Inside the Prime Minister’s mansion, things were tense internally but relaxed externally. Pei Yan had made meticulous arrangements throughout the night, and by the time everything was settled, dawn was breaking. He was changing into his court robes with Shuyun’s assistance when a servant hurriedly came to report that an imperial edict had arrived from the Emperor.
The main gates of the Prime Minister’s mansion were thrown open, and an incense table was set up. Pei Yan, dressed in his court robes, came out and knelt facing north. The eunuch announcing the edict was all smiles, but there was no written decree. He only conveyed the Emperor’s verbal order, bestowing a plaque inscribed with “Loyal and Filial Prince’s Mansion” in the Emperor’s hand. The Emperor also showed consideration for Pei Yan’s wartime efforts, instructing him to rest at home for three days before returning to court.
Pei Yan kowtowed in gratitude for the imperial favor, then personally held the plaque. Servants set up a ladder, removed the original plaque from the mansion’s main gate, and hung up the new “Loyal and Filial Prince’s Mansion” plaque. From that moment on, the Left Prime Minister’s mansion officially became the Loyal and Filial Prince’s Mansion.
The sound of firecrackers attracted crowds of commoners to gather and watch. Pei Yan, with a face full of smiles, ordered his servants to bring copper coins and distribute them among the neighbors and onlookers. The area in front of the Loyal and Filial Prince’s Mansion was filled with jubilant noise.
After the plaque was hung, Pei Yan turned and entered the mansion. An Lu came to report, “Your Highness, the Emperor has just issued an edict conferring the title of First-Class Loyal and Brave Viscount on Lord Wei, and has bestowed upon him the residence on West Straight Street that was originally prepared for Princess Jingshu’s marriage. The officials are now flocking to the new Viscount Wei’s mansion to offer their congratulations.”
Pei Yan pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, “In that case, let’s go and congratulate Viscount Wei as well.”
At the First-Class Loyal and Brave Viscount’s Mansion on West Straight Street, Zheng Cheng Hui and others were accompanying Wei Zhao on a tour of the premises. They all praised it, saying it was indeed worthy of being the residence prepared by the Emperor for Princess Jingshu. With its carved beams and painted pillars, elegant pavilions, and towers, it was the epitome of luxury and wealth, no less impressive than the original Wei mansion.
Hearing that the Loyal and Filial Prince Pei Yan had come in person to offer congratulations, Wei Zhao hurried out to welcome him at the gate. The two exchanged polite greetings. Wei Zhao cupped his hands and said, “Your Highness has come in person to congratulate me. Wei Zhao is truly unworthy of such honor.”
Pei Yan entered the mansion with his hands behind his back, walking and smiling as he said, “San Lang has been granted a noble title, and we share the bond of battlefield comrades. Of course, I had to come and offer my congratulations.” He then transmitted a message, “Is there anything amiss?”
Wei Zhao smiled and said, “Speaking of which, Wei Zhao truly misses the days of battling alongside Your Highness on the battlefield.” In between his words, he transmitted back, “Nothing for now. Your Highness should not act rashly.”
“Naturally,” Pei Yan laughed loudly. “Come to think of it, it does feel a bit strange being back in the capital.”
Wei Zhao transmitted, “Let’s wait a few days before discussing our next move.”
Pei Yan nodded slightly. The two entered the reception hall and joined in the laughter and merriment with the others. That day, a grand feast was laid out at Viscount Wei’s mansion, with music playing and laughter ringing out, presenting a scene of wealth and elegance.
That night, fireworks continued to light up the sky over the capital, and a lantern festival was held in the East Market, with crowds of people filling the streets.
Pei Yan left the Loyal and Brave Viscount’s mansion when night had fallen. Upon returning to the Loyal and Filial Prince’s Mansion, he saw Cui Liang coming out of the west garden. He quickly stopped and smiled, “Where are you going, Ziming?”
Cui Liang smiled and said, “I’m going to the East Market Lantern Festival. It’s rare to see such lively scenes.”
Pei Yan recalled that he had first met Cui Liang in the East Market, and his interest was piqued. It was also a good opportunity to put on a show for the people the Emperor had sent to secretly monitor him. So he said, “I was thinking of going for a stroll too. Let’s go together.”
“Alright, but Your Highness should change into casual clothes first.”
Pei Yan changed into a light blue robe with a jade pendant at his waist and black satin boots. With eyes like bright stars and a smile like the spring breeze, he walked and talked with Cui Liang. The Chang Feng Guard followed them secretly.
The two arrived at the East Market and slowly moved with the flow of people. When they passed a certain stall, they couldn’t help but smile.
Pei Yan said, “Ziming, it was here that you wrote a copy of ‘Ode to Leisure’ that day, which led to our relationship today.”
Cui Liang looked at the place where he had once set up a stall to sell his calligraphy, and a wave of melancholy suddenly swept over him. Back then, he had run out of travel money and had no money to buy a medicine box, so he was forced to set up a stall to sell his writing. He never expected to chance upon Pei Yan and be drawn into this vortex of power. When would he be able to truly be like a free cloud or wild crane, roaming the world?
The lights all over the street gave a sense of unreality. He seemed to see again that girl in a light yellow long dress with curly long hair, smiling gently: “I also want to travel the world, but it’s hard to fulfill that wish. If Master Cui can one day achieve his dream, please write a travelogue for me to read, so I can fulfill my wish too.”
“Ziming.” Pei Yan called from a few steps ahead, turning back.
Cui Liang snapped out of his reverie, smiled self-mockingly, and quickened his pace to walk side by side with Pei Yan. A figure in light yellow flashed in and out of sight in the crowd ahead. Cui Liang’s heart stirred, and he hurried forward, pushing through the crowd. But the lantern market was packed with people, shoulder to shoulder. By the time he squeezed through to that spot, the figure had disappeared.
He looked around, but the beauty was nowhere to be seen. He couldn’t help feeling lost. Pei Yan squeezed over and asked, “Did Ziming see someone he knows?”
Cui Liang came back to his senses, smiled, and said, “I must have been mistaken.”
Jiang Ci was feeling unwell that day and her body was weak. She slept until late afternoon before getting up. In the outer room, last night’s untouched meal had developed a layer of oil film. Looking at that layer of oil, her stomach churned, and she had to struggle to keep from vomiting.
She didn’t know when Wei Zhao would return and didn’t dare to go out casually. She could only eat a little hastily and then return to the inner room to read. She read until nightfall, gradually feeling drowsy, and unknowingly fell asleep leaning in the chair.
The sky was pitch black, with the crescent moon appearing and disappearing. The capital had returned to tranquility.
In the courtyard, a figure suddenly emerged from the well. After climbing out of the well, he didn’t rush into the house but sat dazedly by the well’s edge. Only when the moon reached its zenith did he let out a soft sigh, making his footsteps extremely light as he entered the inner room.
She was sleeping soundly, leaning in the chair, her cloud-like beautiful hair falling, covering half of her face. She seemed to be dreaming of something, a slight smile on her lips. Wei Zhao gazed at this smile, as pure as a sweet spring, and a piercing howl echoed from the depths of his soul. Never before had he so hated and despised his filth-covered self.
Seeing her neck bent awkwardly, he sighed and bent down to pick her up. Jiang Ci woke with a start, opened her eyes groggily, and recognized his face, her heart relaxed. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, saying, “You’re back.” Then, feeling the soreness in her neck, she rubbed it and whimpered softly, “Oh no, I’ve got a crick in my neck.”
Wei Zhao laid her on the bed and was about to cover her with the blanket when Jiang Ci didn’t let go. She pulled hard on the arms around his neck, and Wei Zhao fell onto her body.
His heart ached, and then, as if mad, he kissed her forcefully. He thought of nothing else, only immersing himself in this boundless warmth, wishing that this warmth could stay by his side for a moment longer—
“Wu Xia,” she said weakly, leaning in his embrace.
“Mm.”
“Is there some happy event in the capital? There have been fireworks every night, and the big mansion next door had music playing all day today.”
His face pale, he finally managed to speak after a long while, “It’s nothing. The capital is celebrating His Majesty’s recovery. The mansion next door is now the residence of the First-Class Loyal and Brave Viscount, Lord Wei Zhao.”
She slowly turned her head to look at him. But he suddenly hugged her, burying his head in her chest, calling out in a low voice filled with intense guilt, “Xiao Ci.”
His black hair scattered over her white chest, his low call like that of a wounded beast. Jiang Ci opened her arms and hugged him tightly. She seemed to have a thousand words to say, but in the end, she only said softly, “I’ll wait for you.”
With Pei Yan being conferred the title of Loyal and Filial Prince Wei Zhao being made First-Class Loyal and Brave Viscount, and the Emperor’s clear edict to resume court in three days, the two spent days hosting guests at their mansions. The civil and military officials would visit the Loyal and Filial Prince’s Mansion one moment and the Loyal and Brave Viscount’s Mansion the next. Along with Zheng Cheng Hui and a group of playboy young masters joining in the fun, and inviting Su Yan’s theater troupe to perform at both mansions, the three days passed in a flash.
At dawn on this day, Wei Zhao secretly returned to the Loyal and Brave Viscount’s Mansion on West Straight Street through the secret passage in the good wall of the small courtyard in Old Willow Lane.
Since he had begun to stir up trouble single-handedly, he had prepared for the day when he might have to flee for his life. The original Wei mansion backed onto a small hill, which was not as convenient for escape as the densely populated streets and alleys. So he had secretly purchased this house in Old Willow Lane in the city. After examining the surroundings of the house, he discovered that it was just behind the large mansion the Emperor had prepared for Princess Jingshu’s marriage, with only a small alley separating the two. Wei Zhao had a sudden inspiration and found a way to dig a secret passage between the well of the Old Willow Lane house and the woodshed of the mansion in front. The passage was very well concealed and had mechanisms, so there was no fear of discovery.
He had also made a bet with Zheng Cheng Hui and others in public, boasting that he would win Princess Jingshu’s mansion. This time, taking advantage of the great victory in the expedition, he finally got the Emperor to bestow this mansion on him, providing an additional temporary escape route in case of emergency.
During the day, he entertained officials and had to constantly monitor all developments in the capital, leaving him exhausted. Only in the dead of night, when he secretly slipped away to meet Jiang Ci, could his heart, constantly roasted in fierce flames and submerged in darkness, find a moment of peace.
Jiang Ci had remained quietly at home for these three days. When Wei Zhao sneaked in under the cover of night fog, she asked nothing, only throwing herself into his arms. She knew she couldn’t help him, she could only try to let their moments of joy illuminate the deep darkness of the night, so he wouldn’t feel so alone.
Wei Zhao entered the palace amidst the winter fog. As soon as he reached the Qianqing Gate, he saw Prince Zhuang. Since the Emperor had awakened, Prince Zhuang had fallen ill again. After Noble Consort Gao’s death, he had been alternating between sickness and health, and now that his influence had waned, officials were busy congratulating the Loyal and Filial Prince and the Loyal and Brave Viscount. Prince Zhuang’s mansion was deserted, and no one seemed to care when his illness might be cured.
Wei Zhao and Prince Zhuang’s eyes met briefly before they parted. Both knew it wasn’t the time to talk. One remained as cold and proud as ever, heading towards Yanhui Palace, while the other, all smiles, chatted with the officials as he made his way to Hongtai Palace.
The Emperor had just put on his bright yellow imperial robe when Wei Zhao entered. He smiled and said, “I’ve ordered Jiang Yuan to hand the palace security back to you. You’ve had enough fun. From today, take charge of the Guangming Department again.”
Wei Zhao came over to tie the Emperor’s crown strings and smiled, “I was just thinking of managing those little monkeys. Jiang Yuan only cared about his Imperial Guard and somewhat neglected the Guangming Department.”
The Emperor chuckled as he left Yanhui Palace and headed towards Hongtai Palace.
This was the Emperor’s first court session since he had awakened. Even though he had previously reviewed the memorials from various departments over the past few months, he still found the affairs complex and felt somewhat tired. He yawned and leaned on the armrest of the dragon throne.
The officials saw this clearly and all fell silent. Academic Dong stepped forward and cautiously asked, “Your Majesty, would you like to end the court session early?”
The Emperor looked at the stack of memorials on his desk and smiled wryly, “My illness has delayed state affairs for several months. Now that the great war has just ended and there’s much to be done, how can we be slack?”
After a round of praise from the officials, Academic Dong said, “But Your Majesty’s health is of utmost importance. Someone should share your burdens. I have a bold suggestion, if I may.”
“Speak freely, Minister Dong.”
“Previously, memorials from various departments and offices were first submitted to the two Prime Ministers for initial review before being reported to Your Majesty for decision. But since the Loyal and Filial Prince led the army on the expedition and Your Majesty fell ill, with the Crown Prince acting as regent, Prime Minister Tao found it difficult to review all the memorials alone. We came up with a compromise that proved quite effective.”
“Oh?” The Emperor’s interest was piqued.
Pei Yan and Pei Zifang’s hearts sank, knowing that the Emperor was playing along with Dong Fang, but they couldn’t interject at this moment. They could only silently calculate in their hearts.
Dong Fang bowed and continued, “For these past few months, memorials from various departments and prefectures were first sent to the Inner Cabinet, reviewed by the two princes, Prime Minister Tao, Marquis Pei, the Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet, and us before being submitted to the Crown Prince for decision. We each had our responsibilities, and with more hands, the responses to memorials were quite smooth. The Crown Prince also found it easier.”
The Emperor praised, “Hmm, not bad. This is indeed a good method.” Seeing Pei Yan below the imperial dais about to speak, the Emperor’s words cut him off, “Now that Lord Pei has been conferred the title of prince, it’s not appropriate for him to continue as Left Prime Minister. I’ve been thinking about reforming the position of Prime Minister for a while. Let’s do this: instead of having two Prime Ministers overseeing the affairs of various departments and prefectures, let the Inner Cabinet be responsible. With more people in the Inner Cabinet, the work can be distributed, and no one will feel overburdened. With so many people sharing my worries, I can also be more at ease.”
The Crown Prince took the lead in prostrating himself and said, “Father Emperor is wise!”
The Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet were naturally overjoyed. Previously, the Grand Council’s role had been limited to providing advice to the Emperor without handling state affairs like the Prime Minister. With the Emperor’s decree, the powers once held by the Prime Minister were now distributed among the Councilors. Seizing the opportunity before Pei Yan and Tao Xingde could speak, the officials knelt and loudly proclaimed, “Your Majesty is indeed wise. We shall dedicate ourselves fully to your service, working tirelessly and sacrificing ourselves for the well-being of the realm!”
The other court officials, fully aware of the situation, also knelt in praise of the Emperor. Pei Yan and Tao Xingde resigned to the new reality, and could only accept it. From then on, the position of Prime Minister in the Hua Dynasty was officially abolished, with the Grand Council formally taking over the governance of the state.