Chapter 53#

Eastern Palace: Little Pei Freeloads a Meal.#

When You Zong arrived at the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince was in council with Qu Zhao. Upon seeing him, he gave a slight nod. “Sit.”

You Zong paid his respects, then turned to sit on one of the rosewood chairs off to the side. A palace attendant presented hot tea, then retreated with light steps.

Qu Zhao continued his report. “The annual evaluations for capital and provincial officials have begun. Rough results should be out before winter. Based on the evaluations, I’d like to replace a few men.”

Official evaluations consisted of an annual review and a major review every three years. This year happened to be a major review, so officials in various departments across the land were treading carefully, afraid of being dismissed. They didn’t need the final judgment to know their own standing; everyone had a sense of it, and others did too. The Crown Prince had recently received an increasing number of memorials—some expressing well-wishes, some confessing faults, some pleading for leniency. Clearly, the hearts of those beneath were already stirring.

The Crown Prince leafed through Qu Zhao’s memorial. “You want to replace Wang Ming?”

“Indeed. That old codger…” Qu Zhao cleared his throat and adjusted his phrasing. “That esteemed elder doesn’t even manage to be diligently tireless. Moreover, last month when I was out investigating a case, I sent someone to retrieve documents along the way, and he nearly ruined my operation with his self-important, presumptuous ways. My subordinates also suffered due to the delayed information. I dealt with the matter after returning to the capital, but that only treats the symptoms, not the root. Since he fancies himself a senior, better to just send him home to enjoy his remaining years.”

The Crown Prince asked, “Do you have a replacement in mind?”

“Yes. Court Recorder Li She. Though taciturn and not good with social niceties, he is diligently tireless and handles affairs with crisp efficiency.” Qu Zhao said.

“Li She, I remember him. He handled two cases the year before last, both very well done. His arguments were concise, no wasted words. A straightforward and capable man. For key posts in the yamen, the able should rise, the incompetent fall. That is as it should be.” The Crown Prince made a vermilion endorsement, closed the memorial, and looked up at Qu Zhao. “And you—too frivolous.”

Qu Zhao immediately stood, head bowed to receive the reprimand.

The Crown Prince said, “You knew Wang Ming was arrogant and looked down on his juniors, and likely looking for an opportunity to humble you. Yet you forgot the principle of keeping someone in the room to serve when you’re away from the office?”

“I take this lesson to heart. I dare not repeat the offense.” Qu Zhao clasped his hands. “I await Your Highness’s punishment.”

“You’ve handled your affairs well enough; it’s your temperament that still needs refinement.” The Crown Prince said coolly. “Since you accomplished your task, I won’t punish you. But your subordinates suffered for your carelessness and lack of foresight. You must make amends.”

Qu Zhao quickly assented. The Crown Prince motioned for him to sit. “Since Heying is here, let’s talk about that Xiao Chunhong.”

“Xiao Chunhong wasn’t an intentional alias. That woman isn’t an unlicensed prostitute; she’s a drifter in the underworld, hired to get close to Wang Yelai and enter the Wang residence to find something. But Wang Yelai never dared bring her home, so she never found her chance. This year she cut ties with that side and hooked up with Mei Yi instead.” Qu Zhao said.

You Zong asked, “What was she looking for?”

“Wang Wei.” Qu Zhao said.

“Wang Wei isn’t a thing.” You Zong paused. “I don’t mean to swear.”

“Mm, you’re just objectively stating that Wang Wei is not a thing.” Qu Zhao raised an eyebrow with a smile, then continued. “According to Xiao Chunhong, after Wang Wei was dismissed from office, he moved back to Qingzhou, where his ancestral home is. But Wang Wei disappeared long ago, without a trace. The person who hired her suspected the Wang family knew something, so she was sent in to investigate.”

You Zong glanced at the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was drinking tea in silence. So he said, “Did Xiao Chunhong reveal any information about who hired her?”

“She did. Said it was a young, beautiful woman.” Qu Zhao sighed. “Beautiful women in this world are uncountable. Where am I supposed to find her?”

You Zong stroked his teacup. “I’ll lend you Secretary Pei.”

“Oh?” Qu Zhao rubbed his chin. “Fine. I’ve had my eye on Secretary Pei for a while now.”

You Zong said, “Watch your phrasing.”

At this, Qu Zhao’s mind churned. Almost instantly, he sensed something off in that sentence.

Pei Xiting was a man from the Crane Cage Bureau. Lending him out was for official business. Even if Qu Zhao really wanted to poach him, given You Zong’s personality, he’d most likely just reply coldly with something like, “That depends on your skill.” Qu Zhao stroked the armrest, concluding that the key lay in the word “had my eye on”—a phrase that invited inappropriate thoughts. You Zong’s objection wasn’t the usual mild displeasure at his loose tongue; it was a warning, born of personal motive.

If it were You Zong’s own personal motive, he wouldn’t bring it up during official business in front of His Highness. And in this hall, besides the two of them, there was only one other person.

Qu Zhao suddenly recalled that day at Fengyi Palace, when Empress Qu had discussed the marriage arrangements between Qu Zhen and Pei Xiting. He remembered the strangeness he’d felt then.

In an instant, a storm of thoughts passed through Qu Zhao’s mind. He reached for his teacup and took a sip to suppress the gossipy urge surging within him, not daring to steal so much as a glance at the Crown Prince.

A strange silence fell over the hall. The Crown Prince looked at the two men simultaneously drinking their tea. “Is there poison in the tea that makes you dumb?”

“Of course not.” Qu Zhao smoothly continued with official matters. “After I meet with Secretary Pei, I’ll report back to you as soon as possible.”

The Crown Prince hummed in acknowledgment. “I heard the Duke has been having headaches again lately?”

This signaled a shift to personal matters. Qu Zhao’s tone relaxed. “It’s an old ailment. He’s taken medicine and just needs rest to recover.”

“If he’s ill, he should rest properly. His work on the book compilation can wait. Health comes first.” The Crown Prince said. “Later, I’ll send Chongyan to the Qu residence. Another day, I’ll visit the residence myself.”

Qu Zhao acknowledged with a cheer. “No need to trouble yourself, Your Highness. The old man just can’t sit still; he brought it on himself. I’ll pass along your words. He’ll certainly lie down and rest immediately.”

The Crown Prince gave a light laugh. “That would be best. Alright, go on and attend to your duties if there’s nothing else.”

With another cheerful acknowledgment, Qu Zhao bowed and withdrew.

Once he was gone, You Zong rose and approached the desk, taking a silk pouch from his sleeve. “Secretary Pei asked me to give this to you.”

The Crown Prince looked at the black silk pouch, took it, and removed a single piece of letter paper inside.

On it was a painting: clusters of grapes hung heavy from a vine. Below, a tiny figure stood on tiptoe holding a basket up to catch them, a small tiger crouching at their feet. The colors were bright, the scene crystal clear, brimming with rustic vitality.

Inside the pouch was also a “User Manual” note:

“A casual painting, to thank Your Highness for the magnificent grapes. They were delicious, but I ate too many. Seems I’ve gotten inflamed again. No matter—I’m already so hot, a bit more won’t hurt.”

Below, simple strokes depicted a little figure clasping its hands in thanks, all round and somewhat adorably clumsy.

A faint, nearly imperceptible smile touched the Crown Prince’s lips. “How was he today?”

You Zong seemed not to notice. “Everything as usual. At noon, Uncle Wei stewed him some nourishing broth. He drank two big bowls. After lunch, he didn’t go back inside. He sat at the door for a while talking with Yuanfang, who was carving wood, then went in and napped in the Document Tower, pillowed on Little Great King.”

The Crown Prince hummed. “Keep an eye on the Xiao Chunhong matter too.”

After a few more words, You Zong took his leave. As he exited, he saw Zong Lu and bowed. “Greetings, Young Master.”

“Greetings, Lord You.” Zong Lu returned the courtesy, then turned and entered the hall. He walked softly to the desk, paid his respects, and said, “Fifth Uncle, where’s Little Great King? We agreed to paint its portrait today.”

The Crown Prince said, “It went out to accompany a friend.”

Zong Lu looked at the Crown Prince’s aloof profile, puzzled and a little hurt. “So it has a new friend, and I didn’t even know.”

The Crown Prince heard the note in his voice, turned his head to look at him. He was about to say something, when he remembered teaching Pei Xiting the qin in Ningzhou. Pei Xiting had always pouted and mumbled that he was too strict, and even said that the little imperial grandson surely rarely received his praise.

“…Someday, when its friend comes to the Eastern Palace too, you’ll meet it.” The Crown Prince said. “How are your lessons with Master Hu?”

Zong Lu replied, “Master Hu is a court painter of extraordinary skill, naturally excellent. But he’s too bookish, too pedantic. Sometimes I can’t quite grasp his meaning. Also, he doesn’t dare to point out my shortcomings directly.”

“Then we’ll find another.” The Crown Prince said. “Do you have anyone in mind?”

Zong Lu looked at the Crown Prince, a quick gleam in his dark eyes. “I want Secretary Pei to be my painting teacher.”

The Crown Prince’s brush paused. He turned. “Why?”

Zong Lu naturally wouldn’t dare admit he’d sent eunuchs to find out that the Crown Prince admired Secretary Pei’s paintings, and that his fifth uncle seemed to treat this Secretary Pei specially. Instead, he just said, “I saw the painting Secretary Pei made for Vice Minister Qu at Grandmother’s place.”

The Crown Prince didn’t expose him. “I’ll ask Secretary Pei about it.”

Zong Lu expressed his thanks, stood there hesitating for a moment, then moved to leave—but his feet wouldn’t budge, clearly reluctant to go just yet.

The Crown Prince saw through the boy’s little movements and thoughts instantly. He deliberately took his time dipping his brush in ink, then finally said, “Since Little Great King isn’t here, today’s painting lesson is excused.”

The Crown Prince gestured for the attendant at the door to inform Master Hu. Then he set a few memorials aside, put a blank sheet of paper on the desk, and said, “Come.”

Going from learning painting to reviewing memorials might sound dull, but Zong Lu’s eyes lit up. This way, he could spend more time with his fifth uncle. He tried not to show his excitement, answered obediently, walked over, and sat down beside the Crown Prince. He selected a brush and began examining the memorials.

Lai Neishi pretended to walk casually past the door, stealing a quick glance inside. Seeing the little imperial grandson sitting straight and proper, yet with both legs swinging happily under the desk, he felt a warmth in his heart.

“What are you so happy about?” Yu Shaoyun came up behind Lai Neishi. “Your gums are showing.”

“Go away!” Lai Neishi shot him a glare, then said, beaming, “I’m happy for the young master.”

Yu Shaoyun glanced at the uncle and nephew behind the desk. At first glance, they looked like they were cut from the same mold—one big, one small. Lai Neishi nudged him with his elbow and whispered, “His Highness is in a good mood today. He even let the young master share his own chair to review memorials.”

The Crown Prince was always cold and taciturn, and strict with Zong Lu’s studies. Zong Lu had reviewed memorials before, but either in his own chambers before reporting to the Crown Prince for inspection, or at a small desk to be checked on the spot. Squeezing onto the same chair like this was unprecedented.

Yu Shaoyun mused, “Maybe someone’s been nagging about His Highness being too strict and stingy with praise for his students. He remembered it.”

Who would dare nag about that, and who would the Crown Prince possibly heed? Only one person came to mind. Lai Neishi wore an expression of understanding and asked no further questions, but couldn’t help thinking to himself: What a man, this Secretary Pei.

Pei Xiting sneezed. The motion pulled at his forehead, and he winced in pain.

“Have some pear soup?”

Qu Zhao casually offered his own porcelain cup. Pei Xiting didn’t stand on ceremony—he thanked him and took it, lifted the lid for a taste. Finding it agreeable, he took another sip.

Qu Zhao smiled, walked to Pei Xiting’s side, and looked at the painted portrait of a woman. “What a fine, delicate beauty. Willow brows, apricot cheeks, skin like carved jade. Her icy aloofness even adds to her charm.”

Then he turned to Pei Xiting’s lustrous, refined profile. “With just a few words from Xiao Chunhong, you were able to capture seven or eight parts of her likeness, even her spirit and temperament. Truly remarkable.”

“As long as a person is still breathing, they have a ’temperament.’ Clothes, mannerisms, even the way they breathe—all of it reveals something about them.” Pei Xiting unhurriedly finished the small bowl of pear soup, the warmth spreading from his throat to his stomach. He let out a comfortable sigh.

He set down the bowl and stood. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

In the past, Qu Zhao would have seized the opportunity to invite such a beauty for a meal. A pleasant table companion surely whetted the appetite. But given the special circumstances now, he didn’t dare. He could only smile, a hint of regret in his voice. “Thank you for your trouble today, Secretary Pei.”

Pei Xiting shook his head. “It was nothing. No need to be formal, Vice Minister Qu.”

Qu Zhao stepped aside, gesturing with his hand. “I won’t see you out.”

Pei Xiting left the Grand Court yamen. Standing on the steps, the wind hit him and made his head ache. He poked his forehead in annoyance, only to be rewarded with a flash of darkness behind his eyes. He sat down heavily on the step.

Yuanfang jumped down from the carriage, pulled a headband from his coat, walked over, and gently tied it around Pei Xiting’s forehead. “It’s been soaked in medicine. It’ll help.”

Pei Xiting tugged at the headband strap. It felt soft and fuzzy, but it was a drab grayish color. “How ugly,” he complained.

“Just make do. Protecting your brain is what matters.” Seeing Pei Xiting’s sullen face, Yuanfang turned around and crouched in front of him. “Come on.”

Pei Xiting grabbed his shoulders and climbed onto his back. The wound on his back was fine, but the dull ache in his forehead was unbearable. He drooped listlessly. “I have blisters in my mouth.”

Yuanfang helped Pei Xiting into the carriage. Little Great King was already ensconced in the main seat, patiently waiting for Pei Xiting to return.

Pei Xiting collapsed onto Little Great King. Yuanfang reached out and squeezed Pei Xiting’s cheeks. “Ah…”

Pei Xiting opened wide, revealing his tonsils. “Ah…”

Yuanfang examined his mouth. “There’s a blood blister on the left. You’re overheated. Stop thinking about the Crown Prince.”

Pei Xiting said judiciously, “I think the grapes are to blame.”

Yuanfang laughed dryly, got down, slammed the carriage door shut, and climbed onto the driver’s seat to leave.

Pei Xiting sat up cross-legged and began grooming Little Great King’s fur. “When’s your daddy going to send someone to take you back?”

Little Great King didn’t understand, but happily rested his head on Pei Xiting’s lap. Pei Xiting smiled, leaned over, and slumped against the tiger. The two of them lay in a tangled heap.

The carriage rolled along steadily. Outside, it was sometimes bustling, sometimes quiet. Pei Xiting stroked Little Great King’s head. Before he knew it, his eyes closed and he drifted into sleep.

When Lai Neishi opened the carriage door, this was the scene he saw.

Though Little Great King was gentle as a cat in the Crown Prince’s presence, and didn’t harm anyone when playing with Yu Shaoyun or Bai Tang, he could still get pretty rowdy. Yet here he was, quietly keeping watch over the sleeping Pei Xiting. Clearly, he had grown close to him.

A palace attendant behind him glanced in and whispered, “Lai Neishi, shall this servant wake Secretary Pei?”

Lai Neishi thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Let’s wait until Secretary Pei wakes up on his own.”

“But His Highness and the young master are waiting.”

Lai Neishi considered this. “Go back and ask His Highness what he wishes.”

The attendant couldn’t fathom what great background this Secretary Pei had. He had arrived at the Eastern Palace gate and should have immediately presented himself, yet even Lai Neishi didn’t dare wake him lightly. But he didn’t dare ask. He quickly hurried back inside.

Lai Neishi stood at the carriage door, quietly observing Pei Xiting. His face was calm, but inwardly he marveled: Truly a jade-like man.

Yuanfang stood to the side, suddenly noticing Lai Neishi looking at him. This old eunuch had a clean, refined face, with long, narrow, gentle eyes that nonetheless held a sharp, discerning light.

The old eunuch seemed to be weighing something. Yuanfang half-expected to be questioned about his own background. Instead, the eunuch asked, “Do you think Secretary Pei is good-looking?”

“Very good-looking.” Yuanfang said, puzzled. “I’m not blind.”

Lai Neishi made an “oh” sound, sizing up Yuanfang with an unreadable expression. Yuanfang felt as though he’d been stripped bare. “What are you trying to say?”

“Nothing. Just showing some concern for Secretary Pei’s close attendant.” Lai Neishi said with a smile.

Yuanfang was baffled. At that moment, Yu Shaoyun came out.

Yu Shaoyun walked to the carriage, looked at Pei Xiting’s complexion, leaned in, and took his pulse. Finding nothing serious, he withdrew his hand and gently closed the door. “It’s fine. We’ll wait until Secretary Pei wakes up before going in.”

He turned to Yuanfang. “You can go back.”

Yuanfang didn’t say anything. He glanced at Pei Xiting, then turned and left.

The carriage remained parked outside the Eastern Palace gate. Lai Neishi pulled Yu Shaoyun aside. “What’s going on?”

“Secretary Pei kicked up a fuss at the Pei residence yesterday. He got hurt. Probably didn’t get much sleep last night. Look at his complexion—pale. He’s not feeling well.” Yu Shaoyun said.

Both were martial artists, accustomed to hardship and pain since childhood. Over the years, facing danger, injury, and bleeding had become routine. As long as they lived, any other injury was minor. But Pei Xiting was different. He wasn’t tough and thick-skinned, and didn’t have a strong constitution. Though not one to shy from suffering, he was ultimately more delicate and precious.

After a while, sounds came from inside the carriage: Little Great King’s rumbling, then Pei Xiting’s drowsy voice calling for Yuanfang, saying he was hungry.

Yu Shaoyun opened the carriage door and smiled at the bewildered Pei Xiting. “Secretary Pei.”

Pei Xiting blinked, sat up from Little Great King, and crawled clumsily to the door. Before him rose towering halls and carved beams. A horizontal plaque of black wood and gold characters hung high: “Eastern Palace.” The characters were bold yet restrained, with a quiet, majestic elegance.

He recognized it at once. The Crown Prince’s calligraphy.

Yu Shaoyun helped Pei Xiting down from the carriage and called for Little Great King to follow. “His Highness wishes to discuss something with you. He sent Lai Neishi to find you, and we happened to run into your carriage at the Lan Yin Street Archway, so he had Yuanfang drive straight here.”

Pei Xiting had slept through it all. He looked around. “Where’s Yuanfang?”

“I told him to go back first.” Yu Shaoyun gestured. “Come with me.”

Pei Xiting nodded and followed Yu Shaoyun through the Eastern Palace gate. As they walked, it felt like unfurling an exquisite long scroll—towering pavilions, encircling halls, carved railings, lush greenery brushing the eaves, the beauty of all four seasons contained within.

Yu Shaoyun led him to Chenghui Hall. The attendant at the door immediately went inside to announce him, then quickly returned to invite Pei Xiting in.

Pei Xiting stepped lightly inside. Behind a screen was a large red rosewood lotus table. The Crown Prince sat at the head, beside him a small boy in a brocade robe and topknot.

Zong Lu had bright eyes and white teeth, like carved jade. He was clearly handsome even at this age, his peach-blossom eyes surely inherited from his parents’ elegance. But his temperament was half like the Crown Prince’s—at first glance, a miniature version of him. Now he was looking at Pei Xiting with a gaze that seemed both calm and aloof.

Pei Xiting clasped his hands in salute. “Your Highness. Young Master.”

The Crown Prince nodded. “Sit.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Pei Xiting sat to the Crown Prince’s right and turned slightly. “How may I serve you?”

The Crown Prince glanced at Pei Xiting’s complexion, summoned an attendant with a quiet instruction, then said, “Lu’er would like you to be his painting teacher.”

“Ah?” Pei Xiting was surprised, then shook his head. “My skills are nowhere near good enough for that!”

The Crown Prince took a sip of tea, unhurried. “Weren’t you bold enough to teach even me?”

Zong Lu looked at Pei Xiting in surprise. That very young Secretary Pei raised an eyebrow slightly, his smile free of any deference or formality, as if he were especially familiar and close with his fifth uncle.

“That’s different. You’re already skilled in painting techniques. But the young master is still young, his techniques not yet formed. If I were to teach him, what if I lead him astray?” Pei Xiting said.

The Crown Prince said, “It doesn’t matter. Give it a try first. Teach him the way you learned.”

Pei Xiting knew the Crown Prince was strict with the little imperial grandson, and that the boy was precious. So he said, “When I was learning to paint, I wasn’t just listening to lectures indoors. I was always running around. Sometimes I’d take my painting tools and spend days out in the wilderness. Sometimes I’d hike over mountains. I’d get all dirty, and occasionally get a few scrapes.”

This was fair warning: the elder wasn’t to interfere too much, and the younger couldn’t throw a princely tantrum. Both understood. The elder looked at the younger, who immediately said, “I can handle that.”

The Crown Prince stroked his teacup and said to Pei Xiting, “He can’t go too far for now.”

Pei Xitating paused, then quickly understood. The hidden dangers hadn’t been eliminated, posing a threat to the young imperial grandson as well. He said, “We don’t need to go far. There are plenty of great places in the capital.”

“Good.” The Crown Prince said. “Lu’er, offer tea.”

Zong Lu nodded, rose, and walked before Pei Xiting. An attendant brought two cups of hot tea. Zong Lu picked one up and offered it to Pei Xiting, then took the other himself. “Master Pei, I look forward to your guidance.”

Pei Xiting smiled, gently clinked his cup against Zong Lu’s, took a sip, then returned to his seat.

The Crown Prince said, “Serve the meal.”

The attendant responded and withdrew. Pei Xiting put down his teacup. “I didn’t expect to freeload a meal… uh, what’s this?”

An attendant placed a bowl of blackish congee in front of Pei Xiting.

“Medicinal congee.” The Crown Prince said.

Pei Xiting recoiled in disgust. “It stinks. I don’t want it.”

“It doesn’t stink.”

“It stinks terribly.”

The Crown Prince looked at Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting felt a little intimidated but held his ground.

The Crown Prince didn’t scold him. He reached over, took the bowl of congee, and tasted a spoonful. “It doesn’t stink. The medicinal flavor is mild. Slightly sweet.”

But when he looked up, Pei Xiting was staring at him, dazed. The Crown Prince paused as well. He was about to speak, but Pei Xiting reached out and took the bowl back.

“I’ve used the spoon.” The Crown Prince interrupted just as Pei Xiting was about to scoop a spoonful and shove it in his mouth. He saw the pale-faced man’s cheeks quickly flush. A faint, barely perceptible smile touched his lips. “Get a new bowl.”

Pei Xiting blamed it all on “being dazzled by beauty.” He looked up, feigning nonchalance. “Just change the spoon. Waste not, want not.”

The Crown Prince said nothing, instructing an attendant to bring a new spoon.

Pei Xiting held the bowl with a heavy heart and took a tiny sip. Not detecting any strange aftertaste, he finally surrendered and drank it with relief.

Soon, the meal was served. For the Crown Prince and the little imperial grandson, it wasn’t the mode of taking two bites and whisking dishes away. Instead, it was just an ordinary home-style meal, only more refined than what was found outside.

“Eat more.” The Crown Prince said to Pei Xiting. “To nourish the brain.”

Pei Xiting retorted, “My brain is very strong.”

The Crown Prince smoothly adjusted. “Then build some muscle.”

Pei Xiting: “Oh!”

Zong Lu was eating ribs with his chopsticks, feeling his presence at the table was rather thin.

Fortunately, Master Pei and I are not of the same generation, Zong Lu thought with relief.