Reunion in Another Lifetime (Minor Revision)
In the second year of Yongchang, the spring rain fell lightly, but the clothes were not wet.
The shadow lingering over the residence of Princess Daliang has not yet dissipated.
Princess Pei Zhaoying suddenly felt like going to the private room overlooking the water at Yaoyue Tower, the busiest tavern in the capital, to enjoy the view. The palace's officials and servants arranged for a carriage and guards, fearing any mishap.
This was the first time Pei Zhaoying wanted to go out and relax after being assassinated and having his legs disabled.
Pei Zhaoying encountered an unexpected change and her temperament changed accordingly. If she gave her subordinates a task and it was not done to her liking, she would smash the tribute porcelain and it was also common for her to beat and punish the servants. Everyone in the mansion was trembling with fear.
The raindrops created almost invisible ripples on the surface of the lake.
In the pavilion by the lake, a woman in a wheelchair was wearing a red brocade gown embroidered with silver thread and black piping that resembled auspicious clouds. Her face was as small as a palm, and if it weren't for a little bit of vermilion on her lips, she wouldn't look bloody. However, this did not detract from her beauty and the majesty between her eyebrows.
There were snacks and dried fruits on the table. Pei Zhaoying drank a spoonful of lotus seed sweet soup and then pinched some cake crumbs to feed the fish.
Qiluo, the personal maid, sighed silently in her heart that the world is fickle and people flatter the powerful and look down on the weak.
At the beginning, Princess Pei Zhaoying assisted in the government. She could ride a tall horse and lead troops to suppress villains. How majestic she was.
Physical disability can directly destroy a healthy person. The young emperor didn't know if he was truly compassionate, but he said that he wanted to let his sister rest assured and recuperate, so he took away half of Pei Zhaoying's soldiers. There were many fence-sitters in the capital, and seeing the wind blowing, the high-ranking officials of the aristocratic families showed little concern.
Pei Zhaoying was silent for a long time without saying a word. The slight rain did not affect the liveliness of the street. The sound of stringed instruments continued in the Yaoyue Tower, but she was out of tune with the jubilant atmosphere.
Qiluo couldn't help but feel terrified. Thinking about the nightmares Pei Zhaoying had been suffering from for the past two weeks, she carefully observed her expression and said:
"Your Highness is in such good spirits today. I was worried that he might be upset because of the nightmare, but after being outside in the fresh breeze for a while, I see that your complexion has improved a lot."
"Maybe." Pei Zhaoying touched his nose and did not comment.
The most painful thing is to fall from the pinnacle of power. Without even a sound body, it is hard to imagine being as carefree as before. Pei Zhaoying thought he would always be addicted to pain.
Until the last half month, she was often tormented by a similar nightmare.
In her dream, she was treated as a chess piece, helpless and alone, married to the wrong man. Her powerful husband made her suffer heartbreaking pain. In the end, she died with hatred, pierced by thousands of arrows by the Luo River...
Pei Zhaoying shuddered. Dreams might not be taken seriously, but people must be independent. Even if she had no desire to fight for power and profit, she still had to protect herself.
Otherwise, in this era of feudal lords fighting for power and a weak emperor, she, with her false title of royal family, would be the first to be slaughtered.
No matter how painful it is or how unwilling you are to face it, it's time to plan for the future.
The most important thing is business, but she couldn't help but think of someone.
He was a man whom I had just met once today on Suzaku Street.
At that time, the carriage was moving slowly, and the horse smelled the scent of various fragrant medicines displayed by the medicine vendors on the street. It was unknown which medicine made the horse lose control, and it snorted and ran away madly. The coachman was thrown off, and the merchants and pedestrians were all knocked down by the horses.
Pei Zhaoying was being bumped around and was about to fall out, when suddenly someone jumped up to stop her sliding wheelchair and easily grabbed the reins with one hand!
The horse struggled unwillingly, even with its front legs lifted off the ground. The man calmly pulled back on the reins, not giving an inch. His strength was greater than that of the frightened horse. After a moment's stalemate, the horse returned to normal after being freed from the stimulation of the powder.
"Are you not hurt?" the man turned around and asked in a gentle voice.
It was a beautiful face as flawless as jade. If it were a woman, she would definitely be so beautiful that she could bring disaster to the king and the whole country.
Pei Zhaoying was stunned for a moment, and just as she was about to respond to his words, she felt alert. Although she couldn't move her legs, she secretly put her hand on the dagger at her waist for self-defense.
"Who are you? Why are you helping me? You have amazing kung fu skills."
After the assassination, she had to be more careful and vigilant.
This person's appearance was such a coincidence that it was hard to say who had deliberately set up a beauty trap for her.
Pei Zhaoying had to admit that if someone was really setting a trap for her, then the person in front of her would definitely fit her aesthetic standards.
Her alarm bells were ringing as she glanced at his eyebrows and eyes, and faintly smelled the light and distant orchid scent on the man... Pei Zhaoying didn't want to think that this was a bad person with ulterior motives.
"I just happened to be passing by. I'm relieved that you're okay."
The guards who were scattered came up to him to apologize, but the man remained calm, steadied Pei Zhaoying's wheelchair, and left, swallowed up by the crowd.
The words he said before leaving revealed a familiarity that they had known each other before.
Pei Zhaoying was distracted from enjoying the scenery. The man's face appeared in front of her eyes from time to time. She refused to let her men go to inquire about the man, for fear that there was a trap waiting for her to fall into.
No matter what that person's purpose was, it at least touched her heart.
Pei Zhaoying sneered unyieldingly.
Qiluo boldly talked to Pei Zhaoying to cheer herself up, saying that there was a case in the capital that was causing a lot of uproar:
"There was a woman in Yuzhou whose husband had recently died, but she was forced by her clan elders to marry again. She didn't want to live with the new husband as an ordinary couple, so how could the man who married her be willing to endure this? The man treated her badly and tried to force her to obey him. One day, she got him drunk, and then, under cover of darkness, she hacked him to death."
Pei Zhaoying sighed: "This is a courageous person."
Qiluo sighed:
"A criminal was sentenced to death by the local authorities and had to be taken to the capital for review. The prisoner's mother followed him and made a scene in the streets several times, saying that her daughter was sold to a powerful tyrant by the clan elders. Her daughter refused to obey and was tortured every day. That's why..."
Pei Zhaoying heard it clearly and sneered:
"Since he fought back after being beaten and tortured, he should not be sentenced to death. The local officials directly sentenced him to death, so I guess the deceased was no ordinary powerful person."
The maid who went to inquire came back to report that people from the Dali Temple had taken the old woman away and were temporarily keeping her in the Dali Temple without any blame.
Qiluo consoled him, "Fortunately, the death penalty must be reviewed, and there will be a clear verdict in the Imperial City."
Pei Zhaoying lowered her eyes bitterly. Officials protected one another, and the court was filled with men, saddled with the stigma of "husband-killers." How could those good-for-nothings understand the hardships of a weak woman?
Coincidentally, Pei Zhaoying had just told everyone about the sensational "husband-killing case" when the eunuch Wei came over with the emperor's oral order, also about the husband-killing case.
"Your Highness, this case should have been heard jointly by the Grand Marshal, the Ministry of Justice, and the Dali Temple. However, the Grand Marshal and the presiding judge of the Dali Temple, Xiao Shaoqing, are both named 'Xiao'. The Xiao family has become a problem for His Majesty, so His Majesty has asked you to participate in the presiding trial, hoping that you can help relieve his worries."
"It is my duty to share your worries, eunuch. You don't have to be polite." Pei Zhaoying gave a look to his attendants, indicating that they should give Eunuch Wei some rewards and then send him away politely.
Grand Marshal Xiao Yucheng was born in a troubled time and was only born in a family of minor officials. However, he made many military achievements and rose to the position of Grand Marshal, in charge of the army of the world. He was the most powerful official in the dynasty, which made those century-old families hate him so much. This gradually grew into a knot in the heart of Emperor Pei Heng.
Since Xiao Yucheng had become rich, he naturally wanted to find ways to get his family members into the court. Xiao Bo, the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple, was his cousin.
The "husband-killing case" seems simple, but if the confession of the criminal is true, then the local tyrants who oppressed decent women and exploited the people have become a threat.
The hometowns of many prominent families and important figures are in Yuzhou. If the sentence is too heavy, it may embolden the families and encourage local ambitions to become more autonomous; if the sentence is too light, it may fail to convince the people and spread rumors.
The Minister of Justice came from a noble family and was old-fashioned and pedantic. He did not consider the circumstances of forced marriage and advocated the death penalty, which even angered Pei Heng several times.
Pei Heng asked Pei Zhaoying to participate so that she could beautifully shut up all the people who said things that did not suit his wishes and maintain the royal dignity.
Pei Zhaoying took a deep breath, opened his eyes again, and calmly arranged for the commander of the palace guards to lead a small team of personal soldiers to escort him, and set up a grand ceremony in front of the gate of the Dali Temple.
The Minister of Justice did not come, but sent several lower-ranking officials from the Ministry of Justice, who did not take Pei Zhaoying, whose power was not as great as before, seriously.
Pei Zhaoying didn't look annoyed and glanced at the officials in the main hall.
There was only a man in plain white brocade clothes. He was still polite, bowed his head and saluted. Without showing his face, he already had a bright and elegant demeanor.
Pei Zhaoying's expression remained unchanged, but a ripple of surprise arose in his heart.
This person was the one who had reined in her frightened horse in the busy market...
Is it fate or coincidence that we appear here?
Pei Zhaoying lowered her eyes and looked at the tea leaves floating and tumbling in the teacup, not wanting anyone to observe her expression.
Although the time had come, according to Xiao Yucheng's domineering personality, he would definitely arrive later to show his high position and power. Pei Zhaoying was too lazy to waste time on him.
"Since we are collaborating to solve the case, there is no need for formalities. I will first take a look at the original files stored in the Dali Temple."
The man in white straightened up, ordered the files to be presented in a dignified manner, and prepared a cup of tea.
Pei Zhaoying saw that he looked unfamiliar, and the maid whispered in her ear, "This is Lord Xiao Bo, the Junior Minister of the Dali Temple."
Xiao Bo...
She repeated it several times in her mind, pondering it over.
Xiao Bo did not try to establish a close relationship with her.
It was as if they had never met.
This just saved Pei Zhaoying the trouble.
The case was of paramount importance, and Pei Zhaoying immediately began to read the files, concentrating intently. This not only concerned the future of a poor woman, but also marked the first step in her regaining control of power.
An official who was about to retire stroked his beard and sighed:
"Killing someone means paying with your life. That's a done deal. Your Majesty is being too cautious."
In official circles, it is safest to follow the crowd. Then someone imitated him and said:
"Yes, she killed her own husband. What a cruel and ruthless woman! Her crime is unforgivable!"
"After all this, isn't it still murder? How can we continue the trial?"
Pei Zhaoying clenched a corner of the file, her fingers tightened, and the old woman's cries that day were heard in her ears.
Amidst the officials' discussions, Xiao Bo's voice was exceptionally clear:
"Everyone calls it a 'husband-killing case,' but in my opinion, this woman can't be considered a husband-killer! Since she was forced into marriage, she and the deceased were not married. If the deceased abused her, beat her, or even threatened her life, then according to our dynasty's laws, she is not guilty of self-defense."
The sound was as clear as the collision of gold and jade.
Pei Zhaoying touched his chest. For some reason, he suddenly felt a bloating and soreness, which spread along his heart, as if it was caused by this person's voice.
Someone objected, saying, "That's ridiculous! If he's convicted of an offense, wouldn't Daliang be in chaos with everyone killing people?"
"Yes, yes, Lord Xiao is young after all, and he is a bit too impulsive." There are also old foxes in the officialdom who can easily smooth things over.
Xiao Bo said, "I wasn't acting on impulse; I was acting according to the laws of the Liang Dynasty. Since Your Majesty has ordered a retrial, all circumstances must be carefully considered."
There were still some clear-headed young officials in the court, so Pei Zhaoying felt relieved and sent someone to secretly check on the female prisoner to prevent her from losing her life inexplicably before the formal verdict.
It would have been better if Xiao Bo was not from the Xiao family. In the corrupt officialdom, it is rare to find an official who cares about the people. Pei Zhaoying felt very regretful. She admired his vision and magnanimity, but had doubts about wanting to recruit him.
She was afraid that someone related to Xiao and Cheng was cheating.
Xiao Yucheng, wearing a purple-gold crown and a long sword at his waist, arrived late after everyone had argued to a standstill, took the main seat, and acted bossy. He was well versed in the ways of an official, playing both sides and refusing to express a clear position.
Pei Zhaoying was annoyed by what he was listening to, so he went through the file, left a comment, and asked someone to pass it on.
The Minister of Justice was stunned when he saw this. "This... Your Highness, think twice. If we don't kill him to appease the public anger, won't all men in the world be terrified and wary of their bedmates every day?"
Xiao Bo refuted first:
"Does your Excellency mean that all men in the world are like the deceased in this case, abusing and beating their partners every day?"
Xiao Bo noted down the faces of every official present who denounced the prisoner for daring to kill her husband.
Not only did they receive the imperial order for a retrial but were lazy and negligent in their duties, they were also afraid that one day they would do evil and be punished for being weak women, so they took the opportunity to prevent women from standing up and changing their ways.
Because the court was filled with these useless people who were just sitting there doing nothing, a talented person like his mother was blocked from displaying her talents and died in depression.
When he thought of this, Xiao Bo felt an unbearable pain in his heart, and hatred and resentment enveloped his body.
What Xiao Bo said was exactly what Pei Zhaoying was thinking.
However, Pei Zhaoying represented the royal majesty and it was not convenient for her to argue with others openly. This person was exactly what she wanted and helped her to relieve the anger in her heart.
Then Xiao Bo said:
"There is substantial evidence that the prisoner was coerced and beaten by the deceased, and her life was in danger several times. As long as it can be proven that the prisoner was indeed forced to marry the deceased, then the prisoner's guilt of 'husband-killing' will be rejected."
Xiao Yucheng, who was also a son of the Xiao family and liked to play dumb, turned his face coldly towards his cousin and snorted:
"Hmph, how do you prove it? What is proof? Based on the murderer's words?"
The personal guard came back quietly and whispered to Pei Zhaoying that although the female prisoner had injuries, she had been given medicine and there was enough medicine on hand. He said that it was donated by Xiao Bo, the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple, and his words were full of gratitude.
Pei Zhaoying glanced at Xiao Bo's profile, which was full of righteousness. She became even more curious about his response.
Xiao Bodao:
"Evidence can be divided into personal and physical evidence. The criminal was tied up in a sedan chair, and even the neighbors can testify to this. Marriages forced into this dynasty cannot be counted."
"Where are the witnesses? Not to mention that there were testimonies in Yuzhou. Now that we are in the capital, we have to be re-examined in court. In Yuzhou, no one might give false testimony, but in the capital, no one would dare to do so. Moreover, the mother of the criminal will naturally be biased towards her daughter, so she cannot be trusted." Xiao Yucheng was creating more obstacles.
I heard that Pei Zhaoying suspected that the two of them had a grudge against each other.
Xiao Bo pondered for a while.
Yuzhou was some distance away from the capital, and ordinary people did not dare to offend the local tyrants. Who would be willing to take the risk and travel thousands of miles to the capital to testify for a stranger? He asked the officers to use public funds to cover the witness's travel expenses and try to find someone willing to testify locally. Only an old lady selling tofu agreed to go.
Xiao Bo said, "The witnesses are about to arrive in the capital. Of the three witnesses originally transferred... only one will come, but that is enough to prove it."
Xiao Yucheng complained this time:
"For a woman, all the important people in the capital have been tossed around! As a woman, why don't you be a little more unruly?"
Pei Zhaoying found this particularly irritating and winked at his guards, who understood:
"Is the Grand Marshal trying to veil his wrath against my Highness?"
Xiao Yucheng laughed heartily instead: "Haha, I am just a soldier, I can't think before I speak, please don't blame me, Your Highness."
Pei Zhaoying had dealt with him many times and knew that this man always liked to take advantage of others under the banner of being innocent. They were old rivals and they were tired of each other.
After a brief verbal argument, everyone calmed down for a while and each opened their law books and similar cases to try to find some support.
Xiao Bo sat next to Pei Zhaoying at the bottom.
Pei Zhaoying tilted her body slightly, lowered her head and called softly:
"Master Xiao."
Xiao Bo shook his wrist and quickly returned to normal:
"Your Highness, please speak."
"I heard that the prisoner's mother caused a disturbance in the downtown area and was taken away by the Dali Temple..."
Xiao Bo understood and said softly:
"Yes, my men didn't give her any trouble. The old lady couldn't stand the hardship. I advised her to rest for a few days. I didn't mean to monitor her. It's a turbulent time and she would be easily targeted if she stayed outside."
There were many people in the hall, so Pei Zhaoying didn't say much and just bowed to express his gratitude.
Xiao Bo also returned the greeting, his behavior was well-mannered, and he was not at all similar to Xiao Yucheng.
The time is almost up. There is no point in wasting time here. Pei Zhaoying said coldly:
"Since the Grand Marshal wants to wait for witnesses, then we'll re-examine the case after they arrive. I'm tired, so you two should continue arguing and come up with a reason that everyone in the world will accept."
The wheelchair was pushed slowly, giving everyone enough time to see it off respectfully.
Xiao Yucheng did not move. Why bother observing the opinions of other ministers in order to be a fence-sitter who knows the current situation?
After all, no matter how glorious the eldest princess was in the past, she is disabled now and has limited abilities.
It was Xiao Bo, the handsome man in white, who bowed first:
"Farewell, Your Highness!"
Xiao Yucheng glared at him, bowed, and hated him for meddling in other people's business. He followed a group of officials and shouted "Farewell".
He knew the emperor's intention, so he deliberately acted like he was the only one in power to prevent Pei Zhaoying from taking advantage of the situation. However, with someone taking the lead, he could not prove his rude behavior of disrespecting the royal family.
Xiao Bo lowered his head respectfully. Pei Zhaoying could not see his eyes like black jade, but only saw his shiny black hair and his shadow cast on the ground, following her steps.
She didn't even notice that under Xiao Bo's wide sleeves, his fingers were trembling with excitement of reunion after a long separation.
They had no previous encounter, and Pei Zhaoying didn't recognize his face, but he was so happy that he felt like an old friend.
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