TL: Hua
Chapter 55: One Table – Qu Zhao: Yo~ how lively
Zhao Fan’s assignment in Ningzhou was almost complete. With the autumn examination approaching and his thoughts on Pei Xiting, he didn’t linger outside and returned to Yejing.
“I just arrived yesterday. I had intended to come find you another day, but I didn’t expect to run into you now,” Zhao Fan scrutinized Pei Xiting’s face, his eyes showing concern. “Your complexion isn’t as good as before. Are you ill?”
Pei Xiting said, “Just a bit overheated recently.”
Autumn dryness and overheating were not serious matters. Zhao Fan didn’t ask further, turning his head to Mei Xiu, teasing, “Is Young Marquis also participating in the autumn exam this year?”
“No, I’m here to send off Fourth Brother Zhao and Second Young Master Pei,” Mei Xiu completely disregarded Zhao Fan’s teasing, turning his head to smile slightly at Pei Xiting, “And to see Xiting, by the way.”
That “Xiting” was as soft as water, sending a shiver down Pei Xiting’s spine, and goosebumps quickly spread across his body. He returned the smile. Mei Xiu’s eyes lit up, and his smile immediately widened. The two smiled and gazed at each other for a moment before Pei Jintang reached out and cut them off.
“That’s enough.” Pei Jintang quickly glanced at Mei Xiu and Zhao Fan, his heart wary. He said to Pei Xiting, “Your business here is done. Go back and rest quickly.”
Hearing this, Pei Xiting didn’t insist on staying. Just as he was about to bid farewell to Zhao Fan, he heard the other party say, “I’ll see you off.”
Mei Xiu looked at Zhao Fan warily and quickly said, “Take me too!”
Pei Jintang: “…”
Zhao Yi looked at Mei Xiu in confusion, feeling that he was like a fighting cock today, inexplicably hostile towards everyone, but he clearly didn’t glean any more information.
Zhao Fan and Mei Xiu exchanged glances; neither was in a hurry, and they both smiled slightly. “Alright, we’ll take you.”
The three walked away together. Pei Jintang stared at their retreating backs, frowning. If it were before, he naturally wouldn’t think too much, but Shangguan Jie had enlightened him. Now, looking at the two walking to Pei Xiting’s left and right, he always felt they had ill intentions.
No wonder these two’s reputations were truly concerning.
Zhao Yi saw Pei Jintang’s wary gaze and comforted him, “Don’t worry, with my elder brother here, Young Marquis Mei won’t be able to bully Xiting.”
Your brother is even more dangerous, isn’t he?! Pei Jintang roared in his heart, but he couldn’t show it on his face. After all, there was no concrete evidence, and perhaps he was just overthinking.
“Besides, Young Marquis Mei is very friendly to Xiting; he’s been smiling the whole time.” Zhao Yi patted Pei Jintang’s shoulder. “Don’t worry.”
Pei Jintang glanced at this little white rabbit. Before he could speak, he saw Zhao Yi’s expression change slightly, and he said somewhat hesitantly, “It’s you, though, that I’m worried about.”
Pei Jintang wondered, “What’s wrong with me? I’m fine.”
“I know you don’t wish to pursue an official career through examinations, and I guessed you would come here feeling completely relaxed today, but when I saw you earlier, you seemed preoccupied,” Zhao Yi said.
Pei Jintang quieted for a moment. He had indeed held the mindset of “if I can pass, great; if not, even better” before, but now it was different. If he remained at home, he would just be the second young master of the Pei family, with “running away from home” as his only reason for distant travel.
Pei Jintang smiled at Zhao Yi, “I’ll study hard for the exam. If I don’t pass this year, I’ll go elsewhere to seek a future.”
Zhao Yi, not wanting to pry into the Pei family’s affairs, just smiled and said, “It’s good to just do your best in everything.”
On the other side, the trio walked out of the various family farewell groups, enduring all sorts of gazes, when they saw the Shangguan family’s carriage approaching.
Shangguan Jie jumped out of the carriage, completely ignoring his clan brothers who were about to participate in the autumn exam. He walked directly to Pei Xiting and said, “Came to see Jintang and the others off?”
“En.” Pei Xiting replied.
Shangguan Jie didn’t mind Pei Xiting’s cold attitude; he was used to it, and complaining every time would only upset him. He glanced at the two people beside Pei Xiting and said, “It’s your day off today, isn’t it? Care to have some tea with me?”
“No way, Xiting and I already have plans,” Mei Xiu stepped in front of Shangguan Jie, blocking him. “Get lost.”
Shangguan Jie gnashed his teeth lightly, smiling, “Why are you everywhere?”
“I’ll return that line to you,” Mei Xiu turned to Pei Xiting and said, “Let’s go.”
“I want to go too,” Shangguan Jie hooked Mei Xiu’s shoulder, smiling, “Xiu’er, you don’t mind bringing me along, do you?”
“I do mind!” Mei Xiu retorted.
“Why do you mind? The more the merrier, or are you,” Shangguan Jie mused, “going to do something bad with Pei-wenshu?”
Mei Xiu chuckled, “Oh, the thief calling out the thief, are we?” He reached out and grabbed Shangguan Jie’s arm, pulling him aside, and whispered, “I saw through your little schemes long ago!”
“I’m warning you, don’t touch Pei Xiting,” Shangguan Jie said impolitely.
“Why do you say that? Is he yours?” Shangguan Jie’s eyes darkened, but Mei Xiu showed no fear, patting his shoulder. “He has nothing to do with you. Let me advise you: if he’s not yours, don’t even think about occupying him.”
Shangguan Jie sneered, “If he’s not mine, you can’t touch him either.”
“Even if I don’t touch him, I won’t allow you or Zhao Xingjian to touch him!” Mei Xiu declared, “Pei Xiting is under my protection; don’t you two dare ruin him!”
“Your protection, my ass! He’s gone!”
Mei Xiu was shoved aside by an elbow. He clutched his aching chest and turned to see that Zhao Fan had actually reaped the benefits of their struggle, having taken Pei Xiting away!
He let out a “hey!” and quickly chased after them.
—
Half an hour later, at Yuanyang Pavilion.
Pei Xiting glanced at the other three at the table and smiled faintly, “Have you all understood the rules of mahjong?”
He had originally planned to visit Qing Lingling at Yuanyang Pavilion today. Since these three couldn’t be driven away, he might as well take out the mahjong box from the carriage and play a game.
“Understood.” Zhao Fan took a sip of tea. “Let’s begin.”
“Wait a moment—” Mei Xiu interjected.
“If you don’t understand, it means your brain isn’t working well,” Shangguan Jie said. “Get off the table.”
“Did I say I don’t understand?” Mei Xiu glared at him. “I mean, ten taels per game is too little. It’s not exciting enough.”
Pei Xiting, with the thinnest purse, said, “Young Marquis, small stakes make for pleasant gambling.”
“Your salary at the Longhe Division must be low, right? Young Marquis Shangguan and Prince Zhao are both overflowing with wealth. Aren’t you going to take advantage of this opportunity to earn more?” Mei Xiu boldly winked at Pei Xiting, then said, “How about we play for a hundred taels a game?”
Ten taels and a hundred taels made no difference to Zhao Fan and Shangguan Jie. Neither had any objections. Seeing this, Pei Xiting said, “Alright then.”
Qing Lingling pushed the door open midway through, carrying a tray that he placed on a small side table, saying, “Pear soup.”
Pei Xiting played a “one dot” tile, looked up at Qing Lingling, and seeing that his small face looked well, he felt relieved.
“Thank you,” he said. “Let me try some.”
Qing Lingling carried a bowl to Pei Xiting’s side and whispered, “No sugar added.”
Pei Xiting tasted a spoonful. “Mm, just right.”
Qing Lingling smiled. There was a bite mark on his lower lip, which even lip balm couldn’t completely hide. Pei Xiting put the bowl aside and said, “Have a seat for a while.”
“Alright,” Qing Lingling responded, carrying a stool and sitting beside Pei Xiting.
Seeing this, Shangguan Jie said coolly, “Aren’t you two supposed to be enemies forever? Three bamboo.”
“Between friends, misunderstandings and arguments aren’t rare. Haven’t we reconciled now?” Pei Xiting reached for the three bamboo. “Eat.”
The last time he came to Yuanyang Pavilion, Qing Lingling’s worry about his bet with Mei Xiu was a genuine display of emotion. Why pretend now? Moreover, Pei Xiting also had his own calculations. As long as Zong Rui was there, Qing Lingling would have a backing, and others could not easily harm him, so no matter what, he couldn’t let Zong Rui get into trouble.
Zhao Fan knew that Qing Lingling was Zong Rui’s “little rabbit.” Seeing him sitting close to Pei Xiting, but with no hint of ambiguity between them, he didn’t take it to heart and casually asked, “Where did Prince Ning go to enjoy himself today?”
“Enjoy what? Enzhou is just north of Yejing, and there’s been a bandit problem recently, so he has to deal with it.” Shangguan Jie, being in the Imperial Army, had some knowledge of the Ministry of War’s news.
Pei Xiting drew a tile and casually said, “Is there no one in Enzhou to handle it?”
He rarely joined in conversations, so Shangguan Jie was stunned for a moment, then said, “The Prefectural Office is busy dealing with cases of missing people, and these bandits are fierce. They’re simply too overwhelmed and have to ask Yejing for help. The prince is devoted to His Majesty. If he can settle the matter by the end of the year, His Highness will also be pleased.”
Once the rumors of the “Four Treasures” spread, the Crown Prince was put in danger, which was also bad news for the Zong family descendants, especially Zong Rui, the heir of King Ning’s mansion, who was at the forefront. After all, to outsiders, with the Emperor gravely ill, Zong Lu being the son of the previously disgraced Crown Prince, and King Ning being quite old, Zong Rui, a young and strong royal heir, was the most competitive candidate.
If the Crown Prince were to become wary and preemptively eliminate threats, Zong Rui’s situation would become dangerous.
Therefore, Pei Xiting speculated that Zong Rui’s blatant entanglement with Qing Lingling was mostly an act of self-defilement, and his hands-on approach to everything was also to prove his loyalty to the Crown Prince.
“It’s just a bunch of bandits; if it’s really that bad, just let Prince Ning go there and it’ll be solved, right?” Mei Xiu said, “Three Wans!”
Shangguan Jie chuckled, “If it’s that easy, why don’t you go?”
“If His Highness trusts me to go, I’d really dare to,” Mei Xiu said languidly.
Pei Xiting’s eyes flickered slightly, and he said, “Young Marquis’s riding and archery skills are not bad. If you could go, you would surely accomplish great deeds.”
“Really? I think so too, Xiting; you truly have good eyes!” Mei Xiu beamed with joy.
Shangguan Jie’s teeth ached. He shot Pei Xiting a cold glare, not understanding why this person couldn’t see through Mei Xiu and Zhao Fan’s intentions and even laughed and talked with them and now was even praising Mei Xiu?!
Shangguan Jie felt uncomfortable and retorted, “He praised you a couple of times, and you actually believe it. Be careful of falling to your death halfway.”
“Every year in the hunting ground, our rankings are always about the same. If I have a risk of falling to my death halfway, you’re in just as much danger. Oh, no, that’s not right,” Mei Xiu said lazily. “You often go out on errands and spend much more time riding than I do, so you’ll probably die faster than me.”
Shangguan Jie slammed the tile in his hand heavily onto the table. With calm eyes, he said, “One dot!”
Mei Xiu let out an “Aiya!” and chided, “Young Marquis, be careful. If you break Xiting’s tiles, you’ll have to pay.”
Pei Xiting sat watching the show, ignoring Shangguan Jie’s dagger-like stare. He reached out, picked up a “six bamboo” tile, and said, “Self-draw.”
“I haven’t even made a pair yet,” Mei Xiu scratched his head, then his expression changed, and he said with a grin, “Xiting, a good start! You’re definitely going to make a fortune today!”
Pei Xiting smiled and said, “That’s great. I’ll treat you all to dinner later.”
The remaining three continued to play. Pei Xiting tilted his head and fiddled with Qing Lingling’s pomegranate earrings, saying, “You look so pretty wearing them.”
“I look pretty wearing anything,” Qing Lingling chuckled. “Of course, Young Master Pei has good taste; you choose both the style and materials well.”
Pei Xiting said, “Recently, crabapple and plantain lilies are popular. I’ll draw two more sets for you, and then you’ll have a complete set for all four seasons.”
Qing Lingling happily exclaimed, “En!” Looking up, he saw Mei Xiu staring coldly at him and couldn’t help but snort.
Mei Xiu’s eyes widened, and his cheeks puffed out, but when his peripheral vision caught Pei Xiting, he forcefully suppressed his anger. Seeing his reaction, Qing Lingling glanced at Pei Xiting and then understood.
The door was suddenly pushed open, and Qu Zhao entered, fanning himself, smiling, “Yo~ how lively. Xingjian, long time no see.”
Zhao Fan smiled, “Aren’t you busy at the Dali Temple? How come you have time to wander out here?”
“I ordered two sets of jewelry next door earlier to take back and honor my sisters. I just happened to be passing by today to pick them up, and I heard you all were here, so I came up to take a look,” Qu Zhao said, standing behind Zhao Fan and glancing at the table. “Are these bone tiles? It’s different from what we used to play.”
Mei Xiu said, “This is called ‘mahjong,’ Xiting learned it from outside.”
Xiting, Qu Zhao heard the address and then scanned the three people at the table, inwardly clicking his tongue.
His sister was still waiting outside, so Qu Zhao couldn’t stay long. He watched one game and then left. When he went out, a girl in a blue dress with a single topknot was peeking through the doorway. He walked over, tapped her on the forehead, and said, “What are you looking at?”
Qu Zhen rubbed her forehead and said, “Is Pei Xiting really up there?”
“Yes, playing cards,” Qu Zhao teased. “Still not giving up? They’ve already made a table up there; there’s no room for you.”
Qu Zhen pouted unhappily, “Am I not good enough for him?”
“It’s not that you’re not good enough; he just doesn’t like you. He doesn’t even bother to meet you.” Qu Zhao put his arm around Qu Zhen’s shoulder, pulled her away from the Yuanyang Pavilion entrance, turned, and walked away.
Qu Zhen’s head reached Qu Zhao’s shoulder. Qu Zhao leaned in towards her, saying as they walked, “Listen to your brother; don’t think about Pei Xiting anymore. You two have no fate.”
“Does he like men?” Qu Zhen asked. “Does he also keep male courtesans?”
Qu Zhao said he didn’t know. Qu Zhen hummed and said nothing more.
—
The two returned to the Qu mansion and saw a carriage in front of the gate. The people guarding the carriage were clearly from the East Palace.
“The Crown Prince has arrived.” Qu Zhao quickened his pace with Qu Zhen. After entering his father’s courtyard, he happened to see the Crown Prince approaching.
The two stepped forward to salute. The Crown Prince said, “Save the formalities. Uncle is taking his medicine and resting; do not disturb him.”
Qu Zhao responded, stepping aside to let the Crown Prince go first, then followed with Qu Zhen.
Along the way, the Crown Prince said, “Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet. You two may enter the palace earlier to accompany Empress Mother.”
“Yes, my sister and I will enter the palace in the afternoon,” Qu Zhen paused, stepped closer to the Crown Prince, and sweetly called out, “Cousin.”
That tone likely meant she had a favor to ask. The Crown Prince glanced at her and said, “Speak.”
Qu Zhen giggled and asked, “Will Pei Xiting enter the palace tomorrow?”
Qu Zhao poked Qu Zhen upon hearing this. Qu Zhen slapped his hand away, waiting intently for the Crown Prince’s answer.
The Crown Prince didn’t answer directly but instead asked, “Do you want him to enter the palace?”
“I want to talk to him. Actually, I had a chance just now at Yuanyang Pavilion, but my brother wouldn’t let me go up,” Qu Zhen said.
“Hey!” Qu Zhao exclaimed, “You’re an unmarried young girl; could I let you go up to Yuanyang Pavilion?”
“You can go, why can’t I?” Qu Zhen retorted. “I’m not going to do anything bad. Is it wrong to just listen to some music?”
Qu Zhao “heh’ed” and was about to reach out and pinch her ear, but then he heard the Crown Prince say, “Of course you can go. Pei Xiting doesn’t go to Yuanyang Pavilion to rove among flowers and willows[mfn]寻花问柳 [xún huā wèn liǔ] Fancy way to say go look for a prostitute.[/mfn] either.”
“Hear that!” Qu Zhen, having someone to rely on, glared at Qu Zhao, then looked at the Crown Prince curiously. “Cousin, how do you know Pei Xiting isn’t going to rove among flowers and willows?”
The Crown Prince said, “I know his character.”
“Then, Cousin, do you think he’s good?” Qu Zhen asked.
The Crown Prince said, “Very good.”
Not just good, but very good, so calmly and surely. Qu Zhen felt even more regretful, saying, “Then such a handsome young man will belong to another family in the future!”
“What does that have to do with you?” Qu Zhao said. “He’s already refused marriage in front of Her Majesty. You can forget about it. Hurry back to your courtyard, wash up, and go to bed. Maybe you’ll even have a beautiful dream.”
Qu Zhen wasn’t convinced and said, “Mother was rejected three times by Father before marrying him, but didn’t Father eventually propose to her and bring her home?”
The little girl was still scheming, “You two, one is my older brother, and the other is my older cousin. Are you just going to watch me be heartbroken? Aren’t you going to help me at all!”
“You’re heartbroken?” Qu Zhao debunked her. “Your appetite is as strong as ever; you’re bouncing around every day. I truly haven’t seen an ounce of sadness in you.”
Qu Zhen glared unhappily at her brother, who could only utter harsh words, then pushed him behind her. She turned back to the Crown Prince and continued, “Cousin, can you help me?”
The Crown Prince asked, “How can I help you?”
“The opportunity is right before us! Tomorrow night at the palace banquet, you can arrange for Pei Xiting and me to perform a zither and flute duet, preferably a lover’s melody under the flowers and moonlight. That way, we’ll naturally get to know each other while practicing tomorrow morning, and the evening duet will create an ambiguous atmosphere,” Qu Zhen rubbed her chin. “Then, at the autumn hunt at the end of the month, you can arrange us into the same team, and then, hehehe…”
Qu Zhao reached out to grab her but was slapped away and couldn’t help but sigh. He quietly glanced at the Crown Prince’s face but unfortunately couldn’t discern anything.
“A zither and flute duet won’t work,” the Crown Prince said. “His zither playing hasn’t reached a level suitable for a duet yet.”
“How do you know?” Qu Zhen asked.
As they turned a corner, the Crown Prince glanced at her and said, “His zither skill was taught by me, so of course, I know.” Qu Zhen was stunned by this and stopped in her tracks. The Crown Prince, being tall with long legs, quickly exited the covered walkway.
Qu Zhao saw the Crown Prince off to the carriage, and upon returning, he saw Qu Zhen lagging behind him, lost in thought. He couldn’t help but sigh, “Zhen—”
“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince teaches Pei Xiting zither,” Qu Zhen looked up, her expression serious. “Brother, don’t you think this is a very strange thing? How could His Royal Highness teach someone to play the zither? Even the little prince’s zither is taught by the palace’s zither master.”
“Exactly,” Qu Zhao said. “His Highness values Pei-wenshu, after all.”
“Then nurturing him would be enough. Why teach him the zither?” Qu Zhen said. “This is a private matter. When they learn the zither, they are not ruler and subject; they are teacher and student.”
Qu Zhao stared at his seriously analyzing sister and asked, “So, what’s your brilliant idea?”
“And don’t you think His Highness’s tone is very casual and familiar when he mentions Pei Xiting?” Qu Zhen rubbed her chin, her brows furrowed in thought. “I feel like an idea is about to break through, but I just can’t quite grasp it.”
Qu Zhao walked in front of her, reached out, and held her shoulders, saying, “This has nothing to do with you, Zhenzhen. Regardless of what relationship His Highness and Pei-wenshu have, Pei-wenshu and you are—”
“Relationship?” Qu Zhen interrupted Qu Zhao, her almond eyes slightly wide. “Relationship, relationship…”
She repeated the words. Qu Zhao worriedly asked, “Are you crazy?”
Qu Zhen wasn’t crazy; she just felt enlightened. A bold guess had formed in her mind. This guess seemed incredible but was actually within reason; in short, it had some possibility.
Qu Zhen turned and walked away, her steps airy, as if her soul had left her body.
Qu Zhao watched her from behind, then thought of the table of people at Yuanyang Pavilion, thinking that Pei Xiting was truly a charmer, captivating both men and women.
—
Pei Xiting sneezed.
Zhao Fan, beside him, asked with concern, “Caught a chill?”
“No,” Pei Xiting rubbed the tip of his nose and, after leaving the restaurant, looked up at the sky. “The sky is gloomy; it looks like it might rain. Everyone should hurry back. I’ll see Lingling back.”
Zhao Fan didn’t insist on him staying and said, “Then be careful on your way back. I’ll leave first.”
Pei Xiting cupped his hands, then turned to look at the two young marquises still arguing at the restaurant entrance. He turned to Qing Lingling and asked, “When is Prince Zong going to Enzhou?”
“He didn’t mention anything.” Qing Lingling whispered. “What’s wrong?”
“Do you know someone named Hui Dou?” Pei Xiting asked.
Qing Lingling nodded and said, “I know him. He’s Prince Zong’s personal attendant and bodyguard.”
“Good,” Pei Xiting said. “Pretend I never ask.”
Qing Lingling was puzzled but still nodded and said, “Don’t worry, I understand.”
Pei Xiting glanced at the two still arguing and possibly about to come to blows and simply took Qing Lingling back. He saw him back inside the pavilion and stood at the entrance for a while.
Hui Dou had already betrayed his master, acting as a mole planted by Zong An beside Zong Rui. He secretly orchestrated Zong Rui’s death during the bandit suppression to help Zong An usurp the position of heir.
To save Zong Rui, this mole must be removed. And to make Zong Rui see Zong An’s true, ferocious face hidden beneath a harmless mask and remain vigilant, Zong Rui must witness Hui Dou’s betrayal firsthand and suspect who Hui Dou is truly loyal to.
But the premise was not to let Zong Rui suspect his intentions. Pei Xiting’s mind flashed to Mei Xiu, that blockhead, and he had an idea.
Later, Pei Xiting returned to Lanyin Street and saw a gilded invitation hanging on his door and a wooden box on the ground.
He opened it to take a look.
The gilded invitation was for the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, addressed not to the Third Young Master of the Pei mansion, but to Pei Xiting, the painting teacher of the little prince.
The wooden box contained a fragrant, plain silk robe, adorned with cassia branches, exquisitely embroidered. It was clear from its intricate detail that it was quite expensive.
Pei Xiting’s emotions were complex. He said, “Tell me, does His Highness truly not like me?”
“I occasionally find the Crown Prince very strange,” Yuan Fang said. “He treats you very differently. For instance, this robe, although it’s your first time attending a palace banquet, your living expenses already exceed the monthly allowance of the Pei family’s third young master. You’re constantly buying things; how could you not have good clothes to wear?”
Pei Xiting murmured, “What exactly is His Highness thinking?”
“Perhaps he also likes you but feels you two are unsuitable since you are both men, and he is still the Crown Prince, the future emperor?” Yuan Fang speculated. “Or perhaps it’s because he restrains himself from indulging in personal emotions, fearing a loss of control. After all, look at him, like a wooden figure without any ripples. The first time I saw him, he wasn’t like this.”
“What was he like then?” Pei Xiting asked curiously.
Yuan Fang thought for a moment and said, “Although the Fifth Prince wasn’t exactly lively and cheerful, he was still like a human being, able to talk and laugh. He was just a bit smarter, calmer, more ruthless, and more cunning than ordinary peers his age… In short, back then, he would sit on the rooftop with people, drinking under the moon, chatting all night. His ill temper would show on his face, unlike now, so aloof and indifferent.”
Pei Xiting felt that the Crown Prince was like a self-silent volcano. The calmness was just an illusion; there was something very heavy in his heart, grinding away at his heart and soul day and night.
He pursed his lips, then slapped the invitation onto Yuan Fang’s chest, saying, “I’m going to bed early tonight!”
Yuan Fang opened the courtyard gate and said, “As long as you’re happy.”
Pei Xiting entered the courtyard. Yuan Fang closed the gate behind him and extinguished the candle by the door.
Silver moonlight spilled into the alley. A stray cat surveyed the various rooftops, then leaped down, only to find a colossal figure standing before it. With a meow, the cat quickly braked and darted away.
Yu Shaoyun soon appeared by the carriage and said, “Pei-wenshu has already returned. Your humble servant asked Jiezi, and Pei-wenshu just played cards with those few, then had a meal afterward. Pei-wenshu exchanged a few words with Qing Lingling, and then everyone dispersed.”
“Zhao Fan, Shangguan Jie, and now Mei Xiu,” the Crown Prince said faintly as he reviewed some documents. “That fight last time certainly sparked something between them.”
“Young Marquis Mei is straightforward by nature and not one for convoluted schemes. It’s probably because of Mei Yi and Miss Qu Lan’s matter that he settled his old grudges with Pei-wenshu,” Yu Shaoyun pondered. “You know how shrewd Pei-wenshu is; he’s like a fish in water. Now, with Young Marquis Mei as a shield, Prince Zhao and Young Marquis Shangguan will only find it harder to make a move. Besides, you’ve even sent Jiezi out, so there’s really no need to worry.”
There was a moment of silence in the carriage. The Crown Prince said, “Sometimes, I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“Your Highness is doing what you want to do, simply following your heart. But,” Yu Shaoyun paused, “Your Highness, you cannot deceive anyone with your words and deeds. You are simply too concerned about Pei-wenshu. Any old retainer by your side will eventually notice something. Even Jiezi…”
“Even what?”
“Jiezi said, he said…” Yu Shaoyun cleared his throat and whispered, “He said that Pei-wenshu seems destined to be the Crown Princess. Otherwise, why would Your Highness make a secret guard commander do surveillance work? You’re worried about the Crown… Pei-wenshu’s safety, and also afraid that Pei-wenshu might get involved with other wild men outside.”
His voice grew softer and softer until it was just a muffled whisper at the end.
But the Crown Prince still understood. “They discuss me like that in private?”
Yu Shaoyun quickly explained, “No discussion, no discussion. It was just Jiezi muttering to himself, and your humble servant overheard it. Your humble servant isn’t tattling; I just wanted to say… Well, among us, Jiezi and Bai Tang are the ones who understand love and affection the least. Now, even Jiezi thinks this way, then… What about Pei-wenshu?”
The Crown Prince’s brows furrowed slightly.
“It’s fine for us insiders, but Pei-wenshu is such a meticulous and perceptive person. If this continues, won’t he really suspect that, toward him, you actually…”
Yu Shaoyun hinted but dared not say it completely.
“The East Palace is not Pei Xiting’s resting place, but his cage,” the Crown Prince said. “Shaoyun, you shouldn’t have advised me to let him fly in.”
“But Pei-wenshu likes you, not ‘the Crown Prince.’ He doesn’t want to fly into the East Palace; he wants to fly to your side.”
“I am the Crown Prince.” The Crown Prince tilted his head slightly, then suddenly smiled, “Of course, sometimes I can’t distinguish who I truly am either.”
“Pei-wenshu can distinguish,” Yu Shaoyun said. “There is no fear in his eyes when he looks at you, only some sparkling things.”
The Crown Prince was silent for a long time and said, “Then he is a poor judge of character.”
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