TL: Hua
Chapter 53: East Palace – Xiao Pei freeloads a meal
When You Zong arrived at the East Palace, the Crown Prince was discussing matters with Qu Zhao. Seeing him, he nodded slightly and said, “Have a seat.”
You Zong bowed, turned, and sat on a redwood chair nearby. A palace attendant offered hot tea and quietly withdrew.
Qu Zhao continued with the current topic, saying, “This year’s performance appraisals for officials in the capital and various regions have begun. They should be released around before winter. This minister wishes to replace a few people based on these appraisals.”
Official performance appraisals were conducted annually, with a major appraisal every three years. This year was a major appraisal, and some people in various government offices and departments were on edge, fearing they would be removed from their positions. How these people performed didn’t need the final judgment of a few words; they knew it themselves, and others knew it too. The Crown Prince had recently received more memorials—those offering greetings, those pleading for mercy, and all sorts of others—indicating that the hearts of those below had already stirred.
The Crown Prince flipped through Qu Zhao’s memorial and said, “You want to replace Wang Ming?”
“Precisely, that old fellow…” Qu Zhao cleared his throat, changing his wording, “That old official isn’t diligent and dedicated enough. And last month, when this minister was investigating a case outside, I sent someone to retrieve documents midway, and he almost ruined my work due to his condescending and arrogant attitude. My subordinates also suffered a bit due to delayed information. Although this minister handled the matter after returning to the capital, it was only a temporary solution, not a permanent cure. Since he prides himself on being an elder, it would be better to simply send him home to enjoy his remaining years.”
The Crown Prince asked, “Do you have a replacement candidate?”
“Yes, Dali Temple Supervisor Li She. Although this person is taciturn and not good at socializing, he is diligent and dedicated and handles matters efficiently and decisively,” Qu Zhao replied.
“Li She, I remember him. The two cases he handled two years ago were excellent, and his statements were concise and to the point. He is an upright and capable person. Key positions in government should be filled by the capable, and the incompetent should be removed; that’s how it should be.” The Crown Prince made a red endorsement with his imperial brush, closed the memorial, and looked up at Qu Zhao. “And you, you are too frivolous.”
Qu Zhao immediately stood up, lowering his head to receive the reprimand.
The Crown Prince said, “You know that Wang Ming has the seniority advantage and looks down on younger generations, and he might be looking for an opportunity to suppress your arrogance. Yet you forgot the principle that when you’re out, someone should be left behind in the house for errands?”
“This minister will remember the lesson and dare not repeat it.” Qu Zhao clasped his hands, “Asking Your Highness for punishment.”
“Your work has been excellent, but your temperament still needs to be refined,” the Crown Prince said calmly. “Since the task was completed, I won’t punish you, but your subordinates suffered grievances due to your carelessness and lack of thoroughness, so you must appease them.”
Qu Zhao quickly promised to do so. The Crown Prince told him to sit back down and said, “Since Heying is here, let’s talk about that Xiao Chunhong.”
“Xiao Chunhong didn’t intentionally use an alias, but this woman is not a common prostitute; she’s a wanderer in the martial arts world, hired to approach Wang Yelai and enter the Wang family to find something. However, Wang Yelai never dared to bring her home, so she never found an opportunity. This year, she simply cut ties with her employer and hooked up with Mei Yi,” Qu Zhao said.
You Zong asked, “What thing?”
Qu Zhao said, “Wang Wei.”
“Wang Wei isn’t a thing,” You Zong paused, “I didn’t mean to insult anyone.”
“Hmm, you just objectively stated that Wang Wei isn’t a thing,” Qu Zhao raised an eyebrow and smiled, then said, “According to Xiao Chunhong, Wang Wei moved back to Qingzhou after being dismissed; his ancestral home is there. But Wang Wei has long been missing without a trace. Her employer suspects the Wang family knows the inside story, so they sent her to investigate.”
You Zong glanced at the Crown Prince, who remained silent, drinking tea. He then said, “Did Xiao Chunhong provide any information about her employer?”
“She did. She said it was a young, beautiful woman.” Qu Zhao sighed, “There are countless beautiful women in the world; where am I supposed to find her?”
You Zong rubbed his teacup and said, “I’ll lend you Pei-wenshu.”
“Oh?” Qu Zhao rubbed his chin. “Alright, I’ve been coveting Pei-wenshu for a long time anyway.”
You Zong said, “Mind your wording.”
Upon hearing this, Qu Zhao’s thoughts churned, and almost instantly, he sensed something amiss in that sentence.
Pei Xiting was a member of the Longhe Division, and borrowing him was for official business. Even if he genuinely wanted to poach someone, with You Zong’s personality, he would most likely respond indifferently with “It depends on your skill.” Qu Zhao rubbed the armrest, believing the key lay in the word “coveting” in his own sentence. This was a suggestive word. You Zong’s remark wasn’t a habitual complaint about his usual impolite speech but a reminder, born out of personal concern.
If it were You Zong’s own personal concern, he wouldn’t express it during official discussions and in front of His Highness. And in this hall, at this moment, besides the two of them, there was only one other person.
Qu Zhao suddenly recalled the strange feeling he had when Empress Qu discussed the marriage between Qu Zhen and Pei Xiting at Fengyi Palace some time ago.
In an instant, Qu Zhao’s mind was in turmoil. He reached out and gripped his teacup, taking a sip to suppress the wave of gossip in his heart, not daring to glance at the Crown Prince.
The hall inexplicably fell silent for a moment. The Crown Prince looked at the two who were simultaneously drinking tea and said, “Is there a mute potion in the tea?”
“Of course not,” Qu Zhao smoothly continued the official business. “After I meet Pei-wenshu, I will report back to you as soon as possible.”
The Crown Prince “hmm”-ed and said, “I heard Uncle’s headache has flared up again recently?” This was about private matters, so Qu Zhao’s tone also relaxed, saying, “It’s an old ailment. He’ll be fine after taking medicine and resting for a while.”
“If he’s ill, he should recuperate properly. The matter of compiling books can be put aside; his health is the most important.” The Crown Prince said, “Later, I’ll have Zhongyan go to the Qu mansion, and I’ll visit the Qu mansion another day.”
Qu Zhao sighed and said, “You are busy; there’s really no need for you to make a trip. The old man just can’t sit still; he brings it upon himself. I’ll convey your words to him; I guarantee he’ll lie down and rest immediately.”
The Crown Prince chuckled lightly and said, “That would be best. Alright, if there’s nothing else, go attend to your duties.”
Qu Zhao responded, bowed, and withdrew.
After he left, You Zong stood up and walked to the desk. Taking out the brocade pouch from his sleeve, he said, “This is what Pei-wenshu asked me to deliver to you.”
The Crown Prince looked at the dark brocade pouch, reached out to take it, and pulled out a page of writing notes from inside.
Grapes hung heavily on the vine, and below stood a small figure on tiptoe, holding a basket to catch the grapes. A small tiger squatted at his feet, its colors bright and vivid, the scene sparkling and full of life.
Inside the brocade pouch was also a “user manual” that read: “A casual drawing, thanking Your Highness for the agate grapes. They were delicious, but I ate too many and seem to have gotten inflamed again. But it’s okay; I’m not afraid of more fire.”
Below that, a small, round, somewhat clumsy figure was drawn with simple strokes, clasping hands in thanks.
The Crown Prince smiled almost imperceptibly and said, “How was he today?”
You Zong pretended not to notice and said, “Everything was as usual. At noon, Uncle Wei stewed nourishing soup for him, and he drank two large bowls. In the afternoon, he didn’t go back; he went out and talked with Yuan Fang, who was carving wood by the door for a while, then went back to the document building to nap with Little King as a pillow.”
The Crown Prince “hmm”-ed and said, “Keep an eye on the Xiao Chunhong matter as well.”
After a few more words, You Zong bowed and withdrew. As he left, he saw Zong Lu on his way out, so he bowed in greeting, “Little prince.”
“Good day, Lord You.” Zong Lu clasped his hands in return and turned to enter the hall. He walked lightly to the desk, respectfully greeted the Crown Prince, and then said, “Fifth Uncle, why isn’t Little King here? We agreed to draw its portrait today.”
The Crown Prince said, “It went out to accompany a friend.”
Zong Lu looked at the Crown Prince’s indifferent profile, feeling a bit confused and somewhat sad. He pointed to his tiger charm and said, “It has new friends, and I didn’t even know.”
The Crown Prince understood what he meant, turned his head to look at him, and was about to say something. But suddenly, he remembered how Pei Xiting always pouted and grumbled about his strictness when he taught him to play the zither in Ningzhou and also said that the little prince must have rarely received his praise.
“…When its friend comes to the East Palace another day, you’ll know,” the Crown Prince said. “How are your studies with Teacher Hu?”
Zong Lu said, “Teacher is a court painter with superb painting skills, so he’s naturally good. However, he is used to burying himself in books and is too pedantic. Sometimes I don’t understand, and he doesn’t dare to directly point out my shortcomings.”
“Then we’ll find another one,” the Crown Prince said. “Do you have a preferred candidate?”
Zong Lu looked at the Crown Prince, his dark eyes quickly darting around, and he said, “I want Pei-wenshu to be my painting teacher.”
The brush tip paused, and the Crown Prince looked sideways. “Why?”
Zong Lu naturally dared not say that he had instructed Eunuch Lai to inquire and learned that the Crown Prince admired Pei-wenshu’s paintings and that his Fifth Uncle seemed to have a special regard for this Pei-wenshu. He only said, “I saw the painting Pei-wenshu made for Deputy Minister Qu at the Empress Dowager’s place.”
The Crown Prince didn’t expose him and said, “I will ask Pei-wenshu.”
Zong Lu thanked him, stood in place, hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave, but his feet didn’t move, clearly reluctant to go just yet.
The little boy’s subtle movements and thoughts naturally couldn’t escape the Crown Prince. He slowly dipped his brush in ink and finally said, “Since Little King isn’t here, today’s painting lesson will be excused for now.”
The Crown Prince motioned for the person at the palace entrance to inform Teacher Hu, then placed several memorials aside and put a blank piece of paper on top. “Come.”
From studying painting to reviewing memorials, Zong Lu’s eyes lit up because this meant he could spend more time with his Fifth Uncle. But he tried not to show his joy, and after responding, he walked over to the Crown Prince, sat down, chose a brush, and began to read the memorials.
Eunuch Lai walked past the door, pretending to be casual, and quickly glanced into the hall. The little prince was sitting upright and proper, but his two legs under the desk couldn’t help swinging. Seeing this scene, he felt happy too.
“What are you so happy about?” Yu Shaoyun walked behind Eunuch Lai and chuckled, “Your gums are showing.”
“Go away!” Eunuch Lai glared at him, smiling, and said, “I’m happy for the little prince.”
Yu Shaoyun glanced at the uncle and nephew behind the desk. At first glance, they looked like two peas in a pod, just one big and one small. Eunuch Lai nudged him with his elbow and whispered, “His Highness is in a good mood, even letting the little prince share a chair to review memorials with him.”
The Crown Prince was usually reserved and spoke little and was always strict regarding Zong Lu’s studies. It wasn’t the first time Zong Lu had learned to read memorials, but in the past, he either reviewed them in his own bedchamber and then presented them to the Crown Prince for inspection and guidance, or he sat at a small table to review and be inspected face-to-face. Sharing a chair and sitting side-by-side like this was a first.
Yu Shaoyun pondered and said, “Perhaps someone often grumbled about His Highness being strict and stingy with praise for students, and His Highness took it to heart.”
There was only one person who would dare to grumble like that and whom His Highness might take seriously. Eunuch Lai revealed a look of understanding, asked no more questions, but couldn’t help muttering inwardly, Pei-wenshu did a great job!
***
Pei Xiting sneezed, pulling at his forehead, which made him wince in pain.
“Have some pear soup?”
Qu Zhao casually handed over his porcelain cup. Pei Xiting didn’t stand on ceremony, thanked him, took it, and tasted a bit after removing the lid. Perhaps finding the taste good, he took another sip.
Qu Zhao smiled, stepped to Pei Xiting’s side, and looked at the woman in the portrait, praising, “What a graceful beauty! Willow brows and almond eyes, skin like carved jade, even her cold demeanor adds to her charm.”
With that, he looked at Pei Xiting’s radiant and delicate profile and said, “With just a few descriptions from Xiao Chunhong, Pei-wenshu can sketch out most of it, not even missing the spirit and temperament. Truly extraordinary.”
“As long as a person can still breathe, they have ‘temperament.’ Their clothing, demeanor, speech, or even just a breath can reveal information about them.” Pei Xiting unhurriedly finished the small bowl of pear soup. It warmed him from his throat to his stomach, and he comfortably let out a breath.
He set down the bowl, stood up, and said, “If there are no other errands, your humble subordinate will take his leave.”
If this were before, Qu Zhao would have certainly seized the opportunity to invite the beauty to dine. After all, having a pleasant person at the table could greatly increase one’s appetite. But the situation was special now, and he absolutely dared not. Hearing this, he could only smile and say with regret, “Thank you for your trouble today, Pei-wenshu.”
Pei Xiting shook his head and said, “It was just a small matter, Deputy Minister Qu; no need to be polite.”
Qu Zhao stepped aside slightly, gesturing with his hand, “I won’t see you off.”
Pei Xiting left the Dali Temple. Standing on the steps, the wind blew, and his head ached. He poked his forehead unhappily, but it hurt so much that his vision went black, and he sat down with a thud.
Yuan Fang jumped out of the carriage, pulled a forehead band from his embrace, walked over, and gently tied it on Pei Xiting’s forehead, saying, “It’s soaked in medicine; you can use it.”
Pei Xiting tugged at the headband. It felt soft and comfortable, but it was dusty and unremarkable. He said disdainfully, “How ugly.”
“Make do with it. Protecting your head is most important.” Looking at Pei Xiting’s gloomy face, Yuan Fang turned and squatted down, “Let’s go.”
Pei Xiting grabbed Yuan Fang’s shoulder to get up, then conveniently slumped onto his back. He lifted his legs, and Yuan Fang carried him. His back injury was fine, but the throbbing in his forehead was truly uncomfortable. Pei Xiting said weakly, “I have a blister in my mouth.”
Yuan Fang put Pei Xiting into the carriage. Little King was already occupying the main seat, waiting obediently for Pei Xiting to return.
Pei Xiting slumped onto Little King. Yuan Fang reached out and held Pei Xiting’s cheeks, saying, “Ah…”
Pei Xiting exposed his tonsils, “Ah…”
Yuan Fang examined his mouth, saying, “There’s a blood blister on the left side; you’re overheated—stop thinking about the Crown Prince.”
Pei Xiting said as a matter of fact, “I think the grapes are to blame.”
Yuan Fang chuckled, got out of the carriage, closed the door, and went around to the coachman’s seat to drive away.
Pei Xiting sat up cross-legged and groomed Little King’s fur, saying, “Why hasn’t your father sent someone to pick you up yet?”
Little King didn’t understand. It rested its head on Pei Xiting’s lap, looking very content. Pei Xiting smiled, tilted his head, and leaned onto it. The man and tiger lay together crookedly.
The carriage moved steadily. Outside the window, it was occasionally lively, occasionally quiet. Pei Xiting stroked Little King’s head and unconsciously closed his eyes, falling into a dream.
When Eunuch Lai opened the door, this was the scene he saw.
Although Little King was as docile as a cat in front of His Highness and never hurt anyone when playing with Yu Shaoyun and Bai Tang, it could be quite a handful when it got restless. Yet now, it was quietly guarding the sleeping Pei Xiting, showing how close it was to him.
A palace servant behind him glanced inside and quietly asked, “Eunuch Lai, shall this servant wake Pei-wenshu?”
Eunuch Lai pondered, then shook his head, “Let’s wait until Pei-wenshu wakes up on his own.”
“But His Highness and the little prince are waiting.”
Eunuch Lai thought for a moment and said, “You go back and ask His Highness for his wishes.”
The palace servant truly couldn’t understand what kind of extraordinary background this Pei-wenshu had that Eunuch Lai didn’t even dare to wake him when he arrived at the East Palace gates and should immediately enter for an audience. But he didn’t dare to ask more and immediately hurried back.
Eunuch Lai stood at the carriage door, quietly observing Pei Xiting. His expression was normal, but he inwardly marveled: Truly a jade-like person.
Yuan Fang stood to the side. Suddenly, Eunuch Lai looked over at him. The old eunuch had a refined appearance, with narrow and gentle eyes, but the hidden sharpness in those eyes wasn’t to be underestimated.
The old eunuch’s expression was thoughtful. Yuan Fang initially thought he was going to question and probe his background, but then he heard him say, “Do you think Pei-wenshu is handsome?”
“Handsome,” Yuan Fang said in confusion, “I’m not blind.”
Eunuch Lai let out an “oh” and scrutinized Yuan Fang with an ambiguous gaze. Yuan Fang felt as if he was being stripped bare, so he simply asked, “What do you want to say?”
“Nothing, just caring about Pei-wenshu’s close attendant,” Eunuch Lai said with a smile.
Yuan Fang was bewildered. Just then, Yu Shaoyun walked out.
Yu Shaoyun went to the carriage, glanced at Pei Xiting’s complexion, leaned in, and felt Pei Xiting’s pulse. Finding no major issues, he withdrew his hand and gently closed the carriage door, saying, “It’s fine. Let Pei-wenshu enter when he wakes up.”
He turned his head to Yuan Fang and said, “You can go back.”
Yuan Fang didn’t say anything, glanced at Pei Xiting, turned, and left.
The carriage remained parked in front of the East Palace gate. Eunuch Lai pulled Yu Shaoyun a bit further away and asked, “What’s going on?”
“Pei-wenshu caused a commotion at Pei mansion yesterday and sustained some injuries. He probably tossed and turned for a while last night before falling asleep. Look at how pale he is; he’s not feeling well,” Yu Shaoyun said.
They were all martial artists who had endured countless hardships since childhood. Facing danger, injuries and bleeding were common occurrences over the years. As long as they were alive, any other injury, no matter how severe, was a minor matter. But Pei Xiting was different. He wasn’t tough enough, nor did he have a strong foundation. Although he wasn’t someone who couldn’t endure hardship, he was ultimately more delicate and fragile.
A moment later, Little King’s snoring came from inside the carriage, followed by Pei Xiting groggily calling Yuan Fang, asking for food.
Yu Shaoyun stepped forward, pushed open the carriage door, and smiled at the bewildered Pei Xiting, saying, “Pei-wenshu.”
Pei Xiting blinked, got up from Little King, and stumbled to the carriage door. What met his eyes was a towering building, with red pillars and carved eaves, and a majestic black plaque with golden characters hanging high. The two characters “East Palace” were both upright and fluid, conveying a tranquil and magnificent artistic conception.
He recognized it at a glance; it was the Crown Prince’s calligraphy.
Yu Shaoyun helped Pei Xiting down from the carriage, then beckoned Little King to disembark, saying, “His Highness had something to discuss with Pei-wenshu, so he sent Eunuch Lai to find you. Eunuch Lai happened to run into your carriage at the Lanyin Street archway, so he had Yuan Fang drive it directly here.”
Pei Xiting, who had been sound asleep and knew nothing, looked around and asked, “Where’s Yuan Fang?”
“I sent him back first,” Yu Shaoyun gestured. “Follow me.”
Pei Xiting nodded and followed Yu Shaoyun through the East Palace gate. As they walked, it was as if a magnificent scroll was unfolding: towering buildings, beautiful palaces nestled within, carved railings and jade steps, lush greenery brushing against the eaves, encompassing the beauty of all four seasons.
Yu Shaoyun led him to the front of Chenghui Hall. The palace servant at the door immediately went inside to report and soon came out to invite Pei Xiting in.
Pei Xiting entered with light steps and saw a large red sandalwood lotus table behind a screen. The Crown Prince sat in the main seat, with a young boy in a brocade robe and a small topknot sitting beside him.
Zong Lu had bright eyes and white teeth, exquisitely carved like jade. At a glance, he was a handsome boy. His pair of peach blossom eyes must have inherited the charm of his parents, but his temperament resembled the Crown Prince by five parts, appearing as a miniature version of the Crown Prince at first glance. At this moment, he was looking at Pei Xiting with a seemingly calm and serene gaze.
Pei Xiting cupped his hands and bowed, “Your Highness, Little Prince.”
The Crown Prince nodded, “Sit.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Pei Xiting sat to the Crown Prince’s right, slightly turned, “What instructions do you have for me?”
The Crown Prince glanced at Pei Xiting’s complexion, beckoned a palace servant, gave an instruction, and then said, “Lu’er wishes to invite you to be his painting master.”
“Ah?” Pei Xiting was surprised, then shook his head. “How can my humble skills be sufficient?”
The Crown Prince took a sip of tea and unhurriedly said, “Didn’t you claim you’re good enough to teach me?”
Zong Lu heard this and looked at Pei Xiting in surprise. That very young Pei-wenshu raised an eyebrow slightly, his smile completely devoid of restraint or deference, as if he were particularly familiar and close with his fifth uncle.
“It’s different. You are already skilled in painting techniques, but the little prince is still young, and his techniques are not yet formed. What if I mislead him if I teach him?” Pei Xiting said.
The Crown Prince said, “It’s fine; we can try first. Just teach him as you learned before.”
Pei Xiting knew that the Crown Prince managed the little prince strictly, and the little prince was also an important treasure of the royal family, so he couldn’t help but say, “When I learned to paint before, I didn’t just listen to the teacher indoors. I often ran around, sometimes bringing my painting tools and staying in the wilderness for days, sometimes crossing mountains and ridges, getting myself dirty, and occasionally getting injured.”
This was putting the ugly truth out first so that the elder couldn’t interfere too much and the younger couldn’t throw imperial tantrums. Both the elder and the younger understood. The elder looked at the younger, who immediately said, “I can do it.”
The Crown Prince rubbed his teacup and said to Pei Xiting, “He cannot go to distant places for now.”
Pei Xiting was taken aback for a moment but quickly realized that the hidden danger had not been eliminated and posed a threat to the little prince. He said, “There’s no need to go far. There are countless good places in Yejing.”
“Good,” the Crown Prince said. “Lu’er, serve tea.”
Zong Lu responded and rose to stand before Pei Xiting. Eunuch Lai brought two cups of hot tea. Zong Lu then held up one cup and offered it to Pei Xiting, then took the other cup himself, holding it and saying, “Teacher Pei, please guide me.”
Pei Xiting smiled and gently touched Zong Lu’s cup with his own. Zong Lu was stunned for a moment, took a sip of tea, and returned to his seat.
The Crown Prince said, “Serve the meal.”
Eunuch Lai responded and left. Pei Xiting put down his teacup and said, “I didn’t expect to be able to freeload a meal… Uh, what is this?”
Eunuch Lai placed a bowl of dark porridge in front of Pei Xiting.
“Medicated food,” the Crown Prince said.
Pei Xiting straightened up in distaste and said, “It stinks; I don’t want to drink it.”
“It doesn’t stink.”
“It stinks to high heaven.”
The Crown Prince heard this and looked at Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting was a bit intimidated but held his ground.
The Crown Prince did not scold him. He reached out, took the porridge bowl, tasted a spoonful, and then said, “It doesn’t stink. The medicinal taste isn’t strong, and it’s slightly sweet.”
He then turned and found Pei Xiting staring at him blankly. The Crown Prince also paused. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Pei Xiting reach out and take the bowl.
“I’ve used the spoon,” the Crown Prince interrupted just before Pei Xiting scooped up a spoonful and was about to put it in his mouth. Seeing that his pale cheeks quickly turned crimson, he smiled almost imperceptibly and said, “Get another bowl.”
Pei Xiting attributed everything to “the bewitching beauty” and nonchalantly raised his head, saying, “Just change the spoon; otherwise it’d be a waste.”
The Crown Prince said nothing, instructing Eunuch Lai to replace the spoon for him.
Pei Xiting held the bowl and took a small, heavy-hearted sip. He didn’t taste anything strange, so he completely surrendered and drank with relief.
Eunuch Lai quickly finished serving the meal. The Crown Prince and the little prince did not follow the pattern of taking two bites from a dish and then having it removed. Instead, it was simply a homely meal, though much more refined than those outside.
“Eat more,” the Crown Prince said to Pei Xiting, “to nourish your brain.”
Pei Xiting retorted, “My brain is very strong.”
The Crown Prince readily agreed, “Then increase muscle.”
Pei Xiting: “Oh!”
Zong Lu held his chopsticks and ate ribs, feeling his presence at the table was very thin.
Luckily, Pei-wenshu and I are not the same age. Zong Lu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
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