Chapter 24 My Imperial Sister
Yuezhi was caught off guard by his sudden embrace, unable to even raise her hand to hit him, and snorted twice in anger.
She thought that she was not only angry at his autocratic ways, but also hated that she was blind and would never be able to do any work that would earn money again, and would only be able to rely on others to take care of her, like a useless person.
"I can't see, I can't do anything. You're taking me to the capital. You might feel at ease now, but you'll regret it sooner or later." She cried, her eyes hurting more and more as she cried.
Pei Heng took out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears.
He asked softly, "Do you think I'm the kind of person who lacks responsibility and accountability? Don't you believe I genuinely want to be good to you?"
Yuezhi didn't know how to answer. Even the bond between father and son can eventually wear off. How long could the relationship between her and Pei Heng, which was based on gratitude and was a sibling relationship formed later in life, last...?
"Have you forgotten? I promised you that I would give you a good life and that I would let you marry the best man in the world."
Upon hearing this, Yuezhi slightly raised her eyes, seemingly touched.
Seeing that her crying had subsided, Pei Heng continued, "My status is different now. When I return to the capital this time, no one will look down on you or bully you anymore. I will make you the most honored woman in the entire Great Zhou."
He became more and more exaggerated, and Yuezhi was too lazy to be angry with him anymore—the most noble woman in the Great Zhou Dynasty is the Empress, who is currently staying in a Buddhist temple. Does he want to send her to a Buddhist temple to chant sutras and ask the Buddha in heaven to heal her eyes?
She's such a grown-up, yet she still has a childlike side.
"Hmph." Yuezhi took a breath, stopped her tears, groped for his arm, and pushed him away from her.
With red eyes, she scolded him: "You're not a child anymore. In broad daylight, don't hug and kiss in front of people. It's improper."
Her tone still held a hint of anger, but her eyes looked much gentler. Pei Heng obediently stepped back and sat down next to her. When they had embraced earlier, a strand of her hair had gotten caught on his clothes, and even after they separated, they were still entangled.
He exhaled slowly, raised his finger and twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers, gazing at her tear-reddened cheeks from the side. Her snow-white skin was tinged with a wet red, like a spring rain on a mountain, seeping into his heart.
His eyes were fixed on her, and he lowered his head to gently kiss the strands of hair on his fingertips.
In the secluded, undisturbed space, in a hidden place undiscovered by her, an indescribable emotion gradually brewed in the young man's heart, taking root deeper and deeper...
The carriage had already left Liangzhou territory, and Yuezhi finally gave in because she couldn't outlast him.
She got the house deed and gold and silver from him, carrying a small bundle with her all day long. She thought that after going to the capital, no matter if he was tired of her or had no intention of caring about her after marriage, she would still have money and could find another place to live.
The returning caravan had several more carriages, which slowed their pace considerably.
Pei Heng would frequently go to the carriage to talk to Yue Zhi. What started as comforting words gradually turned into a sour tone, and he found the bundle increasingly displeasing.
"You're so fond of money that you even sleep with it?"
"Who in the world doesn't like money? If you became a high-ranking official, wouldn't you cherish your monthly salary?"
Pei Heng raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself: What he can give is far more than everything in that bundle combined. If he really likes money, hugging that little bundle is not as practical as hugging him.
This little scheme of hers was too blatant to be openly discussed, so she could only express her dissatisfaction with a resentful look, and then offer him a meat pie she had made herself, in order to divert his attention from the bundle he was completely focused on.
Since she started recuperating, the old doctor advised her to eat less oily food, so Pei Heng would even skim off all the oil from the chicken soup he made for her, serving her only the clear broth.
She hadn't eaten anything good in prison before, but now, smelling the aroma of the meat pie, Yuezhi's appetite was whetted. She groped for the meat pie in his hand, turned slightly to the side so he wouldn't see how she ate it.
One bite revealed a crispy crust filled with tender, braised pork belly, half lean and half fatty, with cucumber to balance the richness of the meat. It was simply the best meat-filled pancake she had ever eaten.
"Did you make this? It tastes so good!"
Yuezhi ate happily and praised Pei Heng lavishly.
Pei Heng sat beside her, leaning to the side to peek at her eating. At first, she was a little wary, but after taking a bite of the pastry, her expression became innocent. Her eyes were only on the love of the food, and she forgot all about money and concerns.
Her happiness is so simple; a bag of pearls is fine, as is a meat sandwich.
Just looking at her, Pei Heng unconsciously rested his chin on his hand, a smile appearing on his lips. After she finished eating one, he took out a hot meat-filled pie wrapped in oil paper from his pocket and handed it to her.
"I made a lot; you can eat as much as you want."
Yuezhi pursed her lips shyly, took the second meat pie, and ate it in small bites, muttering to herself.
"Could you find me a cook to be my husband?"
Pei Heng frowned, puzzled yet wanting to laugh. "If you want something delicious, I'll cook it for you. Or we can hire a few chefs to cook different dishes every day. Why would you marry a chef just for a little food?"
Yuezhi disagreed, "As long as one can live a peaceful life, what difference does it make whether one is a cook or a prime minister?"
Pei Heng raised his hand and gently wiped away the crumbs of pastry from the corner of her mouth with the back of his fingers, his tone serious, "I said I would let you marry the best man in the world, and I will definitely do what I say."
The touch was so subtle that Yuezhi didn't notice it.
Hearing him bring up marriage on his own initiative, she couldn't help but urge him: "Then you'd better hurry up and find someone, I'm almost an old maid waiting."
“You’re not old at all.” Pei Heng looked at her face, which had regained some color and was now as beautiful as a flower, and was momentarily lost in thought.
Yuezhi frowned, losing her appetite for the pancake. "I'm telling you, I don't want to wait any longer."
Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, Pei Heng quickly agreed, "Okay, I'll find one for you when I get back to the capital."
The mourning period for the late emperor has ended, and his return to the capital will be the enthronement ceremony. At that time, all the civil and military officials will be at his command. The Great Zhou is full of talented people, so how difficult could it be to find her a suitable husband?
*
When the late emperor passed away, the crown prince did not stay in the capital to observe mourning. Instead, he led his troops to Liangzhou because of a military intelligence report from the border. He repelled the invading barbarians in three days and drove the barbarian guerrillas a thousand miles away from the border. However, it took him a whole month to return to the capital.
When the Crown Prince returned, the mourning period for the late Emperor had already passed, and the civil and military officials in the court had many complaints about this.
That day, the deposed crown prince led his troops into the imperial city, and a change occurred in the palace. Everyone knew that the imperial concubine had bewitched the emperor. The late emperor reinstated the crown prince, executed the imperial concubine's family, and ordered the deaths of two princes. He then died suddenly in the Taiji Hall.
The edicts for re-establishing the crown prince and the edict for passing the throne were both displayed in the Taiji Hall. The officials both respected and feared the crown prince who had returned from the frontier. Even though they disliked his willful act of "not observing mourning during the mourning period," no one dared to say anything on the surface.
When the Crown Prince returned to the capital, he stayed at the Eastern Palace for two days as usual, bathing and purifying himself, and burning incense to pray.
On the third day, the new emperor ascended the throne.
On the first day of court, the new emperor issued a decree: to reduce taxes and corvée labor, to allow the people to rest and recuperate, to grant a general amnesty, to halve the punishments and forced labor for those not sentenced to death, and to allow enslaved people to return to their hometowns as commoners.
He bestowed titles upon both new and old officials, and also conferred the title of princess upon a commoner girl named Yuezhi, granting her the title "Ning'an," the salary of a first-rank official, and the right to reside in the princess's residence. Furthermore, he granted her the privilege of entering the palace at any time, and that palace guards, upon verifying her identity, would allow her passage without needing to request further imperial decree...
"The late emperor had three princesses who all married far away from the capital. The new emperor didn't invite the three princesses back to attend the coronation ceremony, but instead inexplicably conferred a title upon one of the princesses?"
"Have you heard anything about Princess Yuezhi's background?"
"I've never heard of this person in the capital. Perhaps she comes from the north. Maybe her father, brothers, sons, and nephews followed the Crown Prince in battle, and her whole family made contributions to the cause, which is why she received this reward?"
"The princess's mansion that the Emperor bestowed upon her was originally a royal residence from the previous dynasty. It has been under constant maintenance and is quite magnificent. How could a woman of unknown origin receive a greater reward than many high-ranking officials and ministers? What exactly does the Emperor see in her?"
"I heard that the former Marquis of Jing'an had been kind to the new emperor. When the new emperor returned to the capital, he brought his daughter back with him. I suppose she was granted the title of princess because of her father's achievements."
As soon as the new emperor issued his decree, everyone, from the high-ranking nobles to the common people on the streets, was talking about this princess with no background. There was speculation, curiosity, jealousy, and all sorts of things to say.
At this moment, Yuezhi was in the princess's residence and knew nothing of the discussions outside.
The eunuch who came to deliver the imperial edict read out the new emperor's decree, and then bowed with a smile, presenting the edict with both hands.
"Princess Ning'an, please accept the imperial decree."
Yuezhi knelt on the ground, and the maid beside her helped her up to receive the imperial edict. Even as she touched the edict in her hand, she still felt like she was dreaming.
After seeing off the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, she was both surprised and puzzled. She pulled her personal maid and asked, "What's going on? Why did the new emperor bestow the title of princess upon me? Why didn't he mention Pei Heng's achievements? According to the new emperor's decree, I'm to move to the princess's residence?"
Hua Chun smiled and replied, "Princess, the house you are staying in now is the Princess's Residence."
Yuezhi was even more puzzled. On the day she returned to the capital, Pei Heng asked her to stay in this mansion, saying that it was a house bestowed upon him by the palace. At that time, she thought that Pei Heng had hidden his identity and gained the favor of the prince, which was why he had such an honor.
Now it seems that this is not the case at all.
Pei Heng must be hiding something from her again.
Seeing her suspicion, Huachun comforted her gently: "I don't know much about the affairs of the court. When the general returns to the manor, he will definitely give the princess a satisfactory answer."
Yuezhi sighed. She was blind and needed help to walk. She hadn't left her courtyard for several days since arriving in the capital.
She instructed her servants to put away the imperial edict and then asked Huachun, "Have you found my godmother and sworn brother?"
Hua Chun replied, "News came early this morning that the servants found the two in a private residence in the north of the city. They were sent by you to invite the old lady and Young Master Zhang to the manor for a meeting. They should arrive in a little while."
Upon hearing this, Yuezhi smiled. After several days in the capital, she finally had some good news.
She hurriedly ordered the servants to prepare the feast, instructing them: "Make the food softer, as godmother is getting old and can't chew hard food. Prepare more snacks, as godmother and godbrother both love them."
"Yes." The maid went to the kitchen to relay the message.
Yuezhi only knew that Pei Heng had gone to prepare for the coronation ceremony and hadn't returned for three days. Huachun said that he would be home tonight, so she wanted to wait for him to come back and ask him for clarification.
At this moment, he was single-mindedly waiting for his godmother and sworn brother to come to the mansion to reminisce. Fearing that the title of "Princess's Mansion" would make them feel uncomfortable, he specially instructed the servants not to hang up the plaque on the door for the time being.
In the afternoon, Zhang Ping'an helped Zhang Mama into the mansion.
The two men were immediately stunned by the grandeur of the mansion's gate as they stepped off the carriage, and dared not utter a word.
Upon entering, the mansion's courtyard was spacious, with a long corridor separating the main courtyard from the side courtyards. One side of the courtyard was planted with evergreen bamboo groves, while the other side was planted with fruit trees laden with fruit. The air was filled with the fragrance of fruit and bamboo, a stark contrast to the stench of money in other wealthy households.
The lanterns hanging under the eaves are painted with lifelike flowers, birds and idioms. Looking up, one sees a masterpiece of landscape painting, as if entering a heavenly realm.
Guided by a maid, Yuezhi entered the main hall and sat at the table. Her eyes were bright but lifeless as she stared out the door.
The two visitors exchanged a glance, both recalling the instructions they had received before boarding the carriage.
"The princess's eyesight is poor, so she must avoid great sorrow and grief. When you speak, you must not mention the new emperor's identity. Just talk to the princess about everyday matters and put her at ease."
Having served in the palace for over a decade, Zhang Mama could tell from the man's attire that he was a palace guard of considerable rank, at least an imperial bodyguard.
His words were what the emperor wanted them to hear.
The two took their seats and saw that Yue Zhisheng was beautiful and charming. She had grown up more than she had ten years ago, with soft, fair skin and gentle features. She truly had the air of a princess.
“Yuezhi…” Granny Zhang sat down beside her and gently held her hand. “I never thought you would come back.”
The voice in her ear was old and unfamiliar, but her tone of voice hadn't changed; she was still a mother who worried about her children. In an instant, Yuezhi was pulled back to ten years ago, when she was still in the Eastern Palace.
She smiled and said, "Godmother, Pei Heng is doing well now. If you're willing, you and your sworn brother can move in with us. The house is big enough that even your sworn brother's wife and children can live here."
Zhang Ping'an interjected, "You've suffered so much in the North for so many years, and it wasn't easy for you to finally settle down back in the capital. We haven't been able to help you much, so how could we possibly move in?"
Zhang Mama echoed, "The gold you gave me when I left the palace that year was used to help Ping An get married and buy a house. It hasn't been spent yet. We have plenty to eat and use. The three little brats at home are very naughty, so they'll come and disturb your peace and quiet."
Yuezhi asked curiously, "How old is your sworn brother's child?"
Zhang Ping'an: "My first child was a girl, who is nine years old this year. My second child was a boy, who is five years old this year."
"Many children bring many blessings, my sworn brother is truly blessed." Yuezhi took out a red envelope she had prepared in advance from her sleeve, fumbled around and handed it to Zhang Ping'an, "Give this to the children to buy candy."
Zhang Ping'an hesitated for a moment. When the imperial guard came to their house, he had already given them a sum of money.
Granny Zhang gestured for him to accept it: "Don't just stand there, this is your sister's gift. Give it to the child, she will be happy."
"Please accept it quickly." Yuezhi smiled happily.
Zhang Ping'an took the red envelope and started chatting casually, "With the new emperor's ascension to the throne, not only has the young master returned to officialdom, but I have also received a transfer order, promoted three ranks, and will be going to Jizhou as a Sima."
"Really?" Yuezhi was happy for him. "The new emperor is truly benevolent, and his policies benefit the people. Even we are benefiting from his policies."
"Yes, we are all grateful for his kindness."
Zhang Mama and Zhang Ping'an each had their own thoughts. Both of them knew who the new emperor was, but seeing that Yuezhi was still kept in the dark, they didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse for her.
The meal lasted until evening, with the three discussing everything from important matters like promotions to trivialities of daily life. They reluctantly parted ways as darkness fell.
“Sister, my whole family will be leaving for Jeju in three days to take up my post. If you have time to travel, don’t forget to come and visit us in Jeju.”
"Hmm." Yuezhi stood by the door, watching the two blurry figures disappear into the darkness.
After the joy of reunion comes a sense of emptiness and loss.
She envied her sworn brother, whose mother was still alive, whose wife and children were happy, whose career was going smoothly, whose family was lively and bustling, and who felt at home wherever he was.
She lived alone in this mansion, which was large and empty. The servants in the mansion were very well-behaved, and when it was quiet, you couldn't hear a single human voice.
Considering that he was blind and had no one to confide in at home, he thought it would be better to go to Jeju Island with his sworn brother and help his brother and sister-in-law take care of their child. At least he would have someone to keep him company.
He confided his secret to Huachun, and that very night it reached Pei Heng's ears.
He changed into civilian clothes and left the palace to see her in the inner courtyard. It was too late, and he thought she had already gone to sleep, but he saw that candles were still lit in the back hall of the inner courtyard.
Upon closer inspection, the maids had all retreated to the corridor, and she was all alone, resting her head on the table, her slender white arm as a pillow.
Seeing that section of her pale white forearm, Pei Heng's heart tightened. He walked over, took off his cloak and draped it over her. The subtle movement woke her up. In the shadow he cast, Yue Zhi slowly opened her eyes, her gaze dazed.
The newcomer had an unfamiliar smell, the smell of incense from the ancestral hall altar, which was a bit pungent.
"I just finished my work and got home."
Yuezhi lowered her eyes. Perhaps because she had heard so many servants and maids' replies in the mansion, she couldn't recognize the voice for a moment.
Judging from the tone, it should be Pei Heng.
She stood up from the table, grabbed the cloak that was about to slip off, and felt her body go weak from the warmth of the inner layer. She sat up straight in front of him and asked, "Pei Heng, is there something you're hiding from me?"
She's not stupid. She thought a lot when she was alone and gradually figured things out. Right now, she's just giving him a chance to be honest.
Pei Heng sat down and reached out to smooth her disheveled hair.
His tone was calm. "It was I... it was I who bestowed upon you the title of princess, promoted Zhang Ping'an, sent him out to gain experience, and also allowed Zhang Mama to return to her hometown to live out her old age in peace."
He watched her wake from her light sleep, her eyes still a little dazed, and smiled as he gently massaged her brow with his fingertips.
"I have said that I would make you the most honored woman in the Great Zhou Dynasty. A king's word is law. From now on, you are Princess Ning'an, whom I have personally bestowed upon you. You are my elder sister. I will choose an auspicious day to record you in the royal genealogy, so that you may enjoy wealth and honor forever."
His tone was cheerful, and Yuezhi listened attentively.
She was somewhat taken aback by that address of "Royal Sister," "You're finally willing to acknowledge me as your sister?"
“Of course.” Pei Heng smiled at her. “The decree is to announce to the world, the people of the Great Zhou are our witnesses, and the Pei family ancestors on the imperial genealogy are our witnesses. Although my elder sister and I are not related by blood, we are closer than family.”
Yuezhi relaxed her brows and eyes, exhaled softly, and her outstretched hand was caught by the back of his hand. Her heart warmed, and her fingertips gently touched the bulging veins on the back of his hand.
"I know you didn't tell me about your ascension to the throne because you were afraid I wouldn't be able to accept it right away, but I think that whether it's your literary or military talent or your ability to recognize and use people, you are the one who should be the emperor. There is no one more suitable than you."
Pei Heng listened quietly, his heart churning: he feared Yue Zhi would find out that he had murdered his father and brother, and carried countless blood debts on his shoulders, yet she praised him for deserving to be the emperor.
Her simple-mindedness benefited him, and he easily gained her understanding.
Her fingers gradually warmed, and Yuezhi withdrew her hand without showing any emotion. She said softly, "Although I guessed who you are, I was still worried that you hadn't eaten before you came, so I had someone heat up some food in the steamer. Would you like some?"
"Of course I want to eat," Pei Heng said with a smile. "I was busy today, and the imperial kitchen didn't know my preferences, so the dishes they made were rather unsatisfactory."
Yuezhi lowered her eyes, "The food I saved for you wasn't cooked by me. Once my eyes are better, I'll definitely cook for you..."
"With my elder sister by my side, everything I eat tastes delicious."
"You're such a chatterbox." Yuezhi pursed her lips. Hearing him call her "sister" made her feel as if they could truly be siblings for life and never have to part again. She was happy and couldn't help but smile.
The maids brought the food up, but Pei Heng didn't need anyone to serve him. He told them to step outside and eat while listening to Yue Zhi chat about trivial matters.
“My sworn brother has three children. My godmother is surrounded by these naughty kids every day, laughing and making a fuss. She must have been disciplining the kids a lot, because her voice is much rougher than before.”
"The fruit trees in the side courtyard bore a lot of fruit, more than all the people in the mansion could eat. A lot of the fruit fell and was eaten by the birds. With so many birds, the civet cats were attracted. When I had nothing to do during the day, I would sit under the fruit trees and listen to the birds chirping and the cats meowing. It was quite lively."
“I heard from Huachun that there is a large bamboo grove in the side courtyard. In the spring, bamboo shoots will grow. I will dig up the freshest bamboo shoots and make you a stew of pickled bamboo shoots and pork soup.”
When she was quiet, she was like a fairy untouched by worldly affairs, but she loved to chatter on and on about the trivialities of life in front of him. In the past, at the dinner table, he would listen to her talk like this, wanting her lively and vivid words to pull him back to the reality of the present moment.
"The fruit in the side courtyard is very sweet. It would be a waste if we couldn't finish it and it went rot. There are many people in the palace. Why don't I have someone pick the fruit another day, and you can take it back to the palace and share it with the palace staff?"
"good."
“The scent of incense on you is too strong. Remember to bathe before you sleep when you return to the palace. When you were a child, you couldn’t sleep well if the incense in the palace was too strong.”
"I remember."
"And..." Yuezhi stammered, "The old doctor you found for me, the medicine he prescribed is too bitter. When I take that medicine, I always feel dizzy and sleepy. Can you find me a different doctor?"
"Why didn't you say so earlier if you felt unwell after taking the medicine?" Pei Heng's smiling face turned serious. "Tomorrow, I will assign you a new imperial physician from the Imperial Hospital to stay at the Princess's residence and take care of you."
Upon hearing this, Yuezhi said anxiously, "Actually, I have an old friend in the Imperial Hospital, who is also from my hometown, named Su Jingyun. Could you ask him to treat me?"
Pei Heng didn't think much of it. "As long as he can take good care of your health and improve your eyesight, I will summon him."
With his agreement, Yuezhi was visibly much happier.
Seeing her gentle smile, Pei Heng felt completely relaxed and refreshed, and all the fatigue from dealing with memorials and fighting wits with court officials all vanished.
He thought: as long as Yuezhi is happy, he is willing to do anything for her.
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