Chapter 14

Xu Yunqi vaguely recalled that Pei Muheng did not like having a light on when he slept. She went back to the outer room and extinguished the lamps, then slowly felt her way back into the inner chamber, gently lifted the quilt, and lay down.

The tent grew completely quiet. The sounds of patrolling guards outside gradually faded, but since it was still early, occasional fragments of conversation drifted in. It was not yet the Hour of the Boar; Xu Yunqi usually did not sleep this early, but she was accommodating Pei Muheng, who was catching up on rest.

The tents were densely packed across a patch of grassland between the lake and the woods. Because of the many officials’ families accompanying the tour, and since it was a fine season for spring outings, additional tents had been set up beyond the usual allocation. Space was tight, and the tents were pressed close together. No sooner had Xu Yunqi lain down than the voice of her second sister-in-law, Lady Li, came through clearly from next door.

“Today, Sheng-ge’er snatched our Xun-ge’er’s rattle-drum, and you didn’t even say a word!”

The second young master, Pei Mujing, gently tried to calm his wife:

“It’s no big deal. Eldest Sister-in-law isn’t here, and the child is crying for his mother. It doesn’t hurt for our child to give in a little.”

Lady Li snorted from the bed. “If Eldest Sister-in-law isn’t here, Mother still dotes on him. Who else dotes on our child but us? You’re always yielding to your elder and younger brothers—and now our child has to take a back seat too…”

Lady Li’s voice grew tearful.

Alarmed, Pei Mujing’s tone turned anxious: “Don’t cry—we’re outside! People might hear… Oh, I know I was wrong. Next time, I’ll make sure Xun-ge’er gets justice…”

Knowing this was just more empty talk, Lady Li grew angrier. She reached out and grabbed at Pei Mujing—not his ear, but playfully scratched at his firm chest. A warmth stirred in Pei Mujing’s belly, and he pulled his wife into his arms… Before long, soft, uneven breathing could be heard, though the couple, mindful of propriety, soon curbed their urges, knowing it was awkward outside.

“You worthless man—no real ability outside, just bullying me…” Though they were reproachful words, they carried an unmistakable intimacy.

Xu Yunqi felt a flicker of embarrassment.

So this was what Auntie Chang had meant by “arguing in bed, making up in bed.”

Pei Muheng had been awakened by the noise.

He did not move or open his eyes, but his mind was fully alert.

Xu Yunqi lay there for a while and began to feel uncomfortable.

She was used to tucking the quilt tightly around herself to avoid catching a chill. But now there was a wide gap between them; he had pulled one corner of the quilt over himself, and cold air crept in. Xu Yunqi, who valued taking care of her health, could not sleep soundly.

Could she ask Pei Muheng to move closer?

Clearly not.

She could move closer herself—but unless she moved into his arms, the gap would remain. Xu Yunqi was not brazen enough for that. After weighing her options, she turned slightly onto her side, facing Pei Muheng. She pressed the quilt tightly against her back and rested her hands on her chest, to avoid getting cold.

And so she fell asleep.

Hearing her steady breathing beside him, Pei Muheng slowly opened his eyes.

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Xu Yunqi’s fair, delicate face was nestled in her lustrous hair like a little cat, her hands clasped over her chest—clearly a defensive posture. He rubbed his brow.

In the dead of night, a bird called from the distant mountains. Xu Yunqi instinctively opened her eyes. It was pitch black, and all she could see was a dark, mountain-like shape beside her. He was fully dressed, without even a corner of the quilt over him. Although the weather was warming, the night wind before dawn was still cool. Suspecting she had taken all the covers, she quietly tried to drape the quilt over Pei Muheng.

In an instant, a strong, slender arm shot out and clamped around her wrist with such force that it nearly made her cry out. “It’s me…” she whispered.

Xu Yunqi was half-leaning over him; her soft breath brushed his face. Her clear, crystalline eyes, misted over like water, looked at him.

Their breathing mingled—they had never been this close before.

Xu Yunqi lowered her gaze. Pei Muheng slowly exhaled to the side. He had been through too many assassination attempts lately and was on high alert.

In the end, he was simply not used to having someone beside him.

He glanced at Xu Yunqi’s posture and understood what she had meant to do.

Pei Muheng sat up, steadied her, and let go. “Did I hurt you?”

Xu Yunqi rubbed her reddened wrist and slowly shook her head. She lay back down and made no further effort to cover Pei Muheng.

Seeing his wife fall silent, Pei Muheng felt a pang of guilt. He shifted slightly toward her, tucked the loose quilt in the middle more securely, and lay back down to sleep.

—

The next morning, when Xu Yunqi opened her eyes, the sun was high and the person beside her was long gone.

Pei Muheng had gone to the imperial tent to pay his respects early. With him were over a dozen imperial grandsons. The Crown Prince’s eldest son stood alone at the front; Pei Muheng was positioned in the second row. Morning mist hung thick, birds circled overhead. Some stood in solemn order, while others yawned at the back. Before long, Chief Eunuch Liu Xiwen emerged from the tent, smiling, a horsetail whisk draped over his arm, his voice thin and measured:

“His Majesty has just risen and is discussing affairs with several ministers. He summons the Imperial Grandson and the Seventh Imperial Grandson to enter. The rest of you are dismissed.”

The Seventh Imperial Grandson was Pei Muheng.

Envious glances passed over him as the others drifted away in twos and threes.

Pei Muheng followed the Imperial Grandson into the tent. The Emperor, in his bright yellow dragon robe, was studying a geographic map behind his desk. Grand Secretary Yan Ping and Minister of Justice Xiao Yu stood to his left and right. Prince Qin, Prince Chen, and the Twelfth Prince Pei Xun were also present.

Prince Qin and Prince Chen, both in crimson princely robes, stood solemn and respectful, while the Twelfth Prince lounged casually in a blue robe. Spotting Pei Muheng, he smiled and waved.

Pei Muheng first offered a silent bow to the Emperor, then moved to stand beside Pei Xun.

“Twelfth Uncle.” Pei Muheng and Pei Xun were only ten years apart in age. When Pei Muheng was young, Pei Xun, taken by his good looks, often took him hunting in the mountains. Pei Muheng’s archery skills had been passed down from Pei Xun himself.

“I heard you were injured in Yangzhou?”

“A small scratch—nothing worth mentioning. But what about your leg, Twelfth Uncle?”

Pei Xun’s expression soured, and he said gloomily: “Don’t mention it. The bones and sinews were damaged—it aches whenever the wind blows or rain falls.”

Pei Muheng’s face grew serious. “You should have an imperial physician take a proper look.”

Pei Xun shook his head. “I’ve seen them. They only treat the symptoms, not the root. But my people have heard of a clinic in the southern city—there’s a physician there whose acupuncture is excellent. I’ll go give it a try.”

Just then, the Emperor looked up, and the two fell silent.

The Emperor surveyed the room, closed the map, and asked Yan Ping: “The Great Wu envoy has reached the border. Which of your ministers has the Grand Secretariat decided to send as escort?”

Yan Ping bowed with folded hands. “The Chief of the Court of Diplomatic Reception and two directors from the Ministry of Rites will go. However, they are sending a prince on their side, so on our side…” Yan Ping glanced at the Imperial Grandson and Pei Muheng. “We should probably dispatch an imperial grandson to receive him.”

Pei Xun’s eyes immediately darted to Pei Muheng. He said with a lazy smile: “Father, let Heng’er go. He made a name for himself at seven, shaming the Great Wu envoy. He’s the most suitable.”

Right Commander Yang Kang immediately interjected: “Your Majesty, I hear they are sending the Khan’s legitimate son. To avoid any breach of etiquette, we should send the Imperial Grandson.”

Prince Qin, sleeves folded, argued slowly: “The Imperial Grandson’s status is too exalted—we shouldn’t over-honor them. I think Heng’er should go.”

The Emperor exchanged a glance with Yan Ping.

Whoever received the envoy needed to be articulate and commanding.

The Imperial Grandson had the status to overawe the other side, but he was not quick-witted and might be led by the nose.

Pei Muheng was undoubtedly the best choice.

But it would not be right to pass over the Imperial Grandson.

The Emperor turned to his eldest grandson. “Qian’er, what do you think?”

The Imperial Grandson met the Emperor’s gaze. Though not as capable as Pei Muheng, he was sharp-minded. By asking his opinion, the Emperor was subtly indicating that he should step aside willingly and preserve his dignity.

The Imperial Grandson immediately replied: “As Your Majesty’s eldest grandson, it is my duty to share Your Majesty’s burdens. However, I caught a chill last night and my stomach is unwell. I fear I must trouble Seventh Brother to go in my stead.”

Seeing his grandson’s understanding, the Emperor was pleased. He pointed to the small table beside him. “Good. You shall draft the edict for me.”

The words “for me” gave the Imperial Grandson due honor.

The Emperor had balanced things nicely.

Pei Muheng was dispatched to the border to receive the envoy and naturally could not share the tent with Xu Yunqi that night.

—

At the hour of Shen the following afternoon, the imperial procession arrived at the Xuanfu Traveling Palace. The Imperial Household Department and the Imperial Guard escorted the officials’ families to their designated quarters. Prince Xi’s household was assigned to Yongning Hall on the eastern side of the palace—not particularly close to the Emperor’s Qiankun Hall. The Princess Consort did not mind; she settled her sons and daughters-in-law and retired early.

That night, everyone was weary from travel, and there was no visiting. It was peaceful.

The next day, unable to bear the quiet, Pei Mushan dragged Xu Yunqi, who had nothing to do, to explore the palace grounds.

To the north of the palace was a low slope called Qifeng Slope. Elsewhere the plum blossoms had long since faded, but here the hills were covered in spring plums—zhusha, green calyx, river plum, snow plum, butterfly plum—a stunning variety of colors. Standing on a high point and looking out, it was as if an immortal had smashed a dye vat and splashed it across the mortal world, layer upon layer, like a dream. Young ladies in bright dresses flitted among the blossoms like colorful butterflies, bringing the whole slope to life.

“Oh dear, we’re late! Look—Xiao Qin has already reached the Qifeng Pavilion!”

Pei Mushan grabbed Xu Yunqi’s hand and started running up the hill. Seeing her rashness, Xu Yunqi quickly stopped her: “If you dash up there in a fluster, you’ll be dripping with sweat—then the mountain wind will chill you and you’ll catch cold. Let’s go slowly.”

Pei Mushan, mindful of her dignity, agreed and followed her sister-in-law up at a leisurely pace.

After about a quarter-hour’s walk, the two sisters-in-law made it to the top, each carrying some plum branches. Xu Yunqi did not like to break branches; the ones in her arms were all Pei Mushan’s doing.

In her words: “Pluck the flower while you may.” Xu Yunqi had no choice but to indulge her.

At the top of the slope, crowds were everywhere. The once-spacious Qifeng Pavilion was now packed with people.

Since these were female relatives of fourth-rank and above officials, every one of them came from wealth and status.

Xu Yunqi looked around: blossoms of every color, faces glowing with spring—they were even more dazzling than the mountain flowers.

Pei Mushan, of noble rank and cheerful by nature, was well-liked in the capital. As soon as the young ladies spotted her, they rose to offer their seats:

“Princess, come sit here!”

The daughter of the Chief Justice of the Dali Temple gave up her seat next to Xiao Qin.

Xiao Qin’s father was Grand Secretary Xiao Yu, the Minister of Justice. She waved a round fan, her eyes falling on Xu Yunqi behind Pei Mushan with barely concealed contempt. But when she faced Pei Mushan, she wore a familiar smile:

“I sent someone to find you this morning—why didn’t you reply?”

Pei Mushan led Xu Yunqi over as she replied: “Did you? I had no idea you were looking for me.” She glanced around the stone table and saw only one seat available. Her expression darkened.

“Sister-in-law, you sit here.”

Xiao Qin’s face fell. She rose first, pulled Pei Mushan aside, and asked:

“At the end of February I visited Ling’er at Green Mountain Temple. She’s still not well. She asked if you liked the pair of phoenix handkerchiefs she embroidered for you before the New Year.”

Pei Mushan slapped her forehead. “Oh, I was so busy around the New Year that I forgot to send her a gift in return!”

In the past, Xun Yunling had treated her wonderfully, always asking after her like a real sister, and Pei Mushan had been very fond of her. As for Xiao Qin, she was Xun Yunling’s close friend—the two were thick as thieves. Naturally, Xiao Qin felt compelled to stand up for Xun Yunling when she saw Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi, perceptive as she was, could easily sense the hostility radiating from these noble young ladies. She had no intention of sitting down and instead wandered slowly around to enjoy the view. The “Ling’er” they mentioned—she could not even recall who that was, nor did she care.

Xiao Qin gave Pei Mushan a reproachful look. “You’re still such a scatterbrain! Anyway, Ling’er loves plum blossoms. I was planning to pick some here and make rouge with them, then take them to Green Mountain Temple when we return to the capital. Princess, come pick plum blossoms with me…”

She was clearly trying to pull Pei Mushan away.

“Oh, no, no—I’ve already picked enough! Look at this pile in my arms—let me rest a moment.”

Xiao Qin pouted, clearly displeased.

The Chief Justice’s daughter glanced at Xu Yunqi and quipped: “Princess, it seems you only see the new bride’s smile and forget the old friend’s tears.”

New bride, old friend—the meaning was unmistakable.

Pei Mushan’s face darkened. She frowned at the young ladies:

“Can we just enjoy the flowers? That was ages ago—why are you still bringing it up?”

The veil of pretense was torn, and there was no need to hold back.

Xiao Qin expressed her discontent: “Princess, Ling’er used to treat you like a real sister—she thought of you first with everything, food and fun alike. And now you’ve cast her to the winds?”

Pei Mushan was exasperated. “What nonsense are you talking? How have I cast her to the winds? She’s recuperating, and my mother has sent people to visit her several times—medicine, tonics, everything. What more do you want?”

Xiao Qin pointed at Xu Yunqi with a pitiful look: “Then why are you bothering with her?”

Pei Mushan stared at her blankly. “She’s my legitimate sister-in-law. Why shouldn’t I bother with her? I like her.”

A younger girl chimed in: “I think the Princess has changed her heart because her new sister-in-law is prettier.”

Pei Mushan did not deny it. “Yes.”

Xiao Qin felt deeply wronged on Xun Yunling’s behalf: “She’s been at Green Mountain Temple for nearly half a year, and you haven’t visited her once. Ling’er is heartbroken.”

Pei Mushan sighed. “I have a reason for not visiting.”

“What reason?”

“I have a new sister-in-law now,” Pei Mushan said, utterly unrepentant.

In her view, Xun Yunling needed to let go. Wrapped in her own cocoon, no one could help her.

Xiao Qin was so angry she had no words left.

Seeing them still harping on old grievances, Pei Mushan feared Xu Yunqi might be upset. She turned to leave, pulling Xu Yunqi with her. Just then, Xiao Qin shot a look at a servant woman among the crowd. The woman, carrying a bowl of tea, pretended to stumble, and her bulky body lunged straight at Xu Yunqi.

As the scalding tea was about to splash onto her, Xu Yunqi’s eyes flickered. She swiftly pulled Pei Mushan back with one hand, sidestepping as the tea arced toward the Chief Justice’s daughter instead.

Xu Yunqi, having traveled the jianghu, was not like these pampered young ladies. She was light as a swallow, quick as the wind, and caught everyone completely off guard.

The hot tea splashed all over the Chief Justice’s daughter, who let out a shriek of agony. She felt as though a thousand ants were biting her, and she collapsed into her maid’s arms.

Seeing this, Pei Mushan’s face turned ashen. If that tea had hit her sister-in-law’s face, the consequences would have been dire. Convinced that Xiao Qin was behind it, she turned without a word and slapped Xiao Qin squarely across the face.

Xiao Qin, already shaken by the turn of events, was caught off guard by the slap. Her footing unsteady, she slipped backward down the pavilion steps, her arm crashing against a sharp rock. A scream cut short—Xu Yunqi cast a casual glance and, from her experience, judged that it was likely a fracture.

—

Half an hour later, the main hall of Qiankun Hall was packed.

The Emperor sat with the peace negotiation documents in hand, his expression unreadable as he looked at the young ladies below. Several accompanying grand secretaries and senior ministers sat to one side. Lady Liu, wife of the Chief Justice, held her daughter and sobbed uncontrollably. On the other side, Lady Xiao stared darkly at Xu Yunqi and the others.

Pei Mushan knelt expressionless in the center of the hall and declared defiantly: “I struck her. It has nothing to do with my sister-in-law. I alone am responsible for my actions.”