Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Pei Xingjian was meditating with his eyes closed in the carriage. Lin Ting’s brief visit earlier had almost completely dispelled his headache.

Just then, Eunuch Zhao entered to report, "Lord Lin is here."

Pei Xingjian opened his eyes, a glint of amusement in them. Given how Lin Ting had stormed off earlier, he’d expected a proud refusal to return. "Let him in," he instructed.

Eunuch Zhao happily went to relay the message: "His Majesty bids Lord Lin enter at once."

Lin Ting couldn’t shake the feeling that Eunuch Zhao’s smile was peculiar.

Stepping back into the carriage, Lin Ting felt utterly out of sorts. Ah, the plight of the working man, from ancient times to now, has never been easy.

As he lifted the carriage curtain, his gaze met Pei Xingjian’s.

The rain outside had lessened considerably, but the carriage interior was warm and filled with a pleasant fragrance.

Pei Xingjian sat centrally, clad in an emerald-green brocade robe, one hand propping his chin as he regarded Lin Ting with a playful glint in his eyes, his lips quirked in a half-smile.

Lin Ting: "..."

He really should have stayed away.

But since he was already here, leaving now would only betray his fear.

So Lin Ting, enduring the emperor's gaze, stepped through the curtain and stood inside the carriage. Being quite tall, he couldn’t stand fully upright and was forced to stoop.

Confound it, he hated bending.

Pei Xingjian waved a hand at him. "Sit."

Lin Ting’s eyes scanned the interior, settling on a corner seat. The emperor’s private carriage, plain on the outside, was a marvel within. A small table in the center held an assortment of pastries, and even the cushion beneath him was made of fine leather.

He thought of the chancellor’s carriage he’d ridden earlier, which had jolted him so much his backside ached. The emperor certainly knew how to live in comfort.

No sooner had he settled than Pei Xingjian spoke again. "What brings you here?"

Lin Ting collected his thoughts. "Your Majesty, I’ve just learned from the villagers of Luoshi that their previous actions were instigated by a man they called 'Mr. Wang.' However, he wore a mask, so none of them saw his face."

Pei Xingjian blinked lazily. "Finished?"

Lin Ting nodded. "Mhm."

"Leave," Pei Xingjian said coolly.

Lin Ting’s eyes widened in shock. "Huh?"

Expelled from the carriage once more, Lin Ting was so incensed he felt like a puffed-up pufferfish. Damn it! If he ever approached him again, he’d be a dog.

Judging by Pei Xingjian’s reaction, he must have known about this 'Mr. Wang.' So why hadn’t he told him earlier? Was it amusing to toy with him? The emperor had been practically beaming.

Eunuch Zhao, waiting nearby, watched Lord Lin stomp off in a huff. Wondering what had transpired, he quickly boarded the carriage to report. "Your Majesty, Lord Lin has departed."

Pei Xingjian glanced at him.

Eunuch Zhao observed the emperor’s expression, concluding that His Majesty was in a rather good mood—wasn't that a slight smile playing on his lips? It had been a long time since he’d seen the emperor so pleased.

He added, "This old servant noticed Lord Lin was quite agitated when he left—his arms were flailing about."

Pei Xingjian remarked, "Childish." Then he gestured to the pastries on the table. "Take these to him."

Eunuch Zhao’s eyes crinkled with delight. See, see! Though His Majesty claimed not to trust Lord Lin, his actions spoke volumes.

Without hesitation, he swept all the pastries into his sleeves under the emperor’s watchful gaze. Since His Majesty never ate these anyway, why not deliver them all to Lord Lin?

Lin Ting had just stepped into the refugee shelter when he heard a voice calling from behind. "Lord Lin! Lord Lin, wait!"

He turned to see Eunuch Zhao jogging toward him, his sleeves bouncing with the weight of whatever he carried. When the eunuch finally caught up, he bent over, hands on his knees, panting heavily.

"Ah, Lord Lin—truly, the vigor of youth!"

Lin Ting was puzzled until Eunuch Zhao produced a small, exquisite food box from his sleeve and handed it over, still catching his breath. "Lord Lin, you’ve toiled hard on this journey. His Majesty ordered this servant to bring you these pastries." His eyes curved into merry crescents. "Ah, if I may say so, His Majesty is truly grateful for your efforts."

Lin Ting: "..." Heh.

He lifted the lid of the box. As expected of imperial craftsmanship, each pastry was exquisitely delicate, enough to whet one’s appetite at a glance.

Lin Ting swallowed. No matter how angry he was, he wouldn’t let it affect his appreciation for food. He accepted it graciously, his eyes curving into little crescent moons. "Thank you, Eunuch Zhao."

Eunuch Zhao watched Lin Ting walk away, nodding in satisfaction.

If not for him, what would become of Lord Lin and His Majesty? And if Lord Lin didn’t stay by the emperor’s side, what would the court officials do?

After all, one is soft-mouthed when eating and short-handed when taking. Now that Lord Lin had accepted the gift, surely he would stay by His Majesty’s side?

Lin Ting entered the hall and saw a burly man with a thick beard, dressed in bright red official robes, directing his subordinates in distributing grain.

He turned to Yan Ji. "Who’s that?"

Yan Ji replied, "Capital Prefect—Xue Ping."

Lin Ting suddenly understood. No wonder he hadn’t recognized him at first—the man’s appearance was wildly mismatched. His head looked like that of a bandit chief, yet his attire was unmistakably that of a fourth-rank official.

Xue Ping noticed Lin Ting and approached to pay his respects. Strictly speaking, Lin Ting held no official rank—he was merely a commoner. As a fourth-rank capital official, Xue Ping should have been the one receiving Lin Ting’s respects. However, Lin Ting carried the imperial token, which meant that in the eyes of court protocol, he represented the emperor himself.

"Your humble servant, Capital Prefect Xue Ping, bows to Lord Lin."

Lin Ting was startled. Unfamiliar with such elaborate courtesies, he quickly reached out with both hands to help Xue Ping up. "No need for such formality, no need! You’ve been toiling hard, Prefect Xue."

Xue Ping shook his head humbly. "It’s nothing, nothing at all." Then he bowed again.

Among capital officials, there was an unwritten rule: a subordinate would bow twice to a superior to show utmost respect. The superior, in turn, was expected to offer a hand of assistance twice, signaling appreciation. It was all for show.

So Xue Ping waited for Lin Ting to help him up a second time.

Being assisted twice by the emperor’s personally appointed envoy? Now that would be something to boast about.

Lin Ting’s face fell.

Great, this guy must be an attention-seeker.

Just as Xue Ping’s respectful hand was about to land on his outstretched palm, Lin Ting abruptly withdrew his hand and clasped both behind his back.

"Prefect Xue, you’ll strain your back from all that bowing. Go rest." With that, he marched off, eyes fixed straight ahead.

Xue Ping was left flabbergasted.

He just—walked away?

"What? Couldn't he help me up one more time? What am I supposed to do now? Should I stand up or stay down?"

Lin Ting went to the main hall where the villagers had gathered. Officials were distributing grain. He casually picked up a handful of the rice being handed out—the grains from the Capital Prefecture were plump and fresh.

The Prefect was indeed reliable. In a sudden fit of generosity, Lin Ting turned back and helped Xue Ping up. "No need for formalities, Prefect Xue. Please rise quickly—don’t strain your back."

"Yes, yes."

Xue Ping dared not bow again, wiping the sweat from his temples as he followed Lin Ting into the main hall.

The villagers clustered together, some lighting fires to cook. The rich aroma of rice porridge wafted from the pots, making everyone's mouths water.

Lin Ting couldn’t help but keep sneaking glances at the pots.

Xue Ping, sharp-eyed, noticed Lord Lin’s subtle actions and immediately fawned, "Lord Lin must be exhausted from your duties. Shall this lowly official have someone serve you some porridge and a few side dishes?" He gestured to summon a nearby attendant.

But Lin Ting raised a hand to stop him. "No need. I’m not hungry—just observing, just observing." Though tempted, he knew this food was hard-won for the villagers. If he took a scoop, others might follow suit, leaving little for the villagers.

As the Emperor’s personal envoy, he had to lead by example and never set such a precedent. Otherwise, how would he differ from corrupt officials?

Seeing Lin Ting’s firm stance, Xue Ping felt deep admiration. Rumor had it that after His Majesty returned from the southwest, Lin Ting had appeared by his side. Truly befitting the Emperor’s newly favored confidant—his principles were commendable.

Xue Ping began heaping on the praise: "Yes, yes! Lord Lin’s noble character and devotion to the people put this lowly official to shame..."

The praise made Lin Ting somewhat embarrassed. He rubbed his neck—truthfully, he wasn’t that great, haha!

When the villagers were done eating, Xue Ping produced a stack of papers and announced, "The court has already prepared residences in the city for you and allocated land. These are your deeds. Does anyone still wish to return to Luoshi Village and forfeit their claim?"

The seated villagers kept their heads down silently.

After what they’d endured, who would dare return to Luoshi Village? Who would risk their lives playing such a dangerous game?

That Mr. Wang had truly done them dirty.

Seeing no objections, Xue Ping ordered the deeds and housing certificates to be distributed one by one.

Watching their quiet compliance, Lin Ting mused: People never learn from words—only from experience.

Once everything was settled, Xue Ping prepared to lead the villagers to their new homes. Before leaving, he invited Lin Ting to join them, but Lin Ting waved him off. Best leave it to the experts. He had no expertise and would only be a hindrance.

After seeing off the villagers, Lin Ting made to return to the Prime Minister’s residence with Yan Ji.

As they stepped out of the refugee shelter, they saw the Emperor’s carriage still parked in the same spot, though its direction had turned to face them.

Lin Ting touched the pastries hidden in his sleeve, wondering if he should greet Pei Xingjian. A gust of wind lifted the carriage curtain, revealing a pair of razor-sharp eyes.

Lin Ting shuddered. Never mind—he and this tyrant didn't mix. Best to keep their distance.

Yan Ji pointed toward the carriage. "Who’s that—"

Lin Ting remembered Yan Ji wasn't an official and had never entered the palace, so he wouldn’t recognize the Emperor. He swiftly grabbed Yan Ji’s shoulder, steering him away. "Just some nobody. Let’s hurry back—I’m starving."

Yan Ji: "Oh, oh, oh."

Lin Ting added, "Though the villagers have relocated, that so-called ‘Mr. Wang’ won’t give up. Now that they’ve moved, we must post guards at both Luoshi Village and their new homes. Grab him the moment he shows up."

He wanted to see just who this audacious villain was, daring to make waves under the tyrant’s rule.

...

Watching them leave, Pei Xingjian released the curtain, letting the silk fall back into place. With a light wave of his hand—

Eunuch Zhao immediately called out, "Proceed."

After a few moments, the Emperor’s low voice sounded: "I recall the late Prince Gong’s residence was on Zhengyang Street."

Eunuch Zhao replied, "The Prince Gong Mansion is in the eastern alley of Zhengyang Street, just a stone's throw from Chongzheng Gate." Besides the Crown Prince, Prince Gong had been the late Emperor’s most favored, hence his estate’s proximity to the imperial palace. Sadly, the prince had died young, leaving the mansion vacant.

Pei Xingjian said, "Have it cleaned."

Eunuch Zhao was taken aback, but he dared not speculate on His Majesty’s intentions. He bowed in acknowledgment.