Chapter 33

With Pei Mushan gone, the couple was left staring at each other.

Xu Yunqi understood her sister-in-law’s intention. Expecting Pei Muheng to be as gentle and persistent as Yan Shaoling was unimaginable. Each couple has their own way of living, and for her and Pei Muheng, not interfering with each other while still respecting one another was the best way.

Xu Yunqi quickly rescued her husband from the awkwardness, “Did you just say that Prince Xi asked us to join him for dinner?”

Pei Muheng’s gaze slowly shifted from where his sister had left to Xu Yunqi. Her almond-shaped eyes were smiling, both shy and gentle. She was like a flower blooming in a crack in the rock, delicate on the surface but incredibly resilient.

“Yes.” His gaze suddenly fell on her wrist, which was bare and unadorned. Pei Muheng was puzzled, “You don’t like the bracelet I bought you last time?”

Xu Yunqi looked down at her hands, blushing slightly, “I forgot. You know I often handle those bottles and jars, and I’m afraid of breaking it. Wearing it is inconvenient.”

Pei Muheng frowned, “If it breaks, I’ll buy you another one.”

Listening to his straightforward and affluent tone, Xu Yunqi slowly understood. Her every action represented her husband’s dignity. If she dressed simply, others might think Pei Muheng was treating her harshly. Understanding this, she no longer refused, “If you say so, then I’ll wear it generously.”

Pei Muheng nodded, recalling his sister’s earlier complaint about him not caring enough for Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi was not petty, and her reluctance to wear the jade bracelet might have been because his gift hadn’t touched her heart. So he directly asked, “What do you like?”

Xu Yunqi quickly understood her husband’s intention and immediately waved her hand, “I don’t need anything. All my thoughts are focused on studying medicine. I’m not interested in colorful jewelry.”

Pei Muheng listened to this, his gaze darkening slightly. He knew she was wholly dedicated to treating patients.

Pei Muheng said no more, “Get ready. Let’s go to Jinghe Hall for dinner.” He went inside.

After a short while, the couple changed into casual clothes and went out. This time, Xu Yunqi wore the Hetian jade bracelets on her wrists.

Pei Muheng observed her. Xu Yunqi had changed into a light pink jacket and an apricot-colored skirt. The pale pink adorned with small pear blossoms made her look as if she were enveloped in a misty spring haze, adding to her gentle and graceful demeanor.

Pei Muheng was very satisfied and led his wife to Jinghe Hall.

Princess Consort Xi’s headaches had a pattern: starting in the morning, peaking at noon, and easing once night fell. Physician He could never pinpoint the cause and could only prescribe remedies to alleviate the symptoms.

Nanny Hao, seeing her in pain, wanted to invite Xu Yunqi to diagnose her several times, but Princess Consort Xi sternly forbade it and didn’t allow her to tell anyone.

The prince’s residence held a family banquet every tenth day of the month. Today, being May 20th, Prince Xi invited several children and concubines to dine at Jinghe Hall.

The eldest daughter-in-law, Xie Yunyi, was busy in the kitchen, while the second daughter-in-law, Li Xuanyan, directed the maids and servants to set the dining table. The others were accompanying the Prince and Princess Consort.

Madam Gao was quiet, while Madam Han was more talkative. As she often sought favor with Princess Consort Xi, she not only flattered her but also tried to ease her burdens. So, when Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi entered, Madam Han said to Princess Consort Xi, “My mother had a similar ailment, and later it was cured by a wandering doctor.”

Prince Xi immediately took an interest, “How was it cured?”

Madam Han replied, “With acupuncture.”

With that, the room fell silent.

Xu Yunqi had used acupuncture to stabilize Yan Shaoling’s condition the other day. Madam Han’s intention was clear: Princess Consort Xi was too proud to ask her daughter-in-law for help, so Xu Yunqi would have to take the initiative.

Prince Xi saw through Madam Han’s intention but knew it was a futile effort. He had tried to persuade her before but to no avail.

Xu Yunqi’s practice of medicine had become a thorn in Princess Consort Xi’s side. Princess Consort Xi couldn’t reconcile her disdain for Xu Yunqi with the benefits she received. As expected, Princess Consort Xi coldly replied to Madam Han, “Physician He’s remedy is very effective. I am much better now.”

Madam Han realized she had overstepped and quickly covered her mouth.

As Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi entered, everyone fell silent.

The recent rumors of their divorce had caused quite a stir, attracting the attention of their two elder brothers. It was hard to believe that someone as proud as Pei Muheng would humble himself to bring Xu Yunqi back, but seeing her delicate and exceptional beauty, Pei Muxiang understood.

So, even the third brother couldn’t resist the charms of a beauty.

Everyone knew about the conflict between Princess Consort Xi and Xu Yunqi, making the atmosphere at the table very subtle.

Prince Xi quickly broke the tension and motioned for his daughter-in-law and son to sit.

Madam Gao quietly observed the three daughters-in-law. Madam Xie and Madam Li were busy, while Xu Yunqi sat calmly. Although Princess Consort Xi didn’t favor Xu Yunqi, she didn’t suffer any loss. Since her marriage, Xu Yunqi had not lifted a finger and had never been made to stand before Princess Consort Xi to observe any rules. Yet, everyone believed she was being wronged and sympathized with her.

More impressively, this young girl had quietly gained complete control over her husband, Pei Muheng. With his power, he had helped the prince’s residence establish a strong position in the court. Xu Yunqi was not to be underestimated.

Later, she’d have to advise her second daughter-in-law to get closer to Xu Yunqi.

After Xu Yunqi entered, Princess Consort Xi stopped speaking, and her forehead started to ache again. She quickly ordered the meal to be served.

Prince Xi and Princess Consort Xi sat at the head table while Pei Muheng and his brothers dined with their wives. Madam Gao, Madam Han, and the two young ladies each had a separate table.

Without a word from Prince Xi or Princess Consort Xi, no one dared to speak.

A dazzling array of delicious dishes was placed on each table. Next to each table, a small stand held chopsticks, soup spoons, and a small dish of ice chip pear blossom incense, which had the effect of dispelling summer heat and calming the mind. The summer heat was intense, so a few pots of green bamboo were placed near the rolled-up curtains. The maids also placed some ice basins under each pot, and the breeze from the bamboo leaves brought a refreshing coolness along the carved lattice panels.

Princess Consort Xi ate a few bites but couldn’t swallow more. She quietly set down her bowl and chopsticks, scanning the room. The first thing she noticed was Madam Xie and her eldest son, Pei Muxiang.

Pei Muxiang hadn’t been seen for a long time until recently when Physician Fan prescribed a remedy that revived his spirits and made him look refreshed. Although Madam Xie was usually stern, she was gentle and attentive to her husband. Even though the dishes were right in front of her, she thoughtfully moved Pei Muxiang’s favorite dishes closer and personally served him a bowl of soup, embodying the qualities of a virtuous and considerate wife.

Next, Princess Consort Xi’s gaze fell on the couple, Madam Li and Pei Mujing. Pei Mujing was a concubine’s son, and Princess Consort Xi usually didn’t give him much attention. However, Madam Li’s obedience and cleverness in front of her stepmother earned her favor, so she never made things difficult for them.

Compared to Xie Yunyi and Pei Muxiang, Li Xuanyan and Pei Mujing seemed even more affectionate. The couple served each other generous portions of food, occasionally exchanging loving glances, which even made Princess Consort Xi feel a bit uncomfortable.

Then Princess Consort Xi looked at Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi, and her expression changed.

The couple each minded their own business, not even looking at each other. It wasn’t surprising for her reserved and particular son, but how could Xu not have any tact? With the shining examples of Madam Xie and Madam Li in front of her, how could she not learn from them? Princess Consort Xi felt deeply aggrieved for her son.

Thinking that Xu Yunqi didn’t have her son in her heart, Princess Consort Xi’s chest tightened with frustration.

No, the daughter-in-law still needed to be taught.

After pondering for a moment, Princess Consort Xi suddenly coughed lightly.

Everyone looked at her, expecting her to speak.

Princess Consort Xi picked up the chopsticks she had set down and placed a piece of lotus root in Prince Xi’s bowl. “Don’t you usually like chewy dishes? This fried lotus root is quite good. I find it very tasty. The prince should have more.” She added three more pieces.

It was rare for his wife to serve him actively. Prince Xi was surprised, pinched his thigh discreetly, and nodded with a smile, “Thank you, Princess Consort.”

Seeing that his son and daughter-in-law were watching, Prince Xi wanted to set an example. He personally served a bowl of soup to Princess Consort Xi, “Drink another bowl of soup, sweat a bit, and you’ll feel more comfortable.”

Xu Yunqi glanced at her mother-in-law and then at the dining table in front of her. She knew what was expected. She had never intended to compete with her mother-in-law, so she was about to follow suit. Unexpectedly, someone acted even faster than her, serving a bowl of Huai Shan pork rib soup and placing it in front of her.

“Huai Shan strengthens the spleen. You should drink more.”

Xu Yunqi was surprised, “Third Master knows that Huai Shan strengthens the spleen?”

Pei Muheng also served himself a bowl and said calmly, “I’ve read a few medical books.”

Xu Yunqi smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons, and while holding the soup bowl, her smile seemed ready to spill over. Pei Muheng looked at her beautiful eyebrows and eyes, realizing that her smile was different from usual. He had an epiphany.

Princess Consort Xi looked at her youngest son in despair and closed her eyes.

After the meal, Pei Mushan dragged Xu Yunqi to discuss how to care for the rabbit and headed to Qinghui Garden ahead of them.

Prince Xi left the dining hall with several of his sons.

Pei Muxiang, unable to face his father due to a recent incident, found an early excuse to leave, “Shaoer needs my help with his studies. I’ll go now.”

Prince Xi watched his son’s retreating figure in silence. After a moment, he turned and instructed his second son, “It’s mid-year. Keep an eye on the rents from various places. I’ve heard there’s been unrest among the tenant farmers in the northeast, in Yingzhou. Has it been suppressed?”

Pei Mujing replied, “It’s been suppressed, but the tenants are still dissatisfied with the amount of rent. I plan to go there personally.”

Prince Xi nodded, “It’s best if you can go. Also, make sure to finalize the fur orders for the end of the year. We should prepare some decent winter clothes for the women in the household.”

Pei Muxiang, being the eldest legitimate son, was expected to inherit the title of heir. Prince Xi had no worries about his eldest son, and Pei Muheng, being exceptionally talented, required no concern either. The most troubling was the second son, Pei Mujing. Prince Xi intended for him to manage the household affairs and, after gaining experience, find him a less demanding official position.

Pei Mujing bowed and left.

After dismissing the other sons, Prince Xi turned to Pei Muheng.

Pei Muheng, with a pile of reports waiting for him in his study, had no intention of engaging in family chat, “What’s the matter?”

Prince Xi shook his head, “Nothing major, just…” He looked at his son with a complex expression, worriedly advising, “From now on, make sure to be humble and considerate in front of your wife. Always go along with her.”

Pei Muheng looked puzzled, “What do you mean?”

Why was everyone lecturing him today?

Recalling the way Xu Yunqi handled the needles, Prince Xi sympathetically patted his son’s shoulder, “I’m afraid that if she gets upset, she’ll turn you into a pincushion at night.”

Pei Muheng: “…” He glanced at his father expressionlessly and left without turning back.

Meanwhile, Xu Yunqi used some wormwood to wash the rabbit clean and let Pei Mushan take it back.

Taking advantage of Xu Yunqi’s focus on writing medical cases, Yin Xing sneaked in quietly. “Miss, do you know what I was doing just now?”

Without looking up, Xu Yunqi lightly asked, “What did you do?”

Yin Xing whispered mysteriously into her ear, “Uncle Zhou found out from the Xun residence that Xun Yunhe sent Xun Yunling to the women’s monastery at Qingshan Temple outside the city overnight.”

Uncle Zhou was a coachman planted in the prince’s residence by Xiu Niang to drive for Xu Yunqi, now reassigned by Yin Xing to monitor the Xun family and act as Xu Yunqi’s informant.

Upon hearing the news, Xu Yunqi put down her wolf hair brush and supported her chin with her hand, squinting her eyes.

“The women’s monastery?”

“Yes, it seems Lord Xun found out about the rumors spread by the mother and daughter.”

Xu Yunqi wasn’t concerned about that. She smiled faintly, her eyes gradually growing colder, “With Xun Yunling gone, Madam Xun probably won’t be able to hold on. Isn’t Lord Xun’s birthday in a few days? Let’s add more fuel to the fire then.”

*

The next morning, the court was in an uproar because two young censors from the Censorate vehemently accused Minister Yan Ping of corruption and dereliction of duty, which led to the practice of selling official positions in the court. Although Yan Ping was the esteemed Minister of Personnel, Prince Qin had been overseeing the ministry for years, handling many affairs directly. Both deputy ministers of Personnel were also Prince Qin’s men.

Prince Qin immediately gathered officials to defend Yan Ping and the Ministry of Personnel. However, the two censors were well-prepared, having compiled the resumes of officials from six ministries and nine courts overnight to make their case.

The previous Emperor had once said, “The Censorate is the nation’s overseer, responsible for maintaining discipline. Only those with knowledge, integrity, and impartiality should serve.” Moreover, it was a tradition that only successful candidates from the imperial examinations could enter the Hanlin Academy and the Inner Cabinet. Based on this principle, a subsequent decree stated that all officials above the seventh rank in the Hanlin Academy and the Censorate must have passed the imperial examinations. This investigation revealed more than ten personnel appointments that violated this rule.

Prince Qin was left speechless.

After the court session, Yan Ping took the accusations to the imperial study and knelt before the Emperor to plead guilty.

The Emperor, in a good mood that day, was practicing calligraphy. Seeing Yan Ping, he smiled and said, “Minister Yan is here. Take a seat.”

“Your Majesty, I dare not.” As Yan Ping looked up, it was evident he had lost his usual vigor, showing a hint of bitterness and grievance.

Seeing this, the Emperor handed the large brush to his aide, Liu Xiwen, washed his hands, and sat behind his desk, sighing, “We have known each other for many years. Do you think I don’t understand your character? Stand up.”

Liu Xiwen ordered a servant to bring a brocade stool for Yan Ping, who then wiped away his tears and sat below the Emperor.

Yan Ping handed the memorial to the Emperor with a sorrowful expression, “I am here today to plead guilty, Your Majesty.”

Matters of the court could not be hidden from the Emperor. He didn’t need to read the memorial to know its contents. Without looking or speaking, he waited to see what Yan Ping’s intentions were.

Seeing the Emperor’s silence, Yan Ping began, first admitting his own guilt, “I have investigated, and every word from the two censors is true. As the Minister of Personnel, I bear full responsibility. I ask Your Majesty to remove me from my position as Minister of Personnel to uphold justice.”

Yan Ping held two titles: Minister of Personnel and Grand Scholar of Wenyuange, the latter being the Chief Cabinet Minister. Yan Ping only mentioned removing him from the Ministry of Personnel, not the Cabinet, making his intentions clear. The Emperor chuckled.

“As Chief Cabinet Minister, you sometimes cannot fully attend to the Ministry of Personnel’s affairs. I understand.”

Reading between the lines, Yan Ping quickly responded, “The practice of selling official positions has always existed. I once vehemently opposed it, but after taking charge of the Cabinet, I realized the difficulties within the court and had to conform.”

The Emperor could only smile bitterly at those words.

When did the strict prohibition of selling official positions start to relax? It began in the third year of Chengping when the Mongol Empire invaded the south. That year, floods hit Jiangnan, and the taxes from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces were less than half of previous years. The national treasury was empty, and the borders were in crisis. What was to be done?

Yan Ping, then the Chief Cabinet Minister, had to ease the Emperor’s burden. In the urgency, someone suggested selling minor official positions to merchants for military funds. The Emperor tacitly agreed, but such a disgraceful task could only be handled by Yan Ping.

Yan Ping reminded the Emperor of this history, showing that he had taken the fall for the court.

Hearing this, the Emperor’s expression changed, and he sighed deeply, “You have a point.”

After a pause, the Emperor changed his tone, “But this time, the Cabinet and the Ministry of Personnel have truly caused quite a mess.”

This is the point Yan Ping had been waiting for, so he knelt again on the brocade stool, tears streaming down, “Therefore, I earnestly request that Your Majesty remove all my duties and punish me according to the law.”

The Emperor looked at Yan Ping with a deep, contemplative expression.

Yan Ping had held the position of Chief Cabinet Minister for twenty years, with his disciples and former subordinates spread throughout the nation. If he were truly punished, it would cause turmoil in the court and the country. More importantly, the Emperor knew Yan Ping well; this old fox would never leave any incriminating evidence. Even if there was selling of official positions in the Ministry of Personnel, it was likely done by those under him in collusion with Prince Qin. At most, Yan Ping could be accused of lax supervision and oversight. However, the Emperor could not tolerate Yan Ping continuing to dominate the Cabinet.

Following Yan Ping’s lead, the Emperor said, “The public is in an uproar, and I must give the people an explanation.”

Yan Ping immediately responded, “Your Majesty is wise. However, the Ministry of Personnel cannot be without a head for a day. I suggest that once I am removed, Left Deputy Minister Cao Yide should succeed me as Minister of Personnel.”

The Emperor squinted, “Cao Yide, huh? Is he capable?”

Yan Ping smiled and replied, “He has worked in the Ministry of Personnel for over ten years, rising from a minor official to Deputy Minister. He is familiar with every aspect of the Ministry. Who else but him?”

The Emperor laughed again, leaning back before finally sitting cross-legged on the imperial couch.

Everyone knew that Xun Yunhe was the Emperor’s chosen successor for Yan Ping. But now, Yan Ping wanted his own man in the position. That was impossible.

The Emperor understood clearly; this was Yan Ping negotiating with him.

The Yan family’s influence was immense, and a smooth transition of power wouldn’t be easy.

Since Yan Ping was willing to step back today, the Emperor had to give him some face. Suddenly, he changed the subject, “Stand up. By the way, how is that boy, Shaoling?”

Yan Ping stood up to thank the Emperor. Mentioning Yan Shaoling, his expression softened considerably, “Thanks to Your Majesty’s protection, he is much better. That boy is strong and resilient, and in no time, he will be back to his old self.”

The Emperor laughed heartily, “In terms of determination and vigor, no young noble in the city can surpass him.”

Yan Ping also felt proud, “It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s willingness to train him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have such capabilities.”

Having reached this point, both understood the situation well. The Emperor decided to speak directly,

“This time, he suffered due to an accident, and Consort Yan cried for several days. I was also very distressed. Once he recovers, I will appoint him as the Commandant of the Wudu Guard, which will befit his skills.”

The Wudu Guard is one of the Six Guards under the Emperor’s command, responsible for policing and patrolling the capital. Though the Yan family is of civil origin, the Emperor gave Yan Shaoling a military position, severing his backup while providing the Yan family a chance to establish itself in the court, thereby addressing both sides.

Yan Ping was evidently not pleased, “He was injured because of Princess Shanshan. Giving him a military position now, I’m afraid his body won’t be able to handle it.”

Mentioning Pei Mushan, the Emperor recalled Yan Shaoling’s request to marry her. The Emperor had previously declined, citing incompatible family ranks. But now, calming the Yan family was paramount before reorganizing the Cabinet.

The Emperor said, “If it weren’t for Shaoling, it would have been Shanshan in trouble. Perhaps it is fate. Let me fulfill his wish and reward his dedication.”

With the Emperor’s resolute tone, Yan Ping’s objective was achieved, and this power transition crisis dissipated.

That afternoon, the Emperor issued a decree, removing Yan Ping from his positions as Minister of Personnel and Chief Cabinet Minister, allowing him to retire. Since the Cabinet couldn’t be left without a head, the next day in court, the Emperor appointed Xun Yunhe, transferring him from Deputy Minister of the Household Department to Minister of Personnel and Chief Cabinet Minister.

Thus, Xun Yunhe officially succeeded Yan Ping in managing the Cabinet.

Xun Yunhe’s 40th birthday was approaching, and officials were eager to curry favor with the new Chief Cabinet Minister.

The Xu family was no exception. Previously, Xu Ke wasn’t even qualified to appear before the Grand Secretary, but now, with the marriage alliance with the prince’s residence, their status had soared. Xu Ke advised his wife, “I heard the new Chief Cabinet Minister is also from Jingzhou. You should prepare a gift and accompany me to congratulate him, getting close to his wife.”

Madam Zhang had only been in the capital for two or three years, leading a secluded life and unfamiliar with the city’s officials. She hesitated, “You can go. Why must I accompany you?” She vaguely recalled that Pei Muheng initially wanted to marry a young lady from the Grand Secretary’s residence and was reluctant to flatter them.

Xu Ke understood his wife’s hesitation, but with Xun Yunhe now holding his career prospects, Xu Ke had to bow his head, “The Xun residence is right next to the prince’s residence. You can seize the opportunity to see Yunqi and have her accompany you.”

Thinking of her daughter, Madam Zhang’s eyes welled up, and she agreed to the suggestion.