Chapter 87

Chapter 87

The palace staff turned to see Pei Yanli and Lu Ming, aware of Xiao Ziqing's close association with them. Startled, they quickly bowed and then scattered like birds and beasts.

Lu Ming grabbed one of them, demanding, "What's going on with Xiao Ziqing?"

The skinny palace servant trembled, "I don't know."

"Speak."

"Xiao, Xiao…" The skinny servant was afraid to speak.

Lu Ming sternly said, "Tell the truth, and I'll let you go immediately. Otherwise, I'll take you to your supervisor, accuse you of gossiping behind people's backs." This would surely lead to severe punishment.

The skinny servant quickly said, "I'll speak, I'll speak. It's just a rumor, saying Xiao Ziqing has fallen for Consort Xian's maid, Qiu Meng, deeply in love, and visits the inner palace daily to meet with Qiu Meng secretly."

"Who started this rumor?"

"I don't know, but many people have seen Xiao Ziqing going to the inner palace every day recently. Yesterday, he even picked up a kite for Qiu Meng," the skinny palace servant said.

"Nonsense!"

"Lu Ming, let him go," Pei Yanli instructed.

Lu Ming turned to see Pei Yanli's stern face and immediately released his grip.

The skinny servant ran away trembling, as if a moment's delay would cost him his life.

"Yanli," Lu Ming called out.

Pei Yanli walked ahead without a word.

"I think there's definitely a misunderstanding here," Lu Ming said, catching up.

"I'll ask him myself," Pei Yanli said.

"Right, it's best to clear things up face-to-face."

The two skipped their delayed lunch and headed straight for the royal residence, overhearing palace staff discussing Xiao Yu and Qiu Meng along the way.

"This rumor spread really fast," Lu Ming noted.

Pei Yanli remained silent.

Lu Ming had no choice but to follow.

Finally, they entered Courtyard Nine, but Xiao Yu was nowhere to be seen.

"Not in the small kitchen either, did he go to the back palace?" Lu Ming casually remarked.

Pei Yanli looked at Lu Ming displeasedly.

Lu Ming felt a shiver in his heart.

Fortunately, at that moment, Xiao Yu returned from outside.

Pei Yanli, with a tense voice, asked: "Where did you go?"

"Delivering food," Xiao Yu said with a smile, lifting the food box in his hand.

"Who did you deliver it to?" Lu Ming interjected.

"To Minghe and Danzi. Usually, they come back for lunch and a nap, but today the teacher required them to stay in Courtyard One all day for training, so I personally went to deliver their food."

Hearing this, Pei Yanli's expression inexplicably softened a bit.

"By the way, have you all eaten yet?" Xiao Yu asked.

Lu Ming didn't answer, but instead asked, "Xiao Yu, what's going on between you and Qiuyu?"

"Qiuyu?" Xiao Yu was surprised.

"Yes, there's a rumor going around that you two are involved, secretly meeting. What's that all about?"

Xiao Yu was slightly taken aback. He had sensed something unusual about Qiuyu yesterday, feeling an unsettling premonition that something was about to happen. He thought it wouldn't be so soon, so he decided to deal with the prince's affairs first and planned to check on the situation later. He didn't expect rumors to have already started.

"Aren't you and Yanli..." Considering how busy Xiao Yu and Pei Yanli were every day, and how neither of them had broken the final barrier between them, Lu Ming was unsure what exactly they were delaying. Not wanting to intrude, he refocused on the current issue: "Are you and Qiuyu really—"

"No." Xiao Yu firmly interrupted Lu Ming, his gaze drifting towards Pei Yanli.

"Go on, you say," Pei Yanli slightly relaxed his tense posture.

Xiao Yu then recounted his two encounters with Qiuyu.

"So, you just talked for a bit?" Lu Ming inquired.

"Not just a bit, only two sentences: 'What's the matter?' and 'I'm very busy,'" Xiao Yu explained to Pei Yanli. "Just those two sentences, not a word more."

When Pei Yanli first heard about Xiao Yu and Qiuyu being involved, his mind thundered, losing all sense of calm, analysis, and trust. His thoughts became muddled, his heart ached dully, and the world seemed to lose its order. He didn't know what to do and instinctively sought confirmation from Xiao Yu.

It wasn't until he saw Xiao Yu in person and heard his voice, receiving an answer that satisfied him, that Pei Yanli's mind began to settle. He also realized he cared about Xiao Yu more than he had thought and nodded: "Alright, I believe you."

Suddenly, Xiao Yu felt less panicked.

"Your belief doesn't matter if others don't believe it," Lu Ming interjected. "Think about how to explain this."

"It's hard to explain this kind of thing," Pei Yanli frowned.

"Indeed." Lu Ming looked at Xiao Yu. "Qiuyu really likes you."

"It's not strange to like Xiao Yu," Pei Yanli remarked.

Lu Ming gave Pei Yanli a blank look. Was this really the time to praise Xiao Yu?

Pei Yanli, unaware of the implied compliment in his words, said, "I'm worried Qiuyu has other motives."

Xiao Yu nodded, "That's what I think too."

"Qiuyu is the personal maid of the Noble Consort," Lu Ming pondered, stroking his chin.

Xiao Yu said, "I've never had contact with the Noble Consort." They had only exchanged a few glances in the Cihe Palace.

"The rumor is that you and Qiuyu are mutually in love," Pei Yanli said in a low voice.

"Didn't Lu Ming say it was 'involved' and 'secret meetings'?" Xiao Yu countered.

Pei Yanli preferred not to use those terms.

Yet, Xiao Yu added, "If it's 'involved' and 'secret meetings,' then it must be a malicious rumor, intended to lead to a worse interpretation."

Pei Yanli, who had lost his composure over Xiao Yu, regained clarity in this moment, "Qiuyu is probably just a tool. The real target is you, either to get rid of you or at the very least drive you away."

"To keep him away from the Crown Prince?" Lu Ming suggested.

"It might be something even more serious," Pei Yanli said.

Xiao Yu tensed up and declared, "No matter what happens, I absolutely cannot leave Danzi and Minghe!" Especially Minghe, the child had become as close as a sibling to Danzi. The grey aura over his head indicated too many uncertainties. If Minghe became a reading companion for Danzi without his supervision, it could lead to a dark transformation with dire consequences, which he would never allow.

"Don't worry, as long as I'm here, nothing like that will happen," Pei Yanli said with conviction. "We shouldn't delay; let's go find Qiuyu now."

Xiao Yu and Lu Ming nodded in agreement.

"Xiao Ziqing!" A voice called out.

"It seems to be Eunuch Qian," Lu Ming noted.

Eunuch Qian entered slowly, offering his greetings first.

Pei Yanli inquired, "Eunuch Qian, you're usually so busy, what brings you here?"

Eunuch Qian said, "Replying to the Grand General, I am here to convey His Majesty's imperial edict, summoning Xiao Ziqing to the Qianxin Hall."

The three, Xiao Yu, exchanged glances.

Lu Ming chuckled, "What matter requires your personal visit?"

Since Emperor Yongxi didn't specify and Eunuch Qian had no reason to hide, he said, "You must have heard the rumors in the palace? This matter could be trivial or serious. Xiao Ziqing, please come with me."

Xiao Yu nodded, "Alright."

Pei Yanli stepped forward, "Coincidentally, I also have something to report to His Majesty."

"Me as well," said Lu Ming.

Eunuch Qian, without further comment, turned and led the way.

Xiao Yu and the others followed him out of the Prince's residence.

Xiao Yu's mind raced, aware of the dangers in the palace. He had always been cautious, especially around Danzi, to prevent any harm. Unexpectedly, he found himself entangled in this difficult-to-clear situation.

"Don't worry, I will do everything in my power to protect you," Pei Yanli suddenly said.

"Okay," Xiao Yu barely finished speaking when a warm, large hand suddenly grasped his, causing him to stiffen and turn towards Pei Yanli.

"Trust me," Pei Yanli tightened his grip.

Xiao Yu didn't pull away, feeling the calluses and strength in that palm, a sense of security enveloped him, and he instinctively gripped back.

Pei Yanli was momentarily taken aback, then his eyes softened with a slight smile.

Upon reaching Qianxin Hall, the two instinctively let go of each other's hands and, along with Lu Ming, paid their respects to Emperor Yongxi.

It was then they noticed, besides Emperor Yongxi, Zheng Weilu was also present in the hall.

Emperor Yongxi, with his usual gentle demeanor, beckoned them to be seated.

Xiao Yu and the others took their seats.

Emperor Yongxi began, "Xiao Ziqing has taken great care of the Crown Prince, and using food as medicine, cured the Empress Dowager's cough. His contributions are undeniable."

Was this a case of offering praise before a rebuke?

Xiao Yu couldn't help but feel tense.

Emperor Yongxi continued, "However, there have been some rumors in the palace these past few days that I find rather distasteful. Xiao Ziqing, do you have anything to say?"

On his way here, Xiao Yu had already heard the palace servants' whispers, which had become increasingly absurd. The focus was no longer on Qiuyu but entirely on him, suggesting he had designs on several palace maids and might even involve the concubines. The person behind this seemed to want to create a scandalous impression. Xiao Yu responded, "Your Majesty, those are all distortions of the truth. I have never engaged in such actions."

"Hasn't Xiao Ziqing been visiting the inner palace too frequently?" Zheng Weilu commented.

Xiao Yu, Pei Yanli, and Lu Ming all turned to look at Zheng Weilu.

Zheng Weilu quickly added with a laugh, "Grand General, don't misunderstand. I have no intention of doubting Xiao Ziqing. It's just that the rumors are getting out of hand, and I fear they might implicate the ladies of the palace—"

"Then investigate the rumors thoroughly and punish the guilty without mercy!" Pei Yanli cut in, knowing Zheng Weilu intended to escalate the matter against Xiao Yu, potentially implicating him in more serious accusations like 'disrupting the inner palace.' This would be harder to explain, so he spoke with authority.

His demeanor, honed on the battlefield, immediately exuded a chilling presence. Zheng Weilu felt a sudden coldness but then remembered they were in Emperor Yongxi's Qianxin Hall and regained some confidence, saying, "The Grand General is right, but there is no smoke without fire."

"Whether there's wind or not will be clear upon investigation," Pei Yanli said coldly.

Zheng Weilu's smile was forced. "The Grand General is right."

Pei Yanli turned to Emperor Yongxi, "Your Majesty, there are many doubts in this matter. Please investigate thoroughly."

Emperor Yongxi ordered, "Bring Qiuyu from the Noble Consort's palace and question her properly."

A palace attendant replied, "Yes."

Soon, Qiuyu arrived, looking terrified. She immediately called out, "Xiao Ziqing."

"At this moment, instead of greeting His Majesty, she calls out for Xiao Ziqing," Zheng Weilu sneered mockingly. "Your relationship must be really close."

Hearing this, Qiuyu quickly turned to pay respects to Emperor Yongxi.

"Tell us about your dealings with Xiao Ziqing," Emperor Yongxi instructed.

Qiuyu glanced at Xiao Yu, then said, "I met Xiao Ziqing in the inner palace. Once, I was hurrying back to the Zhiqing Palace and almost fell because I wasn't watching my step. Xiao Ziqing helped me up. Another time, he helped retrieve Princess San's kite from a tree."

This story, at first listen, seemed like a romantic tale of a fated meeting and mutual affection between a man and a woman. Before Xiao Yu could object, Pei Yanli's voice, icy cold, demanded, "Clarify the time, place, and people involved."

Qiuyu was startled.

"Speak, when did you meet?" Pei Yanli, a seasoned general used to interrogating prisoners and spies, pressed.

Feeling an overwhelming pressure, Qiuyu became extremely flustered. She sneaked a glance at Zheng Weilu and stammered, "I-I can't recall clearly."

Pei Yanli asked again, "Why were you in such a hurry to return to Zhiqing Palace?"

Qiuyu stammered, "Because, because—"

Pei Yanli, expressionless, warned, "If you cannot answer, I must suspect you of falsely accusing Xiao Ziqing. According to Article 95 of the Great Jing Legal Code, false accusations against a Great Jing official can result in corporal punishment, exile, or even the death penalty."

Terrified, Qiuyu shivered and quickly said, "Grand General, I haven't falsely accused anyone. Everything I've said is true. I was so mesmerized by Xiao Ziqing's celestial presence that I can't remember anything else."

Pei Yanli asked, "So, you admire Xiao Ziqing?"

"Yes," Qiuyu nodded.

"When one admires someone, they remember every little detail related to that person - a dish of soy sauce, a bowl of vinegar, a plate of dumplings, a heavy snowfall, even the cries of street vendors. How come your admiration is so vague and unclear?" Pei Yanli questioned Qiuyu.

Soy sauce?

A vinegar dish?

Dumplings?

Heavy snow?

Street cries?

Xiao Yu felt this scene was eerily familiar. Before he could ponder further, a eunuch announced that the Noble Consort had arrived, claiming to have something to report concerning him.

"Let her in," Emperor Yongxi commanded.

The Noble Consort entered and bowed, "Your Majesty, my maid has something to say."

"Speak," Emperor Yongxi instructed.

Xia Ruo stepped forward, "Your Majesty, I am unaware of the previous events, but on the evening before last, I saw the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and Master Ming chasing each other out of the Cihe Palace. Xiao Ziqing was following them when Qiuyu suddenly bumped into him. Xiao Ziqing swiftly dodged, but seeing Qiuyu about to fall, quickly caught her. After thanking him, Qiuyu ran off, and there was no further interaction between them."

Qiuyu's face turned pale, "Xia Ruo, you—"

"Let her continue," Pei Yanli interrupted Qiuyu.

Xia Ruo went on, "Yesterday, Princess San's kite fell into a tree. Qiuyu couldn't reach it and, just as Xiao Ziqing happened to pass by, she asked for his help. He helped her and then immediately left, showing no signs of lingering or attachment."

"Exactly!" A childlike voice suddenly piped up.

Everyone turned as Xiao Yuanping ran in, "Father, you told me to come to you today. I just came in; I wasn't disrespectful."

Emperor Yongxi laughed, "Good, you haven't done anything wrong."

Xiao Yuanping, pointing with his chubby fingers towards the outside of the hall, said, "My mother is still outside. She wants to talk about Xiao Ziqing. Can you let her in, please?"

Emperor Yongxi responded, "Alright, let your mother come in."

Xiao Yuanping trotted out with his little legs, happily holding Consort Zheng's hand, and walked into the hall, announcing, "Father, my mother has arrived."

Consort Zheng had heard the rumors about Qiu Meng and Xiao Ziqing early in the morning. She initially thought it was baseless gossip among her servants and scolded them, dismissing it.

However, while taking Xiao Yuanping to the garden, she realized other palace servants were also discussing the rumors about Qiu Meng and Xiao Ziqing. The rumors were getting more outrageous, clearly aiming to severely tarnish Xiao Ziqing's reputation.

Having witnessed some interactions between Qiu Meng and Xiao Ziqing, Consort Zheng, not wanting such a commendable person to be falsely accused, came to explain to the emperor to prevent any unjust punishment.

Her account matched exactly with what Xia Ruo had said earlier. She specifically pointed out, "Xiao Ziqing's urgent entry into the inner palace yesterday was because of Yuanping."

"Because of Yuanping?" Emperor Yongxi was surprised.

Consort Zheng explained how Xiao Yuanping had sneaked out of the palace, causing panic in Fufang Palace. It was Xiao Ziqing who personally brought Xiao Yuanping back, leading to the kite incident.

Hearing this, Emperor Yongxi trusted Xiao Ziqing even more.

Zheng Weilu glared angrily at Consort Zheng, then said to Emperor Yongxi, "Your Majesty, although Consort Zheng is aware of this due to the Second Prince, Consort Xian is secluded—"

Eager to pin a serious crime on Xiao Ziqing, Pei Yanli abruptly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I stake my life in guaranteeing that Xiao Ziqing would never do what the rumors claim."

Xiao Yu looked at Pei Yanli, standing firm and resolute, a figure of strength and steadfastness, feeling as if he had found a warm and solid anchor, bringing him comfort and stability.

Zheng Weilu then persisted, "The Grand General and Xiao Ziqing are close friends; naturally, he would defend Xiao Ziqing."

"I am not merely a close friend of Xiao Ziqing," Pei Yanli looked towards Emperor Yongxi, paused for a moment, and then declared firmly, "Your Majesty, Xiao Ziqing and I have pledged our love to each other on the Purple Pond Canal."

What?

Pledged their love?!

Zheng Weilu nearly fell off his chair.

Xiao Yu's eyes suddenly widened in surprise.

Lu Ming's mouth fell open in shock.

Consort Zheng and the Noble Consort were suddenly stunned.

Qiuyu and Xia Ruo were completely bewildered.