I Hate You

At the end of this year, two major events occurred in the court. First, Prince Yu, Ling Qiyan, suddenly contracted a chill and died violently, and was hastily buried. Half a month later, the Emperor issued an edict, acknowledging another legitimate eldest imperial son who had been raised among the common people for twenty years. He was given the name Qixiao, his name was reported to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to amend the imperial genealogy, and a general amnesty was declared across the land.

On the same day, the Emperor personally capped the now twenty-year-old eldest imperial son, Ling Qixiao, enfeoffing him as Prince Liu and also bestowing titles upon his other sons.

The imperial court was filled with the clamor of drums and music, a scene of song, dance, and prosperity. Yet, the Palace of Tranquil Longevity was desolate and quiet.

Ling Qiyan sat on a footstool before the Empress Dowager, his long hair unbound, as the Empress Dowager personally combed and tied it for him.

Holding the comb, the Empress Dowager stroked through his long hair, one stroke at a time, murmuring, "In the blink of an eye, Grandmother's Yan'er has grown so big. It feels like I still clearly remember when Yan'er was just a tiny, milk-fed baby, yet so many years have passed."

"Yan'er was quite naughty as a child, and loved to act spoiled with Grandmother. But you were easy to coax. Whenever you were unhappy, I would just have to placate you with some shiny gold and jade trinkets, and you little one would instantly break into a smile through your tears."

"You, you were good at everything, except you didn't like to study. You couldn't sit still in the schoolroom since you were little. Otherwise..."

The Empress Dowager's words trailed off, and she sighed again. It was fortunate that this child didn't like to study and wasn't very promising. If he had really been made the Crown Prince and his identity was exposed, he probably wouldn't have survived.

Ling Qiyan listened quietly, not making a sound the entire time.

After the events of that day, the Empress Dowager fell gravely ill. The Emperor finally relented and agreed to spare his life.

For the past half-month, he had been living in a side hall of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity. Although the Empress Dowager said she would not treat him as she had before, he could feel that his grandmother still doted on him, just as much as ever.

But he also knew that the Palace of Tranquil Longevity was not his final home. Sooner or later, he would have to leave.

With his hair tied up and a jade crown on his head, Ling Qiyan turned around and rested his head on the Empress Dowager's lap, silent for a long time.

The Empress Dowager caressed his pale, bloodless face and asked, "Today is Yan'er's birthday. What birthday gift do you want?"

"...I don't want anything. Thank you, Grandmother."

"You must have something. I'll have someone open the storehouse; you can go pick whatever you want." The Empress Dowager felt a pang in her heart. In previous years, on his birthday, this child would always pester her, asking for all sorts of things. Now, he only said, "I don't want anything."

Ling Qiyan refused to say more and refused to go. The Empress Dowager had no choice but to instruct several senior maids and eunuchs to go and pick some things for him.

"Grandmother is old; keeping these things is of no use. Take whatever you can use. After the new year passes and spring arrives... you should go to the south."

Ling Qiyan looked up, and the Empress Dowager nodded at him. "Didn't you say you wanted to go to Jiangnan before? Grandmother has had people arrange everything for you there. Someone will escort you, and there will be people to take care of you once you arrive. Your grand-uncle's family is there. If you lack anything, just go to your grand-uncle's house and ask for it. I've already spoken to them."

"Your grand-uncle's family has many sons and daughters around your age. You won't be bored playing with them. After another half a year or a year, I'll have your grand-uncle help you find a suitable marriage there."

As the Empress Dowager spoke, her heart eased slightly. Her maternal family was in Jiangnan. Once Ling Qiyan was there, people would naturally help take care of him. The three years and the twists of fate that the eminent monk had spoken of back then must have been referring to this. Now that Prince Yu, Ling Qiyan, was dead, the one who would have no wife or children would certainly not be the person he was now.

He was a person blessed with good fortune. In the future, he would surely live a smooth, peaceful, and long life. Everything the eminent monk had said back then would definitely come true.

Ling Qiyan returned from his daze, agreed in a low voice, and thanked the Empress Dowager for her grace.

"Grandmother promised to protect you, and I will always protect you," The Empress Dowager said, stroking his face again. After hesitating, she asked, "Yan'er, when you go out, you'll have to change your name and surname. Are you willing to take Grandmother's surname?"

The Empress Dowager thought it would be best to have her nephew adopt this child. That way, Ling Qiyan would become her brother's grandson. With her maternal family protecting him, his future would surely be secure.

After a long silence, Ling Qiyan lowered his head and said in a muffled voice, "I want to be surnamed Wen."

The Empress Dowager was taken aback, and her eyes slowly reddened. "Fine, Wen is a good surname too... You should be surnamed Wen. Grandmother was mistaken."

That honest and kind Hunter Wen had not only taken in the pregnant Lady Shen, allowing her to give birth safely, but had also single-handedly raised Wen Ying. Now that he had passed away, no matter what, she could not steal the child of someone who had shown such kindness to their imperial family and cause his lineage to end.

"...It is also good that you are willing to be surnamed Wen."

Hearing Ling Qiyan say he wanted to be surnamed Wen, although the Empress Dowager was worried and reluctant, she felt more relieved. At least this child was not one who blindly coveted wealth and status. Between being the adopted son of a noble family and the son of a hunter, he still chose his original identity.

Ling Qiyan didn't know what to say. "...Grandmother, don't be sad."

"Grandmother is not sad," The Empress Dowager composed herself, forcing a smile to comfort him. "There's nothing wrong with being surnamed Wen. When you go to the south, your grand-uncle and the others will still treat you as their own child. The residence I've arranged for you is not far from your grand-uncle's manor. You must remember to visit them often, don't become estranged."

Ling Qiyan obediently nodded. "I will remember everything Grandmother has instructed."

Xingqing Palace.

After the court session, the officials walked out of the hall, each feeling as if they were in a dream. Although the news that the Emperor had acknowledged a new son had already spread throughout Shangjing City, today's official edict still made many feel it was unreal.

Then they recalled that this new prince had once passed the provincial examination in Shangjing as the Jieyuan, and later joined the army and personally killed the Khan of the Cilie Tribe. They couldn't help but feel regret. His Majesty's dozen or so other sons, including the Crown Prince, were not as capable as this one combined. Why hadn't His Majesty acknowledged him a few years earlier?

No one believed the explanation about twin sons and a monk's divination. How could it be such a coincidence that as soon as one returned, the other suddenly died? Recently, the story of 'a leopard cat exchanged for the crown prince' had been circulating privately in the capital. Everyone understood tacitly, but no one dared to speak of it openly.

In the great hall, the Emperor looked at his son, who had become even more outstanding after his capping ceremony, and he too was filled with regret.

After the last incident, he had grown increasingly disappointed with that boy, Ling Qiyu. He truly hadn't expected that boy to harbor such improper thoughts towards a brother he had grown up with. How had his Crown Prince become so warped? Seeing that boy's face, almost disfigured by Ling Qiyan, made him even more irritated. He had kept him confined to the Eastern Palace all this time, forbidding him to come out.

But for something like this, he couldn't just depose the Crown Prince. He simply had no face to speak of such a scandal.

Suppressing his dissatisfaction with Ling Qiyu, the Emperor clapped Wen Ying's shoulder firmly. "From today on, you will follow me into court to listen to the proceedings. You now hold the rank of a prince and are no longer young. We must think carefully and pick a good marriage for you, so you can start a family soon. After your grand wedding, you can move out of the palace and establish your own manor."

As the Emperor spoke, he felt a bit sour. His other sons who had reached the age of sixteen were all married, and there were even two children in the Eastern Palace. Yet this most capable eldest son, who had been lost for so many years, was still alone. He had to pick the very best marriage for this son of his to compensate him.

Wen Ying didn't say much, merely thanking him for his grace.

After leaving Xingqing Palace, he went to the Palace of Phoenix Grace.

For the past half-month, he had gone to the Palace of Phoenix Grace every day to pay his respects to Lady Shen. Lady Shen was also under confinement and had always been lukewarm towards him. He figured it was because he had given the cold shoulder to the people sent by the Palace of Phoenix Grace, instead favoring those given by the Empress Dowager, which had angered Lady Shen and made her unwilling to bother with him.

He was, after all, a son picked up halfway. What mother-son affection could there be? If he couldn't be on her side, then in Lady Shen's eyes, such a son might as well not exist.

Though he knew what Lady Shen was angry about, Wen Ying did not explain himself to her. He simply performed his duties properly every day, ensuring no one could find fault with him. That was enough.

When people's views clash, it's a waste of breath to say more. He did not stay long in the Palace of Phoenix Grace. After paying his respects, Wen Ying took his leave.

Ling Qining followed him out and called to him, asking hesitantly, "Big Brother, is the original Big Brother not dead? When I went to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity to pay my respects yesterday, I think I saw him. But Grandmother wouldn't say. You said before that he wouldn't die. Do you know?"

Wen Ying's gaze darkened. He replied, "Even if you know, pretend you don't. Don't ask about this again in the future."

The boy froze for a moment, then understood and nodded. "Okay."

Seeing Wen Ying about to leave, he asked again, a little awkwardly, "Big Brother, you promised me before that you'd teach me to play polo. Does that still count? I've been learning from others these past few years, but I don't think they're as good as you, Big Brother."

That was something from years ago. Wen Ying replied in a gentle voice, "It counts. When the weather gets warmer, come find me at Yong'an Palace."

The boy cheered, his face breaking into a wide smile, and thanked him.

Evening.

Wen Ying arrived at the Palace of Tranquil Longevity to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager bestowed another pile of fine things upon him, saying they were his birthday gifts. Wen Ying accepted them all after expressing his gratitude.

Looking at this eldest grandson of hers who had become more reserved and steady, the Empress Dowager felt immense relief. "The name Qixiao is very good. I heard your fifth imperial uncle helped you choose it. You shall use this name from now on... As for Qiyan, he will take the surname Wen in the future. He suggested it himself. I've already had someone arrange his household registration documents. If your adoptive father knew in the netherworld, he would surely be at ease."

A flicker of emotion crossed Wen Ying's eyes. He asked the Empress Dowager, "Grandmother, may I go see him?"

The Empress Dowager showed a hesitant expression. The words Ling Qiyan had spoken in the Hall of Morning Splendor that day were still vivid in her mind; she had just been subconsciously avoiding thinking about them these past few days.

"...You and Qiyan, do you truly have that kind of relationship?" Unable to hold back any longer, the Empress Dowager looked at Wen Ying and asked.

Wen Ying nodded calmly. "It is true."

For a moment, the Empress Dowager didn't know what to say. After a long pause, she could only sigh. "It was all just youthful ignorance, playing around. In the future, after you marry your princess consort and he also marries and has children, this matter should never be brought up again. Just forget about it."

Wen Ying lowered his eyes and did not reply.

In the side hall, Ling Qiyan was having his evening meal. Hearing footsteps, he lifted his eyelids for a glance, then continued eating, even asking someone to serve him wine.

Wen Ying sat down at the table. Someone immediately brought him a bowl and plates. He picked up the wine pot by Ling Qiyan's hand and poured himself a full cup.

Ling Qiyan said with disgust, "Since you've come to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, why aren't you accompanying the Empress Dowager for her evening meal? I specifically left the opportunity for you."

Wen Ying poured the wine into his mouth, his eyes fixed on him, and asked, "Why didn't you listen to the Empress Dowager and chose the surname Wen instead?"

Ling Qiyan snorted lightly. "I was supposed to be surnamed Wen in the first place. It would be nice to be part of the Empress Dowager's family, but how could I have the face for that."

"You would be embarrassed?"

Hearing Wen Ying's deadpan, sarcastic remark, Ling Qiyan's face instantly darkened. Not wanting to deal with him anymore, he snatched back the wine pot and continued to pour and drink.

Of course he would be embarrassed. The Empress Dowager had already been good enough to him. No matter how thick-skinned or heartless he was, he couldn't take this advantage and cause trouble for the Empress Dowager's maternal family.

Wen Ying's gaze shifted down, landing on the thumb of his right hand. He was wearing a white jade thumb ring.

Thinking of those unpleasant past events, Wen Ying's expression grew even colder and more somber.

Noticing his line of sight, Ling Qiyan frowned in displeasure. "The Empress Dowager gave this to me later. Don't even think about snatching it. What the Empress Dowager gives me is mine. I won't give it to you again."

"How many other thumb rings has Prince Yu given to others?"

As soon as he heard those words, Ling Qiyan knew he was being mocked again and grew even more unhappy. "In any case, I'm not giving this to you. If you want one, go ask the Empress Dowager for it yourself."

With a simple glance from Wen Ying, all the servants in the hall withdrew. Seeing this, Ling Qiyan sneered, "Being an imperial prince truly is different. Look at these people. They were clearly assigned by the Empress Dowager to serve me, yet they obey you obediently without you even opening your mouth."

Wen Ying ignored him, no longer looking at the thumb ring on his hand, and silently poured another cup of wine down his throat.

Ling Qiyan was still muttering to himself, his tone unavoidably sour. "I heard the Emperor gave you the title 'Liu'? He truly values you. He must really want to make you the Crown Prince, right? Tsk."

"I used to think, with you being so promising, if you really could achieve the 'six firsts' in the imperial examinations, the Emperor might have even capped you himself. In the end, though you didn't become the top scholar, you became an imperial prince. Was your capping ceremony very grand?"

"That dog Ling Qiyu must be furious. Those officials will surely go back and gossip. You won't be able to live a peaceful life from now on. But then again, someone like you wouldn't be content just being a prince anyway. This suits you perfectly."

Wen Ying suddenly asked him, "You plan to go to Jiangnan?"

Ling Qiyan choked, swallowing the words that were on the tip of his tongue. "...What does it have to do with you?"

Wen Ying's gaze towards him held some unreadable emotion. Ling Qiyan's heart began to pound like a drum. "What are you trying to do?"

After a moment of silence, Wen Ying looked away and ordered two bowls of longevity noodles to be brought up, one for him and one for Ling Qiyan.

Ling Qiyan didn't really want to eat. Wen Ying said in a low voice, "Back when my father was still alive, he would personally cook me a bowl of longevity noodles for my birthday every year."

Ling Qiyan lowered his head and silently picked up his chopsticks.

Afterward, he drank a lot more wine. Once he was drunk, he hugged the wine pot and sidled up to Wen Ying, rambling nonsensically.

"Poor scholar, why are you so hateful? I hated you before, and I hate you even more now. I have nothing left, and it's all your fault, all your fault."

"You must be so smug. You don't say it, but I bet you're laughing at me in your heart. All those things I said to mock your birth have come back to haunt me now."

"...It's a good thing I'm leaving this place soon. Let's never see each other again. If I don't run into you, I won't be so unlucky. You're my bane."

Ling Qiyan's face was flushed, his eyes hazy with drink. A shimmering light rippled in his peach blossom eyes. Wen Ying watched him without a word, then raised a hand and gently squeezed the nape of his neck.

The wine pot in Ling Qiyan's hand fell to the floor. He went limp and slumped onto Wen Ying's lap, murmuring dazedly, "Poor scholar, my head hurts..."

Wen Ying scooped him up with one arm and carried him to the couch.

Ling Qiyan restlessly rubbed against him. Wen Ying pinned him down on the couch, his dark eyes filled with a gloomy, obscure intent. The muddle-headed drunk Ling Qiyan didn't notice a thing and continued to complain incessantly.

"Are you also scheming against me? Let me tell you, don't even think about it. Even though you're better looking than others, I won't submit. I hate you..."

The pad of his finger traced over his moist, red lips. Wen Ying stared silently at the person beneath him.

Tears welled up in the corners of Ling Qiyan's eyes. "You just want to humiliate me..."

Wen Ying's eyes darkened. He lowered his head and savagely captured his lips.