The spirit tablet of Jin Youlang was placed in the front hall of the Ministry of Rites. As the night deepened, Pei Yan and Cui Liang, dressed in black night clothes, led An Cheng and others to quietly climb over the back wall of the Ministry.
Inside the front hall, over ten Imperial Guards and several Huan Kingdom attendants were on night duty. An Cheng had made arrangements beforehand. Soon, an officer from the Prime Minister’s mansion, planted among the Imperial Guards, came over with a token and a friendly smile. He said, “Gentlemen, after last night’s shock, you’re still on duty tonight. It must be tiring. The Ministry of Rites has prepared some late-night snacks and wine for you all to enjoy together.”
After the guards drank the wine laced with a small amount of sleeping drug and fell into a deep slumber, Pei Yan and his group entered the front hall with ease.
An Cheng and his men stood guard outside, while Pei Yan and Cui Liang lifted the coffin lid. Cui Liang carefully removed “Jin Youlang’s” body, placing it on a white cloth for a thorough examination.
Pei Yan stood nearby with his hands behind his back, watching Cui Liang examine the body. His mind was preoccupied with several major issues, feeling surrounded by crises and treading on thin ice.
The night watch drum sounded softly outside the wall. Cui Liang straightened up and said quietly, “It’s done.”
Pei Yan nodded. Cui Liang placed the body back into the coffin, and they pushed the lid back on. Cui Liang bent down to pick up the wooden box on the ground. Just as he was about to raise his head, Pei Yan’s expression changed. He swiftly drew the long sword from his back, blocking an arrow that had shot towards Cui Liang’s face with lightning speed.
An Cheng and his men, well-trained, quickly rushed towards the courtyard wall. The sound of clashing weapons indicated they had engaged with several opponents.
Realizing these people had been lying in wait and had targeted Cui Liang as the key to the examination, Pei Yan wielded his sword to protect Cui Liang as they leaped over the courtyard wall, closely observing the battle between the two sides.
Seeing An Cheng and his men gradually forcing the opponents towards the alley entrance, Pei Yan coldly ordered, “Keep one alive!”
An Cheng acknowledged with a shout, twisting his body and holding his knife vertically in front of his chest, chopping directly at the masked man in black.
The masked man in black laughed dully, “You want to keep one alive? Let’s see if you have the skill!” As he spoke, he spun rapidly, his short blade glinting as it met An Cheng’s “Flowing Wind Eighteen Paths” knife technique in an instant.
At this moment, a crescent moon hung in the sky, and a cold wind blew. The fight between these dozen or so people on the street terrified the night watchman, who cowered trembling in a corner.
Seeing that An Cheng couldn’t quickly subdue his opponent, who was the leader of the masked men, Pei Yan’s form suddenly rose. His long sword burst into a ball of silvery-white light, flying directly towards the leading masked man.
The masked man knew he couldn’t withstand Pei Yan’s sword force head-on. He leaped backward, and An Cheng seized the opportunity to attack. The masked man performed a back bend, his short blade moving upward from below to block An Cheng’s heavy knife.
Pei Yan was in mid-air, about to bring his sword down when his expression suddenly changed drastically. His sword, carrying the force of wind and thunder, was thrown backward, piercing through the “night watchman” who was about to stab Cui Liang. However, the “night watchman’s” blade had already pierced Cui Liang’s chest.
Seeing the “night watchman” succeed, the black-masked leader laughed, “Prime Minister Pei, I must take my leave!” His right hand flashed with silver light, forcing An Cheng and the Changfeng Guards to retreat hastily. The masked men took advantage of the chaos to scatter and flee.
An Cheng waved his hand, and the Changfeng Guards split up to give chase. He rushed to Pei Yan and Cui Liang’s side, only to see Cui Liang’s face pale as he pulled out a handful of shattered porcelain from his chest, smiling, “Today, a medicine bottle saved my life!”
Pei Yan tore open Cui Liang’s clothes to examine closely, feeling relieved. However, the “night watchman’s” strike had been powerful. Even though the porcelain bottle had blocked it somewhat, the blade had still penetrated Cui Liang’s chest by over half an inch.
Jiang Ci was sleeping hazily when she vaguely heard footsteps in the courtyard. Knowing Cui Liang had returned, she quickly put on her clothes, got out of bed, lit a candle, and went to the main room. Seeing Pei Yan supporting Cui Liang to lie down on the couch, her heart skipped a beat, and she rushed over with the lamp: “What happened?!”
Cui Liang smiled, “It’s nothing, just a small wound.”
Jiang Ci turned and rummaged through the room for medicine. Cui Liang took the medicinal powder and sprinkled it on his chest. Jiang Ci took some cloth strips and began bandaging him. Seeing the bloodstains on his chest, her heart ached, and tears began to fall.
Pei Yan couldn’t help but smile. Cui Liang also laughed, “You didn’t cry when you saw so many corpses during the day, why are you crying over such a small wound!”
Jiang Ci turned and glared at Pei Yan: “Aren’t you supposed to be the best fighter in the world? How did you let Brother Cui get hurt?”
Pei Yan was still pondering this matter and didn’t respond to her impertinence.
Cui Liang nodded and said, “Prime Minister, the leader’s martial arts were extraordinary. There aren’t many in the world who could escape a combined attack from you and An Cheng.”
Pei Yan coldly smiled, “The waters of this capital are getting murkier.”
Jiang Ci rushed to the kitchen again, boiled some hot water, and returned to wipe away the blood on Cui Liang’s chest. Pei Yan turned his head and saw this, frowning slightly, “You’re so clumsy. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for some people to come and take care of Ziming.”
Cui Liang hurriedly said, “There’s no need, Prime Minister. It’s just a flesh wound. I find it bothersome if there are too many people in this West Garden.”
Pei Yan smiled, “That’s true. I find your place refreshing. Starting tomorrow, I’ll have my meals here in your West Garden.”
After the morning court session, as the officials were leaving, the Emperor ordered Pei Yan to stay behind.
Prince Zhuang and Prince Jing exchanged glances before averting their eyes from each other and bowing as they left.
The Emperor looked at Pei Yan and said in a gentle voice, “I’ve long heard that the young lord is skilled in chess. Come, play a game with me.”
Pei Yan respectfully replied, “Your subject obeys the imperial command.” He bowed and sat diagonally opposite the Emperor.
After over a hundred moves, Pei Yan felt as if a large stone was pressing on his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He didn’t know where to place his white pieces next. The Emperor gazed at him for a long time, took a sip of tea, and smiled, “You’re being respectful, not daring to engage in a fierce battle with me. Otherwise, you could have achieved a draw.”
Pei Yan suppressed the discomfort in his heart, stood up with his hands clasped, and said, “Your subject wouldn’t dare. Your Majesty’s chess skills are vast and profound. Your subject is no match at all.”
The Emperor laughed heartily, stood up, and looked out the window at the phoenix tree with his hands behind his back. He said slowly, “Among the younger generation, your chess skills are unparalleled. It’s somewhat like—”
Pei Yan’s forehead broke out in a fine sweat, but his expression remained calm, and his breathing was still slow and steady.
After a long while, the Emperor continued, “One can understand a person by observing their chess play. You are thoughtful and cautious, calm in handling matters, considerate of the bigger picture, and quite determined. You’re more outstanding than any of my sons.”
Pei Yan quickly knelt, “Your subject wouldn’t dare.”
The Emperor came over and pulled him up, but held onto his hand. Seeing Pei Yan’s respectful expression tinged with a hint of fear, he smiled, “You don’t need to be so formal. There’s no one else in this hall.”
He let go of Pei Yan’s hand and walked to the desk, picking up a memorial. He sighed, “If it weren’t for the incident at the envoy’s residence, I was planning to send you to Yu Jian Prefecture to pay respects at Prince Qingde’s spirit tablet on my behalf.”
He seemed to be lost in memories: “When Crown Prince Wenkang suddenly fell ill and passed away, the late Emperor intended for me to inherit the throne. Knowing that my brothers would surely rebel, he summoned Prince Qingde to the palace before his passing and instructed him to assist me. Later, during the ‘Rebel Princes’ Uprising,’ if it weren’t for Prince Qingde, Scholar Dong, Duke Bo, and your uncle averting the crisis at the last moment and supporting the falling edifice, who knows how long the common people would have suffered from the ravages of war. With Prince Qingde’s passing, I’ve lost another important minister and a confidant. Alas—”
Pei Yan listened silently, feeling as if the Emperor’s words were as sharp as blades, piercing the deepest part of his heart. Ghosts seemed to howl from the wound, only to be frozen by the coldness of those sharp blades.
The Emperor sighed, “Your uncle assisted me in ascending to the throne back then. In the later Moon Fall rebellion case, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to protect him, but the matter involved two countries, and I could only let him be the scapegoat. Thinking about it now, I feel I’ve wronged him. He has suffered for so many years in Youzhou. Once the Huan Kingdom matter is settled, I will issue an edict to pardon him and allow him to return to the capital.”
Pei Yan quickly bowed and said, “My uncle knows he has failed Your Majesty’s grace and dares not have any complaints. He is cultivating himself and enjoying his twilight years in Youzhou, which is his good fortune.”
“Hmm, Zifang is indeed more carefree than me. Back then, when I roamed the rivers and lakes with your father and uncle, we said that only he was truly capable of picking things up and putting them down. It turns out to be entirely true.”
Pei Yan respectfully smiled and said, “In his letters, my uncle has always instructed me to be a good minister, wholeheartedly assist Your Majesty, fulfill the loyalty he couldn’t complete, and repay the grace he couldn’t repay.”
The Emperor smiled with satisfaction: “The Pei family has been loyal for generations, truly worthy of praise. I intend to posthumously confer the title of ‘Marquis of Dingwu’ on your father. The edict of grace will be issued soon. You focus on investigating the case at the envoy’s residence. You may go now to express your gratitude.”
An internal attendant entered the hall and knelt to report, “Your Majesty, the Commander of the Guards requests an audience.”
The Emperor seemed very pleased, his eyes brightening as he smiled, “Quickly summon him!” Then he turned to Pei Yan and said, “You may go.”
As Pei Yan stepped out of the Yanhui Hall, he saw Wei Zhao approaching from the corner of the corridor. Dressed in white palace robes, with flowing sleeves, the autumn sun shining through the eaves onto his body, he looked like a white cloud emerging from the mountains, indescribably beautiful.
As Wei Zhao drew near, Pei Yan smiled and said, “I heard from Prince Zhuang that the Third Young Master’s mansion has received a batch of fine wine from the Xizi Kingdom. I must come and impose on you one of these days.”
Wei Zhao’s lips curled slightly: “The young lord is a busy man. I fear even if I send an invitation, I won’t be able to invite you.”
They both smiled, and Wei Zhao gracefully passed by Pei Yan, entering the Yanhui Hall.
Pei Yan faintly heard the Emperor’s joyful voice: “Third Young Master, come quickly!” He hastily walked several dozen steps, moving away from the Yanhui Hall. Several internal attendants were coming around the corridor carrying a stack of documents. Seeing Pei Yan approaching, they all bowed and moved to the side.
Pei Yan glanced at them and casually asked, “Why are these old files being brought out?”
The lead eunuch quickly answered, “Yesterday, His Majesty ordered the Fang Shu Department to present the career records of all officials. These are the ones His Majesty has finished reviewing and are to be sent back to the Fang Shu Department.”
Pei Yan said no more and hurriedly left through the Qianqing Gate. The Changfeng Guards brought over a fine horse. He leaped onto it, turned his head, and gazed at the towering Hongde Hall in the distance. The golden glazed tiles on the corners of the hall, the jade pillars with coiled dragons in front – they exuded an air of supreme dignity and splendor, subtly revealing the imperial pride that could make mountains bow and all people submit.
Pei Yan suddenly whipped his horse and galloped back to the Prime Minister’s mansion.
Although last night’s wound had been dangerous, it was only a flesh wound. Cui Liang had gotten up at dawn and entered the side room, not coming out since.
Jiang Ci felt quite bored, her plans still undecided, and she was somewhat frustrated. Seeing an empty patch of land in a corner of the West Garden overgrown with weeds, she took a hoe and cleared away the wild grass, loosening the soil. When Pei Yan entered the garden, he saw her standing barefoot in the mud, sweating profusely, her cheeks flushed red.
Pei Yan looked her up and down and said coolly, “What are you doing?”
Jiang Ci smiled and said, “I’m making a flower bed to plant some cloud silk flowers later. The Prime Minister’s mansion has many rare flowers and plants, but it’s missing this one. It seems a bit incomplete.”
Pei Yan was stunned for a moment, then said, “Go change your clothes and come with me to identify someone.” He then stepped into the side room where Cui Liang was carefully examining evidence. The two men exchanged smiles, and Pei Yan stepped back out.
Jiang Ci came out after changing her clothes and smiled, “Prime Minister, I’d like to discuss something with you.”
Pei Yan walked as he spoke, “Let’s hear it.”
“I still owe Sister Su Yan a piece of clothing that I haven’t returned, and I also frightened her that night. I was thinking of going to the ‘Embracing Moon Pavilion’ to apologize to her and return the clothes. What do you think—”
Pei Yan continued walking without stopping: “Just have An Hua help you send it over.”
Jiang Ci cursed silently in her heart but had no choice. She could only follow Pei Yan with a gloomy face.
Pei Yan took Jiang Ci to visit various departments and then to the mansions of several officials. These officials were all flattered by the visit, and even those bedridden struggled to get up, saying they felt ashamed for not being able to congratulate Madam Rong on her birthday and for troubling the Prime Minister to visit them while ill.
After visiting all the mansions, it was nearly noon. Seeing there were still no results, Pei Yan realized that the leader of the Star Moon Sect was likely one of the three unaccounted-for individuals. He thought carefully about these three people but couldn’t be certain, so he had to head towards the envoy’s residence again.
The autumn wind was getting colder, and a light rain began to fall, sprinkling on the ruins and charred beams, adding to the desolation.
Pei Yan and Jiang Ci entered the burned site and walked around. Jiang Ci sighed behind him, “Such a large residence, how could it be demolished like this?”
Pei Yan turned to see Jiang Ci gazing at the northern side of the envoy’s residence. That was the part of the building that had been torn down to prevent the fire from spreading to the Imperial City, as ordered by Wei Zhao.
Pei Yan walked towards the demolished area, crossing over a broken wall to enter the compound. Two Imperial Guards emerged from behind the wall and saluted, “Your Excellency!”
“No one has entered the envoy’s residence, correct?”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“Do you know who lived here before?” Pei Yan asked, looking at the now ruined building.
“This residence was used by the Ministry of Rites to store documents and archives. When the archives were transferred to the Fangshu Bureau, this place was left vacant,” the guard replied.
Pei Yan nodded and, with Jiang Ci, walked around the courtyard. His pace gradually slowed as he pondered deeply.
Jiang Ci, however, was fascinated by a section of wisteria growing on the broken wall. She borrowed a long sword from one of the guards and began to cut a section of it.
Pei Yan noticed her actions and said, “Hold on.” He stepped forward and asked, “Before the fire, was this place guarded?”
One of the guards answered, “The back of this house is adjacent to Weicheng Street, beyond which is the Imperial City. This area was usually guarded by the Guangming Division. The other three sides of the envoy’s residence were guarded by Imperial Guards, but this side was left unguarded to avoid clashing with the Division…”
Pei Yan waved his hand to dismiss the guards and stepped forward to examine the area more closely.
Jiang Ci understood his intention and said after a moment’s thought, “To move a dead body in and bring a living person out, scaling this wall and avoiding the envoy’s group, the Imperial Guards, and the Guangming Division, then setting a fire—this person is truly formidable!”
Pei Yan glanced at her, slightly surprised, but said nothing.
Jiang Ci inspected the area around the broken wall a few more times, then ran up to Pei Yan with a smile and asked, “Your Excellency, your lightness skill must be unmatched, right?”
Pei Yan, puzzled by her comment, smiled lightly, “Such flattery—what are you aiming for?”
Jiang Ci laughed, “I’m not flattering you. I just think there are many experts in this world. I’m afraid you might not know the saying, ‘There is always someone better outside the heavens and beyond people.'”
Pei Yan responded with a chuckle, “Oh? Tell me, who are these experts?”
Jiang Ci pointed to the envoy’s residence and then to the broken wall. “Look, the buildings on the other side are right up against this wall. If the real culprit wanted to kidnap someone from the main building and then jump into this compound over the wall, they would need to leap from the rooftop. Carrying a living person, scaling such a high wall, and avoiding detection—this kind of lightness skill, I think only you could compare.”
Pei Yan’s eyes lit up, and he laughed, “Little girl, your flattery is indeed spot on.”
Jiang Ci beamed with pride, then paused for a moment before bursting into laughter.