Chapter 70

 

In the Yulanpen Sutra, there was a legend about Mulian saving his mother. Mulian saw his deceased mother trapped in hell, as if hanging upside down, trapped in an ocean of suffering with no escape. Heartbroken, he seeks the Buddha’s guidance to save her. Shakyamuni Buddha provides a solution, which was to offer alms to all monks on the day when the monks’ retreat ended. Thus the Yulan Festival was born. On this day, temples hold ceremonies with scripture recitations and water-land rituals. Lay devotees provide offerings to monks and release lanterns on water, expressing remembrance and praying for blessings for their departed loved ones.

In Chang’an, since the time of the old emperor, in order to promote filial piety, the Yulan Festival had become the only day of the year when the curfew was lifted except for the Lantern Festival. On this night, the gate of each lane was not closed, and the residents were free to come and go, gathering in the East and West Markets. There was a large pond connected to the Caohe River, and the people could come to release lanterns along the water to celebrate the festival.

It was unknown when it began, but lighting lanterns gradually became a way for the wealthy families in Chang’an to show off their extravagance. They were no longer satisfied with simple lotus lanterns, and often invited skilled craftsmen to make water lanterns of various shapes for their family many days in advance. The lanterns were also made bigger and bigger, and the largest ones were as big as pagodas. On the Yulan Festival, after dark, they were released on the surface of the pond with boats, shining like stars, competing for beauty and attracting countless people to come and watch.

This year was no exception.

After dark, the pond for releasing lanterns in the West Market was surrounded by devout believers from all over the city. The shops in the streets seized this rare opportunity to keep their lights on all night to attract customers. The streets were full of people, laughter and noise, creating a prosperous and peaceful scene.

Pei Xiaoyuan boarded a lantern-releasing boat.

The exterior of this boat looked like many other boats that were floating on the release pond tonight, with lotus lanterns were hung on the bow and stern of the boat, making it seem entirely unremarkable. However, upon stepping inside, one could find a folding screen, behind which were two banquet tables arranged across from each other. Beyond these, the space was empty, devoid of any other furnishings. At this moment, Li Yan stood within the screen’s enclosure.

He was dressed in white, and if not for the faint scar on his face left by a sharp blade, he would look no different from the countless ordinary scholars wandering the streets of Chang’an enjoying the Taiping Night Market tonight.

“Thank you for coming to see me. Please take a seat.”

A smile appeared on his face as he nodded towards Pei Xiaoyuan.

Pei Xiaoyuan sat down at one of the tables and then looked at him.

“You’re quite courageous,” he said.

To maintain order tonight, at every street corner in the East and West markets, there were twice as many Jinwu guards on duty as during the day.

After Li Yan sat down at the other table, he went silent for a while.

“Excuse me. To be honest, I was afraid too. I hesitated for a long time, but finally decided to take the risk and try my luck again.”

“As long as I can see Master Pei, I am willing to take any risk at any price.”

Pei Xiaoyuan’s eyes swept across the sword scar left on Li Yan’s face and he smiled: “How can I, Pei, possibly be worthy of such words? What do you want?”

Li Yan poured a glass of wine and raised it to him.

“This should be the third time I have met Master Pei. Speaking of which, last time in Jinfeng Tower, it was all thanks to your mercy that we escaped. I have always remembered your kindness in my heart and have long wanted to thank Master Pei. Tonight, I finally get the chance to thank you in person. I’ll drink first to show my respect.”

He finished his drink in one gulp.

Pei Xiaoyuan did not return the courtesy with a drink, but said coldly: “You and I both know that I did not come here tonight to listen to you say these things.”

“Master Pei is straightforward, so I won’t be pretentious. I asked you to meet for only one purpose, and that is to ask you to help me.

“I want to avenge my father and take back Chang’an. Everything here originally belonged to me, you also aware.”

Pei Xiaoyuan looked at him calmly, as if he had already predicted what he would say.

Li Yan continued, “To ask for your assistance, naturally, I wouldn’t come empty-handed. I am well aware that Master Pei is unlike those who scramble for worldly gains. If I were to offer the usual wealth and glory that others covet, it wouldn’t sway you—worse yet, it would insult you. I have no wish to humiliate myself by suggesting such things. The only thing I can offer to show my sincerity is to aid you in seeking vengeance!”

After he finished speaking, he stared closely at the person opposite him, waiting for his response.

“Although you once held a distinguished position, times have changed. Whether the current saint is a wise ruler may be debated by future historians, but at least he’s definitely not a mediocre ruler.”

Pei Xiaoyuan finally spoke, his tone normal.

“With all due respect, if you want to turn the tables on him, I’m afraid it’s a fool’s dream. How can you help me get revenge?

“Besides, if I want revenge, I have my own way. Why would I need your help?”

There was no sarcasm or contempt in his words, but every word was as sharp as a knife, without the slightest euphemism.

Li Yan’s expression did not change. Instead, he smiled and nodded when he heard the words.

“Yes, I know it’s foolish of me to overestimate my own strength, like a mantis trying to stop a cart. Master Pei with your exceptional talent, unyielding will, and skill to stir the tides, something as simple as revenge is indeed within your own power. However—”

He paused and stared at Pei Xiaoyuan closely.

“What if your enemy is the person who is called the saint today?”

Pei Xiaoyuan slowly raised his eyes and met Li Yan’s gaze. After a moment, the corners of his lips twisted slightly and twitched.

“Do you have evidence?”

Li Yan shook his head, and then immediately said: “Although I don’t have any solid evidence yet, I don’t believe that with Master Pei’s wisdom, you have never doubted the person in Ziyun Palace now.”

“In the incident at Beiyuan back then, I am sure that the reason why Xifan Army dared to invade on such a large scale must be that someone in our court sent a message to prevent General Shenhu from returning to the capital, and even more so took the opportunity to eliminate him to prevent future troubles.

“This matter involves a wide range of people and has a huge impact. It can be regarded as another major change in the court after the turmoil. It’s an important matter related to the throne and the 100,000 soldiers of the Shenhu Army! The current emperor was able to stand out among the princes back then and ascend to the throne. How could he be an innocent person who stayed out of it? If he’s not the head of evil, who is?”

Pei Xiaoyuan’s expression became as solemn as cast iron, and his eyes turned cold.

“Li Yan!” He suddenly called out the name of the person opposite him and stood up from his seat.

“Saying such wild, baseless gossip in front of me—afraid you’re making the wrong decision!”

“Master Pei, please take a seat again and listen to my explanation!” Li Yan said again.

“Tonight, I dared to invite Master Pei to meet me, naturally there’s more than that. The Yongning Mansion where Master Pei currently lives was previously owned by Prince Chen, an old imperial relative executed a few years ago for treason. Master Pei must know about this. However, you may not be aware that before the upheaval in the Beiyuan, Prince Chen happened to be serving in Jinzhou. At that time, Prince Ding wanted to compete for my father’s position and was on his way back to Chang’an. When he passed by Jinzhou, he stayed in his house, so he witnessed some things that were unknown to outsiders.

“That night, a man from Yuanzhou came to meet Prince Ding in secret. Prince Chen didn’t know what they were talking about, so he naturally didn’t dare to speculate. But not long before that, Liu Ceye went to Yuanzhou on his own, without the old emperor’s appointment, on the pretext of contacting military intelligence. I didn’t make this thing up, and some old people in the court now know about it. Yuanzhou was where Feng Zhenping stationed his troops back then, not far from Beiyuan.

“Why would he go there at that time?

“Not only that! Do you know who the messenger from Yuanzhou is, Master Pei? He is the father of Wei Juren, the brother-in-law of the current crown prince! Back then, he was a man under my father’s Jingsheng Eastern Palace, one of his attendants. My father trusted him very much, and because he was worried about Feng Zhenping, he entrusted him with an important task and sent him to supervise the military. Who knew that he was also a ruthless villain, who was bought off early and joined Prince Ding.

“What is so important that he would come all the way from Yuanzhou to meet with Prince Ding in person?

“Prince Chen is not Prince Ding’s confidant, so he naturally doesn’t know. Even today, I dare not make a definite statement. But if I’m allowed to guess, he must have been sent by Liu Ceye to discuss with Prince Ding the Beiyuan conspiracy that is about to happen.”

An excited look gradually appeared on Li Yan’s face.

Suddenly, a cheer erupted from outside the boat, drowning out his voice. It was the reaction of the people at the release pond on seeing the novel lotus lanterns.

“Yes! It’s a complete conspiracy!” He suddenly raised his voice following the cheers from the shore.

“In this conspiracy, my father lost his most trusted ally, the Shenhu General. I was only fifteen then, sent to receive the general, but I waited in vain. With no army left, my father had to fend for himself in Chang’an, scrambling to gather support from the old emperor before his brother’s blade could fall. His efforts failed and became a shameful traitor. And the real traitor, after killing General Shenhu and the eight hundred warriors, was crowned with a dragon robe and turned into a saint praised by all people!

“Not only that, to this day, Liu Ceye, Feng Zhenping, and the likes of Chen Sida and the Wei family who betrayed your father and my father, live in wealth and honor! However, Master Pei, your father, he remains without a rightful name, when he should have a shrine, and be remembered and honored as a loyal soul and martyr!”

The cheers on the shore gradually died down. After a moment, when his emotions had slowly calmed down, he looked at Pei Xiaoyuan again, and his voice also became calmer.

“Master Pei, I know that it’s your mother’s death anniversary recently. I am just a person hiding from the sun, cannot even see the light of day. Even if I want to go to pay my respects, it’s in vain. I can only offer a handful of fragrant soil from afar to express my respect.

“You asked me for evidence just now, and I really don’t have any solid evidence to show. You don’t have to believe what I just said about Prince Chen. After all, he’s not a good person. But three years ago, the nobleman from Xifan who surrendered also died inexplicably on the street. Isn’t this enough to prove that there was another conspiracy in the Battle of Beiyuan?”

Having said that, he raised his hand and gently stroked the sword wound on his face.

“When I was young, Lord Pei was invited by my father to become my teacher. Although he resigned from his post and left the capital not long after, I still remember Lord Pei’s teachings to me. Once a teacher, always a teacher. At the beginning of the year, I went to Ganliang with the intention of visiting Lord Pei. However, after repeated consideration, I thought of his advanced age and could not bear to disturb him with my little matter, so I turned back halfway. As for you, Master Pei, our acquaintance may have begun in conflict. No matter how you think of me, in my opinion, you are a person who is worth any risk for me, Li Yan, to make friends with.

“As for your father, he is the person that I, Li Yan, respect the most in my life. If he had abandoned Beiyuan and returned to the capital as scheduled, my father might have been saved. But in that case, the general would not be the general anymore! I am here tonight. You can kill me or offer me to the emperor for credit. Now that I am here, I have prepared for the worst.

“But in the end, I still have one thing to say, Master Pei. The emperor today is the culprit of the Beiyuan Incident. If you return to the court and become an official, even if you get rid of the rest of your enemies and hold a high position, you will still have to serve him as your ruler, and serve one of his sons who may not tolerate you one day as a monarch. Are you really willing to do that?”

Li Yan spoke out all his words in one breath, staring at the person opposite him without blinking.

After he sat down again, he didn’t say a word, let alone interrupt Li Yan, and just listened quietly. When Li Yan finished speaking, he closed his eyes and didn’t move. His face was as if covered with a layer of shadow, and he looked expressionless, unable to distinguish whether it was joy or sorrow.

Li Yan waited quietly.

After a moment, he opened his eyes, stood up, walked to the cabin window, and pushed open one side.

“Come here.” He opened his mouth and called.

Li Yan was a little confused and hesitated for a moment, but soon responded, walked to his side and stopped behind the window.

Their boat was in the center of the release pond, which was now filled with all kinds of lotus lanterns and lantern boats. The shore was crowded with people, and the streets along the water were lined with houses.

There were bright lights everywhere, there were also rituals of protecting the departed spirits being performed by the water’s edge, and the streets were crowded with night tourists.

He stopped talking for a while, his eyes just kept scanning the street in front of him. Li Yan waited for a moment, but couldn’t help but asked with a little doubt: “What does Master Pei mean?”

“Look there.” Pei Xiaoyuan raised his arm and pointed to a tall house at the intersection in the far right.

“It was a Persian residence, a shop of foreign merchants that specialized in collecting treasures. When I came here, I noticed a man standing at the entrance of the shop, carrying a heavy bag. He looked like a salesman, but his behavior was different from that of the real salesmen around him. He just walked around nearby, avoiding the patrolling guards who passed by.

“When I passed by him, I deliberately bumped into his pocket. He pretended to be calm, but I could still see that he was very nervous. I also heard the pocket make a noise. There were copper coins in it.

“Not just this one, I also found similar people in several other places in the market, at Zhang family’s pharmacy in the northeast, at the pawnshop in the southeast, and at the silk shop in the southwest. The locations they’ve chosen are quite convenient, situated at the busiest crossroads, where the streets are narrow and crowded.

“When I first started working, I took a rough look at some of the old records of the Jinwu Guards. During the reign of the old emperor, about twenty years ago, on a Lantern Festival night, there was an accident in the West Market where pedestrians were trampled. No less than a hundred people were killed or injured, including several Jinwu guards who were trying to maintain order—”

Having said that, he closed the window and turned to Li Yan, whose expression changed slightly as he continued to talk.

“Master Li, if I’m not mistaken, those are the people who are going to rescue you, right? You took the risk of meeting me here, and you kept saying that you depended on me for your safety, but you actually had already prepared a way out. If anything unexpected happens, they can just throw money in crowded places, which will easily cause passers-by to scramble for it, and then cause traffic jams and even stampedes. In this way, the nearby Jinwu guards will be distracted tonight, and you can take the opportunity to leave calmly.”

Li Yan was silent for a moment. After a moment, he looked slightly embarrassed, and then he smiled bitterly.

“Nothing can be hidden from Master Pei.” He murmured.

“Please forgive me, Master Pei, I really am—”

“No need to explain. If it were me, I would be on guard as well.”

Pei Xiaoyuan interrupted him calmly.

“I will find out who the culprit of Beiyuan was. Whether I am willing to accept it or not is my own business.

“I only want to tell you, Master Li, that while revenge is indeed a natural right for a son, but in the future, do not violate my principles. Otherwise, even if I do not intervene, those who are too clever may eventually fall victim to their own cleverness.”

After he finished speaking, he ordered the boat to dock, then went ashore and left, his figure quickly disappearing among the bustling night passers-by.

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