Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Upon returning to Qinghui Garden, Xu Yunqi instructed Chen Momo to deliver the prepared gifts to each quarters. The cool breeze made her feel a bit chilly, so she took a warm bath to soothe herself. As she emerged, feeling refreshed, she heard Yingxin sobbing on a cushion by the window.

"Tell me, what's wrong?"

Xu Yunqi gently fastened her robe and approached her.

Yingxin wiped away her tears, unable to control them. "I was moved by Master's words. He finally behaves like a real father. Our Miss has wandered for so many years, yearning for a home."

The young maid held her face in her hands, weeping passionately. Xu Yunqi pulled her collar tighter and sat down opposite her.

"You're worrying unnecessarily. Don't you think I'm living well here in this palace? I have a comfortable place to live, and my heart is free. I can be content with a small corner or roam far and wide. The world is vast, and everywhere can be a home. You don't need to confine yourself with the concept of a single home. That's like tying yourself up in your own cocoon."

"There are countless people suffering in this world, and the impoverished are innumerable. We have food to eat, clothes to wear, and are free from illness and calamity. This is the greatest happiness one can ask for."

"Please stop crying..." Xu Yunqi patted her shoulder. "I brought back a lot of medicinal herbs. I need to sort them out."

Xu Yunqi got up and went to the small apothecary.

Ginkgo cried for a while and soon found it uninteresting. She let out a soft hum and followed Yunqi into the pharmacy.

The two of them sat opposite each other across a long table, with bright palace lanterns burning on either side. Ginkgo sorted the herbs, while Xu Yunqi prepared the medicine. Carefully measuring the right amounts, she placed each ingredient in its designated jar.

Throughout the process, Ginkgo occasionally asked Yunqi about her time in Yangzhou:

"Um, Third Master is doing well. Officially, I'm his servant, but in reality, he's always looking after me..."

"I haven't been at a disadvantage. Sometimes I accompany him to official gatherings, sometimes I explore the markets alone. We've even been to Yangzhou City, remember? The pharmacies near Jinshui River are quite good. The owner recognized me and chatted with me for a while, saying he wants to send an apprentice to learn acupuncture from me..."

"Pah! Who does he think he is? If he has the ability, let him come and kneel to become my disciple himself!"

Their conversation flowed back and forth.

Xu Yunqi couldn't help but chuckle. "Third Master took me to visit the Yangzhou Maritime Trading Bureau. They had quite a stockpile. I got some realgar, musk, pepper, cloves, ivory, rhinoceros horn... Oh, and I also brought back a string of coral beads for you. They're in the trunk outside; you can sort through them later."

Ginkgo's eyes crinkled with joy. "Miss, honestly, Third Master treats you very well."

Xu Yunqi nodded in agreement. "Indeed, that's true."

Ginkgo tilted her head thoughtfully and muttered, "Miss, you were married to Third Master in a blind arrangement, yet he treats you so well. If he were to marry the woman he truly loves, he would probably dote on her even more."

Xu Yunqi nodded again. "You have a point." After a moment of busyness, he added, "Third Master is an incredibly responsible man." It was rare for someone to behave this way without any emotional attachment.

"Indeed. This is what Grandfather used to say – emotions can't be trusted, but a person's character can. Feelings come and go quickly, but one's character remains steadfast. As long as he's a good person, it doesn't matter if you don't like him; things won't turn out too badly," Ginkgo reflected.

Xu Yunqi chuckled at her rambling. "Are you speaking from personal experience or is your heart fluttering with spring sentiments?"

Ginkgo's face flushed red instantly. "Miss, what are you talking about? I don't have such feelings!"

Xu Yunqi laughed, pointing at her crimson cheeks. "Oh, I haven't said anything, but you're already admitting it yourself. Looks like I'll have to ask Shan Shan tomorrow who you've been meeting these days..."

Ginkgo buried her head in the herbs, refusing to respond.

Xu Yunqi burst into laughter.

Moments later, Nurse Chen entered with a box in hand.

"What's this?" Ginkgo asked, turning around.

Nanny Chen gave a bitter smile. "This was sent over by Venerable Master Xun from the neighboring residence, and he said he made it himself."

Xu Yunqi massaged her temples without comment.

Curious, Yuxin turned around and took the box, opening it to reveal a delightful fragrance. It was a freshly made plate of sugar-coated hawthorn skewers. She glanced at Xu Yunqi, her eyes brightening. "Miss, this is from Master Xun. Would you like to try some?"

Xu Yunqi shook her head, focusing on mixing her herbs.

Yuxin held the box and, originally intending to take just a small taste before returning it, found herself unable to resist taking another bite after the first. By the end, she had eaten most of the skewers. Carrying the now nearly empty box, she nibbled all the way to the entrance gate. Catching sight of the Xun residence's steward chatting with the palace manager in the corridor, she approached with a grin, handing over the empty container.

"Hmm, these sugar-coated haws are quite delicious. Unfortunately, my lady doesn't have a sweet tooth, so it would be a waste. I'll take care of them for her."

The steward of the Xun family smiled silently and took the box back.

He could tell that Xing Xing was very clever, sparing Lord Xun's embarrassment with a tactful solution.

Upon relaying the message to Xun Yunhe, the young master didn't show any disappointment. After a moment of silence, he rose to change into his court attire and headed to the palace.

At that very moment, Pei Muheng was kneeling before the emperor, detailing the entire incident in Yangzhou without leaving out a single detail.

Prince Pei Muheng was well aware that while the emperor had dispatched him to Yangzhou openly, there were undoubtedly secret agents from the Imperial Guards and the Eastern Factory accompanying him. The emperor had always relied on these three factions to maintain control over the political landscape and balance the bureaucracy.

The emperor might tolerate his independent actions, but he would never condone deception. Thus, Prince Pei laid everything out in the open.

The emperor fell silent after reading the confession for a considerable time.

Prince Pei's intricate calculations were clear to him.

Not wanting to implicate the Governor of Two Rivers, who was a vital support for the people, and to stabilize Jiangnan, he refrained from implicating the Twelfth Prince by halting the investigation once he discovered the left-handed deputy general. It was remarkable how Prince Pei managed to navigate the treacherous waters of the court, dealing with Prince Qin, the Twelfth Prince, and even his own imperial grandfather so adroitly.

The emperor did not wish to lose Qu Weizhen, as he still needed him to maintain stability in Jiangnan. He also did not want this case to expose a bloody struggle for the throne among royal princes. Furthermore, he hoped to use this case to smoothly implement national policies. Prince Pei's handling of the matter struck all the right chords with the emperor.

The emperor was highly pleased. Amidst his satisfaction, he felt a tinge of regret, though the source of this regret was not yet fully realized.

"You have implemented an excellent method in Yangzhou. In that case, later I will issue a personal edict. Starting today, you will oversee the Ministry of Revenue and handle the implementation of the national policy entirely."

Looking up at the emperor, Prince Pei was momentarily stunned before immediately prostrating himself in gratitude. "Grandson thanks Grandfather Emperor for your trust. Grandson will spare no effort."

Soon, Pei Musheng, clutching the handwritten edict, followed the imperial eunuch to the Ministry of Finance. As he exited, he happened to bump into Liu Xiwen, the head eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial, who was entering with a box of memorials. Their eyes met in a solemn exchange.

Liu Xiwen's gaze was grave and earnest, and Pei Musheng understood that Liu Xiwen acknowledged his favor.

Hard on Pei Musheng's heels, Xun Yunhe entered the imperial study.

The emperor smiled and beckoned, "Yunhe, come sit by my side."

Xun Yunhe lifted his skirt and sat on a brocaded stool beside the emperor. The ruler handed him the imperial gazette,

"Look, all these are the work of your son-in-law."

Xun Yunhe responded with a slight bitter smile, "Your Majesty, I may consider him my son-in-law, but he might not be willing to acknowledge me as his father-in-law."

"Hahaha!" The emperor looked at him sympathetically. Xun Yunhe had previously shared his feelings with the emperor, and the ruler could relate, both having their first daughter, both lively and innocent. Princess Mingyue brought blessings to Great Jin, while Xu Yunqi was born on Xun Yunhe's birthday, regarded as the most precious gift from heaven. Both fathers held deep affection for their daughters.

"But you are much luckier than I," the emperor's smile faded.

Xun Yunhe bowed his sleeves, "It is also thanks to Your Majesty's grace that I was able to find this lost pearl."

On the surface, it was the emperor's edict to celebrate his birthday that gave his wife the chance to uncover the truth.

The emperor nodded, his gaze returning to the stack of confessions and documents. "Heng-ge has the ability to govern the nation; he is a talent capable of assisting the king."

Upon hearing the last four words, Xun Yunhe's eyes narrowed slightly.

With just the phrase "a talent capable of assisting the king," the Xi Palace was effectively removed from the competition for the throne.

As long as the mystery of the Xi Prince's fall from grace remained unsolved, the emperor would not consider the Xi Palace for a day.

Xun Yunhe knew that the emperor's words were not only a reflection of his feelings but also a test. He immediately bowed his head and said, "When Your Majesty bestowed my daughter upon Third Prince, it was her good fortune."

By bringing this up, Xun Yunhe was telling the emperor that since Xu Yunqi was a physician, he was not suitable to become the Empress. The emperor need not suspect him of aiding the Xi Palace in their quest for the throne.

Sure enough, the emperor's face broke into a smile. In recent years, Pei Muheng had distinguished himself in court and repeatedly achieved great feats. How could the emperor not suspect that this grandson harbored ambitions for the throne? However, when he personally brought Xu Yunqi back recently, the emperor's doubts had been dispelled.

It was inconceivable for a physician to become the Empress of Great Jinn.

Prince Pei Muhang brought Xu Yunqi back, which was another form of statement.

"I've also heard that you cook for your daughter yourself. Don't you understand the principle of 'gentlemen should keep away from the kitchen'?"

The emperor was telling Xun Yunhe that his every move in the Xi Palace was under the watchful eye of the Imperial Guards. The emperor wanted to use Xun Yunhe but didn't wish for him to overstep his boundaries.

Xun Yunhe was well aware of this. "She has suffered too much. When she needed me, I wasn't by her side. No matter how much I do now, it's merely my way of comforting myself."

The emperor's intention was to give a warning, not to truly object to his reconciliation with his daughter. If Xun Yunhe tried to hide his intentions, it would only backfire.

Looking at his reddened eyes, the emperor consoled, "Rome wasn't built in a day. Take your time. When the opportunity arises, I'll assist you."

After leaving the Meridian Gate, Pei Muhang followed the white marble path towards the official district across. As he reached the Heavenly Gate, he saw a man leaning on a eunuch's arm, strolling slowly towards the Meridian Gate.

Pausing for a moment, Pei Muhang stepped forward and bowed, addressing, "Uncle Twelfth," before casting a concerned glance at the man's legs and frowning. "Has your leg injury flared up again, Uncle?"

The flickering light illuminated Pei Xun's broad and clear features. Pei Xun had already noticed him, a faint smile playing on his lips. His tone remained as gentle as ever. "The autumn chill came suddenly, and I'm still adjusting. It's causing some discomfort. By the way, I've heard about your great achievement in Yangzhou. I've heard about your method, and it's highly praised in court. This strategy can be implemented nationwide. Not only will it ensure the military's food supply, but it can also strengthen our borders. Heng'er, you have the talent to serve the state."

The term 'talent to serve the state' referred to capable officials, those who could become a prime minister. Naturally, the one he was referring to serving was the Twelfth Prince himself.

Pei Xun, however, looked ashamed as he bowed to him. "Yangzhou is the land of my twelfth aunt's clan. If not for your leniency, how could I have returned to the capital so easily after achieving such feats? Your concern, Twelfth Uncle, has deeply moved me."

Pei Xun chuckled. "Don't say that. Those salt merchants in Yangzhou have been spoiled and lawless. In the past, I pardoned them out of respect for our elders. Now, with you in charge, I can worry less. Otherwise, would I have recommended you back then?"

These words hinted that Prince Qin had pushed Pei Muheng into a difficult situation, while Pei Xun's recommendation was an act of trust. Unfortunately, Pei Muheng still betrayed his trust.

Pei Muheng sighed. "The political situation is challenging, and the emperor's will is unpredictable. Being young, I lack experience and often find myself struggling to make the right decisions. I dare not take a wrong step. Please forgive any shortcomings, Twelfth Uncle."

In other words, he was saying that they were gods fighting their battles, and he, as a junior, didn't want to be caught in the middle. He dared not investigate anyone or offend anyone.

Pei Xun laughed heartily, stepped forward, and patted his shoulder. He sighed profoundly, "I remember when you followed me at the age of four, learning martial arts and archery from me. Now, you're already in your early twenties. With my leg injured, it might take some time to recover. You've truly surpassed me."

Pei Muheng replied, "Twelfth Uncle, you're still in your thirties. Your leg injury will heal with a few days of rest. I'll accompany you for archery and horse riding when the opportunity arises."

"Deal!" A spark shone in Pei Xun's eyes. "When the autumn weather clears, I'll send you an invitation. Don't decline."

With that, Pei Xun laughed and strode away. Pei Muheng bowed towards his back, ready to turn around when he heard Pei Xun suddenly turn his head and wave. "Oh, by the way, remember to bring your wife along." He gestured towards his leg.

Pei Muheng smiled, acknowledging silently.

Having been away from the capital for so long, many affairs in the Censorate had piled up. Now that he had taken on tasks from the Ministry of Finance, he was busier than ever, constantly entertaining officials. Not only did Pei Muheng fail to return home that night, but he was also swamped with work the following day.

Xun Yunhe, on the other hand, left his office punctually at sunset. In the past, he spent most of his days away from home. Now, he tried his best to spend time with his daughter. As he exited the Meridian Gate, he asked his servant waiting below, "What has Nannan been up to?"

Driver Liu Fu approached and replied, "Miss has been at the clinic today. I heard she was seeing patients all day, and she hasn't returned yet."

Xun Yunhe glanced at the sky and furrowed his brow. "It's already dark. I can't help but worry about her being out alone. Let's go pick her up."

Xun Yunhe secretly drove to the opposite side of Chengyang Clinic. He waited from dusk till the sky turned dark, finally spotting Xu Yunqi leaving the clinic around nine o'clock. Satisfied, he followed her back home.

Not wanting to arouse his daughter's displeasure, Xun Yunhe remained unseen, and Xu Yunqi didn't notice him either. However, Pei Muheng's covert guards caught sight of him.

That night, as Pei Muheng dismounted his horse, the guards approached him and reported Xun Yunhe's actions of cooking for and escorting Xu Yunqi.

Poor, overwhelmed young man, he stood vacantly by the entrance, lost in thought as he stared in the direction of the Xun residence.

Was this a lesson from his father-in-law?

Could he be busier than the Chief Minister of the reigning dynasty?