Chapter 79 I cherish my injuries.
On the day of the palace banquet.
Pei Ji and his officials entered the Lin Yuan Hall.
The scale of the banquet inside the hall was even grander than the previous one at the Qionglin Banquet. Princes, nobles, civil and military officials, and envoys from various countries had already taken their seats in order.
Pei Ji's gaze swept calmly across the area, and near the head seat close to the imperial steps, he saw two familiar figures—Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhi.
Today, they were all dressed in formal attire representing their respective families. Jin Chuchuan wore a dark robe with silver patterns, which made his already cold and stern face appear even more solemn. He stared straight ahead, as if the surrounding noise had nothing to do with him. Chunyu Zhi, on the other hand, wore a magnificent sapphire blue brocade robe, embroidered with intricate auspicious cloud patterns in gold thread, and a jade belt around his waist. He wore his usual smile and was conversing quietly with an elderly member of the imperial family sitting next to him.
For a century since its founding, the dynasty has primarily focused on appeasement and winning over powerful clans that have established themselves in various regions. These clans are also adept at knowing when to advance and when to retreat; typically, only two or three of their most outstanding sons are selected for official positions, while the rest pursue scholarship or engage in commerce.
During grand court ceremonies, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would always specially invite these scions of prominent families to banquets as a sign of favor and importance. Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhineng were seated at the head of the table, demonstrating the significance of their families.
Pei Ji settled comfortably into his seat, and just as he picked up the jade cup before him, the clear, melodious voice of a palace attendant announced from outside the palace gates:
"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"
"His Majesty has arrived!"
"Princess Fu Ning has arrived!"
The hall fell silent instantly as all the guests rose and bowed in greeting: "Welcome, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, and Your Highness the Princess!"
When the Empress Dowager's gentle voice, "Rise, please take a seat," came from the throne, everyone sat down again. Chunyu Zhi was then able to raise his head, his gaze naturally sweeping towards the person above him.
Slightly below the right side of the throne sat Princess Fu Ning, Li Huazhen. She appeared to be about twenty years old, dressed in a bright red, gold-embroidered, phoenix-and-bird-at-the-head palace gown with wide sleeves, its hem trailing on the ground, exuding extraordinary elegance. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a red-gold, kingfisher-feather phoenix hairpin with outstretched wings, three strings of pearl tassels dangling from its beak, swaying gently with her subtle movements, reflecting the shimmering light of the palace's lamps.
She possessed a classic oval face, skin as white as snow, eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn waters, a high and straight nose, and naturally rosy lips. Her appearance did not resemble the dignified and slightly sharp-looking Empress Dowager Chu; instead, she inherited more of the late Emperor's bearing. At this moment, her expression was calm, her gaze sweeping indifferently over the assembled officials below.
Chunyu Zhi, under the guise of raising his cup to drink, subtly shifted his gaze between Princess Fu Ning and Pei Ji. They had heard the widely circulated rumors about the imperial son-in-law as soon as they arrived in the capital.
At this moment, Empress Dowager Chu, seated in the center, raised the nine-dragon gold cup in her hand. Today, she wore a solemn bright yellow silk brocade robe with phoenix and auspicious clouds, a nine-tailed phoenix crown, and an exquisite diamond-shaped gold foil flower ornament on her forehead, which added to her majesty. Her well-maintained face carried a perfectly appropriate smile.
"Today is my birthday. I am honored to be gathered here by Your Majesty's filial piety, the dedication of your officials, and the loyalty of the people. I have no other wish but that our nation may prosper and our land be forever secure; that the weather may be favorable and the people may live in peace and happiness; and that the ruler and his ministers may be of one mind and work together to achieve peace. This cup of wine is offered to Heaven and Earth, to our ancestors, to Your Majesty, and to all our officials!"
"We, your humble servants, wish Your Majesty the Empress Dowager good health and longevity! May the nation prosper for generations to come!" The crowd echoed in unison, raising their cups in a toast.
The sounds of string and wind instruments rose again, and dancers in flowing robes gracefully entered, their sleeves billowing in the breeze, accompanied by melodious music. Amidst the clinking of glasses, the gift-giving ceremony began.
The young emperor rose first and personally presented a half-person-high jade statue of the God of Longevity holding a peach. The jade was translucent and warm, and the carving was exquisite: "Your subject respectfully wishes Your Majesty that you may live as long as the pine and cypress, and shine as brightly as the sun and moon!"
Empress Dowager Chu nodded with a smile and repeatedly said "good".
Next came Princess Funing. She ordered her maids to bring out a rosewood screen inlaid with precious stones depicting flowers and birds of the four seasons. The twelve-panel screen, when unfolded, vividly depicted the scenery of the four seasons and rare birds and flowers with gold thread, gemstones, mother-of-pearl, and other materials, shimmering with light and displaying extreme wealth. "Your subject wishes that Your Majesty may live forever and enjoy lasting happiness."
Then came the gifts from various princes, dukes, and other dignitaries—each more precious and rare than the last: a curtain made of pearls strung together from the East China Sea, a lotus-shaped vase carved from a single piece of white jade from the Western Regions, a genuine handscroll by a renowned calligrapher and painter of the previous dynasty, a red coral tree from the South China Sea… leaving everyone speechless.
When it was the turn of the representatives of the prominent families, their gifts were even more elegant and refined. Jin Chuchuan, representing the Jin family of Taiyuan, presented a set of rare and long-lost ancient books, said to be a unique copy annotated by a great Confucian scholar, priceless in value. Chunyu Zhi, representing the Chunyu family of Qi County, presented a pair of yin-yang jade pendants from the ancient Kunlun jade mines. The pendants naturally formed a tai chi pattern, warm and lustrous, and were said to have harmonizing and health-preserving effects.
As the eunuch announced loudly, "The Shanyang family sends their daughter to celebrate the Shanyang Festival and offer their congratulations to the Empress Dowager on her birthday," a slender young woman, dressed in a sky-blue satin palace gown with cloud-patterned design, gracefully stepped forward, accompanied by two elegant maids. She appeared to be around twenty years old, with jet-black hair styled in the fashionable "Jinghong" bun, adorned with a single translucent white magnolia hairpin and a few pearl hairpins. Her makeup was refined, yet she possessed an undeniable air of nobility.
She was born with beautiful features and delicate skin. What was most special about her were her eyes, which shone with wisdom when she looked around, and her temperament was elegant with a touch of purity.
She did not carry the heavy gift box, but instead carried a sandalwood tray covered with bright yellow brocade. As she walked to the foot of the imperial steps, she spoke unhurriedly: "On the Shanyang Festival, I, your humble daughter, on the orders of my father, extend my congratulations to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager on your birthday. May Your Majesty enjoy good health and long-lasting blessings."
Having said that, she gently lifted the brocade. On the tray, instead of the expected jewels and jade, there was a seemingly ancient scroll and a simple yet rustic pottery jar.
The eunuch stepped forward and carefully unfurled the scroll. It was a scroll several feet long, titled "Ten Thousand People Plowing in Spring in Shanyang." The scroll, painted with meticulous detail and a blend of fine and freehand brushwork, depicted the spring fields of Shanyang Prefecture: farmers driving oxen to plow the land, women and children delivering food and water, women picking mulberry leaves, schoolchildren reciting lessons, officials inspecting irrigation canals… The scene was grand, the figures vivid, and the brushstrokes brimming with vitality and peace. Even more remarkable was the fact that in the blank spaces of the scroll, in delicate yet subtly strong small regular script, densely and meticulously copied the "Ten Thousand People's Birthday Celebration and Blessing Register," composed of the handprints or signatures of thousands of villagers from the eighteen counties and nearly a hundred villages under the jurisdiction of Shanyang Prefecture. Each name was even accompanied by a simple village name.
"This painting was created by my daughter after a thorough visit to the entire Shanyang region. The names of the tens of thousands of people on it were all collected by the county and township officials, and there is absolutely no exaggeration," Shanyang Jie said in a steady yet clear voice throughout the hall. "My father said that the Empress Dowager and His Majesty prioritize the people's livelihood in governing the country. The people of Shanyang are able to live and work in peace and contentment thanks to the grace of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty. The happiness of the people is the blessing of the nation. Therefore, I present this painting of the people's happiness and the list of ten thousand people to Your Majesty, to express Shanyang's gratitude to Your Majesty and the court, and also on behalf of the thousands of people, to wish Your Majesty a long and prosperous life."
She then gestured to the earthenware jar: "This jar contains millet, a specialty of Shanyang. Last year, the weather was favorable, and the newly cultivated fields in Shanyang yielded a bountiful harvest. This millet is plump and full, and it is from the first batch of seeds. My father instructed me to bring it to Your Majesty. May our Great Zhou Dynasty enjoy bountiful harvests year after year, and may our nation be forever secure for thousands of generations."
The hall fell silent, then low murmurs of admiration rose from within.
On the throne, Empress Dowager Chu's usually composed and calm face now revealed a genuine smile of pleasure and appreciation, quite different from her previous expression. She even leaned forward slightly to examine the painting and the "Ten Thousand People's Records" carefully, nodding repeatedly: "Excellent! What a fine painting of folk music and a record of ten thousand people's records. You have a thoughtful heart; at your age, it is rare to find someone so composed and thorough."
"This humble woman dares not accept the praise of Your Majesty the Empress Dowager; it is all due to my father's teachings." Shanyang Jie's posture was respectful, neither humble nor arrogant.
"Get up quickly." The Empress Dowager raised her hand to help her up, her smile deepening. "I like this gift very much. Someone, put this painting away carefully, and hang it in my palace from now on. This millet should be given to the Ministry of Agriculture to cultivate and plant. If it is indeed bountiful, it should be promoted and distributed widely."
The palace banquet was halfway through, and everyone was quite drunk and flushed. Pei Ji felt a bit stuffy in the hall, so he got up and stepped out through a side door.
Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhi, who had been watching his movements, also came out.
I arrived at the white marble corridor outside the palace. The night breeze was cool and refreshing, carrying the scent of plants and trees from the imperial garden, which was quite invigorating.
"Where is he?" Chunyu Zhi asked Jin Chuchuan, still clutching a golden jujube he had just swiped.
Jin Chuchuan glanced at him and walked away.
The two searched for a long time before finally hearing voices deep within the imperial garden.
Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhi exchanged a glance, walked around a jagged rockery, and the pavilion came into view.
Under the dim light of the palace lanterns, a slender figure in red stood with her back to them in the pavilion, gazing at the stars and moon reflected in the pond. It was Princess Fu Ning, Li Huazhen. She was without a single maid or servant, clearly having been dismissed beforehand, while Pei Ji stood outside the pavilion.
Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhi immediately stopped and hid in the shadow of the artificial rockery, holding their breath. This distance was just right to hear the conversation inside the pavilion without being discovered.
Li Huazhen slowly turned around. The soft glow of the palace lanterns bathed her radiant face, and her phoenix eyes, which resembled those of the late emperor, now clearly reflected Pei Ji's figure. Her gaze was direct and open, no longer concealed as it had been at the banquet.
“Last time at Biyuan in Nanyuan, I originally wanted to find an opportunity to say a few words to Editor Pei, but alas…” She paused, “but there were too many people around and too many things to do, so I couldn’t do it. After returning to the palace, I heard some unpleasant rumors from the streets, which caused trouble for Editor Pei.”
Pei Ji remained expressionless, his voice calm: "Your Highness is too kind. These rumors are baseless and unfounded; I have not taken them to heart." This answer was watertight, both distancing himself from the matter and subtly stating his position.
Li Huazhen understood his unspoken meaning, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly, but the smile did not reach her eyes. Instead, it carried a hint of sharpness: "Pei Ji, do you know who you are talking to? And do you know what you are saying?"
"Your subject is naturally aware." Pei Ji raised his eyes, calmly meeting her gaze, neither humble nor arrogant. "Your Highness is the sovereign, and your subject is your subject. Every word I have spoken comes from the bottom of my heart, and I dare not deceive you in the slightest."
“What heartfelt words!” Li Huazhen took a step forward, stepping out of the shadow of the pavilion eaves.
She tilted her head slightly, looking at the young minister before her, whose bearing was exceptionally refined and whose demeanor was composed. Her voice was low, yet carried a strange tone, "Pei Ji, with your talent, the prestigious Hanlin Academy is merely the beginning. With assistance, you will rise rapidly through the ranks, be ennobled and appointed prime minister, bringing glory to your family—it's all within reach. And I," she paused, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly, "can provide that assistance. The position of Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant may seem like a sinecure, but it's the closest position to the Emperor. Some things, some people, are much clearer and easier to understand and interact with from this position. What do you say?"
This statement is quite clear.
She thought that Pei Ji wouldn't be so stupid as to not understand.
But the person opposite him remained calm and composed. He cupped his hands again and said, "Your Highness's kindness moves me to tears, but I am unworthy and dare not accept it. I am already engaged. She and I met when we were young and became friends through thick and thin. I once swore that I would never betray her, cherish her, and never have any other thoughts. I appreciate Your Highness's kindness, but I dare not presume to do so."
“A marriage agreement?” Li Huazhen chuckled softly. “Things in this world, especially marriage agreements between men and women, are the most fickle. What if… she willingly broke off the engagement herself? Or what if something unexpected happened that forced her to back out, or even made it impossible for her to stay with you?” Her tone was gentle, but it carried an undisguised threat.
In the shadows, Jin Chuchuan's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and Chunyu Zhi's smile faded.
Pei Ji finally raised his eyes, and his usually gentle and peaceful eyes seemed to have become a little deeper.
“Your Highness,” he began slowly, “if she is well, I will be Your Majesty and the court’s most loyal subject, willing to give my life and do my utmost. If she suffers even the slightest harm because of anyone or anything… though I am but a lowly subject, I believe I can still make things less smooth for some people and some things.”
A brief silence fell over the pavilion. A night breeze swept across the pond, bringing a damp coolness.
Li Hua stared intently at Pei Ji, seemingly assessing the truth and weight of his words. After a long while, she suddenly smiled, a smile that had regained its previous brightness, as if the subtly witty conversation had never happened. "Good, very good. Editor Pei is indeed...deeply affectionate and righteous, truly admirable." She waved her hand, turned to look at the pond, "I am tired, Editor Pei, please make yourself at home."
Having said that, she didn't look at Pei Ji again. Her flowing red dress swept across the smooth stone steps as she walked straight back the way she came, her figure quickly disappearing at the end of the palace path, hidden by flowers and trees.
Only after the red color had completely disappeared did Pei Ji turn his head and speak calmly towards the direction of the artificial rockery:
Have you seen enough?
Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhi then emerged from the shadows. Chunyu Zhi's usual smile faded slightly, and he clicked his tongue, saying, "This Princess... truly, her temperament is unexpected."
Jin Chuchuan uttered two words: "Fool."
Chunyu Zhi was taken aback, but still said, "Eh? Senior Brother Jin, what are you talking about? This princess isn't exactly a fool, is she?"
“He’s talking about you,” Pei Ji said calmly.
Chunyu Zhi: "...Then you absolutely can't say it!" He's not!
Pei Ji: "Since you're here, that's good. There's something I need your help with."
Under the same moonlight, the streets of the capital were even more bustling than usual. Because of the Empress Dowager's birthday, a three-day amnesty was granted with no curfew. The main streets were teeming with people, the lights shone like dragons, and a variety of performances, vendors hawking food and drink, all creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Yu Man also closed his shop early and came out with Xue Han and Shan Chun to enjoy this rare spectacle.
They were slowly moving with the crowd to a relatively open intersection, next to stalls selling colorful lanterns and snacks, the air filled with enticing aromas. Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats and terrified screams and shoving from the crowd came from ahead!
"Get out of the way! Get out of the way!" Amidst the arrogant shouts, several tall horses forced their way through the crowded throng! On horseback rode several richly dressed, arrogant young men, clearly quite drunk, who were laughing and joking as they rode, completely ignoring the pedestrians who were knocked down and injured by the horses' hooves because they couldn't avoid them.
"Watch out!" Yu Man saw the leading horse heading straight for Xue Han, who was squatting in front of a clay figurine stall. In a flash, without thinking, she lunged forward and used all her strength to push Xue Han aside!
"Ah!" Xue Han cried out in surprise, staggered and fell to the ground, the clay figure in her hand shattering into pieces.
Yu Man herself was thrown backward by the reaction force, her left shoulder blade slamming heavily against the wooden frame of a wonton stall behind her! With a soft "crack," whether it was the wooden frame cracking or her bones making a sound, she was instantly struck by intense pain. She groaned, half of her body went numb, and cold sweat immediately beaded on her forehead.
"My lady!" Shan Chun reacted quickly. The moment Yu Man pushed Xue Han away, she had already rushed to Yu Man's side. Her small body tensed up, and she supported the almost unsteady Yu Man with one hand, while the other hand was already on the short blade hidden at her waist. Her eyes were cold as she stared intently at the horses and riders that had rushed past them and were about to gallop away.
The men didn't even turn their heads; their voices faded into the distance with the sound of horses' hooves: "Damn it! You blocked my way!"
"Stop! You hit someone and you're just going to leave like this?!" Shan Chun stood up, her eyes flashing even colder, and Yu Man quickly grabbed her.
Xue Han, ignoring the dust on her body and the pain in her elbow, got up and went to Yu Man's side. Seeing that Yu Man's face was pale, she was in so much pain that she couldn't speak, and she couldn't lift her left arm, she became even more anxious.
Just then, a squad of imperial guards on patrol nearby arrived. The leader of the squad walked briskly towards them and frowned upon seeing the mess at the scene and the injured Yu Man.
"Sir! You've come at the perfect time!" Xue Han exclaimed as if she had seen a savior. She quickly pointed in the direction where the group had disappeared and said urgently, "Just now, a few people were galloping wildly in the middle of the market. They knocked us down and even injured my master! Please send men to bring them back immediately!"
The man in the group, who appeared to be around thirty years old with square faces, did not act immediately upon hearing this. Instead, he lowered his voice and asked, "Young lady, did you see clearly who they are? What kind of horses are they riding? Which direction are they going?"
Xue Han was stunned. She was still in shock and couldn't see clearly. She said urgently, "There were probably four or five young men, dressed in very fine clothes, riding tall horses, heading east! Sir, they injured people, how can we just let them go?"
The captain sighed, his gaze sweeping over Yu Man, whose lips were pale with pain and who was being supported by Shan Chun. A hint of sympathy flashed in his eyes, but he still shook his head and lowered his voice even further: "Girl, I advise you, this matter... should be left alone. It's more important to take your master to the clinic to have his injury checked."
"Let it go? Why should we let it go?" Xue Han was both anxious and angry. "Under the Emperor's nose, they're running rampant on horseback. Is there no law anymore?"
The squad leader hesitated for a moment, then, seeing that a curious crowd had gathered around, he gestured for Xue Han to come closer and said quickly in a barely audible voice, “It’s not that there’s no law… Miss, do you know who just passed by? The one in the purple-gold robe at the head is the youngest son of the Marquis of Yongchang; the one next to him in the blue robe is the nephew of Minister Li of the Ministry of Revenue; and the one on the chestnut horse is the second young master of the Liang family… These people, let alone a mere squad leader like me, even if my general came, without orders from above, he couldn’t touch them. You… you should just accept your bad luck and go get your injuries treated. Making a scene won’t do you any good.”
After saying that, the squad leader looked at them with pity, especially at Yu Man, who was beautiful but looked vulnerable because of the pain. He shook his head, turned around and continued patrolling with his men, as if nothing had happened.
Xue Han froze on the spot, her face flushing red and then turning pale. It wasn't that she was ignorant of the ways of the world; she had seen some powerful figures in Laizhou, but was this how things were in the capital? Last time it was the Liang family acting so brazenly, and this time it was another纨绔子弟 (spoiled brats).
Looking at Yu Man, who was sweating profusely from the pain but trying to keep quiet, and recalling the names the squad leader had mentioned earlier, she felt a surge of powerlessness and resentment.
“Master…” Her voice choked with emotion as she stepped forward and supported Yu Man’s other uninjured arm. “We…we need to see a doctor first…”
Yu Man gritted her teeth and stood up with the help of the two men.
"Okay, let's see a doctor first." Her voice was a little weak, but she tried her best to remain calm, reminding him again, "Shanchun, it's okay, put the knife away." She gently patted Shanchun's still tense arm.
According to the laws of our dynasty, commoners are not allowed to carry sharpened short knives. If Shan Chun is discovered to be carrying one, he will be in trouble.
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