Chapter 62

The matter of the edict quickly spread throughout the city, and hundreds of scholars and curious citizens gathered outside the Qi residence. Both sides of the stone lions at the gate were packed tight with people. Some in the crowd were already crying, grateful for the Grand Tutor’s support and praying to the heavens for his recovery.

The servants of the Qi residence were in a frenzy, trying to comfort the scholars while tears streamed down their faces. The Grand Tutor was the stabilizing force of the Qi family. If the old man were to pass away, the Qi family would decline and never regain its former glory.

The sound of crying and commotion filled the air, casting a gloomy shadow over the Qi residence.

At that moment, a clear and bright voice cut through the crowd, “Make way!” Yin Xing forcefully cleared a path, leading Xu Yunqi into the Qi residence.

Inside the main courtyard of the Qi residence.

The sandalwood incense under the east window had burned out, and the room was filled with three charcoal braziers. The intense smell of charcoal drove away the cold wind but created a stifling heat inside.

Xu Yunqi calmly stepped into the warm room and, smelling the air, frowned, “Leave one brazier and take the rest out.”

The eldest master of the Qi family, with tears in his eyes, did not dare to disobey and quickly signaled the servants to comply.

Upon entering, Xu Yunqi saw someone sitting by the Grand Tutor’s bedside, weeping uncontrollably—it was the old lady of the Qi family. When she saw Xu Yunqi enter, she struggled to rise from the table and bowed, “County Princess Consort…” Her voice was hoarse.

Xu Yunqi nodded slightly at her and approached the bedside.

The Imperial Academy Physician, Imperial Physician Fan, was treating the Grand Tutor with Han Lin at the bedside. The Grand Tutor lay motionless, his brow tightly knit, his face showing a leaden gray color, indicating the symptom of asphyxiation. Imperial Physician Fan had already opened the Grand Tutor’s clothing, exposed his chest and lungs, and administered acupuncture.

Upon seeing her, Han Lin immediately gave up his spot. Xu Yunqi sat down and softly asked Fan Ruji, “Have you always been treating the Grand Tutor’s illness?”

Doctor Fan Ruji, with a solemn expression, kept his hand on the Grand Tutor’s wrist after applying the needles. “Yes, the Grand Tutor suffers from chest pain and coughing up blood. Whenever he catches a cold, he coughs violently, experiencing early-stage cold-induced lung constriction and later-stage heat-induced lung infection. His tongue coating is yellow and greasy, making it difficult to completely cure.”

Xu Yunqi looked at the stiffened face of the Grand Tutor and pondered, “Let me try.”

This time, Imperial Physician Fan did not hesitate. He turned to Han Lin and the Qi family’s old lady and instructed, “All of you, leave the room.”

The two Qi family elders exchanged glances and then looked at their mother. The old lady of the Qi family wiped her tears and slowly nodded, “County Princess Consort is Yunhe’s daughter; she is like one of us. Let’s go out and leave this to the County Princess Consort and Imperial Physician Fan.”

The Qi family elder helped his mother out, and Han Lin intended to close the door, but Imperial Physician Fan stared at him intently, “You go out too,” he paused, adding, “I will assist her.”

Han Lin was shocked. Everyone knew how much Fan Ruji disliked Xu Yunqi, yet today, he changed his stance and offered to assist her. Although puzzled, Han Lin didn’t dare to delay and immediately left.

Xu Yunqi had Yin Xing guard the door and wear a white gauze mask. Then, she quickly swapped places with Imperial Physician Fan.

Imperial Physician Fan personally laid out the medical kit, taking out the thirteen needles Xu Yunqi had prepared. The two of them, understanding each other without needing to speak, avoided discussing past grievances. The Grand Tutor had to be saved; only the thirteen needles could do it.

Xu Yunqi felt Grand Tutor Qi’s lungs. “The left lung is clearly swollen; this is lung abscess. His lung lobes have developed abscesses, and we must drain the pus and detoxify.”

“Yin Xing, go call Imperial Physician Han. Get twelve qian each of Platycodon, Fritillaria, Tangerine Peel, Lepidium, ten qian of Licorice, and fifteen qian of Honeysuckle… Quickly decoct the medicine.”

Fan Ruji, who was deep in thought, added, “Increase each dose by three qian. The Grand Tutor often takes these medicines, and only a strong dose will be effective.”

“Also prepare some Lobelia and Bletilla…”

Yin Xing immediately went out to call Han Lin to prepare the medicine.

Xu Yunqi removed Imperial Physician Fan’s needles and used the thirteen needles, inserting them in the major acupoints on Grand Tutor Qi’s chest, lungs, heart, hands, and feet. She used all thirteen needles.

Imperial Physician Fan watched in amazement at her decisive technique.

After a quarter of an hour, the Grand Tutor showed no response. After two quarters, his lips began to move slightly. Then, he coughed violently, expelling a thick, foul-smelling phlegm, followed by blood-stained pus.

Imperial Physician Fan quickly cleaned him up while Xu Yunqi adjusted the needle points. They worked for a full hour to stabilize the Grand Tutor’s condition. By the end, his chest congestion was relieved, and he could finally breathe.

The medicine was ready, and Han Lin personally fed it to the Grand Tutor, who expelled more pus and blood. By the early afternoon, the Grand Tutor’s complexion improved, and his breathing became steady.

His life was saved. Xu Yunqi exhaled in relief and washed her hands. “From here on, Imperial Physician Fan, it’s your responsibility. I’ll take my leave now.”

Imperial Physician Fan watched her slender figure and reluctantly replied.

Xu Yunqi was the first to leave the warm room, with Yin Xing following her, carrying the medical kit.

The old lady of the Qi family bowed deeply to Xu Yunqi in the hall, “County Princess Consort, we will always remember your great kindness.”

News from the palace had spread—it was someone who framed Pei Muheng for forging the edict. Given the connection between Grand Tutor Qi and Elder Su, it wasn’t hard to guess who the mastermind was.

The two elder Qi family members had no significant achievements in the court, and the family’s honor depended entirely on the Grand Tutor. The Qi family was extremely grateful to Xu Yunqi.

After working for half a day, Xu Yunqi felt exhausted and waved with a smile as she left.

No sooner had Xu Yunqi left the Grand Tutor’s mansion than Pei Muheng arrived.

From the late morning to early afternoon, the Emperor gathered the high-ranking officials in the Wenzhao Hall for interrogation. Although Shi Zhuo was usually outspoken, he was actually a cunning old fox. He easily absolved himself and pinned everything on the Minister of Revenue, Yan Feng.

Poor Yan Feng had always been oppressed by Xun Yunhe, the vice minister, and harbored resentment. He finally joined the Cabinet by decisively siding with Pei Xun, only to be caught red-handed so quickly. He was distressed but clever, only admitting that a minor official had brought the edict and that he had stamped it without carefully inspecting it, refusing to admit any intentional forgery.

The Emperor sat silently, his face livid.

After calming down, the Emperor couldn’t help but see the clues. Whether the edict was real or fake, the seals of the Cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial were undoubtedly authentic. Who else could completely manipulate both the Cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial?

Pei Xun knelt silently before the dragon throne.

The EEmperor stared blankly ahead, no longer allowing Minister of Justice, Xiao Yu, to continue the investigation.

“Remove Yan Feng from his position as Minister of Revenue and exile him to Jiangzhou. Appoint Xiao Yu, the Minister of Justice, to the Cabinet.”

Keeping Shi Zhuo, the head of the Censorate, was to counterbalance Xun Yunhe. Shi Zhuo was a smart man, and after today’s warning, he wouldn’t dare to side with the Twelfth Prince again.

Thus, the Cabinet was reorganized.

For the Directorate of Ceremonial, Liu Xiwen swiftly arrested Lu Han and others. When the EEmperor saw the usually submissive Lu Han kneeling before him, crying, he was so enraged that he kicked him over. “I’m not dead yet, and you’re already eager to pledge loyalty to a new ruler!”

The entire Directorate of Ceremonial knelt, professing their loyalty.

Liu Xiwen stood before the Emperor and sternly lectured the remaining eunuchs and officials, “Remember, the Directorate of Ceremonial has only one master, and that is the Emperor!”

Although Liu Xiwen was inclined to support Pei Muheng, he was always clear-headed and had never betrayed the Emperor. His support for Pei Muheng was limited and never crossed the line. Loyalty, moderation, and avoiding malicious behavior were his principles as the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial. With these well-honed skills, he had always stood at the pinnacle of the court.

After dealing with the Cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial, it was time to address Qu Mingzheng, the Director of State Administration.

The error in the edict was a significant oversight, and someone had to take responsibility. The Cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial were the Emperor’s right and left hands. If they failed, the Emperor’s reputation and the Jin Dynasty’s authority would be tarnished. Therefore, the case ultimately fell on Qu Mingzheng.

All documents in the Jin Dynasty passed through the Director of State Administration, who was the Emperor’s eyes, ears, and mouthpiece. Such a key figure serving the Twelfth Prince infuriated the Emperor. He immediately charged Qu Mingzheng with framing County Prince Zhaoming for forging the edict, imprisoned his entire family, and severely punished him as a warning to others.

When the Emperor was angry, it was said that bodies would float for a thousand miles, and this was no exaggeration.

All the court officials were terrified.

Pei Xun knelt in a corner, his handsome face pale, hands on the ground, breathing heavily. Since the struggle for succession began, he had been smooth sailing, almost succeeding, only to be thwarted by his nephew, whom he had raised. Pei Xun was deeply frustrated.

The Emperor hadn’t looked at the Twelfth Prince once nor blamed him with a single word.

It was both preservation and disappointment.

Finally, the Emperor instructed Xiao Yu, “Announce the truth to the world in the name of the Three Judicial Departments and bring Prince Xi to restore his reputation.”

Taking Prince Xi was a simple way to save face.

The Emperor swiftly resolved the issue of the forged edict and returned to the Fengtian Hall with Liu Xiwen. Before leaving, he instructed Pei Muheng to visit the Grand Tutor’s mansion.

Clearly, the Emperor was also very concerned about the Grand Tutor’s safety.

Pei Muheng left the Wenzhao Hall and headed for the noon gate. As he passed, the officials all watched him, thinking that this young prince, with his dignified appearance and untainted clothes, commanded great respect.

What an intense moment it had been at the sacrificial altar. Many ministers were anxious for Prince Xi and Pei Muheng. Yet this young prince remained neither arrogant nor humble, dispelling the Emperor’s suspicions with well-reasoned arguments and brilliantly countering the Twelfth Prince, leaving him stunned. His composure in the face of danger and broad-minded wisdom were truly admirable.

This was the demeanor of a true king. Unfortunately, he was born in Prince Xi’s mansion, and the ministers couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret for him once again.

Leaving the noon gate, Pei Muheng urged his horse towards the Qi residence, his expression never easing.

Pei Muheng had been intelligent from a young age, learning early. By the age of three, he could read and recite poetry. The ancestral office decreed that all five-year-old royal grandsons must enter the palace for enlightenment, and Pei Muheng was sent to the palace. Because Prince Xi was out of favor with the Emperor, Pei Muheng was often bullied by other royal grandsons in the academy until he excelled academically. Grand Tutor Qi praised him highly, and only then did the Emperor take notice of this outstanding grandson from Prince Xi’s mansion.

At the age of seven, thanks to the Grand Tutor’s consistent affection, Pei Muheng became one of the four royal grandsons who accompanied the Emperor when the Great Wu envoy visited. His remarkable feat of driving away the envoy that year led to the Emperor keeping him close for careful instruction. In all fairness, the Grand Tutor was his enlightenment mentor, and both publicly and privately, he did not want anything to happen to the Grand Tutor.

The sharp sound of horse hooves pierced the cold wind as Pei Muheng hurried to the Grand Tutor’s mansion anxiously. As expected, many scholars had gathered at the gate, all demanding justice for the Grand Tutor. The eldest master of the Qi family stood on the steps, raising his hand to calm the crowd. “Everyone, everyone, County Princess Consort from Prince Xi’s Mansion arrived just in time to save my father’s life. Now, he is out of danger…”

Pei Muheng couldn’t dismount quickly enough. Hearing those words, his mind thundered, and his deep eyes, like winter snow melting in spring, slowly showed a glimmer of unusual brilliance.

At that moment, the eldest master of the Qi family spotted him and quickly emerged from the crowd, bowing to him, “Thank you, Your Highness and County Princess Consort for saving my father’s life. The entire Qi family is deeply grateful.”

Pei Muheng collected his emotions and asked firmly, “Where is my wife?”

The eldest master of the Qi family beamed and pointed outside the alley, “She’s just left.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Muheng instinctively reacted before rational thought took over. He turned his horse and rushed out of the alley, only to realize he should have visited the Grand Tutor first. However, the horse had already left the alley, and both body and mind abandoned the ingrained etiquette.

The Prince Xi Mansion wasn’t far from the Grand Tutor’s Mansion. Riding a carriage required navigating several streets, but walking was quicker.

Previously, Yin Xing had explored the Xun Mansion and found a side door leading to the back street, saving much of the journey. She took Xu Yunqi on a short carriage ride, disembarking at an alley, then walked a distance to reach the side door of the Xun Mansion. The old steward at the gate saw Xu Yunqi approaching and leaped up excitedly, hurrying to greet her, “Young Miss!”

The passionate and enthusiastic greeting made Xu Yunqi’s scalp tingle.

Yin Xing cheerfully greeted the old steward, “Uncle Qin, how is your leg doing?”

The old servant, called Uncle Qin, immediately smiled and answered, “Much better, much better.” Then, his eyes fell on Xu Yunqi affectionately. “Young Miss, where have you come from, looking so travel-worn? Have you had lunch? If not, I will instruct the kitchen to prepare it.”

Xu Yunqi glanced at the lively young maid, then at the excited steward, and understood the situation.

This young maid seemed completely unreserved, already treating the Xun Mansion as her own home.

Xu Yunqi always treated the servants kindly, “I’ve already eaten.”

The Xun Mansion was adjacent to Prince Xi’s Mansion, with a small gate connecting them. Since she had come this far, Xu Yunqi did not refuse and followed the steward, planning to pass through the Xun Mansion to return to the Pei family.

Xu Yunqi had been to the Xun Mansion once during Xun Yunhe’s birthday celebration. Compared to that time, the Xun Mansion had completely changed. The courtyard had been reconstructed, creating a lofty and elegant garden with a small creek flowing into the mansion. There were small bridges and flowing water everywhere, green corridors, and windows, giving it the charm of a Jiangnan garden.

Uncle Qin proudly introduced the Xun Mansion’s scenery and courtyards. “Young Miss, look at that building ahead. It was newly built by Master and has two floors. The upper floor is spacious with a great view, perfect for you to read and enjoy yourself.”

“Do you see that bamboo forest? There is a greenhouse built inside, where you can cultivate flowers.”

After passing through a corridor and turning into a passageway, Uncle Qin became even more excited, pointing at the wide beam in the central axis of the Xun Mansion, “From here, you can enter the main courtyard, which has five main rooms. You can choose any room to stay in. Besides the front yard reserved for Master and Young Master, the entire backyard is yours.”

“You may not know this, but we also have a vacant nursery in the backyard for you to grow herbs.”

Xu Yunqi looked at the enthusiastic Uncle Qin and was speechless for a while.

Xun Yunhe certainly had too much time on his hands.

When leaving the Xun Mansion, Uncle Qin eagerly followed her, inviting warmly, “Young Miss, if you get tired of staying at Prince Xi’s Mansion, come back and stay here.”

It was just a wall’s distance, yet he spoke as if it were thousands of miles apart.

Xu Yunqi lifted her skirt and waved to him as she descended the steps, “Thank you, Uncle.” Then, she turned and walked to the neighboring mansion without looking back.

Yin Xing, carrying the medical kit, glanced at Xu Yunqi’s darkened expression, nearly bursting into laughter, “Miss, don’t be angry. Master Xun is just expressing his love for his daughter.”

Xu Yunqi shook her head and said nothing.

Upon returning to the mansion, she found Prince Xi, Princess Consort Xi, and others solemnly waiting anxiously in the hall.

The news from the sacrificial altar had reached Prince Xi’s Mansion, and the entire household was on high alert. Even the usually playful Lord Pei Muxiang looked tense and drenched in cold sweat.

Prince Xi, sitting in the main seat, nervously asked, “Yunqi, how is it?”

Before Xu Yunqi could answer, Yin Xing proudly placed her hands on her hips and snapped her fingers, “My lady never fails. When she takes action, success is guaranteed, and she always brings the patient back to health.”

Everyone in the mansion sighed in relief.

“That’s good, that’s good…”

Princess Consort Xi was so happy that she shed tears, “Good child, you’ve worked hard. Go and rest now.”

Xu Yunqi curtsied and, without entering the hall, returned to Qinghui Garden.

Upon arriving in the courtyard, the first thing she did was to burn incense and bathe, cleansing herself inside and out, and then changing into a simple home outfit.

Yin Xing was also tired, so Xu Yunqi sent her to rest in the back room.

The house was quiet as if no one was there.

Xu Yunqi enjoyed this tranquility. She leisurely poured herself a cup of hot tea and sipped it slowly. At that moment, there was movement at the door, and the sound of urgent, heavy footsteps approached. The bead curtain was lifted, and a tall, slender figure stepped inside, his belt accentuating his graceful posture like a pine tree.

Seeing the familiar face, Xu Yunqi was momentarily stunned.

After a few days without seeing him, Pei Muheng had changed again. His brows were heavy, casting shadows over his eyes, and his cheeks were gaunt and dark. If she didn’t know he had been in the capital for the past few days, she would have thought her husband had returned from the battlefield. However, considering today’s life-and-death situation, everyone in Prince Xi’s Mansion was frightened. How could Pei Muheng, standing at the center of the storm, not be affected?

He held on alone, going through hell and high water, which was no easy feat. At this moment, his expression was tense, his brows sharp, which was no surprise.

Xu Yunqi set down her tea cup and was about to say a few caring words to her husband when the light in front of her dimmed. A gust of wind brushed past her brows, and those long, strong arms wrapped around her waist. Immediately, a handsome face leaned down, and he kissed her urgently, swallowing the words she was about to say.

*

Pei Muheng chased Xu Yunqi all the way back to the mansion, encountering the anxious residents of Prince Xi’s Mansion. He first gathered himself and briefly explained the situation to calm everyone down, then strode towards the backyard. Though Pei Muheng appeared calm and composed, his heart was tightly wound. After all, his twelfth uncle was renowned as the greatest archer in the Jin Dynasty, and one misstep could lead to ruin.

He had walked this lonely path for over twenty years, advancing cautiously, and could not afford to fail now. Yet, his tenacity meant he never showed his stress. Until he reached the Qi residence and heard those words, the breath he held in his throat finally released, and his precarious restraint shattered. At that moment, his emotions surged to the extreme. She had indeed steadied the situation at the critical moment and saved the person.

While feeling grateful for someone by his side and facing trials together, Pei Muheng couldn’t help but think that she had always been this kind-hearted. Even if it weren’t for him, she would still have saved people. This mix of emotions drove him to chase her all the way to Qinghui Garden.

At this moment, the girl stood gracefully in the room, wearing her usual simple orchid-patterned jacket. Her fair fingers held a cup of tea, taking a gentle sip, maintaining that calm and composed demeanor, like Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. A slight sprinkle of holy water would bring warmth and bloom.

In that instant, Pei Muheng had one thought.

He wanted to leave his mark on this woman’s heart.

He wanted to pull her down to the mortal world.

Intense passion and tight desires intertwined in his heart, and emotions with no outlet were branded on Xu Yunqi’s lips with this kiss.

Admit it, Pei Qingyu, you like her.

Not giving her any chance to resist, he held her neck and forcefully broke through her defenses.

T/N: Qingyu is Pei Muheng’s courtesy name.