Chapter Thirteen: Returning to the Parental Home on the Third Day
Inside the Imperial Study, only Pei Lian and Pei Xuanlin were present. Pei Lian sat with piles of memorials awaiting his review stacked high before him.
“Shang’er was born during the period when I was forced to abdicate,” Pei Lian said slowly. “When Emperor Wen sent Huifei and me to Luzhou, she was still an infant not yet three months old, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Emperor Wen kept her in the palace. You were five at the time and old enough to remember. With no one to guide her, even palace maids dared to mock her to her face for being illiterate…”
Pei Xuanlin lowered his gaze and nodded.
“Two years ago, when the coup had just begun, Emperor Wen wanted to kill her to intimidate the imperial clan, to make an example of her. If Yang Chengxiu had not protected her with his life, Huifei and I might never have seen our daughter again. That is why, after I ascended the throne, I indulged her greatly. You must understand a father’s love for his daughter. She is immature—do not lower yourself to argue with her. Yield to her more. Maintain harmony between siblings.”
“If His Majesty summoned this son merely for this matter, then there is no need for concern,” Pei Xuanlin replied with a bow. “Princess Jin’an suffered greatly in her childhood. I would never harbor resentment toward her over trivial verbal disputes.”
Pei Lian hesitated, then spoke anyway. “Jin’an came to me today and asked that I grant her a marriage with Yang Chengxiu. She is only fifteen this year. I declined for now, citing her young age, but she will surely raise the matter again in the future.”
“…”
This was not surprising.
“Princess Jin’an and Young Master Yang grew up together as childhood companions. It is only natural that feelings would develop,” Pei Xuanlin said calmly. “I understand what Your Majesty is concerned about. There are many fine young men in the world. On another day, I can compile a list of eligible sons from noble families, and Your Majesty may then select a suitable consort for Princess Jin’an.”
Yang Chengxiu was the former crown grandson of the previous dynasty. By rights, he should have been executed as remnant opposition. However, because he saved Pei Shang’er’s life, and because of Pei Shang’er’s pleas, Emperor Xuan spared him. Later, unable to withstand Pei Shang’er’s constant begging, the emperor even assigned Yang Chengxiu to her as a personal guard.
“I know Chengxiu and Shang’er are deeply attached,” Pei Lian sighed. “It’s just a pity…”
A pity that Yang Chengxiu could not remain in this world for long. As long as he lived, the remnants of the Yang faction would never give up, always hoping to elevate him as emperor. If that happened, another coup would surely follow, and the throne would be shaken.
Pei Xuanlin’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.
However… what Emperor Xuan did not know was that as early as Emperor Wen’s reign, Pei Shang’er had already thrown herself into Yang Chengxiu’s arms. The two had long since become husband and wife in all but name. Before long, Emperor Xuan would even be able to see a grandchild.
Meanwhile, in the Liangyi Hall of the Taiji Palace, Empress Chen Xiang reclined against a bolster, scolding Pei Shang’er.
“What has gotten into you today? You actually went to your father to ask him to grant Yang Chengxiu an official position—and even asked him to bestow Yang Chengxiu upon you as your consort?”
Kneeling on the ground, Pei Shang’er’s eyes were stubborn. “This daughter will marry no one but Chengxiu in this lifetime.”
Hearing this, Chen Xiang’s anger flared. She hurled a pillow at her, though only to scare her—the throw was deliberately off-target and did not hit.
“Foolish!”
“Please calm yourself, Your Majesty!” the palace maids cried, immediately kneeling en masse.
Chen Xiang waved her hand. “All of you, withdraw.”
“Yes.”
The maids filed out and closed the doors behind them.
“All right, Shang’er. Get up.”
Pei Shang’er remained stubborn. “Mother, when Yang Mingkong wanted to kill me in the past, you and Father were not by my side and could not save me. It was Chengxiu who stood in front of me and told Yang Mingkong that if he wanted to kill me, he would have to kill him first. That is how I survived. Now that our positions have reversed, am I supposed to forget this debt of gratitude?”
“Get up first,” Chen Xiang said, frowning with a headache. “Have you forgotten his identity? His surname is Yang. As long as he lives, those traitors with restless ambitions will always dream of propping him up as another Yang Mingkong. Moreover, he once held the title of Crown Grandson.”
Pei Shang’er rose, unconvinced. “If Chengxiu were to become emperor, he would surely make me empress. Mother, go persuade Father to depose Pei Xuanlin as Crown Prince and establish me as Crown Princess instead. Then grant me a marriage—once that happens, the Yang family would have no reason to rebel.”
“What nonsense are you spouting, Shang’er!” Chen Xiang said sternly. “Setting aside the fact that there has never been a precedent for establishing a Crown Princess, if you were named heir, I fear Wuyang would no longer be able to sit still.”
“What is Wuyang, anyway?” Pei Shang’er snapped. “When I was humiliated in the palace as a child, she ignored me completely. And Father actually showed mercy and spared her. Someone like her doesn’t deserve to live.”
Pei Shang’er deeply despised Pei Shen’ai’s lofty, manipulative demeanor.
“Don’t be upset, Shang’er.” Thinking of how her daughter had endured Emperor Wen’s abuse alone in the palace as a child, Chen Xiang’s heart clenched, and she softened. “This way—your mother will speak with your father about conferring upon Yang Chengxiu the title of Prince of Huainan, allowing him to live out his days in comfort. As for changing the heir, that concerns the very foundations of the realm. We can discuss it later.”
Upon hearing this, Pei Shang’er brightened and went over to hug Chen Xiang. “Mother is the best.”
Chen Xiang gently comforted her daughter, thinking to herself that she had only this one daughter, and there was nothing she would not do for her.
By the time night fell, Pei Xuanlin finally returned to the residence, his expression dark as still water.
Ling Zhenli guessed that the emperor had reprimanded him over the princess’s matter. Moreover, the previously agreed visit to pay respects to his father, Emperor Rui, had been delayed. Pei Xuanlin must be in a foul mood. Thus, Ling Zhenli deliberately went to the kitchen and prepared several of her signature dishes to cheer him up.
“Your Highness is back so late—are you tired?” Ling Zhenli personally brought warm water to help him wash his hands, speaking softly. “I made a few simple dishes. Would Your Highness like to see if they suit your taste?”
Pei Xuanlin looked slightly surprised. “You can cook?”
“I learned a little at home. My mother taught me,” Ling Zhenli said with a smile, arranging the dishes. She personally picked up a piece of perch and brought it to his lips. “Your Highness, please try it?”
He ate from her chopsticks, the gloom in his eyes easing somewhat. “The flavor is excellent. With your culinary skill, my consort, even the chief of the Imperial Kitchen would probably want to apprentice under you.”
Ling Zhenli took out a handkerchief to wipe the sauce from the corner of his lips, leaning in as she did so. “Your Highness is always good at flattering people. As long as Your Highness likes it, I’ll make it for you often in the future.”
“You’re quite good at coaxing me as well.”
Pei Xuanlin smiled. Ling Zhenli quietly leaned in and kissed his cheek, feigning shyness. “What did Your Highness say just now? I didn’t quite hear it.”
Pei Xuanlin’s gaze darkened as he pulled Ling Zhenli into his arms.
“I said—I’ll agree to anything you want.”
“Don’t tease. Eat, eat.”
…
By the flickering candlelight, his movements were no longer as restrained as usual, and Ling Zhenli responded with equal warmth.
She soothed the humiliation he had endured that day, while also easing the unease in her own heart.
When passion peaked, he gasped softly by her ear. “A-Li, kiss me.”
Ling Zhenli’s heart trembled as she sealed his words with a kiss.
They slept soundly through the night.
Returning to the parental home on the third day.
Pei Xuanlin thoughtfully supported Ling Zhenli by the waist as they stepped through the gates of the Chancellor’s residence. The maids under the eaves bowed in unison, while the Chancellor and his wife—already prepared—welcomed them into the inner hall.
Ling Zhenli wore a lotus-pink gauze dress today, setting off her skin like congealed jade.
Pei Xuanlin’s gaze paused briefly at her neck. The faint mark he had inadvertently left the night before was now cleverly concealed with powder.
A smile tugged at his lips. Ling Zhenli noticed his gaze and shyly turned her head. Satisfied, he saw a light blush spread to the tips of her ears.
Xue Wenmian smiled meaningfully. Good—Ling Zhenli was finally proving useful. His decision to give her such a fine opportunity had not been in vain.
“Yingyue, after marrying into the Eastern Palace, do you still remember your father’s teachings?”
Before Ling Zhenli could answer, Pei Xuanlin spoke first, bowing with impeccable courtesy. “Yingyue has managed the Eastern Palace in perfect order. Not only the Eastern Palace—she has earned praise throughout the entire palace.”
As he spoke, he turned to look at Ling Zhenli. She was somewhat surprised that he would speak on her behalf.
The words sounded so natural that even she herself nearly believed them.
Xue Wenmian did not stir up any trouble after that. The group chatted and laughed as they entered the hall.
Cui Yuerong had deliberately ordered Pei Xuanlin’s seat to be placed beside Ling Zhenli’s. This was technically improper for a return visit, yet it suited him perfectly.
During the banquet, Pei Xuanlin showed Ling Zhenli great attentiveness, personally picking crab meat for her. The Chancellor and his wife were reasonably satisfied. The only one displeased was Xue Haoting, seated opposite the couple.
When Ling Zhenli had been by his side, she often showed him a mournful face. Now, facing the Crown Prince, she smiled sweetly instead.
Jealousy twisted Xue Haoting’s heart. Unable to bear seeing Ling Zhenli so accommodating beside another man, he deliberately spoke up.
“Yingyue, do you still remember a game we played when we were children?”
At the sound of Xue Haoting’s voice, Ling Zhenli’s body stiffened instantly. Her expression darkened, yet the hand holding her cup did not tremble, and the smile at her lips barely held.
Though she did not know what scheme Xue Haoting was plotting this time, in front of so many people she did not believe he would dare to truly dishonor her.
“Brother, how could I possibly remember games from childhood so clearly?”
“How could you not remember?”
Xue Haoting leaned forward. “In your boudoir, we played hide-and-seek together. You had me cover my eyes while I searched. You liked to hide under the bed in your room, then sneak out to scare me when I couldn’t find you…”
The more he spoke, the more Ling Zhenli’s face turned ashen.
A young lady’s boudoir—no matter that he was a brother, he should never have entered freely. By saying this, Xue Haoting was practically casting her into disgrace before the Crown Prince.
Xue Wenmian and Cui Yuerong’s expressions also turned ugly. They had thought it bad enough that their son had secretly overstepped with their adopted daughter. They had not expected him to dare to openly insinuate and tease Ling Zhenli in public—especially in front of her husband, the Crown Prince Pei Xuanlin.
Pei Xuanlin heard the disrespect in Xue Haoting’s words and saw the difficulty on Ling Zhenli’s face. He slammed his chopsticks heavily onto the celadon plate.
A crisp sound rang out. The entire hall fell silent.
“A-Li has been weak lately. It is not suitable for her to strain her mind recalling past matters.”
Pei Xuanlin’s gaze was icy, the chill in his eyes seeming ready to kill Xue Haoting. As he spoke, he placed a piece of steamed shad on Ling Zhenli’s plate with elegant composure, then turned and warned Xue Haoting:
“Minister of Ceremonial Revenue, it is true that the Crown Princess is your sister, but you must always remember the distinction between ruler and subject. You are not to speak out of turn.”
Xue Haoting’s expression shifted back and forth. In the end, constrained by Pei Xuanlin’s status as Crown Prince, he could only swallow his anger. “This minister… will heed Your Highness’s instruction.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Pei Xuanlin saw Ling Zhenli’s expression relax considerably, and his own mood lifted a little as well.