Chapter 57

 

Prince Ning had not been back in the capital for long, but what happened to him made him complain bitterly. The distressing matters left from the Qujiang banquet piled up, and in recent days, he had been running around tirelessly, personally overseeing the mourning for the Feng family’s son. Finally, he had some free time in the past two days. He also learned that Pei Xiaoyuan seemed to have offended the emperor and was thrown into a secret prison. Unsure whether this was true or not, his worries were reignited. He went to the palace to ask for an audience several times, only to be blocked at every turn. When he went to find Yuan Zhi to inquire about the situation, the eunuch seemed respectful on the surface, but when questioned, he claimed to know nothing, evading all responsibility with such thoroughness that Prince Ning was left with no way to deal with him.

In fact, he and Pei Ji had an old friendship, and now he also recognized Pei Xiaoyuan as his grandson’s master. Compared with others, he naturally felt closer to him. He was very anxious and was discussing with Cui Daosi whether to report this matter to the Eastern Capital to inform Pei Ji. Suddenly, he received news this morning that Pei’s son had returned to the government office. Except for a wound on his forehead from unknown sources, he was safe and sound. Not only that, it was said that the emperor also equipped Pei’s residence with many servants, and even sent over eunuch Yang Zai’en to take charge of the renovation of the house.

The day before, this Pei’s son was still being rumored to be in trouble, perhaps suffering in the prison, but after one night, his fortune was actually doubled.

Before Prince Ning could figure out what was going on, he learned that the emperor had summoned him, so he quickly changed his clothes and complied. He hurried to Ziyun Palace and saw from afar an old eunuch leading two small eunuchs standing outside the palace gate, as if waiting for him. When he got closer and saw who it was, he was surprised to find that it was the eunuch Zhao Zhongfang who had been driven out of the palace by the emperor.

Zhao Zhongfang had a deep seniority. He lost a leg in a turmoil of earlier years, though he had miraculously survived and returned afterward. However, his fortune was short-lived. For reasons unknown, he was later expelled from the palace by the emperor. Prince Ning also vaguely understood where he went, but he didn’t expect that he would return now.

Haven’t seen him for more than ten years, Zhao Zhongfang looked very old, but he seemed to be in good spirits. Zhao Zhongfang slowly walked over and greet with a smile on his face.

It was not appropriate to talk here. The coming and going of eunuchs also involved the emperor’s secrets. He dared not inquire further and didn’t allow Zhao Zhongfang to bow to him. Instead, he quickly stepped forward to support him, exchanging a few polite words. Learning that the emperor was waiting for him, he hurried in. The moment he stepped into the hall, however, he was taken aback once again.

Three years ago, after the war in Xifan ended, the emperor gradually stopped holding court meetings due to his old illness. He usually summoned the courtiers to this hall, which was always dimly lit, with a huge candle lit even during the day. However, at this moment, Prince Ning saw that the heavy curtains that used to block the sunlight were all drawn up, and the room was brightly lit, with a breeze blowing through the hall. The emperor was leaning on the bed alone, with his eyes closed, as if taking a nap.

He became more and more surprised, glancing around in bewilderment. He remained frozen for a moment, until the emperor opened his eyes and slowly turned over to sit upright. Only then he came to his senses and hurried up to pay his respects. He found that the emperor’s expression was unusually peaceful, and even had a slight smile, asking him to sit closer and talk.

Prince Ning suppressed his confusion and sat on a couch beside the emperor. He first asked about the emperor’s recent conditions, saying that he was very worried and had requested an audience with the emperor two days ago. He was very happy to be able to see the emperor today.

The emperor nodded and said that he had wanted to summon him to talk alone for a long time, but today was the only time he had time. Then he asked about his grandchildren.

Prince Ning hurriedly half stood up and bowed, saying, “Hui’er is fine. He has been studying at home these days. Although my granddaughter was frightened that day, she is not seriously injured. She has recovered after a few days of rest. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”

The emperor motioned him to sit back down, then nodded and said, “It’s good if they’re alright. Speaking of which, that little painter needed to be compensated. If she hadn’t rescued them that day, Wanwan and Wenjun would have been even more frightened.”

The emperor said this in a rather euphemistic way. Everyone knew that if the little painter hadn’t rescued them that day, not to mention the two county princesses, ten of them would have died long ago. But this matter involved Prince Kang. Praising the little painter would inevitably be seen as belittling Prince Kang. Therefore, although Prince Ning was very grateful to the little painter, he didn’t dare to show it too much. After all, the emperor’s face had to be taken into consideration in everything.

However, he didn’t expect that the emperor would take the initiative to talk about the little painter’s contribution at this moment, and his tone was full of praise. He was surprised and immediately agreed: “What Your Majesty says is absolutely true! That painter, though young, is incredibly wise and courageous, having saved both Wanwan and Wenjun. What’s even more remarkable is that when this minister sent people to his home to offer thanks, he did not want to take any credit. He possesses a character as precious as jade, as elegant as a jade tree—truly rare in this world. Though he appears to come from humble origins, a person like that must have noble and virtuous ancestors if one traces his lineage.”

The emperor listened to Prince Ning’s words with an expression of unconcealed satisfaction on his face, and said, “You are absolutely right. No matter how much praise we give this little painter, it’s not enough. Zhen heard that she is now temporarily staying at Pei Mansion, so Zhen sent a few people over to serve her, as a reward for her bravery in saving the two county princesses.”

Prince Ning immediately praised the emperor for his wisdom. The emperor stroked his beard and spoke again: “What do you think of Pei Xiaoyuan?”

This question touched Prince Ning’s heart, and he heaped praises upon him again, and finally mentioned that his grandson Li Hui admired this young man who had made military achievements in the western frontier, and wanted to worship him as his teacher.

The emperor nodded: “Very good.” He pondered for a moment, then looked at Prince Ning: “Zhen has also seen your grandson, and remember that he is quite smart. You can bring him to the palace more often in the future. How can a young man be kept at home forever? In addition, Zhen may go to Cangshan to escape the summer heat in some time, so ask him to go too.”

Cangshan was located to the east of Chang’an. It had winding mountains, beautiful scenery, and was surrounded by springs and pools, making it an excellent summer resort.

Every summer, because of the sultry heat in Chang’an, the emperor would often take his close relatives or meritorious nobles and officials to live there for a month or two, both to escape the heat and as a reward to his subjects. This was a practice of many emperors before him, especially when the previous emperor was in power, he was even more enthusiastic about it, hunting and feasting in Cangshan every year, and even staying there for more than half a year. The palace in the mountains was built like a heavenly palace, not inferior to the palace in Chang’an.

However, the current emperor had a different temperament from the previous one. When he first ascended the throne, the treasury was scarce, so there was no money for entertainment. Later, when the treasury was more abundant, the emperor never mentioned summer vacation. For more than a dozen year, no matter how hot Chang’an was in summer, he never left the capital. The officials in the court gradually got used to it and never expected to follow the emperor to experience the grand occasion of summer vacation in Cangshan again.

It was one thing for the emperor to praise Li Hui at this moment, but Prince Ning never would have expected him to say something like this.

Are they planning to move to Cangshan Mountain to escape the heat this summer? If this was true, it would be an unprecedented move.

Prince Ning reacted and quickly stood up again, thanking the emperor on behalf of Li Hui. Seeing the emperor nodded and stopped talking, as if he was concentrating on thinking about something else, Prince Ning did not dare to disturb him rashly and sat with him while holding his breath. After a while, the emperor turned his eyes to him and asked, “Pei’s son should not have discussed marriage yet? Have you heard Pei Ji mention this?”

Prince Ning was startled and said truthfully, “As far as this minister knows, there should have been no discussion of marriage.”

The emperor nodded and said, “In your opinion, is there any girl in the capital who is suitable for him to marry?”

For Prince Ning, today, one surprise after another occurred from the moment he stepped into Ziyun Palace and saw Zhao Zhongfang.

This was especially true at this moment.

He hesitated and was unable to speak.

“What’s wrong?” the emperor asked.

Prince Ning hesitated.

He recalled the scene he saw on the day of the Qujiang Banquet incident, about how Pei’s son rescued the little painter Ye and protected him in front of him, and the two rode on the same horse.

Originally, this was nothing. After all, the little painter was very weak at the time and riding alone would have been physically too taxing. But with Prince Ning’s experience, he felt that the atmosphere between the two men riding together was not as simple as brothers.

“What’s wrong?” the emperor asked again.

Prince Ning knew that the emperor was impatient, but this matter concerned Pei’ son’s privacy, and it would be disadvantageous for him to talk about it in front of the emperor. But the emperor insisted on asking about this for some reason, so he hesitatingly said: “This minister doesn’t know much about this matter… Pei’s son has just arrived in the capital, and he may be focused on making achievements, so he probably doesn’t think much about marriage…”

The emperor frowned: “Zhen is asking you about who can be a candidate!”

Prince Ning didn’t know why the emperor suddenly cared about Pei Xiaoyuan’s life, but it seemed that the emperor wanted to play the matchmaker. How could he hastily name someone, risking the chance of delaying another family’s daughter? Noticing the emperor’s displeasure and determination to get an answer, he became even more cautious. He also thought that the two of them were now living under the same roof. If his suspicion was true and the situation escalated, it would eventually reach the emperor’s ears, turning into a major issue. It seemed wiser to subtly remind the emperor now, while nothing significant had occurred yet, so that the two of them could be separated and have less contact. Hopefully, with time, the matter would quietly resolve itself.

Prince Ning thought it over, stood up, and hesitantly told him what he had seen that day. After he finished speaking, he quickly added: “This minister believe the two of them, both being young and handsome men, are likely just sharing brotherly camaraderie. It’s probably this minister’s failing eyesight that caused this minister to misinterpret things.”

After hearing this, the emperor frowned at first, as if he was very unhappy about it. Just when Prince Ning was feeling very uneasy, he saw the emperor suddenly burst into laughter again, turned around, as if he was holding it back for a while, and shook his shoulders slightly. After a moment, he turned his face back and said seriously: “You worry too much! Zhen know this matter better than you. Pei’s son is not that kind of person, and there is no such thing!”

Prince Ning was puzzled, but the emperor’s words were firm, which dispelled his doubts. He felt ashamed of his own suspicion and hurriedly confessed his crime.

The emperor waved his hand and said, “Ignorance is not a crime. Tell Zhen, do you have a candidate?”

Since it was just a misunderstanding, Prince Ning immediately started to think.

As far as he knew, there were two families in the capital who had taken a fancy to Pei’s son. One was the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, who praised Pei Xiaoyuan in public when the Crown Prince led all the officials to offer sacrifices to the gods in the Shenshu Palace. That family had a granddaughter waiting to be married. The other was the Crown Princess’s elder brother, Wei Juren, who also had a daughter. With the Wei family’s upcoming birthday banquet approaching, it was said that Pei Xiaoyuan was among the invited guests. Although the rumor that Pei Xiaoyuan was suddenly imprisoned yesterday might have caused some doubts in the two families, since he had returned without incident today and had received new honors from the emperor, it was clear that the rumor was false.

In fact, there were more than just these two. To be honest, Prince Ning also had this idea. Later, because of that incident, he gave up this thought. Now that the situation had changed, he naturally also changed his mind. Seeing the emperor looking at him, he paused and said it out.

“Then this minister will recommend himself. This minister’s granddaughter Wanwan is almost seventeen years old and it’s time for her to get married. This minister think they are of equal age and appearance, and are a good match.”

After listening to this, the emperor pondered again. No one knew what he was thinking. Just as Prince Ning was trying hard to guess the emperor’s thoughts, he heard him utter two words.

“Pretty good.”

Prince Ning said happily, “Since Your Majesty has approved, this minister will set it up. If it’s successful, this minister dares to ask Your Majesty to grant the marriage.”

The emperor’s eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded slowly: “If the Pei’s son agrees to the marriage, Zhen will grant it.”

Prince Ning was overjoyed when he heard this, but was worried that if he was a step slower, the other two families might get there first. He didn’t want to delay any longer and stood up to say goodbye.

The emperor looked at Prince Ning and said with a smile: “Go, Zhen will wait for the news.”

Not long after Prince Ning hurriedly left the palace, it was getting late and almost dusk.

Xuyu was in the west hall, adding the last cloud with her brush. At this point, the entire mural was completed.

She sat on the ground opposite her mother in the painting and rested for a while. Outside, she heard the faint sound of evening drums. Zhao Zhongfang then came with a young palace eunuch, carrying a box of cakes. Xuyu quietly led Zhao Zhongfang aside and told him to send a message to her if the emperor had another attack or refused to take the imperial physician’s medicine and took the pills.

Zhao Zhongfang nodded repeatedly.

It was getting dark, Xuyu finished her work for the day, left the palace and returned to Yongning Mansion.

When Qingtou received the box of cakes specially given to him by the emperor, he was so excited that he wanted to frame it and offer it as a sacrifice. But there was one more important thing: when his master came back tonight, he must let him see it clearly.

“His Majesty really said that you can’t make things difficult for me?”

Xuyu nodded: “Yes. Even your Master Pei can’t drive you away.”

Qingtou wiped his eyes, knelt down in the direction of the palace, and kowtowed heavily: “His Majesty is a really good person! But please don’t ever ask me to enter the palace again. I won’t dare to go even if you kill me.”

Xuyu couldn’t help laughing. She then saw the boy get up from the ground and asked him to see the curtain that he had just hung for his master today.

It just started to get dark, and it should be some time before he returned. Xuyu walked into the bedroom on the other side of the wall again, and sure enough, she saw a soft gauze curtain of pale crimson purple hung up. The room was also filled with incense with the window opened. The early summer evening breeze blew through the green window screen into the room, blowing the curtain gently like water waves, making this originally monotonous and tough bedroom have a soft and charming feeling.

“Master doesn’t know yet that you asked me to buy this curtain. It looks good, doesn’t it? When he comes back tonight, it will give him a surprise!” said the servant happily.

Xuyu didn’t say anything. After listening to the servant’s words, she pursed her lips and walked out. However, perhaps in her heart, like Qingtou, she also had a faint expectation.

Suddenly she thought of another thing. There were suddenly so many people in Pei’s residence during the day, and even a palace eunuch stayed there. He probably didn’t know about it yet. How would he react when he came back and saw it?

Judging from her only superficial understanding of him, he should not be happy. In fact, would he even think that she brought him trouble?

Thinking of this, Xuyu suddenly felt a bit of worry in her heart that she had never felt before.

She feared that he would be unhappy.

What she feared even more was him being upset and say nothing at all.

And so, that night, she waited for him, listening to the soft chirping of summer insects from some corner of the courtyard, unsure if it was on her side or his. The moon climbed higher and higher, slipping over the wall and onto the rooftop.

That night, Xuyu finally failed to wait for Pei Erlang to return, and at third watch, she fell asleep from exhaustion.

At this time, Pei Xiaoyuan appeared alone outside the Yanping Gate in the west of the city.

He walked silently under the quiet moonlight, and finally came to the depths of the wilderness where the moonlight could not reach. He stopped, allowing his figure to blend into the surrounding dark wasteland, waiting for people to come.

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