In the Hongde Hall of the Imperial Palace, a small court session was being held to discuss the details of the peace treaty to be signed with the Huan Kingdom in three days.
Officials from the Ministry of Rites presented copies of the treaty details to the Emperor, Crown Prince, Prince Zhuang, and Prince Jing. Additional copies were distributed to the Chancellor, Grand Academician of the Longtu Hall, various department ministers, and officials from the Censorate and Surveillance Office.
Prince Jing unfolded the document and glanced at it, praising, “What exquisite small regular script!”
Hearing this, the Emperor opened his copy for a closer look and nodded slightly. “Indeed. The characters are tightly structured yet fluid, with inner strength and outer grace. It embodies refinement and dignity – truly remarkable small regular script.”
He turned to Wang Yuexiong, Minister of Rites, and asked, “Who penned this?”
“Your Majesty, the scribe is Cui Liang from the Drafting Office of the Ministry of Rites. He’s from Ping Prefecture and was once the top scorer in the provincial examinations. Just yesterday, due to a shortage of staff in the Imperial Secretariat, Minister Cheng requested to transfer him there.”
The Emperor smiled and nodded. “So he’s the top scorer from Ping Prefecture. No wonder his calligraphy is so fine. It would have been a waste of his talents as a mere scribe in your ministry. The transfer to the Imperial Secretariat is fitting. This way, I’ll be able to enjoy this Examination Top Scorer Cui’s excellent penmanship daily.”
He then turned to Prince Jing and said gently, “Prince Jing, the other day I praised your improved calligraphy, but compared to Examination Top Scorer Cui, you still need to put in more effort.”
Prince Jing bowed respectfully. “Your son will heed Your Majesty’s guidance!”
Beside him, Prince Zhuang’s face showed a hint of displeasure, and he let out an almost inaudible snort.
As soon as the Vice Minister of Rites finished reading the treaty details aloud, Right Chancellor Tao Xingde stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, I have an objection.”
“Speak freely, Chancellor Tao.”
Tao Xingde glanced at the smiling Pei Yan and said, “This peace treaty was primarily negotiated by Chancellor Pei, and we only learned of its details today. Logically, I shouldn’t be overly concerned, as Chancellor Pei has been overseeing all military and political affairs with the Huan Kingdom in recent years. However, there is one clause in this treaty that puzzles me.”
The Emperor’s expression remained pleasant. “If Chancellor Tao has any doubts, Chancellor Pei can explain in detail.”
Pei Yan lowered his head. “I obey Your Majesty’s command.” He then turned to Tao Xingde with a humble smile. “Please speak your mind, Chancellor Tao.”
Tao Xingde opened the document in his hand and said, “The treaty addresses the ownership of the Yueluo Mountain Range. Since the founding of our Hua Dynasty, the Yueluo Mountain Range has always been our tributary territory. For over a century, the Yueluo tribe has paid annual tribute to our court as a subordinate ethnic group.
“However, in this treaty drafted by Chancellor Pei, the Yueluo Mountain Range is to be divided in half with the Huan Kingdom, using the Tongfeng River as the boundary. The north will belong to the Huan Kingdom, and the south to our dynasty. Doesn’t this mean we’re giving away half of our tributary land to the Huan Kingdom? Moreover, it indirectly acknowledges that in the past wars fought over the Yueluo Mountain Range, our dynasty was the losing side. I truly don’t understand and request Chancellor Pei’s explanation.”
Prince Zhuang nodded. “Chancellor Tao makes a valid point. In the war with the Huan Kingdom last year, our dynasty was victorious. There’s no need for such concessions. Please explain, Chancellor Pei.”
Seeing both the Right Chancellor and Prince Zhuang speak thus, the various ministers and censors began to murmur amongst themselves, filling the hall with a low buzz of discussion.
Pei Yan maintained his smile, calmly explaining, “There are three considerations behind dividing the Yueluo Mountain Range and each country taking half:
“First, the area north of the Tongfeng River in the Yueluo Mountain Range is rocky and barren, with poor soil. There’s a local saying: ‘North of Tongfeng, three feet of scorched earth, where even children weep.’ However, south of the Tongfeng River, the land is rich and fertile. So while it seems like an even split, we’re giving up the poor land and keeping the prosperous part. Our dynasty is not at a disadvantage.
“Second, due to the scarcity of resources north of the Tongfeng River, bandits run rampant, causing constant unrest. The Yueluo tribal chief has requested military support from our court multiple times over the years to quell the disturbances. But these bandits are extremely difficult to deal with. Since the third year of Chengping, thousands of our stationed troops have died in attempts to eliminate them, and the court can no longer bear this burden. By ceding the area north of the Tongfeng River to the Huan Kingdom, we’re essentially handing them a hot potato, which will tie up at least several tens of thousands of their troops.
“Third, internal conflicts within the Yueluo tribe have been intensifying in recent years. The Xingyue Sect has been gaining power within the tribe, and they are determined to establish an independent Yueluo state, breaking away from their status as our tributary. By dividing the Yueluo Mountain Range between our dynasty and the Huan Kingdom, with the border line running right through the holy land of the Xingyue Sect, we can weaken their influence and prevent them from becoming too powerful and causing trouble.
“Considering these three points, dividing the Yueluo Mountain Range at the Tongfeng River is beneficial to our dynasty with no drawbacks. As for the issue of national prestige that Chancellor Tao mentioned, although the Yueluo tribe has been paying tribute for over a century, our court has never officially bestowed them with a title of allegiance. Therefore, there is no question of losing sovereignty or ceding territory.”
Pei Yan’s eloquent explanation seemed reasonable, and most of the officials in the hall nodded in agreement, murmuring their approval. Only the officials aligned with Right Chancellor Tao remained silent, their eyes fixed on the Right Chancellor and Prince Zhuang.
Prince Zhuang glanced at Tao Xingde. Unable to immediately refute Pei Yan’s arguments, Tao blurted out in desperation, “Chancellor Pei seems to have it all figured out, but are the Huan Kingdom’s rulers fools? Can’t they see that this treaty is not in their favor?”
Pei Yan’s smile deepened. “The Huan Kingdom’s rulers are not fools. They have their objectives.”
“Please elaborate, Chancellor Pei.”
“The Huan Kingdom’s willingness to cease hostilities with our dynasty and sign this treaty, retreating from the eastern front at Qi Prefecture while taking the northern part of Yueluo, is aimed at gaining control of the Tongfeng River.”
“How so?”
“The Huan Kingdom is located in the northern region, where rivers are scarce. They cannot guarantee water for agriculture and forestry irrigation throughout their country. So even a slight drought leads to crop failures and widespread famine. The numerous wars between the Huan Kingdom and our dynasty over the years, while seemingly for other reasons, were fundamentally about securing water resources. Once this treaty is signed, our dynasty will no longer station troops north of the Tongfeng River. The Huan Kingdom can then dig canals and divert water from the Tongfeng River into their territory, solving their long-standing water shortage problem.”
Tao Xingde sneered, “If that’s the case, why is Chancellor Pei so willing to hand over the Tongfeng River? Isn’t this just benefiting the Huan Kingdom and making them even more powerful?”
Pei Yan smiled slightly and took a memorial from his sleeve. He bowed and presented it. A palace servant took the document and handed it to the Emperor.
The Emperor opened the memorial and read it carefully. A look of approval gradually spread across his face. Closing the document, he said, “Excellent strategy, Chancellor Pei! This way, although the Huan Kingdom gains the water source of the Tongfeng River, they’ll still be at our mercy due to the dams we’ll build upstream. Brilliant!”
Pei Yan bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty! I humbly request Your Majesty to authorize the Ministry of Revenue to allocate funds to the Ministry of Works for recruiting experienced water engineers to select a site and construct dams upstream of the Tongfeng River, near Dingyou.”
The Emperor smiled. “Granted. Chancellor Pei oversees this matter. The Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Works are to follow your orders without fail.”
Pei Yan bowed again. “There’s one more matter I need to report to Your Majesty.”
“Speak.”
“This peace treaty with the Huan Kingdom is a trap we’ve set for them. Once they divert water from the Tongfeng River, they’ll certainly dig canals and develop extensive farmland downstream to the north. Therefore, our plan to build dams upstream near Dingyou must be kept secret. We should wait until the Huan Kingdom has invested enormous resources in digging canals and developing farmland next spring before proceeding with our dam construction. Until then, not a whisper of this plan can be leaked. I request that Your Majesty issue an edict forbidding anyone present in the hall today from divulging this information, lest the Huan Kingdom catch on to our scheme.”
The Emperor’s expression turned solemn. “Listen well, all of you. Anyone who leaks today’s discussions will have their entire clan executed!”
Aware of the gravity of the situation, all the officials quickly knelt and kowtowed. “We will obey Your Majesty’s edict!”
Tao Xingde and Prince Zhuang exchanged a glance before reluctantly kowtowing as well.
As Pei Yan left Hongde Hall, it was nearly noon. Thick clouds covered the sky, and the autumn wind whipped up fallen leaves, chilling the air. Standing by a carved dragon jade pillar, he recalled his earlier debate with Right Chancellor Tao Xingde and couldn’t help but give a cold smile.
Footsteps approached, and Prince Jing’s melodious voice rang out, “You’ve worked hard, Chancellor!”
Pei Yan tilted his head back slightly, gazing at the thick dark clouds in the sky. After a long silence, he said, “The wind has finally picked up!”
Prince Jing also clasped his hands behind his back and looked towards the horizon, nodding. “Indeed. It’s been clear for so long that Nan’an Prefecture is suffering from a severe drought. Let’s see if this rain can alleviate the situation.”
After a moment of silence, he continued, “Chancellor, we can’t delay the Xingyue Sect matter any longer. Judging by the situation in court today, I fear the sect is already infiltrating the capital with their influence.”
“Yes, Xiao Wuxi has been plotting for years. He surely won’t be content with his power base being split in two. I expect his retaliation will be quite fierce. I need to find him quickly to set my mind at ease.”
Prince Jing lowered his voice. “Then why did you openly reveal your dam-building strategy in court today? Aren’t you worried that some of the officials present might have been infiltrated by the Xingyue Sect?”
Pei Yan smiled faintly but didn’t answer. Instead, he turned and cupped his hands in farewell. “Your Highness, I’ll take my leave now. The day after tomorrow is my mother’s 40th birthday. Although she doesn’t like grand celebrations, I still want to arrange something for her. I hope Your Highness can do me the honor of attending. I’ll have someone send you an invitation soon.”
Prince Jing exclaimed in surprise, “So the day after tomorrow is your mother’s birthday? Why didn’t you mention it earlier? I should prepare a gift. Rest assured, I’ll personally come to wish Madam Pei a happy birthday.”
Pei Yan bowed again and descended the steps.
As Prince Jing watched Pei Yan’s retreating figure, lost in thought, someone patted his shoulder. He quickly turned and bowed, “Elder Brother!”
The slightly plump face of the Crown Prince wore a wry smile. “Third Brother, you’re too sharp. You knew it was me without even turning around.”
Prince Jing lowered his head slightly and bowed. “The only people who would dare to pat my shoulder directly are you and Second Brother. Second Brother has been angry with me these past two days, so he certainly wouldn’t acknowledge me.”
The Crown Prince giggled, all dignity of an elder brother gone, and leaned in close. “Why exactly is Second Brother upset with you?”
Prince Jing smiled bitterly. “The other day, Father summoned Second Brother and me to test our studies. He praised me a couple of times, and Second Brother became jealous. Now he glares at me whenever he sees me.”
Upon hearing the words “test our studies,” the Crown Prince shuddered and hurriedly said, “Oh no, I need to go prepare right away.” With that, he hurried off.
After the Crown Prince had gone far enough, Prince Jing raised his head and gave a contemptuous smile.
Pei Yan returned to the Chancellor’s Mansion as the wind grew stronger, bringing with it a steady drizzle of rain.
As soon as he stepped out of his sedan chair, attendants rushed to hold oil-paper umbrellas over him. He entered through the main gate, passed through the reception hall, and along a long corridor before stepping into Shen Garden. Just as he was about to remove his wind cape, he took two steps back and glanced at Jiang Ci, who was sitting on the railing of the veranda. He smiled slightly but didn’t acknowledge her as he entered his chambers.
Jiang Ci followed him in with a giggle. Pei Yan allowed his maids to remove his wind cape and change him out of his official robes into a light purple silk shirt with a pale cyan silk robe over it. Another maid gently removed his official hat and tied up his black hair with a light purple headband, enhancing his handsome and dignified appearance.
Ignoring Jiang Ci, Pei Yan lay down in a rocking chair and held up a copy of “Clear Dust Collection” to read. He gently rocked the chair, crossing one leg over the other. Four beautiful maids stood behind him, holding towels, tea, a fan, and incense.
Jiang Ci inwardly scoffed at the scene. She cleared her throat, stepped in front of Pei Yan’s chair, and curtsied formally. “Jiang Ci thanks the Chancellor for saving her life.”
Pei Yan glanced at her from behind his book and made a noncommittal “mm” sound without speaking.
Jiang Ci’s face broke into a radiant smile. She pulled up a stool and sat down next to Pei Yan, tilting her head to look at the book in his hands. She grinned, “The Chancellor is indeed learned. I could never make sense of this ‘Clear Dust Collection,’ even if my life depended on it.”
Pei Yan continued to ignore her, focusing on his book.
Jiang Ci kept trying to engage him in conversation, but he only responded with “oh” or “mm,” refusing to take her bait.
Soon, a maid entered and announced, “Chancellor, the meal is ready. Please come and dine.”
Pei Yan stood up gracefully and, without looking at Jiang Ci, walked towards the east side hall.
Jiang Ci raised her fist at his back, but before she could lower it, Pei Yan had turned around. “Since you’re here, you might as well join me for the meal.”
Jiang Ci’s eyes lit up with joy. “Thank you, Chancellor!”
As soon as she stepped into the side hall, her eyes fell upon a plate of steamed crabs in the center of the nanmu wood table. Suddenly, she felt itchy all over, and her stomach began to ache. Seeing Pei Yan smiling at her, she quickly waved her hands and said, “Chancellor, I’m not hungry. I ate before coming here. Why don’t I serve you instead?”
Pei Yan smiled and sat down. “Everyone, leave us.” The maids acknowledged the order and retreated after bowing.
Seeing Jiang Ci rooted to the spot, Pei Yan looked up and said, “Didn’t you say you wanted to serve me? Why are you just standing there? That night, you said you wanted to stay in my mansion as a servant, to repay me with your body. Were those all lies?”
Jiang Ci forced a smile and stepped forward to pick up the silver chopsticks. She handed them to Pei Yan, then ladled a bowl of soup and placed it before him. However, her hand tilted slightly, causing the soup bowl to tip.
Seeing the soup spill onto Pei Yan’s outer robe, she quickly grabbed a silk handkerchief and bent down to wipe it, saying as she did so, “Jiang Ci is just a rough country girl who doesn’t know how to serve people properly. Please don’t be angry, Chancellor.”
Pei Yan chuckled, set down his chopsticks, and suddenly reached out to grip Jiang Ci’s waist. He yanked her body towards him, causing Jiang Ci to cry out “Ah!” as she fell across his lap. She frantically kicked her legs, but Pei Yan pinned her down with his right elbow, leaving her unable to move.
Jiang Ci flew into a rage and blurted out, “You damned mitten crab! Don’t think I’ll help you identify people by their voices!”