Chapter 61

The couple remained in a standoff for several days. As the days dragged on, Pei Muheng grew increasingly disheartened. During this time, Xu Yunxi happened to be on her period, making it inconvenient for her. For two of those days, upon hearing that Pei Muheng had returned to the mansion, she lay on the couch and asked Nanny Chen to invite Pei Muheng for dinner. Pei Muheng did not respond, so Xu Yunxi could only assume that her husband was serious and did not want to engage with her.

When a woman is on her period, it is not suitable for her to be overworked. Xu Yunxi always takes good care of her body, so she set aside the matter and rested peacefully.

On October 16th, Xun Yunhe had already arrived at Taishan to pay homage to Heaven and Earth. On the same day, the Emperor, along with civil and military officials, also performed a sacrificial ceremony at the Sheji Altar.

The sacrificial ritual began in the morning. Pei Muheng had discussed matters with Prince Xi until midnight the previous night. Early this morning, he arrived at the Wenzhao Hall before dawn. The late autumn wind was bitterly cold, and a thick layer of frost had formed on the steps of the Wenzhao Hall. Even Pei Muheng’s nose was frozen red. He quickly entered the inner hall and called the on-duty officials and the record-keeping eunuch to recheck the sacrificial procedures for the day.

Every year, the sacrificial text to heaven and earth is written by the Grand Tutor Qi of the Hanlin Academy. The Grand Tutor is a giant in the field of Confucianism and is known as the best scholar of his generation. Along with the former Minister of Rites, Elder Su, who has retired to his hometown, they are known as “Northern Qi and Southern Su.” Elder Su is currently the nation’s father-in-law, the father of the Empress, and the maternal grandfather of the Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun. Eight years ago, Elder Su had a dispute with Grand Tutor Qi during a debate on Confucian classics, resulting in Elder Su resigning and returning to Yangzhou, with Elder Zheng Yucheng taking over the Ministry of Rites.

Compared to the stubborn Elder Su, Grand Tutor Qi is kind and well-respected. Many officials and princes, including the Prime Minister, Xun Yunhe, are his students.

The Grand Tutor is quick-witted and has a magnificent writing style, but he has one flaw. Due to an injury in his childhood, he doesn’t write regular script very well and prefers cursive. However, the sacrificial text cannot be written in cursive, so the Emperor designates someone to transcribe the Grand Tutor’s text each year.

Among the officials, Xun Yunhe’s regular script is unmatched. His writing is strong, neat, and elegant, much like his personality. Below him, with a vigorous and graceful handwriting, is Pei Muheng. With Xun Yunhe absent, the task was given to Pei Muheng, who transcribed two copies of the text yesterday. One will be posted outside the Zhengyang Gate for the citizens to admire, and the other will be read aloud during the grand sacrificial ceremony today.

When Pei Muheng was reviewing the process, he heard a rich laughter coming from the direction of the hall entrance. “Old as I am, I really can’t get over this threshold anymore…”

The Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the Censorate, Shi Zhuo, was helped by a young eunuch as he crossed the hall’s threshold. He immediately saw Pei Muheng sitting behind the desk, reading documents. “Oh, the County Prince is early.”

Though somewhat frail, Shi Zhuo had deep and piercing eyes. He slowly walked over, leaning on the young eunuch’s arm.

Pei Muheng stood up and greeted him with a salute. “Good morning, Elder Shi. The Prime Minister is not here, so you will preside over today’s sacrificial ceremony. I have just reviewed the process. Would you like to take another look, Elder Shi?”

The cold weather and early rise had taken a toll on Shi Zhuo, who trembled as he made his way to the round chair behind the long desk and sat down. “You are meticulous in your duties. Since you have reviewed it, I am assured. By the way, the Emperor should be up by now. Shouldn’t you go to the Fengtian Hall to attend to him?”

Pei Muheng nodded thoughtfully and soon left the Wenzhao Hall for the Fengtian Hall.

When Pei Muheng arrived, Pei Xun was already there. Through the intricately carved screen, he could hear the father and son chatting inside the hall.

“Winter is approaching. Father, you shouldn’t sleep so late anymore. Although deer blood is a great tonic, it shouldn’t be consumed too often,” Pei Xun said as he helped the Emperor get up and personally assisted him in dressing.

The Emperor frowned in displeasure and glared at his youngest son, “You dare to manage my affairs now?”

Pei Xun helped him with his belt, and Liu Xiwen stepped forward in a timely manner to tie it while kneeling. Pei Xun stood aside, smiling, “In the past, you would listen to Elder Brother’s advice. Now that Elder Brother is not here, if I don’t take care of you, who will? I always hope for your long life so that I can continue learning from you.”

The Emperor’s eyes darkened as he thought of his eldest son.

The Eldest Prince was personally raised by the Emperor and had a special bond that was different from his other sons. Even though he is now exiled to a distant land, the Emperor often misses him.

“Nowadays, only you still remember him,” the Emperor said to Pei Xun.

Pei Xun’s eyes revealed a sense of longing, “I will always remember how he took me to the border of Xuande and handed me over to Lord Wen to learn archery… Now, more than twenty years have passed, and he seems to have forgotten his original intentions.”

A trace of sadness flashed across the Emperor’s heart, “He has simply stayed in the position of the Crown Prince for too long.”

This remark also warned Pei Xun not to make the same mistake.

Pei Xun immediately acknowledged.

After a display of filial piety, Pei Xun and the Emperor left the inner hall.

As soon as they stepped out, they saw Pei Muheng standing at the entrance of the Imperial Study. Pei Muheng greeted them, “Grandfather Emperor, Twelfth Uncle.”

Pei Xun’s gaze fell upon him, the smile on his face unwavering. “Xiao Qi, have you had breakfast?”

Pei Muheng replied, “Not yet.”

“Then join me and His Majesty for breakfast.” Pei Xun had the authority to make such decisions in the Fengtian Hall.

After serving the Emperor breakfast, the two of them withdrew.

At the second quarter of the Chen hour (7-9 am), all the princes and grandsons were waiting outside the Fengtian Hall. At the third quarter of the Chen hour, the Emperor emerged from the hall, and Pei Xun immediately stepped forward to assist him.

Prince Qin followed slowly behind, never showing a good face towards Pei Xun. “Twelfth Brother, is your leg injury healed? Father is in good health and strong; he doesn’t need your attentiveness. Just be careful not to trip yourself on the one hundred and eight steps from here to the Temple of Heaven.”

Pei Xun was not angered by his mockery; instead, he earnestly replied, “Our dynasty governs the world with filial piety. Father is indeed energetic, but as his sons, we must always remember to respect and care for our parents, setting an example for the people of the world.”

The difference in their attitudes was clear.

Prince Qin felt stifled.

The Emperor glanced at him indifferently, then shifted his gaze and continued down the steps.

By the end of the hour, the Emperor, along with the princes and grandsons, arrived at the Sheji Altar. Below the altar, a large crowd had gathered, including civil and military officials and soldiers from the Six Guards.

The Emperor stood at the top of the altar, guarded by Liu Xiwen and General Zuo Xiaolin of the Imperial Guard. The other princes and grandsons stood on the steps below according to their ranks. On the left, starting from the Twelfth Prince Pei Xun, followed by Prince Qin, Prince Chen, and several other princes. Behind Pei Xun were the grandsons led by Pei Wencheng, the heir of Prince Qin.

On the right side below the Emperor were two rows of high-ranking officials above the third rank. Further down were officials below the third rank and the soldiers of the Six Guards, who wore phoenix-feathered helmets and brown armor, looking heroic and solemn.

A glance revealed thousands of people, a vast and magnificent scene, filled with a powerful and majestic atmosphere.

As a horn sounded, everyone knelt and bowed, “We humbly wish His Majesty ten thousand years of life!”

The officials’ thunderous voices created a spectacular scene. However, amidst this grand and solemn ceremony, one person was notably absent.

That person was Prince Xi.

The court holds sacrificial ceremonies to heaven and earth at the beginning and end of each year, and the Ministry of Rites and the Temple of Ceremonial Affairs also have monthly prayers. The days are usually the first or fifteenth, but it was set for October 16th this time.

The reason why the Emperor chose such an important day was that it was the birthday of the late Princess Mingyue.

Everyone knew that when Princess Mingyue was born, auspicious omens appeared in the sky, and the Emperor regarded her as a blessing for the Jin Dynasty. Therefore, the Fengshan ceremony at Taishan was set for this day.

Since it was related to Princess Mingyue, Prince Xi, the so-called “culprit,” should not be present.

Prince Xi sensibly found an excuse not to enter the palace, and the Emperor naturally tacitly approved of this. Only the old servants of the palace from that time know the truth.

It was no secret that the Emperor disliked Prince Xi, and while the officials felt indignant on Prince Xi’s behalf, they were also accustomed to it.

The sacrificial ceremony soon began. Minister of Rites Zheng Yucheng received a box from a young eunuch, opened it on the spot, and then started reading the edict to heaven and earth.

“Heaven above, Earth below, today I, continuing the will of my ancestors, carrying on the great achievements of former sages, solemnly announce to the gods of heaven and earth…”

“The Jin Dynasty has been established for one hundred and twenty-one years. With the blessing of heaven and the essence of the earth, the countless people live in peace and prosperity. The borders of China are undisturbed. I am always mindful of the ancestor’s legacy and worried about protecting the people. I live in constant vigilance, wearing my clothes until late at night, not daring to indulge myself even for a moment…”

Zheng Yucheng’s resonant voice echoed in the sky, his tone growing increasingly impassioned. Everyone bowed their heads and listened silently. As they listened, several young grandsons even dozed off.

“I am lenient in nurturing the people but harsh in treating my relatives…”

Zheng Yucheng almost read this subconsciously, but after reading it, he stumbled and quickly looked again, and then his face turned white.

The whole place fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone stared at Zheng Yucheng in shock, not daring to look at the Emperor’s expression.

The Emperor was momentarily stunned. When the words “harsh in treating my relatives” echoed in his mind for a moment, his face immediately turned as hard as iron, and he angrily shouted at Zheng Yucheng, “What did you say!”

Zheng Yucheng was terrified and quickly knelt. “Your Majesty, the edict is incorrect, the edict is incorrect!” Zheng Yucheng was already sweating profusely.

At that moment, a sudden urgent call came from the direction of the Chengtian Gate, “Your Majesty, there’s been an incident!”

The civil and military officials present all turned around to see an Imperial Guard with a tall hairpin rushing forward. Kneeling on one knee, he reported to the Emperor, “Your Majesty, there is an error in the sacrificial text posted outside the Zhengyang Gate!”

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed into icy slits, and a storm seemed to gather on his face.

Standing at the officials’ head, Shi Zhuo turned and grabbed the Imperial Guard, demanding, “What error?”

“The edict is incorrect!”

Everyone looked at the Imperial Guard, then at Zheng Yucheng, and immediately understood the situation.

After carefully considering the phrase “harsh in treating my relatives,” all eyes turned to Pei Muheng.

The edict was written by Grand Tutor Qi and transcribed by Pei Muheng. After transcribing it, he personally signed it and sent it to the Ministry of Rites and the Censorate for dissemination.

On such a solemn occasion, Prince Xi, known for his great military achievements, was excluded. The target of “harsh in treating my relatives” was obvious. This was a cry of sorrow and dissatisfaction from Prince Xi’s mansion towards the Emperor.

The wind grew stronger, the morning sun hid behind the clouds, and frost covered the entire Sheji Altar.

Deputy Minister Liu Yue of Court Judicial Review broke out in a cold sweat, an unprecedented fear surging within him.

The phrase “harsh in treating my relatives” may sound unpleasant, but it should never appear in a document to be announced to the world. The edict went through four reviews and finally reached Pei Muheng for transcription. He then sought the seals from the Cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs. Given Pei Muheng’s status and capabilities, it would not be difficult for him to bypass the seals of the Cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, especially for an edict that had already undergone four reviews. In the end, it was he who locked it in a box and handed it over to the Censorate for publication.

Given the context, this person could only be Pei Muheng.

A single word “harsh” destroyed the image of the Emperor. More importantly, this statement was factual. The Emperor’s treatment of Prince Xi could not merely be described as harsh—it was akin to abuse.

Using just this one word, the Prince Xi Mansion could be completely pushed out and never able to recover.

At this moment, another urgent voice added fuel to the fire, “Your Majesty, it’s bad. Grand Tutor Qi, upon hearing this, coughed up blood and fainted at home!”

Although holding the position of head of the Imperial Academy, Grand Tutor Qi had been enjoying his retirement at home due to old age and frail health, only occasionally entering the palace on sunny days. As autumn arrived, the old tutor’s health had further deteriorated, and today he was also at home on sick leave. A major change occurring at Sheji Altar was undoubtedly a fatal blow to Grand Tutor Qi. If something were to happen to him at this time, it would shake the literary world, and Prince Xi Mansion would be condemned by scholars nationwide. This move not only severed Prince Xi Mansion from the Emperor but also from scholars nationwide and the court. Destroying a person’s reputation is akin to murder. If he wasn’t a member of Prince Xi faction, he would have cheered for the Twelfth Prince today.

Pei Xun slightly leaned back his slender figure, always maintaining a leisurely and carefree demeanor. The enmity between Princess Mingyue and Prince Xi had long been known to Pei Xun from the Empress. He had been planning this scheme for a long time. Since he noticed the Emperor’s intention to perform a grand ceremony, he secretly suggested holding the sacrificial ceremony. Given the Emperor’s current condition, it was impossible for him to go to Taishan personally, making the choice of the representative particularly important. Thus, he secretly submitted a proposal, requesting to appoint him as the Crown Prince.

If successful, it would be a great achievement. If not, there was still a backup plan. He couldn’t go, and neither could Prince Qin. The most suitable candidate was Xun Yunhe.

Transferring Xun Yunhe out of the capital was the best opportunity to deal with Prince Xi Mansion. Over the years, Pei Muheng has been working step by step to ease the conflict between Prince Xi Mansion and the Emperor. Revealing this scar today would completely sever the father-son relationship between the Emperor and Prince Xi. With Prince Xi being beyond rescue, could Pei Muheng still remain in the court?

The Emperor’s days were numbered, and the time left was short. By kicking the biggest opponent out of the game, he could peacefully wait for the Emperor’s demise and inherit the throne.

Pei Xun knew his father too well. His father valued face greatly, and having this edict read aloud publicly was undoubtedly a slap in his face.

All the civil and military officials stood silently, not daring to make a sound.

At this moment, Pei Muheng slowly stepped out from the crowd and knelt on the white jade path before the Emperor. A beam of sunlight broke through the clouds and coincidentally shone on him, highlighting his porcelain-white handsome face, making it appear even sharper and more distinct. Despite the biting cold wind, everyone clearly saw sweat beads densely covering his forehead, as if he had just been pulled out of water, looking panic-stricken.

The Emperor was already fuming with rage, his anger burning within him. Liu Xiwen, trembling, supported his shaking arm, too afraid to even offer words of comfort through tears.

The Emperor glared at Pei Muheng with a dark expression, his chest heaving with anger. His gaze randomly fell upon a small bronze tripod on the altar, and without thinking, he grabbed it and hurled it toward Pei Muheng’s direction, “You wretched thing, I have not mistreated you. What is your intention?”

Fortunately, the distance was far, and it didn’t hit him. The bronze tripod clattered on the ground before Pei Muheng’s knees. He glanced at the small tripod for a moment, steadied himself, and regained his composure, his gaze sharp, “Imperial Grandfather, please understand. You have always loved and guided your grandson with care. My feelings for you are beyond words. This is the work of someone trying to sow discord. Please, don’t fall for it.”

“Indeed, I transcribed the edict. But please allow me to see the edict in Lord Zheng’s hands to verify the handwriting!”

The Emperor picked up the implicit message and bent down, looking at him disdainfully, mocking, “So, you are implying that someone forged your handwriting and altered the edict?”

Pei Muheng nodded, “Your Majesty, when I transcribed it, the original text clearly said ‘be lenient to the people and treat your kin with kindness.’ How could it turn into ‘harsh’?”

“Hmph!” The Emperor was fuming.

Posting the edict would undoubtedly stir public debate among officials and civilians. The Emperor’s reputation would be completely tarnished. He had no patience to argue with Pei Muheng and almost roared, “I should be asking you, do you and your father think I’m harsh and unworthy to be your kind guardian? If so, you can sever ties and leave the clan!”

Hearing this, Pei Muheng’s tears sprang forth, and he raised his voice, “Please allow me to see the edict, Your Majesty!”

Zheng Yucheng, holding the edict, looked at the Emperor, then at Pei Muheng, kneeling and not daring to move.

The other officials exchanged glances.

At this moment, Shi Zhuo, standing at the head of the officials, immediately took over and scolded Pei Muheng, “County Prince Zhaoming, the whole court knows you transcribed this edict. How dare you deny it?”

Pei Muheng did not spare him a glance but spoke firmly to the Emperor, “Your Majesty, Minister Shi is right. I transcribed this edict and cannot deny it.”

He spoke clearly and forcefully, “No matter the truth today, I am to blame for transcribing the edict. Similarly,” Pei Muheng’s sharp gaze swept over all the officials present, his tone cold, “When a ruler is humiliated, the ministers die. The ruler’s anger stems from our inadequate service. Who among the officials here can claim innocence?”

Upon hearing this, all officials knelt, bowing their heads, “We are guilty.”

Only Shi Zhuo and Pei Xun remained standing.

Pei Xun lazily glanced at Pei Muheng and slowly knelt.

Shi Zhuo, however, was stubborn and stomped his feet in anger, “County Prince Zhaoming, your eloquence is impressive. Are you trying to drag all the officials down with you for your mistake?”

The entire court knew about the enmity between Shi Zhuo and Xun Yunhe, and since Pei Muheng was Xun Yunhe’s son-in-law, it was not surprising that Shi Zhuo attacked him.

When the Emperor heard Shi Zhuo’s words, he abruptly shook off Liu Xiwen’s arm and stumbled down the steps, rushing towards Pei Muheng. Pointing at him angrily, he said, “Tell me, who instigated you? Was it your good-for-nothing father? Who gave you the audacity to create chaos at my sacrificial altar?”

Facing the Emperor’s storm of anger, Pei Muheng remained unmoved. With tears in his eyes but a steady voice, he said, “Since I was five years old, I have been summoned to the palace for enlightenment and have received your earnest teachings for sixteen years. Every time I returned home, my father would instruct me, feeling guilty towards you, and urging me to be careful and respectful and show my utmost loyalty to you on his behalf. I have never dared to forget this, always thinking of ways to repay you. At the age of ten, you allowed me to study in the library, and I diligently studied day and night. At fifteen, you took me to the border to learn military strategy from Lord Wen, and I was excited. At seventeen, I took the Imperial examination at the Imperial College and became your student. Later, I accompanied you in the study room, participating in government affairs. Whether it was overseeing the Censorate, handling cases impartially, or taking over the Ministry of Revenue and reforming the salt administration, every step was guided by you. In public, I am a subject of the Jin Dynasty; in private, I am your grandson. My courage was given by you, and my authority was granted by you. If you talk about reliance, you are my greatest reliance. ‘If a minister is not discreet, he will harm himself; if affairs are not kept secret, they will fail. Therefore, a gentleman must be cautious and not act rashly.’ I am well aware of the stakes. How could I, in broad daylight, commit such a grave offense and put my sovereign and father in an unjust position?”

As he finished speaking, Pei Muheng burst into tears and kowtowed continuously.

This impassioned and logical argument gradually calmed the Emperor, and the hundred officials were in awe.

Under the majestic imperial authority, only Pei Muheng could think so clearly and refute with references to the classics. Unfortunately, he was born in Prince Xi Mansion.

The entire court was impressed by his courage.

Pei Xun squinted his eyes, gradually tightening his brows as he watched Pei Muheng.

At that moment, Liu Xiwen had already stepped down and supported the Emperor. Seeing the Emperor panting heavily, he said with concern, “No matter how big the case is, the truth will eventually come out. Your Majesty, please do not harm your health because of this.”

This was a hint for the Emperor not to be overwhelmed by anger and to investigate the matter.

After a moment of slow contemplation, the Emperor lifted his eyes and looked at Pei Muheng, saying, “You’re right, ‘If affairs are not kept secret, they will fail.’ This matter must be investigated.”

At that moment, a young eunuch from the Eastern Depot came running from the direction of the government office area, holding a box in his hands and sweating profusely. He approached the Emperor and presented the box, “Your Majesty, I found it strange after the chaos at the Zhengyang Gate. I thought the edict had been issued by the Directorate of State Administration, so I went there to look for it. Unexpectedly, I found this edict hidden in the filth of the Directorate’s storeroom. Please have a look, Your Majesty.”

The Eastern Depot’s spies were everywhere in the court and the capital, and this young eunuch was one of them.

Liu Xiwen immediately took the box, retrieved the edict, and spread it out before the Emperor. The Emperor recognized Pei Muheng’s handwriting, and the Cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial seals were clearly visible. Although the yellow silk surface was stained with some oil, the characters were still legible. It clearly stated the words ‘be kind to your kin.’

The Emperor’s face turned ashen, and he commanded, “Investigate this thoroughly!”

Pei Xun’s face suddenly turned pale. This was bad. He had fallen into a trap. This was a strategy of appearing weak to lure the enemy in.

Pei Muheng’s handwriting was easy to imitate, and his forged edict was almost indistinguishable from the real one. He dared to do this because he believed the other party wouldn’t be able to find out.

The reason they couldn’t find out was that he had destroyed the two original copies. The new edict had Pei Muheng’s “handwriting” and the correct seals, leaving Pei Muheng with no way to defend himself.

Currently, he has immense power, and with Xun Yunhe leaving, the Cabinet is under his control. Apart from Liu Xiwen, the two pen-holding eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial were under his command. The forged edict was flawless, but now the real edict written by Pei Muheng had appeared, and the situation had suddenly turned for the worse.

If he guessed correctly, the “real edict” the young eunuch found was the third original copy that Pei Muheng had secretly written, to be revealed at a critical moment to prove his innocence. Once his innocence was confirmed, the Emperor would investigate who had forged the edict.

Cold sweat dripped from his fingertips and soaked his sleeves. Pei Xun tightened his sleeves, clenching them in his palms.

Pei Muheng observed Pei Xun’s tense profile out of the corner of his eye and lightly snorted. He understood his twelfth uncle’s personality all too well.

Pei Xun seemed like a gentle breeze under a bright moon, but he was actually deep-thinking and ruthless. Since Xun Yunhe was transferred out of the capital, Pei Muheng had known that his twelfth uncle was going to target him. And the target his uncle aimed to strike was undoubtedly his father, Prince Xi. So, a few days ago, he sought out his father to understand the past and learned that his father’s fall from favor was related to the death of Princess Mingyue. This led him to anticipate today’s events.

Over the past few days, he had considered countless possibilities, including the forgery of the edict. Fortunately, he had prepared for it in advance and managed to turn the situation around. Now, it was his twelfth uncle’s turn to sweat.

Apart from him, the edict passed through various officials: the Deputy Assistant of the Cabinet, Shi Zhuo; the Minister of Revenue, Yan Feng; the Secretariat Eunuch, Lu Han; and the Head of the Directorate of State Administration, Qu Mingzheng. If he couldn’t prove his innocence, these people were in the clear. But once his innocence was proven, these people would become the targets. Previously, he had not known that the Director of State Administration and the Minister of Revenue were his twelfth uncle’s people, but today, it was clear.

Examining the identities of these people, Shi Zhuo and Yan Feng controlled the approval of memorials, Lu Han could review documents, and the Director of State Administration communicated orders up and down. Holding these four people was equivalent to controlling all document exchanges and reviews, and the entire court was in the grasp of the twelfth prince.

Could His Majesty tolerate this?

His twelfth uncle wanted to eliminate him in one stroke, but he was determined to expose his uncle’s true nature.

However, Pei Muheng was not a deity. Despite making thorough preparations, he did not anticipate that Grand Tutor Qi would faint from anger. People outside might suspect that Prince Xi was behind the incident. Even if the truth is clarified later, it would still damage the reputation of Prince Xi’s mansion, causing Pei Muheng to worry again.

At that moment, the secret guards at the palace gate quickly delivered the news to Prince Xi’s mansion. Xu Yunqi, without a word, grabbed her medical kit, took Yin Xing, and rushed to the Qi family to save the day.