There was scarcely an inch of unblemished skin left on his body. The rough wooden planks scraping against his flesh should have been excruciating, but with so many other parts of him hurting far worse, this particular pain became trivial.
Pei Z
Her enemy had met his demise—how wonderful, heaven had come to claim him.
Pei Zeyuan wasn't exactly her enemy, but the moment she thought of Pei Shangxuan's character, she felt that "rotten wood can't bear good bamboo."
No one knew whether this young master, once rescued, would arrogantly assume it was her duty to save him.
But there was no other choice—the human-shaped creature was injured so grievously that one couldn't bear to look at him a second time.
Pei Zeyuan was Pei Shangxuan's eldest son, yet he had suffered such persecution. Who could be so utterly without principles? Even political rivals wouldn't stoop to such acts.
He Yunzhao had always taken a keen interest in her enemies' misfortunes.
Her eyelashes fluttered lightly, a hint of a smile naturally gracing her eyes as she ordered the servants to carry Pei Zeyuan and place him in the carriage.
He Yunzhao didn't enter the carriage herself. She rode ahead on horseback—if she didn't make it known, how would others realize she had saved someone?
The carriage traveled along the street, and whenever she encountered a familiar face, she would smile and nod in greeting.
Who was this? None other than Dream Gentleman, top candidate in the imperial examinations, rising star of the literary world, slayer of great scholars, bane of imperial sons-in-law—He Yunzhao herself.
When such a person appeared before you and amiably initiated a greeting, could you resist exchanging a few words?
"Brother He, where are you headed?"
"I'm going to the medical clinic."
"Ah? Are you unwell somewhere?"
He Yunzhao waved her hand, sighed with sympathy and helplessness, and did her best to adopt a sorrowful, compassionate expression. "I came across the heir of the Duke of Li by the canal. He was in a pitiable state—I don't even know if he'll survive."
"The heir of the Duke of Li? What happened? Was he assassinated?"
He Yunzhao shook her head and sighed. "I don't know. What a poor child."
"Brother He, your righteousness is commendable. Despite the Duke of Li's threats, you're still willing to save his heir… truly… ah! Brother He, your nature is far too kind."
She chatted with everyone she met along the way, engaging each one in conversation until a faint sound came from inside the carriage, and a grimy hand reached out through the window.
He Yunzhao turned her horse around and rode alongside the carriage. "Awake?" she asked.
After a long pause, a hoarse voice came from inside. "Who were you talking to?"
He Yunzhao didn't answer. She lowered her eyes and said calmly, "You are the son of a princess and the heir of the Duke of Li—you would never lack attendants. Judging by the marks, you must know martial arts."
She lifted her gaze and casually scanned the commoners on the street. Some were setting up stalls, others shopping or transporting goods, each living their own lives. But who knew if any of them were kidnappers in disguise?
"Kidnappers only target children and women. A robust young man like you isn't in their scope. Since you were taken onto a boat, someone must have plotted against you, and that person must have the means to do so within the Duke of Li's household."
"You're not the type to repay evil with good, are you? If you seek revenge, there will be bloodshed. By spreading the word now, I can help you gain public sympathy."
"Everyone will know you were the victim. When you take your revenge, no one will stand in your way."
He Yunzhao tightened her grip on the reins, a faint, spring-like smile gracing her lips as she slightly raised her chin.
She narrowed her eyes slightly and looked toward the carriage window. "I'm helping you. Don't be ungrateful."
Pei Zeyuan propped himself up with one hand by the window, locking eyes with her for a long moment.
One man was dressed in finery, every inch of his fabric embroidered with silver threads that shimmered with subtle patterns in the light, while the other was utterly disheveled, so filthy that even his facial features were indistinguishable.
She raised an eyebrow, her tone almost teasing, and said, "Don't worry, I just brought you back. It doesn't count as a life-saving favor, so you don't need to repay me. The debt of gratitude belongs to Lord Li Guo Gong."
After all, if this man had just shouted that he was the princess's son, plenty of dockworkers would have been willing to take a chance and send him back to the city.
Pei Zeyuan felt a wave of relief, inexplicably reassured by this unfriendly attitude, and averted his gaze.
"Oh, by the way," He Yunzhao added, "You'll have to compensate me for the carriage. It's been dirtied inside."
Pei Zeyuan: "…"
The physician from the clinic gasped in surprise and rushed over, quickly pressing two fingers against Pei Zeyuan's neck.
He Yunzhao said, "Doctor, no need to check. Hurry into the carriage. We'll treat him as we go."
The clinic was rather rudimentary, and with the current situation unclear, it was best not to linger outside for too long.
A short while later, He Yunzhao instructed the coachman to drive toward the Prince of Xiang's residence.
First, the prince was an elder of the imperial clan, and Pei Zeyuan was the son of a princess. This was a place where both sides had familial ties, and the Prince of Xiang's household had never involved itself in politics. If Pei Zeyuan's troubles were related to the court, then the Prince of Xiang's residence would be a neutral ground with no connections to any faction.
Second, the Prince of Xiang's residence was very close to the Li Guo Gong's mansion, with only a narrow alley separating their back gates.
The physician they had summoned was from the Huichun Hall. This clinic wasn't particularly renowned, but it happened to specialize in the right kind of treatment.
The famous physicians in the capital were those who had treated the noble and wealthy families. The affluent, living in comfort and luxury, rarely suffered from anything beyond minor ailments and didn't contract many strange or unusual illnesses.
Huichun Hall was different. They specialized in treating bruises, sprains, and bone injuries—the kind of ailments common among laborers who suffered accidents from heavy work.
Though He Yunzhao had seemed ostentatious along the way, his mind was sharp, and he had already planned in advance to summon a physician from that clinic.
Pei Zeyuan, carried by three people working together, entered the gates of the Prince of Xiang's residence and was placed in a side room of the prince's courtyard.
The physician brought out a large medicine chest and urgently said, "I need a bottle… no, a whole jar of strong liquor."
There were simply too many wounds, and a single bottle of liquor wouldn't be enough. He Yunzhao leaned casually against the head of the bed, watching as the physician attended to the injuries.
A large jar of strong liquor was brought in, and the physician, being rather unrestrained, directly filled a large bowl with it.
He glanced around and said to He Yunzhao, "I'll trouble you, young master."
He Yunzhao looked at the physician curiously. "Doctor, what do you need me for?"
Without hesitation, the physician handed the bowl of liquor to He Yunzhao.
The physician took out a fire starter, blew on it to ignite a flame, and carefully passed a palm-length, thin blade back and forth over the fire. After waiting a moment for the blade to cool slightly, he announced, "Let's begin."
He Yunzhao held the bowl with both hands and evenly poured the liquor over the wounds on Pei Zeyuan's chest.
A low groan escaped as the exposed red flesh was seared by the strong liquor, causing the muscles to contract violently. Pei Zeyuan broke out in a cold sweat from the pain. The physician, holding a forearm-length thin blade, began scraping away the whitish, decaying flesh from the areas washed by the liquor.
Every wound had to be doused with strong liquor and then scraped with the blade.
He Yunzhao couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. What kind of torture was this?
If she had gone through all this, she would surely have been filled with murderous intent, ready to take down everyone who had harmed her.
Pei Zeyuan didn't cry out—not because his tolerance for pain was extraordinary, but because his throat was nearly too hoarse to make a sound.
He Yunzhao could even see that the pain had caused his pupils to dilate slightly, pushing him to the brink of unconsciousness.
The thin blade, being extremely fine, couldn't be used continuously. Every so often, the physician had to take out a new one, heat it over a flame, spray it with strong liquor, and then scrape away the decaying flesh.
Pei Zeyuan resembled a whole lamb skewered on an iron spit, with He Yunzhao sprinkling seasoning and the physician making small incisions to help it absorb the flavor.
After finishing the front, He Yunzhao instinctively said, "Flip him over."
The physician hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. How could he ask the young master, injured so grievously, to turn over on his own? It was utterly inhumane!
Just as he set down the knife to help, Pei Zeyuan had already silently turned himself over, his body trembling violently from the pain…
He Yunzhao pursed his lips, signaling for the physician to continue…
The battle-hardened physician felt like a novice at that moment; the two of them were far too composed.
After treating every wound with strong liquor and the blade, the physician evenly applied medicinal powder.
He Yunzhao thought to himself, "…Even more like a roasted lamb now…"
Clean white bandages were wrapped around each of Pei Zeyuan's wounds, and the physician finally let out a sigh of relief before rising to prepare the decoction.
He Yunzhao quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your efforts, venerable sir."
The physician, drenched in sweat, smiled wearily. "This old man hasn't done much. It's this young gentleman's remarkable endurance. In forty years of practice, I've never seen anyone remain conscious through such injuries, let alone turn over on their own."
"This young gentleman has a strong constitution and robust bones. He'll likely be able to get out of bed in just over two months. With proper rest, he could even resume martial arts training in half a year."
He Yunzhao clicked his tongue in amazement at the thought of him being bedridden for two months—such severe injuries.
As the physician went out to prepare the medicine, Prince Xiang, who had been waiting outside upon hearing the commotion, finally entered.
The old prince had been aware of the situation since the two arrived at the door and had immediately sent someone to inform Pei Shangxuan and Princess Ning'an at the Duke of Li's residence.
Prince Xiang had initially intended to check on Zeyuan's condition, but as soon as he stepped inside, he heard Pei Zeyuan's muffled groan and saw Xiao Zhao holding the strong liquor while the physician wielded the thin blade.
The room reeked of blood, and Prince Xiang withdrew his foot, deciding it was better to wait outside. His old heart couldn't handle such intensity.
With an awkward smile, Prince Xiang patted He Yunzhao's shoulder and inquired about Pei Zeyuan's condition.
But Pei Zeyuan was in no state to speak, so he could only respond with silence.
Bang! A loud noise erupted as a dark figure swept in with a gust of wind, striding swiftly to the bedside.
A trembling voice emerged from the shadow, "My son!"
Pei Shangxuan's arms shook as he half-knelt by the bed, gazing at his son swathed in white bandages.
"Zeyuan!" Princess Ning'an rushed in as well, throwing herself beside the bed, tears streaming down her face.
He Yunzhao thought to himself, This couple really shares a resemblance—their tone, their actions…
Princess Ning'an wept incessantly, repeatedly asking Pei Zeyuan if he was in pain.
The arm wrapped in white bandages trembled slightly as Pei Zeyuan turned his head toward his parents. He opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately fell silent.
He Yunzhao stood with her arms crossed, watching as Pei Zeyuan was helped up and seated on the edge of the bed by the couple. She couldn't help but frown—did these two even realize this was a patient?
As she debated whether to play the hypocrite for now and emphasize her life-saving deed or to mock Pei Shangxuan for failing to protect his own child—which would hit him harder?
Ah, but she was the savior of Young Master Pei! Repaying hostility with virtue—even though you threatened me, I still saved your son.
Princess Ning'an took out a handkerchief, dipped it in warm water, and gently wiped her son's face clean. A pale face was finally fully revealed: sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, a nose bridge like a mountain ridge, and slightly downturned lips that gave off an aloof impression. Unfortunately, his lips were as pale as if he'd been dead for half a month, a gash split his temple, and a chunk of flesh was missing above his left eyebrow, giving him a thoroughly fierce appearance at the moment.
Princess Ning'an's heart ached with pity. She thought this ferocity was due to the small wounds on his face and tenderly stroked the injured area above his eyebrow.
Standing to the side, He Yunzhao had already decided how she would infuriate Pei Shangxuan. At the very least, he ought to bow to her, the savior of his son, if not kowtow.
The corners of her lips had just curved upward when, in the next instant, she was stunned.
A flash of silver light streaked before her eyes, swift as a splashing droplet. Pei Zeyuan had somehow hidden a physician's thin blade in his hand.
Gripping the blade, he lunged forward, aiming straight for Pei Shangxuan's chest!
An ordinary person's first instinct when faced with such an attack would be to retreat, but stepping back was the worst response, as the attacker could simply advance further.
Pei Shangxuan, after all, was a martial general trained in combat. Instinctively, he sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the chest strike.
But having revealed his ferocity, Pei Zeyuan was not about to relent. With a flick of his wrist, he reversed the blade's trajectory, slashing upward from Pei Shangxuan's right ribcage!
Rip!
He Yunzhao stared, dumbfounded, as droplets of blood sprayed through the air, splattering across Princess Ning'an's face.
Pei Shangxuan, propping himself on the ground, scrambled backward hastily. Dissatisfied with the first strike, his eldest son rose and pursued him.
In a flash, Pei Zeyuan struck with ruthless precision—a third stab!
Pei Shangxuan hastily raised his right arm to block. Stab!
The sound of tearing fabric echoed as the blade sliced a deep gash into Lord Liguo's right forearm. He stared in terror at his son, who seemed to have gone mad.
The physician had said it would take two months for him to even leave his bed, yet Pei Zeyuan, driven by sheer will, had nearly committed patricide with three strikes in an instant!
Prince Xiang, terrified, clenched his hands, shut his eyes, and leaned against He Yunzhao's broad shoulder.
He Yunzhao's expression was complex. "Tsk!"
The situation was too convoluted—she could hardly make sense of it.
Princess Ning'an let out a sharp cry, rushing over to support Pei Shangxuan. She stared in shock at her son, her piercing voice making their eardrums throb. "Have you lost your mind, Pei Zeyuan?! He is your father!"
A hoarse, broken voice emerged from Pei Zeyuan's throat. "Mother, do you know who tried to kill me?"
The three strikes had drained all his strength, and he immediately collapsed back onto the bed.
The day before, Pei Zeyuan had gone to Princess Xihe's residence to deliver something for his mother. On his return, he took the back alley as it was a shorter route home.
The entire alley had only three gates: the back door of Prince Xiang's residence, the rear entrance of the Liguo Estate, and a small gate leading to the Qi family garden.
Pei Zeyuan knew it well. He had just stepped through his own back gate when a sudden blow struck him from behind, knocking him unconscious.
From the corner of his eye, he could still see the servant Shunzi tightening a short rope around his attendant’s neck.
He Yunzhao’s speculation was correct—what kidnapper would abduct a teenage boy, especially a martial arts-trained youth like Pei Zeyuan?
Selling someone to a male brothel in Jiangnan—such a vile and humiliating method could only have been devised by a woman from the inner household. With the help of a traitor working from within, one name surfaced in his mind: Feng Shi!
Pei Zeyuan struggled to curl his lips into a bitter smile, his eyes filled with hatred and murderous intent. "Mother, if Feng Shi could harm me to this extent today, it’s only because Pei Shangxuan allowed it. If he weren’t so bewitched by that woman, I wouldn’t be covered in these wounds!"
He Yunzhao lifted her chin and leaned back against the pillar, quietly observing the expressions of Princess Ning’an and her husband.
In an instant, Princess Ning’an and Pei Zeyuan locked eyes…
He Yunzhao silently curved her lips into a smile. Interesting… Princess Ning’an already knew it was Feng Shi. I wonder when she found out.
The flutter of her eyelashes lasted only a moment.
Human expressions are subtle. Only by observing rationally could He Yunzhao detect Princess Ning’an’s discomfort.
But Pei Zeyuan, consumed by rage, could neither see nor understand his mother’s expression.
Princess Ning’an lowered her head in distress and whispered, "It was Feng Shi who committed these wrongs. How could you kill your own father?"
Dust drifted lightly, settling like snowflakes on those present. Rough panting and muffled groans of pain were clearly audible in the room.
Even Prince Xiang couldn’t help but frown. When had Ning’an become like this? At such a moment, she still sided with Pei Shangxuan.
He Yunzhao nearly applauded. What a spectacular scene! Finally, she was witnessing the diversity of human nature.
If an onlooker could feel such emotions, how much more pain must the one experiencing it endure?
Disappointment… confusion… bewilderment…
This wasn’t a matter of a day or two—it had been seven or eight years. Did he truly care so much about who held the upper hand in the inner household?
How old was he? A nephew of the emperor, raised in luxury and privilege!
It was Ning’an who, whenever Feng Shi flaunted her status, would weep to her son about Feng’s arrogance and Pei Shangxuan’s heartlessness…
Time and again, he had defended his mother and resented his father, only to realize that the father he hated was the most important person in his mother’s heart.
After a long silence, Pei Shangxuan curled his lips into a mocking smile and looked at Princess Ning’an. "Mother, if you were sold into a brothel, could you still forgive Pei Shangxuan so easily?"
Such a shocking statement left everyone speechless. If anyone other than Princess Ning’an’s own son had uttered those words, they would have been punished for disrespecting the royal family!
Princess Ning’an’s sobs intertwined with Pei Shangxuan’s furious scolding.
He Yunzhao finally couldn’t hold back. "Duke Liguo, perhaps you should stop lecturing your son now. Just moments ago, he wanted to kill you. It’s hardly appropriate for you to play the fatherly role and discipline him on behalf of the princess."
Neither of you is in a position to criticize the other. The mother was called a prostitute, and the father nearly met his end by the blade. Yet here he is, still putting on airs as the patriarch.
Feudal authority—truly inescapable.
Pei Shangxuan ignored He Yunzhao’s sarcastic remarks. Though she was usually irritating, in the face of a son who had drawn a blade, he had no energy to spare for someone merely wagging her tongue.
The couple supported each other as they left, Princess Ning’an weeping until she collapsed, utterly broken by the ordeal.
Pei Shangxuan had a gash across his chest, blood soaking through his robes. Though injured, he gritted his teeth against the pain and supported the princess, carefully watching his step over the threshold.
Had one ignored the earlier scene of the family of three turning blades against each other, this couple would have appeared deeply devoted.
The Prince of Xiang and He Yunzhao exchanged bewildered glances…
Half a month later, He Yunzhao learned from his senior apprentice Zhao Tongzhou that Feng Qing, who had been exiled, was dead, and the ancestral home the Feng family had redeemed had been completely destroyed by a great fire.
Lady Feng of the Duke of Li’s household was dealt with angrily by the Duke for secretly scheming against the heir. She was sent away to a manor estate.
Princess Ning’an moved to a nunnery, a place within the city where women cultivated their minds and spirits.
What followed was even more dramatic. He Yunzhao was excitedly pulled along by her master as a large crowd gathered at the nunnery’s entrance.
They watched as Pei Shangxuan, bare-chested and carrying a bundle of thorny branches, arrived at the nunnery to offer a sincere apology.
Kneeling at the nunnery’s gate, his skin was pricked by the thorns, causing tiny beads of crimson blood to form.
"Princess! Shangxuan has come today solely to seek forgiveness!"
"Years ago, I went hunting with friends and accidentally fell into a deep pit while riding. Lady Feng happened to save me by chance. Her family had been convicted and exiled to the borderlands."
"After Lady Feng returned to the capital, I was solely focused on repaying her life-saving grace, which led me to neglect you, Princess. Little did I know that Lady Feng was inherently unhinged, her nature aligned with the restless ambitions of the Feng family, causing harm to our son."
"Let all present bear witness—Shangxuan has repaid his debt of gratitude more than enough! Yet Lady Feng used it to threaten me!"
"Only today have I come to realize that her saving me was nothing but a deceitful scheme, a calculated move to secure a marriage."
His expression pained, he glanced around and declared loudly, "What Shangxuan wishes to say is that although Lady Feng schemed to become my benefactor, I have never been intimate with her!"
The crowd murmured among themselves, believing his words. For a man to make such a claim, it must indeed be true.
"I only beg the Princess, for the sake of our youthful affection and our child, to forgive me!"
Time passed slowly, and the murmurs of the crowd grew louder. Pei Shangxuan stared at the tightly shut gate, his expression crestfallen.
He Yunzhao crossed her arms, a highly defensive posture.
The people around her shifted from discussing how foolish Pei Shangxuan was to be deceived by a woman like Lady Feng, to gradually sympathizing with him. According to his account, he had remained chaste for the Princess!
The crowd never tired of tales of sudden enlightenment, and they not only accepted but praised repentant men for their remorse.
She could even hear a few complaints directed at the Princess.
Yes, your husband remained chaste. He never touched his concubine; he was merely blinded by a debt of gratitude.
He Yunzhao couldn’t help but think of Pei Zeyuan. The child was the most pitiful one.
When parents quarreled and fought until they were bruised and bloodied, the child had already been hurt. Yet they reconciled as if nothing had happened, leaving the child bewildered, wondering if the wounds were just an illusion.
She sighed inwardly, a trace of empathy flickering across her brow.
Just as everyone thought the Princess would not emerge, the gate creaked open!
A figure dressed in plain monastic robes stepped out.
A broken mirror made whole again—what a beautiful story. He Yunzhao’s lips curled into a mocking smile.
She turned and left.
"Brother He, why are you leaving?"
He Yunzhao waved without looking back. "I’m going back to play with perfumes."
Something was strange. Feng Qing’s death, Lady Feng sent to the manor—was it really her?
She was still too weak; these were matters beyond her ability to investigate. She had a gut feeling that if she uncovered the truth of this matter, Pei Shangxuan would be doomed.
He Yunzhao’s immediate priority was to pass the imperial examinations and enter officialdom as soon as possible.
Her slightly lowered eyes suddenly lifted, gleaming like cold stars flashing across the night sky.
Wait! Perhaps Pei Zeyuan would be a good breakthrough.
Given his audacity to draw a blade against the Duke of Li, she didn’t believe the Duke and Princess Ning’an could live happily and peacefully.
In that brief moment, she regained her usual relaxed demeanor.