Chapter 29

After Xu Yunqi left, Prince Xi immediately went inside to change into his court attire. Princess Consort Xi remained silent throughout, quietly helping her husband dress.

Once he was fully dressed, Prince Xi adjusted his attire and glanced at her, “Underestimated her, didn’t you?”

Princess Consort Xi’s lips moved slightly but didn’t argue, simply saying, “Yes.” She then smoothed the wrinkles on his shoulder and stepped aside.

Prince Xi let out a cold laugh, striding out of Jinhe Hall. As he crossed the threshold, he saw the steward approaching and casually asked, “Where is the third young master?”

The steward looked up and answered, “The third young master went to the Censorate before dawn.”

Prince Xi nodded and said no more. He walked through the corridor, along the veranda to the flower hall in the central axis of the residence, also called the Drooping Flower Hall. The east side of the Drooping Flower Hall was planted with a cluster of green bamboo, and the west side with a crabapple tree. Under the crabapple tree stood a pretty girl, her gaze cold and her lips full of mockery.

Prince Xi strode over and, seeing her angry expression, instinctively reached out to pat her head, but Pei Mushan avoided him.

“How dare you!” she glared fiercely.

Prince Xi sighed deeply and said earnestly, “Your sister-in-law is dedicated to practicing medicine and doesn’t want to burden your brother. Besides, she doesn’t have feelings for your brother. After half a year of marriage, she hasn’t developed any affection for him. Why should our Xi residence restrain her?”

Pei Mushan turned her face stubbornly, not speaking.

Prince Xi patted her shoulder, “You can’t hold her back just because you like her.”

Pei Mushan was momentarily stunned, unable to find words.

Prince Xi walked past her into the front courtyard, following the splendid corridor out of the residence.

The journey to the palace was marked by poor weather. After the morning sun disappeared behind the clouds, the surroundings became stifling and oppressive, with signs of impending rain. By the time Prince Xi reached the Fengtian Hall from Donghua Gate, he was drenched in sweat.

In the past, the Emperor rarely saw Prince Xi when he requested an audience, but today, the Emperor unusually allowed him in without hesitation.

Prince Xi asked an attendant outside for a towel to wipe his sweat before striding into the imperial study.

The Emperor had not seen this son for a long time. Yesterday, during the military inspection, he had only allowed him to kneel outside the hall. The Emperor hadn’t noticed the years passing, but now, seeing his son with a military background, he saw the clarity and determination in his eyes. Though over forty, he still exuded a commanding presence. The Emperor’s gaze showed some complexity.

“Son greets His Majesty.” Prince Xi entered the hall and performed a grand salute. As he raised his eyes, he saw two people sitting on either side—Minister of Rites Zheng Yucheng and Deputy Minister of Revenue Xun Yunhe. Additionally, there was a man slouching beside the Emperor, legs crossed and looking rather bored; this was the Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun.

The three men stood up to greet Prince Xi.

Prince Xi remained kneeling.

The Emperor waved his sleeve, signaling Prince Xi to sit beside him. Prince Xi then took a seat below the Twelfth Prince and above Xun Yunhe on the brocade stool.

Though the Twelfth Prince was his younger brother, his status as a legitimate son placed him above Prince Xi in rank, so it was not improper.

The Emperor continued the earlier unfinished conversation, pointing at Xun Yunhe, and asked Grand Secretary Zheng, “I have no objection to this match. It all depends on whether Lord Xun agrees.”

Zheng Yucheng hurriedly bowed to Xun Yunhe, saying, “Lord Xun, it is a rare honor that the Empress favors your daughter. You should agree.”

Xun Yunhe let out a bitter smile. He had been busy with the salt-for-grain exchange program and hadn’t returned home for several days. Initially, Pei Muheng had proposed this idea to stockpile grain at the border and meet military needs. As a senior official in the Ministry of Revenue, Xun Yunhe had refined the proposal, suggesting that areas with surplus grain could exchange it for salt tickets while other regions could use cloth, silver, or even horses, implementing a policy tailored to each state. This significantly increased the national treasury’s income and received widespread praise. Just as he was making progress, the Emperor suddenly summoned him to the imperial study. Grand Secretary Zheng had taken a liking to his daughter and wanted her to marry the Twelfth Prince. Xun Yunhe really didn’t want to get involved in this matter, so he stood up and said, “Your Majesty, if I may report, last year, my unfilial daughter was unwell and went to Qingshan Temple to recuperate. During that time, she consulted Master Cian, who said she should not marry early, as it would affect her ability to bear children. Therefore, I do not plan to arrange a marriage for her in the next two years.”

Hearing this, the Emperor raised his eyebrows and glanced at the Twelfth Prince beside him, “See, I had already decided to marry you to the daughter of Lord Wen’s family, but your mother wouldn’t agree. She insisted on selecting from the families of the grand secretaries. The only suitable girls are from the Xiao family and the Xun family. I’ve heard that the Xiao girl hasn’t fully recovered from her injury, and Lord Xun has just declined. What will you do?”

Pei Xun could no longer hold back, “Father, let your son find his own match at his own pace.”

The Emperor fell silent.

When Pei Xun was ten, the Empress arranged a child marriage for him with the niece of Lord Wen. Unfortunately, the girl drowned three days after the engagement, causing a great blow to the royal family. There were even rumors among the people that the Twelfth Prince was cursed. The Empress fell ill with anger and shunned the Wen family. As a result, the Twelfth Prince’s marriage had been repeatedly delayed.

Seeing that his son was nearing thirty, the Emperor couldn’t let him delay any longer. Feeling indebted to the Wen family, he decided to marry the Twelfth Prince to the eldest granddaughter of Lord Wen. When the Empress heard this, she vehemently objected, insisting that the Emperor select a bride from the families of the grand secretaries.

This made the situation difficult.

“With so many girls yesterday, didn’t you like any of them?” the Emperor asked his son.

Pei Xun decided to shift the focus and pointed at Prince Xi, “Father, Fourth Brother rarely comes to see you. If he’s here today, it must be important. Why don’t you deal with Fourth Brother’s matter first, then worry about mine.”

The Emperor had already guessed Prince Xi’s intentions and sighed, “Speak.”

Prince Xi knelt once more, “Your Majesty, there are rumors in the city today, suggesting that Henger’s wife is not the biological daughter of Master Xu. Have you heard of this? Her biological father died on his way to take the imperial examination when she was four. Later, her mother remarried into the Xu family…”

Xun Yunhe felt a sudden pang of pain as he heard these words, feeling somewhat distracted.

The Emperor leaned against a soft cushion and nodded, “I have heard. I have already sent the Eastern Depot to investigate the Xu family. Xu Ke admitted the facts but stated that he raised the girl from a young age and has always considered her as his daughter. I do not blame the Xu family.”

Prince Xi looked grateful, “Your Majesty is wise. Additionally, the events of yesterday… Your Majesty must be aware…” Prince Xi began to recount the details.

The Emperor waved his hand to stop him, then straightened up and said, “I understand your intentions. It is indeed inappropriate for a royal woman to practice medicine. I hastily decided on this marriage. This morning, Henger brought up this matter to me, and I have already thought it through.”

Prince Xi was surprised and glanced at Pei Xun, who was playing with a paper fan, seemingly indifferent.

The Emperor clearly gave this a lot of thought and continued, “I approve of Henger and Xu Yunqi’s separation. Xu Yunqi performed a great deed yesterday, and I am very pleased. After the separation, I will reward her appropriately and ensure she is well taken care of.”

At the initial hour of Si (around 9 AM), Imperial Physician He reported to the Emperor that Xu Yunqi’s medical skills were outstanding, especially her acupuncture. The Emperor thought of giving Xu Yunqi an honorary title and allowing her to join the Imperial Academy of Medicine as a female national physician, which seemed feasible.

Prince Xi hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly and was slightly stunned.

The Emperor, thinking of Pei Muheng, laughed, “This marriage with the Xu family was decided while I was drunk. I did not investigate thoroughly beforehand, and it has been unfair to Henger. After the separation, I will choose a noble girl for him to marry.”

Prince Xi hurriedly knelt and said, “Your Majesty, I am humbled. In fact, that young lady from the Xu family is elegant and gracious, an excellent woman. I have come to the palace today at her own request. She said she is dedicated to saving lives and practicing medicine and does not wish to be confined to the inner quarters. Therefore, she earnestly asks for the separation.”

“Really?” The Emperor was slightly surprised, then smiled. “A worthy ambition; women can be as capable as men.” He was pleased and found Xu Yunqi more suitable as a female physician than Pei Muheng’s wife.

Hearing this, Pei Xun looked surprised and asked Prince Xi, “Did she request the separation?”

Prince Xi smiled bitterly, “Yes, she did.”

Pei Xun’s paper fan slowly dropped into his palm, and he remained silent.

Upon hearing that Xu Yunqi had initiated the separation, the Emperor laughed again and asked Prince Xi, “What does Henger think about this?”

Prince Xi was taken aback and replied, “I haven’t asked him yet.”

The Emperor rested his hands on the imperial desk, slowly moving the paperweight, and laughed, “I arranged the marriage without asking him. Now, you are asking for a separation without asking him. Aren’t you afraid he’ll be upset when you return?”

Prince Xi thought to himself that it would be strange if Pei Muheng got upset. He had been observing his son for days and hadn’t seen any signs of deep affection towards Xu Yunqi. Clearly, Pei Muheng did not have feelings for her, and Xu Yunqi felt the same. The marriage was forced upon them.

Given that, why force them to stay together?

At that moment, Xun Yunhe suddenly stood up and bowed deeply, “Your Majesty, I believe this matter must be discussed with the Third Young Master.”

Xun Yunhe had been listening carefully and sensed something was wrong.

Pei Muheng’s wife had saved Yan Shaoling the previous day, and now rumors about her not being the Xu family’s biological daughter were spreading. This seemed like a forced push for the royal family to divorce her.

Thinking of his daughter Xun Yunling’s affection for Pei Muheng, Xun Yunhe suspected his wife and daughter might be involved and couldn’t stand by and watch the marriage fall apart. If Pei Muheng also wanted the separation, he would have nothing to say.

The Emperor nodded, “I agree. Separation is a matter for the couple, and Henger’s consent is needed. Here’s what we’ll do,” he said to Prince Xi, “Go back and tell Heng that I have approved the separation. He just needs to come to the palace to request it himself.”

The Emperor was secretly pleased with the two medicinal cakes Xu Yunqi had prepared, which had rejuvenated him. Once Pei Muheng requested the separation, he could rightfully keep Xu Yunqi in the Imperial Medical Academy, making it convenient to get those medicinal cakes in the future.

As Prince Xi left Fengtian Hall, Pei Xun found an excuse to follow him out, and the two walked down the steps together.

Prince Xi glanced sideways at him, “Twelfth Brother, what did you say to Father that made him agree so quickly to Henger’s separation?” Prince Xi had never forgotten the Emperor’s initial reason for arranging the marriage.

Pei Xun raised his fan to shade his eyes and looked at the gray sky, smiling, “I always thought that someone like Miss Xu shouldn’t be confined to the inner quarters. Henger isn’t suitable for her.”

“Oh, by the way, Henger is at the Censorate. You can go straight there.”

*

The case of Chen Mingshan resurfaced. When Pei Muheng returned to the Censorate early in the morning, Left Censor-in-Chief Shi Zhuo had gone to the Ministry of Justice and the Court Judicial Review, with all three judicial departments competing for jurisdiction over the case. Pei Muheng was busy when Huang Wei brought news from outside the palace, informing him that someone had slandered Xu Yunqi, claiming she was not the biological daughter of the Xu family and accusing the Xu family of deceiving the Emperor.

Pei Muheng was stunned. His first reaction was that someone was targeting him, but he quickly realized it was aimed at Xu Yunqi and the Xu family.

“Go tell Wang Fan to investigate and find out who is working behind the scenes.”

Wang Fan was Pei Muheng’s secret guard and his eyes and ears. Just as Huang Wei was about to leave, he remembered something and came back, “By the way, there’s news from the residence that Prince Xi has gone to the palace to seek an audience with His Majesty.”

Prince Xi must have gone to the palace to defend the Xu family.

Pei Muheng nodded, indicating he understood.

Left Censor-in-Chief Shi Zhuo, a rather loud and brash character, insisted on exposing the case, while Minister of Justice Xiao Yu, knowing it involved Chief Minister Yan Ping, attempted to cover it up. Pei Muheng wanted to give Yan Ping time to react and mediate on the side.

By noon, he finally managed to calm Shi Zhuo down and played a bit of diplomatic maneuvering. When Pei Muheng returned to the small courtyard next to the Wenzhao Hall, he saw his father holding a blue and white porcelain teacup, gazing at the sky from the corridor.

“It looks like rain,” he said.

Pei Muheng, holding a stack of documents, walked along the corridor and stepped over the threshold, asking, “Has the matter with the Xu family been settled?”

Prince Xi followed him inside and replied, “His Majesty did not blame the Xu family.”

Pei Muheng paused, turning back with a dark expression, “What do you mean he did not blame the Xu family? This is clearly fabricated; the Xu family is innocent.”

“The Xu family is not entirely innocent,” Prince Xi raised his eyes, placing the teacup on the table, and looked at him with a complicated expression,

“Your wife has confessed to your mother and me that she is not actually a member of the Xu family,” Prince Xi relayed Xu Yunqi’s words.

Hearing this, Pei Muheng was clearly stunned, and the documents in his hand fell onto the table. His expression was cold, like a lake carved into an abyss, without a ripple.

The room fell into silence.

Huang Wei, perceptive as ever, ushered everyone out, leaving the courtyard to just the father and son.

Prince Xi, not intending to stay long, stood in the study without sitting. After a moment, Pei Muheng slowly lowered his gaze and organized the fallen documents, saying nothing.

First, she showed her face as a physician, and now, she isn’t even the Xu family’s biological daughter. There were so many unknowns about her, catching him off guard and unprepared.

No wonder she proposed the separation.

Pei Muheng’s first reaction was to blame her for not trusting him and hiding everything from him. Then he realized that she had been forced to marry him by imperial decree, so what right did he have to complain?

Prince Xi didn’t need to ask, knowing his son’s mind must be in turmoil. On one side was his wife of half a year, and on the other, his future ambitions and family prestige. The choice was clear, and letting go would allow him to marry a wife who could truly support his future.

Given this, it was better to cut the ties quickly. He continued, “Your grandfather’s intention is that a royal woman’s reputation is precious and should not be tarnished by being seen in public. He has approved your separation…”

Before Prince Xi could finish, a clear voice interrupted him abruptly, “Father, there’s been another incident with Chen Mingshan. When he was appointed as an official in the capital, it was actually bought with money. It’s a case of selling positions by Prince Qin. The Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Court Judicial Review are all investigating…”

His eyes were as calm as the clouds in the sky, disappearing with the wind. In his crimson official robe, he stood tall and elegant, his refined features making the study seem brighter.

Seeing his still-calm son, Prince Xi didn’t respond directly, “You only need to go to the palace to request the decree, and then you can go your separate ways…”

It was unclear if Pei Muheng heard him. He just placed the documents on the corner of the table and raised his voice, “Huang Wei, where is the seal His Majesty bestowed upon me? I need it for the documents to transfer the case to the Court Judicial Review…”

Huang Wei, who had been waiting at the door, hurried in, just as Prince Xi sighed, “Ah, take care of yourself.”

Leaving those words behind, Prince Xi strode away.

Once the imposing figure disappeared, Pei Muheng set aside the documents and slowly sat down.

Huang Wei found the seal in a box on the bookshelf and handed it to him, “Third Young Master, here it is.”

Pei Muheng gazed at the blood-red seal for a long time, saying nothing.

Like silver needles, rain scattered across the sky, tapping against his heart.

The tea prepared for him on the table was already lukewarm. He took a sip, the fresh flavor of Emei Maojian tea unfolding in his mouth, leaving a lingering bitterness.

In the afternoon, dark clouds gathered, and the layers of clouds in the sky seemed about to collapse.

The news of the Emperor permitting the separation somehow spread throughout the city. When the news reached Qinghui Garden, Xu Yunqi smiled with relief and instructed Yin Xing, “Pack our things. We’re leaving.”

Having traveled the world for many years, Xu Yunqi had developed the habit of packing quickly. In no time, she had packed a cloth bag containing only a few changes of clothes, some silver notes, and a simple wooden box. The box held three jade hairpins, two pairs of earrings, and a hollow gold pendant as large as a pigeon egg. Inside the pendant, there seemed to be something she couldn’t see. It was a precious item given to her by her grandfather before he left, instructing her to always carry it with her. Xu Yunqi wore it around her neck when she went out and kept it in the box when she returned home, never parting from it.

Yin Xing, moving sluggishly, packed the medical box from the small pharmacy and tied the medical pouch filled with instruments around her waist. She turned to look at the remaining bottles, jars, and shelves of medicinal herbs in the pharmacy and asked, “What should we do with these?”

Xu Yunqi slung the bag over her shoulder and said calmly, “Leave them.” She turned to leave.

“What about the dowry?” This time, the young maid’s voice was choked with emotion.

Xu Yunqi turned back, looking at her helplessly. Seeing her red-rimmed eyes, she walked over, gently brushed her tears, and comforted her with a smile,

“Silly girl, most of the dowry was the gifts from the Prince’s residence. The rest were additions from the Xu family. Previously, the Prince’s residence gave generous gifts, offsetting the Xu family’s dowry. They are not ours to take.”

Yin Xing, already emotional, couldn’t hold back her tears at Xu Yunqi’s touch. She angrily said, “The Third Young Master is really heartless. They say a day as husband and wife is worth a hundred days of grace. You’ve been his wife for half a year, and he can be so cruel.”

Xu Yunqi found the young maid somewhat unreasonable, “I proposed the separation. It has nothing to do with him.”

Yin Xing huffed, “Yes, you proposed it, but only because you saw they didn’t want you practicing medicine and didn’t want to burden them. If he really had any feelings for you, he would have stopped the Prince and the Emperor.”

Xu Yunqi realized the young maid was being stubborn. She rubbed her forehead, not wanting to explain further, “Alright, let’s go.”

Just as they were about to leave, they ran into Nanny Chen. Her eyes filled with tears upon seeing that the mistress and servant had already packed their things. Attempting to persuade them to stay, she finally choked out, “Young Mistress… Your mother is here, waiting for you at the door…”

Xu Yunqi was slightly surprised, “My mother is here?”

Yin Xing, peeking from behind, said, “Madam is here? That’s more like it.” She had thought even the Xu family had abandoned her mistress.

At this moment, a maid from Madam Zhang’s side entered the courtyard, approaching Xu Yunqi, “Madam heard the news and immediately brought me here to fetch you.”

Meanwhile, Nanny Chen, following closely behind, anxiously explained, “Young Madam, don’t leave in such a hurry. Although His Majesty has given his consent, the Third Young Master has yet to request the decree. At least… at least wait until the divorce document is finalized before you go.”

Before Xu Yunqi could respond, the maid from the Xu family said with a forced smile, “We’ll send for it once the Third Young Master returns. My mistress wouldn’t allow our young lady to stay here and face such treatment.”

“Nanny, perhaps you don’t know, but our young lady has no worries about finding a match. As soon as the decree is issued, Madam Jiang from the Jiang family is ready to welcome her as the mistress of their household.”

As a servant, who wouldn’t want to serve a kind mistress?

Nanny Chen, unwilling to part with Xu Yunqi, quickly said, “Sister, please don’t say that. Nothing is certain yet. Our Third Young Master hasn’t returned…”

As they spoke, they reached the door. Madam Xie was still greeting guests, but Xu Yunqi’s mother, Madam Zhang, refused to get out of the carriage, waiting for Xu Yunqi to come out so she could take her away.

As soon as Xu Yunqi left the residence, the news of her impending separation from Pei Muheng spread throughout the capital.

Meanwhile, at the Yan residence, the just-recovered Madam Yan widened her eyes upon hearing the news, “Is it true?”

The eldest daughter-in-law of the Yan family replied, “Indeed. After all, Miss Xu is a royal woman, and the royal family would never allow her to practice medicine publicly. His Majesty has already approved their separation, and as soon as the Third Young Master goes to Fengtian Hall to request the decree, it will be finalized.”

Madam Yan shook her head repeatedly, “I understand, but I can’t accept it,” she said, being a straightforward person,

“Our Yan family doesn’t have so many rules. Such a good girl shouldn’t be given to outsiders,” she gave the eldest daughter-in-law a meaningful look.

Eldest daughter-in-law immediately understood, “We have five eligible young masters in our residence. Apart from keeping Shaoling for Shanshan, Miss Xu can choose any of the others.”

Among them were two of the eldest daughter-in-law’s sons and two from the second branch of the family.

Madam Yan, pleased with her daughter-in-law’s astuteness, added, “You’re wise not to mind that she’s been married before or her background. She saved Shaoling’s life, which makes her a benefactor of our family. Marrying her into our family will only bring us good fortune. Let her choose whomever she likes, whether legitimate or not.”

“Send someone to the imperial city to gather information. As soon as the Third Young Master receives the decree, we’ll go to the Xu family to propose.”

The eldest daughter-in-law immediately responded and left. Just as she stepped out, the second daughter-in-law of the Yan family rushed in, “We can’t wait any longer, Mother. I’ve heard that Madam Jiang is already sitting at the Xu family’s gate.”

Madam Yan was stunned, “Which Jiang family?”

The second daughter-in-law explained, “The Jiang family of the Ningyuan Marquis Residence in Mingshifang. Their ancestors were military heroes, and now Master Jiang is the garrison commander in Zhenjiang, a fourth-rank official.”

Hearing it was a fourth-rank residence, Madam Yan looked worried. With this lesson, the Xu family might not be willing to let Xu Yunqi marry into a high-ranking family again. After pondering for a moment, Madam Yan began to strategize, “Eldest daughter-in-law, go to the palace and seek out Noble Concubine Yan to help arrange this marriage.”

“Second daughter-in-law, call on the wife of the Deputy Minister of Rites. Go to the Xu family now to propose.”

“Additionally, ask those brothers to show up in front of Miss Xu. They all saw her yesterday. Those who are clever should make a good impression on her.”

Xu Yunqi had just been taken away by Madam Zhang when the secret guard swiftly rushed to the imperial city.

At that moment, the rain grew heavier, with bean-sized raindrops pattering against the eaves, forming bead curtains as they slid from the eaves.

Pei Muheng, not having time for lunch, made another visit to the Censorate. On his way back, several officials from the Ministry of Revenue caught up with him regarding the salt-for-grain issue, “Lord Xun’s regulations are ready. We’d like you to review them. If there are no issues, we’ll present them to His Majesty for approval and implement them nationwide…”

Pei Muheng closed his oil-paper umbrella and gently patted the water droplets off his clothes, “This matter shouldn’t be delayed. Let me have a look.”

Raising his eyes, he saw the rain pouring down outside the corridor. The summer heat had dissipated a bit, and the moist air hit his face, dampening his long eyelashes and making them look frosty.

At this moment, the secret guard rushed in from the rain, barely steadying himself before shouting to the figure in the hall, “Third Young Master, Madam Xu has taken our Young Madam back!”