Thousand Verdant Mountains – Chapter 127
Chapter 127
The sound of street drums could be heard faintly in the distance. Xuyu looked at the figure who quietly came out of the canopy and started to get dressed.
After Cui Daosi took on the post of envoy to the north yesterday, he did not dare to delay for a moment. He selected his entourage, selected translators and officials from the Honglu Temple, and together with guards, he formed a team of several hundred people for the mission, and immediately set out for the north this morning.
Pei Xiaoyuan was going to see him off early in the morning, and she would go with him.
He was slipping into his coat, the soft rustling of fabric filling the quiet space. As his sleeves moved with him, they stirred a faint breeze, causing a nearby candle flame to flicker and the gauzy canopy opening to sway ever so slightly.
Xuyu’s gaze paused for a moment.
In the end, he didn’t notice what was so special about this new bed curtain. He must have forgotten it long ago.
How long ago was that a trivial matter?
In fact, not to mention him, even she herself had forgotten it long before seeing it last night.
The only one who always remembered it clearly was probably Qingtou.
Xuyu suddenly felt a little amused at her own little fleeting, inconsequential thoughts. Soon, she put the matter aside and got off the bed. However, she didn’t know why, as soon as she put her feet on the ground and stood up, a sudden tightness gripped her chest.
Then, a feeling of nausea came over, and at once she felt uncomfortable.
He must have heard the slight noise she made when she got out of bed behind him. He turned to look at her, and when he saw her, he immediately walked back and reached out to hold her arm.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Xuyu relied on his support and slowly sat back on the edge of the bed.
Soon, the discomfort disappeared.
She raised her face, met his gaze, and shook her head: “It’s fine. I just suddenly felt a little stuffy, but I’m fine now.”
He looked at her face, which always looked pale lately, and was obviously still worried.
“Just lie down. You don’t need to go this morning. I can go on my own. I’ll ask He Amu to call a doctor to check on you.”
He turned around and was about to call for help, but Xuyu grabbed his sleeve from behind.
“I’m really fine. It’s still early, don’t make a fuss.”
Picking up a hairpin that had fallen on the pillow last night, she raised her arm and used it to tie up her messy long hair while explaining.
“I think it’s because I’ve been busy lately and haven’t slept well, so I was just feeling suffocated.”
He seemed to be still hesitating.
She stood up and smiled at him.
“I’m really fine now. I know my physical condition best, and I will rest more. Your uncle must have already left for the palace to bid farewell to my father. Let’s not delay, or we will miss the farewell.”
In the candlelight, her face, which was much thinner than before, looked like a thin moon shrouded in light mist on a spring night.
At this moment, she should be appeared delicate and gentle, stirring boundless tenderness and affection.
However, the girl in front of him was clearly smiling, looking energetic and reassuring.
He couldn’t help but recall the scene last night when she hugged him when he had nightmare. Never before had he seen such terror on her face. She must have been utterly frightened by him.
However, the entire response he could give her was so limited.
After learning the full truth of that matter, an invisible wall had quietly risen between them. All the joy he had previously experienced with her had come to an abrupt end for him—like morning dew on the grass, vanishing beneath the rising sun.
Too much blood had been spilled beyond the walls of Beiyuan City. The wind and sand could bury everything, smoothing over the ravines and sword marks on the earth. But he couldn’t pretend that nothing had happened.
In last night’s dream, the arrow he shot into Chengping’s back brought him to the land of Beiyuan again. There were mountains of corpses and a sea of blood.
She must have thought he wouldn’t recognize the newly hung curtain from the night before, that he wouldn’t remember those days in Chang’an—their first, unspoken affections, tangled between hesitation and delight, half joy, half jest.
He remembered everything, but he didn’t know how to respond, so he could only pretend not to see it, as if he was unaware and oblivious.
However, at this moment, facing her smiling face, he felt as if an invisible whip had lashed silently across his heart. He suddenly hated himself for going to the West Market that night.
If he hadn’t gone, hadn’t listened—then at least, when reaching out to her now, could he have done so with a clearer conscience? Would he have been spared this unseen shackle that now weighed on him?
Under his silent gaze, she put on her clothes, stepped out, opened the door, and asked someone to help her wash up.
The first rays of morning sun in winter shone on a stretch of willow and elm trees outside the Kaiyuan Gate, reflecting the icicles that had hung on the dry and gray willow branches last night, shining with sparkling lights.
Prince Ning led a group of court officials and sent Cui Daosi to a parting pavilion ten outside the Kaiyuan Gate. While Pei Xiaoyuan was waiting beside the willow and elm forest another ten li away.
Wearing a futou and a lapel robe, dressed as if he was going on a long journey, Cui Daosi led a group of followers and walked from afar, and appeared on the empty official road nearby.
Cui Daosi was no longer as high-spirited as he was when he said goodbye to everyone a moment ago. His brows were slightly furrowed, as if preoccupied with some thought. When he spotted Pei Xiaoyuan standing by the roadside, he showed little surprise—clearly, he had expected this encounter. But then, when he saw another figure wearing a fur-edged cloak emerging from a jade-green carriage behind Pei Xiaoyuan, he immediately looked surprised, as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.
Then, realizing what was before him, he swiftly dismounted, leading those behind him to kneel by the roadside, calling out their respects to the princess. The sudden movement startled the birds in the nearby woods, sending them scattering in hasty flight.
Qingtou who came out with them quickly set a footstool before the carriage. Xuyu descended at once, reaching out to help Cui Daosi up, gently bidding him to forgo such formalities.
Cui Daosi hurriedly bowed and said that he was unworthy of the princess’s gracious send off.
Xuyu smiled and said, “Lord Cui is Prince Consort’s elder, which means mine as well. Moreover, for this mission you brave treacherous roads and works hard for the country, this something I deeply admire. Sending you off with a parting cup of wine is but my duty.”
Qingtou had brought a tray and was waiting by the side. She lifted the warmed wine pot, which had just been heated over the brazier in the carriage, and poured a cup of warm wine, offering it with both hands.
“Please drink this wine, Lord Cui. I hope you will have a smooth journey and return home safely soon.”
Cui Daosi was filled with gratitude. He took the wine with trembling hands, drank it all in one gulp, put down the wine cup and said with solemn resolve: “Please rest assured, Princess! This old body of mine is frail, like decaying wood. Yet, His Majesty has not cast me aside and has entrusted me with such a heavy duty. Even if the road ahead is one of swords and fire, I will press forward without hesitation. If I must perish in loyalty and righteousness, so be it!”
Seeing Cui Daosi’s old and sick appearance, Qingtou was deeply moved. He knelt down and kowtowed: “Lord Cui is so righteous! If the humble one were not useless, and was afraid causing trouble for Lord Cui, the humble one truly wants to follow Lord Cui to the north to make achievements and return to Chang’an in glory!”
Cui Daosi waved his hands repeatedly, telling him to stay and serve the prince consort and the princess well.
Xuyu had long noticed that while Cui Daosi exchanged polite words with Qingtou, the corners of his eyes kept drifting toward Pei Xiaoyuan, who stood silently to the side. Only Qingtou seemed intent on continuing the conversation. Seeing this, Xuyu spoke up with a gentle smile, cutting in: “I see there are quite a few birds around. There happen to be some pastries in the carriage—we can feed them.”
Qingtou stopped talking after hearing this and hurried back to the carriage with her to get food.
As soon as the princess moved aside to feed the birds, Cui Daosi instructed his attendants to remain where they were. Then, casting a meaningful glance at Pei Xiaoyuan, he gestured for him to follow. Once Pei Xiaoyuan came to a halt, Cui Daosi dragged him forward again, forcing him deeper into the woods. They walked until they reached a dried-up winter stream. Only then did Cui Daosi stop, glancing back to ensure that no one could overhear before finally turning to face his nephew.
“Uncle was demoted this time because of my fault. I have implicated Uncle. I have wanted to apologize to you before, but it’s inconvenient to meet. I have to take this opportunity to confess my sin to you. I beg Uncle to forgive me!”
Pei Xiaoyuan was about to kneel down and kowtow, but Cui Daosi grabbed him from the ground and said, “Forget it, what’s the point of talking about this?”
He was no longer the old and weak man he had been in front of the princess a moment ago, and asked directly, “Have you reconciled with the Princess? Is everything really fine?”
Ever since the deposed crown prince and Prince Kang both met with misfortune, the emperor had clearly been deeply shaken. His health seemed unsteady, and he had become increasingly reclusive, rarely making public appearances. Even in recent times, when he occasionally summoned ministers for inquiries, he remained distant, keeping them at arm’s length. Moreover, the princess was always by his side during such meetings. As for the daily affairs of the Southern Court, Prince Ning had been entrusted with issuing decrees. However, everyone know that the one truly assisting the emperor—reviewing memorials, participating in discussions, and even formulating policies—was none other than the princess, who now enjoyed the emperor’s utmost favor. Her real standing in court was, by now, undeniable.
That his nephew would come to bid him farewell today was something Cui Daosi had anticipated. But that the princess herself would accompany him—and, more unexpectedly, treat him with such respect and warmth—was an unforeseen delight. In fact, it was enough to leave him feeling honored, even flattered. After all, not long ago, due to certain suspicions against prince consort, the emperor had grown displeased with him. The princess, too, had gradually distanced herself, staying away from Yongning Mansion for an extended period. This was a fact known to all.
Pei Xiaoyuan paused and responded vaguely.
Even now, only a limited number of people knew the inside story of how they tried to lure Li Yan. To the outside world, it was said to arrest Chengping. Naturally, he would not tell Cui Daosi.
Cui Daosi thought his guess was correct, his eyes showed joy and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s great! That’s great!”
He muttered a few words, “I was worried about this before. I don’t know how many people are hoping that you and the Princess will be done so that they can compete for the Prince Consort’s position!
“How could our illustrious clan, filled with noble sons as numerous as qilin, ever allow vile men to have their way!” While feeling relieved, he couldn’t help but sigh again.
Not wishing to dwell on the topic, Pei Xiaoyuan shifted the conversation. “Uncle, now that you have taken on the duty of this envoy mission, you must take great care once you arrive. You may seek assistance from Military Commissioner Linghu—he once served under my uncle and was my superior for a time. He is a man you can trust.”
Unexpectedly, Cui Daosi showed a strange look when he heard this, and said: “Erlang, do you truly believe that His Majesty trusts me to persuade Ashina to confess and surrender? Or that I can rally the surrounding tribal leaders to restrain him from rebellion? He is far more ruthless and reckless than most can imagine—actually dared to tear a gaping hole in the heavens of Chang’an itself! It doesn’t matter whoever went there! It’s just because my status is suitable that they sent me to go through the formalities, first with courtesy and then with force, and to buy some time for the preparations to come! As for me… I’ll treat this as a desperate remedy for a hopeless case! I’ll go, assess the situation as it unfolds, and take things one step at a time.”
This time, it was because his nephew made careless friends and got involved that he had no choice but to step forward and take on this tough job. He glanced at his nephew, who looked increasingly guilty, and sighed, then changed his words.
“Anyway, I’ll just took this opportunity to go out and stay out of the limelight.”
He frowned.
“I always feel that something will happen in the court. Wasn’t the Emperor’s longevity celebration suspended? I got a piece of gossip, I don’t know if it’s true or not, but the Shizi of County Prince Xiping took the opportunity to apply to leave the capital and return to the west a few days ago, but the Princess didn’t allow it. I also heard that after returning from Grand Archery Ceremony, the Jinzouyuan of the County Prince had planned to secretly take Shizi away from Chang’an, but for some reason, the plan failed, and Shizi has actually been under house arrest since then. If it’s true, is there going to be some trouble in the southwest as well?”
He was worried and sighed deeply.
“It’s been a short time since we’ve had such peace, and now there’s chaos here and there. I’m afraid something big is going to happen.”
Pei Xiaoyuan said nothing and did not move.
“Xiaoyuan!”
Cui Daosi suddenly called him. He raised his eyes.
Cui Daosi’s expression turned solemn.
“If your (paternal) uncle were here, he would surely speak to you of duty and responsibility. But since he is not, listen to my advice instead! In the future, if war truly breaks out—no matter where it happens—remember this: never rush to take matters upon yourself! Now that you are officially without a post, why not maintain that distance? Step back, let others compete for credit first. If it’s an easy victory, let others claim it—it won’t amount to much in the end. Wait until they can’t win, and when you see your chance, then step forward to salvage the situation! Understand? That way, not only will you be seen as the one who turns the tide in a moment of crisis, but by then, the enemy will also have suffered losses, increasing your chances of victory. If it’s a battle that you are not sure of, that is another matter, and you must never agree to it lightly!”
He paused, “You may look down on my way of dealing with people. But these are the lessons that I have learned from years of service as an official! It is certainly our duty to serve the court, but why not also consider ourselves a little. Your father… he was too loyal, too righteous. He never thought of himself in the slightest, and because of that, back then, he…”
Cui Daosi stopped talking suddenly and shook his head.
“Anyway, these are all lessons from the past! Bloody lessons! You must listen to me and never act rashly! Think twice before you act, it will do you no harm!”
After he finished speaking, he saw that his nephew remained silent, so he couldn’t help but urge him: “Did you listen to me? If you don’t respond, I won’t feel at ease when I go out on this mission!”
“I’ve made note of it. Thank you, Uncle, for your advice. I will consider things carefully when encountering any problem.” Finally, Pei Xiaoyuan spoke in response.
Cui Daosi nodded, and suddenly remembered something. He turned around, glanced at the princess’s faint figure in the distance, and said, “There is one more thing, which is also extremely important!”
“Please give your instructions, Uncle.” Pei Xiaoyuan said respectfully.
“Erlang, I see that the Princess still has affections for you.”
He took a look at his nephew. He was indeed a rare handsome man, a dragon and phoenix among people, no wonder the princess favored him.
“She actually sent me off in person so early in the morning because of you. You must seize the opportunity to curry favor with the Princess and please her. Remember, it’s never wrong to practice more the !” He leaned close to his nephew’s ear and whispered in his instruction.
“Also, not only the princess, you must also make sure His Majesty sees your unwavering devotion to her, your deep and unshakable love! Do you understand? You two have barely been married, and already so much has happened. Worse still, you were even living apart for a time! You are young, strong, and full of vigor—if you had ensured that news of an heir was already on the way, then for the Princess’s sake, His Majesty would have no choice but to be more lenient with you!”
Cui Daosi’s earnest advice did not stop, and after supressing his surprise, shame, and a lot of thoughts in his mind, Pei Xiaoyuan done listening and responded vaguely.
After Cui Daosi finished speaking, he thought that he had said all the instructions he needed to give and did not dare to delay too long. He brought Pei Xiaoyuan back and bid farewell to the princess before leading the team to move forward.
Pei Xiaoyuan stood by the road, watching Cui Daosi and his group gradually move away. Then he calmed himself down, turned his head to look at the figure not far away, and slowly walked over.
She scattered the last handful of crushed pastries. Dozens of birds from the nearby forests, starved for food in the winter, flew and jumped around her happily, competing for food. Yellow finches, wrens, scissor-tailed mountain magpies… a few bold ones even jumped onto the hem of her skirt that was hanging under the edge of her cloak. She did not drive them away, but just looked down. At this time, a gust of cold wind blew through the forest, blowing her skirt fluttering. The surrounding birds were startled and flew away one after another, but soon flew back and continued to jump around her.
Qingtou on the side was so cold that he kept shrinking his neck, but he kept flattering her: “A little snow crane with a red beak and red feet has come. It’s a rare auspicious bird! Ah! It’s jumped onto the Princess’s skirt! This must be a sign that fortune will follow the Princess, and all will go as you wishes!” Noticing the faint curve at the princess’s lips, as if she were amused, he grew even more enthusiastic.
Pei Xiaoyuan waited quietly for a moment. The cold wind blew again, but she still had no intention of getting in the carriage.
He hesitated for a moment, then said softly, “It’s cold outside the city. I’ll take the Princess back to the palace now.”
She was going back to the palace today, this was her original itinerary.
“Where are you going after sending me back to the palace?” She didn’t respond at first, but suddenly asked this question.
“I… still have to go to the government office. I still have some old paperwork to deal with.” He paused and replied.
“You don’t have to send me off specially. I’ll go back to the palace, and you can go on your own.”
Xuyu lifted the hem of her skirt to shake off the few bird downs that had just stuck to it, smiled at him. She then left him and walked quickly towards the carriage.
“Princess, will you come back tonight?” Qingtou suddenly remembered and chased after her to ask.
“Not necessarily. It depends on the situation.” She responded to the servant and got into the carriage.
The coachman drove the carriage, and accompanied by the plainclothes palace guards, the carriage gradually moved along the official road.
“Oh—”
Qingtou stamped his feet and let out a long sigh.