Chapter 62#
Chance Encounter: Young Pei Arrives in Enzhou (Part 4)#
The Jade Discourse says that red jade is “as red as a cockscomb, truly the most precious grade,” with none to rival it, and it is rarely seen in the world. Those present were either wealthy or noble, and many were connoisseurs of fine jade and jewelry, so the bidding soon heated up.
Young Marquis Mei sat with a relaxed posture, clearly confident of victory—after all, in wealth and rank, none could surpass a marquis. Pei Xiting also prepared to watch the young marquis claim the fine jade, never expecting that after everyone else had dropped out, someone across from them would keep pace with Mei Xiu, neither yielding an inch.
The price had already risen to five thousand taels. Pei Xiting estimated it was about time, but Mei Xiu was clearly unwilling to admit defeat, and his opponent also refused to give up. The two went back and forth, the price climbing steadily until it exceeded ten thousand taels. Pei Xiting glanced at Mei Xiu; the young marquis was obviously hooked, determined to win at all costs.
Yuan Fang looked at Mei Xiu as if he were a colorful golden figure with more money than sense.
Mei Xiu caught Yuan Fang’s gaze, lifted his chin, and said arrogantly, “You little thing, what are you looking at?”
In the young marquis’s eyes, Yuan Fang was merely a little pet raised by Pei Xiting, relying entirely on Pei Xiting for food, clothing, and shelter—unaware that Pei Xiting was now penniless and had started living off Brother Yuan Fang.
Hearing this, Pei Xiting quickly spoke up for his breadwinner, saying, “He’s just ignorant, so of course he’s stunned by the young marquis’s air of certain victory.”
Yuan Fang did not refute the new label Pei Xiting had given him, and Mei Xiu did not suspect that this was simply a ruse. With a single “Hmph,” he unilaterally ended this unilaterally initiated “battle” and refocused on the bidding.
Amid the struggle between the two sides, Pei Xiting finished his painting and set it to dry on the low table. He walked over and sat beside Mei Xiu, asking, “You like it that much?”
Mei Xiu seemed a bit uneasy and said, “I want to bid on it to give as a gift.”
Seeing his shy, almost embarrassed look, unable to meet his eyes, Pei Xiting was taken aback and asked directly, “It’s not for me, is it?”
Mei Xiu was still somewhat embarrassed. “Since you guessed it, why say it out loud?”
Pei Xiting couldn’t help but laugh. “You said I guessed it. If I don’t ask you, how can I be sure I’m right?”
Mei Xiu couldn’t argue. After a moment of silence, he reluctantly hummed an affirmative.
Oh, heavens above. Pei Xiting wasn’t distressed by Mei Xiu spending money—after all, the young marquis came from a wealthy family and had a history of throwing money around on romantic escapades. He just didn’t want to accept such a favor, because this favor came with strings attached.
Pei Xiting couldn’t help but glance at the “crow’s mouth” Yuan Fang and tried to dissuade him. “The price is way too inflated. It’s not worth it.”
Mei Xiu had always been a spendthrift. Hearing this, he said, “If I like it, if I want it, as long as I can get it, it’s always worth it… Fifteen thousand taels!”
Young Marquis Mei’s philosophy resonated deeply with Pei Xiting, but the current situation was that the young marquis had somehow gotten his wires crossed—or perhaps Yuan Fang’s crow’s mouth had truly cursed him—and was now showing signs of having romantic feelings. He was about to throw a fortune to win a smile.
The two had become friends through their initial clash, and over these days, Pei Xiting had come to genuinely like Mei Xiu. The young marquis could be thick-skulled at times, but he was straightforward and chivalrous, saying what he meant and never resorting to underhanded schemes. Getting along with someone like that was the easiest and most pleasant. But if it were brotherly affection, they could exchange favors without guilt. Unfortunately, this was romantic interest, and Pei Xiting simply couldn’t reciprocate. So even if the bracelet was won, he absolutely couldn’t accept it.
Thinking this over, Pei Xiting was about to urge Mei Xiu to stop bidding when the young marquis had already fiercely shouted, “Twenty thousand taels!” and the other side immediately raised it by another thousand.
Young Marquis Mei came from a solid family, but clearly, his opponent was no pushover either. The only winner in the end was the auction house. Pei Xiting stepped up to the curtain and glanced out; the auctioneer wore a smile of pure satisfaction.
Pei Xiting walked back to Mei Xiu’s side and said, feigning regret, “Twenty thousand taels—I could buy ten of those little courtyards I’m living in.”
He meant to imply that the price was absurdly inflated and not worth fighting over, but the young marquis misunderstood. Mei Xiu replied, “Your courtyard is rented? Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’ll buy the deed for you when we get back.”
Pei Xiting: “…”
“Who exactly is on the other side? Is there someone this bold in Enzhou?” Mei Xiu stroked his chin, displeased.
“One prefecture is vast, and the wealthy are countless. They don’t know your identity, you know. If you two keep at it, the auction house could build a few more floors,” Pei Xiting said, thinking he had to get Mei Xiu to stop first. He used a delaying tactic. “How about this: let them take it this time, and we’ll privately go find them and see if we can buy it off them.”
“This person kept bidding against me—either they have too much money or they really want it. If they refuse to sell, won’t we have just handed it over for nothing?” Mei Xiu thought the plan was too risky and wouldn’t agree.
That was exactly Pei Xiting’s intention. If the other party stubbornly refused to sell, the young marquis would have no choice. He smiled and said, “But if you two keep competing, you might get a result, but the price will be ridiculously inflated. Even if the young marquis gives it to me, I wouldn’t dare wear it.”
Mei Xiu hesitated, but still wasn’t fully convinced. “Why wouldn’t you dare? I don’t think you’re exactly frugal.”
At that, Mei Xiu suddenly felt a flicker of doubt.
The Pei family had thin resources. Third Young Master Pei only received a few taels of monthly allowance at the Pei residence. His father didn’t care about him, the principal wife didn’t love him, and his concubine mother had no personal fortune to speak of. By all accounts, there wasn’t much to supplement his income. After living like that for over a decade, how had Pei Xiting developed such a relatively lavish spending habit?
Noticing the confusion in Mei Xiu’s eyes, Pei Xiting guessed what was on his mind. He smiled and explained naturally, “I didn’t have much money at home—everything I used was allocated from the storeroom. But I can earn my own money, and isn’t money meant to be spent? What treasures can you save up by pinching pennies?”
The explanation was reasonable. Mei Xiu’s doubts faded, and he asked, “Then why are you stopping me?”
Pei Xiting said, “Because it’s your money after all. That makes a difference. Mei Xiu, I can’t bear such a heavy favor.”
Even a prince, more exalted than Mei Xiu, had never addressed Mei Xiu by his given name in public. Yet Pei Xiting did so. Mei Xiu wasn’t angry; in fact, he was somewhat pleased, thinking it meant Pei Xiting was getting closer to him. But then he heard the words “can’t bear such a heavy favor,” and his expression instantly fell. He wasn’t completely dense—he understood the implication perfectly.
Pei Xiting wasn’t saying he couldn’t bear it; he was saying he didn’t want to bear it at all. This was an outright rejection!
“You… are you still thinking about that sweetheart of yours?” Mei Xiu felt a mix of disappointment, resentment, anger, jealousy, and helplessness—a chaotic storm of emotions. His stomach churned, and he blurted out, “She doesn’t like you anyway. Why must you keep pining for her?”
Pei Xiting had rejected Qu Zhen for his sweetheart, and now he was rejecting him too. Who was this celestial beauty? Or some fox spirit who had bewitched Pei Xiting’s heart!
Pei Xiting didn’t find the words painful. “He rejected me, but I’m not planning to give up. I think I still have a chance.”
Mei Xiu’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re not giving up? You’re going to struggle to the death? Drink only one dipper from the three thousand rivers? Hang yourself on that one tree in the vast forest? Force only this one melon in the rich field!”
“I like him, so naturally I’ll fight for him with all my might,” Pei Xiting said. “Besides, he’s not completely indifferent to me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t keep bothering him.”
“She has feelings for you but still rejected you—that’s just playing hard to get! She’s manipulating you, you naive fool, and you’re falling for it!” Mei Xiu glared at Pei Xiting, furious at his stupidity and pitying his naivety. “Look at that smug smile on your face! Look!”
“If he actually knows such advanced tactics as playing hard to get,” Pei Xiting thought for a moment and laughed, “then I’d actually find it quite interesting.”
“…” Mei Xiu threw his head back, clutched his chest, and metaphorically spat blood.
“Hey—” At that moment, Yuan Fang said calmly, “The bidding is over.”
Young Marquis Mei was so immersed in his complex emotions that he hadn’t heard the auctioneer’s three hammer strikes at all, and both Pei Xiting and Yuan Fang deliberately didn’t remind him. Thus, the bidding ended without the young marquis even noticing.
“Damn it!” Mei Xiu slammed the table and stood up, turning to the servant girl outside the screen. “Why didn’t you remind me? Is this how your auction house treats guests? If you can run, keep running; if not, close down!”
The servant girl trembled in fear and said aggrievedly, “I did remind you, Young Master, but you didn’t hear…”
Mei Xiu spun around and strode straight out, his momentum suggesting he was going to confront the other party. Pei Xiting sighed, quickly told Yuan Fang to pack up the painting, and followed.
Young Marquis Mei, as if riding on flaming wheels and wearing a little fire hat, grabbed a waiter and demanded directions. He marched briskly to the other party’s private room. The waiter outside the room stood frozen, as if facing an oncoming fire god, and before he could react, Mei Xiu had already swept around the screen.
“What kind of…”
His voice cut off abruptly. Mei Xiu saw the man sitting in the chair and gasped in shock. All his fiery anger was doused by this sudden downpour.
Pei Xiting, a step behind as he rounded the screen, also paused in surprise, locking eyes with the Crown Prince. His mind raced, and he quickly slapped Mei Xiu on the back, lowered his head, and whispered urgently, “Quickly pay your respects and apologize!”
Mei Xiu came to his senses, shuddered, and immediately cupped his hands. “Your High—”
“Enough.” Yu Shaoyun interrupted Mei Xiu, stepping in front of the screen to address the crowd outside. “We’re all old acquaintances. There’s nothing for you here. All of you, withdraw.”
He glanced at the servant girl. “You too, leave.”
The waiters, guards, and the manager gathered outside all breathed sighs of relief. Those who could come to an auction house were no ordinary people, and their tempers were no ordinary either. Occasionally, disturbances would break out, smashing the place to bits, but in the end, they’d wave a hand and pay for the repairs. Still, for businessmen, less trouble was always better.
The group of on-edge personnel dispersed. The servant girl curtsied and quietly retreated.
Yu Shaoyun turned sideways, glanced at the tense Mei Xiu and Pei Xiting, showed an ambiguous smile, and returned to stand behind the Crown Prince.
“Just now, you wanted to shout what?” the Crown Prince said, lifting his tea cup. “Go on.”
Mei Xiu wouldn’t dare. He stammered, “Your servant didn’t…”
Seeing Mei Xiu fumbling for words, Pei Xiting cupped his hands and said, “We did not know Your Highness was traveling incognito and was also here. Our impulsive actions disturbed Your Highness. Please forgive our offense.”
“‘We,’” the Crown Prince repeated, looking at Pei Xiting with an unreadable expression. “Are you taking joint responsibility?”
This was indeed not the time to speak out, but Pei Xiting couldn’t just stand by. He lowered his head and said, “Your servant admits fault.”
Seeing this, Mei Xiu quickly said, “Your Highness, this has nothing to do with Xiting. He came in to stop me.”
“You speak for him, he speaks for you,” the Crown Prince said. “Truly a pair of loyal brothers, generous and chivalrous.”
His Highness was being sarcastic, his mood unreadable. The two stood by the screen, heads bowed and ears drooping, not daring to make a sound.
“An auction house is meant for fair bidding—highest price wins. That’s the rule written clearly,” the Crown Prince asked Mei Xiu. “What were you shouting about?”
Mei Xiu pressed his lips together, not daring to answer.
“If it weren’t me sitting here today, what would you have done? Flaunt your identity as Young Marquis Mei? Threaten or seize by force?” the Crown Prince said calmly. “In the capital, you act like this. Out here, you still act like this—arrogant, reckless, and impulsive. Don’t you know that not everyone fears your status? If you run into a truly ruthless person, they might just kill you on the spot, and you’ll have to keep shouting in the underworld.”
Pei Xiting’s eyes flickered. If the Crown Prince intended to punish, he wouldn’t be saying all this. One charge of disturbing the Crown Prince’s presence would be enough to penalize Mei Xiu. This sounded more like a lesson.
Mei Xiu naturally caught on. He walked up to the Crown Prince, knelt neatly, and said honestly, “Your servant knows he was wrong.”
The Crown Prince took a sip of tea. “You begged Fusu to bring you along, but once you got to Enzhou, instead of doing your duties, you come to an auction house to throw money around. Is this the image you want to show me?”
He didn’t say to rise, so Mei Xiu dared not get up. His heart trembled, but he didn’t dare make excuses. He said quietly, “Your servant knows he was wrong. Tomorrow, I will get up early and follow the Crown Prince wherever he goes. I won’t dare slack off again!”
The Crown Prince asked, “Then what ‘thorough preparations’ do you need to make today?”
“Ah… oh, I’ll go find the Crown Prince right away!” Mei Xiu stood up to leave but was stopped by the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince said, “I recall that Marquis Mei is an old acquaintance of Li Da.”
Mei Xiu answered truthfully, “Your servant doesn’t know they know each other.”
He never paid attention to his father’s affairs.
“Marquis Mei once recommended Li Da for a position,” the Crown Prince said. “Li Da is involved with heretical cults, plotting murder and robbery. His residence must be hiding mountains of gold and silver. Starting today, you will move in and find his treasure hoard.”
“Yes.” Mei Xiu responded, then added quietly, “Your Highness, I came out this time without even a single attendant. What about…”
The Crown Prince said, “Can’t you handle it alone?”
“That’s not it, but since Li Da dares to collude with heretical cults, he’s got a dog’s guts. What if his residence also hides cult followers? Wouldn’t I be in danger alone?” Mei Xiu hesitated.
“Aren’t you the one who boasts that no one dares to mess with Young Marquis Mei?” the Crown Prince said. “Scared?”
Mei Xiu understood: the Crown Prince was deliberately grinding him down. He dared not say anything more and dutifully accepted the task. As he turned to leave, he glanced at Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting blinked, signaling that it was fine. Mei Xiu wanted to turn back and plead for him, but Pei Xiting stopped him with his eyes, so he had to leave dejectedly.
The Crown Prince did not miss the exchange. He said calmly, “Shaoyun.”
Yu Shaoyun acknowledged, went out, and selected four guards. He said softly, “Pair up, one overt and one covert. Protect the young marquis well.”
Two guards in plain clothes nodded, received their orders, and followed Mei Xiu.
Since the Longhe Division and the Crown Prince had both personally come to Enzhou, investigating Li Da’s residence didn’t actually require Mei Xiu. This was just assigning him a task to temper him. But the Crown Prince certainly wouldn’t let Mei Xiu get into trouble at Li Da’s place. Still, Pei Xiting found it a bit strange. Why not let Mei Xiu follow the Crown Prince to suppress the bandits—that would train him too. Why send him on a solo mission?
Pei Xiting’s eyes darted, and he secretly glanced at the Crown Prince, only to be caught red-handed. The Crown Prince’s dark, deep eyes were quietly fixed on him. Pei Xiting’s heart leaped. He instinctively looked away, fixing his gaze on the tips of his own shoes.
So now he won’t even look at me, thought the Crown Prince, expressionless as he held his tea cup. “The three of you slipped out so secretively. What were you investigating?”
Pei Xiting’s eyelid twitched. He pretended not to understand, lifting his head. “Your servant doesn’t understand Your Highness’s meaning.”
“You had already entered the auction house and taken your seats, but then all of you suddenly ran out together and went to the stationery shop out front. Before long, you came back. But didn’t you already send Yuan Fang there alone once?” The Crown Prince tilted his head, scrutinizing Pei Xiting’s face, and said lightly, “What are you investigating? Or rather, what did you want Mei Xiu to see?”
Between the Crown Prince and Mei Xiu, there were a total of ten thousand tricks, but Mei Xiu only had one.
Pei Xiting swallowed, maintaining his composure. “To answer Your Highness: Yuan Fang happened to catch sight of Fifth Young Master Zong speaking with a stranger from the second floor of the stationery shop. He mentioned it casually, but the young marquis thought it suspicious, so we went to take a look.”
The Crown Prince said, “Is that so? Mei Xiu thought it suspicious. What about you?”
That word “also” was worth pondering. Pei Xiting smiled meekly and said, “To answer Your Highness, this servant shares the same view.”
The Crown Prince said, “And what did you find?”
“We haven’t started investigating yet. I only painted a portrait of the strange man and planned to have someone look into him.” Pei Xiting paused, choosing his words carefully. “It’s not that we’re meddling, nor do we suspect Fifth Young Master Zong of anything. That strange man didn’t look like an ordinary person—he didn’t seem like a good sort, nor did he appear to be Fifth Young Master’s friend. And Fifth Young Master rarely goes out; he has a mild and gentle disposition. If he encounters trouble outside, he probably wouldn’t seek help from us. The Crown Prince is busy with the bandit issue and has no time to look after his brother. So the young marquis and I thought we’d investigate discreetly, without disturbing the Crown Prince or Fifth Young Master. If it turns out to be nothing, we’ll be at ease. If there is trouble, we can ask the Crown Prince to step in later.”
The Crown Prince didn’t seem to suspect anything. After all, no matter how intricate the Crown Prince’s mind, he couldn’t possibly guess that they’d stepped into a novel.
In the original story, Zong An didn’t come to Enzhou in person. It was Hui Dou who negotiated the deal with the bandit leader Zhang Dazhuang. Hui Dou offered Zhang Dazhuang a price he couldn’t refuse, revealing Zong Fu’s deployment plans. The two collaborated and ended up killing Zong Fu.
But in the original book, this plot was just a paragraph, not detailed, so Pei Xiting could only watch Zong An and Hui Dou, and start from Zhang Dazhuang.
The toy shop owner had taken the money and worked quickly. Last night, he had brought back the news that Zhang Dazhuang agreed to meet, but it couldn’t be before tonight. He also mentioned something about an auction during the day.
Those who trade in information were skilled at extracting clues from conversations. Pei Xiting didn’t doubt the lead the owner had gifted him. And the city’s auction that day—wasn’t it at the Wanping Auction House?
It wasn’t entirely unbelievable that a bandit would come to an auction to watch the excitement, so Pei Xiting hadn’t been too suspicious until this morning when Mei Xiu mentioned that Zong An had ordered a carriage to be prepared. Zong An came to Enzhou for training. He usually appeared very respectful toward the Crown Prince . To keep up appearances, he should have followed the Crown Prince to Damang Mountain, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. But today, he wasn’t going with the Crown Prince . He was going out alone.
Pei Xiting didn’t know where Zong An was going, and he didn’t know if he was being overly cautious. But he did know that if Zong An was still planning to collaborate with the bandits to kill Zong Fu, he would definitely find a chance to contact the bandits and make the deal quietly.
They had carefully studied the map of Enzhou during their journey—both inside and outside the city—getting a general sense of the area. Pei Xiting remembered that the Wanping Auction House was located near the outskirts, quite secluded, and close to a wild lake. It would be a suitable place for a secret meeting.
So Pei Xiting had suggested coming with Mei Xiu, and once there, he sent Yuan Fang on the pretext of buying something to scout the situation. As it turned out, they had caught something.
Pei Xiting suspected that the tall, thin man was Zhang Dazhuang. He planned to have the toy shop owner confirm it, then let Mei Xiu quietly tip off Zong Fu. That way, Zong Fu wouldn’t suspect Pei Xiting’s motives, and Zong An wouldn’t take revenge on Mei Xiu. As for how Zong Fu would deal with Zong An—that would be the Prince of Ning’s household’s private affair.
But he hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to guess so accurately. Pei Xiting had to mix truth with a little lie.
“Now Enzhou is plagued by bandits and heretical cults. It’s a mixed bag, hiding countless monsters and demons,” the Crown Prince said thoughtfully, but he didn’t elaborate. He only said, “It’s understandable that you’re worried. Give the painting to Shaoyun.”
Pei Xiting acknowledged, turned around the screen, took the portrait from Yuan Fang, and handed it to Yu Shaoyun.
Yu Shaoyun unfolded the folded piece of paper, glanced at the portrait, then called in a guard and said, “Make it quick.”
The Crown Prince understood that even if Mei Xiu suspected something, he would only suspect Zong An of doing something wrong, not that Zong An was being bullied or in trouble. And Pei Xiting had no friendship with Zong An, so he wouldn’t be that considerate. But Pei Xiting had phrased it so nicely that it didn’t offend anyone.
Pei Xiting was so frank, even reckless at times, yet he was full of tricks and had a knack for saying the right thing to the right person.
And now, in front of the Crown Prince, he had started to handle things with composure, head bowed and eyes downcast, looking respectful and proper.
The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze, set down his tea cup, and said, “Let’s go.”
He was about to stand up when Pei Xiting had already cupped his hands and said, “Your servant takes his leave.”
With that, he took three steps back, turned around the screen, and walked away without looking back.
Yu Shaoyun: “…”
He looked horrified. Turning to the Crown Prince, whose expression was indescribable, he couldn’t help saying, “Your Highness, I think Secretary Pei misunderstood your meaning. He thought you were dismissing him and didn’t catch that you meant for him to come with you. Besides, he kept his eyes down and didn’t see that you were about to stand up.”
The Crown Prince’s tone was light and elusive, hard to read. “Is that so?”
But in the past, Pei Xiting had never misunderstood the meaning of that phrase “let’s go.”