Chapter 66

The truth was about to be revealed.

“Who is it?” Pei Muheng’s eyes flashed.

Xun Yunhe replied with a blank expression, “The Deputy Minister of Works, Su Ziyan!”

Xu Yunxi had never heard of this person before. She looked at Pei Muheng, who was initially stunned but then seemed to have an epiphany. “Su Ziyan, the Deputy Minister of Works, is the current Empress’s nephew. He was a top scholar in the imperial examinations and was well-known in the court. Some people even consider him as his teacher’s successor.”

“The Ministry of Works oversees construction, and he used the pretext of repairing the city walls to transfer people to Yingzhou, making it a logical move.”

If the transfer order came from Su Ziyan, it meant that the mastermind behind this was none other than the Empress and the Twelfth Prince.

Xu Yunxi was shocked for a while. The thought of her grandfather falling into the hands of those two made her gentle face turn slightly blue, and her eyebrows revealed a sharp, cold gleam.

Xun Yunhe continued, “At that time, the court didn’t know Yunxi’s true identity, and I never got involved in factional disputes. Therefore, Su Ziyan let his guard down and signed the transfer order through me. Even if someone discovers this in the future, I can serve as the scapegoat.”

Su Ziyan never expected that it was precisely because of that transfer order that the Empress and the Twelfth Prince were completely exposed to Xun Yunhe and Pei Muheng.

The rest of the matters needed no more words.

Xu Yunxi’s grandfather likely held the secret of Imperial Physician Liu’s death, and this secret could potentially bring down the Empress completely. Once the Empress was out of the picture, the Twelfth Prince would suffer as collateral damage, giving Prince Xi and Pei Muheng their opportunity.

In other words, Xu Yunxi’s worry about her grandfather implicating Prince Xi’s residence was unfounded. Not only was it unfounded, but finding her grandfather had already become the biggest bargaining chip for Prince Xi’s residence in the fight for the throne.

Pei Muheng and Xu Yunxi realized this immediately.

Across a small table, Pei Muheng looked at his wife. His gaze was gentle and clear, containing an unyielding and fiery determination.

You have no reason to escape anymore. We will fight side by side.

The words “fight side by side” were clearly conveyed through his gaze. His long arm reached out to hold Xu Yunxi’s wrist, and for a moment, Xu Yunxi felt some relief and sighed.

Yes, she let out a sigh of relief.

Finding her grandfather was no longer a burden but a direction to move forward. And she no longer had to bear the heavy pressure of her grandfather possibly implicating Prince Xi’s residence. She could stay at Prince Xi’s residence with a clear conscience.

Not burdening and supporting each other is the way Xu Yunxi could accept. For her, such a marriage was the most solid.

Without hesitation, she held Pei Muheng’s hand in return.

Xun Yunhe paid no mind to their small movements, instead pondering the strategy in his mind. “They most likely took the old man away without anyone noticing. We have no idea where he is. Now that your struggle for the throne with Pei Xun has become clear, Pei Xun might have already noticed the clues from Yunxi’s thirteen needles. I suggest you launch an attack on Pei Xun, and I’ll act when the time is right to lure the snake out of its hole and find the old man’s hiding place.”

“I’ll handle the court affairs and win over the ministers, but there’s one area where you need to step in personally.”

Pei Muheng looked at him intently. “You mean the military?”

The only place Xun Yunhe couldn’t extend his reach was the military. The Five Military Governor’s Office was ostensibly under the Ministry of War but was directly controlled by the Emperor. This was the unrivaled advantage of Prince Xi’s residence. Prince Xi himself had achieved great military feats and was regarded as a war god by the border soldiers. Last time, Pei Muheng helped Governor Yang Kang escape danger, and Yang Kang must have privately favored Pei Muheng. Although Yang Kang no longer held real power, his influence in the military was still there, and he could easily persuade some generals to support Prince Xi.

Another person not to be overlooked was Yan Shaoling, the then-Colonel of the Wudu Guards. He was now the son-in-law of Prince Xi, Pei Muheng’s brother-in-law.

The military influence of Prince Xi’s residence was unmatched by Pei Xun. Otherwise, a wise man like Pei Xun wouldn’t have easily taken ruthless action against Prince Xi’s residence at the Sheji Altar.

In this battle for the throne, everyone was a skilled hunter.

Xun Yunhe nodded. “Yes, prepare for the worst.”

As these words fell, the study fell into a deathly silence.

After all, Pei Xun held the advantage of being the legitimate son, and it had reached a life-or-death point. Pei Muheng couldn’t afford not to have a backup plan. He slowly exhaled and said in a determined voice, “My father, the Prince, is already preparing.”

This was the reason Prince Xi sent people to Xizhou. Xizhou was Prince Xi’s fiefdom, where his troops were stationed. Beyond Xizhou’s borders, Prince Xi had secretly placed trusted pawns.

Xun Yunhe quickly understood and sighed as expected.

In the Jin army, there were four pillars of the state. The first was Lord Wen, known as the Zhang Liang of the present age, who could devise strategies and win battles from afar. The second was Lord Yang, the deposed Crown Prince’s father-in-law, an old general known for his defensive expertise and steady approach. The third was the late Lord Cheng, famed for his prowess in leading charges. The last was Prince Xi, the supreme commander of the three armies.

Prince Xi, after an incident at the age of ten, was cast away to the border by the Emperor and left to fend for himself. No one knew his true identity when he first arrived at the border. He climbed the ranks from a mere soldier to a captain. During the unnoticed years, Prince Xi grew wildly like weeds. At the age of thirteen, he made a significant achievement. Lord Wen and Lord Yang both requested merit for him and only then did the Emperor take notice of his son. After discovering his son’s talent, the Emperor assigned him to lead difficult battles, whether in the south or the north. Moreover, the Emperor cleverly used his son to balance the other military pillars – a renowned supreme commander of the three armies, an unfavored prince but always worked hard to gain his father’s approval. Such a complex and contradictory identity woven into Prince Xi actually garnered him more support from the military officers and ministers.

One who does not compete, hence no one in the world can compete with him. This was Prince Xi.

It was time to give the fourth prince his rightful title. However, the most crucial part of this was finding Xu Yunxi’s grandfather, Old Master Zhang.

“I will secretly send people to monitor every move of the Twelfth Prince’s residence,” said Pei Muheng.

Xun Yunhe nodded. “Strike at the vital point. I will probe Su Ziyan.”

Two men standing at the pinnacle of the Jin court, deliberating back and forth with a few words, had already devised a series of plans. At this moment, Xu Yunxi suddenly interjected, “I think we also need to have someone watch over Imperial Physician Liu’s grave.”

Upon hearing this, both Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe were stunned.

“What does Yunxi mean?” they asked.

Xu Yunxi pondered, “If the cause of Imperial Physician Liu’s death wasn’t a heart attack, his body should have traces of it. Where is he buried?”

Pei Muheng had already sent people to investigate this in the past few days. He replied, “In the Accompanied Governance Park on the west side of Mount Yan.”

“Initially, the Liu family placed his coffin in a Buddhist temple in the suburbs of the capital. When the princess passed away, the Liu family was in a panic and took the coffin back to Xizhou. Two years later, the Emperor remembered Imperial Physician Liu’s past contributions and ordered his coffin to be moved to the Accompanied Governance Park on the west side of Mount Yan.”

Being buried alongside the imperial tombs has always been an honor for meritorious officials. The Accompanied Governance Park, located on the hillside beneath the imperial tombs, is a burial ground for some meritorious officials.

Xun Yunhe looked at his daughter, “It’s been thirty years. There might be only a skeleton left. Can we still determine the cause of death?”

Xu Yunxi was uncertain, but her eyes were resolute. “It’s better to be prepared.”

Specialization requires expertise. Xu Yunxi’s medical skills were unquestioned by both Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe. The two men had nothing more to say, and then an awkward moment occurred.

“I will handle this matter,” Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe said in unison.

It was evident that Xun Yunhe wanted to impress his daughter, and Pei Muheng felt the same.

After saying this, the atmosphere became slightly awkward.

Xu Yunxi glanced at the two men and pressed her lips in silence.

Pei Muheng didn’t let the awkwardness last long and quickly said, “Many years ago, I trained a group of death warriors in Fushui Lane, each possessing unique skills. It’s more suitable for me to handle this.”

Pei Muheng had been determined to fight for the throne for a long time, with many contingency plans. Xun Yunhe, on the other hand, never participated in court disputes and was a gentleman of noble character, unfamiliar with underhanded dealings.

Having discussed the matter, Xun Yunhe was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something and said to Pei Muheng, “By the way, His Majesty wants you to go to Fengtian Hall tomorrow. He intends to temporarily hand over the Ministry of Revenue’s affairs to you…” Before finishing, he suddenly frowned and asked, “Why do you need ice blocks for?”

When the steward reported this to him, Xun Yunhe was very curious. Everyone knew that claiming to be sick at home was just an excuse. He thought Pei Muheng was only saying it, but unexpectedly, Pei Muheng took some ice blocks from Xun’s residence and actually made himself sick. Isn’t that strange?

Xun Yunhe had no idea that his words caused a tumult in Xu Yunxi’s mind.

Since His Majesty had instructed Pei Muheng to go to Fengtian Hall, it meant that it wasn’t the court affairs that forced Pei Muheng to feign illness. So why did he make himself genuinely ill?

That suppressed thought boldly resurfaced in her mind.

Xu Yunxi was utterly astonished, and her heart was a mix of emotions, including anger at Pei Muheng for harming himself and helplessness in the face of his evident intentions. How could he do this?

Pei Muheng, however, smiled calmly. “It’s nothing serious.”

Just as he was unsure how to break the ice and deliver a meaningful blow to Xu Yunxi, her father helped him out.

Xun Yunhe, not being an ordinary man, quickly understood upon seeing his daughter’s slightly annoyed expression. His first thought was anger, blaming Pei Muheng for using tricks on his daughter. But then he realized that if Pei Muheng had to resort to such measures to win Yunxi’s favor, it showed how much he cared for her. Xun Yunhe’s feelings became complicated.

Reflecting on the recent incident when he caught a cold and the Emperor used it as an opportunity to have his daughter treat him, Xun Yunhe found he had no grounds to blame Pei Muheng.

Though the bitter strategy was cliché, it was always effective.

The room fell into an eerie silence for a moment. Xun Yunhe rubbed his forehead before finally speaking, “Qingyu, I have something to say to Yunxi alone.”

Pei Muheng sensibly stood up and was about to leave.

At that moment, Xu Yunxi suddenly stopped him, “Wait.”

Pei Muheng paused and looked back at her. “What is it?”

Xu Yunxi looked at him deeply, her apricot eyes slightly narrowing. She said each word clearly, “You are not fully recovered. The wind outside is strong; you cannot go out.” Her tone was noticeably firmer than usual, and Pei Muheng sensed trouble.

Before Pei Muheng could react, Xu Yunxi quickly stood up and said to Xun Yunhe, “Please come with me.”

Father and daughter left the study one after the other.

Pei Muheng stood by the window, watching their backs with a hint of helpless amusement.

Xu Yunxi led Xun Yunhe to Mingyu Hall on the eastern side of Qinghui Garden. This place was Xu Yunxi’s usual reception area, with side rooms on both sides, now decorated as warm rooms.

When they entered, Nanny Chen had already prepared hot tea and a brazier.

Xu Yunxi invited Xun Yunhe to sit at the main seat before standing beside him. This was her way of treating him as an elder.

Xun Yunhe was naturally pleased but tried not to show it too obviously. He pointed to the opposite seat, “Yunxi, sit down.”

Xu Yunxi sat down on the brocade stool.

The brazier was placed at Xun Yunhe’s feet, and he instinctively pushed it towards Xu Yunxi. His detailed and gentle care for his daughter was second nature.

Xu Yunxi’s gaze fell on his lapel, and she did not speak.

The tea was already served, and Xun Yunhe, enjoying the rare moment alone with his daughter, was in no hurry to speak.

Xu Yunxi broke the silence, “Thank you for extending a helping hand to rescue my grandfather.”

Xun Yunhe didn’t like to hear such words, but she couldn’t find any other way to start the conversation.

As expected, Xun Yunhe showed displeasure, put down the teacup, and said, “Nannan, this is what a father should do. Your matters are my matters, and moreover, I must find the old man to ask him why he did what he did and why he insisted on breaking up our family.”

At this point, Xun Yunhe became a bit emotional. He leaned forward, looking at his gentle and quiet daughter, and said, “Nannan, don’t you resent him? If your grandfather had told the truth, your mother and I wouldn’t have been separated.”

Talking about this, Xu Yunxi was already very calm. She suddenly raised her eyes, stared at him, and said, “If I’m not mistaken, when the sudden fire broke out in Xiushui Village, the Imperial Guards were all over Jiangling County. Grandfather must have thought they were coming to arrest him, so he took my mother and me away overnight. When he found you, my mother had already left with Xu Ke. Even if Grandfather had told the truth, could we have returned to the past?”

In Xu Yunxi’s view, her mother chose Xu Ke, and her father had taken a concubine who even bore him a child. The outcome would not be any better than it is now. She was destined to be alone.

Xun Yunhe was suddenly stunned. He couldn’t help but care.

“But at least we, father and daughter, wouldn’t have to be separated,” Xun Yunhe said through gritted teeth.

Xu Yunxi smiled, “Is that so? And then you’d marry another wife and have a few more children. Wouldn’t I still be an unnecessary person? I’d rather follow Grandfather, roam the world with him, and witness the myriad facets of life.”

Such plain words, spoken in her calm and gentle tone, were like knives cutting into Xun Yunhe’s heart.

“Nannan…” His eyes reddened with emotion, and he couldn’t help but grasp her slender arm, feeling a dull pain in his heart. “Do you have so little faith in your father? I won’t do anything that’s bad for you. I will settle her and her daughter properly. You will always have a home.”

Xu Yunxi remained silent, her face expressionless.

Thinking of his daughter wandering with Old Master Zhang, Xun Yunhe couldn’t hold back his emotions, and tears welled up in his eyes. “At any time, if you want to leave the capital and practice medicine around the world, I can resign from my position as the Prime Minister and accompany you.”

Sheltering you from the wind and rain, ensuring your clothes remain dust-free. These are things Pei Muheng cannot do.

Xu Yunxi felt a strong surge of emotion welling up in her throat, blocking her ability to speak.

The room was extremely quiet, with the brazier making a hissing sound, occasionally stirring the hearts of the father and daughter.

After a while, Xun Yunhe wiped away his tears and let go of her, calming himself down. He said, “Nannan, now that the situation is clear, you have seen what he wants to do. Have you thought about spending your life with him?”

This was Xun Yunhe’s true purpose for this visit. He was, after all, a father and had a longer-term view than Xu Yunxi. Once Pei Muheng succeeded, he would become an emperor, and Xu Yunxi would follow him to reside in the palace. She was a free and independent spirit, and Xun Yunhe did not want his daughter to be bound by the palace. More importantly, no court official would accept a nation’s mother practicing medicine openly; she would face opposition and even vilification from the entire court.

Xun Yunhe would never allow his daughter to suffer any injustice.

Of course, if Xu Yunxi truly loved Pei Muheng to the point where no one else would do, Xun Yunhe would undoubtedly support her. Therefore, he needed to understand Xu Yunxi’s intentions and plan accordingly.

Xu Yunxi, being extremely intelligent, immediately saw through Xun Yunhe’s thoughts, her gaze sharp. “Our matters as husband and wife are not for you to interfere.”

This resoluteness and assertiveness suddenly reminded Xun Yunhe of her childhood self. He smiled wryly and found himself at a loss for words.

His Nannan had not changed in essence.

Seeing that Xu Yunxi was a wise person, he stopped pressing the matter. It was getting late, so Xun Yunhe slowly stood up, and Xu Yunxi followed suit, showing signs of seeing him off.

Xun Yunhe did not hurry to leave. Noticing some stray hairs on her temple, he couldn’t help but reach out to tidy them, saying gently, “Nannan, you carry your father’s blood; this is undeniable. In the future, don’t bear anything alone. Tell me everything. If you don’t want to speak, let Yin Xing come. You must understand that we, father and daughter, are the closest people in the world.”

The closest people in the world…

These words indeed touched Xu Yunxi. She silently looked at him. Apart from their first meeting at Grand Tutor Qi’s residence, she had never really looked at him. The middle-aged man before her was now more clearly defined—a tall and upright figure with refined and handsome features. She could even vaguely see her own reflection in his brows.

Yin Xing always said that when they smiled, they looked exactly the same. So she smiled, “I’ll see you out.”

Xun Yunhe had just left Prince Xi’s residence and turned into the neighboring Xun residence. As he looked up, he saw a sparse figure standing in the open courtyard.

Dressed in a snow-white robe and holding an exquisitely crafted ivory fan, the tall figure slightly leaned back, seemingly observing an old pine tree in front of the Xun residence. Hearing the movement at the entrance, he turned his gaze and revealed a handsome face as bright as the moon and the breeze, “Lord Xun, visiting your daughter?”

It was the Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun, looking spirited and elegant.

Xun Yunhe had not expected Pei Xun to seek him out before he could trouble him. With his hands behind his back, he walked up the steps calmly, slowly cupped his sleeves, and bowed, “Your Highness, your visit is an honor. I apologize for not greeting you earlier.”