TN Note: Before you read this, I’d just like to note that this extra contains corporal punishment for children. In my personal opinion, if you want to leave this novel with a good impression, I strongly suggest skipping this extra. It does not add anything to the novel itself. In fact, I think it actually backtracks on the character development that occurred at the end of the novel. So consider yourself warned!
When the little prince was 7 years old, under the guidance of his Emperor father and Empress father, he grew up to be a little crown prince that was praised by all. He already faintly carried the mannerism of someone with imperial blood. At least, that’s the case in front of others.
As for behind closed doors…
“Extend your hand.”
“I was wrong! This son promises that tomorrow I will definitely get up early!”
“There’s no tomorrow” Li Xiao stated calmly: “Hand.”
Trembling, Li Xin extended his small hand. With the sound of a pa, a small thin whip hit the center of his palm. His tears dropped instantly: “This son was wrong. This son was wrong. I won’t do it again.”
“Zhen already said it. A ruler never goes back on his words. You already made an appointment with your martial arts teacher, yet you let your teacher wait for you for a total of 4 hours. So childish, how will you be able to inherit important matters in the future?”
After three hits, the small crown prince’s palm held fresh whip marks. He forcibly used his other hand to grasp the hand that was being hit to stop himself from instinctively pulling away. He weeped: “But it’s because… it’s because yesterday I studied until late at night, that’s why I got up late..”
“You think Zhen wouldn’t know what you did, sneaking out of your resting palace in the middle of the night?” Li Xiao’s tone turned colder: “If this was anyone else, to lie to the ruler, the punishment is death!”
When he finished, another hit landed.
The little crown prince screamed and yelled with tears in his voice: “Empress father, save me! Waaah…. Emperor father is going to beat me to death!”
“Pa—” Another whip landed, followed by a low chide: “Silence!”
The little crown prince cried even louder. He knew that his Emperor father’s heart was cold and resolute and he only listened to the words of his Empress father. Therefore, usually the little crown prince would use the sound of his loud crying to attract his Empress father’s attention, and then through this method, escape from his Emperor father’s evil clutches. However, he didn’t know what happened today. He waited all the way until 10 whips were given, and his little hand swelled up, but his Empress father never showed up.
After receiving his punishment, he still had to go to his martial arts class. Then, he needed to attend his literature class.
Normally Li Xiao was busy, so he couldn’t teach him personally. The martial arts class was held by the head of the Imperial Guards. As long as he wasn’t too excessive, the teacher would turn a blind eye. After all, the crown prince was his majesty’s only child. They were afraid something would happen if they were too harsh. Therefore, even the inflexible old tutor only punished his studying companion. Of course, Song Song was the one who inspected the little crown prince’s daily studies. He was a gentle person. Li Xin wasn’t very afraid of him.
Today, he just happened to be caught by his Emperor father purely because his Emperor father checked in without warning. When he came and discovered the martial arts teacher was self practicing out of boredom, he instantly became frigid, and personally dragged the little crown prince who was still enjoying his sleep directly out of his blankets, and then reprimanded him severely.
When the little crown prince returned to his class, a round-faced little study companion quickly ran over: “Crown prince, your highness, you…this…”
“Emperor father hit me.”
The study companion was Wen Rui, son of the current prime minister, Wen Chenxuan. This person was personally promoted all the way up by Li Xiao and was completely loyal and devoted to him. The little study companion was influenced by his father at a young age and naturally was also extremely loyal to the little crown prince. He said: “I will order someone to find medicine for you.”
“Emperor father said that I have to wait until the class is over before I can go put on medicine.” The little crown prince held back tears. The little study companion felt surprised. Then he subconsciously flinched.
Although he was young, they all knew that the current emperor had bouts of insanity. Looking at the little crown prince’s swollen hand, he couldn’t resist sympathizing, saying in his heart, the emperor was indeed crazy to treat even the crown prince so harshly. He helped the little crown prince sit down and then started to prepare the ink for him personally: “Good thing it’s your left hand. It shouldn’t interfere with your writing.”
“You only care about whether I can write or not?” The little crown prince said angrily: “Are you afraid the tutor will punish you again?”
“How could that be?” Wen Rui often received punishment because of the crown prince’s mischievousness, but he didn’t dare to complain. After all, the crown prince’s status was revered. He said: “I’m only worried that if your literary study doesn’t go well today, when you go back, the empress will punish you.”
Empress Song’s punishment was far more gentle. He very rarely used violence for his child, unless it was absolutely necessary. Instead, his punishments were all: not permitting him to sleep, or copy some more words. When the little crown prince thought about his Empress father, his tears flowed again silently: “Empress father doesn’t love me anymore. He didn’t even come save me today.”
The tutor teaching today was once Li Xiao’s old teacher. When he saw the crown prince’s swollen hand, he didn’t make things too difficult for him. He even ended the class early specifically. Finally enduring until the end of class, the little crown prince immediately ran off to find his Empress father with a grimace.
These years, Empress Song has always lived with the emperor in Yangxin palace. He never moved. The little crown prince ran into the front of the palace, and then instinctively made himself small. Lightening his footsteps, he sneakily looked inside. His Emperor father was currently looking at documents with one hand rubbing his forehead.
Softly and quietly, he walked past and traveled through the corridor into the back of the palace, before he finally called tragically: “Daddy, save me! I’m going to die!”
The flowers that were planted with his own hands those years ago, now grew into a person sized bush. Song Song lifted his eyes and looked over, seeing the little thing holding up his little swollen hand and weeping: “This son is so unfortunate. Emperor father is really too harsh!”
Song Song normally would also go see him as well. In the past, when Li Xin received punishment, Song Song always arrived in the nick of time and persuaded his Emperor father otherwise. But this time, he didn’t appear. Li Xin thought he didn’t hear about it so took the chance to complain loudly about his Emperor father. However, he only heard Song Song reply: “Come put on medicine.”
Medicine definitely must be applied, but the wound in his heart also needed to be soothed. The little crown prince held out his hand to let him rub in the medicine. When he saw Song Song’s brows slightly furrowed, he knew the other was distressed so quickly started to act miserable: “This son received punishment, but still had to go to morning class. Emperor father said, tomorrow this son still has to get up early for martial arts class with this injury… This son is really in a lot of pain. Wuuwuu lighter.”
Song Song looked at him, sighed slightly, then got the bandages to help him wrap his hand up, saying: “I know.”
The little prince was stunned on the spot: “You know this son got hit?”
“When he was hitting you, I was watching.”
The little crown prince instantly felt as if he was struck by a lightning bolt. His face was full of incredulousness: “Daddy, do you not like me anymore?”
“You’re already seven years old.” Song Song said: “When your Emperor father was your age, your grandfather already prepared a young horse for him. He was already learning horseback archery.”
The little crown prince made a face: “Is daddy disdaining this son?”
“Not disdaining you.” Song Song said gently: “You’ll be eight this summer. If you continue to remain uneducated like this, what are you going to do?”
“This son isn’t uneducated!”
“You will be inheriting the throne in the future.”
“Who wants the throne!” A resentment was growing in the little crown prince’s heart: “If I have to experience this suffering in order to inherit the throne, then I don’t want it!”
“Where do you think your life of luxury comes from?”
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.
“I have Emperor father and daddy here anyways.”
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“Dea… yea ws tjcv.”
“Xb.”
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Eyes half narrowing, Li Xiao looked towards his direction. A flash of gloominess crossed his eye expression briefly, but when he saw it was Song Song, he said: “He complained to you?”
“It’s all because I pampered him too much these years.” Song Song knelt on the cushion on the floor, saying: “Your head is hurting again today?”
“A little.”
A warm hand pressed against his temple. Li Xiao closed his eyes and slowly said: “You don’t need to worry too much. Even if Zhen doesn’t recognize anyone, I’d definitely remember Song-er.”
“En.” Song Song smiled, but his eyes slightly turned red.
These days Li Xiao often has headaches. According to head manager Qi, when Li Xiao’s head hurted, he would also be very irritable. Certain times, he almost felt like Li Xiao was about to lose control again. Half a month ago, Song Song didn’t get up because he slept late. Li Xiao went to morning court by himself, and ended up destroying a desk in fury, making all of the government officials tremble in fear.
This made Song Song unable to relax his vigilance, sitting diligently behind Li Xiao daily. Before, he only needed to be a spectator. However recently, Li Xiao would sometimes forget that he was in the back and Song Song occasionally had to call his name when the atmosphere turned tense.
According to Ji Ying, this should be the result of taking medicine all these years finally taking effect. The remaining poison that had settled deep in Li Xiao’s body was currently emerging. To Li Xiao, this was a crucial moment. If the remaining poison could be nullified, then he could become like a normal person. If it wasn’t successful…the worst possibility was that he wouldn’t even be able to remember Song Song.
Song Song slightly wrinkled his nose. Li Xiao turned his face to the side, saying: “How old are you? Still crying, en?”
“I’m not.” Song Song protested. He knew it was embarrassing, but as soon as he thought about that possibility, he suddenly felt like knives were twisting in his heart, and an upsurge of terror was going to drown him completely.
He hugged Li Xiao from behind and said softly: “I will always stay with your majesty.”
A little while later, they went to the back of the palace to rest. The little crown prince was still standing in the corner in punishment, and memorizing a poem dispiritedly. Song Song said: “Someone, come take the crown prince back to his palace.”
When the little crown prince heard he was going back, he instantly became energetic. Abruptly turning around, he just happened to see his Empress father help his Emperor father sit down on the bed. He slightly opened his eyes wide as he suddenly felt an unease in his heart. He said: “I’m not going back.”
Song Song said: “What now?”
“I also want to live together with Empe…Emperor father and daddy.”
When he was five years old, he was forced to move out of Yangxin palace. He really felt unable to accept that. Who’s ever heard of two adults living together and chasing away a little kid? He felt that the relationship he had with his Empress father was growing more and more distant this year. Look, he even watched him get hit today! The little crown prince felt very unsettled and secretly believed that it’s all because his Emperor father stole away his Empress father’s attention, which ultimately was because he didn’t live together with his Empress father.
He needed to quickly steal back his Empress father.
Song Song frowned and said: “How old are you? Still want to stay together with daddy?”
“I’m scared…”
“You’re the ruler of a nation.”
“Only in the future!” The little crown prince said pitifully: “Right now I’m only a little kid. In normal households, 7 year old kids still get picked up and held.”
“Who told you that?”
“Just let him stay.” Li Xiao was somewhat annoyed. He frowned, saying: “Go stay next door.”
The little crown prince immediately ran out, shouting in delight. He lived in Yangxin Palace for several days. In the middle of getting up early to practice martial arts and study literary arts, he also ran over everyday to help massage Song Song’s shoulders and legs. He was quite the little helper. Song Song’s temper even dissipated due to his performance: “Is your hand better?”
“The swelling decreased.” The little crown prince helped him pour water. Then climbed on to a chair to sit, asking softly: “Can I ask Empress father a question?”
He normally called ‘daddy’ frequently, because he felt like this way, it sounded more intimate. To suddenly speak like this, it seemed somewhat unusual. However, since he was his own son, Song Song replied warmly: “What do you want to ask?”
“Lately, are you… giving this son the cold shoulder?” The little crown prince watched him anxiously. His little face had an ‘I’m very sad but I must be strong’ expression.
Although he looked extremely sincere, how could his little tricks escape pass Song Song’s eyes. Song Song said: “You’re overthinking.
The little crown prince fiddled with his little fingers and said, pouting: “But this son clearly feels like you care more for Emperor father. It wasn’t like this before.”
“If you must think like this, then in the future, I will care for your Emperor father even more, and treat you even more distantly.”
“…….” The little crown prince originally only wanted to hear him say a few words of comfort. Now, his little expression briefly crumbled. Song Song pfft’d and laughed out loud, saying: “But all of these is only your misperception. To me, you’re irreplaceable. Your Emperor father as well. It’s only because you’re older now. You will be the future ruler. Your Emperor father’s things you should have already heard about. Lately, he has a bit of a migraine. Doctor Ji is worried about his poison taking effect again. Originally, I shouldn’t be telling you all this, but Xin-er, one day, your Emperor father might not recognize you, and also might not recognize me. He might even be like that for the rest of his life.”
Song Song never said these things to him before, but Li Xin was still a clever and well behaved child overall. He wasn’t so mischievous that he couldn’t understand Song Song’s grave expression. He thought about the strict treatment that he received from both of his fathers in the last few days, and his expression gradually became solemn as well.
“After your 8th birthday, your Emperor father plans to have you participate in court.” Song Song reached out and touched his head, saying gently: “Your Emperor father and daddy aren’t deliberately trying to pressure you, but Xin-er, you’re the crown prince. You need to understand, if one day your Emperor father can’t recognize anyone at all, even if you were three years old, you still must sit on that throne.”
That very night, Li Xin laid on the bed when he suddenly heard a loud rumble and crash from next door, followed by an alarmed shout: “Your majesty—! Everyone leave!”
He abruptly jolted and climbed up. The palace servants were all running outside in panic. Barefooted, he directly rushed next door, and saw his Emperor father in fury.
The folding screen was knocked on its side. The table and chairs were shattered to pieces. Even the windows were split apart by the gale generated by his anger. Song Song was hugging him tightly. His usually calm and proud Emperor father had his hair disheveled, and face twisted because of pain from his head.
“Crown prince, your highness!” Li Xin was suddenly picked up from behind. Head manager Qi said: “This servant will bring you back to your resting palace.”
“Emperor father…”
The man inside the room abruptly looked over. His pitch-black eyes were full of frenzy and violent intent. The little crown prince’s heart skipped a beat. The next second, his mouth was covered by head manager Qi. Head manager Qi carried him outside and bumped right into Ji Ying who was rushing over. Without stopping to greet his ‘little daddy,’ Ji Ying rushed in directly. Head manager Qi carried him all the way out of Yangxin Palace before letting out a long breath of relief: “Good thing Empress Song has been here all these years. Otherwise, many people would have died.”
Li Xin never saw his Emperor father during an outburst before. He only heard people say it often. At the moment, seeing the lingering fear on the old head manager’s face, he immediately asked: “This has happened to Emperor father before?”
“Before meeting Empress Song, he was even worse.” Head manager Qi probably received an order so he wasn’t as tight-lipped as before. He put the little crown prince down and helped him tidy up his clothes, before sighing: “Actually, these years your Emperor father’s illness has already stabilized. It’s only this year that it’s been especially bad. Doctor Ji said it’s because his remaining poison is emerging. To have that madness poison repressed in the body continuously is an inconvenience in the end.”
“Will Emperor father hurt Empress father?”
“Probably not today.” Head manager Qi said: “But who knows about the future.”
“Then what should we do?”
“Your highness needs to be more studious in the future. And don’t irritate his majesty again.”
The little crown prince’s expression became even more solemn. He only heard of this before, and those people didn’t even dare to say it in his face. Now, only after seeing with his own eyes, he finally knew just how terrifying his Emperor father could be when he lost control. He inevitably felt somewhat sad in his heart. He also worried for his Empress father: “Now that Emperor father is sick, it is expected that Empress father cares more about him.”
Inside the palace, Ji Ying gave Li Xiao an acupuncture treatment. With the help of Song Song’s comfort, he was able to push aside the effects of the poison.
Ji Ying said with furrowed brows: “Add another dose of medicine this month.”
“He usually only eats one dose.”
“Just look at him. Do you think one dose is enough?”
“That drug is extremely strong, what if…”
“We can only try.” Ji Ying said: “Today, he can smash Yangxin palace, tomorrow, he might destroy the entire imperial palace because of his headache.” Good thing that Song Song was here, so he didn’t injure anyone.
In the following days, the little crown prince was much more hardworking. Not only did he not skip classes, he also studied deep into the night daily and then climbed up bright and early before even the sun rose up. Not being punished because of him for several days, his study companion felt a little incredulous and asked him. But he only received a glance in return. The little crown prince’s expression was indifferent but also carried a hidden arrogance: “I’m growing up”
The tutor and head of the imperial guard both praised him in front of Li Xiao. When summer ended and fall began, the little crown prince really was summoned by Li Xiao to go participate in court. In his bones flowed Li Xiao’s blood. His behavior and actions were also no different. Head manager Qi absent-mindedly glanced at the little crown prince who was quietly sitting to the side. He felt like he could faintly see a shadow of Li Xiao who sat next to Hong Ren listening to politics many years before overlapping the crown prince. The crown prince didn’t say anything. When he had any questions, he waited until everyone left, before asking Li Xiao.
Towards his own son, Li Xiao was naturally very patient. He explained everything that happened in court for him to listen. Sometimes, Song Song would step in and teach him how to interact with the subordinate government officials. Li Xiao was insane after all. The way he interacted with the officials wasn’t suited to be used by the crown prince.
Two years later, Li Xiao’s migraines were gradually alleviated. But occasionally, it’d be sharp and intense like a knife was being twisted in his head. Song Song could only accompany him without stepping away for a single moment to prevent him from injuring anyone in his irritable state.
“Xin-er has grown quite a bit these two years.” It was rare for Li Xiao to praise someone. Song Song immediately smiled: “It’s all because of your majesty’s hard work.”
He took out a silver needle and placed it in Li Xiao’s head. A long illness makes a patient into a doctor. As the closest person to Li Xiao, of course Song Song wouldn’t stand by and watch him be tormented by headaches, especially when he frequently woke up in the middle of the night due to the pain and reached for his sword like he was about to kill someone any second.
Little by little, Song Song learned a few things from Ji Ying, to make it easy to alleviate Li Xiao’s pain at any given time.
The man opened his eyes to grab his hands: “If Zhen didn’t have Song-er, then what am I supposed to do?”
“How could you not have me?” Song Song said: “I said it before that I will always be with your majesty.”
Smiling, Li Xiao reached out and pulled him into his embrace. Song Song quietly allowed himself to be held. He lifted his head and saw the needle on Li Xiao’s head and couldn’t resist laughing: “Like a porcupine.”
“You dare mock your emperor?” Li Xiao lowered his head and kissed him. The silver needle on his head swayed. Song Song hastily pushed him, but his mouth was covered so he could only make wuwu noises. Sometimes he felt like the problem was not in Li Xiao’s head, but down below. Everytime after Li Xiao had a headache, he always grabbed Song Song to do that kind of thing. With him currently standing up and vigorous as a tiger. Song Song was no match for him at all.
When it was finally time to pull the needle out, sure enough, Li Xiao had dragged him and did it a few times. Song Song curled up in the blankets limp all over and said softly and weakly: “Since your majesty’s health has improved, why don’t you announce it to the public, so the government officials can feel at ease.”
“It has not improved completely.”
“But it’s also not that serious.” Song Song touched his face, stating: “Maybe one day, even if I’m not by your side, you can deal with your emotional state yourself.”
Li Xiao abruptly opened his eyes to look at Song Song: “You were saying just now that you’d be with Zhen always.”
Every time this happened, Song Song had a feeling that Li Xiao didn’t really get better like Ji Ying said. Because Li Xiao’s eye expression was too scary. The poison might have faded, but Li Xiao’s stubborn picky personality, which was a result of Song Song’s doting, might remain hard to change.
“What I mean is…”
“If Zhen parts from you, I will definitely kill people.” Li Xiao interrupted him and then pulled Song Song into his arms again. What Song Song wanted to express was misunderstood by him, but Song Song wasn’t given a chance to explain. He can only hold it inside.
What he meant was that in the future when Li Xiao became normal, there’d be no need for Song Song to follow him inseparably like a shadow. Song Song could be like a normal Empress. Not that their relationship would sour or anything.
However, this seemed very much like Li Xiao anyways. Even if he got better, he would still make people think that he was still ill. Using the madness as a method to maintain his authority was something he’s been doing all along.
Forget it. Forget it. Song Song kissed Li Xiao on the cheek and thought, I’ll help him hide it then.
However, what Song Song never imagined was that Li Xiao not only maintained his authority over the government officials using his illness, he actually even used it to coerce the little crown prince.
This day was the little crown prince’s 10th birthday. Li Xiao planned a banquet for him. When they returned, Song Song also made him longevity noodles personally. There was minced pork inside. The little guy ate very happily. His often serious little face finally revealed some hints of delight: “Daddy’s cooking is really good.”
Children often wanted to get closer to adults. Although the little guy had Li Xiao’s blood in his bones, he also had Song Song’s blood as well. And Song Song just had a soft temperament and liked to get close to people. He said softly: “Eat slowly. Remember to eat it all.”
“En!” While the little crown prince ate, he quietly looked at Song Song’s benevolent, warm face. The admiration in his heart was almost overflowing. He said softly: “Emperor father praised me again today. He said that I performed well in court.”
“These last two years, Xin-er has indeed become even more dignified and composed.” Song Song praised: “You have your Emperor father’s demeanor from back then.”
“Then… then today, can I stay and sleep together with daddy?” He looked at Song Song, face full of expectation. These two years, a lot of Song Song’s thoughts and effort were spent on Li Xiao. Although he didn’t say anything out loud, Li Xin still couldn’t hold back from wanting to be closer to him. He’d be happy even if they randomly chatted.
Song Song also felt that he somewhat neglected his son these two years and promised: “I’ll tell Xin-er a story tonight.”
Li Xin’s eyes brightened instantly. Yet the sound of footsteps abruptly came from outside. Li Xiao called: “Song-er.”
He swayed. Song Song quickly got up to support him, asking: “Why did you drink this much liquor?”
“Xin-er’s birthday. Zhen is happy.” Helped to a seat, the beads that hung on his crown fell down to cover Li Xiao’s face. Sitting to the side and one hand supporting his forehead, he looked at Li Xin with half opened eyes.
Ever since the little crown prince saw him lose control that time, he feared him even more in his heart. His eyelashes flashed as he called softly: “Emperor father.”
“Xin-er wants to stay here?”
“… daddy said that he’s going to tell this son a story.”
Li Xiao laughed, his fingers lightly pressing against Li Xin’s forehead as he said slowly: “How old are you?”
“But… but today is this son’s birthday……” He’s allowed to be stubborn on his birthday. Ever since he was chased off the bed at 3 years old, and then chased out of Yangxin palace at the age of 5, he could only be intimate with his daddy on his birthdays.
He used a pleading expression to look at Song Song. The latter just opened his mouth when Li Xiao said: “Head hurts. Come press it for me.”
Song Song could only walk over, first take off his crown, then help him massage his head: “How about we go out of the palace and go for a night stroll?”
Li Xin’s eyes became even brighter.
Song Song can see that Li Xin wanted to stick to him just to feel pampered for a bit. He was still a kid in the end. He didn’t impede any serious business so a little bit of pampering should still be given.
Li Xiao had his eyes closed. He didn’t reply. Li Xin squeezed his fingers and somewhat nervously stared at Li Xiao: “Emperor father?”
“Zhen’s head hurt.” Li Xiao said: “If I went to a noisy place, it hurted more, and I killed someone, what then?”
“…. …” You’re crazy so you’re right. The little crown prince looked down in disappointment and mumbled: “Then… can this son stay here?”
“When Zhen loses control, I can’t recognize anyone. Today I feel like my mood is not good. The chances of me losing control are very big.” Li Xiao didn’t even look up: “Does Xin-er want to stay?”
“… …” Li Xin lowered his head and finished eating his longevity noodles, then said timidly: “This son is going.”
Actually he felt somewhat unable to accept this. He felt like his emperor father was using his madness to act arrogantly and occupy his daddy completely. But he still couldn’t help but be intimidated. Although he knew that his Empress father would definitely not allow his Emperor father to kill him, to be hit by a mad man was still pretty scary. And plus… perhaps later he might even get nightmares.
After walking out of Yangxin palace like an ostrich, the little crown prince instantly transformed into a cold, aloof and proud peacock. He called over head manager Qi with furrowed brows and asked: “Are there any improvements in Emperor father’s illness lately?”
“This…..” Head manager Qi considered for a moment which one was bigger, his majesty or the crown prince, and said: “Doctor Ji didn’t say anything to you?”
“He said he can’t leak a patient’s private information.” The little crown prince shot him a glare: “Is there no way for Emperor father to fully recover from his illness?”
“His majesty has been poisoned for almost 20 years. How can he recover completely?” Even if it’s completely cured, the residual effects were not easily ignored. Ji Ying actually wasn’t certain. If he really left Song Song, would Li Xiao be fine by himself?
The little prince became depressed. He felt some pity for his Emperor father inside, but then he also felt some pity for himself. He was already 10 years old. He was about to be a young man. If he wanted to be intimate with daddy in the future, it’d be even more against customs.
He dragged his long sleeves and slowly walked forward. His figure looked somewhat lonely: “Wouldn’t it be good if I were mad as well?” Being insane was really great. His Emperor father was clearly more than 30 years old, but he still could wrap around and bother daddy like a little baby.
Head manager Qi wiped away the sweat on his forehead and walked forward two steps: “Does your highness not like your study companion?”
“What does this have to do with my study companion?”
“Your highness’s age is no longer little. If you’re bored, you can find some more playmates. Ride horses, do archery, play hoops, shoot balls… aren’t those fun?”
“Playmates are playmates. Daddy is daddy.” he said confidently in his convictions: “Who doesn’t want to be daddy’s little baby?”
On the other side. As soon as the crown prince left, Song Song withdrew his hands and returned to his chair, shooting Li Xiao a glare: “You’d even bully a kid.”
If it weren’t for the fact that he didn’t want to expose Li Xiao and make him look bad in front of their child, Song Song would have scolded him on the spot.
“He’s no longer small. He shouldn’t be always clinging to you.”
“It’s not him who’s always clinging to me, it’s you who’s always clinging to me.” Song Song wasn’t in a good mood: “If your majesty were slightly more generous, he wouldn’t always feel neglected.”
The mentality of a little kid was very easy to understand. If Li Xiao wasn’t extremely overbearing, the little crown prince wouldn’t have such a strong need to feel close to him. Now, the little crown prince can only feel like Song Song was giving way to his Emperor father, and it’s the reluctantly, being forced kind! No matter how considerate the child was, in the end he’s still a child. He could only feel like he suffered a loss while his Emperor father held the advantage.
This man… will be fighting for favor with his son for a lifetime.
Li Xiao said: “Actually it’s because it’s his birthday, which made Zhen remember what happened when you gave birth to him.”
Song Song can’t stand listening to these words the most. He still remembered when Li Xiao lost his voice because he was too anxious. Immediately, Song Song lost all of his temper: “I will go tell people to make some alcohol sobering soup for you.”
He stood up, but was grabbed by Li Xiao: “Zhen didn’t drink much.”
“I’m afraid your head will hurt again tomorrow.”
“With Song-er here, it won’t hurt too much.” Li Xiao pulled him into his arms, leaned close to his ear and said in a low tone: “Zhen’s body temperature is a bit high.”
Song Song could feel that also. He touched Li Xiao’s forehead: “I should still go give word.”
“Head manager Qi will prepare the sobering soup.” Li Xiao left a kiss on his cheek: “Hot?”
“…. A little” Song Song hunched his shoulders a little and heard Li Xiao chuckle quietly: “I know Song-er likes it.”
Song Song: “…….”
Stupid…. Stupid pervert.
Fin.
Honestly, as much as I liked this, the fact that Li Xiao is jealous of his own son and acts petty just to monopolize Song-er’s attention is off-putting. Other than that, I really liked this story <(￣︶￣)>
It almost seemed like he got a little better at not being so jealous at his kid at the end of the novel, but then the extra was like, nope and backtracked the entire character development xD
Continuously check this up. Until i forgot. Lol
Now i remember and its finally completed. It really worth the wait.
Although the ML is extremely clingy its understandable and its actually add to the ML charms. Love his personality very. Well lets just get real weather its you lover or friends and family if you really “inlove” it makes you lose “proper” reason.lol
Those who didnt experience it wont probably related. It just that you want the things makes you happy to be always yours alone and if a person. You want his attention yours alone.
I really don’t like how the author handled Li Xin and his relationship with his parents. They should’ve ended the novel before the birth of Li Xin instead of going down this route. For a child so loved and so desired, his treatment is truly mind-numbing and incomprehensible.
Oops, meant for this to be a standalone comment, not a reply.
It seems to me that this is quite in their characteristics. Maybe only I feel that way. In this world, everything revolves around Li Xiao, everyone adapts to him, so in my opinion it is normal that his empress began to support him in everything, including in relation to the child. I am against violence, and violence against children is even more so, it is still not customary in China to beat children, even at school. Emotional abuse is of course a completely different issue…
The Emperor version of Asian tough love, where you’re expected to be the best because you need to rule a country and the lives of the nation is at stake and in your hands in the future. 💀
I liked this extra chapter! Everything seemed in line with their characters. I felt bad that Li Xin doesn’t get enough attention from Song Song. The punishment is appropriate given the setting and time of the story.
The punishment is appropriate, but I just felt like they could have treated their kid betteeer, especially since he died so tragically in their last life and S2 was all eager to get his kid back. And for what? This in the end? 😔
I made a mistake in the first comment, I meant that they STILL use certain corporal punishment, not vice versa
Yes, you are absolutely right, this is a very interesting idea! Now I want to include this in my report on the fall of the Qing Empire, hmm
Oh, sorry, wrong thread
Thanks!!!
The corporal punishment was hard to read, but what I really dislike about this extra is that it feels like at the end of the novel, LX seems to be become more tolerant of their kid. But the extra completely backtracked that character development like it didn’t happen. He’s still petty and jealous. In fact, I kind of theorize that the author wrote the extra before the ending of the novel. hahaha
Yeah, LX pissed me off in the extra! And I think Your theory can be true!
thank you for the story! xin-er is too cuttteeee though I wish that Li Xiao would let his son be a kid more with Song Song :/
I loved this chapter. I like he has to learn responsibility and royal decorum. It isn’t like a ‘normal family,’ and I wouldn’t expect anything less from the Emperor or his Empress.
amei mt a história, li um pouco esse cap e odiei vou fingir que esse extra não existe
Não é só o castigo corporal(já que era comum pra época e tal) a questão foi o ciúmes do próprio filho, retrocedendo mesmo Li Xiao…
Hmm I’m kinda glad they resolved my last biggest question (whether Li Xiao’s illness would improve) but it was done in a sorta anticlimatic manner (it just goes away on its own i guess?? ;;) The tone they opened this extra in was quite heavy so thank you for the warning 🙁 I feel so bad for the little son,, I feel like considering how dearly Song Song wanted him at the start of rebirth, it’s sad he is neglected now. I also wonder what was Li Yang’s outcome. Nevertheless thank you for translating this series <3
Thank you for translating! I love a good scheming power couple. At first their plots make no sense then when slowly things come together and we see the trap closing in on the villains.. it feels so satisfying 😂 Personally, I feel like the extra is quite realistic, speaking as someone who grew up experiencing corporal punishment first-hand because it’s culturally acceptable here 🫠 and Li Xiao being a sticky possessive husband is just in character. Like male lions in a pride who would tolerate sharing their wife with their kid less and less as the kid gets older lmao
I do agree that this extra is a bit off. Like the last chapter was already a good ending….But I guess author probably wanted a disclosure on Li Xiao’s illness. And yeah, I wanted to know about Li Yang too ;-;
+1 agree
(though i find it a little off-putting that Li Xiao wasn’t as affectionate as i expected towards their son, considering in their past life, Li Xiao always went to visit him)
The punishment didn’t bother me at all bc it fit both the time dnd li xiaos personality. His clingy jealous behavior was also fitting considering that in the previous life,his songer was killed b4 he even got the chance to properly love n be loved by him. Hes less protective of li xin bc despite li xin dying, there was decent time to spend together before it happened. All in all, I liked the extra and it leaves us wondering if his illness will be fully cured or fully released so theres room for speculation. Ty
Woohoo! Finished in 3-4 days! Thank you for uploading this!!!
And I can’t believe this tyrant actually is THAT jealous of his child but I’m still in love with this novel!! I wish I knew what happened to Li Yang in the end 😔 He’s one of my favorite characters. He was so interesting to read!!
I think the author pretty much show the same idea for all greedy and jealous characters: there’s no end for their desire. Even Li Xiao couldn’t escape from this destine.He didn’t want the Li Xin. He want Song Song. Although he learned to love his son in the other live, it was because he could “feel” Song-er presence in/around him.To me, the extra is meh because we love this couple, but it’s consistent with the mind of the mad king. He is jealous, crazy, obsessed and totally manipulative… Part of this is consequence of the poison, part is the author form to show that THIS is bad even on the protagonist.
Poor Xinxin, his father is really….
When I first read the TN note I was a little afraid to read this chapter but this chapter was good. Thankyou to auther and TN for bringing this novel to us.
Thank you for this story. I really like it from start til the end. It made laugh and cry. Once again thank you.
I’m glad our couple decided to be strict towards him. Pampering too much is not good for character building. Plus, it is not like he was hit everyday, he was literally punished physically that ONE single time for disrespectfully letting his own tutor wait for him for 4 hours, just because he overslept BECAUSE he sneaked out at night.
I mean, he was already so mischievous because he thought he can always get away with it since his daddy would rescue him anyway. So yeah, I’m glad he stopped after he saw his father’s illness and realized that he should start disciplining himself to help ease his parents’ burden.
I’m very happy with this story, although I do wish our Xin-er gets to be babied by their parents once in awhile. I find it funny and extremely sweet when Xin-er said, “playmate is playmate, daddy is daddy, who doesnt want to be daddy’s little baby?” Awwww…I feel like I’m Song Song when I read that, Song Song really is a sweet, gentle, wise and loving mother💕💕💕
in their past life the emperor love his son and now he becomes petty to kick away his son and they make their child headstrong early just because his illness got worse. the reason is for his child own good and giving him an early responsibility just to be neglecting their own son at the end. its like they only let the son born to pass on the responsibility. its like child abuse in the end. emperor in this extra is so unlikeable. it’s his own child and he know it’s his birthday and yet he didn’t give mercy to his child and cover it as acting illness so empress won’t get close to his son. this extra really really not worth to read.
I really loved the novel a lot except of course the punishment albeit the settings suits it but still
Thanks for the translation
❣
Thanks for the warning! Lol, skipped reading the extra and I’m ending this on a sugar/fluff high. (Or rather a high note 🫶). This was an awesome read, loved it. Thanks!!!
Going to imagine a (different) happy ever after.
Well lucky you! Why was I not like you a few minutes ago??? Gosh wuwuwuwu
sigh I should’ve listened to the warning, hmph! Now look at me instead of being happy from the ending I just ended up feeling sympathy to the poor crown prince. Anyways~ it was a good read, Thank you translator for translating!
I shouldn’t have read 😬 I will just quietly forgot this chapter 🤗
thanks for your translation!!
ahh I feel so bad for xin’er. :’) as much as SS and LX loves him, they sure aren’t showing it much. 😭 he’s only 10. :’) pamper him for a few years and the remainder, LX will have SS forever. poor xin’er. :’)
Thank you for the warning at the beginning of the chapter. As someone who has C-PTSD due to childhood trauma I am very grateful for the trigger warning.
Poor Xin-er. 🥲🥲
And thank you for this great read! 🥰🥰🥰
The way Li Xiao acts i can totally understand it
Song song got together with him because he wanted a child with him not cos he loves it while Li Xiao loves madly for two lifetimes so all the jealousy and competing for attention i 100% understand him
He is very very insecure and afraid of losing Song song whether physically or emotionally
Tbh, i feel like this is very much in character. Li Xiao has always had Song Song in his mind first + this is just classic Asian parenting, add the fact that they needed to be stricter with their son because of the uncertainty of LX’s madness. It’s not a bad extra and it doesnt take away from character development since it’s like the path that makes most sense for both SS and LX given their stubborness. Mind u, their trying to raise someone who will need to be responsible of a whole nation, of course they needed to be strict otherwise it’s all doomed to fail.
Thank you very much for your translation! I enjoyed it. I should’ve listened to the warning haha.
People that are saying it was proper at that time, what time? There’s magic in this world lol. Teaching your child a proper discipline doesn’t need and shouldn’t involve denying them affection or physical abuse. You can still be strict with their studies without being cruel. Song Song wanted that child so bad, but seems like he is only good for being a heir. The argument that he needed to replace his father if smth happend doesn’t stand because Song Song could’ve been his reagent. Li Xiao being jealous of his own son to that extent left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s your own child, please.