TL: Hua
Chapter 87: Remember – To kill the person with words
The position of a clerk in the East Palace was also a leisurely one. Pei Xiting was only busy when the Crown Prince was discussing matters with his officials. The rest of the time, he wasn’t needed. But Pei Xiting was not idle. He taught the little prince how to paint, played with Little King, occasionally painted for fun, completed the assignments from his zither teacher, and worked as a part-time painter for the Longhe Division… A whole day was quite fulfilling for him.
There were no important festivals this month, but Young Marquis Mei planned to take the martial arts exam at the end of the year and had specially organized a banquet at Emerald Pond. The purpose was to gather everyone’s blessings—in other words, he had nothing to do, so he came out to spend some money and have a good time.
Upon their arrival at Emerald Pond, the sound of music drifted from the center of the lake. The song was “Ode to the Top Scholar,” and the voice, clear and melodious, was undoubtedly Qing Lingling.
A flower boat docked, and the waiting maidens, dressed in flowing floral skirts, were all young and sweet. Looking at them, they stood as straight and tall as carnations. Pei Jintang gasped, “Wow, their makeup is so beautiful, just like flowers.”
“It’s called the ‘Carnation Blossom’ look. The makeup is delicate and lovely, and it’s very fashionable these days,” Pei Xiting said.
“That’s right. It’s a look that Qing Lingling made popular. It’s said he first asked a painter friend to draw a template for him, then had people do their makeup according to it,” Zhao Yi said. “A few days ago, Qing Lingling wore this makeup on stage with a white dress and cape, looking like a lady of the cold moon. The makeup has since spread everywhere.”
“That painter friend,” Pei Jintang turned to Pei Xiting, “wouldn’t happen to be you, would it?”
Pei Xiting said modestly, “Indeed, it is I.”
As they were talking, a servant led them to one of the small, exquisite flower boats. The bell on the bow rang, and the small boat gently drifted into the lake, where the boat lamps were brightly lit, until it smoothly docked at the central lakeside platform.
Pei Xiting stepped onto the three wooden stairs and walked down the platform. The wooden bridge, adorned with flowers and railings, extended to the left and right, making a right-angle turn a hundred meters away, forming a square corridor that enclosed the emerald-green garden in the center of the water.
A painting of Narcissus hung at the head of the corridor. Pei Xiting and Zhao Yi stopped to admire it. Pei Jintang rested his chin between their heads, listening to them talk back and forth, unable to join the conversation. Just as he was yawning, he suddenly heard someone call him from behind. He didn’t even need to turn his head to know who it was.
—The overly intimate address of “Brother Hanzhang could only be from Zong An.
Zong An’s complexion looked a little better today. “I didn’t expect to run into you. What a coincidence.”
“Yo, Jingzhu,” Pei Jintang greeted him.
Zhao Yi and Pei Xiting also walked over. Zong An looked at Zhao Yi and smiled gently. “Sifan.”
Zhao Yi cupped his hands. “Fifth Young Master.”
Pei Xiting also cupped his hands in greeting.
“No need to be so formal in private,” Zong An said, raising Zhao Yi’s wrist slightly. “I’ve been sick with a cold recently and haven’t gone out much, so I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you on becoming the regional champion.”
Zhao Yi said, “It was just a stroke of luck. Fifth Young Master, are you much better now?”
Zong An said, “I’m mostly better; I was just sick for a few days. The daily medicine makes me dizzy, and I’ll need a few more days to fully recover.”
With that, Zong An looked at Pei Xiting, his gaze slightly intense. This look made Pei Xiting’s heart skip a beat, and he quickly began to think: did Zong An discover his involvement in the Enzhou incident? No, Zong An’s gaze held no hatred, disgust, or even malice. If anything, it resembled Shangguan Jie’s.
Zong An stared at Pei Xiting, his eyes unmoving, until Zhao Yi sensed the awkwardness and gently cleared his throat. Only then did Zong An collect himself, offering a small smile. “I heard Third Young Master Pei is now a clerk in the Crown Prince’s palace. Congratulations. To be appreciated by His Highness means a brilliant future awaits you.”
Pei Xiting met his gaze, his expression unchanged. “I am grateful for His Highness’s appreciation. I can only do my best to repay even a small part of it.”
As Pei Xiting finished speaking, a familiar voice was heard. Everyone turned their heads simultaneously, and they saw Qu Zhao and You Zong walking over together, followed by Shangguan Jie and Zhao Fan.
Young Marquis Mei had significant prestige, but an informal gathering like this wouldn’t typically attract You Zong. He was likely brought along by Qu Zhao, as they were both trusted confidants of the Crown Prince and shared an unusual friendship.
Pei Xiting believed the Crown Prince was quite capable. Not only were his subordinates competent and discreet, but, more impressively, they didn’t engage in infighting. Even the frequently bickering Commander Yu and Bai Tang only argued playfully and never tried to seriously harm each other. There were no instances of entrapment or malicious plots.
Qu Zhao thought he was seeing things. Why was the look in Pei Xiting’s eyes a little… benevolent? Upon closer inspection, Pei Xiting looked his usual self, with a faint smile. But when he looked at You Zong next to him, his respect was obvious; he hadn’t become arrogant or disrespectful to his former superior just because he was now working in the Crown Prince’s palace.
Qu Zhao was the first to stop, joking, “Are you all… acting as door gods?”
“We’ll get out of the way now.” Zhao Yi grabbed the Pei brothers and moved them aside, then turned to greet Zhao Fan.
Zhao Fan walked up to the three of them and said to Pei Xiting, “Xiting, I haven’t seen you for a while.”
“I just returned, and I’ve been busy at the Crown Prince’s palace these past few days. This is my first time out today,” Pei Xiting said politely. “Please don’t take offense, Your Excellency.”
He met Zhao Fan’s gaze, and sure enough, the look in the prince’s eyes was similar to the others—interesting, interesting. The ‘scum gong’ group’s gazes have all become the same at the same time. Have they all been ‘reprocessed’?
Pei Xiting’s assessment went unnoticed by Zhao Fan, who said, “No offense taken. I am happy for you that you’ve received such a good assignment.”
Shangguan Jie scoffed at this, thinking, How hypocritical! Prince Zhao was eager to see Pei Xiting out of Longhe Division.
Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow, turning to Shangguan Jie with a polite smile. “Does Jinhe have something to say?”
Shangguan Jie spread his hands. “Nothing.”
Zhao Yi and Pei Jintang were confused, but Qu Zhao’s gaze swept over the two of them, pausing on Pei Xiting’s face, and he smiled knowingly. As the group walked inside, he leaned over and whispered to You Zong, “Hey, Lord You, can you tell what this show is called?”
You Zong continued walking inside, saying, “It’s not a good show, that’s for sure.”
Qu Zhao followed You Zong’s pace, opening his fan with a flick. “I beg to differ. It’s the first time our Crown Prince has fallen in love, and he’s encountered a ‘fox spirit.’ Things are bound to get a little sour.”
You Zong was noncommittal. “You’d better not laugh out loud, or the sourness might splash on you and hurt.”
“What do I have to fear?” Qu Zhao said with a laugh. “Since you’re with me, you’re guilty by association. But you are the most composed, so your guilt is even greater.”
You Zong: “…”
Qing Lingling finished his performance, swaying his fan as he walked toward the stairs, where he ran into the group entering. “Greetings, sirs,” he said, bowing. While exchanging pleasantries with Zhao Yi, he secretly reached out and poked Pei Xiting in the side.
Pei Xiting was caught off guard and shivered from the tickle, giving him a gentle glare. Qing Lingling covered his mouth and chuckled, then stepped aside to let the esteemed guests pass.
As Qu Zhao went upstairs, he put an arm around Qing Lingling’s shoulder. “Let’s go together. I need to pay my respects to His Excellency.”
Qing Lingling didn’t push him away, and the two went upstairs together, looking quite close.
In a private room, the prince was talking with Mei Xiu. Seeing Qu Zhao and Qing Lingling approach, he narrowed his eyes.
Mei Xiu, sitting nearby, said, “You little flirt! Are you after Qu Lianhai now?”
Zong Rui glanced at him, saying coolly, “Don’t be so self-centered just because our Qing Lingling kicked you out once.”
Hearing this, Mei Xiu glared at Zong Rui, not bothering to argue, and sat sullenly in a corner, drinking. Suddenly, he was patted on the back of his head. He turned to see Pei Xiting, and his expression instantly changed. “Xiting!”
Pei Xiting casually sat on the armrest of a chair. “Why are you so moody when we’re out to have fun? Who upset our young marquis?”
“It’s all because of your good friend,” Mei Xiu said.
There were many friends present, but the only one with a bone to pick with Mei Xiu was Qing Lingling. Pei Xiting asked, “What is the real animosity between you two?”
He had always been a little puzzled. Mei Xiu would always pick on Qing Lingling, but it wasn’t a deep-seated hatred. It was just a dislike. What kind of conflict could these two have had that would still bother the young marquis so much?
Mei Xiu reluctantly explained that before Qing Lingling became the top courtesan at the Courtesan House, Mei Xiu was interested in him. Qing Lingling seemed to reciprocate with gentle affection. Everything was going well until Zong Rui swooped in and stole him. Well, ‘swooped in’ is too strong a word, but that’s more or less the point.
Pei Xiting fanned the flames with a laugh. “Well, that was rude of them, but you shouldn’t just blame our Qing Lingling. You should scold the prince, too.”
“I did!” Mei Xiu said. “And why can’t I blame both of them? He was the one who deliberately seduced me first. What’s that called? ‘Looking at the pot while eating from the bowl,’ and when the pot looked better, he kicked the bowl over!”
Young Marquis Mei felt his pride had been hurt. Pei Xiting leaned over and put an arm around Mei Xiu’s shoulder. “I see why every time you glare, Qing Lingling never scolds you back. You know his personality; he feels guilty.”
Mei Xiu was about to argue, but Pei Xiting held him down. Pei Xiting continued, “Did you hear what he sang earlier? It was called ‘Ode to the Top Scholar.’ It’s to wish you well in your military exams.”
“Don’t think you can appease me just like that,” Mei Xiu snorted.
“Still, it’s the thought that counts,” Pei Xiting cajoled. “I’ve never heard anyone mention this before, which means everyone has either forgotten about it or didn’t take it to heart—”
“Oh,” Mei Xiu interrupted, “so I’m the only petty one, is that it?”
“Hey, you can’t say that. You were the one involved,” Pei Xiting said. “I know you feel wronged and angry, Young Marquis. But to be honest, given Qing Lingling’s background and situation, he was just looking for a patron. If he had chosen you back then, could you have been with only him?”
Mei Xiu stroked his chin, admitting honestly, “Probably not.”
“But the Prince could,” Pei Xiting said. “Even a seller hopes for an honest and trustworthy buyer, let alone when it comes to life and death. Which rootless piece of duckweed doesn’t long for fertile, solid ground? You, with your magnanimous heart, should see this as an act of goodwill, a good deed for the day, alright?”
Pei Xiting’s words could be sharp enough to draw blood, but when he spoke softly and gently, he could make a person feel delighted. He would look at you with a smile and a pleading look, as if you would be committing a great sin if you didn’t agree. Even someone as stoic as Zong Suiyang couldn’t be unmoved, so Mei Xiu’s resistance was no match. “Oh, fine!” he said, pushing Pei Xiting away.
Pei Xiting leaned in again, insisting on a clear answer. Mei Xiu, annoyed, slapped the table, and the two of them started a playful pushing and pulling match, causing everyone in the private room to glance over, utterly confused.
“Xiting and Young Marquis Mei are getting closer,” Zhao Fan said with a meaningful smile.
Shangguan Jie, who was watching the two chasing each other around the table, said, “Indeed.”
Pei Jintang, who was talking with Zhao Yi, perked up his ears. “My family Xiting is sincere with people. As long as someone is good to him, he will be good to them in return.”
The implication was that anyone with ulterior motives shouldn’t expect a sincere smile from Pei Xiting. The two men fell silent, one openly feeling guilty and the other secretly, both feeling they had been subtly mocked.
“Ah, another play is starting,” Qu Zhao said, leaning back in his chair with a heavy sigh.
You Zong replied, “Nothing to worry about.”
“That may be true, but matters of the heart are irrational,” Qu Zhao said, looking around. His eyes landed on the long corridor opposite the stage, where Yu Shaoyun quickly passed by. He clicked his tongue. “He really follows him everywhere.”
Pei Xiting, who was still joking with Mei Xiu, suddenly felt a gaze on him. He instinctively turned to look at the stage outside the railing and made a questioning sound.
“What’s wrong?” Mei Xiu asked.
“Nothing,” Pei Xiting shook his head, tousling his hair. “I’m hungry from all the playing around.”
“It’s your fault for pestering me; you’re so annoying,” Mei Xiu said, pushing Pei Xiting. “There’s plenty of food on the table; help yourself.”
Pei Xiting smiled, walked to a small table, and picked up a chestnut cake, pairing it with a bowl of warm soy milk.
Young men’s gatherings like this were never without the company of beautiful women. As a scented veil brushed his face, Pei Xiting leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. He still felt someone was watching him. The gaze was hard to read—neither kind nor malicious, but slow and complex, as if the person was also deep in thought.
A fragrant breeze hit his face, and Pei Xiting came back to his senses. He turned his head and saw a slender waist, then a blur of color, and someone sat on his lap.
“…” Pei Xiting met the woman’s eyes for a moment and sighed. This is going to kill me! Zong Suiyang’s spies were everywhere. If this was reported, what would happen? Pei Xiting was about to ask the woman to get up, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, “Someone asked me to pass a message to you, sir.”
The woman spoke quickly, her voice trembling. She was probably new to this kind of thing. Pei Xiting’s hand paused, then he gently patted her shoulder.
The woman continued, “‘Young Master Pei enjoys his leisure, but does he still remember his old friends? We will meet again.’ That’s all he told me to say, sir.”
Pei Xiting smiled at the woman and asked softly, “What did he look like?”
“I don’t know,” the woman shook her head, looking at Pei Xiting pitifully. “I was walking when someone suddenly held a dagger to my neck and told me to do this. He said if I didn’t, he could take my life at any time. Sir, I truly know nothing. Please save me.”
“Just act as if this never happened. You’ll be safe. Go now.” Pei Xiting sent the woman away and continued to drink his soy milk as if nothing had happened. But he suddenly understood. You Zong might not have come here just for leisure with Qu Zhao.
Huo Yue poisoning Zong Suiyang was worse than a direct assassination. Such a despicable act would bring a punishment and revenge more terrifying than death. Perhaps Zong Suiyang would have once enjoyed a game of “luring the snake out of its hole” to swallow it whole, but after a close call like this, he would have no interest in games and only a decisive intent to kill.
Suddenly, fireworks exploded in the sky, making Pei Xiting jump. He turned to meet You Zong’s calm and steady eyes.
—Huo Yue is at the Azure Lake, and so is Zong Suiyang.
You Zong stood up and walked outside. Pei Xiting told the nearby Zhao Yi that he was going to the toilet and followed him out.
“It’s boring just sitting here. Let’s make a bet,” Qu Zhao said with a smile before Shangguan Jie could stand up. “Whoever loses has to be our representative and give Young Marquis Mei a congratulatory toast.”
Mei Xiu heard this and said with a grin, “I like that! If I’m happy with the toast, there’ll be a reward!”
“Gentlemen, no one can back out,” Qu Zhao said, settling the matter. “Sit down.”
Pei Xiting quickly caught up to You Zong. You Zong asked, “What’s this play called?”
“Luring the snake out of its hole, and I’m the bait,” Pei Xiting said. “Catching a turtle in a jar, and you gentlemen are the jar.”
You Zong said, “You shouldn’t have followed me.”
The two walked quickly through the corridor.
Pei Xiting said, “I want to know who Huo Yue is.”
“His Highness has no connection to him,” You Zong said.
“The way he looks at His Highness makes me very uncomfortable,” Pei Xiting said, then heard the sound of swords clashing from a room.
You Zong stopped in the corridor, hesitating whether to let Pei Xiting enter. In that brief moment, Pei Xiting had already gone to the window and stealthily pushed it open.
You Zong: “…”
Pei Xiting saw Huo Yue, who was forced to kneel on the ground with a sword at the back of his neck. The person sitting opposite him wore a black robe with a dark patterned cape.
Pei Xiting’s gaze went up to Zong Suiyang’s left hand on the armrest, where he was wearing a yellow jade thumb ring—the one he had recently bought.
Suddenly, Pei Xiting no longer felt uncomfortable.
“As expected, His Highness’s eyes and ears are everywhere.” A cut on Huo Yue’s shoulder turned his face pale, and his eyes, which were red, looked at Zong Suiyang with a mix of hatred and resentment. “Now that I’m in your hands, I won’t live. But there is nothing you can get out of me.”
“What do I want to get?” Zong Suiyang said. “I don’t want to get anything.”
“Liar,” Huo Yue sneered. “You want to get rid of us all.”
“Who are ‘us’?” Zong Suiyang said calmly, rubbing the yellow jade ring. “That has never been important.”
“Then why did you go to Ningzhou!” Huo Yue said. “Since the Crown Prince sees us as ants, why would you lower yourself to deal with us personally?”
Zong Suiyang didn’t have to answer anyone’s questions, but he seemed to have the time tonight. He replied, “To paint a picture.”
Pei Xiting was stunned.
Huo Yue was also stunned. He slowly tilted his head, finally understanding the meaning, and stared at Zong Suiyang in disbelief. “Are you really… No, that’s impossible. How could a cold-blooded and heartless person like you fall for him!”
“Initially, I thought so too.” Zong Suiyang still didn’t look at Huo Yue, but he smiled, a bit helplessly and with a lot of resignation. “He just happens to have that ability.”
“You’re insane!” Huo Yue tried to struggle toward the chair but was held down by a guard, his forehead hitting the ground with a thud. Dazed and in pain, tears welled up in his eyes. “He hates you! He wishes you were dead!”
“No, he loves me.” Zong Suiyang stepped on Huo Yue’s shoulder, leaning in slightly, his voice gentle. “You don’t believe it because you haven’t seen the way he looks at me.”
“You tricked me! You set me up! That worthless Pei—” Huo Yue was kicked in the face, fell to the side, and spat out a mouthful of blood and two teeth.
Zong Suiyang’s foot was on the ground. He said, “It’s not a mistake that he loves to act and deceive people. You can only blame yourselves for being too stupid. I originally thought I would let him play his game—it would only take some time. But I never expected to be tricked in such a way, falling into your trap.”
He paused and said, “That medicine was truly potent. You didn’t see the wounds all over him. I am not a good person, and he will punish me for that, but you will die by my hand.”
Huo Yue laughed hysterically. “Your Highness… what a chivalrous protector of beauty you are.”
“You’re right. He is a fragrant beauty, a warm jade. He should not be forced to smell filth, nor should he be cut by swords.” Zong Suiyang finally looked Huo Yue in the eye. “I was thinking of my elder brother and sister-in-law and was planning to let you keep a whole body, but now that is out of the question.”
Huo Yue looked up at Zong Suiyang. “So Your Highness remembers the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”
Zong Suiyang replied, “You once served them, grinding ink in my sister-in-law’s study. The year Lu’er was born, I went to the East Palace to congratulate them. As I was leaving the back garden, I saw you from a distance in the corridor.”
Huo Yue froze completely, looking at Zong Suiyang. “You… you actually saw me and remember me?” He let out a broken laugh. “So what is this? You knew who I was, you were going to kill me, but you said nothing and showed no murderous intent, watching me like I was a fool. Is that it?”
Zong Suiyang’s expression was cold, and he didn’t speak.
“Then why did you tell me? Ah, why did you tell me that you remembered me!” Huo Yue’s eyes were savage. “Was I not an ant? A pest not worthy of Your Highness’s notice? Why would you remember that one glance for all these years?”
Zong Suiyang, not understanding the question, said, “Perhaps because I’ve been able to read quickly and have had a photographic memory since I was a child.”
“…” Huo Yue collapsed to the ground.
A guard beside him asked, “Your Highness, how should we deal with this person?”
“Cut him into a thousand pieces,” Zong Suiyang said, getting up and leaving. Huo Yue, whose throat was being held by the guard, couldn’t scream. His veins bulged as he watched the black robe drift away like the wind.
The door opened, and Zong Suiyang walked straight toward the side corridor. Pei Xiting, with his back pressed against the window, watched him without speaking.
You Zong had silently left. Zong Suiyang walked up to Pei Xiting, touching his face. “Did you learn how to eavesdrop?”
“You didn’t stop me, so I took it as a given,” Pei Xiting said confidently.
Zong Suiyang smiled, leaning in to sniff Pei Xiting’s face. “Have you been drinking soy milk?”
“Yes,” Pei Xiting said. “You’re killing him with your words.”
Huo Yue had fallen in love with the Fifth Prince at first sight, but he didn’t know the prince had noticed his gaze. He considered himself a common ant, not worthy of the prince’s attention. It was a humiliating farce, with the actor being a fool and a clown, and the audience watching a fool and a clown. For Huo Yue, the fact that the prince had always remembered him was more painful than if he hadn’t known him at all.
“Don’t you dislike him?” Zong Suiyang rubbed Pei Xiting’s face. “A traitor deserves to die.”
“But weren’t you going to use him?” Pei Xiting said.
Zong Suiyang looked at Pei Xiting, a smile appearing in his eyes. “My Xiting… is truly smart.”
Pei Xiting wasn’t usually thin-skinned, but at this moment, he felt a bit shy. He said softly, “Since you knew who he was but didn’t kill him immediately, it was likely because he was useful. I thought you wanted to wipe them all out at once, but after hearing you mention ‘elder brother and sister-in-law,’ I hesitated and then understood.”
He looked up into Zong Suiyang’s smiling phoenix eyes. “Suiyang, I know what you want to do. I also know that your other knife is hidden here, and he was just observing me.”
“Don’t worry. With me here, no one can harm you.” Zong Suiyang held Pei Xiting’s face, leaned in, kissed his lips, and whispered, “What were you doing at the table just now?”
“I’m innocent,” Pei Xiting confessed honestly. “That woman was delivering a message for Huo Yue. I was afraid of making a scene and alerting the others, so I played along.”
Zong Suiyang said, “Oh?”
“You’re the only one in my heart and my eyes,” Pei Xiting said, sucking on Zong Suiyang’s lips. “You’re so good at reading my eyes, aren’t you? You were so eloquent when talking about it with outsiders, but now you can’t read them? You’re just deliberately picking on me, taking advantage of me.”
Zong Suiyang neither confirmed nor denied, but bit Pei Xiting’s lip, pressing him against the window. He said vaguely, “I want some soy milk.”
