Chapter 37

Chapter 37

An awkward silence hung heavy in the Chonghua Hall.

Lin Ting tried to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, terrified of catching the Empress Dowager’s eye.

With his patron absent, he had to tread carefully.

Fortunately, after only two quarters of an hour, a shrill voice from outside announced: “His Majesty arrives!”

Lin Ting finally exhaled in relief. If Pei Xingjian hadn’t returned soon, he felt he would have been pierced through by the Empress Dowager’s gaze.

Moments later, a figure in bright yellow imperial robes swept into the hall, a tall silhouette appearing before everyone.

Pei Xingjian was still in his court attire, his golden hair bound by a crown, with twelve beaded strings dangling before his forehead. His eyes, shadowed beneath the beads, held an inexplicable chill.

Upon seeing the Empress Dowager, their gazes met. Pei Xingjian said coolly, “To what do we owe this visit, Empress Dowager, to Our Chonghua Hall today?”

His sharp eyes swept across the hall. Seeing Lin Ting safe and sound, huddled in a corner, he let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief.

Empress Dowager Xie said, “Emperor, your birthday is in a few days. I came to remind you not to act as recklessly as you did last year.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the eunuchs accompanying the Emperor paled.

Pei Xingjian’s expression remained unchanged. “There’s no need for the Empress Dowager to trouble herself.”

Lin Ting was filled with curiosity: *What exactly happened last year?*

*

When his duty concluded, Lin Ting was escorted out of the palace by Qingzi.

With few people around, Lin Ting’s mind raced. He tugged at Eunuch Qingzi’s sleeve and whispered, “Eunuch Qingzi, what exactly happened during last year’s birthday banquet?” *Why did everyone seem so secretive about it?*

Qingzi nervously glanced around. Seeing no one nearby, he leaned closer and whispered to Magistrate Lin, “Magistrate Lin, you may not know this, but during last year’s birthday banquet, His Majesty suddenly suffered a severe headache and his temperament changed drastically. He took the Imperial Sword of Authority and lopped off the Assistant Minister of Appointments' leg.”

Lin Ting was shocked. “Did no one try to stop him?” *The ministers present must have been traumatized.*

Qingzi sighed softly. “At that time, His Majesty couldn’t even recognize people. Who would dare intervene? Later, the Xuanwu Guard and the Imperial Guard paid a heavy price before they managed to calm His Majesty down.”

Lin Ting gasped. “Is that Assistant Minister of Appointments still alive?”

Qingzi shook his head.

“Was he killed?” Lin Ting’s heart skipped a beat.

“No, no,” Qingzi quickly explained. “Later, that Assistant Minister of Appointments was found guilty of corruption and bribery, and his household was dispossessed.”

“Oh, oh.” Lin Ting slowly calmed down. *Well, at least it was a case of just deserts.*

After escorting Lin Ting to the palace gates, Qingzi returned. Lin Ting stepped out of the palace and found his carriage. Just as he was about to board, someone called out to him from behind.

“Magistrate Lin, long time no see.”

Lin Ting turned and saw Chancellor Yan standing beside his carriage, regarding him with paternal warmth.

Lin Ting withdrew his foot from the carriage step.

“Chancellor Yan.”

Chancellor Yan stroked his hoary beard, circling Lin Ting and examining him from all angles, until Lin Ting broke out in gooseflesh. Crossing his arms, Lin Ting asked, “Chancellor, what’s wrong?”

Seeing that Lin Ting was still lively, the Chancellor relaxed. “Magistrate Lin, how have you been serving by His Majesty’s side lately?”

*So he was worried that the Emperor might have executed him.*

Lin Ting said, “It’s fine. His Majesty is usually quite gentle.” *He hadn’t even been punished for shirking his duties—his monthly salary was still paid on time, and there were no unreasonable demands. That was already a good boss.*

“Gentle?” Chancellor Yan’s eyes clouded with bewilderment. *Who was the one who nearly dragged them all out to be executed during court sessions?*

But seeing that Magistrate Lin was unharmed, Yan Que thought to himself—*after all, this was the Emperor’s handpicked favorite, different from officials like them who only knew how to anger the Emperor daily.*

“Then this old minister shall take my leave.”

As Chancellor Yan turned to leave with the support of his attendants, Lin Ting suddenly called out to him again.

“I have one more thing I wish to ask for your advice.”

Chancellor Yan stroked his beard gently. “Magistrate Lin, feel free to ask.”

Lin Ting said, “His Majesty’s birthday banquet is coming up soon. Should I prepare a gift?” *He hadn’t been a guard for long, and aside from those previous gifts of gold and jewels, he really didn’t have much money.*

Chancellor Yan shook his head. “His Majesty set a rule long ago—no gifts are allowed at the birthday banquet.”

*Ah, I see.* Lin Ting felt relieved.

Watching Chancellor Yan’s carriage depart, Lin Ting stepped into his own carriage.

The carriage traveled all the way to the Lin residence and stopped. Lin Ting stepped out.

Before entering, an inspiration came to him. He turned to Zhang Ji and said, “Tomorrow is my day off. I’m going to Southern Aspect Temple.”

Even though the Emperor forbade gifts, he still wanted to get Pei Xingjian a talisman, hoping he would live a safe and peaceful life.

*

Early the next morning, Lin Ting went to Southern Aspect Temple.

The temple was verdant with ancient trees, serene and elegant. After obtaining the charm, he encountered Master Liaowu again as he left the Hall of Mercy.

“Young patron, we meet again.” Master Liaowu wore homespun robes, his hands clasped before him, smiling calmly.

Lin Ting imitated his gesture and bowed. “Master Liaowu.”

Liaowu glanced at the talisman in his hand. “A talisman must be given directly to the intended person to be effective.”

Lin Ting secured it within his sleeve. “I understand.”

“Go in peace, patron.”

Lin Ting tightened his sleeve and nodded before leaving.

...

The third day of the fourth month was the Emperor’s birthday, an auspicious day for grand celebration.

When Lin Ting left home that day, he concealed the talisman against his chest, planning to seek an opportune moment to give it to Pei Xingjian during the evening banquet.

Since the time of Emperor Taizu, the Emperor’s birthday banquet had always been held in Yongkang Hall, adjoining the Grand Harmony Hall. Behind it lay a small landscape garden named Garden of Fragrant Splendor, crafted in the southern style—more exquisite and spacious than the imperial gardens within the palace.

As night fell, Lin Ting processed behind the Emperor to the banquet venue.

Yongkang Hall was already thronged with invited ministers.

The screen shifted slightly, and the ministers who had been chatting and laughing in small groups suddenly fell silent, standing to bow in unison.

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

Pei Xingjian took his seat at the head of the hall, while Lin Ting automatically took his place beside him.

The emperor glanced at him and signaled to Zhao Dehai to bring over a chair.

“Sit down. Don’t stand there and risk falling asleep and toppling over.”

Lin Ting sat without protest, thinking to himself that it was still early and he wasn’t that sleepy yet.

Though separated by a curtain, Lin Ting could faintly make out the scene below.

The ministers were as quiet as mice, shifting nervous looks. Normally, being invited to such an occasion would be considered an honor—who wouldn’t want to be kept in the emperor's favor?

But this emperor was known for his mercurial nature, and the events of the previous year had left a deep scar on everyone’s minds. They steered clear of him—who would dare to flaunt themselves before the emperor for no reason?

Just then, another voice came from behind the screen: “We are late.”

Everyone turned to see Empress Dowager Xie, arrayed in splendid robes, walking gracefully forward, accompanied by the Marquis of Anding.

The assembly rose to bow once more.

Empress Dowager Xie motioned for them to be at ease before addressing Pei Xingjian: “This old one was rather fatigued earlier and took a short nap, hence the delay. Surely the emperor won’t mind?”

Lin Ting thought to himself: *You’ve already left no room for objection with your words.*

The emperor at the head of the table smiled faintly. “Even if the Empress Dowager had not come at all, We should not have minded.”

Empress Dowager Xie took her seat and sipped from her wine cup before suddenly remarking, “With Lord Lin present today, the emperor surely won’t repeat last year’s affair.”

She made no effort to lower her voice, and her words carried clearly beyond the curtain. The ministers below stiffened—most of them had witnessed last year’s events, and it had been nothing short of a nightmare.

*Heavens, these two are sparring again.* Lin Ting made himself small in his seat, doing his best to become invisible.

Pei Xingjian cut in smoothly: “Now that the Empress Dowager has arrived, let the banquet commence.”

At Zhao Dehai’s announcement, palace attendants emerged in small steps, bearing dishes on celadon plates.

As the music and dances began, the banquet officially started.

Once the first performance concluded, the ministers below shared uneasy looks. By protocol, this was when they should line up to offer toasts to the emperor, yet though they held their cups aloft, none dared to move.

After all, no one wanted to tempt fate. If someone inadvertently brought on the emperor’s headache again, would they even survive the night?

The hall was in tense silence, everyone waiting for someone else to take the first step.

The unnatural quiet was palpable.

Lin Ting nursed his fruit juice. Earlier, Pei Xingjian had deemed him too young for alcohol and insisted the imperial kitchen replace his drink with juice. Lin Ting fumed silently—*by modern standards, he was already an adult, and even in ancient times, nineteen was hardly considered young. His neighbor’s son had already sired a son by this age!*

But he could only complain in his heart. Voicing such thoughts would be suicidal, and he was no fool to court death over something so trivial.

He shot Zhao Dehai a pointed look: *Isn’t there anything else to liven things up between performances?*

Zhao Dehai nearly broke into a cold sweat. Normally, extra time was allotted between the first and second performances precisely to allow ministers to offer toasts and blessings, showcasing the harmony between ruler and subjects.

But who could have predicted this year would prove so cheerless?

*Ah, what—what is to be done?*

Amid the silence, a figure suddenly rose from the crowd and approached Pei Xingjian, raising his cup with grave dignity. “This subject wishes Your Majesty eternal peace.”

The assembly looked—it was Grand Tutor Zhang. A wave of relief swept through the hall. Of course, Grand Tutor Zhang was the emperor’s mentor, an upright man who had guided him since youth. Naturally, his bond with the emperor was unlike theirs.

Moreover, Grand Tutor Zhang had been ill last year and missed the banquet, thus been spared that horror. No wonder he showed no fear.

The emperor at the head of the table took up the ornate golden goblet, which Zhao Dehai promptly filled with wine. Rising, he swept aside the curtain and said:

“Grand Tutor, please.”

The two drained their cups together.

With the grand tutor breaking the ice, Prime Minister Yan soon stepped forward.

“...This subject wishes Your Majesty robust health...” The emperor downed it in one go.

Then, the various Ministers and Vice Ministers rose one after another.

“May Your Majesty live a thousand years!”

“May the realm know eternal peace!”

...

Round after round of toasts followed. Lin Ting watched, agog, as Pei Xingjian tossed back cup upon cup.

He tugged at Zhao Dehai’s sleeve, and the eunuch leaned in. “What does Lord Lin require?”

Lin Ting hesitated before asking, “Pei—er, the emperor can drink so heartily?”

Zhao Dehai smiled. “Lord Lin may not know this, but His Majesty spent his youth leading troops in the harsh northern frontiers, where fiery liquor was often needed to fight the chill. That liquor was far more potent than what’s served here. Besides, though the golden goblet looks large, a full cup amounts to little more than a sip. All those cups combined likely wouldn’t fill half your bowl.”

Following Zhao Dehai’s gesture, Lin Ting noticed the white porcelain bowl on the table—its rim no wider than a palm. *So it really isn’t that much.* He eased somewhat.

But then another thought struck him. “Eunuch Zhao, I’d like a taste too. Just a tiny sip?”

Zhao Dehai winced at Lin Ting’s pleading expression. “Lord Lin, you truly shame this humble servant. How could I dare defy His Majesty’s orders?”

After several rounds of pleading got him nowhere—Zhao Dehai guarding the wine jug like a dragon guarding treasure—Lin Ting finally gave up.

*Fine. The other lords get to drink, while I, newly come of age, am stuck with juice.*

Three rounds of drinks later, the chilly atmosphere finally warmed. Midway through, Empress Dowager Xie excused herself, citing fatigue.

Pei Xingjian observed the ministers below chatting and laughing in subdued voices, still restrained by his presence. After a moment’s contemplation, he quietly summoned Zhao Dehai.

“Call Minister Lin. Accompany Us for a walk.”

Zhao Dehai, still holding the golden goblet, hesitated. “Your Majesty, Lord Lin, he—”

“Hm?” Pei Xingjian tilted his head, noting Zhao Dehai’s unease, then turned to part the curtain.

There sat Lin Ting, ramrod straight in his wooden chair, staring at him through a drunken haze.

Upon seeing him, Lin Ting spoke softly: “Your Majesty, you’re back.”

Pei Xingjian’s eyebrow arched.