Teahouse Team Building (2)
I don’t want to break my promise (a bit of sugar for the two couples + Little Eleven’s perspective)
In the middle of the night, holding her sleeping lover, Song Shuqing’s eyes suddenly opened when she heard what seemed like a nightingale’s cry outside the door.
Gently removing Zi Yan’s hand from her waist, she tucked the quilt around the woman carefully and then quietly got out of bed in the darkness.
“Mm… Shuqing.”
No matter how softly she moved, it seemed she still disturbed Zi Yan’s dream. The woman whimpered and subconsciously grabbed onto the shadow guard’s robe.
“Sorry for waking you.” Kneeling on one knee, one hand caressing Zi Yan’s cheek, Song Shuqing pressed her lips to her forehead and apologized softly, “Sorry, be good, go back to sleep.”
“No…” Zi Yan wanted to open her eyes but found her eyelids being lightly kissed, which tickled a bit. She reached out and hooked her arm around the shadow guard’s neck. “You didn’t wake me.”
Even if the person beside her moved with extreme caution, making no noise at all, she would still wake up, searching for that abruptly missing warmth.
She was so attached to her.
Whether it was the scent or the temperature, she couldn’t be separated from her.
But she wouldn’t say it out loud.
“You didn’t wake me.”
Despite Zi Yan’s words, Song Shuqing still felt a bit guilty. Lifting her neck, she explained, “I have to go keep watch… ” Worried about causing the woman concern, her tone lightened, “You understand, it’s… an occupational habit that Qinqin and I can’t break?”
“I know, you two have to protect the Princess well.” Fully understanding and sympathizing, Zi Yan nodded, gazing at her lover’s inexplicably glowing eyes in the darkness.
“It’s not just about protecting the Princess.” Song Shuqing raised one corner of her mouth, her good eyesight allowing her to stare directly at the person in front of her with a slightly roguish tone, “After all, besides the Princess, this convoy also has a breathtaking beauty, who can take one’s breath away, and attract the envy of everyone who passes by, like a fairy.”
Unable to help but chuckle, Zi Yan tilted her head and said, “Are you talking about yourself?”
“Ugh. How am I supposed to respond to that, dear Zi Yan?” Raising an eyebrow, Song Shuqing pretended to be troubled, “Should I admit it or not?”
Patting the person’s shoulder in front of her, Zi Yan said, “Stop fooling around.” She let go of her hold, “Qinqin must have been waiting for you for a long time.”
Gathering herself, Song Shuqing nodded, “I’ll be just outside in the corridor, call me if you need anything, don’t be afraid.”
“Mm, go on then.” Letting the woman lean in to kiss her, Zi Yan put away her lingering expression and watched her beloved shadow guard leave the room.
“Qinqin.”
Once outside, Song Shuqing waved and then called softly to her junior sister, who was leaning against a tiger, holding a long sword, “Sorry I’m late, you can go rest now.”
By the candlelight nearby, seeing the woman’s figure, Ming Qin stood up, “It’s okay, it’s okay, I thought you fell asleep, Senior Sister.”
“It’s not like I’m that unreliable.” Taking the candle holder, Song Shuqing sat down beside the fluffy tiger’s belly, where Ming Qin had left an indentation, “You go sleep now, if I don’t let you go in, your lady might not get any rest tonight either.”
“Mm? Are you talking about Yanyan?” Not quite understanding, Ming Qin held her sword’s hilt, “It’s so late, Yanyan should be asleep by now, right?”
“Anyway, just go inside, you’ll be driving the carriage first thing in the morning.” Waving her off, Song Shuqing teased, “Don’t get too little sleep and drive the carriage into a field.”
Sent back to the room, Ming Qin put away her weapon. In the room she shared with Murong Yan, an oil lamp was still burning by the bedside.
Although the poison from the deposed Crown Prince had been cured, Ming Qin, who had once lost all five senses, still hadn’t fully recovered. Not only was her hearing worse than before, but her previously excellent night vision was also no longer good. Without enough light, she would have to rely on luck to navigate.
(If you're not reading on littlepandatranslations.com, it means this has been stolen)
Scratching her head, she felt a bit embarrassed seeing the oil lamp that was clearly left for her by Murong Yan.
Walking on tiptoe, she looked at the woman sleeping on the bed with her back to her. Ming Qin feared waking her, planning only to blow out the lamp and rest on the floor by the bed.
Unexpectedly, after the light went out, the shadow guard felt her clothes being grabbed. The still-awake Murong Yan turned over and spoke, “Ah Qin, come here.” Though her strength was not great, there was no room for argument.
Obediently bending over, hugging her lover, Ming Qin frowned in frustration, blaming herself, “Yanyan, are you not asleep yet? Was the lamp too bright? I’m sorry.”
Resting her head in the shadow guard’s neck nook, Murong Yan shook her head, “No. It’s not because it was too bright.”
Without Ah Qin by her side, she simply couldn’t sleep, no matter how tired she was.
The lit lamp by the bed was never the main reason.
“Yanyan, you don’t need to leave a lamp for me.” Smelling the woman’s scent with her nose, Ming Qin smoothed her loose white hair on the bed board, “I can manage without it.”
Murong Yan didn’t answer, just kissed the side of Ming Qin’s face.
She had seen Ming Qin bumping into things in the dark to avoid waking her, resulting in bruises. Even though the shadow guard just foolishly smiled, not caring at all, it felt as if she herself was injured, her heart aching deeply.
Not leaving a lamp on was impossible.
“Ah Qin, hug me.” Slightly shifting to make space, Murong Yan softly said, “I’m sleepy.”
“Okay.” Obediently lying down fully clothed, allowing the woman to rest her head on her arm, Ming Qin held her tightly, kissing her hair over and over, cautiously and tenderly.
“Sleep well, Yanyan.” She whispered.
“Sweet dreams.”
In the capital.
Even at night, Murong Wan was diligently reviewing official documents in the Imperial Study.
A servant carried a tray with a white porcelain urn and respectfully brought it over.
“Your Majesty, the Empress just sent this tremella soup, saying she made it herself and had it delivered while it’s still hot.” The servant’s voice was sharp and thin, head bowed.
No longer a young boy, Murong Wan casually said, “Just leave it there.” Without looking up, his brush continued to move.
“Yes.” Placing the porcelain urn down, the servant hesitated and then asked, “The Empress also sent someone to ask… if Your Majesty would visit Guangling Palace to see the Prince tonight?”
Pausing, after a moment of silence, Murong Wan said, “Tell the Empress that I will rest in the Imperial Study tonight and won’t go. As for the Prince, it’s late, a child not yet two should be sleeping. I’ll see him after court tomorrow.”
His tone was calm, showing no emotion.
The perceptive servant bowed and obediently withdrew.
The boy who once cried in the Imperial Academy was now an adult. As he vowed, he had become a diligent and selfless emperor, valuing talent over birth, strictly punishing corruption. Under his leadership, the court was filled with officials who were clean and dedicated, all committed to governing the country and loving the people.
As he grew up, Murong Wan married the legitimate daughter of the current Minister of Revenue. The two respected each other as guests, and a year later, they smoothly had a legitimate prince. Following suggestions, he took two concubines, both daughters of court officials, intending to spread his lineage and stabilize his reign.
If measured by the peace and stability of the nation, it could be considered a golden age.
(If you're not reading on littlepandatranslations.com, it means this has been stolen)
But Murong Wan’s mood seemed always shrouded in a thin mist.
“Xu Jun.” Putting down his brush, in the empty room, he called softly.
A black figure swiftly appeared. Xu Jun, who had been vigilantly guarding from the beam, suddenly appeared before the desk, respectfully kneeling on one knee, “Your Majesty, what are your orders?”
Waving his hand, Murong Wan sighed deeply and raised his head to stretch his stiff neck, “Stop guarding and join me for a late-night snack.”
Scratching his head, Xu Jun obeyed. He stepped forward and served two bowls of the tremella soup from the white urn, then respectfully handed one to Murong Wan, while he leaned against a pillar, slowly eating the other.
This was actually against protocol.
However, perhaps due to spending too much time with Ming Qin, Xu Jun, already somewhat careless about etiquette, had also become a bit more relaxed, occasionally eating together with the emperor like this. And the emperor never reprimanded him for it.
“By the way, have Shadow Guard Song already set off for the northern frontier?” Holding the spoon, the man in the yellow robe stirred the tremella soup in his bowl and suddenly asked.
“Hmm?” Xu Jun quickly swallowed his food and answered, “Yes, we received word at noon today. They should meet up with the Ever-Victorious General in about three days.”
“I see…” Murong Wan couldn’t help but sigh, as if reminiscing about something, “…she’s finally going there, huh.” The latter half of his sentence dropped to a whisper.
Unable to hear clearly, Xu Jun thought the emperor was worried about the border troubles. He stood up straight and comforted, “Your Majesty need not worry. The troops under the Ever-Victorious General are all elite soldiers. Although the General has been stationed in the capital for years, he is well-versed in the northern situation. Although Shadow Guard Ming and Shadow Guard Song have never been commanders, they can lead a battalion. The barbarians are not to be feared.”
The man, lost in thought, came to his senses and blinked, his tone indifferent, “I’m not worried about the northern situation.”
Regarding his cousin Murong Can’s strength, he knew better than anyone and had more confidence than anyone. To be safe, he had also discussed dispatching Song Shuqing, who excelled in intelligence gathering and analysis, with Lin Yan. As long as he ensured the rear supply of food and military pay, the enemy’s downfall would be inevitable.
Murong Wan set down his bowl, his eyes lowered to hide his emotions.
Images of a pursued figure from his youth flashed in his mind.
During these years of fighting in the Imperial City, Ming Qin and Murong Yan had not failed to visit the boy who had taken on the world alone.
But Murong Wan always chose to meet them in the Imperial Study, never letting them see his empress or concubines.
It wasn’t that he had any particular aversion, but…
Murong Wan didn’t dare.
Because all three in his harem had beautiful almond-shaped eyes, bright and pure, whose every movement reminded him of someone.
That brilliant woman who saved him from loneliness and pain with straightforward concern during his boyhood.
Although only he knew, although everything was deeply buried and exceedingly subtle, he still didn’t dare, didn’t dare let the two who had come from afar see, afraid they might notice something.
After all, his cousin was so clever and perceptive. After all, that person treated him merely as a younger brother. After all, the two of them were now so happy.
Unwilling to spoil the beauty and lacking the courage to be pushed further away, he chose to watch from a distance.
And his mixed feelings of admiration, attachment, and sibling-like affection, ambiguous and unclear, were to be buried deep in his heart, waiting for them to extinguish with time.
Murong Wan stood up, moving toward the window under Xu Jun’s puzzled gaze. The autumn wind was already piercing, but he seemed to feel nothing.
This was good; an emperor should be heartless.
Tonight’s moon was very full, hanging high in the sky, illuminating the window. Unfortunately, Murong Wan couldn’t see anything beyond the palace walls.
(If you're not reading on littlepandatranslations.com, it means this has been stolen)
“Ahh…” He lowered his head, touching the stubble on his chin, half-smiling, “Nothing to complain about, after all, I promised her to be a good emperor.”
“I don’t want to break my promise.”
The author has something to say:
Little Murong Wan has special feelings for Ming Qin. If you read the main text, it should be somewhat evident (?). It’s a kind of naive affection, after all, she was the one who reached out during his time of pain, and Qinqin is indeed likable.
But Little Eleven is also a good child. He understands and respects the significance Murong Yan and Ming Qin hold for each other, so he buries his feelings and gives his blessings.
Little Eleven is different from his older brother, the villainous deposed Crown Prince Murong Xiao. The former respects and protects the person he likes, while the latter… ignores and holds a “if I can’t have them, no one can” attitude, going mad.
Little Eleven was diligent until his death, striving to fulfill his promise to Ming Qin. He was a good emperor, a good father, and… a passable husband. He deeply respected the wife he married and the concubines he took for political alliances. Although lacking in passion, they were equals in respect.
Until the end, the ever-patient Murong Wan let no one discover that the workaholic emperor who buried himself in official documents every day had a ray of moonlight that entered his life in his youth. It was this that sustained him through countless nights of extreme fatigue.
P.S. I wonder if anyone noticed that Ming Qin’s hearing never fully recovered. There were subtle hints in earlier side stories, such as her only realizing Murong Yan had entered the room after her senior brothers and sisters greeted her.
LP: Re-translated on June 12, 2024