Bridging the Distance

Proofreader/Editor: Nene Yashiro

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Madam Xiao remembered she had prepared lotus seed tea for Tang Jiwei but hadn’t delivered it yet. She had noticed recently that he seemed a bit irritable. Despite her outwardly careless demeanor, Madam Xiao was very attentive to her son’s well-being, and immediately called a servant girl to bring it to him.

A servant girl named Qiao’er, who had replaced Tang Xin to take care of Madam Xiao, was a simple, honest girl. Seeing Madam Xiao in thick clothing and having difficulty walking, she immediately went to help her.

Madam Xiao laughed and patted her, saying, “You silly girl, I’m not so old that I can’t walk! Go on, go on!”

Qiao’er smiled and released her, saying, “Old Madam, let me take it to the master. It’s getting late and quite cold. If he catches a chill, it won’t be worth it. Why not go rest and keep warm?”

Madam Xiao laughed and patted Qiao’ers hand, then lifted her skirts and walked toward the kitchen. With a sigh, she said, “Women are always busy. When we’re young, we’re taught to be good at needlework and cultivate virtues, hoping to marry well. But after we marry, we worry about our husband’s well-being—whether his food and clothing are adequate, if we have enough for the household. There’s always something to worry about. Now, my son is grown up and doesn’t cling to me like when he was a child. But as a mother, how can I not be concerned? I’ll bring it to him myself, see how he’s doing, and make sure he rests early!”

Qiao’er said, “Old Madam, you care for the master so much. He knows it, really. We all see it!”

The kitchen maid brought out the lotus seed tea, and Madam Xiao touched the cup to check it was still warm, then felt reassured.

Qiao’er took the tray from the maid and, carrying the cup, walked ahead to the study with Madam Xiao.

Han Zhen sat at the desk, flipping through a book containing Tang Jiwei’s notes. He had become so engrossed that he lost track of time. When he finally looked up, it was already completely dark.

Tang Jiwei sat quietly reading beside him, the flickering candlelight casting a soft glow on his face, making his originally flawless features appear even more serene and warm.

Han Zhen didn’t speak, resting his head on his hand and watching him with half-closed eyes. Tang Jiwei occasionally nodded as he read, and sometimes he sipped tea. The book seemed so captivating that he didn’t notice Han Zhen had been observing him for quite a while.

As Tang Jiwei raised his teacup to drink, he noticed it was empty and stood up to pour more tea. Thinking that Han Zhen’s tea might have gone cold too, he turned to offer him some.

When he turned around, he found Han Zhen’s gaze fixed on him, and was startled, taking a step back.

“My apologies, I haven’t been a good host and neglected the Emperor!”

Seeing Han Zhen’s nonchalant expression, Tang Jiwei composed himself, then picked up the teapot to pour more tea.

Han Zhen leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head, and smiled, saying, “Tang Jiwei, as expected, you’re the renowned, charming scholar of the capital.”

Tang Jiwei set the teapot down, lowered his head, and replied, “Your Majesty, you flatter me. I carry this empty title, and my heart is troubled day and night.”

Han Zhen’s eyes gleamed as he said, “You’re too humble, Tang Jiwei. Li Huili was right. Excessive modesty can sometimes come off as pride. Look at me, sitting here for two hours, while you’re so immersed in your reading that you didn’t even notice. You must be deeply involved in your studies. And you’re quite handsome, I must admit, I was somewhat distracted watching you!”

Though Tang Jiwei was annoyed inwardly, he didn’t show it. Such comments, akin to teasing a young master, made him uncomfortable. Standing by the desk, he gave a light laugh and said, “Your Majesty, you exaggerate, I don’t deserve such praise.”

Han Zhen was about to speak when he heard footsteps approaching, and his gaze shifted toward the door.

“Son, I made lotus seed tea for you. Drink it before you read more!”

Madam Xiao’s voice was bright and cheerful, her steps growing louder.

Tang Jiwei bowed to Han Zhen and said, “My mother is disturbing Your Majesty. Please forgive her.”

Han Zhen nodded, saying, “I understand a mother’s love. There’s no need to worry, Minister Tang.”

Madam Xiao lifted the curtain and saw Han Zhen seated in the upper position. She was a little surprised but didn’t seem alarmed. She smiled and said, “I didn’t expect a guest, my apologies.”

Han Zhen smiled and replied, “I apologize for disturbing your household. It is I who should be ashamed.”

Madam Xiao didn’t hear Han Zhen clearly, thinking he said, “It is I who am at fault,” so she didn’t dwell on it. Tang Jiwei was about to introduce him but noticed Han Zhen’s expression and hesitated. Since Han Zhen was in disguise, Madam Xiao wasn’t an impetuous person, so she wouldn’t make a mistake in such a situation.

Madam Shi asked Qiao’er to place the teacup on the small table and personally poured two cups. “If you’re not offended, please have some tea. You officials work so hard, your tempers can be quite hot. It’s good to cool down a bit!”

Afterward, Qiao’er respectfully placed one cup in front of Han Zhen. Though Qiao’er wasn’t as casual as Madam Xiao, she had grown accustomed to the manners of wealthy families. She didn’t recognize the Emperor but knew her master always stood in his presence, so she was extra respectful.

Han Zhen accepted the tea and was about to take a sip when Tang Jiwei quickly took a large gulp, saying, “Mother’s skill has improved. It’s delicious!”

Madam Xiao’s smile narrowed her eyes, revealing fine lines around them. She nodded in satisfaction, comforted deeply by the praise from her son.

Han Zhen’s lips curled into a smile. He understood Tang Jiwei’s intention without speaking. He merely lifted the lid of the tea, took a gentle sniff, and said, “It has a clear lotus seed fragrance. It’s not the season for lotus seeds, so the madam must have stored it very well!”

“Exactly, using traditional methods to store them keeps the flavor intact!” Madam Xiao replied with a smile.

Han Zhen took a sip and, seeing the eager expression on Madam Xiao’s face, found it amusing. He paused for a moment to tease her, then said, “Truly a mother’s love. This tea is sweet without being too rich, fragrant without tiring the senses, just like the care you have for your son!”

Madam Xiao’s smile widened even further, and she immediately took a liking to the stranger she had just met. Delighted, she stepped forward and said, “If you like my cooking, feel free to come by anytime. I’ll make almond crisps and peach blossom cakes for you. I see you don’t look like an ordinary young master. You must be tired of the usual rich food; I’ll prepare some small dishes for you next time that will be sure to refresh your palate!”

Madam Xiao’s excitement made her a bit animated. Tang Jiwei, with a smile in his eyes, didn’t stop her. To him, having such a lively, youthful mother was a blessing in his life. After losing his father, Madam Xiao had raised her son with strength, and the hardships she had endured must have been unimaginable. Tang Jiwei was willing to do anything to fulfill her small desires and interests.

Han Zhen was somewhat taken aback. He had never been invited so straightforwardly, which caught him off guard. However, his usual expression and demeanor didn’t reveal any inner surprise. He responded politely and calmly, maintaining composure without losing his elegance.

Tang Jiwei noticed how well Han Zhen and Madam Xiao seemed to get along. In his heart, he understood why Han Zhen had suppressed his usual sharpness in front of Madam Xiao. As a young boy who had lost his mother, he deeply craved maternal love. Though now invincible and battle-hardened, facing Madam Xiao’s full display of motherly affection, he couldn’t help but soften.

Madam Xiao, who was happy to talk to anyone who listened, naturally kept the conversation going, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere that others could easily perceive.

Han Zhen had come to the Imperial Scholar’s residence, not speaking much to Tang Jiwei, but having an enjoyable conversation with Madam Xiao. The emperor was ruthless, and while Han Zhen may have exchanged a few words with Madam Xiao today, Tang Jiwei was certain that if one day he fell from grace, Han Zhen would not show mercy for Tang’s family. This was Han Zhen, an emperor whose eyes only saw the interests of the kingdom and the people.

After Madam Xiao took her rest, Tang Jiwei personally escorted Han Zhen to the palace gate. In the carriage, they discussed current events. Tang Jiwei’s gaze was sharp and fierce, while Han Zhen’s methods were ruthless and exceptional, which naturally made for a good conversation.

At the palace gate, Tang Jiwei did not need to enter. Han Zhen watched as Tang Jiwei got out of the carriage, and sighed, “Tang Jiwei has sharp insight. With you by my side, it feels like having a tiger to aid me!”

Tang Jiwei lifted his robe and knelt, saying, “As a subject to my ruler, I will serve with all my might!”

Han Zhen’s face bore a half-smile, “Thank you for your trouble today, Tang Jiwei. You were like a eunuch testing the dishes!”

Tang Jiwei’s face stiffened slightly. He forced a smile and replied, “Your Majesty jokes.”

Han Zhen did not say anything further. The carriage, driven by Wei Lin, entered the dark gates, where a deep abyss of solitude awaited.

Tang Jiwei knelt at the palace gate in the late night, gazing at the open gates, feeling as if they were a deep, unfathomable tiger’s mouth. He couldn’t help but pity Han Zhen, knowing that this life was one that Han Zhen would have to walk alone.

Tang Jiwei’s face stung from the cold wind as the winter chill pierced through his robes. Alone on the street, it was nearly impossible to move.

The curfew had passed, and the streets were empty. The street vendors had packed up, and the inns and taverns had closed for the night. Only distant boats on the Wei River still emitted a faint light, their passengers indulging in pleasures, unaware of their uncertain futures.

Tang Jiwei lay in bed, taking a deep breath, his feet warmed by a hot water bottle, the cold no longer making them feel like blocks of ice. His body slowly began to warm.

He began to wonder if Han Zhen had deliberately made him escort him back, knowing that there would be no sedan chairs or carriages at night. Han Zhen had made him walk such a long way. Usually, when riding past on horseback or in a carriage, Tang Jiwei wouldn’t have felt the cold, but walking alone on the street, he felt the chill as though the entire world had left him behind.

As he was about to fall asleep, his breathing evened out.

In the front courtyard, faint sounds could be heard. Tang Jiwei, deeply asleep, barely noticed them. He assumed if it were something urgent, the servants or his mother would have woken him. Perhaps the household servants had broken something again. With that thought, Tang Jiwei slowly drifted into a deeper sleep.

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Author’s Note:

Crying and sobbing… Why is engineering mechanics so difficult? Ugh!

Why is the professor also the department head? Ugh!