Chapter 56

Chapter 56

The sky was ablaze with hues of orange and red, resembling the scales of a fiery fish stretching across the horizon. The Yongning Palace was adorned with crimson corridors and verdant eaves, exuding an orderly elegance.

Out of respect for the late Prince Qi's mourning period, the palace had not been festooned with lanterns or decorations. However, the cheerful smiles on the young maidens' faces revealed a harmonious and lighthearted atmosphere.

The consorts from various noble households, accompanied by their younger generations, gradually entered the main hall.

The Empress, with her radiant smile, awaited them at the highest seat. As a successive empress, she was actually much younger than the emperor, being around fifty years old. When she gave birth to the Twelfth Prince, she suffered severe postpartum hemorrhaging, narrowly escaping death. Since then, she had not been able to bear any more children. Despite her reserved nature, which usually kept her emotions hidden, her love for the Twelfth Prince was undeniable and could not be concealed.

The concubines were well aware of her intentions and lavished praise upon the Twelfth Prince accordingly. The Empress enjoyed this immensely, and the atmosphere within the hall was lively yet refined.

After half an hour, twilight began to descend. The Empress kept glancing outside, asking,

"Why hasn't His Majesty arrived yet?"

The nanny, knowing that the Empress was actually referring to the Twelfth Prince and not the Emperor, replied with a smile, "This servant inquired, and it seems that after entering the palace, His Highness the Twelfth Prince went straight to the Hall of Heavenly Praise. Father and son should be arriving soon."

Sure enough, as lamps were lit, a jovial laughter echoed from outside, indicating the Emperor's arrival. All present promptly rose to their feet.

In an instant, the glistening pearl curtains were drawn aside by the palace attendants, revealing the emperor in his resplendent yellow imperial robe, surrounded by a few princes as he strode in grandly.

Pei Muheng followed Prince Twelve into the hall, immediately spotting Xu Yunqi amidst the crowd. His wife still had her composed demeanor, with her fair and delicate cheeks, radiating an exceptional vitality.

Xu Yunqi soon caught sight of him, their eyes locking in mid-air.

Pei Muheng's eyes were deep and dark, carrying a profound meaning that Xu Yunqi couldn't decipher. She simply offered a gracious smile, and under the watchful gaze of all, their eyes met for a brief moment before diverting away.

The emperor took his seat beside the empress, and everyone bowed to him. The princes also paid their respects to the empress.

As it was a family banquet, there was no segregation by gender; couples shared the same table, with the eldest son taking precedence. Prince Twelve sat directly below the empress, facing the separate table of Empress Consort Yan. The rest of the guests took their seats in order of rank.

After paying his respects to his parents, Pei Muheng came to Xu Yunqi's side. While she was engaged in conversation with Lady Li, Pei Muheng had already taken his seat. Without the chance to examine him closely, he reached out and gently held her hand, warmth emanating from their soft touch. Xu Yunqi, wary of being noticed, discreetly lowered her hand, the wide sleeves sliding down to conceal their clasped hands.

Just then, a palace attendant approached to serve tea, prompting Xu Yunqi to quickly withdraw her hand. Pei Muheng released her promptly as well. Xu Yunqi turned to look at her husband, and after two months apart, she noticed a significant change in Pei Muheng. His once porcelain skin now had a hint of a sunburn, and his cheeks appeared more slender. Perhaps due to his experiences on the battlefield, his features seemed sharper, exuding a subtle air of severity. Glimpsing a faint scar below his ear, Xu Yunqi immediately frowned and asked, "Did Third Uncle get injured?"

Pei Muheng glanced at Princess Hui's wife, signaling her not to make a fuss. He leaned slightly towards Xu Yunqi and whispered, "The barbarians caused unrest, so I led the troops into battle and sustained some superficial wounds."

Xu Yunqi's expression turned solemn upon hearing this. She was no stranger to the barbarian tribes; in fact, she was quite familiar with them. She had spent an entire year there with her maternal grandfather, witnessing firsthand their fierce combat skills. Their bows and arrows were poisoned, and they moved stealthily like ghosts. It was likely that Pei Muhan's injuries were more severe than he had let on.

Amidst the banquet, laughter and joyous chatter filled the air.

As there was no formal birthday celebration, the various palaces did not prepare extravagant gifts. However, having served the Empress for many years, everyone was well aware of her preferences. Since the Twelfth Prince had never taken a wife and lacked domestic skills, his nieces and nephews showcased their talents by embroidering various items as presents. The male relatives, on the other hand, searched for rare trinkets to please him.

It was at this moment that Pei Mulan's embroidery skills shone. She had made a pair of knee pads for the Twelfth Prince.

The nanny by the Empress's side held the knee pads, admiring them with awe. "Your Majesty, look at this. The leather is from the finest doe, incredibly soft, and there's even a layer of silk lining embroidered inside. The stitching is impeccable. Miss Lanlan has truly remarkable skills."

The Empress took them in her hands, feeling their quality, and beamed with satisfaction. "Twelfth, without a wife or a trusted companion by his side, it's fortunate that these nieces and nephews often think of him. These knee pads are wonderful; I truly appreciate them."

Pei Xun pointed at Pei Mulan, who tilted her head and smiled at him. The two seemed to be exchanging silent messages.

Noticing their interaction, the Empress inquired, "Ah, do the two of you have a secret to share?"

Pei Xun replied, "Mother, last time I taught this girl how to shoot arrows and gave her a fine bow. This is her return gift to me."

"Ah, I see."

On that day, Prince Chen's gift was more than just an excellent bow.

Xu Yunqi belatedly recalled the incident and turned to Pei Xun, who was engaged in conversation with Pei Muxiang by his side, thus failing to notice her distress.

Sure enough, before long, all the nieces and nephews, even the youngest, presented their birthday gifts to Prince Twelve, holding a silk painting in their hands. In contrast, Xu Yunqi found herself left out.

In normal circumstances, such a situation would not have drawn much attention.

However, Prince Chen's mother, Concubine Chen, along with the Empress and others, often discussed the skills of these children, comparing their sons and daughters-in-law as a matter of routine among noble ladies.

Princess Xi only then recalled that Xu Yunqi had not presented a gift. She glanced back at her daughter-in-law, who blinked innocently at her, indicating her ignorance of the Twelfth Prince's birthday. Princess Xi was not overly surprised. Apart from her medical skills, this daughter-in-law likely had never cooked or even touched a needle and thread; forgetting the Twelfth Prince's birthday was quite normal for her.

Unfortunately, Princess Xi's glance did not go unnoticed by a keen observer.

The Qin Wangfei looked at Xu Yunqi with a warm smile.

"Xun-ge's wife seems to have yet to offer her birthday tribute. Ah, yes, I remember that the Twelfth Prince also taught you archery on that day."

There was a moment of silence in the hall. Xu Yunqi, however, gracefully stood up and bowed respectfully to the Empress,

"Empress, this granddaughter-in-law is clumsy with her skills, so I won't dare to show my inadequacy," Yunqi said humbly.

Pei Xun turned around at that moment, casting a casual yet warm glance at her.

The Empress wouldn't blame her at all. "How could I not know your character? The two bottles of medicated oil you gave your Twelfth Uncle are the best birthday gift."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor recalled Twelfth Prince's leg injury. "How is Xun'er's injury now?"

Pei Xun rose to pay his respects. "Your Majesty, your son has fully recovered."

The Emperor couldn't be unaware of Xu Yunqi treating Pei Xun's wound. He nodded at Xu Yunqi and said, "It's all thanks to your wife, Heng-ge's daughter-in-law."

Pei Xun smiled in response.

Of course, Pei Muheng wouldn't let his wife stand there awkwardly. He promptly rose from his seat, walked to the center of the hall, bowed to the imperial couple, and then greeted Twelfth Prince with a bow.

"Nephew has always kept in mind that today is Twelfth Uncle's birthday. Thus, I hurried back on horseback and have brought a birthday gift for him."

"Oh?" Pei Xun's face was clearly filled with interest.

Pei Muheng raised his head and glanced behind him. Huang Wei approached rapidly, holding an object in his hands. Pei Muheng took it from him and then passed it to Pei Xun.

Pei Xun's gaze fell upon the item, narrowing slightly as he examined it closely.

"A fortnight ago, your nephew personally led five thousand elite soldiers to infiltrate the mountains and finally captured the barbarian leader, Meng Yan. Not only has Meng Yan failed to pay tribute to the court for years, but he has even plundered official grain. It is truly detestable."

"However, Meng Yan is an accomplished archer, and even your nephew suffered at his hands. Fortunately, the soldiers under His Majesty's command proved superior, and your nephew seized this bow on Spirit Peak. Uncle Twelve has always had a passion for collecting renowned bows and arrows. This bow shall be presented to you as a birthday gift."

It should have been a heartwarming tale, one that would earn praise for the deep bond between Pei Muheng and his uncle Pei Xun. After all, it was Pei Xun who had guided Pei Muheng on his path.

Yet, there is an intriguing anecdote behind this.

As far back as the era of the Ten Kingdoms, the imperial court sought to appease foreign tribes by sending envoys to negotiate on Mount Ling. Eventually, both parties reached an amicable agreement. The then-Crown Prince, in a gesture of perpetual friendship, ordered the erection of a stele on Mount Ling, inscribing both the court officials and the tribal leaders' names upon it. He also presented a fine bow to the tribal chief, Peng Yushan, which has been passed down through generations and is now in the possession of Meng Yan.

Nothing remarkable, except that the former crown prince eventually defied his father, successfully rebelled, and ascended to the throne as emperor.

It has been over a thousand years since the Ten Kingdoms era and the events of that time are little known to the present-day Great Jin.

Yet, Pei Xun, who was well-versed in history, knew that the emperor was aware of this too.

The emperor held the sandalwood beads and leaned back on his armrest, watching the two with great interest.

Pei Xun gazed deeply at Pei Muheng before bursting into laughter.

"What a fine bow!"

He took it over, feeling its weight in his hand. The bow had a layer of bronze, requiring immense strength to draw. After fiddling with it for a while, Pei Xun first felt thrilled but eventually showed a hint of regret.

"Xun'er, what's the matter?"

He presented the bow to the emperor.

"Father, this bow is adorned with golden patterns, exquisite yet not very practical. It doesn't suit me. This bow has seen some years. Why not let Father enjoy it?"

Aside from the emperor and the two brothers, no one else could perceive the hidden meaning behind their actions.

The emperor leisurely rested his hands on his knees and nodded approvingly. "Very well. If you don't fancy it, give it to me."

Pei Xun turned to speak with Pei Muheng,

"Muqing, I'll consider this bow as received. Don't blame me for presenting it to His Majesty as a gesture of tribute; I'll treat you to a drink another day to express my gratitude for your thoughtfulness."

Pei Muheng heard this and faintly smiled.

"Nephew eagerly awaits your honorable presence."

Half an hour ago, upon entering the palace, he had promptly presented the bow to the emperor. The emperor played with the bow but chuckled, saying,

"On this day, it is your Twelfth Uncle's birthday. Give him this bow as a gift."

Thus, this scene unfolded.

How could the astute Pei Muheng possibly commit such a reckless act of publicly estranging his father and son? This was merely a casual probe, given the recent decline of the Prince Qin's influence, the rising power of the Twelfth Prince, and the emperor's advancing age, rendering him akin to a withered piece of wood.

As wise as Pei Xun was, he naturally avoided this perilous situation. However, the rift between uncle and nephew grew even wider from then on.

Seeing that the Prince Qin was no longer a formidable force, fate had it that Xun Yunhe became Pei Muheng's father-in-law at this very moment. Pei Muheng was well aware that this was another strategic move by the emperor, whose wisdom was as deep as an ocean, to balance the power dynamics by using Pei Muheng against Pei Xun.

Pei Xun's casual invitation to "have a drink sometime soon" was a subtle indication that he intended to retaliate.

Yet, amidst the mirthful banter during the feast, none of the guests were aware that the three individuals standing at the very pinnacle of power in the Jinn dynasty had just engaged in a silent, bloodless battle of wits.

Since ancient times, it has been said that emperors are fickle in their affections, and this truth is vividly manifest in this very moment.

The Empress and the others were oblivious, even laughing and shaking their heads in denial as they ordered the banquet to be served.

Lady Yan, the noble consort, sat alone at a small table, sipping her wine. Her eyes were fixed upwards as the Emperor and Empress sat on the main seat. The Emperor occasionally stroked Pei Xun's head and forehead, his affection for him quite evident. A pang of jealousy surged in Lady Yan's heart. She raised her brimming wine cup and gazed at the Emperor,

"Your Majesty, this humble concubine is in high spirits today. Would you grace me with your company and share a few cups of wine?"

Upon hearing Empress Yan's complaint, laced with subtle coquetry, the Emperor immediately turned towards her and shifted a few inches in her direction.

"Very well, very well, I shall remain by your side this day, not retreating until we are both thoroughly inebriated."

Empress Concubine Yan and the emperor were of similar age, having known each other since their childhood days, almost like playmates. After the previous empress passed away, the entire imperial harem fell under Empress Concubine Yan's influence. When Yan Ping held sway over the cabinet, her power was at its peak. If the emperor had not married Lady Su to balance the southern region's forces, the position of empress would undoubtedly have been Empress Concubine Yan's.

Regrettably, there are no 'ifs' in this world.

Over the years, Concubine Yan had endured much by the Emperor's side, and she was deeply aggrieved.

The Emperor, in an attempt to please his beloved concubine, drank three cups in a row. Concubine Yan tenderly wiped the corner of his mouth and said softly,

"Your Majesty, drink to your heart's content. I have prepared hangover pills for you. Take one before you sleep tonight, and you'll surely wake up without a headache tomorrow."

Tonight was the twelfth prince's birthday, and according to protocol, the Emperor should have spent the night in the Empress's palace. Surprisingly, Concubine Yan openly stole the limelight.

The Empress slowly held her teacup, silently observing the Emperor and Concubine Yan beside her. She let out a soft huff through her nose.

Everyone praised her as the Empress, a woman of great worth and nobility, the most esteemed lady in the entire world. But who knew her suffering?

She was the Empress with the Phoenix Seal in her possession, yet the entire harem's power rested in Concubine Yan's hands. Not only that, the Emperor and Concubine Yan were incredibly in sync, their interactions displaying a familiarity and ease that made them seem like the genuine couple to any onlooker.

A loving couple, a devoted husband and a doting wife... She could only dream of such a life.

If not for Xun'er, her existence might have been as barren as a dried well, devoid of joy.

The Empress suppressed her heartache, draining her teacup in one go. She then gently set it down, using her embroidered handkerchief to wipe the moisture from the corner of her jaw. Smiling softly at the Emperor, she said,

"Your Majesty, it's time you decided on Xun'er's marriage."

The emperor was enjoying his drink with Empress Yan when he suddenly heard this, snapping back to reality. He glanced blankly at the empress before turning to Pei Xun.

"Xun'er, do you have anyone in mind for a wife?"

Pei Xun's eyes paused for a moment, and he casually shook his head.

"It's all up to Father Emperor's decision."

The emperor pondered for a moment and then asked the empress, "Do you have any suitable candidates, Empress?"

The empress wore a deep blue silk robe and sat motionless on the soft couch. Compared to Empress Yan's boldness and warmth, the empress exuded a refined beauty and had an innate dignity befitting of a queen.

"The niece of Minister Zheng, named Zheng Xiuyue. Although she is not the minister's direct descendant, she has been well-educated since childhood and possesses both talent and beauty. Due to her father's passing, her age has become a factor; she is now twenty, which would make her a suitable match for Xun'er. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Minister Zheng might not possess the same political acumen as Xun Yunhe, but he was known for his easy-going nature and affability, making him the most popular high-ranking official in the court, often referred to as the "unstoppable figure." He had always stayed out of factional disputes and maintained a neutral stance. If Pei Xun were to marry into the Zheng family, they would gain the support of this esteemed elder statesman.

Pei Xun had just turned down the bow, successfully passing the test. The emperor had no counterarguments and nodded in agreement, saying,

"I shall issue an imperial edict tomorrow, sealing this marriage."

The Empress finally wore a smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Then, she addressed Pei Xun, who was seated below her. "Xun-er? Why haven't you expressed your gratitude?"

Lost in thought, Pei Xun was startled before he beamed and rose to kneel before the emperor, thanking him profusely.

Princess Yan, filled with resentment, shot a pitiful glance at the emperor. He, in turn, hurried to console her. As more cups of wine were served, the atmosphere at the banquet grew lively.

The heir of Prince Chen stepped forward to congratulate Pei Xun. "Miss Zheng is graceful and well-educated, born into an esteemed family. She is the perfect choice for a princess consort. Uncle Prince has truly found his match this time."

His words clearly implied that she was the Empress's ideal candidate, not the prince's.

Everyone understood but kept their thoughts to themselves, offering their congratulations to Pei Xun one after another.

Upon hearing the term "perfect match," Pei Xun felt a void within him. Reflecting upon it, any aspirant to the throne would desire a lady from a noble family. Thus, he smiled and reciprocated each toast.

Amidst the emperor's revelry, the princes and princesses remained seated, while the younger generations discreetly sneaked out in pairs for some fresh air.

Li Xuanyan, suffering from a sudden stomachache, dragged Xu Yunqi along to use the restroom. There was a lavatory behind the Yongning Palace, but Li Xuanyan refused to go there, complaining about the stuffy atmosphere inside. Instead, she led Xu Yunqi on a detour, passing through a level, winding corridor alongside a waterway. Ahead, the flickering lights indicated a pavilion by the water, and within the woods beyond the pavilion was another restroom.

The place was serene and delightful, a spot that Li Xuanyan favored.

As they emerged from the woods, they spotted a figure standing in the pavilion up ahead. The man had an imposing presence, standing by the water with his clothing fluttering in the ripples. A soft glow enveloped him, enhancing his ethereal demeanor as if he were a celestial being.

Looking at his majestic aura, Li Xuanyan couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy towards Xu Yunqi. She playfully shrugged and nudged her companion towards the man, then left with a cheerful smile.

Xu Yunqi chuckled softly. She lifted her skirt and approached Pei Muheng's side.

"Third Master?"

Upon hearing the gentle voice, Pei Muheng turned around. Xu Yunqi stood tall on the steps, wearing a light pink brocade jacket. The moonlight reflecting off the lake accentuated her exquisite beauty, making her seem almost surreal.

It had been a while since he last saw her, and naturally, he had missed her. Concerned about the chilly autumn breeze, he noticed her thin attire and asked,

"Are you cold?"

Xu Yunqi, who regularly practiced the Five Animals Play and had a robust constitution compared to other ladies, had also consumed some wine just now. As a result, she felt warm all over and didn't feel the chill at all. She shook her head.

Pei Mucheng hastily took her hand and pulled her close, their fingers interlacing as they stood side by side, gazing at the rippling lake. A tender emotion seemed to be stirring within them.

Occasional footsteps echoed on the stone path behind them, but the faint laughter did not disturb the couple. Pei Mucheng inquired about her time at the Imperial Hospital, and Xu Yunqi answered lightly, avoiding any serious topics. Looking at his wife who chose to hide her worries, he felt rather helpless. If it weren't for Xun Yunhe being in the capital, he would have been truly uneasy.

The cold wind brushed against her face, cooling down the flush on Xu Yunqi's cheeks. She gently pressed her fingertips against his hand and asked, "Third Master..."

Just as she was about to invite him back, those clear, refined eyes turned towards her. Reflections of the water rippled in his gaze, like stars cascading downward. Xu Yunqi seemed bewitched, her voice catching in her throat.

"Yunqi, have you missed me?"

Pei Mucheng's low, magnetic voice held a hint of gravelly texture that brushed past her heartstrings.

There was no other answer to such a question. Without hesitation, Xu Yunqi softly acknowledged with a gentle hum and nodded fervently.

It was unclear whether Pei Mucheng believed her or not. He reached up to smooth her disheveled hair, smiling without saying a word.

After a moment, noticing the redness on the tip of her nose from the cold, Pei Mucheng led her back to the Yongning Palace.

The emperor, being of advanced age, quickly became drunk, and the banquet gradually dispersed.

By the third hour of the night, all of Prince Xi's household returned to the palace. The prince himself stepped in and immediately turned to look for Pei Musheng.

"Heng'er, come with your father to the study for a moment..."

His words were interrupted by his wife's sharp voice. "It's so late, and Heng'er has just traveled a long way. Shouldn't he rest first? Any matters can wait until tomorrow!" She shot her husband an intense glance.

Prince Xi instantly understood. It had been a year since their son got married to Xu Yunqi, yet there was no sign of an heir. The prince's wife was nearly driven to despair, and he too was worried. At this moment, what could be more important than offspring? Thus, he quickly fell silent, chuckled, and led his wife towards the rear courtyard.

With their elders gone, Pei Musheng and her sister knew better than to cause trouble. Xu Yunqi and Pei Musheng exchanged glances, feeling somewhat awkward.

Back at Qinghui Garden, Pei Musheng reeked of alcohol. She hurriedly went to the bathroom. Just as she started removing her outer robe, the light behind the screen dimmed, and Xu Yunqi appeared.

Half of Pei Musheng's body was exposed, her garment still draped around her wrist, ready to be put back on. But she didn't move, instead asking Xu Yunqi calmly, "Yunqi?"

Xu Yunqi had never served him while bathing before, so Pei Musheng was surprised by her sudden appearance. Her tranquil gaze warmed slightly as her eyes lowered to the palm of Xu Yunqi's hand, where she held a small vial of medicine. Realizing she had misinterpreted the situation, she rubbed her forehead in exasperation.

Xu Yunqi's expression remained calm as she approached from behind. "I wanted to check on your wounds."

On his slender back were five or six scars, old and new intertwined. One of them, though scabbed over, showed signs of deep flesh being cut away. Xu Yunqi frowned and sighed deeply. "Let me help you wash."

As lawfully wedded spouses, there was no need to be reserved. Pei Muheng undressed and stepped into the bathtub. Once he was in, Xu Yunqi leaned over behind him to wipe his back.

Xu Yunqi's movements were exquisitely gentle, each touch executed with meticulous care. Wave upon wave of tingling sensations coursed through his skin, spreading and intensifying until the initial itch blossomed into a simmering heat. Pei Muheng's Adam's apple bobbed rhythmically as he suppressed his reactions. After a moment's pause, he turned his gaze sidelong to inquire, "Is it done?"

Xu Yunqi nodded, "It's almost time..."

Just now, by the waterside pavilion, she had hummed in the same manner, her voice as delicate as silk threads, lingering softly in his ears like the caress of a silkworm's touch.

Pei Muheng kept his eyes closed, not uttering a word.

Moments later, Xu Yunqi finished dressing the wound and began to pack her belongings, ready to leave. Just as she straightened up, the room dimmed as the man scooped her up into his arms without fastening his sash. He placed her directly on a high table. Realizing that something soft – likely clothing – cushioned her, Yunqi felt at a loss.

"You just applied medicine to your wound..."

A moist warmth landed on her snow-white neck, sending shivers down her spine as her skin tingled. With nowhere to lean against the thin screen behind her, she instinctively grabbed his shoulder blade, only to quickly release it when she felt a wound. Her slender arm dangled like a willow branch amidst the steaming vapor.

After some time, the wide shirt beneath her had become soaked. Pei Muheng's hoarse voice whispered close to her ear,

"Now I believe you've been thinking of me..."

Xu Yunqi's cheeks flushed, and her limpid eyes swiftly diverted, her lips pursed in silence.