Chapter 61

Chapter 61

It was already the twelfth lunar month, and the sun rose later each day. Fortunately, today seemed clear—the thick, oppressive clouds that had lingered for days had dispersed with yesterday’s cold wind, allowing a golden ray of sunlight to rise unhindered from the eastern horizon, dazzlingly brilliant.

The Pei matriarch, upon waking, learned that Pei Yue had returned to the estate the previous evening. Though she was told that the Crown Prince had already left early to await an audience with the emperor and was no longer at home, she couldn’t contain her joy, her usually composed face breaking into a beaming smile.

Letters reporting his safety were one thing, but nothing compared to the relief of seeing her son return unharmed.

When the leader was happy, her subordinates naturally sensed it and couldn’t help but share in the cheer. Pei Yue had rested at home for just one night before leaving early in the morning, yet even without his presence, the entire estate was already brimming with joy.

Upon waking and hearing that Pei Yue had returned the previous night, Ming Tang was slightly surprised: Had Pei Yue stayed in the men's quarters last night?

Considering she had likely been asleep by then, Ming Tang felt a faint stir in her heart, and a smile naturally spread across her face.

Hong Ying, who was attending to her, was momentarily stunned. "The young mistress looks especially lovely today."

It wasn’t that her appearance had changed, but the joy radiating from within made her look exceptionally vibrant.

Wen He tilted the hairpin Ming Tang had chosen into place, then held up a vanity mirror behind the bronze mirror so Ming Tang could inspect her hairstyle. She sighed softly, "They say happiness makes one glow—today, I finally see it."

Ming Tang shot her a sidelong glance. "If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll give Zhe Liu the day off and let you experience what it means to be utterly listless."

Wen He immediately changed her tone, becoming excessively attentive. "Would the young mistress like to try a different hairpin? I recall this one has been worn many times, and it doesn’t quite match today’s outfit..."

Amid the lighthearted banter among mistress and maids, Pei Ze woke up, and after breakfast, the group headed to the Pei matriarch’s quarters.

Along the way, Pei Ze kept chattering, "Mother fell asleep telling stories yesterday and didn’t finish~"

Ming Tang readily agreed, silently praising her own genius for choosing such an effective lullaby story.

*

Today was an abbreviated court session, attended only by officials of certain ranks, so the proceedings were much simpler. After handling a few minor matters, the emperor dismissed the court and returned to his study. He changed out of his heavy court robes and sat for a moment to relax. Wang Shen soon reported which officials were waiting for an audience.

"Hasn’t Pei Yue returned? Summon him."

Most third-rank officials in the court were already in their fifties, and some of the Grand Councilors were even past seventy. Out of consideration for his ministers, the emperor allowed those waiting for an audience to rest in a side chamber.

Upon hearing the emperor’s summons, Pei Yue stood, responded affirmatively, and strode out. Just as he crossed the threshold, he encountered Vice Minister Ming, who was being led to the side chamber by a eunuch.

Unable to speak freely, Pei Yue merely paused slightly and nodded in greeting before following the eunuch to the main hall.

Behind him, the waiting officials exchanged knowing glances at the sight of his youthful, vigorous stride.

Pei Yue had been away on official business—reportedly to Shaanxi—and now that he had returned...

Their gazes shifted to Vice Minister Ming, who had just taken his seat. One enviously remarked, "Brother Ming, your daughter's husband is truly talented and promising."

To them, the title of Crown Prince meant little beyond an imperial stipend from the court. What carried weight was the emperor’s trust and the assignments he bestowed upon Pei Yue.

Vice Minister Ming smiled faintly and nodded but said little, adopting a contemplative air that exuded composure.

This air of reticence was something Vice Minister Ming had mastered over his steady rise through the ranks, especially in recent days as more eyes turned his way. Sitting upright with a slight frown, he naturally projected an aura of being "preoccupied with serious matters," discouraging further conversation.

Unbeknownst to others, beneath his solemn exterior, Vice Minister Ming was secretly pleased: His younger daughter’s remarriage had landed her a husband far superior to her first—a thought that filled him with satisfaction.

Pei Yue, however, had no such thoughts as he entered the main hall. He only vaguely noted that Ming Tang’s features seemed to resemble her father’s more.

The faint scent of dragon's saliva incense filled the air as Pei Yue bowed and presented his report before standing quietly to await the emperor’s response.

The emperor’s expression was calm at first, but as he read further, his anger flared. "Such audacity!"

The highest-ranking member of that clan was merely a fourth-rank official—a local gentry family in a small place like Fengxiang—yet they had the gall to resist Prefect Li’s efforts to uncover concealed lands, stir up unrest, and then, after wiping out a family, send someone to the capital to file a false grievance.

With a flick of his brow, the emperor ordered Wang Shen, "Summon the Prince of Jin."

The emperor’s summons brought the Prince of Jin to the study within half an hour. After bowing, the prince looked puzzled, clearly unaware of why his father had called for him.

The emperor handed him the report and said coolly, "Read this first."

Halfway through, the Prince of Jin’s anger also surged. "This can’t be true! The Liu family has always been meek and law-abiding—how could they possibly commit such atrocities?" He turned to Pei Yue, giving him a sidelong glance before addressing the emperor solemnly, "Pei Yue is not specialized in investigations. I implore Your Majesty to send someone else to conduct a fresh investigation, lest an injustice be done."

The emperor studied him for a long moment. Without directly responding to the request, he noted how the Prince of Jin remained defiant under his gaze, still convinced of his own righteousness. Disappointment settled heavily in the emperor’s heart: To ascertain the truth, he had sent two separate envoys, and their accounts aligned perfectly.

Yet his eldest son, regardless of his private thoughts, could openly claim that because his concubine was virtuous, her family couldn’t possibly commit such crimes...

"Return to your residence. Reflect deeply, and do not emerge until you’ve understood your mistakes." The emperor waved a hand, disinclined to elaborate, and dismissed him. To Wang Shen, he said, "His Majesty, summon the Vice Minister of Justice."

The Prince of Jin hadn’t expected the emperor to place him under house arrest without another word. Panicked, he objected, "Father, I merely spoke my mind—what have I done wrong?"

The emperor hummed lightly. "If you don’t understand, go back and think harder. When you realize your mistake, submit a written reflection to explain it."

Watching the Prince of Jin cast a resentful glance at Pei Yue as he left, the emperor felt a faint doubt: Had he grown so old that even his eldest son had entered the foolish phase of aging?

Pei Yue’s report was thorough and detailed, with several points corroborating the earlier envoys’ reports. The emperor glanced at the tall, imposing figure standing in the hall, then thought of his own son—who, faced with overwhelming evidence, had blindly defended his concubine’s family. He waved a hand. "You’ve been away for some time. After attending to office matters, take a few days to rest at home."

Pei Yue bowed in acknowledgment and took his leave.

During his absence, several matters at the Imperial City Guard office had piled up—issues his subordinates couldn’t resolve without his authority but could temporarily postpone. Now that the commander had returned, a steady stream of officers came seeking instructions, keeping him busy until afternoon.

Just as he prepared to head home, Yu Gaoxuan, the third son of the Duke of Yu, and a few others eagerly arrived, inviting him to a welcome banquet.

Surrounded by the enthusiastic group—a mix of close noble friends and trusted subordinates—Pei Yue found it hard to refuse. He agreed but set a condition: "Just a meal, nothing more."

At the restaurant, seeing Pei Yue steadfastly decline alcohol, his companions, familiar with his habits, didn’t press him. They ordered wine for themselves. "The finest pear-blossom liquor—a shame Pei Yue won’t partake."

Most of the group were young, the eldest not yet thirty. With Pei Yue in good spirits outside official duties, the atmosphere quickly grew lively.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Prince of Jin’s residence was frosty.

The Prince of Jin's consort, facing her husband’s stormy countenance, lost her appetite and dismissed the servants. Frowning slightly, she asked with concern, "Your Highness has been like this since returning from the palace. Did His Majesty reprimand you?"

Earlier that day, the prince had been summoned by the emperor and returned in a rage, refusing to see anyone until evening, when he came to her chambers for dinner—only to sit in sullen silence.

The princess consort, a noblewoman handpicked by his mother and connected to the imperial family, was among the most prestigious of the princes’ wives. The Prince of Jin had always taken pride in marrying her.

Now, hearing her question, he didn’t hide the truth, recounting the morning’s events. By the end, he was still fuming. "The Liu family is contemptible! How dare they act so unscrupulously and so clumsily, leaving evidence for a mere youth to uncover!"

After a day of reflection, the prince no longer denied the Liu family’s involvement. Instead, he was furious at their audacity and incompetence.

Had they successfully pinned the blame on Prefect Li, it might have been worth it. With such a son, the old man in the Ministry of Rites would surely lose his position, allowing the prince to install someone more pliable.

Instead, the minister—an obstinate elder perfectly positioned to advocate for "appointing the eldest son if no heir is born"—remained oblivious to hints.

The Prince of Jin's consort, however, fixated on the words "the Liu family has always been meek and law-abiding." Warning flags rose in her mind: A concubine who had produced a son ahead of her—meek and law-abiding? The idea was preposterous.

Reading her husband’s face, she carefully suggested, "Perhaps the Liu family learned of Your Highness’s dissatisfaction with Minister Li and, knowing Prefect Li served in Fengxiang... acted on their own, hoping to curry favor."

Unbeknownst to them, their target had survived, thwarting their plan to stir up a scandal and provoke the emperor’s wrath. Instead, it had only hardened the emperor’s determination to uncover the truth.

Seeing the prince’s expression grow thunderous, the Prince of Jin's consort suppressed her own irritation—her husband had indeed discussed state affairs with his concubine—and pressed on, "His Majesty’s displeasure likely stems from Your Highness defending the Liu family solely because of their connection to your concubine." She added vaguely, "A ruler... must never judge life and death based on personal favor. As the eldest son, His Majesty surely has great expectations for you."

The Prince of Jin listened intently, his gloomy expression gradually dissipating as he patted his consort's hand. "*Tao Ning*, I'm fortunate to have you."

The Jin Princess Consort smiled and lowered her head before continuing, "For now, I suggest Your Highness write a formal letter of remorse, then voluntarily request to confine yourself to your quarters and seclusion to pray for the Emperor and Empress's blessings. Only emerge for the palace banquet before the New Year." In short, leave no doubt about your remorse.

The Prince of Jin nodded repeatedly. After hesitating for a moment, the Jin Princess Consort added, "Also, regarding Concubine Liu... Now that the Liu family is about to be convicted, though the crime does not extend to a married daughter, having a mother from a disgraced family will likely shame the eldest son in the future. Since he is still young, perhaps we could select another virtuous lady from your household to raise him."

"Do as you say!" The Prince of Jin agreed without hesitation, immediately shifting to inquire about what their second son did today.

The Jin Princess Consort's lips curved slightly as she softly recounted their son's daily activities.

At the Taiping Tower, having already agreed to join, Pei Yue abstained from drinking but ensured he didn’t dampen the lively atmosphere. He joined the conversation at times, further fueling the spirited discussion. The meal, which had started in the late afternoon, lasted well into the evening before concluding.

By then, night had fallen. Pei Yue bid farewell to the group and rode back home. He first visited the main courtyard to speak with Mrs. Pei, then, certain that Ming Tang would still be awake given her habits, he headed briskly back to the Chengyi Hall.

Winter had arrived, and as evening deepened, the hall—Pei Yue’s usual residence—was already warmed by heated floors. Upon entering, a wave of warmth mingled with Ming Tang’s distinctive scent greeted him, causing Pei Yue to pause momentarily before stepping through the empty sitting room into the inner chamber.

As expected, the inner chamber was brightly lit, and Ming Tang had yet to retire. She sat before her vanity table, combing her hair. Hearing his arrival, she rose, her smile flowing naturally. "You’re finally back. I thought you’d return for dinner tonight." What was meant to be a hot pot dinner for four had ended up with just three, leaving Ming Tang feeling rather sorry for Pei Yue.

Her casual, familiar tone instantly brought Pei Yue back to the days before his departure from the capital. He joked as he apologized.

Ming Tang, generous as always, readily forgave him.

As he drew closer, noticing her slight frown, Pei Yue pondered briefly before realizing, "Is it the smell of alcohol on me?"

He hadn’t even noticed it himself.

At Ming Tang’s nod, Pei Yue turned and headed to the washroom. After washing up and changing into nightclothes, ensuring no trace of alcohol remained, he went around the privacy screen and returned to the inner chamber.

Half the candles had been extinguished, leaving only those near the bed still burning brightly.

Ming Tang had finished combing her hair and now sat on the inner side of the bed, leaning against the headboard with a book in hand—just as Pei Yue had seen many times before. She had left the outer side for him, her fair fingers occasionally lifting a page to turn it.

Pei Yue became absorbed until Ming Tang looked up in puzzlement. He averted his gaze, cleared his throat, and sat on the edge of the bed. Removing his shoes and lifting a corner of the quilt, he then fell silent.

After holding back all evening, Pei Ze finally seized the moment he’d been waiting for. Eyes sparkling, he pushed off the bed and launched himself onto Pei Yue’s lap. "Uncle, surprise!"

Pei Yue’s expression was truly a sight to behold. Ming Tang, who had been holding her breath and stealing glances since he sat down, could no longer contain herself. Dropping her book and mentally reminding herself to "manage her emotions," laughter spilled out uncontrollably.

Her tone teasing, Ming Tang said, "A Ze has been waiting for this moment for so long. Are you surprised, Yue?"

Pei Ze remained sprawled across Pei Yue, his eyes shining with expectation. After a brief silence, Pei Yue couldn’t resist ruffling Pei Ze’s hair vigorously. "Surprised? Of course I’m surprised!"

Not even when he’d uncovered crucial clues and made rapid progress in his mission, nearing its completion and his return to the capital, had he felt this level of surprise.

No wonder he hadn’t seen Pei Ze earlier at his mother’s quarters. He’d assumed the boy had gone to bed early due to the shorter winter days, but it turned out he’d been lying in wait here.

Pei Ze, oblivious to the subtext, simply basked in the joy of having surprised his long-absent uncle. Rubbing his head affectionately against Pei Yue, his radiant smile mirrored Ming Tang’s amused expression.

Pei Yue: "......"

The cheerful atmosphere dispelled the faint gloom in Pei Yue’s heart. He lightly tickled Pei Ze’s most sensitive spots, causing the boy’s laughter to shift pitch as he squirmed free and scrambled to Ming Tang’s side, seeking refuge. Peeking out at Pei Yue, he declared, "Uncle, bad!"

To Pei Yue, the boy’s expression was like the cat that got the cream.

As for Ming Tang, she watched the scene unfold with obvious amusement, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Smiling at Pei Ze, Pei Yue leaned over and—with perfect aim—targeted Ming Tang’s own ticklish spots.

Taken by surprise at his trick, Ming Tang was utterly defenseless. Laughter brought tears to her eyes as she gasped, "Stop, Yue, I won’t tease you again!"

The moment the words left her mouth, both froze. Pei Yue withdrew his hand, his gaze darting away, not daring to look at Ming Tang. He reached for Pei Ze instead. "Enough teasing. Come here to Uncle."

Ming Tang, uncharacteristically flustered, adjusted her slightly disheveled collar from the playful moment and handed Pei Ze over to Pei Yue. Turning her face away, she could still feel the lingering heat in her cheeks.

Only Pei Ze, who had been thoroughly engrossed in the adults’ antics before being abruptly tucked into bed, looked around and remembered his bedtime custom. "We haven’t had the bedtime story yet."