On that day, at Xiao Linyue’s first-morning court session after his formal ascension to the throne, he sat high upon the Dragon Throne, surveying the assembled officials below.
As the new emperor, Xiao Linyue was expected to project an image of benevolence and magnanimity, regardless of his true intentions. Yet as his cold gaze swept over the scheming ministers, he showed no inclination to compromise.
The first matter he addressed in court was the Grace Examination, scheduled for the coming spring.
“Zhao Yongtu,” he said, “during our discussions in the Imperial Study a month ago, I instructed you to urgently dispatch the imperial decree to all provinces, summoning scholars from across the realm to the capital for the examination. What progress has been made on this matter?”
“Your Majesty,” Zhao Yongtu replied, “the imperial decree was delivered to all regions five days ago. Scholars from the capital region have already arrived in the capital to await the examination. Those from more distant provinces should arrive by the second month.”
“Hmm.” Xiao Linyue outwardly accepted this report, his sword-like eyebrows and sharp eyes revealing no hint of his true thoughts. He casually added, with veiled meaning, “As the New Emperor of this new dynasty, I naturally intend to appoint fresh talent to key positions.”
“However—” he continued, “my esteemed ministers need not be alarmed. Those who diligently fulfill their duties and work conscientiously will certainly earn my favor and be entrusted with greater responsibilities.”
“But should anyone harbor ulterior motives or disdain my military origins, they will be judged according to military law, without exception or leniency!”
Xiao Linyue’s words were delivered in a measured tone, yet they carried the weight of his battlefield-honed authority. Each syllable seemed to drip with unspoken blood, sending a chill down the spines of the veteran ministers. They exchanged furtive glances before finally kneeling in unison. “We would never harbor such treacherous thoughts, Your Majesty. We will serve you with utmost loyalty.”
“Good,” Xiao Linyue said, a corner of his mouth curling into a smile. With a wave of his hand, the golden dragon embroidered on his sleeve glared fiercely, radiating imperial majesty.
After the court session adjourned, Xiao Linyue, missing Pei Lanqing’s presence, saw no reason to retire to the rear palace. He remained in the imperial study, reviewing memorials while pondering how to persuade the Grand Tutor to return sooner.
By midday, Xiao Linyue had grown restless. He ate a perfunctory meal and spent the afternoon in a daze, leaning back in his chair for a few hours. Winter days grew dark quickly, but even before sunset, Xiao Linyue could no longer remain seated.
“Song Pingming, prepare the imperial carriage. I’m leaving the palace.”
Song Pingming, originally Xiao Linyue’s personal guard in the military, had been appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard after the emperor’s ascension. Hearing Xiao Linyue’s command, he couldn’t help but advise, “Your Majesty, it’s already late. Is there some urgent matter requiring your immediate attention?”
“We…” Xiao Linyue began, then changed his words. “Zhao Yongtu said today that scholars have already arrived in the capital to prepare for the Grace Examination. We don’t trust him. This is the perfect opportunity to investigate the inns where the scholars might be staying and see if his claims hold true.”
Song Pingming, suspecting nothing, assumed Xiao Linyue was genuinely concerned about the Grace Examination and immediately went to make preparations.
Though Xiao Linyue’s true motive for leaving the palace was to see Pei Lanqing, he remained focused on official matters. Seated in his carriage, he ordered the driver to head toward the major inns in the imperial city, personally inspecting each one.
As Zhao Yongtu had claimed, scholars preparing for the examination had indeed begun arriving at the inns. Perhaps Xiao Linyue’s earlier threats had proven effective, for despite the hasty arrangements, everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly.
They visited seven or eight inns, finding the situation satisfactory at each. However, chaos erupted at their final destination: Xingfu Inn.
As Xiao Linyue’s carriage arrived, the inn staff were violently shoving several poorly dressed scholars.
“Get out of here! What are you doing here if you can’t afford to stay?!”
The scholars were furious. One of them argued fiercely with the staff: “We already paid the deposit! You’re raising the price now!”
At this moment, the innkeeper emerged, stroking his mustache with a disdainful smirk. “The price was what it was then, and it’s what it is now. If you can’t afford it, go stay somewhere else!”
“Then at least refund our deposit!” another scholar shouted.
The innkeeper chuckled. “A deposit is a deposit. Once it’s paid, there’s no refunding it.”
“You!” The scholars, enraged, looked ready to brawl with the inn’s staff.
Xiao Linyue, seated in his carriage, listened to the innkeeper’s sophistry, a cold smile playing on his lips. “What a black-hearted scoundrel… Daring to pull this stunt right under the Emperor’s nose, despite the strict crackdown.”
“Song Pingming, take your men and detain the innkeeper and his staff. Hand them all over to the Capital Prefecture. We’ll make an example of them.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Song Pingming replied, immediately leading his men to carry out the order.
The innkeeper and his staff were no match for the imperial guards. Within moments, they were all captured, trembling with fear.
Amidst the chaos, the more timid scholars fled, while the bolder ones remained. Among them, the two who had just been berating the innkeeper noticed the soldiers’ approach and seized the opportunity to slip through the confusion to Xiao Linyue’s carriage.
Assuming the intervention came from a high-ranking official in the capital, they bowed deeply and declared:
“This student is Su Minghui.”
“This student is Wang Naying.”
“We thank this esteemed official for seeking justice on our behalf—”
“You need not kneel,” Xiao Linyue replied, his voice muffled by the carriage curtain. Unwilling to reveal his identity, he offered a plausible explanation: “I am here on imperial orders to inspect the inns where candidates are lodging. It is merely my duty.”
Though his face remained hidden, the two candidates sensed the extraordinary dignity in his voice. After repeated bows of gratitude, they finally withdrew.
Watching the scholars’ retreating figures, Xiao Linyue instructed Song Pingming: “Issue an order: all candidates who have come to the capital for the examinations shall receive a daily lodging and meal allowance of six wen, funded by the imperial treasury.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
With official business concluded, Xiao Linyue’s steps quickened as he returned to the carriage. “Since it’s already late, I won’t return to the palace tonight… Let’s stay at Pei Manor instead!”
***
Pei Manor, Study.
Pei Bingwen, Pei Lanqing’s father, stood with his hands clasped behind his back before the window, his expression complex. Several senior members of the Pei Family—uncles, cousins, and nephews—sat in chairs, sipping tea.
Pei Lanqing wore the cloak Xiao Linyue had personally draped over his shoulders before he left the palace. Yet even the voluminous garment couldn’t conceal his seven-month-pregnant figure—nor did he intend to hide it.
Pei Bingwen gazed at his eldest son, sighing repeatedly. Among the Pei Family’s current generation, Pei Lanqing was the most outstanding, and the son he cherished most.
When the Deposed Emperor had imprisoned Pei Lanqing in the palace, Pei Bingwen had worried so much his hair had nearly turned white. Now that the New Emperor had finally ascended the throne, this scandalous affair had surfaced, and Pei Lanqing was even carrying the emperor’s child.
“Father,” Pei Lanqing said, “now that the New Emperor has ascended the throne, our Pei Family must set an example by urging our scholars to enter government service.”
“Lanqing, you speak so lightly,” the Second Master of the Pei Family remarked, his gaze lingering on Pei Lanqing’s pregnant form. “But our family’s glory has faded. Your affair with the New Emperor has become common knowledge, overshadowing centuries of the Pei Family’s reputation.”
Pei Lanqing frowned slightly. He knew his second uncle’s words were calculated, but he also knew they held a grain of truth.
When he decided to be with Xiao Linyue, he had already prepared himself to bear the brunt of public scorn.
“Aiya, Second Brother, why bring this up? It’s not Lanqing’s fault,” the Third Master of the Pei Family interjected, trying to smooth things over. “Let’s not dwell on the past. Let’s not dwell on the past.”
“But Uncle, to prevent future troubles, we must clarify this matter,” Pei Yuyi, the Third Young Master of the Pei Family, said with an earnest expression. “Elder Brother, there are no outsiders present. Just tell us the truth.”
“Is the child in your womb the Deposed Emperor’s or the New Emperor’s? If something goes wrong later, it could implicate the entire Pei Family.”
Upon hearing this, Pei Lanqing felt a surge of shame and anger, unable to suppress his coughing. “Cough, cough, cough… Third Brother, are you testing me with these rumors?”
“This child is indeed His Majesty’s, and there is not a word of falsehood in that.”
“Elder Brother, don’t blame me. We simply need to clarify this—”
“Enough!” Pei Bingwen slammed his teacup onto the ground, shattering it and splashing tea and shards across the floor. The sudden outburst finally silenced the room.
After a long silence, Pei Bingwen finally turned to Pei Lanqing and said, “Lanqing, it’s not that I don’t want to heed your words. But Great Qi has seen three emperors in less than a year. Summoning our disciples to serve in court now would be exceedingly risky.”
“Father,” Pei Lanqing said, finally managing to suppress his coughs. Though his face remained pale and frail, his eyes burned with unwavering resolve. “Scholars serve the court in times of peace and prosperity. But does that mean we should abandon our duty to the nation in times of chaos? What difference would that make between us and opportunistic sycophants?”
“With the realm newly stabilized and everything in disarray, those with ambition should seize this opportunity to secure livelihoods and benefits for the people.”
“Moreover, I believe in Ye… His Majesty possesses great ambition and vision. He will surely accomplish extraordinary feats in the future. For the Pei Family’s scholars to enter court now would bring only benefits and no harm.”
Pei Bingwen was shaken by his son’s resounding words, unable to refute them for a long moment.
Just then, the estate’s steward rushed in, his expression urgent. “Master! His Majesty’s imperial carriage has arrived at the gate!”
Pei Lanqing’s heart leaped in surprise, and the entire Pei Family immediately sprang into action, hurrying out to greet the emperor alongside Pei Bingwen.
Due to the suddenness of the visit and Xiao Linyue’s desire to keep his incognito departure from the palace a secret, the carriage only stopped after passing through the second gate.
Xiao Linyue, his thoughts preoccupied with Pei Lanqing, stepped down from the carriage. The Pei Family immediately bowed in obeisance, and Pei Lanqing, despite his physical discomfort, attempted to kneel as well.
But just as he began to bend, a pair of strong hands steadied his arm.
Xiao Linyue’s hand firmly supported Pei Lanqing. He had initially felt a smug satisfaction, eager to witness the Grand Tutor’s surprise and delight at his arrival. However, he unexpectedly noticed that Pei Lanqing’s complexion was even paler than when they had left the palace.
Frowning slightly, Xiao Linyue was about to ask what was wrong when Pei Lanqing gently tugged at his sleeve, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings. “Your Majesty—”
Only then did Xiao Linyue remember the Pei Family. He raised a hand toward them. “Esteemed ministers, there’s no need for such formality. Please rise.”
“The Grand Tutor has returned home to visit his family. I was concerned, so I came out of the palace to check on him.”
Pei Lanqing had expected Xiao Linyue to at least prepare a more plausible explanation, but the Emperor’s bluntness left him inwardly sighing.
To the Pei Family, these words struck like thunder, carrying a profound and unsettling weight.
Especially for Pei Bingwen. He had initially believed the New Emperor’s interest in his son was merely a passing whim, but now—
He found himself torn between joy and apprehension.
As for the rest of the Pei Family, their reactions to this scene were varied and complex.
Though Xiao Linyue was unaware of what had just transpired, his years growing up in the palace had honed his ability to read people’s expressions. He took in everyone’s reactions with a cold, silent amusement.
He deliberately tightened his arm around Pei Lanqing’s waist, drawing him closer. “It’s chilly today, Grand Tutor. You’re not suited for the cold. Let’s go inside first.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The group had prepared to formally receive the emperor, but Xiao Linyue dismissed everyone except Pei Bingwen and Pei Lanqing, claiming urgent matters to discuss.
In the study, the shattered teacup still lay on the floor, yet to be cleared away.
Xiao Linyue studied the father and son’s expressions without asking any direct questions. He first helped Pei Lanqing sit down, then casually began examining the scrolls on the bookshelf, as if no one else were present.
“Since childhood, I’ve often heard the Grand Tutor mention the Pei Family’s profound scholarly tradition and its vast collection of books, surpassing even the imperial library. Seeing it today, I can confirm it’s truly as impressive as described.”
Pei Bingwen couldn’t decipher Xiao Linyue’s true intentions and dared not respond rashly. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. “Your Majesty flatters us. This humble servant would gladly offer the Pei Family’s entire collection to the imperial court.”
“There’s no need for such alarm, Elder Minister,” Xiao Linyue said with a smile, his expression remaining outwardly calm. He sat back down beside Pei Lanqing, taking his hand. “If we truly brought these books to the palace, I suppose I would relent. But when our child is born and grows up surrounded by these tomes, under the Grand Tutor’s strict guidance, I fear they might cry.”
Pei Lanqing understood Xiao Linyue’s true intent. He had no real desire to move the Pei Family’s library; this roundabout conversation was merely a way to bring the topic back to the child in his womb. He played along, saying, “Your Majesty need not worry. I myself grew up reading these very books. Though it was arduous at times, I found great joy in it.”
Xiao Linyue and Pei Lanqing exchanged a knowing glance, their minds in perfect accord. He nodded solemnly. “The Grand Tutor speaks wisely. Besides—”
“The future Crown Prince of Great Qi should naturally be well-read.”
Pei Bingwen had initially watched their back-and-forth with growing unease, feeling as if he were sitting on pins and needles. But when Xiao Linyue uttered the words “Crown Prince,” his eyes widened in shock.
“Your Majesty!”
Though Xiao Linyue’s smile remained, his expression gradually turned solemn. Seated in the Grand Tutor’s chair in the study, he exuded the undeniable aura of an emperor, as if he were presiding over the golden halls of the imperial court, his words carrying the weight of absolute authority.
“We understand your concerns, Elder Pei, and those of the Pei Family. Lacking complete confidence in the stability of the court, you hesitate to wager your support on Us, the New Emperor.”
“But We declare it plainly today: the child in the Grand Tutor’s womb is the future Son of Heaven of Great Qi, bearing the bloodline of your Pei Family—your own grandson, Pei Bingwen.”
“Elder Pei, is this not enough for your family to place their bet?”
Pei Lanqing instinctively gripped Xiao Linyue’s hand. Though Xiao Linyue had whispered these words countless times during their intimate moments in the palace, hearing them declared before his father made his heart pound wildly.
Xiao Linyue glanced back and reassuringly patted Pei Lanqing’s hand. But when he turned back to Pei Bingwen, a chill entered his gaze.
“Behind closed doors, Elder Pei, you are the Grand Tutor’s father. It is out of respect for the Pei Family’s scholarly tradition that We speak so plainly.”
“But let Elder Pei understand this: with the Imperial Examination approaching, talents from across the realm will flood the capital. We are not beholden to the Pei Family alone—”
“Whether to retreat or advance, Your Excellency, you must make a decision quickly.”
Faced with this combination of grace and threat, Pei Bingwen secretly sighed, acknowledging that Xiao Linyue’s methods were far more sophisticated than those of Feng Ming or the Deposed Emperor. Perhaps his eldest son had been right all along—Xiao Linyue truly was a born emperor, a ruler destined to appear only once in a century.
With this realization, Pei Bingwen finally knelt respectfully before Xiao Linyue, bowing deeply in obeisance. “This old minister is willing to lead the Pei Family and our three hundred disciples to serve Your Majesty with the loyalty of dogs and horses!”
Xiao Linyue, holding Pei Lanqing’s hand, nodded with a satisfied smile.
