Chapter 29 Two lives, too lenient.
As noon approached, the bluestone-paved floor gleamed in the sun, and a faint aroma of tea wafted from the Chen family teahouse in the western corner of the Court of Justice's residence.
The shop wasn't big. Outside, there were long, low tables and a few rattan seats. Inside, near the window, there were four low tables separated by bamboo mats. In the corner behind the counter, there were several bundles of newly harvested tea branches, emitting a fresh, grassy aroma.
Huiyin sat at the innermost corner by the window, listening to the idle chatter outside. From her angle, she could take in the entire entrance of the Court of Justice.
Yan Niang knelt in front of the pottery stove, stirring the boiling tea in the pot with a copper dagger.
The midday sun was so hot it made people feel dry, and the boiling tea only expelled the only bit of coolness in the teahouse.
Huiyin felt the fine sweat on her back and picked up a palm-leaf fan to gently wave it.
It was already noon, and Su You had been inside for half an hour. According to the time, the case should have been closed by now, but for some reason, there was no sound at the entrance of the Court of Justice.
Huiyin felt a little gloomy. Had she overlooked something? Had things changed?
"It's exceptionally hot this year," Yan Niang complained, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Huiyin replied, "Yes, it hasn't rained for a long time. The weather was just right at this time last year."
The two chatted idly when suddenly a commotion came from outside the shop. It turned out that the crowd of people who had been waiting outside the Court of Justice to watch the excitement had suddenly gathered together and were talking about it.
Huiyin looked outside and saw that after the guards dispersed the people, a group of people in black official robes walked out quickly. The one at the head was Pei Yu, who was in charge of the trial.
His brows furrowed, and a rare, cold expression appeared on his face.
Huiyin saw Pei Yu mount his horse, give a few words of instruction to a court official, and then ride away quickly.
Behind him followed a group of guards, four of whom carried a stretcher. The person on the stretcher had his face covered with a white cloth, and only his drooping palms, covered in blood, could be seen.
They walked toward the palace gate. Afterward, Huiyin listened to the whispers in the crowd. They said that the case had been solved and Su Xin had been sentenced to death, but Pingzhen had died by hitting a pillar for some unknown reason.
It turned out that the corpse belonged to Pingzhen.
Huiyin recalled the expression on Pingzhen's face when he found her the day before. She guessed that at that time, he had already made up his mind to follow Xiao Fen'er after clearing her name.
When she was young, she didn't understand two lines from the famous Han Dynasty folk song "The Peacock Flies Southeast": "She gathered her skirts, took off her silk shoes, and plunged into the clear pond. She lingered under the courtyard trees and hanged herself from the southeast branch."
At that time, she didn't understand what kind of emotional entanglement could make people in the world willingly die.
Now she understood. Like Pingzhen and Xiao Fen'er, they knew each other from humble beginnings, supported each other, and had a deep bond. It truly lived up to the saying, "One of them drowned in the icy pool, and the other committed suicide in court."
Huiyin murmured, "Xiao Fen'er was willing to die so as not to delay Pingzhen, and Pingzhen was unwilling to live alone in the world to follow her. What exactly is love?"
Yan Niang sighed softly, "This servant doesn't understand either."
Huiyin wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and stood up. The matter was over, and as she had hoped, Su Xin was sentenced to death. But why couldn't she be happy?
Yan Niang helped Hui Yin into the carriage, and a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Sister Huiyin".
The two looked back and saw that the newcomer had broad eyebrows, big eyes, a round chin, upturned corners of his mouth, and deep dimples on both cheeks.
He was dressed in a dusty, travel-worn manner, the indigo hem of his clothes had been stained gray by dust, and he was leading a herd of fine horses from the Western Regions in his left hand, with bundles hanging from the saddles, as if he had just returned from a long journey.
Huiyin saw his face clearly, her arms, which were supporting her on the carriage, trembled slightly. She stopped in her tracks, lifted her skirt, and ran towards him.
She stopped in front of Feng Cheng, tears welling in her eyes, her lips trembling as she couldn't speak.
Feng Cheng hastily wiped his hands clean on his clothes, then took out a clean handkerchief from his sleeve and carefully wiped away Huiyin's tears. "Don't cry, don't cry."
Huiyin initially felt she had lost her composure, forcing a smile while holding back her tears. However, upon hearing the words "Don't cry," she burst into tears, choking out, "Brother Feng... you're back..."
Feng Cheng nodded repeatedly, noticing that the people on both sides of the street were staring at them, and some idle men were even brazenly scrutinizing Huiyin's face.
He stepped aside to block the gaze directed at him, then pulled Huiyin into a restaurant and found a private room for her to sit and calm down.
Yan Niang sent the coachman to wait outside, while she stood guard outside the private room. Now that Feng Langjun was back, Huiyin would have someone to support her.
Feng Cheng is a member of the Feng family of Nanyang. He is the youngest son of the family head and has been a student of Song Wei since childhood. He grew up in the Song family mansion and was childhood sweethearts with Huiyin. A year ago, he completed his studies and went to the capital alone to study. He has only just returned.
Inside the private room, Feng Cheng looked at Huiyin with heartache. She had lost a lot of weight, and her once lively eyes were now filled with sorrow, her gaze lifeless. She had only changed when she saw him just now.
"Huiyin, it's all my fault. If I had come back sooner, Master wouldn't have died!"
Huiyin shook her head. At that time, Feng Cheng was in the capital and there was nothing he could do. He had not yet entered officialdom and could only offer limited assistance.
Now that things have settled down, she doesn't want Feng Cheng to get involved in this mess.
She changed the subject, "Brother, are you leaving again this time?"
Feng Cheng replied, "I'm not leaving."
He looked around, then leaned on the table and said to Huiyin in a deep voice, “Huiyin, listen to me. The gentleman is of noble character and would never embezzle or accept bribes. He would never commit suicide out of fear of punishment before the case has been investigated. This matter must have been framed!”
Looking at his anxious face, Huiyin suppressed the pain in her heart and turned her face away, replying, "I know. Brother, you don't need to concern yourself with this matter anymore."
"How can I not care!" Feng Cheng shouted. He took a deep breath to calm himself and asked again, "Why are you at the Pei residence? Did you find out something? The master's death is related to the Pei family, isn't it?"
Huiyin lowered her head in anguish and pleaded, "Brother, please don't ask anymore. This is a matter for the Song family. Don't get involved."
Feng Cheng got up and knelt beside Huiyin, looking at the younger sister he had watched grow up, his heart breaking.
He first met Huiyin when she was only four years old, a tiny, delicate girl, softly calling him "brother." Feng Cheng and Huiyin grew up together, and he rarely saw her cry. She was a very strong person; she would never cry even if she bumped into something.
He reached out with trembling hands and stroked Huiyin's shoulder, comforting her, "Huiyin, from the moment you called me brother, we were family. Don't be afraid, I will help you. Don't keep everything to yourself, tell your brother, okay?"
Huiyin slowly raised her head, tears streaming down her face. She looked at Feng Cheng with sorrow, "Brother, please help me find someone. His name is Yuan Zhi. He is the key to Father's case. I don't know where he has gone."
Feng Cheng patted Huiyin on the back, reassuring her repeatedly, "Don't worry, leave this to me. I will definitely find the real culprit. By the way, how is Jingchuan?"
Huiyin closed her eyes and whispered, "I don't know. He fell off a cliff while trying to save me, and there has been no news of him since."
Feng Cheng's heart skipped a beat. If he fell off the cliff, wouldn't that mean...?
He spoke with difficulty, "Huiyin, you..."
“I’m fine,” Huiyin shook her head and smiled with difficulty, “No news is the best news. Jingchuan must still be alive.”
Feng Cheng was extremely distressed. "Huiyin, I'm going to find Pei Yu. I'm going to take you away from the Pei family."
Huiyin turned away, not looking at Feng Cheng: "I'm not leaving. My father's case involves Yuan Zhi, and also the secret letter sealed with my father's seal. I've inquired about it, and the case files are kept in the Tianlu Library in the palace. Apart from the emperor and a few princes, only Pei Yu has the token for the Tianlu Library. If I stay with him, I'll have a chance to enter the Tianlu Library and look through the files."
Feng Cheng retorted, "You can investigate the truth, but how can I watch you submit to Pei Yu! Huiyin, leave the matter of avenging the master to me. I will choose an excellent husband for you, so that you can live a worry-free life for the rest of your days."
“Worry-free? I won’t be worry-free anymore,” Huiyin turned to look at Feng Cheng, her eyes overflowing with sorrow, and said, word by word, “I only realized when the Song family fell that in this world, only I can rely on myself. I will take revenge myself.”
Feng Cheng understood that Huiyin had made up her mind and there was no way to persuade her otherwise. He smiled bitterly and waved his hand, saying nothing more. He only instructed her, "I will always be your elder brother. If the Pei family treats you badly, just come and find me."
"Brother, please do me one more favor."
"good."
——
Exhausted, Huiyin returned to Linshui Pavilion and went up to the second floor alone. She felt so tired, as if her arms and legs were bound with heavy objects, making it difficult to even climb the stairs. She leaned against the low couch, buried her head in the quilt, closed her eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.
I slept until dusk; the summer sky darkens late, and the lights in the courtyard were still off.
Huiyin heard Yanniang directing the servants to sweep downstairs, Asang and Aheng chatting under the eaves, and the croaking of frogs from the lotus pond, which improved her mood.
"Yan Niang, is Madam Song here?"
A voice came from outside the courtyard asking questions. Yan Niang put down the embroidery basket in her hand, got up and walked to the courtyard gate. Standing outside the gate was a familiar old woman, who was a servant in Madam Pei's courtyard.
She replied, "Madam Song has not yet woken up."
The old woman replied, "Please go and announce that the Lady invites Lady Song to dine in the main courtyard."
Yan Niang hesitated. Huiyin had heard the news of Pingzhen's death today, and her meeting with Feng Langjun had stirred up painful memories. She was still asleep, and Yan Niang didn't want to disturb her. Just as Yan Niang was about to refuse, "Madam Song, she..."
“Mother Fu”.
Yan Niang looked back and saw that Huiyin had already tidied up and was standing in the main room. She looked quite well, with rosy cheeks and calm eyes.
Relieved, Yan Niang jogged over and asked, "Why didn't you call me when you woke up, Madam?"
Huiyin smiled and said, "I saw you were busy, but it was just a small matter."
Her gaze swept across the courtyard and landed on the old woman outside the gate. She stepped forward and said, "Let's go."
Yan Niang followed behind Hui Yin with a lantern. It was getting dark. The Linshui Pavilion was in a remote place and far from Zhengyang Courtyard. It would be difficult to travel without a lantern.
The Zhengyang Courtyard was brightly lit, and the lights could be seen from a distance. Servants were busy moving around in the courtyard, carrying dishes on dark red lacquered plates in an orderly manner.
Huiyin entered the main hall. Madam Pei and He Jiaying were already seated. The tables of the Pei brothers were empty. She sat down next to Madam Pei, and immediately a maid came forward to set out bowls and chopsticks. Six different lacquerware dishes were placed on the table, containing several small dishes.
"I am late, please forgive me, Madam." Huiyin rose and bowed, crossing her arms in front of her chest, her wide sleeves sweeping across the table.
Madam Pei smiled and said reproachfully, "It's just a family dinner, no need for such formalities."
He Jiaying chimed in, "Yes, yes, my cousin hasn't returned from the palace yet. The Imperial Academy finally had a day off, but Pei Yan ran off as soon as he got home. I don't know where he's been gallivanting. It's just the three of us today."
Madam Pei also complained, "His elder brother didn't teach him a lesson enough last time. Yu'er has been busy these days and hasn't had time to manage him, so he's gone wild again."
Huiyin sat down again, stirring the fragrant soup in front of her with a spoon, and casually asked, "Did the young general say when he would return?"
"They said he wouldn't be able to return for the next few days. Today, Pingzhen committed suicide in court, and the Empress Dowager was furious. He might even be punished."
Madam Pei's face was full of worry. She didn't ask for her son to be rich and powerful, but only that he suffer less. Others only knew of the Pei family's glory, but they didn't know the hidden risks. Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger, especially since the Pei family had produced an Empress and a Crown Prince. Even though she was just a woman living in seclusion, she knew the dangers involved.
When Pei Yu was young, she didn't need to worry about him; his father taught him himself. Later, Pei Qing died in battle, and Pei Yu went to the border alone. He stayed there for four years. When he returned, the boy who had once made his father so angry had grown into a towering tree and become the pillar of the entire Pei family.
Pei Yu made no mention of the dangers of the four years at the border, but Madam Pei was well aware of them. He kept quiet because he didn't want her to worry. The more Madam Pei thought about it, the more heartbroken she became. She lived a life of luxury here, while her son suffered and was punished in the palace. How could she possibly have any appetite?
Huiyin saw Madam Pei put down her chopsticks and sigh, her face full of worry. She understood what Madam Pei was worried about, so she comforted her, "Madam, don't worry. The young general will be fine once he enters the palace. Pingzhen committed suicide. Even if the Empress Dowager is furious, His Majesty will not let him implicate the young general. Besides, the Empress and the Crown Prince are also in the palace."
"Is this really true?" Madam Pei asked with a questioning look.
Huiyin nodded and continued, "In my opinion, not only will they not be punished, but they will also be rewarded."
"A reward? What kind of reward?" He Jiaying was engrossed in eating when she suddenly heard the word "reward" coming from above. She quickly looked up and asked.
Madam Pei looked at her niece, who was eating heartily with a bewildered expression, and then at Huiyin, who sat upright with impeccable table manners and etiquette, and whose entire appearance was impeccable. Suddenly, she realized that her son had excellent taste.
Huiyin put down her chopsticks to explain, but Chunfen, a maid from Madam Pei's courtyard, quickly entered the hall and reported: "Your Majesty, the young general's bodyguard, Chi Jinwei, has returned to the manor, bringing with him a cartload of gold bestowed by His Majesty. He wishes to see you."
Madam Pei looked at Huiyin beside her, and realized that Huiyin had indeed guessed correctly. She straightened her sleeves, sat up straight, and said, "Summon her."
Chi Yan, dressed in the brown short-sleeved robe of the Pei family's guards, knelt down and bowed as soon as he entered the room, holding a token in both hands, and said respectfully, "Chi Yan greets Your Majesty. The young general instructed me to return and ask Your Majesty to open the treasury and collect a thousand taels of gold to send to the Su family."
Before Madam Pei could react, Huiyin had already stood up, stepped forward, looked down at Chi Yan, and coldly questioned, "Is he going to use gold to redeem Su Xin from his death sentence?"
Chi Yan dared not look Huiyin in the eye, lowered his head, and did not know how to reply, so he could only remain silent.
Even He Jiaying, who was still eating, stopped and swallowed hard as she looked at the angry Huiyin.
Huiyin's face was extremely ugly, and her hands were clenched into fists. This was the first time He Jiaying had seen her so angry. She had never shown this expression before when He Jiaying framed Huiyin.
Madam Pei was also startled, not understanding why the usually gentle and quiet Huiyin had suddenly changed so much. She asked cautiously, "Huiyin, what's wrong with you?"
Huiyin closed her eyes tightly, took a deep breath, suppressed the anger in her heart, turned around and bowed to Madam Pei to apologize: "I just felt that Su Xin deserved to die, and I lost my temper and lost my temper. I hope Madam will forgive me."
Madam Pei waved her hand, "It's nothing, it's nothing."
“I’ve also heard about Su Xin’s matter. Why would the Pei family have to pay money for him out of the blue? Chi Yan, explain yourself clearly.”
Chi Yan secretly glanced at Huiyin; she had already sat back down, head bowed, seemingly lost in thought. He whispered, "Pingzhen is dead, and the Empress Dowager is furious. She immediately wants to execute Su Xin to avenge Pingzhen. It was His Highness the Crown Prince…."
"What's wrong with the Crown Prince? Tell me quickly!" Madam Pei slammed her hand on the table and shouted anxiously.
Chi Yan suddenly closed his eyes and spilled the beans: "His Highness the Crown Prince was determined to save Su Xin, which angered the Empress Dowager. So the young general asked His Majesty to intervene and persuade the Empress Dowager with the law of the country. Both sides agreed to compromise. If the Su family could raise the ransom tonight, Su Xin would be released."
He Jiaying then realized what was happening and exclaimed, "The Su family can't raise the ransom, so my cousin wants to use the Pei family's assets to save them? Those beasts, they're dead, what's the point of saving them!"
Chi Yan said with difficulty, "The young general didn't want to either, but His Highness the Crown Prince has been very close to the Su family lately. He asked the young general to help, so how could the young general sit idly by?"
Before He Jiaying could say anything more, Madam Pei interrupted them with a shout: "That's enough!"
She took off the jade pendant from her waist and handed it to Aunt Qiao behind her, instructing, "Mother Fu, you and Chi Yan go to raise money."
Qiao Ao accepted the order and quickly left Zhengyang Courtyard with Chi Yan. The sky had already darkened completely, and the front courtyard of Pei Mansion was brightly lit. Boxes of Wuzhu coins and gold ingots were being transported out of the mansion.
Huiyin returned to Linshui Pavilion under the moonlight, a lump in her throat. She knew Pei Yu was protective of his own, but she never expected him to be so blinded by malice and aid the wicked in protecting the Crown Prince. The Su family alone couldn't raise ten thousand coins, but with the Pei family's generations of merit, it was hard to say.
The two walked to the edge of Lotus Lake. Huiyin stopped. There were no lights here, and Lotus Lake was pitch black. They could only vaguely see the pink flower buds blooming in the lake by the moonlight.
Huiyin's voice was as soft as the wind: "Mother Fu, this is so unfair."
Yan Niang didn't hear clearly and asked in confusion, "Huiyin, what did you say?"
“I said, this world is too unfair. Two lives, and in the end, nothing can make up for it.”
"That's how the world is. You've done your best. Don't take all the blame on yourself," Yan Niang said, looking at Hui Yin with heartache.
“No,” Huiyin suddenly laughed, her eyes crinkling, making Yan Niang feel as if she were seeing that cheerful little girl from the past. Tears welled in her eyes as she said firmly, “If the law can’t punish him, then I will do it myself.”
"How can someone like him deserve to live in this world!"
Looking at Huiyin's indifferent profile, Yanniang felt a surge of sorrow. She hoped that Huiyin could let go of her hatred, forget everything, and return to being the carefree girl she once was.
But she also understood that there was no going back. Her father was dead, her mother was gone, her younger brother's fate was unknown, and Pingzhen and his wife had died innocently. All of this left indelible scars on Huiyin's heart.
Yan Niang lowered her head, wiping away her tears, sobbing uncontrollably: "Go, do whatever you want to do."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
