let out a soft sigh before descending the stone steps.

The day after he returned from the palace, the imperial edict regarding the marriage was delivered to Prince Yu's Manor. The wedding date was also set, for the fourth month of summer next year.

Ling Qiyan accepted the edict without fuss, handed it over to the manor's administrator, and told him to manage the wedding arrangements, washing his hands of the matter.

When Xia Zhixing heard the news, he came to pay his respects and made a point of congratulating Ling Qiyan.

Ling Qiyan was lounging lazily on a couch, feeling sluggish all over. He beckoned to him, "Come over here and massage this prince's legs."

Xia Zhixing walked to the side of the couch, knelt, and raised his hands to massage the calf of Ling Qiyan's leg, which was draped over the edge.

Ling Qiyan narrowed his eyes, but soon his brows furrowed as if in discomfort. He snapped, "What kind of massage is this? Put some strength into it! Didn't you eat?"

Xia Zhixing hurriedly begged for forgiveness and increased the pressure. Ling Qiyan hissed and started yelling again, "Why are you using so much force? Are you trying to hurt this prince to death?"

"Your Highness, please calm your anger. This student was wrong. This is the first time this student has done this, so I cannot gauge the pressure correctly. This student will practice on his own legs later and then return to serve Your Highness."

Xia Zhixing was very savvy. He lowered his head obediently, apologizing and carefully trying to curry favor with Ling Qiyan.

Ling Qiyan found it dull. Someone so obedient was no fun; it killed any desire he had to tease them.

Catching sight of the jade thumb ring on Xia Zhixing's thumb—the very one he had previously given to Wen Ying—Ling Qiyan felt a sudden, inexplicable displeasure. He asked, "Won't people talk if you wear that?"

Xia Zhixing explained in a low voice, "This is something Your Highness bestowed upon this student. This student must naturally keep it on my person. Let others say what they will."

...Is that so?

But what had that stone-faced person said at the time?

It was too valuable; he dared not wear it. To wear it would be an overstep.

Thinking of this, the displeasure in Ling Qiyan's heart intensified. He felt more and more as though his genuine kindness had been fed to the dogs. He waved his hand impatiently. "Leave."

Night fell.

Ling Qiyan lay in bed, staring into space, feeling an inexplicable emptiness.

Ever since that time Wen Ying had left him unable to get out of bed for three days, he had not done that sort of thing for a long time, having abstained and cultivated himself. Today, however, he inexplicably felt the desire.

After tossing and turning in bed a few times, Ling Qiyan gave in and dug out the things he had packed away at the bottom of a trunk.

He chose the two most useful items and rustled his way under the covers.

...It just seemed to be lacking something.

Half an hour later, Ling Qiyan angrily threw the items out from behind the bed curtains and yelled, "Someone, come!"

Jiang Lin entered with a bow, shuffling cautiously. "...Does Your Highness have any orders?"

"Take all these things and burn them!"

These trinkets had clearly been much better than fingers before, but now they were completely useless. What was the point of keeping things that no longer served a purpose?!

Jiang Lin hurriedly collected the items, then hesitantly and tentatively asked, "Sh-shall I... call that Graduate Xia to attend Your Highness?"

Ling Qiyan's expression darkened, and he snapped, "Get lost!"