Chapter 565: Chapter 373 Warmth
“Could it be Prince Wu?” Ran Yan was not very certain because Li Ke, in matters of court politics, was more inclined to overt plans and generally did not resort to underhanded tactics. But his actions were indeed suspicious.
Xiao Song had never treated Ran Yan as an accessory of his, so he did not deliberately keep her in the dark about things he knew. After pondering for a moment upon her inquiry, he spoke solemnly, “Prince Wu is not so impulsive, and comparatively speaking, Prince Wei poses a bigger threat to the Crown Prince, don’t you think? It is said that the Emperor once had the intention of deposing the Crown Prince in favor of Prince Wei.”
Ran Yan was not surprised by this, as the historical records had noted it. Legend has it that although Li Shimin favored Li Tai, he initially did not intend to establish him as the Crown Prince. His preferred candidate for Crown Prince was actually Li Ke, and he had even said that Li Ke was “much like himself,” expressing his desire to name Li Ke as his successor in private. He was met with strong opposition from the Elders, led by Chengsun Wuji, and consequently dropped the idea.
With the guidance from Xiao Song, Ran Yan understood, “You mean to say that the Crown Prince created this situation as a trap using me as bait, making Sang Chen believe it was Li Tai who wanted to kill me so as to impeach him with an official complaint?”
This move was indeed attacking a crucial point. While it might not have much effect on others, for Li Tai, who had always shown himself as a cultured, benevolent, righteous, and filial man, and whom Li Shimin also liked very much for his elegance and love of learning, if this matter were leaked, Xiao Song would merely lose face once, but Li Tai’s reputation would be completely destroyed.
“But isn’t the Crown Prince afraid of offending you?” Ran Yan felt that with Xiao Song’s character, he would never tolerate such an insult.
Xiao Song laughed and rubbed his beard against her face, “Yanyan, you think so highly of me, I can’t let you down.”
Ran Yan understood Xiao Song’s meaning; no matter how skillful his tactics were, they were insignificant under the royal power. The Crown Prince was the sovereign, and Xiao Song was the subject. Even if Xiao Song had a powerful background and abilities, he would still have to make sacrifices when necessary. What did it matter if he offended Xiao Song, as long as the Crown Prince’s position was secure?
“Don’t act rashly,” Ran Yan pushed his face away and buried her head in the crook of his neck, inhaling the scent she always missed in her midnight dreams.
Xiao Song placed her on the couch and covered her with his body, softly kissing her forehead, the tip of her nose, and her cheeks.
“Have you finished dealing with the cases in Jiangnan?” Ran Yan suddenly remembered, concerned that Xiao Song’s hasty return might have neglected the Emperor’s orders.
“What a mood killer,” Xiao Song sighed with resignation, “The day I rode away, I couldn’t help but think that even if the Imperial Censorate impeached me, I had to take you with me… I had already turned back after traveling a mile, but then I turned around and continued on.”
“Why?” Over the past days, Ran Yan hadn’t been constantly thinking of him but just felt an emptiness, without any sense of belonging, until she saw him today, which filled her heart once more.
“The case I took on was urgent, and with such hot weather, suffering was inevitable. It was better to make a quick trip there and back.” As Xiao Song spoke, his brow furrowed, as if he recalled something troubling. He suddenly sat up and said, “I had the kitchen stew some clear porridge; you’ve been unconscious for several days, you must be hungry.”
“Xiao Yuezhi, you are angry,” Ran Yan abruptly grabbed his sleeve and forcefully pulled him back onto the couch.
Ran Yan did not have much strength at the moment, and if Xiao Song were unwilling, she certainly could not have pulled him back.
Xiao Song knew his wife was always straightforward, so he did not beat around the bush and said directly, “I am not angry, but neither am I very pleased. Seeing you risking your life for Sang Suiyuan, I cannot feel happy.”
Far from just being displeased, he was so infuriated by the recent events that he almost wanted to go next door and stab Sang Cheng a few more times.
Ran Yan hesitated for a moment, took his hand softly, and gently shook it, saying in a low voice, “Husband.”
“Hmm.” Xiao Song responded but still showed no sign of softening his mood.
“I made many clothes for you at home, and I dreamed about you every night. I rescued Sang Chen because I thought he was a good person, and when I was in Suzhou, he helped me too.” Ran Yan sat up straddling his legs, turned his face towards her, and lowered her head to kiss his lips, “I never had anything with him.”
After saying this, Ran Yan clearly saw the corners of Xiao Song’s lips curve imperceptibly, and she patiently waited for him to respond.
But Xiao Song was always one to keep his composure. He lowered his gaze and remained silent for a long while. Ran Yan had to ask, “Husband, what are you thinking about?”
Xiao Song contemplated for a moment and then spoke slowly, “I am wondering if I should forgive you so easily. If I forgive you so readily, would there be a next time?”