Pei Qiancheng snorted lightly and said, “The Dugu clan has indeed produced many capable people, but looking at the present situation, it seems they’re no longer what they used to be. Who knows when they’ll fall into decline.”
Du Ruhui said, “Whether they decline or prosper has nothing to do with us. Let’s not talk about these things anymore.”
Pei Qiancheng said, “That’s true, but thinking about his attitude just now still makes me angry.”
While they were talking, Cuiji bowed and said, “Thank you both for your help just now. If not for you, I’m afraid the situation would have become uncontrollable.”
Pei Qiancheng waved his hand and said, “It was just a small effort. Young Master Cui needn’t be so polite.”
Cuiji smiled and said, “That we could meet here is also fate. If Brothers Pei and Du don’t mind, shall we address each other as brothers?”
Zheng Yang nodded and said, “Exactly. All this ‘Young Master’ business is too formal. Addressing each other as brothers is much more intimate.”
Seeing that these two didn’t put on the airs of aristocratic young masters, Pei Qiancheng was also happy to befriend them. He pulled Du Ruhui along to address them as brothers, and they conversed happily. However, the weather was really hot—after standing for just a short while, all four were covered in sweat. Looking at the sweat on each other’s foreheads, they couldn’t help but laugh.
Pei Qiancheng laughed and said, “Standing by the pond to admire fish under such blazing sun—probably only we few would do this.”
Zheng Yang laughed heartily and said, “What’s most ridiculous is that we’ve stood here so long and haven’t seen a single fish. What a loss!”
After some laughter, the few found a shady spot to stand and talked for a while. Zheng Yang wiped his sweat and said, “It’s already been more than half an hour. When do you think the princess will come?”
Cuiji appeared much calmer than him, saying, “She’ll come when she’s supposed to come. No need to be anxious.”
Zheng Yang glanced at him and shook his head, saying, “With your slow, never-hurried personality, I could never learn it in my lifetime.”
Cuiji smiled and was about to speak when two palace servants passed by them, and a few words drifted into their ears on the wind. After they left, Pei Qiancheng said in surprise, “Duke of Tang has already suppressed the rebellion of Mu Duan’er?”
The two palace servants had just been talking about Li Yuan leading troops to assault Longmen and suppress Mu Duan’er’s rebellion. Zheng Yang said, “I’ve heard about that matter too. It’s said that in that battle, the greatest credit went to Duke of Tang’s eldest son, called… called…” He patted his head and frowned, saying, “What was his name? I can’t remember for a moment.”
“Li Jiancheng.” Du Ruhui’s words made Zheng Yang suddenly realize, “Right, right, right, it’s Li Jiancheng. I heard he’s like his father—good at warfare and quite remarkable.” Then he asked curiously, “Brother Du, do you know about Duke of Tang as well?”
Du Ruhui smiled and said, “Brother Zheng doesn’t know—my family is in Honghua Commandery, and Duke of Tang once served as Governor of Honghua Commandery, so I know a little. As far as I know, Duke of Tang has five sons, with the eldest and second sons being the most outstanding.”
“The second son…” Pei Qiancheng thought for a moment and said, “I remember now. In March this year, Duke of Tang and his second son Li Shimin came to the capital to pay respects to His Majesty. His Majesty even granted a marriage, wanting to marry Princess Yongfeng to Li Shimin. Who knew he would refuse the imperial edict by claiming he already had a marriage contract, making His Majesty furious. He threw the father and son into prison, intending to execute them.”
Cuiji nodded and said, “Now that you mention it, I remember too. That did happen. By the way, how did they get out of prison later?”
Pei Qiancheng shook his head and said, “I don’t know that either. I only heard that someone helped them plead for mercy, and His Majesty not only didn’t punish them but also granted marriages to both.”
Zheng Yang said in surprise, “Made His Majesty reverse his decision? Who has such great influence?”
Cuiji’s eyes flashed, and he looked around before saying, “How would I know? But I heard that Consort Shun is Duke of Tang’s niece, so it must have been Consort Shun who mediated.”
The three didn’t notice his small gesture. Pei Qiancheng said, “It should indeed be the favor that Consort Shun obtained. By the way, didn’t Li Shimin go to this Longmen campaign?”
Zheng Yang frowned and thought for a moment, saying, “I haven’t heard his name mentioned, so probably not. I guess he might have stayed to guard Hedong, since Mu Duan’er wasn’t the only rebel in that area. When suppressing rebellions, you also have to guard against attacks from behind.”
Du Ruhui said, “Looking at this situation, the rebellions in Shanxi and Hedong should be completely suppressed soon.”
Pei Qiancheng nodded and said, “My elder brother once said that Duke of Tang is exceptionally talented, and wherever he guards will surely be peaceful. Although my brother’s official position isn’t particularly high, there are few people who can earn such praise from him.”
While the few were talking, Cuiji remained silent the whole time, keeping his head down, seemingly thinking about something. Zheng Yang asked puzzledly, “What’s wrong?”
Cuiji came back to his senses and shook his head, saying, “Nothing, just feeling a bit listless. It’s probably because it’s too hot here.”
With his words, everyone felt waves of heat. Summer cicadas were tirelessly calling above their heads, and their clothes were already soaked with sweat. They wanted to return to Linbo Pavilion but feared getting into another argument with Dugu Hong and the others, so they could only endure the heat and continue waiting under the shade for Yunyi to return.
The four chatted sporadically and waited for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before finally seeing Yunyi appear. Seeing them waiting outside, she showed no surprise and simply said, “All come in.”
Seeing Yunyi enter, Dugu Hong and the others waiting in Linbo Pavilion quickly bowed respectfully. Though they had lost their chance, they still harbored some hope in their hearts, hoping for a turn of events.
Yunyi spread her sleeves and sat down, scanning everyone before finally settling her gaze on Cuiji and the other. “Now, please listen to the final question.”
Cuiji and Zheng Yang quickly listened attentively. They heard her say, “Someone has killed your close relative, but he also had unavoidable difficulties. If you caught this person, how would you deal with him?”
Neither had expected the final question to be like this. Zheng Yang thought for a moment and was the first to answer, “In my opinion, regardless of whether that person had unavoidable difficulties, a life for a life is only natural justice. He should be taken to the authorities.”
Yunyi smiled noncommittally and turned her gaze to Cuiji, “What is Young Master Cui’s answer?”
Cuiji bowed and said, “I believe that law should not be separated from human feelings. Since Your Highness said he had unavoidable difficulties, it must mean the killing was not his wish. Under such circumstances, I think he should be given another chance.”
“Oh?” Yunyi looked at him in surprise and said, “He killed your close relative, yet Young Master Cui can be so magnanimous?”
Cuiji said, “Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life. Rather than repaying hatred with hatred, it’s better to try to resolve the enmity—perhaps there will be another sky. Of course, if he refuses to turn back, I wouldn’t be lenient forever and would send him to the authorities.”