Watching this absurd scene unfold, Jiang Zhiyi felt her temples throb with irritation. Unable to endure it any longer, she ordered the two people—or possibly three—going back and forth to shut their mouths and demanded San Qi hand over the book of quotations.
San Qi looked hesitant but, under Jiang Zhiyi’s intimidating gaze, folded the booklet and presented it with both hands, head bowed.
As San Qi watched Jiang Zhiyi take the book and head toward the rear courtyard, Pei Zisong followed her since they were heading in the same direction. In his heart, San Qi apologized to Shen Yuance: “You said it yourself, the Princess’s orders are the same as yours, and those who disobey will face military punishment. When the young mistress told me to shut up, I had no choice…”
With that, he nodded to himself, feeling justified, and scratched the back of his head before going outside to muster the troops.
Meanwhile, on the way back to the rear courtyard, Jiang Zhiyi noticed Pei Zisong carrying several medicinal packets. Upon asking, she learned that the Pei siblings had been delayed in Xingyang City because they’d heard about refugees flooding in from the famine-stricken areas. They wanted to do what little they could by distributing porridge on the streets. Pei Xueqing, who had some medical knowledge, had been helping the local medical clinic treat many refugees suffering from hunger and fever. After several days of this work, she had fallen ill from exhaustion.
So while Jiang Zhiyi had been cooling off from the summer heat in her room, Pei Xueqing had been lying ill in the west wing room opposite hers.
Jiang Zhiyi’s remaining heat symptoms weren’t serious, but hearing that Pei Xueqing still had a high fever, she hurriedly brought Military Doctor Feng to examine her.
Feng Su, Li Dafeng’s most capable apprentice, checked Pei Xueqing’s pulse and reviewed the medicine she was currently taking. He said there was nothing particularly wrong—it was just exhaustion combined with wind-heat illness. The medicine she was taking would gradually reduce her fever.
Reassured, Jiang Zhiyi saw that Pei Xueqing was sleeping deeply and left without disturbing her. In the outer room, she asked Pei Zisong about his previous encounter with the refugee disturbance.
Pei Zisong had intended to escort her out of the wing room, but his outstretched hand hesitated.
Seeing that he truly seemed afraid to engage in casual conversation with her, Jiang Zhiyi gestured toward the northwest and said, “Don’t mind him. When he wrote those jokes, he didn’t know this summer would be so disastrously hot. If he knew that we’re now all in the same boat as refugees, he’d be glad for us to look after each other. I’m asking about the refugees to make plans for the road ahead.”
“I was being narrow-minded.” Pei Zisong’s ears turned red with embarrassment as he invited her to sit in a guest chair. He told her about what had happened a few days ago: “That day, we encountered a group of refugees begging for food. Seeing them reduced to skin and bones with sunburned, peeling faces, we felt such pity that we distributed all the dry rations and water from our carriage. But not far down the road, we encountered another group of refugees. By then, we had nothing left except one water skin we’d kept for ourselves. This group was more aggressive and surrounded our carriage, ready to rob us. Fortunately, Secretary Wei happened to be patrolling nearby with his men and rescued us. He advised us not to give out food randomly in such situations—what seems like saving lives could cause greater calamity and might even put ourselves in danger.”
Jiang Zhiyi nodded. That Prefect Zhu seemed sycophantic, but Secretary Wei appeared to be reliable.
She guessed that because her party had military escorts from the Xuan Ce Army, refugees had kept their distance out of fear, not daring to approach to beg for food. Otherwise, she would likely have acted just as the inexperienced Pei siblings had.
“With so many refugees, is the imperial court not managing this at all?” Jiang Zhiyi furrowed her brow.
“Even the north is unbearably hot this year, and the south is worse. The heat started earlier than in previous years. I only learned a few days ago that this drought showed signs as early as the third month and began in earnest in the fourth month. By the end of the fifth month, three southern provinces had gone three consecutive months without a drop of rain, resulting in complete crop failure and widespread famine. However, local officials kept everything quiet, concealing the disaster’s extent. The imperial court only received accurate information in mid-sixth month.”
“The court only learned about it in the sixth month…” No wonder there had been no word of this in distant Hexi during the fourth and fifth months. Otherwise, Shen Yuance might have summoned her back when she was halfway through her journey in May. Now it was too late—having completed over seventy percent of the journey, they were committed to going forward.
Pei Zisong shook his head with deep concern: “What worries me even more is that after speaking with many southern refugees these past few days, I believe the actual disaster may be more severe than what the court currently knows. The three southern provinces might already be completely barren wastelands with corpses everywhere. The refugees are increasingly restless. If this continues, I fear that before the natural disaster ends, human calamity will arise… I’ve already written a letter to my father explaining the situation, hoping it arrives in time to prevent things from deteriorating further.”
Neither the capital nor Hexi had information as accurate as those closest to the disaster. Pei Zisong had earned his scholarly title at a young age and was exceptionally knowledgeable. If this was his assessment, there truly could be a civilian uprising.
Jiang Zhiyi had initially only worried about being delayed for a few days before seeing her uncle. After hearing Pei Zisong’s words, her heart began to pound with anxiety.
Pei Zisong quickly reassured her: “But you shouldn’t worry too much. Xingyang City has recently opened its granaries to aid the refugees. Many who have entered the city are grateful, so where we are now is unlikely to experience an uprising.”
Jiang Zhiyi nodded and, composing herself, asked: “Pei Zisong, I want to ask you something that may be overstepping. If you find it inappropriate, you needn’t answer.”
“Please speak, Princess.”
“With the disaster dragging on like this, I imagine the Emperor must be furious, and many officials will be dismissed. Since you’ve gathered so much information, do you know if any imperial princes are implicated in this disaster relief matter?” Seeing Pei Zisong’s genuine surprise, Jiang Zhiyi cleared her throat and took a roundabout approach. “As you know, the Fourth Prince and I were childhood acquaintances. I wonder if this matter involves him…?”
So that’s why Shen Yuance wasn’t fighting with the Fourth Prince, but only targeting him, Pei Zisong thought. Oh, right—it was because the Fourth Prince was already married…
After these thoughts flashed through his mind, Pei Zisong earnestly replied: “There’s nothing I can’t share about this. From what I know, the officials originally responsible for disaster relief were aligned with the Crown Prince. With such a major mishap, the Crown Prince has likely been severely implicated. The Fourth Prince, however, has no issues. On the contrary, he’s been entrusted with taking over the disaster relief work during this crisis.”
“That’s good!” Jiang Zhiyi smiled with relief on the surface, but inwardly she felt uneasy.
Logically, when the Crown Prince made a mistake, the Second Prince should have seized the opportunity to shine, recommending his officials or volunteering to take charge of the disaster relief. Yet ultimately, the task was assigned to the Fourth Prince.
It seemed the Emperor was extremely wary of the Second Prince and his Hedong backers.
Jiang Zhiyi recalled the night before leaving Guzang, when she had asked Shen Yuance about the court situation. He had said that the court and Hedong were on the verge of open conflict, and that the Hedong Military Governor might not come to the capital for the New Year.
If Fan Denian didn’t come to the capital, whether the court moved first to punish him or Hedong struck first, the war between the two sides wouldn’t be far off.
At the time, Jiang Zhiyi had thought that even if there was conflict, it wouldn’t happen until after the New Year. At New Year’s, Shen Yuance would go to the capital, and they would be together, fearing nothing.
But now with this sudden natural disaster throwing both the court and the country into chaos, who knew what changes might occur…
She needed to get back to Chang’an quickly to obtain first-hand information about the court.
The next morning, in the main hall of the prefectural office.
Zhu Fengyuan stood respectfully to the side, looking at the noble guest with surprise: “The Princess has only rested for one night and already wishes to continue her journey? Has my humble residence been lacking in hospitality?”
Jiang Zhiyi had no patience for such official talk and gently closed her eyes, resting her head on her hand.
Jing Zhe spoke on her behalf from behind, smiling: “Just answer the Princess’s questions, Prefect Zhu. You only need to tell the Princess whether there are refugees scattered along the official road from Xingzhou to Chang’an. If so, we’d trouble you to arrange some manpower to clear the way for the Princess.”
Zhu Fengyuan realized he had spoken out of turn, and his expression grew solemn: “Yes, I understand. I’ll arrange it right away.”
Jing Zhe nodded with a smile: “When the Princess returns to Chang’an, she will surely remember Prefect Zhu’s meritorious service.”
“Not at all! Being able to serve the Princess is a blessing I’ve earned from three lifetimes of virtue!”
As Zhu Fengyuan was about to withdraw with a smile, hurried footsteps sounded behind him: “Sir, something has happened!”
Jiang Zhiyi opened her eyes to see Wei Ji, the deputy who had accompanied Zhu Fengyuan yesterday.
Zhu Fengyuan’s eye twitched as he signaled to Wei Ji: “What are you panicking about? Don’t disturb the Princess!”
Wei Ji quickly lowered his head and bowed to Jiang Zhiyi: “I didn’t know the Princess was here. I have been discourteous—please forgive me, Princess.”
Jiang Zhiyi frowned: “What has happened?”
Wei Ji looked toward Zhu Fengyuan as if seeking guidance.
Jiang Zhiyi raised her eyebrows: “I’m asking you a question. Who are you looking at?”
Wei Ji hastily cupped his hands and answered: “In response to the Princess, there has been significant unrest among refugees in Peng County to the east of Xingzhou. The local county government cannot handle it and has requested troops for support.”
“Oh my,” Zhu Fengyuan exclaimed in alarm, “that’s right on the Princess’s route back to Chang’an. Princess, you’d better stay in Xingyang City, where it’s safe!”
Jiang Zhiyi rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on. Safety wasn’t the issue—the hundred Xuan Ce soldiers accompanying her were elite troops, each capable of fighting ten of even the fierce Northern Qie cavalry. Dealing with rioting civilians would be no challenge.
However, with tensions between refugees and the imperial government already so high, it would be unwise for Xuan Ce troops to engage with refugees at this critical moment. Even if it were to protect her, weapons were indiscriminate. If they used excessive force in self-defense and provoked more public resentment, people with ulterior motives might criticize them, and this trouble, which had nothing to do with Hexi, might be dumped on Shen Yuance.
Jiang Zhiyi let out a deep breath: “How soon can this unrest be quelled at the earliest?”
“I’m afraid it will take until tonight or tomorrow morning at the earliest.”
“I’ll wait for Prefect Zhu’s news.” Jiang Zhiyi gave Zhu Fengyuan an urgent look before rising and leaving the main hall.
By evening, Jiang Zhiyi sat beside Pei Xueqing’s bed in the west wing room, observing her complexion.
Pei Xueqing’s face was flushed red, her brows furrowed. After a full day, not only had her fever not subsided, but she seemed to be sleeping even more deeply.
Jiang Zhiyi’s summer heat symptoms had diminished, leaving only some weakness, but Pei Xueqing’s condition looked very concerning.
Since last night, Feng Su had checked Pei Xueqing’s pulse three times. He said she was having chaotic dreams in her unconscious state, her emotions were in disorder, and she remained feverish and unresponsive. The root cause might be a heart ailment, which external medical intervention could hardly help.
Jiang Zhiyi inquired with Pei Zisong and learned that Pei Xueqing had been in a similar condition in Chang’an during the first month of the year.
Pei Zisong said that Pei Xueqing had indeed seemed much happier after spending time in Hexi to heal her heart. But since leaving Guzang, as they got further and further from Hexi, she had begun spacing out by herself again. Now, with the combination of exhaustion and wind evil entering her body, her illness had struck with full force.
Seeing no improvement in Pei Xueqing and still no news from Prefect Zhu about quelling the unrest, Jiang Zhiyi grew increasingly anxious throughout the day, with a nagging fear that something would happen.
To lighten the load and speed up travel on this journey, she had brought only one maid, Jing Zhe, whom she had sent to the front courtyard to wait for news. Now there was no one to comfort her, and she could only reassure herself—Pei Xueqing would get better tomorrow, and early tomorrow morning, she would take the Pei siblings back to the capital with her.
Jiang Zhiyi checked the damp cloth on Pei Xueqing’s forehead and was about to ask Pei’s maid to bring a fresh one when suddenly there was an urgent knock on the door. Before she could say “enter,” the door panel was pushed open.
The normally composed Jing Zhe rushed in, panting and uncharacteristically flustered.
Jiang Zhiyi’s heart tightened as she abruptly stood up: “What has happened?”
“Princess, Pei Zisong was out gathering information about the disaster and heard something from newly arrived refugees. A few days ago, a river in the south dried up, exposing stones at the bottom with writing on them—”
“…What writing?”
Jing Zhe took a deep breath: “Heaven’s anger, Xingwu soldiers rise, great drought comes, Second Prince emerges.”
Jiang Zhiyi listened to each word, stunned, reaching out to steady herself against the bedpost.
Xingwu was the Emperor’s reign title.
The Second Prince referred to the Second Prince.
Hedong and the Second Prince… were rebelling.
Jiang Zhiyi’s heart pounded wildly. For an instant, her mind went completely blank. After that moment passed, she spoke with a trembling voice: “…Quickly, have San Qi use the Xuan Ce Army’s falcons to send this news to Hexi as fast as possible! Tell Shen Yuance!”
Jing Zhe turned to leave immediately.
Jiang Zhiyi added: “Also, the capital—”
Jing Zhe looked back: “Rest assured, Princess. Hexi might receive the news a bit later, but the capital should learn about it around the same time as us. Pei Zisong has already informed Prefect Zhu and asked him to immediately notify nearby prefectures.”
After Jing Zhe left, Jiang Zhiyi composed herself, told the maid to look after Pei Xueqing, and left the west wing for the front courtyard office.
The front courtyard was bustling with people. One messenger after another carried dispatches bearing the prefect’s seal out of the compound, mounted horses, and galloped off in different directions.
In the main hall, Pei Zisong was anxiously pacing back and forth.
Jiang Zhiyi approached quickly and asked: “What must the situation in the capital be like right now?”
Pei Zisong stopped pacing, his face grave: “I sent a letter to my family three days ago, but have received no response. I worry that by the time we receive this news, the capital might already have—”
Pei Zisong didn’t finish his sentence, but Jiang Zhiyi understood.
The superstitious writing on the stones had been orchestrated by Fan Denian and the Second Prince to set the stage for rebellion and inflame public sentiment. With these words spreading among the people, rebel forces must already be advancing on the capital region. Otherwise, wouldn’t their propaganda have revealed their intentions prematurely?
At the writing desk, Zhu Fengyuan stamped the official seal on the last dispatch. Looking up to see the worried Jiang Zhiyi, he hurried over: “Princess, fortunately, you delayed your departure. With the capital’s situation unclear, please stay here where it’s safe for now!”
But Pei Zisong’s expression didn’t share Zhu Fengyuan’s confidence. He shook his head: “Prefect Zhu, looking at the current situation, if the capital region truly falls, I fear Xingzhou won’t be spared either.”
Zhu Fengyuan’s brow twitched: “What does Young Master Pei mean…?”
Jiang Zhiyi’s eyelashes trembled slightly.
The implication was that if the capital region completely fell, the greatest hope for rescue would be Hexi. Since Xingzhou was on the necessary route from Hexi to Chang’an, if Hedong wanted to block Hexi’s advance, this prefecture and several others nearby would become strategic targets for Hedong.
Sooner or later, Hedong’s forces would be directed here.
…
The sky gradually darkened, and lamps were lit in the main hall.
In the brightly lit room, everyone waited for news, hoping for word that the rebellion in the capital had been suppressed and the Second Prince captured.
At the hour of the Dog (7-9 PM), the sound of a horse being reined to a sudden stop broke the deathly silence in the prefect’s compound.
A messenger tumbled from his horse at the compound gate and rushed in: “Report—!”
Everyone sat up straight, only for their hearts to sink heavily in the next moment.
“Hedong’s army is at our borders! Over ten thousand troops are marching toward Xingyang!”