Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Pei Mucheng was assisting the Board of Revenue in obtaining the signed edict for the Censorate, which would then be sent to the Cabinet for approval. Contemplating whether he should pay his respects at the Heavenly Purity Palace, he received word from his estate that Prince Xi had requested his return. Consequently, Pei Mucheng hurried back to Qinghui Garden at the initial hour of the afternoon meridian.

Upon entering, Prince Xi was seated on a vermilion lacquered throne placed beneath an ivory-inlaid screen with golden accents, his wrist resting on the adjacent table as he tapped rhythmically, clearly growing impatient with the wait.

Pei Muheng strode in with purpose, circling around the display cabinet to stand before him. As he bowed, he asked, "What has happened, Father?"

Prince Xi observed him with a countenance clouded by concern. "You are aware that I once served alongside Yang Kang. This affair involving the Crown Prince now extends to the Yang clan. Just moments ago, an old general from the Commander-in-Chief's Office sought me out discreetly, informing me that Prince Qin has obtained evidence implicating Yang Kang in collusion with the Crown Prince in a plot to rebel. It is alleged that during his campaigns in the Northern Borders, Yang Kang befriended numerous nobles of the Da Wu tribe. The so-called Jinzhou merchants smuggling gunpowder, it seems, owe their connections entirely to secret intermediaries within Yang Kang's circle. Thus, it was through these channels that the Crown Prince managed to involve himself in Jinzhou and smuggle some gunpowder into the capital."

Prince Xi's tone grew increasingly urgent as he rose to his feet, pacing to the window with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze icy as he stared at Pei Muheng.

"Everyone knows what kind of man Yang Kang is – an unyielding warrior who would rather die in battle than bow down. He despises Da Wu for their pillaging and slaughters; how could he possibly engage in business with them? This is utter nonsense!"

"Over the years, the Crown Prince has become more and more disgraceful. Yang Kang only supports him because his daughter is married to him, out of a sense of obligation. Heng'er, there is nothing I cannot overlook, but I will not stand idly by while these soldiers, who have bled for our country, are manipulated to their deaths by these parasites in the court!"

"The Yang family is known for its unwavering loyalty and bravery; they must not be used as stepping stones for Prince Qin's power grab!" Prince Xi's fists clenched, his eyes burning with hatred.

Pei Muheng slowly removed his official robes, observing his father's pent-up fury, resembling a caged beast. Suddenly, he broke into a grin.

"Is Father worried?"

Prince Xi observed his son still jesting with him and shot him a glare. "Are you here to mock your father?"

Pei Muheng hung his official robe on the clothes rack at a leisurely pace, then said with his hands by his sides, "Not at all. If Father is energetic, I won't be left utterly helpless."

Though Prince Xi was not favored by the emperor, he had once been a valiant leader in the military and commanded great respect. With just a wave of his hand, many would follow him like shadows. This was one of Pei Muheng's sources of confidence in vying for the throne.

Just as Prince Xi was about to say something, he noticed that after Pei Muheng removed his official robe, he was actually wearing a long-sleeved tunic underneath. Confused, he asked, "Why are you wearing so much in this scorching heat?"

Pei Muheng paused slightly and discreetly moved his right hand to his back. Then, he began discussing serious matters with his father.

"The Yang family is a pillar of the nation, and I never intended to kick them when they're down. I've already planned how to save them. Originally, I wanted to meet General Yang in person, but now it seems unnecessary for me to do so. It would be better if Father went instead."

As he spoke, Pei Muheng approached Prince Xi and whispered a few words into his ear.

Prince Xi furrowed his brow and looked at him. "Will this work? Isn't it too playful?"

Pei Muheng's thin lips curled slightly, and his voice was crisp and cold. "Father, just follow what I've said. I guarantee that the Yang family will be safe."

Pei Muheng was known for his meticulous planning, and Prince Xi trusted him. "How is the investigation into the Crown Prince's case going?"

It was hot, and beads of sweat formed on Pei Muheng's forehead. The wound on his arm from Xu Yunqi's scratch burned with pain. He turned around to grab the teapot, poured himself a cup of cold tea, held it in his palm, and sipped it slowly before responding,

"The Emperor doesn't seem interested in pursuing the investigation any further."

Prince Xi was not surprised. He sat back down on the window seat, "Xun Yunhe's move of 'officials accompanying the Emperor' has severed Prince Qin's path of forcing the Crown Prince into rebellion. If he wants to pressure the Emperor to depose the Crown Prince, he can only use such vague tactics. His Majesty is usually perceptive and might have seen through the scheme, fearing that the Crown Prince would be wrongfully accused."

"However, with the loud explosion at Ci'en Temple, the whole world now knows that the Crown Prince's deposition is inevitable. Now, all Prince Qin needs to do is link the Crown Prince to treason, and the Eastern Palace faction will be completely eradicated."

"If you wish to save the Yang family, apart from that method, you must also clear their name from the gunpowder incident."

Saving the Yang family would equate to securing the entire military, which would benefit Prince Xi's palace immensely without any drawbacks.

"I understand, Father." As Pei Muheng was about to say more, Huang Wei poked his head through the window frame,

"Third Master, Madam is at the study door, saying she wants to send something to you."

The father and son exchanged glances upon hearing this.

Prince Xi hastened to rise and hurried inside. "I'll handle the Yang family's matter. Heng'er, you mustn't let Prince Qin off…"

Pei Muheng watched as he was about to climb over the wall and said speechlessly, "Where do you think you're going?"

The King of Prosperity stood at the entrance of the inner chamber and turned back, "Hasn't your daughter-in-law arrived? Father should climb back over the wall."

Peng Muhang's face darkened. "Have you been up to some underhanded mischief?" He swept his robe aside and pointed forward. "Enter through the main gate."

Prince Xi, seeing the disdainful expression on his son's face, gently rubbed his forehead and turned to walk towards the main entrance. As he walked, he whispered an explanation, "Father is merely concerned that I might frighten your wife-to-be away."

Xu Yunqi appeared exceedingly bashful, and the Xihuang feared that a direct encounter might overwhelm her and make her retreat.

Observing his son's aloof and indifferent demeanor, clearly lacking in the art of cherishing women, the Prince Xie did not wish to play the role of a heartless matchbreaker, especially when his daughter-in-law had made such a rare visit.

Pei Muhang followed behind him, escorting him out, his expression ineffable upon hearing those words.

Would his father, the Emperor, be the one to flee in terror if he disclosed to Prince Xi that Xu Yunqi could effortlessly catch snakes with his bare hands?

Father and son, both harboring their own thoughts, arrived at the study door and indeed caught sight of Xu Yunqi standing elegantly in a moon-white dress just outside the moon gate.

Prince Xi, with his hands behind his back, had completely shed his chatty demeanor, now assuming a solemn air.

Upon first sight of Prince Xi, Xu Yunqi was momentarily taken aback. She then inwardly sighed, concerned about Pei Muhang's injury due to the heat. Thus, she had prepared a small jar of ointment and was resting in the pavilion when a young maid informed her that Pei Muhang had returned. Passing by the study, she intended to give the medicine to Huang Wei. However, Huang Wei insisted on personally reporting the matter, leaving Xu Yunqi in a dilemma. Eventually, she witnessed Prince Xi emerging, realizing she had interrupted a father-son conversation.

"Greetings to Father," Xu Yunqi bowed calmly.

Seeing Xu Yunqi, Prince Xi was delighted. "Ahaha, no need for formalities. Well... carry on with your business, I'll be on my way." With that, he stroked his beard and strode away.

Left alone, the couple exchanged glances, feeling a bit awkward after recalling Prince Xi's teasing remark, "carry on with your business."

Standing on the steps, Xu Yunqi explained, "I just came from the pavilion to bring you the ointment. I didn't know Father was here."

Her words were meant to convey that her visit was unintentional.

Pei Muhang, having understood her character, did not misunderstand. "I understand. Come in."

Without waiting for Xu Yunqi's response, he stepped inside first.

Xu Yunqi glanced at the medicine jar in her hand and had no choice but to follow him in.

Ginkgo waited outside for her.

Huang Wei personally prepared tea for the two of them and then withdrew silently.

Xu Yunqi followed Pei Mucheng into the study with her eyes fixed straight ahead. Pei Mucheng was already seated behind the desk, sorting through documents. "Feel free to sit down."

Xu Yunqi had no intention of sitting. Instead, she took out the medicine bottle from her sleeve and handed it to him.

"It's hot outside, and wounds don't heal easily. I prepared a cooling jade skin ointment for you. Apply it, and it will help you recover faster."

Her voice was soft and pure, like a mountain spring in summer, with a clarity that could cleanse one's soul.

Pei Mucheng paused in his task of organizing the documents. His gaze slowly drifted to the medicine bottle, first landing on her delicate hand. The wide sleeve slid down her wrist, revealing a tiny segment of her fair arm, slender and plump, with skin as white as snow. Her fingers were long and slender, dazzlingly white, but there were faint signs of abrasions at the fingertips.

The reason for this, Pei Mucheng knew all too well.

Uncontrollably, the scene from the previous night flashed across his mind.

Pei Mucheng's gaze narrowed slightly, and he gave a soft hum in response.

Xu Yunqi was puzzled by his reaction. Was he refusing? Disinterested? Or did he think she was too forward?

She slowly withdrew the bottle and gazed at him in silence.

"I don't mean to disturb you, but it wouldn't be proper for others to see," she explained.

Pei Muheng's court attire consisted of wide-sleeved robes; even the slightest movement would expose their secret. Rather than risking their private matters becoming the subject of ridicule, Xu Yunqi chose to swallow her pride and seek him out herself.

He neatly arranged the documents in the center of the table before lifting his gaze to meet hers. A hint of a smile, mysterious to Xu Yunqi, flickered in his eyes.

"I understand," he said, extending his right arm. "Help me."

Bending down, he used his left hand to unfold the documents on the table and began to read them earnestly.

The words "help me" were spoken so casually, without any inflection or emphasis. Xu Yunqi was taken aback.

This fellow...

Seeing him engrossed in reading with a calm and unhurried tone, Xu Yunqi had no reason to refuse. Thus, she walked around to one side, placed the medicine bottle on the table, fetched a cushion, and sat down to start treating his wound.

Pei Muheng was wearing a close-fitting long robe. Xu Yunqi helped him undo the buttons at his cuffs before slowly rolling up his sleeves. Then, she caught sight of a shocking wound, which genuinely startled her. Her fair face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness.

The wound started from his elbow and was red, almost to the point of being infected. Glancing at the official robe hanging on the screen, Xu Yunqi guessed that Pei Muheng had deliberately worn an extra close-fitting robe underneath to conceal the injury. In this scorching heat, sweat would have seeped into the wound, making the infection obvious.

The wound extended downward, deepening from shallow to severe. Any married man could tell what had happened just by looking at it.

Xu Yunqi rubbed her forehead with a complicated heart, gradually rolling up his sleeve. Now, the wound was fully exposed, snaking like a serpent and crimson to an eerie degree, mercilessly flushing her cheeks.

The pain was nothing to Pei Muheng, so he didn't take it seriously. Reading a few lines of documents, he glanced over and noticed that his usually composed and tranquil wife's cheeks were unusually tinged with a faint pink. This was entirely different from the flush of desire in their intimate moments, carrying a hint of bashfulness.

As his gaze lifted to meet her meticulously focused expression in those clear, sharp eyes, that thought vanished completely.

Pei Muheng suddenly wanted to know what Xu Yunqi looked like when she was shy.

After carefully examining the wound, Xu Yunqi realized that simply applying medicine wouldn't do. She got up and instructed Yinxing to fetch some cotton swabs and medicated water.

In the lull of others' activities, Xu Yunqi stood in the arcade, not venturing inside.

Pei Muheng glanced at his wife, who had turned away from the window, then at his arm, left neglected. He was rather speechless.

Fortunately, Xingye arrived promptly. Xu Yunqi entered with a small lacquer tray and sat back in her original position, ready to tend to Pei Muheng's wound. First, she used nearly transparent medicinal liquid to cleanse the injury, then waited for it to dry completely.

Knowing she was skilled in pharmacology and could catch snakes with silver needles, Pei Muheng was aware that his wife had learned various skills in the countryside. Thus, he didn't give it much thought, as there were guards around him capable of handling wounds.

During this interval, Pei Muheng had read a few pages of documents while Xu Yunqi sat beside him, lost in thought.

Both of them remained silent, each in their own world.

A subtle intimacy lingered silently in the study.

After a while, Pei Muheng finished reading a booklet and noticed the irritation in his wound had significantly subsided. He asked Xu Yunqi, "My lady, is it time to apply the medicine?"

Xu Yunqi, whose thoughts had wandered elsewhere, snapped back to reality. She uncorked the bottle and began applying the ointment to Pei Muheng's wound. This minor injury wouldn't trouble him much, so Xu Yunqi's movements weren't overly gentle. She skillfully dressed the wound before softly instructing her husband,

"Do not lower your sleeve for the next quarter of an hour."

Pei Muheng nodded and finally moved his arm away.

Being bare-chested was highly ungentlemanly for Pei Muheng, and he wasn't accustomed to it either. He was about to urge Xu Yunqi to leave when she unexpectedly asked with a smile,

"Third Master, will you be having your evening meal in the backyard later?"

What she actually wanted to ask was whether Pei Muheng would be recovering in his study for the next few nights. As young spouses sharing the same bed, they might unintentionally spark flames that could hinder his recovery.

However, since he had just moved back to the backyard, Xu Yunqi didn't want to ask too bluntly.

Having navigated the political arena and manipulated the court, how could Pei Muheng not understand his wife's underlying meaning? He looked at her calmly with unwavering eyes and said, "There's no need."

Xu Yunqi naturally didn't mind. She packed up her things and prepared to leave.

But Pei Muheng was slightly displeased by her earlier thoughts. As she stood up, he emphasized his words a little more,

"My lady, I'm not the type of person who would separate from my wife and sulk over an incident. In the future, we'll discuss any matters together."

Xu Yunqi was genuinely concerned about his wound and had no ulterior motives. Hearing his words, she felt somewhat perplexed.

Is there a chance for her to be at odds with Pei Muheng?

It was rather unlikely.

Xu Yunqi felt that her husband was overthinking, but she still played along with his words. "Mm-hm, I'm not that kind of petty and jealous woman. I won't hold a grudge against you."

Every word sounded pleasant, but they didn't quite add up when put together.