Chapter 10#

Crane Cage / Little Pei Nian: Only a fool doesn’t avenge a grievance.#

Inside the awning, Zong Rui sat at the left head seat, his expression displeased.

A young official in a dark brown robe, with a leather belt and an official hat, stood before the host’s seat. His right hand habitually gripped the knife at his waist, while his left held a small wooden box containing silver needles. After a moment, he turned his head to look at Pei Xiting, who sat at the far right end, and asked, “Third Young Master Pei, when exactly did you discover this silver needle?”

Before entering the awning, Pei Jintang had told Pei Xiting that the incident occurred at the Start-of-Summer Feast hosted by Heir Zong Rui, and the victim was the Fourth Young Master of the Duke of Wenguo’s mansion. According to the laws of Great Ye, this case would not involve the Ministry of Justice nor the capital’s authorities, and would most likely be investigated by the Crane Cage Department.

As for the Crane Cage Department, it had quite a background.

Five years ago, in the fourteenth year of the Xining reign, the current emperor’s health declined, and he issued an edict for the crown prince, who had only recently entered the Eastern Palace, to act as regent. To oversee the officials, arrest and adjudicate cases, investigate what the Ministry of Justice could not, and review what the Censorate could not, the Crane Cage Department was established as a guard force under the Eastern Palace. Its highest officials were two Crane Cage Commissioners, left and right, one from the court and one from the field, both of the fourth rank, with even greater power than their rank implied.

The man before them now was the Left Commissioner, You Zong, who was deeply trusted by the crown prince.

Pei Xiting looked up to meet You Zong’s sharp eyes and said, “I found it when I touched the horse.”

Everyone: “…” That answer seemed to say something and nothing at all.

Seeing that Pei Xiting’s expression was serious, without any hint of being perfunctory or evasive, You Zong didn’t take offense and asked, “I heard that after dismounting, Third Young Master Pei headed straight for the horse’s side and began to touch it. How did you come to think there was a needle on the horse?”

“I didn’t think there was a needle on the horse,” Pei Xiting emphasized precisely. Then he continued, “First, the horses used in the competition were all of the same batch and grade, selected and provided by the Pastoral Supervisor. But the horse ridden by Fourth Young Master Zhao was incredibly fast, far exceeding ordinary horses. Second, when the horse charged at me, I happened to glance at it and noticed its eyes were wide and wild, it ignored commands, and charged headlong as if mad. Based on this, I guessed that the horse was driven mad by some physical discomfort. My original intention in going over to touch it was to check if it was injured. I didn’t expect to accidentally find this silver needle.”

Pei Xiting took a breath and added, “The horse was first inspected by the Pastoral Supervisor, and then by the imperial guards before entering the hunting grounds. Under normal circumstances, it shouldn’t have been possible to conceal a silver needle. Therefore, I suspect it was the weapon that caused the horse to go mad. That’s why I suggested Fourth Young Master Zhao report it to the authorities.”

You Zong looked at Pei Xiting—composed, neither humble nor arrogant, with clear logic. He wondered if the rumors from before were wrong, or if there was another reason.

Under You Zong’s scrutiny, Pei Xiting flushed slightly and bit his lip, saying, “Just a humble opinion. I’m sure Commissioner You finds it laughable.”

“Third Young Master Pei is correct. The tip of the needle was coated with a drug that makes horses agitated and violent, called ‘Horse Intestinal Twist,’ a banned substance.” You Zong closed the lid of the box and turned to look at Zhao Yi, who sat on the right. “Fourth Young Master Zhao, after you entered the hunting grounds, who were you with? Did anyone touch your horse, or did the horse suddenly show any abnormal reactions?”

Zhao Yi was not skilled in riding or archery; his participation was purely for show. Since his elder brother was rarely in the capital, Zhao Yi served as the “face” of the Duke of Wenguo’s mansion. But he had never encountered such an accident before. He considered himself amiable and had never had conflicts or disputes with anyone—so who would want to harm him? His heart still fluttered with fear, and when asked, he instinctively let out an “Ah.”

You Zong knew that Zhao Yi had a gentle nature and was not accustomed to handling such matters, so he must still be shaken. He patiently repeated the question.

“I was with the Heir until we were separated by a pair of wild boars. The forest was dense with trees and grass, crisscrossed with small paths. Even I didn’t know where I had ended up. As for the horse,” Zhao Yi thought carefully and shook his head, “the horse behaved normally before we encountered the boars. So I originally thought the horse was just spooked by the boars and ran wild.”

“The Pastoral Supervisor’s horses are not so useless,” You Zong said. “When did the two imperial guards with you get separated?”

Zhao Yi said apologetically, “I’m not sure about that either. It was my first time encountering something like this. I was too busy clinging to the horse’s back to pay attention to what was behind me.”

“That’s fine. Young Master is shaken today. Please return to your residence and rest. The Crane Cage Department will investigate the cause as quickly as possible. If we need to ask you further questions in the meantime, we hope you will cooperate,” You Zong said.

“I will certainly tell everything I know.” Zhao Yi stood and clasped his hands. “Thank you for your efforts, Commissioner You and all the officers of the Crane Cage Department.”

“It is our duty. I dare not accept such courtesy.” You Zong gestured. “Please go. The two Young Masters of the Pei family may also leave now. All involved parties must keep the matter confidential.”

Pei Xiting bowed, then left with the other two.

At that moment, Zong Rui stood up and said, “The Start-of-Summer Feast was my responsibility. Since there was a mishap, I cannot shirk my duty. I will naturally apologize to His Highness. But I will not show mercy to the one who did this. I’ll have to trouble Commissioner You.”

“Shizi, you are too courteous,” You Zong said. “His Highness’s intention is that poison and stings are hard to guard against. Today’s incident is not Shizi’s fault. You only need to handle the aftermath properly.”

Zong Rui said in surprise, “The imperial decree came so quickly… Is His Highness also on the mountain? I should go pay my respects immediately.”

You Zong raised a hand to stop him. “His Highness is just out for a walk.”

Zong Rui didn’t ask further. He clasped his hands and said, “Thank His Highness for his leniency.”

Having found a quiet open space, Zhao Yi sent his attendants to find the four guards who had helped earlier, then said to the Pei brothers, “Don’t worry. Commissioner You was just asking routine questions.”

“We know.” Pei Jintang glanced into the distance. On the mountain, more Crane Cage officers in indigo robes and half-armor had appeared. They were about to seal off the mountain.

Zhao Yi said, “Thinking back on it now, it’s frightening. I really have to thank you all for today.”

Pei Jintang laughed. “Fourth Young Master Zhao, you’ve already thanked us eight hundred times.”

Zhao Yi said bashfully, “The horse was running fast, and I have no martial skills. If I had fallen and been hit by those wild boars, I would have died or been crippled. It’s a life-saving grace. No matter how many times I thank you, it’s not enough. If either of you ever needs my help in the future, just come to me. Whatever I can do, I won’t refuse.”

Zhao Yi’s expression was earnest, with no trace of flattery. So Pei Jintang said, “Since you say that, I’ll ask you for one thing.”

Zhao Yi immediately replied, “Please, speak.”

Pei Jintang rubbed his hands together. “I heard that the Tan residence has a tank of vermilion fish, each one beautiful and radiant. Could I have one?”

“Of course you can, but that would be far too cheap for me.” Zhao Yi looked troubled.

This Fourth Young Master Zhao was truly an honest man. Pei Jintang liked him immensely and said, “I’m not ignorant. The rare varieties of vermilion fish are very expensive! I’ve been wanting to raise one, and you happen to be able to give me one. Isn’t that doing both of us a favor?”

Since Pei Jintang had put it that way, Zhao Yi no longer insisted on words. He silently remembered the favor, waiting for another opportunity to repay it in the future.

“I do keep a tank of vermilion fish in my courtyard. There are about twenty varieties, some rare and some common, but all of them are beautiful. Which kind would Second Young Master Pei like?” Seeing Pei Jintang hesitate and scratch his head, Zhao Yi said, “How about this: Second Young Master Pei can come to my courtyard and see for himself. Whichever one catches your eye, you can take. I’ll also give you a suitable fish tank. How does that sound?”

“That works wonderfully!” Pei Jintang said cheerfully. “I’ll definitely come another day!”

“Certainly. Just come directly to my residence whenever Second Young Master Pei has time. If Third Young Master Pei is also interested, please come along.” Zhao Yi looked at Pei Xiting, somewhat hesitant—or rather, nervous.

Pei Xiting’s profile was fair and smooth, his nose high but not sharp, his thick, distinct lashes naturally half-lowered—this Third Young Master Pei always wore such an expression, as if lost in thought all the time. After spending half the day together, Zhao Yi felt that Pei Xiting’s personality wasn’t cold, but he was truly quiet, not inclined to initiate conversation. He was afraid of saying the wrong thing and earning Pei Xiting’s displeasure.

Pei Xiting snapped back to attention and said, “I’m not interested in fish. If you must repay me, you can give me money.”

Such a straightforward and simple request surprised Zhao Yi. “Money?”

Pei Jintang said gloomily, “You really are in desperate need of money.”

“I need to paint. Brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, gold and silver powders, various colors, mounting materials—none of it is free.” Pei Xiting sighed almost inaudibly. “And good painting boxes are very expensive too.”

“Paintings and calligraphy are indeed expensive. How about this, Young Master comes to my residence as well. I also practice calligraphy and painting. I have all the necessary items, and they are all of good quality.” As he spoke, Zhao Yi noticed that Pei Xiting’s eyes widened slightly, like a proud cat catching a whiff of tasty food—clearly tempted, but determined to stay aloof.

Zhao Yi immediately tempted him further. “I also have many rolls of heavy silk and silk fabric covers. You can pick whatever you want. Even if you take them all, I won’t have a single complaint.”

“In that case,” Pei Xiting said reservedly, “I will visit with my brother when the time comes.”

Appealing to his interest really worked. Zhao Yi smiled and clasped his hands. “I will await your visit. For now, I’ll take my leave.”

Pei Xiting and Pei Jintang returned the gesture. Pei Jintang said, “Go slowly.”

Watching Zhao Yi leave, Pei Jintang remarked, “This Fourth Young Master Zhao is truly humble and gentle, no airs about him. So different from his elder brother.”

Pei Xiting’s eyes flickered. “The Heir of the Duke of Wenguo’s mansion?”

“Exactly. Named Zhao Fan.” Pei Jintang lowered his voice. “Among the playboys of the capital, he’s second to none. He has no preference for men or women—countless fleeting romances. Luckily he’s not in the capital right now, traveling with his lovers. Otherwise, I wouldn’t dare let you go to the Duke of Wenguo’s mansion.”

Pei Xiting raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you worried about yourself?”

“Heir Zhao likes people with delicate and pretty features. I don’t fit the bill. But you,” Pei Jintang said, “you match perfectly!”

“That’s just a liking for carnal desires,” Pei Xiting revealed. “For all we know, his heart might be after your fresh and handsome type.”

Pei Jintang’s whole body broke out in goosebumps. “I don’t go for men!”

“Are you homophobic?”

“What does that mean?”

“‘Same’ refers to men liking men, women liking women.”

“I wouldn’t call it phobia. What others do has nothing to do with me.” Pei Jintang hugged himself. “But I don’t like men. When you say things like that, I really do get goosebumps!”

“Oh.” Pei Xiting turned and headed down the mountain. Mid-step, he paused, walked two steps toward the mountain path, and bent down to look at a cluster of pale yellow flowers by the roadside. He muttered, “I forgot to bring my painting box…”

“You really want to paint everywhere you go. You never had this hobby before.” Pei Jintang caught up and stood behind Pei Xiting, teasing him.

“I only paint when inspiration strikes.” Pei Xiting selectively ignored the second half of Pei Jintang’s question, gently lifting the flower. “Look at it. Through all the horses and dust, it’s still so fresh and delicate. Pitiable and adorable.”

“No wonder your paintings are so lively,” Pei Jintang said, squatting down to stare at the flower with him. “Xiting, I’ve realized that while you used to be quiet, and now you always like to act deep, your mind is especially fine.”

“I’m not acting deep.” Pei Xiting turned his head. “I really am deep.”

Pei Jintang met his gaze, paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.

“…” Pei Xiting turned and walked away.

“Hey, don’t go!” Pei Jintang quickly caught up, slung his arm around Pei Xiting’s shoulder, pinned him in the crook of his arm, and coaxed with a grin, “Brother was wrong. I admit, you’re a truly deep person… hahahaha.”

The two of them walked away, shoving and pulling at each other. Shangguan Jie rode up from behind on horseback, staring at the two figures until they disappeared.

Suddenly, he flicked his wrist and lashed the whip across the man leading his horse. “Can’t even handle such a simple task?”

Wang Yelai dared not dodge. The fabric on his shoulder tore open, and a bloody gash splashed open. He gritted his teeth to bear the pain and said in a trembling voice, “Third Young Master Pei was lucky, and he had guards following him… I didn’t dare be too obvious.”

“Didn’t dare?” Shangguan Jie looked down at Wang Yelai from his horse. “But I heard that arrow of yours was aimed at Pei Xiting’s neck. I only told you to teach him a lesson, didn’t I say to kill him, did I?”

Wang Yelai didn’t dare raise his head. “I missed the mark… I was wrong, Young Marquis. Give me another chance!”

“Useless!” Shangguan Jie said coldly. “That matter—Pei Xiting’s accompanying guards have already reported it to the Imperial Guard Office. You know what to say.”

Wang Yelai quickly replied, “I will never implicate Young Marquis!”

Shangguan Jie gave a cold, disinterested snort, snatched the reins, and rode away. Wang Yelai hastily made way and said respectfully, “Go slowly, Young Marquis.”

Shangguan Jie disappeared at the end of the path on horseback. Only then did Wang Yelai lift his head, gently touch beside the bloody gash on his shoulder, and a trace of jealousy and hatred flickered in his eyes. With a dark expression, he walked down the mountain. But just as he turned a corner, his ankle suddenly throbbed with pain. He stumbled heavily and fell into a ditch by the mountain path, landing with a loud splash in a patch of spring water.

The ditch was shallow, not enough to drown a person, but it was covered in stones. The impact sent Wang Yelai crying out in pain, feeling as if his back had been split open.

Several passersby went down to help him up, but Wang Yelai pushed them away and cursed loudly, “Who ambushed me? Who did it? Show yourself if you have the guts! Who…”

The cursing lingered on and on, drawing a crowd to watch the soaked man make a scene. Some tried to persuade him, some comforted him, some just enjoyed the show. None of them noticed that not far away, in a grove of trees, Pei Jintang had his arm on Pei Xiting’s shoulder, suppressing his laughter.

“Hahaha…” Pei Jintang finally couldn’t hold it in. Covering his mouth, he said, “Did you see how stupid he looked when he fell? That stone must have bruised his backside with eighteen holes! Serves him right! How about that stone I threw—accurate, right?”

“Mmm, a hundred hits out of a hundred.” Pei Xiting also gave a faint smile. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it with your brother!” Pei Jintang shoved Pei Xiting in mock annoyance, then gripped his thin shoulder and shook it. “I thought you were really going to swallow your anger and do that ‘draw a circle to curse him’ thing. Didn’t expect you to be holding a grudge.”

“Revenge now, or revenge later—revenge today, or revenge tomorrow. In short, only a fool doesn’t avenge a grievance.” Pei Xiting watched Wang Yelai’s impotent rage. “Hasn’t he really fallen while walking?”

The two of them enjoyed Wang Yelai’s frantic antics, not noticing that among the crowd, someone cast a swift glance in their direction.

The attendant withdrew from the crowd, hurried down the mountain, found a carriage parked by the wide road, and whispered by the window, “Master, Wang Yelai’s actions today are likely related to Young Marquis Shangguan. And I noticed that Pei Xiting seems quite vengeful.”

“Originally thought he was a docile cat, but it turns out…” Zong An laughed softly. “That makes it more interesting.”

The attendant said, “Second Young Master Pei has been getting very close to Pei Xiting lately. If he were to notice something…”

Zong An shrugged it off. “No need to worry. This Han Zhang Ge of mine has never been a sharp or cautious person. As for Shangguan Jie, I never heard of him having any feud with Pei Xiting before.” He narrowed his eyes slightly. “Look into it.”

The attendant acknowledged and asked, “What about Pei Xiting?”

“Keep watching him,” Zong An said. “Don’t let anyone reckless touch him.”

The attendant said respectfully, “Understood.”