Before the end of the Yin hour, Minister of War Chen Tingjie, Right Minister Lu Xiang, Liu Jiushao of the Regional Military Commission overseeing several southwestern provinces, Zhou Jin's father Zhou Xing, and the Crown Prince, among others, had all arrived in haste.
Chen Tingjie and the others had been roused from sleep, hurried to the palace, and then rushed here from the palace gates without pause, leaving them all breathless. Lu Xiang and Zhou Xing, being older, were particularly drenched in sweat and panting heavily. Upon entering, they found Xiao Lie's expression dark and inscrutable. After performing their obeisances, they remained kneeling as no command to rise was given. After a long while, they were finally permitted to stand, and the emperor asked, "What progress has Zhou Jin made in pacifying the displaced people in the southwest?"
Chen Tingjie felt a wave of relief and quickly replied, "Your Majesty, just yesterday, the Ministry of War received a report from Zhou Jin. He stated that, moved by Your Majesty's benevolence, over 507,000 displaced people have voluntarily left the mountains to resume their livelihoods. Thirty rebel leaders were captured, 620 were executed and their heads displayed, and another 32,000 were spared and conscripted into the army. Additionally, 3,250 weapons and 5,000 horses and mules were seized from the Bandits. It is a resounding victory, and the people of the southwest universally praise Your Majesty's grace. I drafted a report last night and intended to present this triumph to Your Majesty at today’s morning court..."
As Chen Tingjie delivered his report, Zhou Xing’s face betrayed a hint of pride. Xiao Yintang glanced at the emperor, whose gaze grew increasingly somber, and suddenly felt an ominous premonition.
The emperor nodded, his voice even heavier, "How were these displaced people, who supposedly left the mountains voluntarily, resettled?"
"Your Majesty, Zhou Jin’s report states that some willingly returned to their original homes, while the rest gladly went to Yunnan and Guizhou to garrison the borders and cultivate land. They have been registered as proper citizens, transforming from displaced people into law-abiding subjects. The decades-long scourge of displaced people troubling Great Wei has thus been resolved—"
"Nonsense!"
Xiao Lie, perhaps too enraged, actually cursed aloud, startling everyone. Chen Tingjie froze in shock.
With a sharp rustle, Xiao Lie snatched the memorial before him and hurled it at Chen Tingjie, who had been speaking so confidently. "This is an 800 Li Urgent Delivery report from the Sichuan governor last night!" he roared. "Open your eyes and see what is truly happening in the southwest!"
The memorial knocked Chen Tingjie’s official hat askew and fell to the ground. Without bothering to straighten his hat, Chen Tingjie hastily picked it up and scanned its contents, his face paling dramatically. Lu Xiang and Liu Jiushao immediately took it, read it, exchanged glances, and passed it to Zhou Xing, who trembled as he skimmed it before dropping it with a clatter.
"What a fine 'resuming livelihoods'! What fine 'praise for heavenly grace'!" Xiao Lie stood up.
"I fear the resentment and venom have risen to the heavens!"
His words were grave. Not only did Chen Tingjie tremble in fear, but the others—even Zhou Xing, who was usually exempt from kneeling—dropped to their knees with a thud, pleading guilt.
Xiao Lie sneered, "Why are you afraid? If anyone is to be cursed, it is I who will be reviled behind my back. If not punished in this life, then surely in the next!"
Zhou Xing kowtowed repeatedly, his voice quivering, "Your Majesty, Zhou Jin was overeager to rid the court of this festering sore and thus acted improperly. I beg Your Majesty to show leniency, considering his longstanding loyalty to the throne and the state!"
Chen Tingjie added, "Your Majesty, while Zhou Jin’s report may have exaggerated his achievements, the Sichuan governor’s account may also be one-sided. I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and not rely solely on one side’s testimony."Xiao Lie said, "When I listen to you, it's called being open-minded. But if I listen to others, it becomes partiality, is that it?"
Chen Tingjie's forehead beaded with sweat as he hastily kowtowed to beg for forgiveness.
Xiao Lie's gaze swept toward Xiao Yintang, who had remained silent all this while, and said coldly, "Crown Prince, if I recall correctly, it was you who recommended Zhou Jin in the first place, and you even pledged a military order. Now that the matter has not only failed but also incited civil unrest, why do you remain silent?"
Xiao Yintang kowtowed and spoke word by word, "Father, Zhou Jin was reckless in his pursuit of merit, leading to this civil unrest. Your son has nothing to say. Since I recommended him and pledged the military order, I willingly share the blame! But before Your Majesty passes judgment, I beg to be allowed to atone for my crime by rendering meritorious service. I am willing to go to the southwest immediately to quell the turmoil!"
Xiao Lie said coldly, "To kill until corpses float down the river again, drawing the world's condemnation?"
Xiao Yintang's face flushed red, and the Imperial Study fell into dead silence.
Xiao Lie turned to Lu Xiang, "What does the Right Minister of War think?"
Lu Xiang, having served four dynasties, was one of the court's elder statesmen. He coughed and tremblingly addressed the emperor, "Your Majesty, uprisings among displaced people have occurred in every dynasty. Previous courts have attempted suppression, but these were only temporary solutions. Even if dispersed at the time, once calamities strike, they regroup and thrive, their roots deep and hard to eradicate. Moreover, this current uprising is unprecedented in scale, and the southwest is where Your Majesty once resided before ascending the throne. We must not take this lightly. In my humble opinion, the urgent task now is to quickly appoint a new leader to quell the unrest. Though the Crown Prince volunteers, as the heir apparent, his willingness to serve the court is commendable, but he must not be exposed to danger. In my view, there is one person who might be suited for this task."
Before he even named the person, everyone already knew who he meant.
Xiao Lie asked, "Who?"
Lu Xiang replied, "The leader must possess both decisive power and the ability to pacify and appease. I believe no one is more suitable than Lord Pei, the Right Director of the Secretariat."
Liu Jiushao said, "I second the motion."
...
At dawn, Pei You'an had not returned. Jiafu got up, washed, and had no choice but to go to Cien Temple first.
By afternoon, news arrived.
Zhou Jin, the Crown Prince's maternal uncle, had employed improper methods, inciting unrest among displaced people in the southwest. Pei You'an was urgently appointed by the emperor as the Military Commissioner to Pacify the Southwest. Due to the urgency of the situation, he would soon depart the capital for Jingxiang to suppress the rebellion.
The news came too suddenly. Old Madam Pei immediately had Jiafu return home. That night, entrusting the temple affairs to the monks, she also brought her people back to see her eldest grandson off.
It was late summer now, and no one knew when he would return.
He was to leave tomorrow, but today, he spent the entire day in the palace.
Jiafu, along with maids and servants, packed his belongings. She felt like crying, overwhelmed by a sense of reluctance. But in front of the Pei family and the servants, she dared not show any emotion.
By evening, Pei You'an finally returned from the palace.
The old madam held a farewell family banquet for him. Both branches of the family sat together at one table.
The atmosphere during the meal was peculiar.
Second Madam Meng's side chattered and laughed throughout, praising how Pei You'an had gained the emperor's favor. Madam Xin's side, though smiling, clearly did not mean it.
The emperor had already issued an edict, not only stripping Zhou Jin of his position as Governor of Three Provinces' Military Affairs but also removing him from his post as Vice Minister of War, ordering him to return to the capital immediately to face charges from the Ministry of War and the Court of Judicial Review.
It was said that even the empress's plea for leniency had been rejected by the emperor.Last time it was the Zhang family, and the aftermath of that incident hadn't even settled yet. Now, because of Zhou Jin's matter, the Zhou family has become the center of attention again.
Having married Zhou Jiao'e for their son, only to find the daughter-in-law problematic after the wedding, they had to swallow the bitter pill, treating it as an unfortunate loss. Originally, they had married her for the Zhou family's influence, but now, not long after the marriage, the Zhou family has been publicly humiliated.
Naturally, Madam Xin couldn't bring herself to smile.
After the meal, Pei You'an personally escorted Old Madam Pei back to her quarters. After some words of advice, the old madam noticed Pei You'an hesitating to speak and said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of your wife for you. I only hope you fulfill the emperor's mission and return soon."
Pei You'an knelt and kowtowed before rising to leave. After a few steps, he turned back to see his grandmother sitting there, smiling as she watched his retreating figure, her slightly hunched form appearing incredibly aged. Hesitating for a moment, he returned and said, "Grandmother, I've noticed you haven't been in good spirits lately. While I'm away, you must take care of yourself. I'll remind A'fu to look after you more attentively. If you feel unwell, remember to summon Physician Hu for treatment. I've already spoken to him today."
The old madam smiled. "I know, child."
Pei You'an gave her another glance before finally leaving. As he reached the door, he suddenly heard her call out to him again and turned back.
The old madam had stopped him but remained silent for a long moment, simply gazing at her grandson before finally speaking softly, "You'an, do you remember when you were sixteen, just before leaving the capital, and I beat you?"
Pei You'an remained silent.
The old madam sighed. "Back then, you demanded to know who your birth mother was, why you—not the legitimate eldest son—were allowed to usurp another's place, compounding one mistake with another. Even now, if you were to ask me again, I still wouldn't be able to answer. You don't blame your grandmother, do you?"
Pei You'an smiled faintly. "Grandmother, I was ignorant back then and caused you grief. Please don't dwell on it. I've long forgotten those matters and will never ask again."
Tears glistened in the old madam's eyes as she nodded. "I'm very comforted to hear you say that. Now, I have something else I want you to remember. No one chooses their birth. As long as you walk this earth with integrity, you can stand without shame before heaven, earth, and your own conscience. I know you will never let me worry."
Pei You'an paused, then knelt once more and kowtowed solemnly. "Rest assured, Grandmother. I will remember your teachings today."
The old madam smiled. "Before, when you were alone, I always worried you had no attachments in this world. Now that you're married, I'm at ease. Go now. You leave tomorrow, and I'm sure you two have much to say to each other."
Pei You'an rose and looked at his grandmother one last time, seeing her seated there, smiling as she waved him away.
...
Pei You'an quickened his pace as he entered his chambers. Without needing instructions, Tanxiang and Liu Momo quietly exited the room, closing the door behind them.
Jiafu threw herself into his arms, and he carried her to the bed.
The night was tender and lingering.Jiafu initially managed to hold back her tears. But when dawn came and she helped him dress piece by piece, fastening his belt at last, she could no longer restrain herself. A single tear fell, yet she quickly wiped it away and smiled, saying, "Cousin, don’t worry. I’ll remember your words—take care of myself and Old Madam Pei too. We’ll both wait for your return together."
Pei You'an pulled her into his arms and held her tightly for a moment.
As daylight broke, Jiafu and Old Madam Pei, along with others, saw him off at the gate.
She stood inside the doorway, watching Pei You'an’s figure gradually fade into the morning light.
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