Chapter 56

The sky was aglow with a fiery red hue, and the clouds stretched out like scales of a fish, neatly laid out across the horizon. The Yongning Palace, with its red corridors and green pavilions, maintained a serene and orderly atmosphere.

Mindful of Prince Qi’s mourning period, the Yongning Palace was not decorated with festive lights. However, the cheerful smiles on the faces of the young palace maids indicated a harmonious and light-hearted mood.

Princesses and their younger family members from various mansions arrived at the main hall one after another.

With a radiant smile, the Empress waited at the head of the hall. Being the second Empress, she was actually younger than the Emperor by quite a few years, barely fifty this year. She almost lost her life due to massive postpartum bleeding when she gave birth to the Twelfth Prince and never had any more children thereafter. The Empress was reserved and usually kept a low profile, but her affection for the Twelfth Prince was obvious.

The princesses were all aware of her feelings and took the opportunity to compliment the Twelfth Prince. The Empress was greatly pleased by this, making the hall lively but not noisy.

Half an hour later, the sky gradually darkened, and the Empress kept looking outside. “Why hasn’t His Majesty arrived yet?”

The nanny knew that the Empress wasn’t asking about the Emperor but the Twelfth Prince, so she smiled and replied, “I heard that after the Twelfth Prince entered the palace, he went straight to Fengtian Hall. They should be coming soon.”

Sure enough, at the time when the lamps were lit, a burst of hearty laughter came from outside, indicating the Emperor had arrived. Everyone quickly stood up.

In a moment, the palace attendants lifted the beaded curtain, and the Emperor, wearing his bright yellow imperial robes, strode in, surrounded by several princes.

Pei Muheng entered the hall alongside the Twelfth Prince. His first glance was to find Xu Yunqi among the crowd. His wife still had that calm and composed demeanor, with fair, tender cheeks and a striking complexion.

Xu Yunqi quickly noticed him, and their eyes met in the air.

Pei Muheng’s gaze was deep and dark, carrying a hint of meaning. Xu Yunqi couldn’t understand it, so she simply smiled pleasantly. Under the gaze of many, their eyes met for a moment and then shifted away.

The Emperor sat next to the Empress, and everyone paid their respects to him. The princes also saluted the Empress.

Since it was a family banquet, there was no separation of men and women; each couple shared a table, with the legitimate sons given priority. The Twelfth Prince sat directly below the Empress, and across from him was Noble Consort Yan at a separate table. The rest of the people took their seats according to rank.

Pei Muheng paid his respects to his parents and then came to sit beside Xu Yunqi. Madam Li called her away for a conversation, and Pei Muheng was already seated when she returned. Before she could look closer, a hand reached over and gently held hers. The warmth from the soft touch spread, and Xu Yunqi, fearing being seen, gently lowered her hand, letting her wide sleeve cover their clasped hands completely.

At that moment, a palace servant came to serve tea. Xu Yunqi quickly withdrew her hand, and Pei Muheng also let go of her. Xu Yunqi finally looked at her husband. After not seeing each other for two months, Pei Muheng had changed quite a bit. His previously porcelain-white skin had tanned, and his cheeks had become much thinner. He now had a more severe and fierce look, likely from the battle experience. Xu Yunqi also noticed a very faint scar under his ear.

Xu Yunqi immediately frowned and asked, “Were you injured, Third Master?”

Pei Muheng glanced at Princess Consort Xi and signaled for her not to make a fuss. He leaned slightly towards Xu Yunqi and whispered, “The barbarians caused trouble, and I led the troops to fight. I got a minor injury.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Yunqi’s expression became serious. She was not unfamiliar with the barbarians—in fact, she was quite familiar with them. She and her grandfather had spent an entire year among them. Xu Yunqi had witnessed the barbarians’ fierce combat skills firsthand. Their bows and arrows were poisoned, and they were stealthy and elusive. Pei Muheng’s mention of a minor injury was probably an understatement.

Throughout the feast, there was constant laughter and chatter.

Since there was no formal birthday banquet, the various royal families did not prepare expensive gifts. However, having served the Empress for many years, everyone knew her preferences. The Twelfth Prince had not married and lacked someone to handle the sewing. Hence, the nieces-in-law and nieces showcased their talents by making various embroidered items for the Twelfth Prince. The nephews brought rare items to please the Twelfth Prince.

Pei Mulan demonstrated her embroidery skills by making knee pads for the Twelfth Prince.

The Empress’s nanny held up the knee pads and exclaimed, “Look, Your Majesty, these are made from the finest doe leather, very soft. Inside, they are lined with a layer of heavy silk. The stitching is excellent. Lady Lanlan is very skilled.”

The Empress personally took the knee pads and squeezed them, very satisfied. “Ah, Twelfth Prince, you haven’t married, and there’s no one to serve you attentively. We are very grateful to these nieces and nieces-in-law who think of you often. These knee pads are well-made. I like them very much.”

Pei Xun pointed to Pei Mulan and gave her a slight nod. She smiled back at him, and it was clear the two were communicating secretly.

The Empress noticed and asked, “Why? Do you two have secrets to share?”

Pei Xun replied, “Mother, last time I taught this girl archery and gave her a fine bow. This is her return gift to your son.”

“I see.”

On that day, Pei Xun gave more than just a fine bow.

Xu Yunqi, realizing this belatedly, looked at Pei Muheng in confusion. Pei Muheng was busy talking with Pei Muxiang and didn’t notice her.

Soon enough, all the nieces-in-law and nieces present had presented their gifts. Even the youngest niece presented a silk painting to congratulate the Twelfth Prince on his birthday. Xu Yunqi was the only one without a gift.

Usually, such a thing wouldn’t attract much attention. However, Consort Chen and the Empress were discussing the younger generation’s skills, comparing their sons and daughters-in-law—a common pastime for the noble ladies. Only then did Princess Consort Xi remember that Xu Yunqi hadn’t given a gift. She glanced back at her daughter-in-law, and Xu Yunqi innocently blinked, indicating she hadn’t known it was the Twelfth Prince’s birthday. Princess Consort Xi wasn’t too surprised; apart from her medical skills, her daughter-in-law likely hadn’t ever cooked or handled needlework, so forgetting the Twelfth Prince’s birthday was common.

Unfortunately, someone with a keen eye noticed this glance.

Princess Consort Qin smiled at Xu Yunqi, “It seems Pei Muheng’s wife hasn’t given a birthday gift yet. By the way, I remember the Twelfth Prince also taught you archery.”

The hall fell silent momentarily, and Xu Yunqi gracefully stood up, bowing to the Empress. “Your Majesty, my skills are clumsy, so I won’t embarrass myself with a gift.”

At this moment, Pei Xun turned around and gave her a slow glance filled with a light-hearted smile.

The Empress wouldn’t blame her, “I know your nature well. You gave your Twelfth Uncle two bottles of medicinal oil, which is the best birthday gift.”

At this mention, the Emperor recalled the Twelfth Prince’s leg injury, “How is Xun’er’s injury?”

Pei Xun stood up and bowed, “Father, your son has fully recovered.”

Xu Yunqi’s treatment of Pei Xun’s injury couldn’t be hidden from the Emperor. The Emperor looked at Xu Yunqi and nodded, “It’s all thanks to Pei Muheng’s wife.”

Pei Xun smiled in agreement.

Pei Muheng, of course, wouldn’t let his wife be embarrassed. He quickly stood up, walked to the hall’s center, and bowed to the Emperor and Empress. Then, he bowed to the Twelfth Prince, “Nephew has always remembered that today is the Twelfth Uncle’s birthday. Therefore, I hurried back and brought a birthday gift for the Twelfth Uncle.”

“Oh?” Pei Xun showed obvious interest.

Pei Muheng looked back and saw Huang Wei quickly stepping forward with something in his hands. Pei Muheng took it from him and handed it to Pei Xun.

Pei Xun’s eyes fell on the object, and he squinted slightly.

“Half a month ago, I personally led five thousand elite soldiers to infiltrate the mountains and finally captured Meng Yan, the leader of the barbarians. Meng Yan has not paid taxes to the court for years and even robbed government grain, which is truly detestable.”

“However, Meng Yan is skilled in archery, and nephew suffered quite a bit from him. Fortunately, His Majesty’s soldiers eventually outmatched him. Nephew captured this bow at the top of their mountain, and since Twelfth Uncle loves to collect famous bows and arrows, I present this bow to you as a birthday gift.”

This should have been a pleasant story, and everyone would have praised the deep bond between Pei Muheng and Pei Xun, especially since Pei Xun trained Pei Muheng.

But there was a backstory to this.

Back during the period of the Ten Kingdoms, the court sent emissaries to Lingshan to negotiate with the barbarians. Eventually, both sides successfully reached a peace agreement. At that time, the Crown Prince had a stele erected on Lingshan, with the names of the court officials and the barbarian leaders engraved on it, symbolizing everlasting friendship. The court also gifted a fine bow to the barbarian leader, Peng Yushan. This bow was passed down through generations and eventually came into Meng Yan’s possession.

There was nothing unusual about it, except that the Crown Prince later rebelled against his father and successfully usurped the throne.

The period of the Ten Kingdoms to the current Jin Dynasty spans over a thousand years, and few people are aware of this old story.

However, Pei Xun, who had read many historical texts, was aware of it, and so was the Emperor.

Holding a string of agarwood beads, the Emperor leaned back and watched the two with great interest.

Pei Xun gazed deeply at Pei Muheng, then burst into laughter, “A fine bow!”

He took it, feeling its weight in his hand. The bow was coated with a layer of bronze and required immense strength to draw. Pei Xun played with it for a moment, initially very excited, but then his expression turned regretful.

“Xun’er, what’s wrong?”

Pei Xun presented it to the Emperor, “Father, this bow is engraved with golden patterns, exquisite and beautiful, but not very practical. It doesn’t suit me. This bow is quite old, so why not give it to Father for his enjoyment?”

Besides the Emperor, only Pei Xun and Pei Muheng understood the significance of the bow.

The Emperor, resting his hand on his knee, leisurely nodded, “Alright, if you don’t like it, then give it to me.”

Pei Xun turned to Pei Muheng and said, “Muheng, I’ll keep this bow, but don’t blame me for presenting it to His Majesty. Another day, I’ll invite you for a drink to thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Pei Muheng heard this and smiled slightly. “I’ll wait for your command.”

Half an hour earlier, when he entered the palace, he had immediately presented the bow to the Emperor. The Emperor, playing with the bow, had laughed and said, “Today is your Twelfth Uncle’s birthday. Give this bow to him.”

And thus, this scene unfolded.

Someone as clever as Pei Muheng would never have made such a blunder of publicly sowing discord between them. This was simply a casual test by the Emperor, who, in his old age, was balancing power as the influence of Prince Qin waned and the Twelfth Prince’s power grew.

Pei Xun, experienced as he was, naturally avoided the danger, but this deepened the rift between the uncle and nephew.

Seeing that Prince Qin was no longer effective, and with Xun Yunhe becoming Pei Muheng’s father-in-law, Pei Muheng realized that this was the Emperor’s new strategy to balance power, using him to counter Pei Xun.

And Pei Xun’s statement, “I’ll invite you for a drink tomorrow,” meant that he intended to fight back.

Despite the cheerful conversation at the banquet, no one realized that these three individuals at the pinnacle of Jin Dynasty power had just completed a bloodless confrontation.

Historically, emperors have been known to be ruthless, and it was fully evident at this moment.

The Empress and others remained unaware, laughing and instructing the servants to serve the meal.

Noble Consort Yan sat alone at a small table, drinking. Looking up, she saw the Emperor and Empress at the main seat, with the Emperor occasionally patting Pei Xun’s head, showing obvious affection. Noble Consort Yan felt a pang of jealousy. She raised her wine cup and looked at the Emperor, “Your Majesty, I am in high spirits today. Would you join me for a few drinks?”

Hearing Noble Consort Yan’s somewhat resentful and coquettish tone, the Emperor immediately turned around, moving a few inches in her direction, “Alright, alright, I’ll accompany you today. Let’s not go home until we’re drunk.”

Noble Consort Yan and the Emperor were similar in age and grew up together. After the previous Empress passed away, the entire harem was practically under Noble Consort Yan’s control. During Yan Ping’s time in charge of the cabinet, Noble Consort Yan’s influence was at its peak. If the Emperor hadn’t remarried a woman from the Su family to balance the power, the position of Empress would have undoubtedly been hers.

Unfortunately, there are no “what-ifs.”

Over the years, Noble Consort Yan had accompanied the Emperor, enduring many grievances. She felt deeply wronged.

The Emperor, trying to appease his beloved consort, drank three cups in quick succession. Noble Consort Yan gently dabbed at the corners of his mouth and said softly, “Your Majesty, please drink. I have prepared a hangover remedy for you. Take a pill before you sleep, and you won’t have a headache tomorrow morning.”

Tonight was the Twelfth Prince’s birthday, and logically, the Emperor should have stayed in the Empress’s palace. However, Noble Consort Yan brazenly intercepted him.

The Empress slowly sipped her tea, silently glancing at the Emperor and Noble Consort Yan beside her, letting out a faint snort.

Everyone said that she, as the Empress, was the most honored woman in the world. But who knew her suffering?

Although she held the phoenix seal as the current Empress, all the power in the harem was in Noble Consort Yan’s hands. Furthermore, the Emperor and Noble Consort Yan got along extremely well, their conversations and behavior much more familiar and casual. To anyone observing, they seemed like the true couple.

A loving husband and a beloved concubine… she wouldn’t have that in her lifetime. Without Xun’er, her life would probably be like a dry well, dull and uninteresting.

The Empress swallowed her sorrow, downed her tea, and gently set the cup down. She dabbed at the moisture on her chin with an embroidered handkerchief and smiled at the Emperor, “Your Majesty, it’s time to settle Xun’er’s marriage.”

The Emperor, drinking with Noble Consort Yan, snapped out of his reverie upon hearing this. He glanced at the Empress, then turned his gaze to Pei Xun. “Xun’er, do you have a woman in mind?”

Pei Xun’s expression paused, then he shook his head nonchalantly, “I leave it to Father to decide.”

The Emperor pondered for a moment and asked the Empress, “Do you have a suitable candidate?”

The Empress, dressed in a cerulean kesi robe, sat motionless on the soft couch. Unlike Noble Consort Yan’s flamboyance and warmth, the Empress exuded a refined beauty with a dignified presence, befitting her role as the nation’s mother.

“The niece of Grand Secretary Zheng, named Zheng Xiu’e. Though she is not Elder Zheng’s legitimate daughter, she has been well-educated and has outstanding talent and beauty. Due to her father’s death, her marriage was delayed, and she is now twenty years old, a mature lady. She would be a perfect match for Xun’er. What do you think, Your Majesty?”

Grand Secretary Zheng’s administrative abilities were not as strong as Xun Yunhe’s, but he was easy-going and amiable, making him one of the most well-liked ministers in the court. Known as the “Unfallable Man,” he never participated in factional struggles, remaining neutral. Marrying a daughter from the Zheng family would bring this highly respected veteran minister to their side.

Pei Xun, by rejecting the bow, had passed the test. The Emperor had nothing more to say and nodded, “I will issue a decree tomorrow, settling this marriage.”

Only then did the Empress smile, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

She then turned to Pei Xun, “Xun’er? Aren’t you going to express your gratitude?”

Pei Xun seemed lost in thought for a moment but then rose with a brilliant smile and kowtowed to the Emperor to thank him.

Noble Consort Yan sulked with frustration, casting a resentful glance at the Emperor, who then busied himself with appeasing her. After a few more drinks, the banquet became lively again.

Prince Chen’s heir stepped forward to congratulate Pei Xun, “Miss Zheng is elegant and well-educated, coming from a prestigious family. She is the perfect candidate for a princess consort. Uncle, you’ve made a fine choice this time.”

Clearly, the “perfect candidate” referred not just to the princess consort but to the Empress’s favored choice. Everyone understood without saying it, and they all congratulated Pei Xun.

Upon hearing the words “fine choice,” Pei Xun felt something was missing. But then he thought, anyone aiming for the throne would want to marry a lady from a prominent family. So he smiled and returned the toasts one by one.

The Emperor, enjoying himself, kept drinking while the princes and princesses dared not move. The younger generation sneaked out in small groups to get some fresh air.

Li Xuanyan, needing to use the restroom, pulled Xu Yunqi along. There was a restroom in the rear hall of Yongning Palace, but Li Xuanyan refused to go there, complaining it was stuffy. Instead, she took Xu Yunqi outside, crossing a flat water corridor to a pavilion with flickering lights. Inside the grove near the pavilion, there was a restroom.

The place was quiet and pleasant, just the way Li Xuanyan liked it.

When the two emerged from the grove, they saw a man standing by the pavilion ahead. His figure was tall and imposing, standing by the water, the waves lifting the hem of his robe. The hazy light enveloped him, giving him an ethereal quality.

Li Xuanyan couldn’t help but feel a bit envious of Xu Yunqi as she nudged her towards the man and left with a smile.

Xu Yunqi chuckled and lifted her skirt to walk towards Pei Muheng, “Third Master?”

Hearing her soft voice, Pei Muheng turned around. Xu Yunqi, dressed in a pale pink satin robe, stood tall on the steps. The reflection of the lake’s light on her face made her look almost unreal in her beauty.

Having not seen her for a long time, he naturally missed her. Seeing her dressed so lightly in the cold autumn wind, he asked, “Are you cold?”

Xu Yunqi, accustomed to practicing the Five Animals Exercises, was sturdier than the other girls. She had also drunk a few glasses of wine earlier, and her body felt warm, so she shook her head.

Pei Muheng quickly took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. They stood side by side, gazing at the rippling lake, feeling a sense of affection welling up.

Footsteps occasionally passed behind them on the stone path, and the light laughter didn’t disturb them. Pei Muheng inquired about her time at the Imperial Medical Office. Xu Yunqi gave a brief and light answer, avoiding any worries. Pei Muheng, looking at his wife, who only reported good news, felt quite helpless. If it weren’t for Xun Yunhe being in the capital, he wouldn’t have felt at ease.

The cold wind brushed her face, and as the heat from her cheeks subsided, Xu Yunqi felt a bit cold. She pressed her finger lightly on the back of his hand and asked, “Third Master…”

Just as she was about to invite him to return, those clear and elegant eyes turned to her, the reflection of the rippling water in his eyes like falling starlight. Xu Yunqi felt enchanted, her throat dry.

“Yunqi, did you miss me?” Pei Muheng’s deep and magnetic voice felt like fine sand grains rolling across her heart.

There was no other possible answer to such a question. Xu Yunqi unhesitatingly nodded and softly replied, “Yes.”

Pei Muheng, unsure if he believed her, brushed aside the strands of hair blown by the wind and smiled silently.

After a while, noticing that her nose had turned red from the cold, Pei Mucheng took her hand and led her back to Yongning Palace.

The Emperor, being old, soon got drunk, and the banquet gradually dispersed.

By the third quarter of the hour of the pig (10:45 PM), the Prince Xi’s mansion’s people returned home one by one. Upon entering the main gate, Prince Xi turned to look for Pei Muheng, “Muheng, come with me to the study…”

Before he could finish, Princess Consort Xi interrupted loudly, “It’s so late, and Muheng has just returned exhausted. Can’t it wait until tomorrow?!” She gave her husband two sharp looks.

Prince Xi immediately understood. Indeed, the young couple had been married for a year, and there was still no news of a child. Princess Consort Xi was nearly worried sick, and Prince Xi was also concerned. At this point, nothing was more important than having an heir. So Prince Xi quickly quieted down, laughed heartily, and led Princess Consort Xi to the rear courtyard.

With the departure of her brother and sister-in-law, Pei Mushan and her sisters, being considerate, did not come to disturb them. Pei Muheng and Xu Yunxi exchanged a glance, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Back at Qinghui Garden, Pei Muheng, who smelled alcohol on him, hurried to the bathroom. As he was removing his outer garment, he noticed a shadow dimming the light on the screen. Xu Yunxi came around.

Pei Muheng’s half-exposed body was outside, with his clothing still hanging on his wrist. He could have easily put it back on but chose not to. He asked her quietly, “Yunxi?”

Xu Yunxi had never served him while he bathed before, so her sudden entry surprised him. His quiet eyes showed a slight hint of warmth until he noticed her hand holding medicine and realized he had misunderstood. Helplessly, he touched his forehead.

Xu Yunxi, looking calm, approached him from behind, “I’m here to check on your injuries.”

His long back was crisscrossed with five or six scars, old and new overlapping. One of them had scabbed over, but judging by the wound, the flesh had turned outwards, and the cut had gone very deep. Xu Yunxi furrowed her brow and sighed deeply, ‘I’ll help you wash.”

As husband and wife, there was nothing to be shy about. Pei Muheng undressed and stepped into the bath barrel. Once inside, Xu Yunxi bent down behind him to help wash his back.

Xu Yunxi’s movements were extremely gentle and meticulous. Waves of itching sensation spread across the skin, slowly fermenting into a sense of heat. Pei Muheng’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. After a while, he asked her sideways, “Are you done?”

Xu Yunxi replied with a hum, “Almost done..”

Earlier at the waterside pavilion, she had also replied with a hum, soft and delicate like silk, lingering in his ear for a long time.

Pei Muheng closed his eyes and said nothing.

After a while, Xu Yunxi finished treating his wounds and began to pack up her things. Just as she straightened up, the light in front of her dimmed.

The man, without fastening his belt, lifted her up and placed her directly on the tall table. Xu Yunxi noticed a piece of clothing underneath her and felt slightly lost.

“Your wound has just been treated…”

The damp warmth had already landed on her fair neck, raising goosebumps layer by layer. Xu Yunxi quickly found herself unable to speak. With no support from the thin screen behind her, she abruptly grabbed his shoulder, but upon touching a wound, she quickly let go. Her slender arms, like willow branches, swayed in the steamy air.

After some time, the wide garment underneath had become damp. Pei Muheng’s hoarse voice softly brushed past her ear, “Now I believe you missed me…”

Xu Yunxi’s cheeks flushed with warmth, her watery eyes immediately glanced elsewhere, and she pressed her lips together without saying a word.