Li Yuangui arrived at the Huayang Gate and saw an elderly woman in full noble attire standing outside the palace gates. Her silent silhouette stretched across the ground in the palace lamplight. He stepped forward, crossing the high threshold, and smiled: “Making the Old Madam wait is my fault! Please come in.”
As he spoke, two young eunuchs brought forward a sedan chair, quickly following and setting it down.
“Old Madam, His Majesty is still residing in the Western Garden. It’s quite a distance. Please take the sedan chair and let our servants carry you.”
The Old Madam nodded to Li Yuangui and smiled: “Thank you for your consideration, Eunuch Li. But my legs are still good, and how dare I presume too much in the imperial palace? Please lead the way, and I can walk by myself.”
Li Yuangui tried to persuade her with a few more words, but seeing her insistence on not using the sedan chair, he had no choice but to have the young eunuchs follow alongside it. He held a lantern, guiding Old Madam Pei into the Western Garden, through the Banana Garden, and finally to Chengguang Hall.
Xiao Lie was already waiting in the outer hall. Hearing the announcement from outside, he turned to greet her and saw an elderly woman with gray hair supporting herself with a cane, gently escorted by Li Yuangui. Though many years had passed since he last saw her and she had aged considerably from his memory, he recognized her at once as Old Madam Pei. Taking several quick steps down from the hall, he said to Li Yuangui: “Didn’t I instruct you to have the Old Madam carried in by sedan chair?”
Before Li Yuangui could respond, Old Madam Pei said: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s consideration. Please don’t blame Eunuch Li—it was I who refused to be impolite.” She then performed a kowtow to Xiao Lie, who quickly stepped forward to support her, saying “No need for formalities,” and personally helped her up the steps and into the inner hall.
Without waiting for instructions, Li Yuangui brought an embroidered chair, which Old Madam Pei repeatedly declined. Xiao Lie sincerely said: “I still remember from my childhood, after losing my birth mother, how Old Madam treated me as kindly as your own. Decades have passed in a flash, and while things remain, people have changed. Now that I’ve fortunately returned to the capital, I had planned to visit you, but being entangled in numerous affairs, I couldn’t get away. I thought I would wait until You’an returned, but unexpectedly, before I could visit, Old Madam came to see me first. If you insist on not sitting, I will stand with you.” He then ordered Li Yuangui to remove his chair.
Only then did Old Madam Pei sit down lightly.
Xiao Lie asked about her health and the situation in her household. Old Madam Pei replied: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. My health is still good, but my sons and grandsons previously failed to distinguish right from wrong and followed others, causing Your Majesty much trouble. Your Majesty is merciful and doesn’t hold it against them, for which I am deeply grateful.”
After Xiao Lie entered the capital and was enthroned, he implemented a policy of clemency. Officials from the previous regime, except for Prince Shun’an’s close confidants, were pardoned of past offenses as long as they submitted memorials supporting the new Emperor. For instance, men like Zhou Xing and Pei Quan, who at the start of the Wuding uprising had submitted memorials denouncing Xiao Lie as a rebellious subject to distance themselves from him and avoid implication, now hastily submitted new memorials claiming they had been coerced into making those previous statements.
Pei Xiuzhi had done the same. Earlier, to earn merit, he had concealed his actions from Old Madam Pei and volunteered to lead troops against the Wuding army, striving with all his might. Unfortunately, he failed to hold the city at the crucial moment and was captured by Xiao Yintang while fleeing. After Xiao Lie entered the capital, Xiao Yintang presented Pei Xiuzhi’s written confession, stating his deep remorse and willingness to serve the new Emperor, pleading for leniency.
In truth, even without Xiao Yintang’s intercession, Xiao Lie had no intention of troubling the Pei family’s descendants. He quickly pardoned Pei Xiuzhi and allowed him to return home, only stripping him of his Duke title, which he hadn’t held for long, as a warning to others.
As Old Madam Pei spoke, she rose again to thank Xiao Lie. He helped her sit back down and sighed: “Old Madam need not be concerned. I am not unreasonable. Under those circumstances, who wasn’t forced to act? Rather, I have somewhat failed Old Madam. Upon entering the capital, I immediately stripped your second son of his title. I had no choice—after all, he had injured my subordinates. Had I not done so, it would have been difficult to convince others. But rest assured, the Pei family has made significant contributions to the Great Wei, and the Duke title remains.”
Old Madam Pei hurriedly replied: “Your Majesty speaks too highly! He is now at home reflecting on his mistakes. Having committed such grave errors, that Your Majesty spared his life is already an immense kindness. I am deeply grateful and harbor no other thoughts.”
“Old Madam has always been reasonable. If you don’t blame me, then I am reassured. Tell him to settle down for now—there will be many opportunities in the future to serve the court.”
Old Madam Pei expressed her gratitude. Xiao Lie spoke a few more words, then, observing her closely, said: “Does Old Madam have something on her mind? If so, please speak freely. As long as it’s within my power, I will not refuse.”
Old Madam Pei smiled: “Since Your Majesty has noticed, I will speak. To be frank, I have come regarding my eldest grandson You’an’s marriage.”
Xiao Lie was startled, then greatly pleased: “Wonderful news! You’an was recently dispatched by me to quell the disturbance in Wusizang and should return soon. But may I ask which family’s daughter Old Madam has chosen for him? Please tell me, and I would be happy to help arrange it properly!”
The Old Madam replied: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s kind intentions. It’s none other than the daughter of the Zhen family from Quanzhou, named Jiafu. She’s not an outsider but my second daughter-in-law’s niece—You’an’s cousin in terms of relations.”
Xiao Lie hesitated: “This Zhen family, is it the same one that recently entered the capital with Fujian Governor Gao Huaiyuan?”
Old Madam Pei smiled: “Indeed it is.”
Xiao Lie was stunned.
Old Madam Pei maintained her composure and continued: “Your Majesty may not know, but the Zhen family’s daughter has frequently visited me since childhood. You’an has known her since they were young, but I remained unaware of his feelings for her until last year when Your Majesty was forced to raise an army. I received a letter from You’an and learned he had feelings for the Zhen girl. However, during those tumultuous times, following Your Majesty through hardships, he had no opportunity to attend to personal matters. He repeatedly implored me to keep this in mind and, when the appropriate time came, to propose to the Zhen family on his behalf. Now that matters have finally been settled, I heard the Zhen family recently entered the capital with the Fujian Governor, including the Zhen girl, apparently at Your Majesty’s behest. I don’t know the purpose behind Your Majesty’s summons, and while I considered asking the Zhen family directly, I feared it might be inconvenient for them. Your Majesty knows that You’an has been sensible since childhood—for all these years, he’s never asked me to do anything for him, except for this one matter. So, remembering his request and relying on whatever little favor I might still have with Your Majesty, I ventured into the palace.”
“May I ask why Your Majesty summoned the Zhen family’s daughter to the capital? If it doesn’t conflict with You’an’s marriage plans, I can rest easy and proceed with proposing to the Zhen family on You’an’s behalf. After all, You’an is no longer young, and I am eager for him to establish a family and settle down.”
Having finished speaking, the Old Madam looked at Xiao Lie with a smile.
Xiao Lie remained still for a moment, then seemed to awaken from a dream. He stood up abruptly: “I had no idea You’an and the Zhen girl had such a connection! Rest assured, Old Madam. My reason for summoning the Zhen family to the capital was nothing else—merely to reward them for their past kindness to Yintang. It poses no obstacle whatsoever to You’an’s marriage!”
Old Madam Pei expressed her gratitude. Xiao Lie hesitated for a moment, then looked at her intently: “To be honest with Old Madam, even back in Wuding, I had asked You’an about marriage several times, hoping he would settle down soon, but he repeatedly declined, leaving me helpless. You’an has followed me for many years, rendering outstanding service. Now that he’s found happiness in marriage, how could I not bestow my blessing? Not only will I approve the marriage, but I will also ensure it is celebrated grandly. What does Old Madam think?”
As he finished speaking, his eyes fixed firmly on the elderly woman opposite him.
Old Madam Pei met his gaze for a moment, then nodded: “Everything shall be as Your Majesty arranges.”
Xiao Lie seemed to exhale in relief, his eyes showing joy: “I will ensure everything is properly arranged. Old Madam can be completely at ease.”
Old Madam Pei smiled slightly and said no more, rising to take her leave. Xiao Lie personally escorted her out of the Western Garden. Upon returning, he sat behind his desk again, gradually becoming lost in thought. Later, he summoned Li Yuangui and inquired about the Zhen girl.
Li Yuangui said: “The girl is quite proper in appearance, with a poised demeanor. Her words, which I previously relayed to Your Majesty, speak for themselves. Your Majesty can decide. If you’re still concerned, I can summon her to the palace, and Your Majesty can see for yourself.”
Xiao Lie initially nodded, but after some thought, shook his head: “If You’an cherishes her, she can’t be lacking. Summoning her repeatedly might frighten her. Let it be.”
Li Yuangui solemnly replied: “Your Majesty, rest assured. If I’ve spoken a single untrue word, Your Majesty can behead me.”
Xiao Lie laughed heartily. For a long time, he hadn’t felt such gratification as in this moment, as if a weight had been lifted from his heart, though there was still a slight sense of regret.
By Pei You’an’s age, ordinary men would have already established families, yet he remained solitary, refusing to keep women around to care for his daily needs. Now that his future was finally settled, how could Xiao Lie not be pleased? Yet amid his pleasure, he realized that You’an had never mentioned this to him, and he only learned of it today from Old Madam Pei. Had the Zhen girl not initially refused marriage, he would have nearly made a grave mistake, which left him somewhat regretful.
After his laughter subsided, Xiao Lie gradually became lost in thought again and suddenly said: “Go and summon the Crown Prince.”
Li Yuangui left, and after the time it took to drink a cup of tea, footsteps echoed outside the hall. Xiao Yintang entered, knelt before Xiao Lie, and addressed him as “Imperial Father.”
Xiao Lie ordered him to rise. Xiao Yintang said: “Imperial Father, I was just planning to see you. These days, I’ve been busy organizing the Five Military Affairs as commanded. Only today have I managed to sort out some clarity, completing the statistics of the Five Departments’ subordinate commanders, officers, and soldiers—a total of 3,256,373 registered names, though the actual number is barely half. I will include the specific details in a memorial for Your Majesty’s review as soon as possible.”
Xiao Lie nodded: “It seems our previous dynasty had many shortcomings. The road ahead is long and arduous. You’ve worked hard.”
Xiao Yintang replied: “Sharing Your Majesty’s burdens is my duty. Besides, I haven’t done much—how could it be considered hard work? As for Your Majesty, tomorrow is the coronation ceremony. You’ve been handling countless matters these days and should retire early tonight to conserve your energy.”
Xiao Lie smiled: “I understand. Yintang, I’ve called you here because there’s a matter concerning you that I wanted to discuss. Some days ago, Fengtong came to see me, saying you had once received kindness from the Quanzhou Zhen family, and she wanted to establish their daughter as your secondary consort as a form of repayment. Not knowing the full situation then, I thought it appropriate and agreed. Today, however, I learned there’s a complication. The Zhen family is related to the Pei family, and their daughter has a childhood bond with You’an. They even had a verbal marriage agreement, delayed only because of the war. Had I not known, it would have been fine, but now that I do, how could I disrupt their predestined union? Therefore, I’ve changed my mind. The Zhen family showed you kindness, which certainly deserves reward, but I’ll bestow other gifts instead. Fengtong’s suggestion is hereby dismissed, and we won’t discuss it further.”
Xiao Yintang’s expression stiffened slightly.
Xiao Lie watched him, his gaze unwavering. After a moment, he asked: “What’s wrong? Do you have something else to say about this matter?”
Xiao Yintang met his father’s gaze, noting the thoughtful look in his eyes. Suddenly alert, he immediately lowered his eyes and respectfully said: “I have nothing to say. Imperial Father is right—we can reward the Zhen family in other ways.”
Xiao Lie studied him intently for a moment, then slowly said: “Excellent. After tomorrow’s coronation ceremony, I will formally establish you as Crown Prince and have the Ministry of Rites arrange your wedding with Fengtong. As for a secondary consort, if a suitable candidate appears, I will keep an eye out for you.”
…
The next day was the new Emperor’s coronation ceremony.
The new dynasty would be named the Zhaoping era, beginning from the first day of the next year. The current year would continue under the previous Emperor’s era name: the twenty-sixth day of the sixth month in the seventh year of Chengning.
On this day, at the third watch (around 3-5 AM), officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices arrived at Huanqiu (the Altar of Heaven). By the fifth watch (around 5-7 AM), the Nine Ministers and officials of the seventh rank or above from the capital, as well as those of the fourth rank or above from other provinces, had all arrived and solemnly lined up on both sides of Huanqiu. Over ten thousand guards and warriors formed a royal procession route from the imperial palace to the northern gate of the imperial city, with sentries every three steps and lookouts every five steps. Commoners knelt along both sides of the route, waiting for the auspicious hour when the new Emperor would emerge from the palace to perform the ceremony of announcing his ascension to Heaven.
According to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, the new Emperor was to leave the palace at the exact hour of Si (9-11 AM) and arrive at Huanqiu three-quarters of an hour later, followed by the sacrificial ceremony.
At this moment, only two-quarters of an hour remained before the Si-hour departure. Xiao Lie, dressed in imperial ceremonial robes, exuded the majestic aura of an emperor, making it difficult for others to look directly at him. Remaining in Chengguang Hall among those in the imperial procession, Zhang Shiyong, the Minister of Rites, and Lu Qi, the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, saw him seated, deep in thought, as if waiting for someone. They exchanged puzzled glances.
After another half-quarter of an hour, just as Zhang Shiyong was about to remind him of the time, hurried footsteps suddenly echoed outside the hall. Cui Yinshui ran in like a streak of light, sliding to his knees on the golden brick floor, his face beaming with joy: “Your Majesty, Lord Pei has returned to the capital to report! He is waiting outside the hall!”
The Emperor immediately stood up, his brow relaxing, his eyes showing a hint of pleasure: “Bring him in quickly!”
Cui Yinshui responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” and rushed out again. Moments later, accompanied by steady footsteps, Zhang Shiyong and Lu Qi turned to see a young man whose figure passed through the slanting rays of morning sunlight entering Chengguang Hall’s doorway and crossing the threshold.
He appeared to have just returned from a long journey, travel-worn, his brow bearing a slight weariness from traveling day and night. Yet his eyes were bright and spirited, clear as the moon and serene as a gentle breeze. He strode forward with such bearing that, in the entire Great Wei court over the past decade, who else could it be but the once-renowned young minister Pei You’an, who had stirred the capital in his youth?
Though many years had passed, and the elegant youth had grown into a young man, Zhang Shiyong and Lu Qi recognized him instantly. In their amazement, they immediately understood.
The person the new Emperor had been waiting for had finally arrived.
…
Pei You’an followed Xiao Lie into the rear hall, immediately kneeling before him and performing the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows. Upon being allowed to rise, he said: “Yesterday, your servant reached the outskirts of the capital and heard that today is Your Majesty’s coronation ceremony. I traveled through the night and only entered the city gates this morning. The guards informed me that they had received Your Majesty’s instructions that, if they saw me, I should immediately enter the palace. Fearing to delay Your Majesty’s auspicious hour, I had no time to tidy my appearance. For any breach of etiquette, I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
Xiao Lie gripped his shoulders, exclaiming joyfully: “I knew you would arrive in time! How was your journey?”
“Fortunately, I didn’t fail in my mission, and the return journey was smooth. Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Please allow your servant one night’s rest, and tomorrow morning I will submit a memorial detailing this expedition.”
“Rest well, there’s no need to rush. Even a few days’ delay wouldn’t matter!” Xiao Lie reassured him.
From outside the hall came the faint sound of a bell—the time for the Emperor to leave the palace for the sacrificial ceremony at Huanqiu was drawing nearer.
“You’an!”
Just as Pei You’an was about to remind him of the time, Xiao Lie suddenly called his name, his expression solemn.
“If Your Majesty has something to say, please speak,” Pei You’an responded.
Xiao Lie paced slowly across the hall for several steps, then stopped and said: “You’an, this imperial throne—I had initially planned to leave it vacant. If news of the young Emperor came someday, it would be returned to him. However, at that time, civil and military officials pleaded relentlessly, and I could not refuse. You don’t harbor any dissenting views toward me, do you?”
After speaking, Xiao Lie’s eyes fixed intently on Pei You’an.
Pei You’an smiled slightly and respectfully replied: “Your Majesty, though I was on the road, I have read the petition posted at the city gates requesting your ascension. It contains a phrase: ‘When the Great Way prevails, the world is for all.’ I endorse this. The ancient sages knew that the world doesn’t belong to one person but is upheld by the state and all its people. Your Majesty now follows Heaven’s will, ascending the throne to rule. In the future, if you govern with authority, select the worthy, and employ the capable, bringing peace to the four seas and happiness to the common people, how could I harbor dissenting views?”
Xiao Lie’s eyes sparkled, and he laughed heartily: “I knew it! You’an is truly the pillar of my court! I have prepared ceremonial robes for you. Go and change, then accompany me to Huanqiu to witness my coronation ceremony today!”
Pei You’an expressed his gratitude and was about to withdraw when he was called back again.
Xiao Lie smiled: “There’s one more thing you should know. The daughter of the Quanzhou Zhen family is currently in the capital. Last night, your grandmother came to see me and requested your marriage to her. I have approved it, and the imperial marriage decree will be issued soon. Are you pleased?”
Pei You’an’s gaze flickered slightly. After a brief pause, he replied: “Your servant is pleased. Your servant is grateful for Your Majesty’s favor.”
His tone was perfectly respectful.
…
The ceremonial attire Xiao Lie bestowed upon Pei You’an consisted of an eight-ridged jade-adorned crown, a red silk robe with green edges, a leather belt with tassels, white socks, and black shoes.
This was the highest level of ceremonial attire for princes and dukes in the Great Wei Dynasty.
On that day, Pei You’an appeared alongside the new Emperor at the sacrificial ceremony at Huanqiu, witnessing the beginning of a new era for the Great Wei. In this extraordinary manner, after many years, he returned to public view, reappearing in the court.
After returning from the Huanqiu ceremony, the Master of Ceremonies led civil and military officials into Dianchi, where they stood facing north on either side and performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows to Xiao Lie, who sat on the throne. Following the complex ceremonies, the Ministry of Rites dispatched officials to formally establish the Princess Consort of Zhou as Empress and Crown Prince Xiao Yintang as heir apparent.
With this, the enthronement ceremony was complete.
The next day, the Ministry of Rites simultaneously issued two decrees.
The first was regarding the Crown Prince’s marriage to Zhang Fengtong.
The second was the imperial marriage decree for Duke Weiguo’s eldest son, Pei You’an, and the daughter of the Quanzhou Zhen family, Zhen Jiafu.
The news spread rapidly. The Duke Weiguo’s mansion, which had been quiet for years, was suddenly overflowing with visitors offering congratulations from morning until night, nearly wearing down the threshold. Similarly, the Zhen family’s previously unremarkable residence in the capital instantly became the focus of attention.
The wedding date for both imperial decrees was set for the same day—the sixteenth of the following month—to be jointly arranged by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department.