Chapter 77 77 The Dust Settles

The weather was sunny, and the back room of Miguozhai was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries.

Yuezhi sat behind the table by the window, her fingers moving the abacus beads as she looked at the account book, but she seemed somewhat absent-minded.

The words on the ledger swayed and swayed, transforming into the smiling eyes of Pei Heng looking at her in the dim candlelight last night, his clumsy yet tender embrace of the child, the warm touch of his forehead against her back, and the glistening strands of water that came out after his lips kissed her body.

His presence added a touch of warmth and sweetness to her otherwise ordinary life, making her smile as she looked at the ledger.

"Oh, what good deals are you settling? Why are you laughing so happily?" Cui Xianglan smiled as she lifted the curtain and came in, carrying two cups of freshly brewed flower tea.

Yuezhi snapped out of her reverie, her face flushing. She quickly suppressed her smile and took the teacup, saying, "It's nothing, I just remembered something happy."

Cui Xianglan sat down opposite her, blowing on the steam from her cup, her eyes filled with understanding and amusement: "Really? I heard from the nanny in your courtyard this morning that a distinguished guest came to your courtyard last night? And it was a man?"

She leaned closer, lowered her voice, and asked with curiosity in her eyes, "Tell me the truth, has the father of your two children come looking for you again? Have you... rekindled your old flame?"

Yuezhi's ears burned from the question. She lowered her eyelashes, staring at the undulating petals in her cup, and simply smiled, neither admitting nor denying it.

Seeing her like this, Cui Xianglan understood seven or eight parts of the situation and asked in confusion, "I still don't know the identity of your former lover. Is he a young master from a wealthy family, and his family doesn't allow him to marry into your family and become your servant, which is why you two had a falling out?"

Even living in the capital, ordinary people rarely get to see the emperor's face. Yuezhi knew that she was asking sincerely, so she said, "It's not what you think, but it's pretty much the same. I'm not good enough for him."

“How could that be?” Cui Xianglan sat down opposite her. “You are the emperor’s favorite princess. If you are willing to return to the capital, you will be the most noble woman in the world. Even if he is the only son of his family, he is the one who is marrying above his station.”

Yuezhi pondered for a moment, "To be honest, it's not that our statuses are mismatched. It's just that I dislike the power struggles among the rich and powerful. Today you're friends, tomorrow you're political enemies. You can never figure out who you can trust or who wants to harm you behind your back. Just thinking about it gives me a headache."

Cui Xianglan nodded, indicating her understanding. "I used to think the same way. What's so good about marrying into a wealthy family? You have to follow other people's rules and be mindful of their opinions."

After a brief period of disappointment, he quickly rallied and comforted her, saying, "Don't be too pessimistic. If you don't like him, just ignore him. You live your life for yourself, and it's best if you feel at ease."

Hearing these words, Yuezhi felt slightly comforted.

Cui Xianglan patted Yuezhi's hand with emotion: "We don't have parents to take care of us anymore, and we've already been married once, so there's no need to rush to remarry. Now we have our own businesses and can earn money to support ourselves. As for men, whether we like them or they're suitable, we can take our time and choose carefully."

Yuezhi looked up and met her friend's sincere gaze. The two smiled at each other, everything understood without words.

The warm sunlight streamed in through the window, making the back room even more cozy and inviting.

Nearly a hundred miles away in the wild mountains, Pei Xuan'er was supported by two maids, one on each side, her steps still unsteady and swaying.

The path down the mountain was rugged and difficult to traverse. Her hair was disheveled, the hem of her Suzhou embroidered skirt was covered in mud, and the beautiful embroidery was torn in several places by tree branches, making her look utterly wretched.

What bothered her most was the increasingly hot weather. The forest was stuffy and humid, and mosquitoes buzzed around her, specifically targeting her. Several red bumps appeared on her arms and neck, which were itchy and painful.

She angrily swatted a mosquito that had landed on the back of her hand, then glanced at Pei Yao, who was walking ahead. Pei Yao had time to help that spineless doctor, but not to lend her a hand.

Pei Yao remained as neat and tidy as ever, her skirt clean and her steps unhurried. The annoying little insects seemed to be avoiding her, not daring to get close at all.

"Cousin," Pei Xuan'er couldn't help but speak, her voice trembling with grievance, "Why do the bugs only bite me and not you? It's so unfair!"

Upon hearing this, Pei Yao stopped and turned back with a faint smile: "Perhaps it's because of different constitutions. I've never been a mosquito magnet since I was little. Your skin is delicate, so naturally they like you."

Pei Xuan'er was skeptical, pouting, and didn't ask any further questions.

Little did she know that Su Jingyun had made a mosquito-repellent sachet long before the weather turned warm and had given it to Pei Yao.

Pei Yao quietly touched the sachet in her sleeve that emitted a faint herbal fragrance. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of the concerned look in the eyes of the man beside her. She turned her head slightly to look at him, and their eyes met briefly in the air, revealing a smile.

Perhaps they felt that Pei Xuan'er had been through a lot, or perhaps a tacit understanding had developed between them that didn't need to be spoken. After a brief eye contact, they quickly looked away, keeping the slight unease rising in their hearts to themselves.

The innocent and tormented Pei Xuan'er was completely unaware of this, howling day after day until her mouth was dry and her tears were all gone.

After finally rounding the last bend in the mountain and seeing the flat official road below, she almost wept with joy. The servants also looked exhausted, as if they had escaped a great escape.

After descending the mountain path and arriving at the official road, a group of people was stopped ahead. The man at the head of the group was dressed in a blue official robe, with a tall and handsome figure.

He was Liang Zhang, the prefect of Qingzhou.

Pei Xuan'er was stunned. A few days ago, she tried every excuse to get close to him, but Liang Zhang always treated her with a cold face and was very distant. How come now...

She had only been missing for eight or nine days, yet he personally came to this desolate mountain wilderness to pick her up.

A feeling that was hard to define—whether it was doubt or resentment—simmered in her heart. She turned her face away, deliberately avoiding looking at Liang Zhang.

Liang Zhang took the initiative to greet her, his face showing a gentleness and apology that Pei Xuan'er had never seen before: "Princess, I was unaware that the Fourth Princess was so willful and reckless, which has truly caused you suffering."

"It is my fault for not taking good care of you, which caused you to be stranded in the mountains for so many days. I have been waiting here for several days, and I am extremely anxious. Now that I see you are safe and sound, I am finally relieved." He spoke sincerely and looked at Pei Xuan'er with a pained expression.

Pei Xuan'er's heart skipped a beat, and she secretly looked up to examine him.

He was indeed so handsome that it was impossible to look away. His former aloofness had turned into obvious concern, giving her the unexpected illusion that she had tamed him.

Little did they know, Liang Zhang and Pei Yao had already been communicating via carrier pigeon and had arrived at the exact time.

Pei Xuan'er was simple-minded and was overwhelmed by Liang Zhang's humble apology and obvious "worry." Her slight displeasure vanished immediately, replaced by a feeling of being flattered and overjoyed.

It seems that her cousin did the right thing by getting rid of Yuezhi; the effect was immediate!

"Lord Liang, you flatter me." Pei Xuan'er's cheeks flushed, and her voice became soft. "It was my own fault for being playful. I don't blame you, sir, or... my cousin."

Liang Zhang smiled slightly, stepped forward and personally took her arm, and said gently, "Watch your step. The carriage is ready. Please get in, Princess."

His hands were warm and strong. Pei Xuan'er felt as if she had been electrocuted wherever he touched her, and her heart pounded. She let him help her into the spacious and comfortable carriage.

Before getting into the carriage, she couldn't help but glance triumphantly at Pei Yao, who was standing not far away. She generously refrained from blaming her for the "torture" she had endured these past few days, and then invited Liang Zhang, "Lord Liang, the journey is bumpy, why don't we... ride together?"

Liang Zhang readily agreed to the suggestion.

The carriage rumbled forward. Inside, Pei Xuan'er chattered on about the hardships and grievances she had endured in the mountains. Liang Zhang listened patiently, occasionally chiming in with words of comfort and coaxing, treating her like a precious treasure who had suffered a great injustice.

Pei Xuan'er was overjoyed by his flattery, feeling dizzy and happy. She felt that all the suffering she had endured these past few days was worth it, and that the handsome man in front of her had finally seen her worth.

She finally managed to win over useful people for her father, just like her cousin.

Upon returning to Liang Zhang's residence, the servants no longer distanced themselves from her as before, but instead came up to serve her warmly, bringing her tea and water, and helping her bathe and change clothes.

Pei Xuan'er seemed to have come back to life. She ate heartily in front of the table full of delicacies. When she was in a good mood, Liang Zhang, who was serving her food, mentioned it seemingly unintentionally.

"Your Highness has suffered this trouble because you are away from home and not used to everything. I have also failed in my duty to protect you. I think it would be better to send you back to Lizhou first, so that I can apologize to the Prince."

When Pei Xuan'er, who was immersed in sweetness, heard this, she thought that her father wanted her to capture Liang Zhang, and he was actually willing to go to Lizhou for her. This was simply a great thing!

Her father was all-powerful in Lizhou. Whether it was finding something to hold against Liang Zhang or arranging their marriage, it was all done with ease. Once Liang Zhang was completely one of their own, she and her father would be at ease.

Without hesitation, she immediately agreed: "Alright! I'll do whatever Lord Liang says!"

Liang Zhang stayed by her side all day, making her forget her fatigue. She didn't even have time to ask the servants to inform her cousin of the good news before falling into a deep sleep at dusk.

As dusk deepened, a solemn silence fell over the Hou Mansion's villa.

Inside the tranquil Yongding Marquis's residence, several figures moved in and out swiftly, their footsteps almost silent. Even when people walked towards each other, they only exchanged glances and did not speak to one another.

Liang Zhang and several others stood quietly outside the study, while inside, they could faintly hear discussions, as the emperor was finalizing the marching route with his generals.

The list of officials and merchants connected to the Sixth Prince had already been thoroughly investigated through interrogation. Apart from the people of Lizhou, the emperor remained unconcerned, and the air was thick with the invisible smell of gunpowder.

Before long, a guard bowed and came out, whispering, "Lord Liang, the Emperor has summoned you."

Liang Zhang composed himself and strode inside.

The study was brightly lit by candlelight. The emperor stood with his hands behind his back in front of a huge map of Lizhou. His brows were furrowed with a lingering weariness and sharpness. When Liang Zhang entered, he turned around, his gaze piercing.

"Your subject Liang Zhang pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities. How is the matter I entrusted to you progressing?"

"Your Majesty, Pei Xuan'er has been won over by me and trusts me completely. I have already discussed with her that we will set off for Lizhou early tomorrow morning, under the guise of escorting her, to get close to the Sixth Prince."

Pei Heng nodded, his gaze returning to the map, and pointed heavily at the location of the Prince of Lizhou's residence: "Sixth Uncle has been managing Lizhou for many years and has deep roots. In this operation, we must capture the king first. I am allocating thirty imperial guards to you, plus three hundred elite cavalry, all disguised as your attendants and servants, to be at your command. You can act according to the situation."

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will not fail Your Majesty's trust!" Liang Zhang bowed deeply, feeling the heavy responsibility on his shoulders and understanding the dangers of this journey.

As we left the villa, night had already fallen over the sky.

As my tense nerves relaxed slightly, another complex emotion quietly welled up in my heart.

He arrived at the port late that day to meet the official ship. He only saw Yuezhi's departing carriage and the emperor getting off the ship, looking very happy. The two were obviously on the same ship.

Their complicated and intertwined past flooded back to their hearts like a tidal wave.

When he's busy, he doesn't think about it, but in his spare time, he still struggles with the thought that Yuezhi was once his wife, while the emperor is an insurmountable mountain between them.

Now, time has passed, and the emperor is here. Perhaps he has rekindled his old relationship with Yuezhi, while he himself has never even revealed his true identity to Yuezhi. An indescribable bitterness and resentment welled up in his heart.

The Sixth Prince is cunning. His departure from Lizhou is a matter of life and death. If we don't say these things now, we may never have another chance.

As if by some strange twist of fate, Liang Zhang changed direction and stopped in front of the gate of a house not far from the Marquis's residence. It was the new house that Yue Zhi had moved to. Because Cui Xianglan had repeatedly inquired at the yamen when she disappeared, he eventually learned about her new residence.

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

The guard who opened the door was an unfamiliar face. He looked strong and powerful, and when he saw that I was the prefect, he did not restrain his hostility.

"It's already dark, why have you come to our door, sir?"

"I have something I'd like to say to Lady Yue, please inform her for me." He stood respectfully outside the door, displaying impeccable manners.

Soon, a familiar figure emerged from the crack in the door. Yuezhi opened the door, dressed in a simple dress, and was somewhat surprised to see him: "Lord Zhang? What brings you here?"

Seeing Liang Zhang's serious expression, she invited him into the courtyard, gently closed the door, and temporarily dismissed the guards.

“Yuezhi,” he looked at her, his voice solemn, “I am not surnamed Zhang. It was a nickname given to me by the Fourth Princess on a whim. We did not want to disturb your peaceful life, so we have kept it a secret for the time being.”

“My real name is Liang Zhang. I am not only the prefect of Qingzhou, but also the second young master of the Liang family in the capital, and once... the consort of Princess Ning’an.”

Yuezhi was slightly taken aback, looked at him quietly, and did not reply.

Faced with her composure, Liang Zhang felt ashamed and lowered his gaze, his eyes filled with regret and relief.

“I’m not here to make amends, but to apologize for what happened back then. At that time, the Emperor took you away from me, and as your husband, I didn’t stand up to stop him. When we met again, I was hiding my identity, thinking that I could approach you as a friend and maybe still have a chance… Looking back now, it was really naive.”

He chuckled self-deprecatingly: "From a young age, all I knew was how to study and follow my father's teachings. It seems I never knew how to treat people with sincerity. My feelings for you, from beginning to end, were handled too hastily and too cowardly."

The evening breeze rustled the leaves.

Liang Zhang bowed his head before her, and when he looked at her again, he saw a hint of understanding flash across her face, which then turned into a gentle calm.

There was no nostalgia or excitement as expected, nor any sense of loss or resentment. She could even let go of her past with the emperor, so how could she possibly have a deep impression of a "consort" whose memory was unclear and who hadn't even been with her for long?

Yuezhi said gently, "It's all in the past. Back then, who could truly defy the Emperor's will? I understand."

"In the end, it is the Emperor and I who have wronged you. You are a gentleman and a good official, and the people of Qingzhou respect you very much. I am truly happy to see you now putting your ambitions into practice and serving the people. We are not destined to be husband and wife, but it is good for us to be friends."

She took a step forward, her tone sincere.

"Thank you for being honest with me. From now on, you don't have to carry this burden anymore. If you meet someone you like again, remember to be firm and don't miss out again."

His words were like warm spring water, gently flowing through his heart and washing away his last bit of resentment and obsession.

Looking into her clear eyes, Liang Zhang knew that she had truly let go and genuinely wished him well.

"Thank you," he said solemnly, his words containing all his apology and farewell.

He turned and left the courtyard without looking back.

My steps were much lighter than when I came, as if I had unloaded a burden that I had carried for many years. The moonlight shone on the road ahead, cool and clear, yet it made my heart feel bright.

*

Three days later, they left the prefecture.

The once bustling streets in front of the Sixth Prince's mansion were now spotless, with ceremonial guards standing on both sides, playing music and creating a joyful and festive atmosphere throughout the street.

Liang Zhang's convoy stopped in front of the gate. The main gate of the Prince's Mansion was wide open, and the Sixth Prince, whose temples were gray but who was still in good spirits, came out to greet them with a hearty laugh, his face showing undisguised joy.

The emperor's high regard for this new favorite was evident to everyone in and outside the court, and no one could sway him. However, his beloved daughter proved to be capable, and within half a month of arriving, she had captured the heart of this new court favorite.

It's true that even heroes have difficulty resisting the charms of beautiful women.

"Prefect Liang, you must be tired from your journey!" The Sixth Prince stepped forward warmly, his gaze sweeping over the obsequious servants following Liang Zhang, but he did not notice anything unusual.

Liang Zhang dismounted swiftly, bowed respectfully, but his tone remained calm: "Your Highness's personal welcome is too much for this humble official."

Just as the Sixth Prince was feeling smug and preparing to welcome his "future son-in-law" into the mansion, Liang Zhang suddenly took a step back, his respectful expression instantly turning serious.

With a whoosh, he pulled a roll of bright yellow silk from his bosom and shouted loudly, "Imperial decree! Sixth Prince, receive the decree!"

The sound was like a thunderclap, leaving everyone in front of the Prince's Mansion dumbfounded.

The servants and attendants who had been bowing their heads instantly straightened up, their eyes sharpened, and they quickly dispersed, brandishing their weapons, and surrounded the gate of the palace and the guards—they were none other than elite imperial guards and disguised iron cavalry!

The smile on the Sixth Prince's face froze, and the color drained away little by little. He neither knelt nor retreated, but instead scrutinized the man's actions, which were like a lamb entering a tiger's den, a path to his own death.

Pei Xuan'er, who had just stepped off the carriage, stared in astonishment at Liang Zhang's changed expression and screamed, "You lied to me!" She tried to rush forward but was firmly stopped by two guards.

Liang Zhang held the imperial edict in one hand and looked directly at the Sixth Prince. "The imperial edict is here. If Your Highness does not kneel, it is disrespectful to the Emperor. Could it be that you intend to rebel?"

The Sixth Prince snorted coldly and slowly knelt down, followed by his family and servants.

He was curious to hear what the imperial edict would say.

Liang Zhang's voice echoed clearly in the silent street: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees—"

"Upon investigation, it has been found that my sixth uncle has been acting suspiciously in private, including forging weapons, trafficking people, harboring bandits from the southwest, colluding with local gentry and officials, smuggling salt, operating illegal mines, and accumulating a fortune. His crimes are irrefutable! I am deeply saddened by this, and hereby order Imperial Envoy Liang Zhang to strip him of his title, arrest him, and escort him to the capital! So be it!"

"Slander! This is a blatant slander!" The Sixth Prince's eyes were bloodshot. He had just received a new batch of weapons a few days ago, and there was nothing unusual on the island or along the trade routes. How could there be such conclusive evidence?

He roared, "I am a member of the royal family! How dare you frame me! Guards! Seize these madmen!"

The prince's guards obeyed orders and attempted to put up a stubborn resistance.

However, no sooner had he finished speaking than a trusted lieutenant rode up from the street at full speed, dismounted at the edge of the crowd, and scrambled through to get in, his face ashen, and urgently reported to him.

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened! The troops from the three neighboring prefectures have all made unusual movements and are heading towards Lizhou to encircle our private army camp! We...we've been surrounded!"

The Sixth Prince was struck dumb, his whole body trembled, and his panicked gaze fell on the imperial edict in Liang Zhang's hand.

It turned out that it wasn't a serious legal reminder or threat, but an ultimatum.

The guards rushed forward, bound the prince who had once stood shoulder to shoulder with the late emperor, sealed off the palace, and imprisoned his family, awaiting the emperor's judgment.

Pei Xuan'er's cries and curses, the family's screams, and the sounds of clashing armor mingled together. In an instant, the once magnificent palace gates collapsed, and the people scattered like monkeys after the tree fell.

The prison cart escorted the prisoners all the way to Qingzhou.

The night was as thick as ink; there was no moon or stars, only the torches of the escorting team tearing a flickering path of light through the darkness.

Two nights later, the carriages arrived at the Qingzhou military camp. The torchlight shone straight up in the windless night. The Sixth Prince was escorted off the carriage and brought to the front of the main tent. He raised his head wearily.

The tent flap was lifted, and a person slowly stepped out, his figure instantly illuminated by the flickering firelight.

It was a young face, no more than twenty years old, with deep-set eyes and a high nose bridge. The cold aura emanating from him was completely different from his handsome appearance.

He was dressed in plain black clothes without much adornment, and just by standing there, he seemed to be the center of the entire military camp, or even the entire world.

The Sixth Prince's cloudy eyes suddenly widened, staring intently at the young man.

Since leaving the capital at the age of twenty, even though he had seen the late emperor's children again, he recognized him at a glance as his nephew, who should have been in the capital, the current emperor.

His appearance bore no resemblance to his elder brother in his memory, but the ruthlessness and determination in his eyes, as well as the cold indifference that kept people at arm's length, were exactly the same as his elder brother, who was known for his iron fist, and even... a step above him!

The young emperor's gaze fell calmly on him, his eyes showing neither triumph nor lingering affection for his uncle-nephew relationship, but only an all-knowing indifference and a composed control of the situation.

The Sixth Prince felt a chill rush straight to the top of his head, and all his resentment, anger, and wishful thinking vanished completely in that one glance.

He had always thought he was the mantis and the other was just a fledgling cicada, believing that with years of effort he could rival the emperor and even replace him. Only now did he realize that he was the prey trapped in the snare.

He could no longer bear the silence and angrily said, "Your Majesty detained me here. Don't you have anything to say to me? Or is it just to humiliate me?"

Pei Heng sneered and shook his head, "I invited Sixth Uncle here because I still have some things I want to say to Father Emperor, but I no longer have the chance. Seeing Sixth Uncle in good health, I suddenly felt as if Father Emperor was in front of me."

The Sixth Prince frowned, not understanding why he suddenly brought up the relationship between uncle and nephew, father and son.

Then he explained, "If there's anything I haven't said, please have Sixth Uncle tell Father Emperor on my behalf."

The young emperor turned around, waved his hand behind his back, and walked back into the military tent. The guards standing outside the tent took out the imperial edict that had been prepared in advance.

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

"I have always been lenient towards you because of our kinship with the imperial family. However, your crimes are heinous and the evidence against you is overwhelming. Heaven cannot tolerate this! If I continue to show leniency, how can I face the nation and its people? You shall be immediately taken to the military execution ground and executed by slow slicing. Your entire family shall be exterminated to uphold the law and appease the people. Imperial Commissioner Liang Zhang shall oversee the execution. The execution shall be carried out immediately without delay."

Liang Zhang came to receive the imperial decree. The Sixth Prince was panicked and flustered, muttering something that was unclear whether he was begging for mercy or cursing, before being dragged away by the guards.

Inside the military tent, Pei Heng appeared calm. A malignant tumor that had been entrenched in the region had been eradicated, but the remaining rebels within the territory of Lizhou still needed time to be investigated and dealt with.

He has been away from Beijing for nearly two months. In the past few days, senior cabinet officials have sent messengers several times by express courier to request imperial decree. There are some matters that have been piled up and are waiting for him to return and deal with.

Comparing the two options, the day to return to Beijing is drawing near.