Yuzhu heard the maids outside call out "Madam," quickly lifted the door curtain, and hurried forward to greet her. As she approached, she smiled and greeted Jiafu warmly, then walked alongside her while leaning in to whisper, "I was just about to go to your place to pass on a message, but you’ve already arrived. The young master left early this morning and came by before Old Madam Pei had risen. He asked me to tell her that he stayed up late in the study last night preparing official matters for today’s audience with the emperor, which kept you up most of the night as well, so you’d be coming later this morning. Old Madam was just about to send me over to tell you to sleep in and not bother coming."
Though Yuzhu was an unmarried maiden, she was in her early twenties and ought to know a thing or two about such matters. Jiafu, feeling self-conscious, noticed her beaming smile and wondered if she had guessed something. She couldn’t help but imagine Pei You'an’s deadpan expression this morning as he spun such a tale, and her face burned with embarrassment. She had no idea what Old Madam Pei must have thought. But since she was already late and he had already spoken, she swallowed her shame and entered. Yuzhu lifted the curtain for her, and inside, she saw Old Madam Pei seated by a small kang table, with Madam Xin and Second Madam Meng still present. Madam Xin looked displeased, as if she had been saying something, but stopped when Jiafu entered.
Jiafu greeted Old Madam Pei first, then bowed to Madam Xin, and finally to Second Madam Meng. Second Madam Meng said warmly, "Old Madam was just sending Yuzhu to fetch you, and here you are."
Jiafu’s ears burned as she replied, "This is entirely my fault for rising so late and delaying the morning greetings. Please punish me, Grandmother and Mother-in-law. It won’t happen again."
Madam Xin shot her a glance.
Old Madam Pei chuckled. "At my age, sometimes I don’t feel like rising early to chat with you all. The past few days, it was only because you were newly married that I forced myself to get up early. Filial piety from the younger generation is most meaningful when it comes from the heart. It’s better to visit less often than to show up daily with reluctance in your heart. You'an is always busy and never rests before midnight—no matter how much I scold him, it makes no difference. Now that he’s married, taking good care of him is the greatest filial duty you can show to me and your mother-in-law. I’m sure your mother-in-law feels the same. And this isn’t just for my granddaughter-in-law—you two as well. From now on, there’s no need to come every day. Once every two or three days is enough. Go tend to your own affairs."
Madam Xin smiled in agreement, and together with Second Madam Meng, she thanked Old Madam Pei.
Old Madam Pei then said, "After hearing about Nun Chi yesterday, I’ve been concerned. I remember the child was originally named Muniang, wasn’t she? The Chi family has always been principled, and this child is no exception—truly admirable. Tomorrow I have no plans. If you’re free, accompany me to White Crane Temple for prayers, and we’ll visit her along the way."
Madam Xin and Second Madam Meng assented, saying, "We’ll send someone ahead to make preparations."
Old Madam Pei nodded, then dismissed Jiafu and Second Madam Meng, saying to Madam Xin, "You stay for a moment."
Second Madam Meng and Jiafu were escorted out by Yuzhu. The maids and servants in the courtyard all smiled respectfully at Jiafu, calling out in waves, "Safe travels, Madam!" Once outside the courtyard, Second Madam Meng affectionately took Jiafu’s hand and walked with her, teasing cheerfully, "Thanks to You'an keeping his new bride up all night, I get to benefit too—no more early mornings standing at Old Madam’s door. My niece truly is blessed."This morning's late rising had its own little secret. If Pei You'an hadn't mentioned it, that would have been fine, but by deliberately pointing it out, he'd overplayed his hand and made everyone in the room silently aware. This aunt of hers was most adept at trimming her sails to the wind—sweet as honey when it suited her, but toward those of no use, though she wouldn't outright turn hostile, her sarcasm could chill one to the bone. She'd experienced this before. Half from embarrassment and half from having nothing to say to her, Jiafu didn't respond, simply lowering her head in silence.
Second Madam Meng teased for a bit, then lowered her voice further: "You didn't run into Second Brother just now when he left, did you? Your mother-in-law—I shouldn't say this, but she's too biased. In the past, it was one thing, but now if it weren't for You'an, given how Second Brother carried on before, the 'Duke' in our Duke's residence might as well be erased. From what I gather, she even seems to resent You'an for not looking out for his brother, for not recommending Second Brother to Your Majesty to quell the rebellion earlier. Now he has to watch as others take the credit."
After Xiao Lie entered the capital, the Prince of Taiyuan from the imperial clan rallied several factions of Prince Shun'an's former loyalists to rise in Taiyuan. The rebel forces numbered in the tens of thousands, their momentum formidable, stirring unrest across Shanxi. When Xiao Lie asked Pei You'an who could suppress the rebellion, You'an recommended Zhang Zhengdao, who had served as Governor of Western Shanxi during the Tianxi era, praising his skill in training troops and familiarity with local military and civilian affairs in the Shanxi-Shaanxi region. This man had been demoted to a regional commander during Prince Shun'an's reign, languishing in frustration. This time, leading troops to Shanxi, he successfully quelled the rebellion and returned to court to report two days ago. Upon entering the capital, he was granted special permission to ride his horse along the imperial path straight to the palace gates—an incomparable honor.
Recalling Madam Xin's expression earlier, Jiafu suddenly understood. She was also puzzled—how could a mother treat her own sons so differently?
After losing her father, the love from her mother had become all the more precious. Though Pei You'an was a man, a child's devotion to their parents was universal across time. Thinking of all he had endured after losing his father at sixteen, she wondered what emotions he had carried when he left the capital alone. What had truly been in his heart?
A faint, inexplicable ache stirred in Jiafu's chest.
"You don't know yet, do you? Second Brother is about to marry!" Second Madam Meng added.
"None other than some distant relative's daughter from your mother-in-law's maiden family—a Zhou Jiaoe, supposedly connected to the Empress's family somehow. Never heard her mention it before, but now that Your Majesty is in the capital and the Empress is in the Imperial Harem, even the most tenuous connections are being dredged up."
Madam Meng curled her lip in disdain, but Jiafu clearly detected a note of envy in her tone.
"I don't think Old Madam wants this match, but your mother-in-law insists. Just now, when Old Madam kept her back, it must have been about this."
Second Madam Meng insisted on personally escorting Jiafu back to her courtyard. Along the way, she murmured softly until they reached the gate, then leaned in to whisper: "Let me speak from the heart, as your aunt. Naturally, our side hopes this marriage succeeds, and we wish Second Brother well. But if a Second Young Madam connected to Her Majesty the Empress enters this household, you, as the elder sister-in-law, might find yourself overshadowed. It pains me to think of it."Jiafu said, "If Second Brother's good fortune comes to pass, not only will you be happy, Aunt, but our entire family will rejoice. What talk of limelight? Where would I even get such attention? You jest, Aunt. We've arrived—let me escort you back to your quarters."
Second Madam paused slightly, glancing at Jiafu before quickly changing her tone with a smile. "Ah, you're right. Look at me, so caught up in idle chatter I forgot to watch the path. I can return on my own—you go ahead."
Jiafu stood at the doorway, watching as Second Madam and her maidservants gradually departed before turning back into her room.
Based on her deduction, Pei Xiuzhi's marriage proposal was almost certain to succeed.
Although the old madam held the highest status in the Pei household, even she could not override Madam Xin's authority when it came to her grandson's marriage. Moreover, given Pei Xiuzhi's current circumstances, such a match would be considered the best possible outcome in the eyes of outsiders. What reason would the old madam have to obstruct her grandson's good fortune?
Jiafu's speculation was soon confirmed. In the evening, Yuzhu came by to deliver two dishes to Jiafu and, when no one was around, whispered that she had overheard Madam Xin earlier that morning, her voice choked with tears, murmuring something about how both the palm and the back of the hand were flesh. Later, Madam Xin emerged with a rare look of joy on her face. It seemed the marriage would soon be settled.
After a brief pause, Yuzhu left.
Toward the end of the Shen hour, Pei You'an had sent a servant to inform Jiafu that Your Majesty had unexpectedly convened an afternoon court session, so he would dine at the palace and told her not to wait for him.
Since ascending the throne several months ago, Xiao Lie had not only maintained daily morning court sessions but frequently added afternoon ones as well. With such a diligent emperor, his ministers naturally had no choice but to keep pace at all costs.
Jiafu dined alone. After nightfall, she soaked in a fragrant bath, slowly drying her long hair before picking up the book Discourses Weighed in the Balance to read while waiting for Pei You'an's return.
...
Earlier that day, Xiao Lie had summoned the victorious generals returning from the rebellion suppression to bestow rewards according to their merits. Among them, Zhang Zhengdao was granted the honorary title of Zhaoyong General of the third rank and appointed as Assistant Commander of the Central Military Command, leading the Divine Strategy Guard Battalion—a complete reversal of fortune, now adorned in high rank. After the rewards were distributed, an evening banquet was held in the palace to celebrate. Xiao Lie presided at the head of the table, with Crown Prince Xiao Yintang below him, followed by Pei You'an, the nine ministers, other officials, and the meritorious officers from the campaign.
Midway through the banquet, a Great Han General entered and knelt to report that the Heir Apparent of Prince Anle had arrived in the capital to plead for his father's pardon and was now waiting outside the palace for an audience.
At the start of Prince Taiyuan's rebellion, Prince Anle had secretly corresponded with him, but when the uprising began, fear overtook him, and he withdrew. Now that Prince Taiyuan had been defeated, though Xiao Lie had not pursued Prince Anle's involvement, the latter remained in constant dread in Jiangxi, sending his heir to the capital to plead for mercy on his behalf.
Xiao Lie frowned slightly and ordered the heir to be brought in. Soon, the young man entered the hall and knelt before Xiao Lie, delivering his father's plea of remorse. Finally, he presented a tribute list offering five thousand taels of gold and two carts of treasures as a gesture of loyalty.
Xiao Lie granted the heir a cup of wine before instructing attendants to escort him to temporary lodgings at the posthouse. After the heir's departure, Xiao Lie asked his ministers how the gold and treasures should be handled.
Those officials who had risen to the rank of sharing meat at the emperor's table tonight were no fools—save for a few dullards. Most had already discerned that Xiao Lie had no intention of accepting this tribute.Accepting it would undoubtedly signal to the imperial clan that even crimes like treason could be pardoned by the emperor as long as enough gold and treasures were offered. Moreover, Xiao Lie had just ascended the throne and was unwilling to be labeled as greedy for accepting five thousand taels of gold and two carts of jewels.
Yet outright refusal might stir unease and suspicion among the imperial clan, including Prince Shun'an, making them think Xiao Lie was intolerant.
Ministers proposed various strategies, but none satisfied the emperor.
Xiao Lie turned to Pei You'an. "What does Minister Pei suggest?"
All eyes in the hall shifted to Pei You'an.
Pei You'an replied, "Your Majesty might first accept the gifts, then redistribute them as rewards to Prince Shun'an's troops in Your Majesty's name."
The hall fell silent briefly before Duke Zhu and Marquis Anyuan nearby nodded in agreement.
This was indeed a perfect solution—it preserved Prince Shun'an's dignity while using his wealth to win the loyalty of his men for the emperor.
Slightly intoxicated, Xiao Lie struck the golden vessel before him with his chopsticks, producing a resonant clang. He laughed heartily, "An excellent plan! Proceed as suggested! Minister Pei truly lives up to his reputation as the young prime minister—never failing to impress!"
The gazes directed at Pei You'an were filled with admiration.
"Imperial Father, the millions of displaced people in the Jingxiang region have turned to banditry. If not quelled promptly, they will become a grave threat to Great Wei. Has Your Majesty decided on a strategy to suppress them?"
Xiao Yintang suddenly rose and asked respectfully.
The displaced masses consisted not only of bandits and deserters but mostly landless peasants. The issue of displaced people had plagued the dynasty since its founding, particularly in the fertile Jingxiang region, which lay at the intersection of several provinces with dense forests and remote mountains beyond easy government control. During famines or wars, those unable to pay rent or taxes migrated there, forming autonomous communities. Strategically located on the frontier against the northern tribes, successive emperors had tried in vain to control these groups. In the final year of Prince Shun'an's rule, forced relocations even triggered a massive uprising of nearly a million displaced people—a number rivaling the imperial Five Armies—leaving the court overwhelmed.
The displaced people's unrest had contributed to Xiao Lie's victory during the Wuding uprising.
The banquet hall fell silent again.
As Xiao Lie pondered, Xiao Yintang spoke up, "Your son recommends someone who can surely pacify Jingxiang and stabilize the realm. I am willing to vouch for him before Your Majesty with a military pledge!"
Xiao Lie asked, "Whom do you recommend?"
"One should not avoid recommending relatives. The man I recommend is Zhou Jin, Vice Minister of War."
Ministers turned their eyes to Zhou Jin.
Zhou Jin, Empress Zhou's younger brother, was a jinshi graduate known for his capability and decisiveness. Having distinguished himself during the Wuding uprising, he now held a third-rank position as a model official.
Zhou Jin knelt before Xiao Lie and declared solemnly, "Honored by the Crown Prince's recommendation, I hereby pledge to Your Majesty: If I fail to quell the unrest and restore peace to Jingxiang within three months, I shall resign and return to farming!"
After a brief hesitation, Xiao Lie smiled. "Your loyalty is commendable! Since the Crown Prince recommends you and you make such a pledge, why should I doubt you? I appoint you as Military Governor. You may depart within two days."Zhou Jin kowtowed in gratitude for the imperial favor, while Xiao Yintang also expressed his thanks to the emperor before resuming his seat. Pouring himself a drink, his gaze drifted toward Pei You'an seated diagonally across from him. Noting Pei's solemn expression as he drained his cup in one go, Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly.
By the time the banquet concluded, it was already mid-hour of Xu (around 8 PM). Half-drunk, Xiao Lie was assisted back to the inner palace by Li Yuangui and Cui Yinshui. The ministers rose to congratulate Zhou Jin, wishing him swift success in his mission.
Xiao Yintang and Zhou Jin approached Pei You'an. With a smile, Xiao said, "You'an, His Majesty has granted my uncle permission to quell the rebel uprising in Jingxiang. Knowing your strategic brilliance, my uncle would appreciate any advice you might offer."
Pei You'an stood up from his seat and turned to the beaming Zhou Jin. "The Crown Prince flatters me. I have no grand insights, only a single thought. The difference between 'suppressing' and 'pacifying,' between 'people' and 'rebels,' is but a single word—yet it holds life-and-death consequences for thousands. When people are oppressed, they suffer; when they suffer, chaos arises. I hope Lord Zhou will weigh this carefully in his actions."
Xiao Yintang's eyes flickered with amusement as he smiled without comment. Zhou Jin, clearly unimpressed, merely replied, "Thank you for your words, Lord Pei. I am wholly devoted to Your Majesty and will spare no effort in my duty. In three months' time, all present here shall await my triumphant report!"
The ministers murmured in agreement.
Pei You'an remained silent. Glancing at the water clock in the corner of the hall, he bid farewell to his colleagues and departed. Leaving the palace, he rode straight back to the Pei residence. At the gate, he tossed the reins to an attendant and strode inside, his steps slowing as he neared the inner courtyard. Pausing beneath the corridor steps where maids and servants greeted him as "Master," he hesitated before asking, "Where is the madam—"
"Husband, you're back?"
Jiafu had been waiting indoors, ears pricked for any sign of his return. At the faint sound of his arrival, she hastily set aside her book and rushed out to meet him.
Fresh from her bath, she stood gracefully on the steps—her hair loosely pinned with a jade hairpin, clad in a delicate green dress, radiant and enchanting. Her sweet smile and sparkling eyes shimmered under the corridor lanterns.
"A fragrant face half-revealed in tender grace,
A jade-like beauty newly bathed and adorned."
The verse surfaced unbidden in Pei You'an's mind.
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