Chapter 39

The title of Hanlin Scholar was prestigious, marking one as a close minister to the emperor. Trusted individuals would draft confidential edicts and strategize within the royal court. In his previous life, Pei Jian ascended to prominence through this role.

Qin Lang’s father strongly advocated for Qin Lang to join the Hanlin Academy to gain experience for similar reasons. However, in this life, Pei Jian planned to take a more direct and expedient route to reclaim the pinnacle of power.

On the second day after the incident involving Princess Wen Shu, Pei Jian was summoned to the Eastern Palace by the Crown Prince.

After the formalities, Pei Jian bowed and asked, “Does Your Highness still believe this was an accident?”

The Crown Prince, Xiao Heng, was a benevolent man—less resolute and ruthless compared to Prince Jing. Early on, when the pleasure boat caught fire, Pei Jian had already cautioned him.

Yet, because Nianxi inadvertently saved the princess, the Crown Prince was more inclined to believe it was an accident. However, the horses on the racetrack were all carefully selected by the Horse Administration for the royal family and would not go mad without reason.

Xiao Heng was puzzled. “Why Wen Shu? If someone wanted to harm me, it should have been directed at me. She’s merely a princess and does not affect the political situation.”

Pei Jian, who had dealt with this kind and gentle crown prince for years in his previous life, knew him well. He spoke directly without beating around the bush. “After the previous Empress passed away, His Majesty grieved deeply and raised Your Highness by his side, personally educating you. Later, Consort Shu and the Empress entered the palace, giving birth to princesses and princes. May I ask, Your Highness, has His Majesty treated you the same as before?”

“If things were truly as they were, then among the seven royal princesses, why does Your Highness favor Wen Shu the most?”

In truth, Xiao Heng had lost the protection of his biological mother, while Consort Shu had no prince to rely on. This led to their alliance, hoping for mutual benefit in the future.

Xiao Heng’s smile disappeared, replaced by the dignity and authority of a nation’s heir. Sternly, he said, “Pei Shizhang, how dare you!”

He and Consort Shu, the crown prince and a favored consort, had always maintained a respectful distance, never making their connection obvious. How did Pei Jian come to know of this?

Pei Jian’s dark eyes were calm, and his expression was composed, like a snow-covered mountain radiating a trustworthy and transcendent aura. He replied, neither arrogant nor servile, “If I could see it, others could as well—and likely understand it on an even deeper level. Your Highness, consider this: with Consort Shu’s love for Princess Wen Shu, what would happen if something befell the princess? What would Your Highness do if Consort Shu were to fall ill again, leaving the Empress’s household to dominate the harem entirely?”

It is said that the harem should not interfere in politics. This responsibility rests solely on His Majesty; the dynamics of the court and harem depend entirely on his favor. Within the harem, the women vie for nothing more than a fragment of His Majesty’s attention.

The Empress and Prince Jing’s faction are powerful. Since Consort Shu’s passing, deeply grieved, Crown Prince Xiao Heng has lost a strong ally in the harem. Moreover, suspicion naturally arises as the Crown Prince grows in stature and His Majesty declines with age. The position of Crown Prince, while seemingly supremely honorable, is fraught with immense peril.

At present, His Majesty is in his prime, yet years later—on the very day of Nianxi’s death—rumors will spread within the palace that His Majesty is on his deathbed.

All the years of planning with the Crown Prince would culminate in that moment. When everything had been meticulously arranged, and the Crown Prince was finally elevated to the pinnacle of power, Pei Jian would reach the zenith of his life, fulfilled and triumphant—only to face a devastating blow.

His wife, Nianxi, had passed away.

Pei Jian closed his eyes, suppressing the torrent of emotions within him. No matter who it was, in this lifetime, he would find and destroy the person who caused Nianxi’s death.

Xiao Heng, filled with suspicion, asked, “Are you suggesting… this person targeted Wen Shu to harm me?”

Pei Jian affirmed.

Xiao Heng, being kind-hearted, was not adept at such intricate schemes. He fell silent, looking at Pei Jian with uncertainty.

Pei Jian bowed again, saying, “Your Highness’s trust is beyond my ability to repay. I humbly request to join the Three Judicial Offices. Please grant your approval.”

The Three Judicial Offices consist of the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review.

Xiao Heng asked, “Why do you wish to join the Three Judicial Offices? Which department are you interested in? Is the Hanlin Academy not good enough?”

After all, it would allow for internal court planning. At this point, Xiao Heng had placed considerable trust in Pei Jian.

“The Censorate oversees all officials, supervises the regions, gathers intelligence, and upholds discipline.” Pei Jian’s voice was low and composed. His dark, clear peach blossom eyes made him appear especially steady and reliable. “I am willing to strengthen discipline and rectify governance for Your Highness.”

Regarding political adversaries, no one was more aware of their weaknesses and vulnerabilities than Pei Jian. Joining the Censorate and striking with precision was undoubtedly the most direct and swift path. This was the only advantage his rebirth had given him.

“The cavalry under the Northern Liang’s Crown Prince is exceptionally valiant. In the upcoming northern battle, we must remain vigilant. I propose moving the western administrative platform northward and stationing troops at Shou Ridge for reinforcement…”

…

Pei Jian leaned over his desk, writing diligently.

Passing by, Scholar Zhang patted him on the shoulder and remarked, “Young man, having drive is a good thing. But why are you here alone on a beautiful day like the Qixi Festival? Even an old man like me is heading home after work.”

Scholar Zhang was a true academic at heart, one of the rare Hanlin Scholars who genuinely dedicated himself to study. Most Hanlin Academicians, including Pei Jian, used scholarship as a stepping stone toward their ambitions. But Scholar Zhang remained a rare, untainted figure.

Pei Jian had always respected people like him, who stayed true to themselves. “I plan to head to the Western Market once I finish this task.”

“The Western Market?” Having lived in the capital for years, Scholar Zhang knew that the Western Market was the most lively and bustling area during Qixi. As the lanterns lit up, almost every lady in the city would be out to enjoy the festival.

Pei Jian’s character was not the type to seek out such excitement. Stroking his beard, Scholar Zhang chuckled, “Ah, is there a young lady you fancy?”

This question stemmed from Scholar Zhang’s wife, who had her heart set on pairing Pei Jian with their eldest daughter. At home, her persistence had disrupted his studies to the point that she insisted he inquire about Pei Jian’s situation and, ideally, invite him over for dinner that night.

Pei Jian smiled faintly but did not deny it.

Hearing this, Scholar Zhang felt relieved. In his heart, he knew his eldest daughter was not a suitable match for Pei Jian. Yet, his wife’s insistence had pushed him to make a reluctant effort.

After a bit more casual conversation, Scholar Zhang laughed and said, “It’s a festive day, and my wife has prepared a banquet since morning. I’m heading home now, so you should finish up soon. Don’t keep the young lady waiting.”

Pei Jian was well aware of Scholar Zhang’s deep bond with his wife. Back in the Hanlin Academy, when he occasionally heard Zhang complain, it was always accompanied by a fond smile and a shake of his head, “Ah, my wife, what can I say…”

It reminded Pei Jian of Nianxi’s parents.

After a moment of hesitation, he couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, what do you usually give your wife as gifts?”

At that time, he had given Nianxi a pair of earrings, but she was clearly not satisfied. In recent days, aside from his busy official duties, Pei Jian had been consumed by one thought: What does Nian Xi like?

What could he give her to make her happy?

When Nianxi loved him in the past, no matter how upset she was, as long as he made an effort to cheer her up, she would quickly forgive him, never making it difficult for him. She had once said, “No matter what you give me, as long as it’s from you, I’ll be delighted.”

Now, she had forgotten those words, forgotten that she ever loved him.

Pei Jian wanted her to remember again.

Scholar Zhang, who was already stepping out of the doorway, paused and turned back upon hearing the question.

Pei Shizhang, usually composed and mature beyond his years, appeared slightly uneasy as he awaited Scholar Zhang’s response.

Having been young once, Scholar Zhang immediately recognized the weight this young lady held in Pei Jian’s heart. After carefully considering, he replied, “It doesn’t have to be the most expensive. The best gifts carry memories between the two of you or are something she’s mentioned liking before.”

“The most important thing is thoughtfulness.”

“You must be sincere.”