Chapter 64 Empress Dowager, Your Surname is Pei
After that night's conversation, Pei Ji was actually busier than Yu Man, who was about to leave. Following the grand ceremony of announcing the imperial examinations was the Qionglin Banquet, and before dawn the next day, he tidied his clothes and went to the palace to express his gratitude.
After seeing him off, Yu Man stood in the yard for a while, then turned and went into the kitchen. She busied herself for about half an hour, then came out carrying a rather heavy double-layered food box.
Hu Yu's noodle shop is located at the southernmost end of a lively alley. The storefront is narrow and the tables and chairs are old, but it is always full of customers.
Just as Yu Man reached the door, a regular customer inside—a peddler who frequented this street—saw him and called out in a loud, cheerful voice, “Grandma Hu! Your beautiful apprentice is here!”
Before the words were even finished, Granny Hu emerged from behind the curtain carrying a large, steaming bowl. The bowl contained clear broth with specks of oil floating on top, snow-white noodles nestled at the bottom, a few thin slices of braised meat, and sprinkled with vibrant green scallions; the aroma wafted straight into one's nostrils. She steadily placed the bowl in front of the last customer, offering no pleasantries, and went straight to the door. She tiptoed and flipped the wooden sign that read "Soup and Noodles Available" with a loud bang, revealing its smooth back.
"Oh, Granny Hu, are you not doing business after noon today?" the peddler asked in surprise. "That's rare!" Everyone knew that Granny Hu had been running this shop for decades, and unless she was too sick to get up, she would open the door to welcome customers without fail.
Old Hu simply grunted an "Mmm" through her nose in response, without uttering a single additional word. She lifted her apron to wipe her hands, glanced at Yu Man, and nodded towards the back room, gesturing for her to follow.
Passing through the slightly cramped front hall and lifting the old, faded blue curtain, one enters the back room where Granny Hu lives and prepares her dough. The light is dimmer than outside, and the room is filled with flour, sourdough starter, and various seasonings. Yu Man places the food box on the only small square table in the room, opens the lid, and takes out the contents one by one: a cold-served rabbit wrapped tightly in oiled paper, glistening with red oil and sprinkled with sesame seeds—it looks incredibly appetizing; several exquisitely crafted pastries; and a small earthenware jar of homemade mushroom and meat sauce. "Master, this is something I figured out myself. Please try it and see if you like it."
Hu Yu didn't immediately look at the food. Instead, she used her slightly rough hands, which were used to kneading dough, to pat off non-existent flour from her apron. She looked up at Yu Man and asked in a flat voice, "Is this an apology for not coming yesterday?"
Yu Man had initially begged and pleaded to learn this craft, vowing to "come every day until I master it." Yesterday, when Pei Ji announced the results and paraded them through the streets, she finally made an exception and asked for leave.
Yu Man shook her head, her expression serious: "It's not an apology. It's my own fault for not keeping my promise. If Master feels that I'm not sincere enough and is unwilling to teach me anymore, that's understandable." She pushed the bag of cold rabbit towards Hu Yu again, "But these foods, regardless of whether Master teaches me or not, are just a small token of my appreciation."
Hu Yu's worldly, slightly cloudy eyes stared at Yu Man for a moment, as if weighing the sincerity in her words. After a while, the corner of her mouth twitched almost imperceptibly, revealing a faint smile: "It's rare to see you speak so seriously."
Hearing this tone, Yu Man felt a little relieved, knowing that the old man was not really angry, and quickly said, "Master, please try it. I stir-fried this rabbit meat for a long time, and the bones are soft. It should be very flavorful."
Only then did Granny Hu sit down at the table, pick up the smallest piece of osmanthus cake, and eat it slowly. She then picked up her rough earthenware bowl, took a sip of water, and asked casually, "Is the sweetheart who usually comes to pick you up among this year's newly appointed scholars?"
"Ahem..." Yu Man coughed lightly, startled by the direct question. Who said the ancients were reserved and tactful? "...Master, how did you guess?"
"Yesterday, the biggest excitement in the capital was the parade of the results," Hu Yu said calmly but directly. "You're not the type to flock to crowds. After thinking it over, the only one who could make you break the rule of 'every day' is him."
Yu Man immediately offered a sincere compliment: "Master, you are extremely perceptive!"
"He comes from a wealthy and powerful family?" Old Hu asked, her gaze falling on the cold-cooked rabbit, as if she were just chatting casually.
Yu Man paused. The orphan of the Prince of Yuzhang… does that count as a high-ranking family? Now living in seclusion, seemingly a commoner, but in reality, their identity is sensitive, and she didn't know how to define it for a moment. “This… is a bit complicated,” she said vaguely.
Old Hu picked up her chopsticks, took a small piece of cold-served rabbit, and put it in her mouth, chewing slowly as the spiciness and aroma melted in her mouth. She didn't press further about his family background, but after swallowing the food, she looked at Yu Man and suddenly changed the subject: "Whether from a high-ranking or humble family, it doesn't really matter. Now that he has passed the imperial examination and is famous throughout the capital, has he mentioned marriage to you?"
Yu Man: "...It hasn't been formally mentioned yet, but we had an agreement before..." She recalled her refusal.
"Smack!" Old Hu lightly slammed her chopsticks on the table, her brows furrowing with a hint of sternness. "You ungrateful wretch!"
After uttering those words, she looked at Yu Man's stunned expression and softened her tone, but it still carried a serious air: "Girl, I've run a shop in this capital for decades and have seen many people. In previous dynasties, there were plenty of princesses choosing husbands and commoners abandoning their wives after rising to prominence. There have always been many heartless and fickle people. It's one thing if you have feelings for him, but don't let your heart become completely consumed by him and lose yourself. A woman's future depends on her own hard-earned skills." Her words were blunt, even somewhat rough, but they stemmed from genuine concern.
Yu Man felt a warmth in her heart. She knew that Granny Hu was a solitary person who didn't like to meddle in other people's business, so it was already extremely rare for her to say these things today. "Master, I understand," she replied with a smile.
After Hu Yu picked up another piece of cold rabbit with her chopsticks, Yu Man said softly, "But... he's a very good person." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "At least, he's very good to me."
Old Hu gave a look that said, "I'm too lazy to argue with you, little girl." She waved her hand as if shooing away a fly: "Stop trying to talk your way out of this. Let's see if you've lost your skills. Go on, start by kneading the dough. Let me see if you've gotten rusty since you were lazy yesterday."
"Yes, Master." Yu Man obediently got up, washed her hands, and walked to the workbench against the wall.
She first scooped out the fine white flour, piled it into a small mountain on the cutting board, and dug a hole in the middle.
She poured the water into the bowl in several batches, deftly using her fingertips to gently push in the surrounding flour, allowing it to blend with the water. Initially, it was a shaggy mass, but as she used her wrists to knead, fold, and press, the shaggy mass gradually formed into a ball, and then into a smooth, solid mass. This process required even pressure and a smooth, continuous motion.
Yu Man's forehead was slightly sweaty. With a strong grip, the dough changed shape under her hands, making a soft "plop" sound, until it was smooth, no longer sticky, and very elastic. Then she covered it with a damp cloth and let it rest. Next came the kneading after the dough had rested. The long rolling pin rolled in her hands, pressing the dough into a large, even sheet. She folded it repeatedly, and with each slash of the knife, long, thin noodles spread out like silver threads.
Watching from the side, Hu occasionally picked up a piece of cold-cooked rabbit with her chopsticks, thinking to herself, "...the cooking time and flavor of this dish are quite well controlled, quite ingenious."
After Yu Man placed the cooked and cooled noodles, each strand distinct, into a bowl of prepared broth, topped it with blanched greens and a golden-brown fried egg, he respectfully presented it to Granny Hu. Granny Hu picked up a piece with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth, savoring it carefully. She then pointed out a few shortcomings: there was slightly too much water when kneading the dough, making the noodles a little too soft; the savory flavor of the broth could be more complex and layered.
Yu Man listened intently, silently taking notes and considering how to adjust.
After giving her corrections, Granny Hu put down her chopsticks, her expression softening considerably. She said, "...However, you've grasped the general principles. What you lack is mainly the timing and experience. The rest is nothing more than repeated practice and refinement. You don't need to keep me here every day."
Yu Man looked up in surprise: "Master, what's wrong with you...?"
A rare, faint smile appeared on Granny Hu's face, making the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes appear even deeper: "This little skill I've passed down from my ancestors for making a living has at least not died out in my hands. You... are ready to graduate."
"Are you trying to kick me out?" Yu Man blurted out.
Old Hu glanced at her and said, "Didn't you say you were going home? Do you expect to keep running to the capital every day? Now that you've learned a skill, you should put it to use. What's the point of staying with an old woman like me?"
Yu Man stood up and bowed solemnly to Granny Hu: "Thank you for your careful guidance these past few days, Master. When you have time to come to Laizhou, I will definitely cook a feast for you to judge."
"Go away, go away," Old Hu waved her hand impatiently, then turned around and pulled a small booklet wrapped tightly in oilcloth from an old wooden box in the corner, stuffing it into Yu Man's hand. "Take this. These are the recipes for several special noodle dishes that I've been working on over the years, as well as the secrets to making soup. They're a bit more varied than what I taught you before. Go back and look at them yourself. How much you learn depends on your own talent. My shop can't do without you."
Holding the small booklet, still warm from Granny Hu's palm and with worn edges, Yu Man felt a surge of warmth in her heart. Before she could say anything more, Granny Hu had already turned away and begun tidying up the noodle table, clearly indicating that she was seeing her guest out.
After having dinner with Granny Hu and talking for a while, Yu Man returned to her house, and a thought gradually became clear in her mind.
...
A banquet was held in Qionglin Garden.
On the terrace, an incense table is set up facing north, with banquet tables arranged on the left, right and below. Brocade carpets are laid out on the ground and palace lanterns are hung high, making it look luxurious and solemn even in daylight.
The master of ceremonies solemnly guided the newly appointed scholars to their seats in order of their ranking. Pei Ji followed the top two scholars to the front row, while the third-ranked scholar was seated slightly ahead on the left. As he sat down, he looked up and a familiar face came into view across from him—Zhang Jian.
Zhang Jian's expression remained calm. When he saw Pei Ji looking at him, he nodded slightly, his posture as upright and aloof as a pine tree in winter. Pei Ji also turned around, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment, each understanding the other without words.
Just then, the eunuch's high-pitched, drawn-out announcement rang out: "His Majesty has arrived—"
Everyone immediately rose from their seats and prostrated themselves in worship.
Pei Ji followed the movements of the others, his gaze lowered, falling on the patterns of the brocade carpet. He heard only the soft tinkling of jade pendants and the rustling of robes. Footsteps approached, steady and composed.
"Rise, all of you, and take your seats." His voice, still somewhat childish, had become calm and even, without any ripples.
After expressing his gratitude, Pei Ji rose. This was the first time he had seen the young emperor, who was about eleven or twelve years old. His features were still somewhat immature, his skin was fair, and his eyebrows and eyes were delicate. His eyes were calm as an ancient well, and when his gaze swept down, it carried a kind of cautiousness that was inconsistent with his age. He was dressed in apricot-yellow casual clothes, rather than a formal imperial robe, and when he sat upright, his shoulders and back were straight and he did not move at all.
"I am very pleased with this year's selection of officials. The three top scholars, please step forward and allow me to take a look." The young emperor spoke, his tone calm, revealing little emotion.
Pei Ji followed Wang and Yang out of the ranks, and upon reaching the foot of the imperial steps, he performed a grand salute. He could feel the gazes cast upon him from above, those gazes subtly sweeping over the faces and demeanors of everyone present.
The young emperor first looked at the top scholar, Wang Qixi, and offered a few words of gentle encouragement, mentioning the long-standing reputation of the Langya Wang clan. His words were appropriate, showing both favor and propriety. Wang Qixi responded respectfully. He then looked at the second-place scholar, Yang Xu, praising his refined poetic talent, which made Yang Xu feel flattered and overwhelmed.
Finally, their gaze fell upon Pei Ji.
The young emperor remained silent for a moment. This moment was extremely short, yet it caused the surrounding air to freeze slightly.
"Minister Pei." He finally spoke, his voice still steady, "Yesterday, during the parade, the people of the capital all praised the third-ranked scholar for his handsome appearance." He paused slightly, his calm eyes fixed on Pei Ji, "However, I observed your essay in the palace examination. Your insight was outstanding, and your writing was powerful. Eloquent writing is the foundation of one's career."
These words were spoken with composure. They not only addressed the rumors circulating in the marketplace but also elevated Pei Ji's talent and learning, while subtly suppressing any potential accusations of judging by appearance.
Pei Ji knew that this must have been guided by Zheng Xiang and others, and it was also a delicate balance that the young emperor was trying to maintain over the power of the aristocratic families—acknowledging the advantages that Wang and Yang had brought with their backgrounds, while also emphasizing his own talent and learning as a scholar from a humble background.
"Your Majesty flatters me; I am unworthy of such praise." Pei Ji bowed his head.
The young emperor nodded almost imperceptibly, signaling to the eunuchs. Three silver goblets were presented, their surface gleaming subtly under the palace lanterns. Pei Ji accepted his goblet with both hands; it felt cool to the touch. The inside of the goblet was inscribed with "Bestowed by Imperial Grace," while the words "Pei Ji, Third Place in the First Class," clearly visible in black silver ink on the outside, were also clearly legible.
"Your Majesty, we thank you for your great kindness." The three said in unison.
After returning to his seat, the young emperor called upon several more scholars, including Zhang Jian. He was able to clearly articulate several suggestions from Zhang Jian's policy essay regarding the reform of the Grand Canal, and even inquired about the potential difficulties in its implementation, speaking in a calm and conversational tone. The scholars who were called upon were all astonished and deeply moved, feeling profoundly favored by the emperor.
The atmosphere at the banquet gradually became harmonious, with soft music playing. The young emperor maintained a faint smile, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone.
Just then, the eunuch's announcement rang out again from outside the garden gate:
"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"
The entire venue fell silent.
Everyone stood up instantly, heads bowed in solemn silence. Their movements were perfectly synchronized. Pei Ji followed suit, his eyes lowered.
The clear, rhythmic tinkling of jade pendants approached from afar, unhurried and steady, each step carrying a composed and authoritative air of someone long accustomed to being in a superior position. Golden phoenix tail feathers embroidered on the brocade carpet trailed behind, their shimmering light shifting subtly, before settling before the newly added phoenix throne on the upper left.
Only after the figure landed did everyone bow in unison: "Your Majesty, we respectfully wish Your Majesty good health."
"Rise." Empress Dowager Chu's voice rang out, neither too loud nor too soft, clearly reaching everyone's ears, carrying with it the dignified composure and unquestionable majesty of someone wielding power.
Pei Ji rose, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Empress Dowager Chu was not wearing overly elaborate court attire today. She wore a long, wide-sleeved dress with an ochre-red background embroidered with golden phoenixes and peonies, over which was a matching gold-embroidered gauze shawl. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a kingfisher feather phoenix crown and several red gold hairpins, simple yet precious. She appeared to be around thirty years old, with fair skin. Her features were not the delicate beauty currently favored, but rather more defined and clear, with a high nose bridge and deep red lips.
"The Emperor may also sit." Empress Dowager Chu turned to the young Emperor, her tone gentle, like that of an ordinary mother.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The young emperor sat down as instructed, his posture still upright. When he raised his face, his expression naturally showed just the right amount of filial piety and concern. "I heard that Your Majesty is unwell, and I am very worried. Today the wind is strong, Your Majesty really did not need to come in person."
Empress Dowager Chu smiled slightly: "It is my great pleasure that Your Majesty is presiding over the Qionglin Banquet alone for the first time, so I naturally had to come and see." She turned her gaze downwards, "It is said that this year's imperial examination has produced many outstanding talents, and I also want to see the three top scholars in their prime."
Wang Qixi, Yang Xu, and Pei Ji stepped forward again.
Empress Dowager Chu's gaze first fell on the top scholar, Wang Qixi. After a moment, she slowly spoke: "You are a member of the Langya Wang clan of this generation? I remember you."
Wang Qixi could not hide his excitement and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is wise! Two years ago, Your Majesty visited our family's villa and personally bestowed paper and ink upon us, the children of our clan, to encourage us to study diligently. I am still grateful to this day!"
"Hmm," Empress Dowager Chu nodded slightly, as if recalling something, "The Wang family has a tradition of poetry and propriety, and their children are diligent. Very good." In just a few words, she not only showed that she had not forgotten the favor, but also pointed out the family background, clearly distinguishing between close and distant relatives.
Then, she looked at Yang Xu, the second-place scholar. “Yang Xu… I have read your poem, ‘The wind blows away the cold clouds, snow flows across the distant mountains.’ It has a remarkable spirit.” She even recited the famous lines from it offhand.
Yang Xu was startled, clearly not expecting that his poem would reach the Empress Dowager's ears and be remembered so clearly. He immediately showed excitement and glory, and bowed deeply: "Your humble work has been remembered by Your Majesty the Empress Dowager. I am extremely humbled and honored!"
Empress Dowager Chu accepted the greeting calmly, and finally her gaze fell on Pei Ji.
That sharp gaze moved slowly from Pei Ji's eyebrows and eyes to the bridge of his nose, his chin, and back to his eyes.
"Your surname is Pei?" Empress Dowager Chu asked, her voice calm and even.
Pei Ji's breathing remained unchanged, but in that instant, his thoughts were pulled back to Xunyang, the former fiefdom of the Prince of Yuzhang.
At that time, he secretly sought out his former subordinates. In a secluded room, by flickering candlelight, facing an old man whose temples were already gray but whose eyes were still as sharp as an eagle's, he asked that question:
"Am I... similar to the Prince of Yuzhang?"
The old man remained silent for a long time, his cloudy eyes tracing the features of the man's face, before finally shaking his head slowly, his voice hoarse but firm:
"The resemblance is only about 30%. As for the spirit... it's far from it, at least 50%."
However, the old man abruptly changed his tone, his eyes suddenly becoming deep and unfathomable, and he lowered his voice:
"However, three parts resemblance and five parts difference in spirit are enough to recognize it."
"Empress Dowager Chu... no one understands the Prince better than her. Young Master, be careful."
The secret is like a thread hanging in the air, and the one holding that thread is currently sitting high on the throne.
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