Chapter 171 – Rebirth of Prince Ding (II)

 

Lady Cui originally had no intention of attending the banquet. However, her elder brother, Cui Daosi, immediately spoke up, saying that Pei Ji had long since fallen out of favor with the emperor, and now Pei Gu was following in his footsteps. Among the emperor’s many sons, it was Prince Ding who currently enjoyed the greatest favor. This garden estate had been a personal gift from the emperor. If, after receiving a formal invitation from princess consort, she still chose not to attend—no matter what excuse she made—it would not only offend princess consort but might also give malicious people an excuse to slander her before the emperor. Wouldn’t that just invite more trouble?

Lady Cui considered his words and found them not without reason, so she prepared to attend the banquet. At this point, Cui Daosi urged her to be sure to bring the two young masters along as well. When she asked why, he explained that Princess Consort Ding was fond of children. When hearing Lady Cui had a beloved son who was only two years older than the little county princess, she expressed great interest in meeting him. Just yesterday, outside the palace gates, she had happened to encounter Cui Daosi by chance, and even stopped her carriage to speak with him, asking him to relay this wish to Lady Cui. He had readily agreed on the spot.

Although Cui Daosi was born into a prestigious family and always reminded himself to cultivate virtue and remain composed in the face of favor or disgrace, a touch of pride still slipped through when he spoke of the Princess Consort’s kindness. He earnestly encouraged his sister not to disappoint the goodwill she had shown.

Her elder brother had already agreed to the princess consort’s invitation, so Lady Cui had no choice but to agree. However, her six-year-old son, named Xiaoyuan, was not at all willing to go along. It turned out that the child, being fair and delicate in appearance from a young age, was often doted upon and fawned over. Whenever his mother took him along on social visits, the women who saw him would always flock around—one would stroke his head, another would pinch his arms. What he disliked most was when someone pinched his cheeks. He found it deeply unpleasant, and after enduring it for so long, he grew to hate visiting other people’s homes. When he was four or five, he had no say in the matter and was like a little puppet—whenever his mother said they were going out, he had no choice but to change into new clothes and obediently follow, only to have his cheeks pinched. But now that he was older and more stubborn, he shook his head vigorously at the very mention of it, preferring instead to stay home with his elder brother, practicing martial arts, archery, and studying.

Lady Cui had to gently explain to him that his uncle had already accepted the invitation on his behalf, and if he refused to go now, it would be breaking a promise, which wouldn’t be good. Besides, his elder brother would be going too. If he really didn’t want to follow her, he could just stay close to his brother during the visit.

His cousin Pei Huaiguang was only sixteen or seventeen years old, a handsome and heroic young man who was good at both literature and martial arts. Pei Xiao’er liked to follow him since he was a child, and the brothers had a very good relationship. Therefore, on that day, he was forced to dress up again, took a carriage with Lady Cui, and went to the banquet under the escort of his brother. Following his mother, he met Princess Consort Ding, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Princess Consort Ding was not like other women. Although she also praising him incessantly, she did not touch him. She only asked someone to call the little princess over and smiled at Pei Xiao’er, “She heard that a young older brother would be coming today and was overjoy. She’s been looking forward to meet you.”

This was the first time Pei Xiao’er met Li Hao’er.

Before this, he had heard that there was a little county princess named Zanxing in Prince Ding Mansion. She was far too famous in Chang’an. It was said she knew how to be courteous at age three, understood restraint by four, and was exceptionally intelligent and eager to learn—graceful, poised, and refined. Among all the noble daughters of the capital, she was the most distinguished. At such a young age, her reputation had already spread far and wide.

However, Pei Xiao’er had no interest in noble ladies. He only liked riding horses, archery, and studying to gain knowledge, constantly working hard in silence to become a hero when he grew up. Coming here today and was told that he could meet this famous little noble lady, the only thing in his mind was how to go home earlier.

But when she was led over by Princess Consort Ding, holding her hand, Pei Xiao’er was stunned.

She wore a small floral crown made of pearls, gemstones and tiny beaded blossoms on her black hair. Her skin was as fair as snow, with a crimson dot between her brows. She wore a soft pink ruqun dress with a high-waisted skirt, and just beneath the hem peeked out a pair of embroidered shoes, each toe decorated with a large pearl. She also carried a small shoulder bag with gold foil patterns on her body, puffed up with who knows what inside.

She had to be the prettiest little girl in all of Chang’an.

And not only that—when introduced by princess consort, she obediently lowered her gaze just slightly, then in a sweet voice addressed his mother and gave her a proper greeting. Then, as instructed by princess consort, she sweetly called him Brother Pei.

Truly a gorgeous and gentle little lady.

As soon as Lady Cui saw her, she liked her immensely. But when she glanced at her stubborn son who looked like a saw-mouthed gourd, she immediately felt a bit of disdain.

Following his mother’s instructions before coming here, Pei Xiao’er respectfully called her ‘County Princess’, and politely returned the greeting. But Princess Consort Ding said that there was no need to be so formal, and asked him to call her ‘Sister’ from now on, and it would be better if they could call each other brother and sister.

Pei Xiao’er looked a little shy, but there was a hint of secret anticipation in his heart as he glanced toward his mother. Lady Cui hurriedly tried to decline, but Princess Consort Ding insisted with a smile, saying she felt an immediate affinity with this little boy—one look, and she was already quite fond of him.

Lady Cui had long heard that Princess Consort Yin was the daughter of the late Grand Scholar Yin of Imperial Academy, a man known for his mastery of literature and the arts. Now, upon meeting her in person, the two women quickly found themselves connecting like old friends reunited after a long separation. Lady Cui was not one for pretenses—seeing that the Princess Consort’s words were genuine and not just polite formality, she gave her son a nod to follow suit.

And so, Pei Xiao’er changed his address, calling the girl ‘Sister’.

The princess consort and Lady Cui walked off hand in hand to converse, and originally it was Pei Huaiguang who was meant to keep an eye on the newly acquainted pair of little brother and sister. But the omnipotent elder brother in Pei Xiaoer’s eyes was also unreliable at times.

In the past, Pei Huaiguang had been betrothed to a girl whose grandfather had once been a close friend of Pei Ji. The man had resigned from office alongside Pei Ji years ago and now lived in seclusion with his granddaughter in Nanshan. The reason Lady Cui brought her son back to Chang’an this time was precisely to discuss her nephew’s marriage arrangements. The wedding was planned for early next year, after which Pei Huaiguang would follow his uncle Pei Gu to take up a military post. Lady Cui, meanwhile, would return once again to Hedong with the family.

The girl also came today. The eldest brother accompanied Pei Xiao’er and the little princess for a while. But feeling assured that his younger brother was very mature despite his young age, and besides, there were so many maids around, so he sneaked away to talk to the girl in private.

When Li Hao’er saw that the adults had left, she immediately drove away the people following behind. When Pei Xiao’er was the only one left by her side, she used her hands and feet to climb up a large rock. Her movements were so skillful and her body was so agile that Pei Xiao’er was left dumbfounded.

“What are you looking at? Come here!” Li Hao’er stood on the rock, finally much taller than him, and she gave him orders in a haughty manner.

Pei Xiao’er didn’t know what she was planning to do, but he felt that she seemed to have suddenly changed into a different person, not the same as when they just met. He hesitated for a moment, walked towards her, and reminded her worriedly: “You should come down, Sister. Be careful not to fall, it will hurt.”

The little girl put her hands on her hips and shook her head: “It’s none of your business! Also, when there is no one around, you are not allowed to call me sister! I am not your sister!”

Pei Xiao’er was stunned, hesitated for a moment, and decided not to argue with her. He endured the humiliation and said, “County Princess, what are you doing? Come down—”

“I told you to come over here!”

He had no choice but to keep moving closer.

“Come closer!”

He stood at her feet. Li Hao’er stretched out her little hand to him and pinched his face.

The face of this Pei family boy really did feel nice to pinch—better than playing with clay or steamed cakes.

She used to love playing with clay, but once her father found out, he made a huge fuss and scolded Zhao Zhongfang for not keeping a better eye on her. Not wanting Zhao Bantang to get into trouble, she switched to kneading steamed cakes instead. But then her mother caught her and gave her a stern lecture. She talked back, and her mother, undeterred by her father’s objections, actually punished her by making her go a whole day without food. She was so hungry her stomach practically stuck to her back, and from then on, she never dared do it again.

No clay. No steamed cakes.

But when she saw the boy from the Pei family just now, she had the urge to pinch his face.

At this moment, she pinched and pinched, and her eyes lit up: “Come and play with me often in the future! It’s fun! It’s really fun!”

Pei Xiao’er finally understood and was furious. His little face, which had just been pinched by her white and tender little hand, turned red.

He pursed his lips, left her without saying a word, and turned away.

“Stop right there! I still want to pinch!”

Li Hao’er stamped her feet in anger and shouted loudly. Seeing that not only he did not listen but walked even faster, she quickly climbed down from the rock and started to chase after him.

He was more than half a head taller than her and was sulking. How could she catch up with him?

A loud wail suddenly rang out behind him. That annoying little princess was actually cried.

She even lying on the ground, covering her face and crying.

This—this wasn’t just a tantrum, was it?

He really didn’t want to pay any attention to her, but her crying sounded really sad.

Could it be that she actually hurt from a fall?

Finally, he softened his heart and walked a few steps back, wanting to see what was going on. But when he remembered how she had just stood on the rock and arrogantly pointed fingers at him, he hesitantly stopped.

She was still crying. One of her small embroidered shoes fell to the ground, and the small bag on her back also flew out, spilling out a few candies shaped like cats and dogs.

“Wuwuwu… Mother… Father…It hurts so much…”

The crying sound attracted the maids back, and soon Princess Consort Ding and Lady Cui were also called over.

It turned out that she really fell while chasing him, and her palms, elbows and knees were all scratched and bleeding, looking horrifying and very pitiful.

Lady Cui had always regretted not having another daughter. Seeing the scene before her, her heart ached terribly. Glancing at her own son’s expression—and knowing full well he hadn’t even wanted to come today—she immediately assumed he had disliked the little princess and refused to play with her, which must have led to her falling and hurting herself. Her anger flared at once. Without caring that they were outside, she dragged her son over and ordered him to kneel and apologize to the little princess.

The maids, of course, hadn’t truly left earlier—they had only retreated to hide nearby. They had seen everything clearly. But how could they dare speak of the little princess’s fault in front of outsiders now? All of them remained silent.

Princess Consort Ding, however, knew how naughty her daughter was, practically lawless from her father’s doting. One look at the expressions of the surrounding maids, and she understood the situation at once. Though she didn’t yet know why her daughter had provoked the young master of the Pei family into storming off, she was sure the fault lay with her own child. She rushed to intervene—yet how could she possibly stop Lady Cui now?

“How dare you bully the little princess! Such a well-behaved girl! Kneel down!”

Pei Xiao’er felt his face turn red and his ears burn, gritting his teeth, he lowered his head and was about to kneel when suddenly, a sobbing voice reached his ears again.

“He…he didn’t bully me…I fell down by myself…as long as he plays with me, that’s enough…”

Pei Xiao’er was taken aback and looked over. She was secretly looking at him through her tearful fingers. He bit his lip.

Lady Cui immediately calmed down and quickly agreed.

Under the threat of his mother, Pei Xiao’er could only follow Li Hao’er dejectedly. After she finished treating her scrape and once again chased everyone away, he watched helplessly as she reached out her small paw still wrapped in gauze, pinching his left cheek and then his right cheek.

“If you listen to me from now on, I will let you call me Sister! I’ll even share my candy with you! will treat you very well!”

Li Hao’er retracted little hand—the one she’d hurt while trying to pinch his face—feeling completely satisfied. Despite the tears still clinging to her lashes, she began coaxing him again with a cheerful tone.

What else could the second young master of the Pei family do?

This little girl who had suddenly appeared was simply too troublesome. Once she clung to someone, she was like sticky sugar—impossible to shake off. The whole ordeal only strengthened his resolve to grow up quickly, to leave Chang’an as soon as possible, and to pursue his heroic ambitions far away from these tiresome distractions.

By evening, the garden banquet finally ended. After a whole day of wild play, the little princess was exhausted. Half-asleep, she was carried away in the arms of a eunuch named Zhao Zhongfang. Only then was he finally free, and let out a long sigh of relief. He hurried off to find his mother and elder brother. As soon as he stepped outside, he spotted his brother standing on the path, speaking with another man.

The man was about thirty years old, handsome, and had an extraordinary demeanor. His brother seemed to hold him in high regard and was listening attentively to his words. Whatever the two were discussing, the man suddenly turned and spotted Pei Xiao’er, then gave his brother an encouraging pat on the arm and said, “Let me speak with your younger brother for a moment. Wait here.”

Pei Huaiguang had just returned from meeting his sweetheart. Hearing that his younger brother and the little princess had gotten along well that day and were still together, he came to fetch his brother—only to unexpectedly run into Prince Ding. He stepped forward to pay his respects. Previously, he had assumed the prince was just as the rumors described him: a frivolous royal who lived for pleasure. But after a short exchange, he felt as if bathed in a spring breeze, and couldn’t help but admire him. He respectfully withdrew and waited nearby.

Pei Xiao’er saw Prince Ding turning towards him, smiling as he beckoned him over.

Although the other person was of high status and an adult, he was not intimidated. He walked forward and, following proper etiquette, offered a formal bow. Though still very young, every movement was precise and respectful—completely free of error.

Prince Ding looked at him and said nothing at first.

After waiting for a while, the six-year-old Pei Xiaoyuan finally felt confused. He raised his face and quietly glanced at the other person.

“Do you know who I am?” Prince Ding suddenly asked in a very gentle tone.

Pei Xiao’er nodded.

“What do you think of this Prince?”

Pei Xiao’er was silent.

Prince Ding’s eyes flickered slightly, and after waiting for a while, he said leisurely: “Whatever you know? Speak boldly.

“This Prince is a good person. No matter what you say, this Prince will never blame you. Promise!” Prince Ding actually patiently coaxed the child in front of him.

Pei Xiao’er still hesitated. Though young, the experiences of his uncle and father had already led him to reflect often on the ways of the world, even amidst his daily studies and martial training. What’s more, his elder brother Pei Huaiguang would frequently grow impassioned while reading, using the lessons of history to voice his dissatisfaction with the current state of the court. Influenced by what he saw and heard, Pei Xiao’er naturally wasn’t entirely naïve.

“Go ahead and speak freely!” He urged again with a smile. He was truly eager to know what this not-yet-grown second son of the Pei family thought of him.

“Your Highness should be a good man. But you’re… useless.”

Under his inducement, Pei Xiao’er—still too young to fully guard his tongue—eventually spoke his mind, plain and honest.

Prince Ding paused, and the smile on his face almost disappeared.

It must be said that this Pei family boy always brings him unusual emotional experiences no matter what age he is. Fortunately, Prince Ding quickly calmed down, and a more gentle expression appeared on his face.

“Oh. Tell this Prince, how am I useless?” he asked again cheerfully.

Since he had already started speaking—and seeing that the man before him not only wasn’t angered but even seemed to welcome honest criticism—Pei Xiao’er pressed on: “His Majesty nowadays is lost in indulgence, the court is overrun by sycophants, and yet Your Highness doesn’t admonish His Majesty—instead…”

Before he could finish his words, Prince Ding abruptly stepped forward and clamped a hand over his mouth.

Prince Ding glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot, then finally let go of Pei Xiao’er and waved his hand dismissively.

“Forget it, let’s not talk about this anymore. You saw my Hao’er today, didn’t you? She’s beautiful, smart, and well-behaved…”

At this point, Prince Ding suppressed the inexplicable sour feeling in his heart and his face slightly turned dark: “Listen carefully, boy, this Prince know you must like her so much in your heart. This Prince will make an exception and allow you to be friends with her. You must be loyal to her, protect her for a lifetime, and treat her well for the rest of your life. Can you do it?”

Pei Xiao’er was extremely frightened. He didn’t understand why Prince Ding said such a thing. It sounded like he had to do it.

“I, can I still speak the truth?” He protested hastily.

This was really too difficult, he was afraid he couldn’t do it.

Prince Ding knew everything about the dispute between his beloved daughter and Pei Xiao’er today. The little boy was obviously very dissatisfied with his daughter. This was contrary to his original intention of arranging a meeting between the two little kids.

However, Prince Ding would never admit his daughter was at fault—not in this lifetime, nor the next, nor the one after that. How could his daughter possibly be wrong? If anyone was to blame, it was that Pei boy for making a mountain out of a molehill. Stubborn and stiff-headed even at his young age—just like he would be once he grew up.

So what if she pinched his face a few times? Was that really such a big deal?

“No need to say more! Just remember this Prince’s command!” Prince Ding waved his hand decisively, his voice ringing with finality. Seeing that Pei Xiao’er stood there frozen, clearly stunned into silence, he felt a satisfying surge of triumph. After a moment’s thought, he resumed his earlier kind demeanor, smiling as he said: “Young man, why don’t we make a gentleman’s agreement?”

He leaned forward, leaned close to Pei Xiao’er’ ear, and whispered: “Those things you just said—never repeat a single word of them again. Let’s make a deal: if one day this Prince truly accomplishes something great, you’ll owe me a promise.”

Before Pei Xiao’er could nod or shake his head, Prince Ding took the opportunity to rub his head a few times with gritted teeth, then stood up and said, “That’s all from me. Your brother’s still waiting. Go on.”

Pei Xiao’er followed his brother away in a daze, and subconsciously turned his head to look. Prince Ding was still standing where he had been, watching him. When their eyes met, he smiled and gave him a cheerful wave.

Pei Xiao’er felt a chill on the back of his neck and a sudden goosebump in his heart.

His hunch was correct.

Ever since that day, his endless squabbles with Li Hao’er turned into a never-ending string of mischievous encounters.

Though he swore he’d never set foot near that place again, Li Hao’er would still drop by Yongning Mansion from time to time just to find him. Every time she came, she’d sneak in a few pinches to his cheeks, and without fail, give him a few more behind everyone’s back before leaving.

Pei Xiao’er couldn’t stand it and deeply vexed.

Even at his young age, he understood the importance of saving face. Being teased like this by a little girl—how could he possibly let his mother or brother find out? If he told his mother, she wouldn’t help him—in fact, she’d probably scold him for making a fuss. “So what if the little princess pinches your face? She’s so young, so adorable—how could you not dote on her?” And if his brother found out? That would be even worse. He’d never hear the end of it from his brother’s teasing.

Pei Xiao’er had thought about objecting.

But every time he got angry and refused, Li Hao’er would pout and roll up her sleeves to show the scars on her elbows from the fall. If her arms weren’t enough, she would roll up her skirt and trouser to show him the scars on her knees. Pei Xiaoyuan didn’t fully understand what propriety meant yet, but he had a vague sense that there were differences between boys and girls—how could he dare look at her legs under her skirt?

Every time this happened, he could only close his eyes, and Li Hao’er would proudly defeat him again.

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Translator’s note:

The twin definitely takes after their mother!