Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Princess Yan observed Xu Yunqi composedly, her slender tortoiseshell fingernails resting lightly on a high table, producing a soft, crisp sound.

Xu Yunqi stood motionless.

It was impossible for Princess Xi to see her daughter-in-law suffer at the hands of Princess Yan. She rose coldly and said with a mocking smile, "Your Highness is concerned about Prince Heng's health; you may ask me directly."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yunqi immediately understood the situation and pushed through the crowd, kneeling in the hall. "In response to Your Highness, I dare not rashly judge the severity of my husband's injuries, but from the appearance of his torn flesh and mangled blood, it seems severe."

Princess Yan was not genuinely concerned about Pei Muheng's condition; she was annoyed that he had spoken up for the crown prince, spoiling Prince Qin's plans. "I ask you, did you harbor resentment when His Majesty beat your husband until he was covered in blood?"

Princess Xi found Princess Yan's provocations unnecessary and let out a light huff.

On the other hand, Xu Yunqi wore a gentle smile. She replied calmly, "Both thunderous punishments and gentle blessings are expressions of the emperor's grace. My husband is His Majesty's grandson, and it is only natural for a grandparent to discipline their offspring when they err. As the saying goes, deep love begets strict discipline. The emperor's decision to cane my husband demonstrates his trust in him, his willingness to correct his mistakes. How could a grandson or granddaughter hold a grudge against such an act of benevolence?"

Both the Crown Princess and Concubine Yan were startled by these words.

The Crown Prince had committed such a grave offense; surely the Emperor would scold or punish him? Yet, the Emperor had only made the Crown Prince return to the Eastern Palace for reflection without even summoning him once. Did this mean His Majesty had given up on the Crown Prince?

Sweat formed in the Crown Princess's palm.

Meanwhile, Concubine Yan pondered that Prince Qin, fueled by public discontent, had pressured the Emperor to deal with the Crown Prince. With the Emperor's wisdom, how could he not see through this scheme? Yet, until now, had the Emperor reprimanded Prince Qin? No, not only that – on New Year's Eve, the rewards granted to Prince Qin's palace ranked first among all residences.

Understanding this layer of the situation, Concubine Yan felt a chill run down her spine.

She slowly clenched the sharp armor on the edge of the table, sitting up straighter. Looking at Xu Yunqi, her anger dissipated, and her tone softened, "Rise."

Xu Yunqi stood up to express her gratitude.

Concubine Yan asked again, "What were you daydreaming about just now?"

Xu Yunqi smiled bashfully, "This humble woman glanced at that plate of sugar-coated haws and was reminded of the small stalls by the roadside back home. I was merely missing my hometown."

After all, she was just a country girl who had never seen the grandeur of the imperial palace. Concubine Yan waved her hand, dismissing any possibility of frightening Xu Yunqi, who then retreated to her seat.

As for the plate of sugar-coated haws, not a single one had been touched.

Upon returning to the palace, Xu Yunqi expected the Princess Xi to scold her. However, as the princess stepped through the entrance, she glanced back at her three daughters-in-law, her gaze finally settling on Xu Yunqi.

"Third daughter-in-law did well today. You must remain composed and unyielding like this. Heng is the most prominent figure in court, and you can't tarnish his reputation. No matter who tries to intimidate you, don't be afraid. Our Princess Xi's Palace doesn't harbor cowards."

Princess Xi was worried that Xu Yunqi, coming from the countryside, would be too timid and unsuitable for the grand stage. Today, Xu Yunqi had not disappointed her.

When they returned to Jinhé Hall, she sent Nanny Hao to Qinghui Garden again, exchanging her own jade bracelet with a better luster for the one belonging to Princess Qin. Princess Xi was merely trying to make Princess Qin angry, not genuinely coveting her bracelet. She would find an excuse to return it later.

The events at the Kunning Palace naturally reached Pei Muheng's ears. When Xu Yunqi went to visit him, he studied his wife quietly for a moment, gaining a new understanding of her resilience. "I'm sorry you had to endure such hardship."

Xu Yunqi remained composed in the face of adversity, embodying the qualities of an ideal wife.

The following day, on the second day of the New Year, their daughter returned to her parents' home. As Pei Muheng was injured and unable to accompany her, Xu Yunqi made the trip alone to the Xu residence. Madam Zhang couldn't help but hold her and weep, fearing that the emperor might lose favor with Pei Muheng, which would then affect their daughter.

Xu Yunqi comforted her once again.

Pei Muheng spent three days recuperating in the backyard before moving back to his study.

The letter of distress from Tongzhou still held no clues, though the case had become clearer. Yet, the person who wrote it remained elusive. Pei Muheng felt that something was slipping beyond his grasp.

After Pei Muheng left Qinghui Garden, Xu Yunqi found it inconvenient to visit him directly. Instead, she sent medicinal soups and tonics every few days to aid his recovery and nourish his body.

As Pei Muheng's injuries gradually improved, he could walk around the estate. Occasionally, he would visit his wife at Qinghui Hall.

It was the Lantern Festival that day. Xu Yunqi, accompanied by her maidservants, hung lanterns on the veranda. Soon, a tall figure emerged from the moon gate.

Pei Muheng wore a black cloak, standing upright beside the pillar. The lanterns illuminated the dusk, casting a radiant glow through the night mist, highlighting his handsome face with unparalleled elegance.

He took a book from Huang Wei and passed it to Xu Yunqi, saying softly, "I promised to give you this ancient recipe last time." A faint smile played on his lips, yet his imposing presence remained undiminished.

Xu Yunqi hesitantly accepted it, perhaps more comfortable around the injured Pei Muheng due to her habit of caring for the sick. "Thank you. It's windy outside. Third Master, please come in for some tea."

The couple entered the house together.

To ensure his comfort, Xu Yunqi instructed someone to place a cushion beneath him.

Considering her recent attentiveness, Pei Muheng attempted to engage her in conversation, but her responses were now cold and distant compared to the warm concern she had shown during New Year's Eve.

Pei Muheng was puzzled.

Back then, she had cared for him deeply, not only tending to his wounds but also preparing desserts and medicinal soups with endless reminders. Now that he had recovered, she seemed distant.

Unable to grasp the reason, Pei Muheng decided to ask directly,

"Madam, are you unhappy?"

Xu Yunqi looked genuinely surprised. "No, why would you think that?" Her previously relaxed hands dropped to her sides. "Why do you ask, Third Master?"

Pei Muheng couldn't accuse her of becoming distant without cause. He wasn't accustomed to deciphering women's thoughts, and to prevent similar situations in the future, he proposed to Xu Yunqi,

"If I ever do something that upsets you, would you please tell me directly?"

Xu Yunqi was perplexed. "Third Master, rest assured, I am not unhappy. If I were, I would certainly let you know."

As a child, when her parents left, she had cried and thrown tantrums. But after realizing that such behavior was futile, she stopped crying. When her mother came to visit, she would joyfully welcome her and politely see her off. Gradually, the young girl understood that happiness needed to be created by oneself. She spent her days digging for wild vegetables, harvesting peanuts, and even secretly roasting sweet potatoes in the fields, enjoying every moment.

When she learned not to rely on others for happiness, she never felt unhappy again.

Pei Muheng looked at his composed wife and felt reassured. He disliked women who were overly dramatic or prone to fits of jealousy. His wife's stable temperament promised fewer troubles in the future.

It took a full month for Pei Muheng to fully recover. On this day, he wrote a letter of apology and sent it to the imperial palace. The emperor, taking the opportunity to save face, initially scolded him for being impetuous and in need of more experience. Then, he appointed Pei Muheng to oversee the Board of Censors and tasked him with handling a major case involving salt trafficking in southern China.

In the past, Pei Muheng had merely served as an advisor in the imperial study. Now, being assigned to one of the Six Ministries, he was given actual authority.

The imperial edict was delivered to Prince Xi by the cabinet, and with joy in his heart, he carried it to Pei Muheng's study.

"The edict states that you are to rush to Yangzhou immediately and uncover the truth behind this case," Prince Xi relayed.

Pei Muheng took the edict and examined it under the lamplight, grasping the emperor's intention.

"The fire at Tongzhou granary has ignited a crisis for the court, exposing the inadequate supply of military provisions. At its core, it reveals the emptiness of the national treasury. His Majesty sends me to Yangzhou to investigate the salt trade route not just to clarify the matter but also to cleanse the nation of parasites draining its wealth and to increase revenue for the treasury."

The embezzlement along the salt trade routes had been ongoing for a long time, involving numerous high-ranking officials and influential families across the land who benefited from it.

Pei Muheng gazed at the imperial edict written in scarlet ink, a wry smile crossing his lips. "His Majesty is forcing me to become an isolated minister."

To root out corruption in the kingdom was to challenge the aristocracy. If Pei Muheng had only wished to be an obedient servant, he would have been content as the emperor's sword. But he had greater ambitions; his heart held vast landscapes.

Prince Xi muttered under his breath, "Cunning old fox, using the same tactics against you that you used on me."

The emperor had employed Prince Xi to lead the army and fight for the nation, but also feared his power, assigning him as the Inspector General to investigate the military's land holdings and enforce discipline. This had earned Prince Xi many enemies among the high-ranking officers.

Pei Muheng's expression remained unchanged as he strolled through his study, the edict clenched in his hand. His cool, handsome gaze, veiled by thick lashes, was enigmatic and unfathomable.

"It doesn't matter. I've long had a plan to enrich the imperial treasury without alienating the court officials."

With that, Pei Muheng set off for the south.

During his two-month absence, the emperor began preparations to confront Da Wu. The Great Jin's treasury was insufficient to sustain a prolonged war. Seeking a swift victory, the renowned strategist, Duke Wen, known as the contemporary Zhang Liang, was dispatched to the northern border. Under the guise of a food shortage in the Great Jin's army, he lured Da Wu into a trap while secretly mobilizing troops and setting a web of defenses. As Da Wu amassed its forces to assault the Great Jin, they were caught like fish in a jar, severely dampening their military momentum.

It was early April, just as the emperor's birthday approached. To celebrate and discuss a peace treaty between the two nations, Great Khan Tuhetuqali of Da Wu sent his son to the Great Jin. In keeping with tradition, the negotiations would take place at Xuanfu Palace, the imperial retreat.

Two hundred miles distant from the capital stands the Xuanfu Palace. The aged emperor, reminiscing about his youthful vigor and military conquests that had brought tributaries from all corners of the world, was suddenly seized by a surge of grandeur. He decided to relocate his upcoming birthday celebration, the Ten Thousand Years Festival, to the Xuanfu Palace.

The aged emperor's impending journey has set the court ablaze with activity.

Who stays behind and who accompanies the imperial party carries great significance.

The crown prince's faction promptly seized this opportunity to present a memorial to the emperor, requesting that he release the prince so he could redeem himself through service, thus allowing the emperor to proceed to Xuanfu with a peaceful mind for his inspection tour.

In the past, whenever the Crown Prince made a move, Prince Qin would invariably respond with equal measures, contesting his authority with equal standing.

Yet this time, Prince Qin did not.

Having endured humiliation for three long months, he secretly summoned his most trusted advisors to discuss the matter.

"The Emperor's journey is merely an excuse to pardon the Crown Prince, allowing him to continue as regent with legitimacy."

Seeing that Prince Qin was not as enraged as expected, the Chief Justice inquired, "Does Your Highness intend to yield to the Crown Prince this time?"

Prince Qin stroked his beard, his eyes fixated on a map detailing the landscape of Xuanfu. With a cryptic smile, he said, "One must give to take. These past three months, I've lain awake every night. Yet my uncle advises me to exercise patience, to refrain from hasty actions."

The Minister of Justice, with a worried tone, said, "Prime Minister, there must be a reason behind his actions. I implore you to think this through before proceeding."

Prince Qin had heard these words so often that they had worn out his ears. He rose from his desk and stood by the window with his hands clasped behind his back, filled with resentment. "His Majesty's health is deteriorating day by day. I cannot wait any longer. This time, even if it means offending the Emperor, I must take a gamble and cannot bear to see the Crown Prince ascend to that throne unopposed."

Seeing that he could not dissuade the prince, the Minister of Justice asked, "Then, Your Highness, what is your plan?"

Prince Qin turned his head, his cold features now tinged with a ruthless determination. "This royal tour presents the perfect opportunity. I will ensure the Crown Prince meets his downfall."

At that very moment, in the imperial study.

Cabinet Minister Xun Yunhe sat behind his desk, drafting imperial decrees for the emperor. The slender old monarch rested his hands on the window frame, meticulously instructing,

"While I am on my tour, the crown prince shall oversee the state affairs. As for the cabinet..."

The emperor strolled back with his hands behind his back, standing before Xun Yunhe, "Yan Ping and Xiao Yu will accompany me, while you and Elder Minister Zheng will stay behind to manage affairs. Elder Minister Zheng is easily swayed and not very decisive. Yunhe, the administration of the empire is in your hands."

Xun Yunhe rose to pay his respects, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will not fail your trust."

He then sat down and transcribed the emperor's words into an imperial edict.

The emperor pondered for a moment, then turned his gaze to the darkening sky and continued,

"The harem: Concubine Yan will accompany the imperial journey, while the Empress will remain in the palace to maintain order. As for the military, Right Supreme Commander Yang Kang will join me, and Left Supreme Commander Cui Zhen, you will stay behind to supervise the capital."

Xun Yunhe's expression remained unchanged, but he understood the emperor's intentions. Yang Kang was the father-in-law of the crown prince, and by taking him along, the emperor aimed to prevent any unrest from the prince. Meanwhile, allowing Prince Qin, Yan Ping, and Concubine Yan to accompany the journey would keep the prince's faction under close watch.

Despite his age, the emperor was well aware of the thoughts swirling beneath him.

After a moment, Xun Yunhe composed the edict and presented it to the emperor for his perusal.

Upon finishing, the emperor said nothing, instead shifting his gaze out the window with a sigh, revealing his concerns.

Slowly placing the imperial decree down, Xun Yunhe glanced at the emperor's furrowed brow and suddenly spoke up,

"Your Majesty, I've just remembered something."

"What is it?" The emperor lifted an eyebrow, giving him a casual glance.

Xun Yunhe bowed slightly and smiled. "While this northern tour is for peace talks with Da Wu, Your Majesty mustn't forget your own birthday. Even if it's not a significant milestone, it should still be celebrated joyously."

The emperor strolled slowly, standing slightly ahead of Xun Yunhe, watching him with keen interest. "What do you mean by that?"

Xun Yunhe replied calmly, "All officials ranked fourth grade or above, along with their families, will accompany the imperial carriage to celebrate Your Majesty's birthday."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's dark eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed deeply at him.

He truly lived up to being a trusted aide raised by his own hand.

He always knew just how to alleviate the emperor's worries.

With officials of the fourth grade or above in attendance, no courtier would dare to act rashly. Neither the crown prince nor Prince Qin would be able to stir up any significant trouble.

Thus, the emperor's concerns were entirely alleviated. With a broad smile, he patted Xun Yunhe's shoulder and said, "Let's do as Minister Xun suggests."

Upon receiving the news, the crown prince felt a sense of relief instead.

He hadn't planned on doing anything anyway. It was already a blessing that the emperor had released him again; he could not afford to repeat past mistakes.

Prince Qin, on the other hand, was hopping with frustration. "Xun Yunhe, that cunning old fox, has ruined my plans."

The Minister of Justice smiled bitterly. "Your Highness, the phrase 'simple in the emperor's heart' is not something to be taken lightly. Otherwise, why would he have so many court officials draft imperial decrees for him?"

Prince Qin laughed through his anger, clenching his broad hands on the table as he gritted his teeth. "It doesn't matter. I still have a backup plan."

On the first day of April, the imperial order to accompany the emperor was delivered to all the residences. Xu Yunqi also received a letter from Pei Mushan, informing her that he was about to return to the capital.

As she packed her belongings, she asked Nurse Chen, "When will Third Master be back? We're leaving tomorrow. Will he make it in time?"

Nurse Chen replied, "He'll go straight to Xuanfu and meet you there."

Prince Xi was not allowed to accompany the emperor. His wife, Princess Xi, left their eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Xie, in charge of household affairs and took the rest of her children to Xuanfu. It was a warm and clear April, with blossoming flowers everywhere – perfect for a spring outing. Princess Xi brought along her two grandsons, making the journey lively. The young masters often played boisterously in the carriage, causing Princess Xi a headache. Eventually, she passed one to Madam Li and the other to her younger daughter, allowing herself a peaceful afternoon nap.

Pei Mushan went off to play with her friends, while Xu Yunqi read medical books alone in the carriage. They set out in the morning and arrived near Chai River in the northwest by evening. The soldiers camped by the water.

Princess Xi arranged for Pei Mushan and Xu Yunqi to share a tent. Their maidservants helped move their daily necessities into the tent. With fewer possessions, Xu Yunqi settled in quickly and went outside to assist Pei Mushan. As Pei Mushan held her beloved vanity box, ready to enter the tent, she heard Huang Wei's excited cheer behind her.

"Madam, Third Master is back! He's currently in the emperor's tent paying his respects."

Xu Yunqi froze, standing gracefully in the evening breeze, unsure how to react. Before she could regain her composure, Pei Mushan grumbled, "Why is he back so soon? Didn't we agree to meet in Xuanfu? If Third Brother is here, where am I supposed to sleep?"

Pei Mushan and Xu Yunqi were lawfully wedded spouses, thus they were meant to share a bed. Reuniting after a long separation was like a honeymoon; Pei Mushan would never ruin her brother's happiness. After a moment of frustration, she planned to carry her dressing box to Princess Xi's tent. However, after taking just two steps, she turned back and playfully shrugged Xu Yunqi's shoulder.

"I'll wait right here for Brother to return. If he brings me a gift, I'll willingly let him have you, Sister-in-law."

Xu Yunqi gave her a silent glance, unsure of what to say.