Li Xiao’s bad mood easily turned better thanks to a few words from Song Song. However, wangfei really didn’t know how to praise people. He didn’t even have a chance to hear one or two sentences before the other ran out of words to say.
This couldn’t be blamed on Song Song though. Good words come more smoothly in special circumstances. At the moment, there was no real excitement or stimulation. The fact that he could praise him dryly with two sentences was already pretty good.
Good thing Li Xiao didn’t really expect Song Song to praise him to the sky. He hugged Song Song in his arms and fondled him all over again. The thin injury on Song Song’s neck already scabbed. Li Xiao touched it lightly with his lips and said softly: “Father also said that us brothers should get in touch more so we can become closer.”
As soon as Song Song heard, he instantly volunteered: “Let me arrange it!”
A dinner between a group of princes, naturally can’t be randomly outside. If an enemy caught wind of the news, a great number of people might end up getting involved.
The king’s estate was chosen for this dinner party’s destination. Since the morning, Song Song had people start cooking the bone soup, boiling it until the soup was bubbling white and started smelling full of aroma. Then he ordered people to invite the princes.
Li Yang was riding his carriage on the way back when his carriage window was suddenly lifted by a hand. He turned his head and saw it was the 5th prince, Li Qing: “What’s the matter?”
“Are you going back to your palace?”
“That’s right.”
“Brother-in-law sent invitations to have us go to the king’s estate together to eat dinner. Big brother didn’t tell you?”
Li Yang blanked for a second, expression somewhat disappointed and frustrated: “Big brother left the refugee camps for me to take care of alone. He went to Jinwu camp.”
Although not spoken outright, Li Qing could still hear the slight grievance in his words. At the start, Li Xiao was pretty involved in the matter with the refugee camps. However, ever since the emperor had Li Yang follow him, Li Xiao changed. In this kind of situation, to say it in a good way, it’s that he trusted Li Yang. To say it in a bad way, it’s that he didn’t want to work together with Li Yang.
Li Qing said: “Jinwu was just repaired and Dongwei burns down. I heard that he received some troops from there. He probably really is swamped with issues right now.”
Li Yang was somewhat comforted and said: “Let’s go straight to the king’s estate then.”
The carriage and horse unhurriedly traveled forward. When they passed through a street, Li Qing who was riding next to the window suddenly got off his horse for a moment. Sticking his head outside to look, Li Yang saw him quickly buy some caramel fruits and a plum blossom cake and return. Li Qing gave these things to Li Yang and said: “Shu-er will be there today too.”
“Grandma usually doesn’t let him eat this many snacks.”
“You can eat them also.”
Li Yang smiled and opened a bag of hawthorns on a stick and said very lightly: “Thank you.”
When they got to the King’s estate, Li Shu and Li Yun had already arrived.
This was the first time the brothers got together ever since Li Xiao was poisoned. A sense of intimacy rose within their hearts. After they greeted each other, they sat in the pavilion and started chit-chatting and catching up.
Song Song traveled gracefully through the corridor and came in. They immediately stood up to greet him. He smiled slightly and said: “We’re all family here today, so let’s forgo the etiquettes. Here I cut some fruits and brought some pastries I made myself. You guys can eat this first. I sent someone to call wangye. He should be back soon.”
“Thank you for your troubles, brother-in-law.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“The investigation team took over this matter. I have no information here.”
Li Qing picked up the wine that Song Song brought over and said: “It’s hard for us to finally get together. Let’s not talk about work. Careful, we’ll put Shu-er to sleep.”
Li Shu was the only one of these brothers who was still young and idle. He didn’t understand what they were talking about at all. The brothers saw his perplexed expression and instantly started laughing together.
Song Song was pacing at the front door. Occasionally, he stuck his head outside to take a look. Yesterday, he specifically instructed Li Xiao to remember to come back early today and don’t let his brothers wait for too long. Yet now it’s almost dinner time and there’s still no shadow of the man.
Frowning, he wondered if Li Xiao was purposely making it hard for his little brothers… Just as he was busy grumbling, he heard the sound of horse steps come closer. He hastily ran over, and upon seeing the man’s familiar face, he instantly relaxed.
The servants lead the horse away to the feed. Li Xiao handed over his whip and walked over with a smile: “What’s the matter? Why are you this anxious?”
“Your little brothers are all waiting for you. I’m a little worried that they might have felt neglected.”
“Today I was very busy. I will explain to them myself.”
Song Song reached out to help him take off his cloak: “Then you go ahead to the pavilion first. I’ll go get servants to bring up the soup.”
“Thank you for the hard work.”
Li Xiao watched his figure leave. As Song Song walked away, it seemed like he had some kind of feeling, because he spun around and waved at Li Xiao: “Hurry up and go!”
It’s really like the proverb ‘the emperor’s not worried but the servant is.’ Li Xiao didn’t even feel like it’s a crime for him to let his little brothers wait, Song Song already started to feel guilty for him. Inside his head, Li Xiao wanted to ridicule him a bit for his action, but on second thought realized that this was a sign that Song Song was becoming closer with him, so couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
After waiting for such a long time, the brothers started to become restless.
Only Li Shu continued to eat carefreely. Li Yun said first: “I wonder if big brother was hindered by something today?”
Li Yang seemed a bit disappointed: “Maybe he can’t make it.”
The people around the table fell silent. To invite people over, but not show up himself. No matter how one looks at it, it’s completely lacking in manners. The little brothers who originally planned to rekindle family feelings all started to feel that their big brother probably… didn’t want them anymore.
The atmosphere maintained for about 15 minutes when the sound of laughter traveled over: “Everyone is already here? Really sorry. Today there were a lot of things going on at the barracks. I’ll punish myself with three cups of wine.”
Song Song walked ahead only to make a circle back. He secretly followed Li Xiao over and hid behind a pillar, watching them sneakily from afar. He was a little worried that Li Xiao might act insensitive and make the atmosphere more awkward.
Song Song also had brothers and sisters, but they were raised by madam Song. Since youth, they were taught to view Song Song as the enemy, and therefore they weren’t close at all. However, he could see that although Li Xiao’s brothers look cold and distant in appearance, internally they really cared a lot about their big brother. Or else they wouldn’t have stayed and waited for so long.
If possible, of course he wanted Li Xiao to have brothers who supported him wholeheartedly so that after he ascended the throne, they could also help each other.
When he heard that Li Xiao was willing to apologize by punishing himself with 3 cups of wine, he instantly felt relieved. Leaving from behind the pillar, he went to take care of dinner.
The atmosphere at the table instantly became livelier due to Li Xiao’s candid behavior. Li Yun’s face was content. As the second oldest, Li Yang also felt moved and stood up to drink his cup of wine similarly: “Cheers, big brother!”
Li Xiao put down his cup, his gaze landing on Li Yang and he smiled faintly: “Cheers.”
Not really knowing why, Li Yang felt like he could see some coldness from Li Xiao’s eyes. He picked up his cup to cover up his face and drained his wine in one gulp.
The hot steaming soup was brought over very quickly. Li Shu exclaimed excitedly: “I never thought I’d be able to eat the hot pot made by brother-in-law’s own hands. It smells really good!”
Song Song placed the dishes one by one on the rack on the side and said: “If it smells good, then eat a lot. Enjoy it slowly, no rush.”
“Brother-in-law, come join us.”
“What I’m eating is even better than yours.” Song Song blinked, his gaze landed on Li Xiao. The latter gave him a well-behaved expression, so he felt relieved enough to turn and leave.
Lately, he couldn’t eat too much meat. When he went back, he ate his own special meal and then walked to the back corridors to peek in on the group.
Undeniably, emperor Hong Ren raised his sons extremely well. The princes exchanged cups and dishes, looking just like brothers in a normal household. Song Song stood for a while. Gradually, he felt a little cold so wrapped himself up and was about to leave when he suddenly saw Li Yang jump up. The wind carried the sound of his voice to Song Song’s ears–
“In big brother’s eyes… I’m not the same as the other brothers, right? Just because, because my mother became the empress. Because she stole your mother’s position. Because I also stole your position. That’s why you hate me, isn’t that right?”
Li Xiao didn’t move. He said calmly: “You’re drunk.”
Upon seeing the situation, Li Qing grabbed his cloak to place over Li Yang’s shoulders. Li Yang, however, reached out his hand to push him. It was apparent that he really was drunk. Face red, neck red, even his eyes were red: “I don’t know what I did wrong. Why all of the sudden, everything changed… The expression that you look at me with is completely different from when you look at the other brothers. I can tell. Can you give me a reason? Today, today, all of us brothers are here… please give me a reason!”
Afraid Li Yang would anger Li Xiao, Li Yun shook his head as he helped Li Qing grab him: “5th brother. You should send him back.”
Li Qing helped him put on his cloak again and said in a heavy voice: “Let’s call it a day here. We will be leaving first.”
Song Song stood there, watching Li Qing lead Li Yang away with an arm around his shoulder. Li Yang swayed back and forth, as if he was about to head back and continue asking Li Xiao for an explanation. Li Qing half supported and half carried him. When they reached Song Song, he could see Li Yang’s tearful eyes full of grievances. Li Qing said softly: “Apologies.”
They walked past him. Following them came Li Yun swaying by as he walked supported by his little servant. He saluted and said: “Many thanks for the hospitality. I really enjoyed myself today… goodbye.”
He staggered. Song Song hastily helped steady him and said: “Be careful on the road.”
Li Shu didn’t drink much. He sat at the table, sneaking glances at his heavy faced big brother. Quietly like a little mouse, he picked up the leftover pastries on the table and scurried out. Song Song reminded him: “Slow down. Wait to leave with the bodyguard.”
Still worried, he found steward Qi to find people to send the brothers back individually. When he returned, Li Xiao still sat in front of the table.
On the floor were a few empty pots of wine. Song Song walked over and sat beside him. He said gently: “Your highness?”
Resting his chin on a hand, Li Xiao turned his face to look at him. Then he reached out his other hand to squeeze Song Song’s soft face. He said in a hoarse voice: “Did you see that? This king didn’t even feel wronged, he already felt wronged first.”
Song Song didn’t know how to comfort Li Xiao. What Li Yang said was correct. Li Xiao’s treatment of him was biased. When he was with the other brothers, even if he was a little distant, the others wouldn’t feel like he hated them. However, it wasn’t the same for Li Yang.
Every time Li Xiao looked at him, his eyes carried a hard to detect disgust and killing intent. Maybe he already used his all to hide it, but the barrier in his heart couldn’t be so easily removed.
However Li Yang really didn’t do anything wrong.
Song Song held his hand and said: “Looks like Li Yang felt so upset, he cried. Does your highness also want to cry?”
Li Xiao narrowed his eyes to look at him. Slowly, he said: “A little.”
Song Song pulled his chair closer and held open both of his arms: “Let me give you a hug. You can cry all you want.”
Li Xiao was suddenly amused by his words. Smelling of liquor all over, he leaned over to kiss Song Song’s mouth: “You want to laugh at this king.”
“I would never laugh at your highness.” Song Song pursed his kissed lips: “I’m super nice.”
“Then why do you want to see this king cry?”
“Because… “Song Song thought for a moment and said deliberately: “I think if you cried, it would definitely attract people to want to protect you and love you tenderly.”
Li Xiao’s smile deepened, abruptly sweeping away his mood. His expression changed to hold some bad intentions: “Song-er’s words really make a person’s heart pound.”
Song Song froze, then heard the sound of clattering. Li Xiao had swept off all the bowls and plates off the table and placed him on top.
Extremely startled, Song Song hastily grabbed his hand: “Don’t…”
Li Xiao stood up and bent over to taste his lips slowly, the tip of his nose rubbing against his. His intense, undeniable manner combined with a gust of cool air made Song Song shiver and unconsciously duck his head. After a few minutes, Song Song realized that Li Xiao really planned to start bullying him right here, and instantly was scared to tears: “We’ll be seen here…. I’m cold!”
Li Xiao’s lips brushed past his scar. Song Song quivered again, then said in a shaky righteous tone of voice: “The little prince is cold! He’ll be frozen solid!”
His restless, wet eyes crossed with Li Xiao’s. The man kissed him on the lips again, and temporarily put an end to this ‘bullying.’
Lightly teasing, he said: “How could I be as attractive as Song-er?”
The author has something to say:
Scared Scared: Petty! Love to hold grudges! Unwanted!
I think a lot of older siblings can relate to Li Xiao. Sometimes it hurts when you know things or have trauma in your family that the younger sibling doesn’t have to deal with. There’s naturally resentment there even if you try to hide it or rationalize it. It won’t go away without communication!! 🥺
Very true. It has me thinking of my younger siblings and how they deserve more effort from me 😔
Same!! As the eldest, when I was younger, I somehow used to resent my youngest sibling for not knowing all the dark and shameful histories of our family.
Like everyone sheltered him, so he doesnt know a single thing and it hurts us who were abused back then. I know it wasn’t his fault, but imagine seeing your beloved baby sibling being loving and respectful towards your abuser, while you were still traumatized, struggling and end up becoming socially impaired. The sense of betrayal vs the feeling of not wanting to ruin his perfect picture of his family.
+1
Truly can relate.. We had these also between us siblings but I’m also glad we grew up better and had learned from those traumatic experience that we can already talked about it and had deep conversation it was hard on the first confrontation but on the second and the third time we talked about our past and our wounds we get the hang of opening up and it was somewhat easy to accept and it feels less burdensome.
real i rlly relate to him here TT
True, as an eldest I have a lot of experience that it’s hard to share with the younger siblings that it’s hard to have not resentment while being the front target of everything…
felt this bcs i know what my sister has been through (as a younger sibling)
Thank You for the chapter (´,,•ω•,,)♡
They are princes, presumably get whatever they want, yet here they are so happy to be included! I hope Song Song’s influence can help Li Xiao overcome his bias and be big brother again.
Quase chorei lendo. Quero que a relação deles melhore 💞💞
“Ó príncipe zinho está com frio!” Kkkk
L Yang innocent but hate must be very difficult to get rid of. Sometimes your siblings don’t know what has happened which can be traumatic. Komunikasi adalah kuncinya, aku harap hubungan persaudaraan mereka semakin baik setelah semuanya terungkap
I feel really sorry for Li Yang. Because of his mom, he’s suffering now😢😭 poor baby
i know the rift between li xiao and li yang is not something easily resolved with a simple apology because li xiao really did suffer. though li yang us completely innocent, li xiao must be reminded of his sufferings whenever he looked at his brother. but i do really hope there’s a satisfying solution for this. it’s rare to see royal brothers in a novel who sincerely cared for each other and i want them all to have a happy ending!! i really admire the emperor on how he raised his children
Can’t blame seme at all. No one should blame him too. Even though it’s true that Li yang suffered from his bias but it’s nothing compared to what seme has suffered in the past. Having to kill his own mother bcs of his younger brother’s despicable birth mom. Li xiao is better than me, i will definitely can’t tolerate Li yang even breathing in the same space as him. I already read until the end seme definitely the biggest person here. Even in past life he didn’t kill his enemy’s son.
My dumb ass is still confused with all the brothers 😭 is this the right order?
The oldest : Li Xiao 2nd oldest: Li Yang3rd brother: ??4th brother: ???5th brother: Li Qing6th brother: Li YunThe youngest: Li Shu
Li Yang deserves a better mom 🙁
Ughh.. i hope their relationship can be fix in the future. In the end, it’s none of their fault. They’re just a victim of someone’s greediness. I understand li xiao but i also pity li yang since he didn’t do anything.