TL: Hua
Chapter 58: Flying Letter – Xiao Pei goes to Enzhou (1)
Young Marquis Mei, with his thick skin, sweet talk, and the ultimate threat of “If you don’t agree, I’ll hang myself at your doorstep,” finally succeeded in persuading (and annoying) Zong Rui to take the two of them along. Content, he then left.
A short while later, Hui Dou entered the study to serve, teasing, “Young Marquis actually came all the way to King Ning’s Mansion to discuss serious matters with you. Could it be that he’s finally maturing?”
“Who knows for sure?” Zong Rui said slowly. “Send word: we’ll set off with Xiu’er and Pei-wenshu.”
Hui Dou hadn’t expected Young Marquis Mei to come to discuss this matter and was a little surprised. He deliberately said, “You volunteered to quell the unrest in Enzhou. Now that Young Marquis Mei is bringing Pei-wenshu along, won’t one merit be split into three?”
“We’re all working for the imperial court and His Highness. Why bother splitting it so finely?” Zong Rui dismissed the idea. “It’s rare for Xiu’er to want to do something proper. For both public and private reasons, I’m happy to help him achieve his goal. As for Pei-wenshu, the Longhe Division has enough on its plate. If he wants merit, there’s no need for him to come to the Ministry of War to snatch it.”
Hui Dou said, puzzled, “Then why does Pei-wenshu want to get involved?”
“He’s just going out to play; let him be. One more person makes no difference,” Zong Rui replied.
“We’re on an official mission, bringing a carefree young master…” Hui Dou met Zong Rui’s gaze and immediately stopped speaking, lowering his head. “This subordinate spoke out of turn; please forgive me, my lord. But I’m just worried that bringing Pei-wenshu will be inconvenient. After all, we’re not going on an outing. If something happens to him, the Longhe Division will come looking for him from us.”
Such worries were not unfounded. Zong Rui said nothing to Hui Dou, only, “When traveling, life and death are one’s own responsibility. Even Chief Lu of the Longhe Division approved it, and You Heying understands these things.”
Upon hearing this, Hui Dou dared not say more and went to give the orders.
Soon after, Queen Ning arrived, having someone place silver ear mushroom soup on the desk. She said, “It’s getting colder and colder. I’ve had thick clothes packed for you; remember to take them so you don’t catch a cold. Oh, when are you setting off?”
“I’ll leave after noon,” Zong Rui said. “I won’t go greet Father.”
Queen Ning nodded and said, “You absolutely must not go. The King is still angry about you kicking his stick away last time. You won’t get a good reception if you go.”
Zong Rui chuckled and said, “If I didn’t kick it away, would he really have broken Zong Yu’s leg?”
Queen Ning sighed, saying, “You children are more worrisome than the last. Children your age in other families, even if not married, certainly have their engagements settled. Aside from you, even Yu’er, who’s never home, has met a girl outside and insists on marrying her. But you are constantly hanging out with a male courtesan all day long! What kind of behavior is that!”
Zong Rui smiled and remained silent.
Seeing this, Queen Ning knew it was pointless to say more and said, “The bandits are fierce; my son must be extra careful.”
“Mother, don’t worry, your son knows what he’s doing.” Zong Rui smiled. “This trip will take less than a month round trip. Your son will definitely be back to celebrate the New Year with Mother.”
Queen Ning gave an “En” and said, “Early or late doesn’t matter; your health is the most important thing. On this trip to Enzhou, will all matters be handled by you?”
“That’s right.” Zong Rui glanced at Queen Ning. “Mother, you can speak directly. Why are you hesitating in front of your son?”
“I was thinking, could An’er be brought along to gain some experience?” Queen Ning sighed. “His birth mother died early, and he was raised under my care. He’s a well-behaved child, but his personality is too quiet. He’s almost nineteen; it’s time for him to settle on a job. You can take him out for some experience first, to temper his character, so that when he goes to the government office later, he won’t be too soft in his work. He was raised by me, so he’s different from his other brothers. When he achieves success, he can also look out for you.”
“I can bring him, but I must make this clear first,” Zong Rui said indifferently. “This is a Ministry of War assignment. If you want him to use this to gain a reward, the ministry won’t approve. If His Highness suspects our King Ning’s Mansion of using public power for private gain and monopolizing merits, that would not be good.”
“It’s just to let him gain some experience; I ask for nothing else, so rest assured,” Queen Ning said with a scolding laugh. “Could I possibly harm my own son?”
Zong Rui gave a scoffing laugh and drank the silver ear mushroom soup in one gulp.
—
Before departing, Pei Xiting went to the Pei residence. He didn’t mention he was going to Enzhou, only that he was leaving on official business.
Bu Suying didn’t ask much about official matters. She tucked the forehead band she had embroidered into Pei Xiting’s pocket and gave him a new pair of shoes, saying, “It’s getting cold. You need to change out of your thin summer boots and put on a comfortable, thicker pair so your feet don’t freeze. How do they feel? Do they fit?”
Pei Xiting stomped his feet on the ground and said, “They fit.”
“Get up and walk a couple of rounds to try them out.” Bu Suying pulled Pei Xiting to his feet and had him walk around the room. When Pei Xiting nodded, she smiled and said, “If they fit, take them. Oh, you didn’t say you were leaving earlier, or I would have prepared some food for you to take along to stave off hunger on the road.”
“No need to trouble yourself. I can buy things outside. It’s cold; you should avoid cold water so you don’t hurt your hands. Oh, and,” Pei Xiting picked up a wooden box from the table. “There are several boxes of winter lip balm and pearl cream for you and Sixteen Lady. Inside, there’s also a box of scar removal cream I asked Doctor Su to formulate; use it for your wounds. If you need any other cosmetics, just send someone to Nuanyu Pavilion on Yangliu Street. I’ve deposited money there, so they will take care of everything.”
“Nuanyu Pavilion’s things are so expensive! I don’t need such precious things.” Bu Suying felt Pei Xiting’s waist but didn’t find a money pouch. “Do you have enough for yourself?”
“Enough. Selling a painting and playing a few rounds of cards is enough to earn some money. You don’t need to worry about anything.” Pei Xiting raised his hand to adjust Bu Suying’s hair ornament. “I just want you to live the latter half of your life in wealth and ease, without suffering any grievances.”
Bu Suying touched Pei Xiting’s face and softly said, “As long as you are safe and healthy and happy, I’ll be completely satisfied.” Pei Xiting softly acknowledged this and said, “I’m leaving.”
“I’ll see you off.”
Bu Suying saw Pei Xiting off to the mansion gate, where three fine horses were waiting. Yuan Fang had previously sneaked into the Pei residence late at night to visit her on Pei Xiting’s behalf, so she recognized him. After they exchanged nods, she looked at the colorfully robed young master on another horse; he was quite striking.
“Is this young master traveling with you?” Bu Suying asked.
“Yes, this is Young Marquis Mei from Qingyuan Marquis Mansion,” Pei Xiting said to Mei Xiu, who had trotted over. “Young Marquis, this is my yiniang.”
Mei Xiu closed his folding fan and said politely, “I’ve long heard of Bu-yiniang’s beautiful name, ‘Spirit Consort on the Waves.’ Meeting you today, you truly possess divine grace. Our Xiting has inherited your exceptional charm.”
Bu Suying hadn’t expected him to be so gentle and polite, not at all like the arrogant, dissolute young marquis of rumors. Upon hearing this, she curtsied and said, “This concubine is of humble appearance; I am flattered by Young Marquis’s praise.”
“Yiniang is too modest,” Mei Xiu said with a cheerful laugh. “This is where Xiting and you are different; he never humbles himself to me.”
Pei Xiting kept his eyes down, not responding.
“Xiting is young and impetuous. If there are any offenses or improprieties, I hope Young Marquis will be magnanimous,” Bu Suying said. “Xiting is fortunate to be able to travel with Young Marquis this time; please guide him well.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him,” Mei Xiu said, reaching out to embrace Pei Xiting’s shoulder, winking suggestively. Pei Xiting chuckled and pushed him onto his horse with a backhand.
Pei Xiting turned back to tell Bu Suying to go back quickly, then stepped on the stirrup and swung onto his horse. “Go!”
The three rode off into the distance and quickly disappeared from view. Bu Suying craned her neck to watch them leave, then turned to Sixteen Lady, who was standing behind the door watching her, and smiled. They went back inside together.
—
Pei Xiting arrived at the designated small city gate and found that Zong An, who in the original story hadn’t personally gone to Enzhou, was also among them. Zong An smiled at him, a gentle and kind smile, much like a pure white lotus. Pei Xiting also smiled and bowed respectfully with cupped hands.
Mei Xiu stopped beside Pei Xiting, not caring why Zong An was accompanying them, and simply bowed.
“Everyone’s here, let’s go.” Zong Rui reined his horse and galloped away.
The group rode without stopping until dusk, continuing for a while longer until they finally stopped outside a post station when it was completely dark.
Zong Rui glanced at the map and said, “We’ll rest here tonight. We should reach Enzhou Prefecture before noon tomorrow. Dismount.”
The line of guards responded in unison and dismounted. Pei Xiting slid off his horse and tilted his head to look at Mei Xiu, saying, “You didn’t even complain about being tired?”
“When out on business, I still have some etiquette.” Mei Xiu took a sip of water and whispered, “And believe me, if I complained about being tired, the prince would probably just abandon me on the spot.”
Pei Xiting said, “I believe you.”
Mei Xiu grinned and said, “Let’s go inside and sit for a bit. I’m starving.”
He pulled Pei Xiting to sit at the table with the Zong brothers. Pei Xiting winked at Yuan Fang, telling him to socialize on his own. A moment later, he looked again, and Yuan Fang had successfully integrated into the guard team.
“Don’t look anymore.” Mei Xiu eyed Yuan Fang warily. “He’s not someone you keep in your room, is he? No ordinary attendant has such good looks!”
Pei Xiting raised an eyebrow. “What does Young Marquis think?”
“How would I know?” Mei Xiu said. “He’s fine, but you remember to guard against Shangguan Jinhe and Prince Zhao, especially Prince Zhao. Don’t be fooled by his flowery talk; he’s not a good person.”
Pei Xiting smiled and remained silent.
Zong Rui joked, “Then what kind of person are you?”
Mei Xiu giggled and leaned onto Zong Rui, saying in a coquettish voice, “I’m the prince’s good—Dong!”
Zong Rui grabbed Mei Xiu’s head and slammed it onto the table. Mei Xiu rolled his eyes and passed out, only reviving when the hot food and dishes arrived.
The food at the post station was naturally not as good as usual, but it was hot and warmed their stomachs. After everyone had eaten their fill, they went to their respective rooms to rest. Mei Xiu stayed glued to Pei Xiting, and just as they were about to cross the threshold, Yuan Fang suddenly reached out and blocked Mei Xiu.
The smile on Mei Xiu’s face instantly vanished.
“Young Marquis, this way please,” Yuan Fang gestured, then gave Young Marquis Mei a push outwards and “slammed” the door shut.
“Xiting!” Mei Xiu stepped forward, pounding on the door. “Look at this ill-mannered fellow!”
Pei Xiting’s voice came from behind the door, full of genuine sincerity: “Don’t worry, Young Marquis, I’ll deal with him properly.”
Mei Xiu believed him and said, “Then I won’t bother with him. Are you going to sleep?”
“I’ll rest after washing up,” Pei Xiting said. “Young Marquis, you should go back to your room and rest early. We still have to travel tomorrow.”
“Alright, well, that…” Mei Xiu said, “Keep your voice down at night. The walls are thin, and the next room can hear everything—just go to sleep early!”
Pei Xiting replied, “Thank you for the reminder, Young Marquis. I’ll be quieter.”
Mei Xiu sighed upon hearing this, then reluctantly and fretfully departed.
“Why do I feel like you two are speaking in code?” Yuan Fang sat down on a chair, legs wide apart, his gaze suspicious.
“Nothing. It’s just that Young Marquis thought you were my male companion, and we were going to ‘harmoniously explore life’ tonight,” Pei Xiting untied his belt and casually stroked Yuan Fang’s chin. “Who told you to look so handsome?”
Yuan Fang didn’t mind his roving hand and said, “Someone is following us.”
Pei Xiting paused, then asked, “Who?”
“I don’t know, but they’re more skilled than the people who were staking out the courtyard. Even I can only sense their presence vaguely, as if they’re there and not there.” Someone knocked on the door, and Yuan Fang got up to open it.
The inn attendant brought in two basins of hot water and a bucket of water, then quickly withdrew.
When traveling, Yuan Fang habitually took out a silver needle to test the water. Only after confirming it was safe did he put Pei Xiting’s personal towel in, soak it, wring it dry, and hand it to Pei Xiting to wipe his face.
“Such excellent stealth skills; they must be hidden guards or assassins, and high-level ones at that.”
Pei Xiting wiped his face and said, “It might not necessarily be for us, right? After all, Young Marquis Mei and the two Zongs are also traveling with us, each one more valuable than the last.”
“But I sensed something once outside the Pei residence. There are fewer than five people in the world who can give me this feeling, and this person bears no ill will towards us. More like a hidden guard than an assassin.” Yuan Fang paused. “I suspect they are likely from the east palace.”
Pei Xiting was taken aback. “Such a powerful hidden guard should be protecting the Crown Prince’s safety at all times. How could they be following me?”
“Perhaps the Crown Prince sent him to protect you,” Yuan Fang said.
Pei Xiting pursed his lips and said, “I’ve already fallen out with him, and he still sent his people to protect me? Do you really think the Crown Prince is that benevolent and friendly?”
Yuan Fang said, “Given your audacious and arrogant nature, the fact that the Crown Prince hasn’t laid a finger on you already seems like a bodhisattva has possessed him.”
“People who say one thing and mean another, whose mouths are harder than their d*cks, are the most annoying!” Pei Xiting said bitterly. “That Zong fellow will definitely come to a bad end in a secret love novel!”
Yuan Fang seemed to understand vaguely and said, “He likes you, so he pays attention to you and looks after you, but he can’t be with you due to his status?”
“It’s not due to his status… well, you could say that.” Pei Xiting said, “He sees the East Palace as a cage and himself as a villain. He thinks the East Palace would restrain me, and he would harm me, so he’d rather not have me close.”
Yuan Fang was a bit confused. “You understand everything, so why are you still so angry?”
“Firstly, he doesn’t mean what he says and always tries to push me away; secondly, he doesn’t trust me, thinking I’m just acting on a momentary impulse; thirdly, he’s also interested in me, but he still refuses to accept me,” Pei Xiting said.
Although he sounded disappointed when he mentioned the Crown Prince, his tone was far from flat or cold. Yuan Fang thought for a moment and said, “So you’re playing hard to get… are you?”
Pei Xiting scratched his head and said, “I just feel that his ideas and mine seem to be completely at odds. As for me, I’m a ‘do as I please’ type; if I like something, I’ll pursue it; if not, I’ll break up. But he’s different. I understand now; he’s someone who demands a lifelong commitment. If I walk up to him today, I have to stay by his side forever; there’s no escape halfway.”
“So you’re backing down?”
“Not exactly. I just want to calm down and think seriously.” Pei Xiting irritably collapsed onto the couch and sighed faintly. “His restraint and consideration have their reasons. If I act too impulsively, wouldn’t that be inconsiderate? But in a few decades of life, who can predict what will happen? If we start but can’t end perfectly, wouldn’t he really break my legs and lock me up in a small black room?”
Yuan Fang lacked this kind of knowledge and only said, “If he cherishes you, he wouldn’t bear to hurt you.”
“He doesn’t seem very confident himself.” Pei Xiting rubbed his chin. “I always feel that people like him, who are usually very calm and composed and good at suppressing their emotions, actually have the potential to be abnormal. Look, he’s like that even in my dreams, choking me—”
Yuan Fang couldn’t bear to listen anymore and said, “Are you sure it’s not because you’re constantly thinking about perverse things and drawing perverse pictures, which is why you have perverse dreams?”
“Hehe,” Pei Xiting said.
Yuan Fang rolled his eyes. “Get lost.”
Pei Xiting snorted, pulled out pearl cream from a nearby satchel to rub on his face, and then put the rest on Yuan Fang’s face. Yuan Fang, who didn’t appreciate the value, was quite disgusted, and Pei Xiting, also displeased, said in an old-fashioned tone, “It’s cold and windy; you need to protect your skin, or you’ll know how much it hurts when you get frostbite.”
“How can I be so delicate? I used to spend a whole night in a tree in heavy snow, and nothing happened.” Yuan Fang roughly smeared the cream on his face, his eyebrows and eyes scrunched up, wishing he could wash it off immediately.
“That was for a mission, no choice. It’s different now,” Pei Xiting said dismissively. “Anyway, I don’t care how you were before. When you’re with me, you have to live the best life possible.”
Yuan Fang said no more, wiped his face, and said, “Wash your feet. Wash them and go to bed early.”
Pei Xiting said, “Alright.”
There was only one quilt in the room. Pei Xiting invited Yuan Fang to share the bed, but Yuan Fang was quite reluctant, disliking the fact that he was a restless sleeper.
“You scoundrel, don’t despise me; just go to sleep.” Pei Xiting pulled the quilt and turned over to sleep.
Yuan Fang sighed, casually extinguished the candle, and went to bed to rest.
Outside the window, from a large tree, Jie Zi pulled out a small notebook and quickly added two sentences to the paper. Then, he curled a finger and blew a strange whistle. He folded the paper, put it into a letter tube, tied it to the leg of a flying falcon, and said, “Go.”
The falcon glided into the night sky, flying smoothly until it landed on the iron frame in front of a carved window, where a hand removed the letter tube.
Yu Shaoyun unfolded the letter, and his mouth twitched. He turned back to the desk and said, “Your Highness, Jie Zi’s flying letter.”
The Crown Prince reached out and took it. The paper was covered in tiny, dense script:
[Young Marquis Mei waited for Pei-wenshu on Lanyin Street, then accompanied him to the Pei residence. Pei-wenshu entered the residence to say goodbye, while Young Marquis Mei and Yuan Fang waited outside. Pei-wenshu came out with Bu-shi. Young Marquis Mei exchanged a few words with Bu-shi, then put his arm around Pei-wenshu and got on their horses. The three left the capital together. On the road, Young Marquis Mei and Pei-wenshu were inseparable. Upon reaching the post station, they ate at the same table. His attempt to share a room was thwarted by Yuan Fang, and he returned to his room disappointed. Yuan Fang and Pei-wenshu shared a room to rest; it’s unknown if they shared a bed, but each room in the post station only has one quilt.]
“…”
The Crown Prince was silent, his expression unfathomable. Yu Shaoyun glanced at him and said, “Being away from home is not like being at home; Yuan Fang must protect Pei-wenshu closely.”
“I know,” the Crown Prince said. “There’s nothing else between Yuan Fang and Pei Xiting. Otherwise, living together day and night, they would have already sparked a raging fire.”
Yu Shaoyun pondered His Highness’s tone and said, “Young Marquis Mei is also fine; after all, Pei-wenshu doesn’t like him.”
“Anything is possible,” the Crown Prince said indifferently. “He deeply resents me for not being honest with my feelings. Perhaps tomorrow he’ll change his taste and prefer someone excessively frank and simple-minded.”
Yu Shaoyun said stiffly, “How could that be, haha.”
The Crown Prince said, “Your tone is not confident, not certain, and very forced.”
Yu Shaoyun said, “This subordinate was wrong.” The Crown Prince looked at the flying letter in his hand and said, “Do you think what I’m doing is right?”
“Your Highness always pays attention to Pei-wenshu. What’s right or wrong about that?” Yu Shaoyun said.
The Crown Prince said, “Is this attention or surveillance?”
“At least you’re not trying to harm Pei-wenshu,” Yu Shaoyun said.
“Will he hate or reject me for doing this?” the Crown Prince said. “Look at him; his father and mother can’t control him, and no household rules or palace rules can control him. ‘Defiant’ is practically written on his forehead. His heart is wilder than an untamed horse… If he knew I was constantly watching him, knowing even these small details, would he be unhappy?”
Yu Shaoyun quieted down upon hearing this and suddenly understood His Highness’s concerns. He said, “Why don’t you ask Pei-wenshu directly?”
“I find this a bit terrifying, for him and for me,” the Crown Prince’s voice was very soft, like he was muttering or confessing to himself. “He hasn’t fallen into my hands yet, and I’m already like this. Once he’s truly mine, won’t my actions escalate? If one day he tires of me and wants to fly away from my grasp, should I let him go? My selfish desire is not to let him go, but to forcefully keep him means I have to break him, which is quite unbearable. So what should I do? Conversely, I’m already somewhat unable to control myself now. As time goes on, I don’t know what I’ll become.”
Yu Shaoyun didn’t know what to say, only asking, “Does Your Highness really want to completely break off with Pei-wenshu? Please forgive this subordinate’s audacity, but those words in the flying letter already made you quite unhappy. If Pei-wenshu truly falls for someone else in the future and flies to another’s branch, what would… you do?”
The Crown Prince tried to imagine Pei Xiting looking directly at someone else with those bright, affectionate eyes, and it felt exceptionally jarring, let alone any more intimate actions.
“How about getting some rest early? We can think about it tomorrow,” Yu Shaoyun cautiously suggested.
The Crown Prince couldn’t sleep and didn’t want to be preoccupied with Pei Xiting. He said, “How are the investigations into the cult progressing?”
“Currently, we’ve found that Bai Mian Fang in the city is one of their contact points. For the rest, we’ll have to wait for You Heying to return and report the details to you,” Yu Shaoyun said.
The Crown Prince asked, “What kind of place is Bai Mian Fang?”
Yu Shaoyun replied, “A brothel.”
The Crown Prince folded the flying letter, tucked it into his sleeve, and said, “Let’s go.”
Yu Shaoyun was shocked by the letter’s fate; shouldn’t it be burned after reading, shattered in the lampshade? He immediately reacted and said, “That kind of place is a murky mess. Are you going? Actually, I can go in and investigate.”
“Brothels are lively,” the Crown Prince said faintly. “If we find clues, it’s fine to deal with them on the spot.”
Since his mind was no longer completely under control, he would use external forces, such as music and instruments, to sweep away that annoying nuisance, Pei Xiting.
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