At the end of August, Pei Yuanzheng, the Duke of Pei, returned triumphantly to the capital.
Clad in armor and astride his qilin horse, Pei Yuanzheng stood outside the city gates. Today, Crown Prince Xie Changyan had come personally to welcome him. Pei Yuanzheng dismounted with his deputy general and bowed to the Crown Prince. Xie Changyan gestured for him to rise, allowing only a half-bow.
“Your triumphant return, Duke, has prompted His Majesty to command my personal welcome. Congratulations on your victory,” Xie Changyan said, standing there with the intention of exchanging a few pleasantries.
But Pei Yuanzheng was eager to enter the palace and report on his duties. His conduct toward Xie Changyan was impeccable in terms of the etiquette between ruler and subject—precisely why Xie Changyan found it troublesome.
The Duke held immense prestige among military officers. Xie Changyan did not believe Pei Yuanzheng was unaware of the matters between him and Pei Yunshu.
Yet the Duke’s aloof attitude spoke volumes. This was the demeanor toward a Crown Prince, not toward a promising junior he favored.
Nor was it the attitude one would have toward a future son-in-law.
“Your Highness, His Majesty awaits in the palace. Perhaps we should proceed to the palace to meet with His Majesty first.”
Xie Yanchuan and Pei Yuanzheng could be considered friends despite their age difference. After all, when Xie Yanchuan ascended the throne, he was not even twenty. Without Pei Yuanzheng’s assistance, Xie Yanchuan might not have secured his position back then.
“Duke, congratulations on your triumphant return.” Xie Yanchuan had long prepared the edicts of reward. After bestowing honors one by one, only Pei Yuanzheng remained.
Xie Yanchuan and Pei Yuanzheng walked to the imperial garden. Xie Yanchuan personally served tea, and Pei Yuanzheng relaxed considerably at this point.
“To be honest, those foes shouldn’t have taken this long. This campaign lasted quite a while.”
“Duke, such words are best spoken only in my presence. If the court officials heard, memorials accusing you of laxity in battle would likely drown me,” Xie Yanchuan remarked, looking at the man before him. This Duke now held high rank and great power, yet few knew he was once just a rough soldier.
Only in the presence of an old friend could he reveal a hint of his true nature.
“As for the matter you petitioned last time, Duke, I have yet to grant approval. This is a significant affair. Even if we reach an agreement, how would the court officials perceive it? That I lack tolerance, fearing your achievements might overshadow the throne?”
In the past, Pei Yuanzheng’s understanding of propriety would have been beneficial both for him and the Guogong Mansion. But now…
Xie Yanchuan thought of Pei Yunshu’s temperament. If she wished to establish herself in the palace, the Guogong Mansion could not afford the slightest misstep.
“Your Majesty, I am well aware of your regard for this old minister. But I am growing old and should return home to enjoy the pleasures of family life, dandling grandchildren on my knee. I cannot continue campaigning for Your Majesty indefinitely.”
This recent war had been Pei Yuanzheng’s way of selecting new military talents for Xie Yanchuan.
“What about the Second Young Master?” Xie Yanchuan brought up Pei Zishan.
“My second son is exceptionally brave, but lacking in strategy and easily deceived. The rewards Your Majesty has bestowed are already sufficient. Promoting him further would only place him in a position he cannot manage,” Pei Yuanzheng replied with clear judgment. He would not risk bringing calamity upon the Guogong Mansion merely to advance his second son.
“That is indeed true.”
A chessboard lay before Xie Yanchuan. He and Pei Yuanzheng had played halfway through a game, both clearly holding unspoken words, yet neither was the first to speak.
“If Your Majesty does not broach the subject, this old minister will speak plainly,” Pei Yuanzheng said, looking at Xie Yanchuan.
“My daughter’s character is clear to me, and Your Highness should understand as well. As for the Crown Prince, it is not something this old minister can comment on.”
But the meaning in Pei Yuanzheng’s eyes was unmistakable—what the Crown Prince was like, His Majesty should also know.
“I am aware, but after all, he is the only son of my elder brother.”
Pei Yuanzheng looked at Xie Yanchuan before him and couldn’t help but sigh. “Your Majesty’s actions over these years have already lived up to the late Emperor’s trust. It is just that Your Majesty remains too sentimental.”
Xie Yanchuan lowered his head. Sentimental? Him?
“Your Majesty, speaking privately, this old minister will be blunt. The loyalty of the Guogong Mansion is beyond doubt, but as for my daughter, the Crown Prince need not harbor any thoughts.”
Xie Yanchuan listened, feeling an unusual twinge of guilt. After all, it wasn’t the Crown Prince who was thinking of Pei Yunshu now, but he, the Emperor.
“I will speak to the Crown Prince about this, though I fear he may be stubborn. I can only do my best to persuade him.”
“Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but such indulgence toward the Crown Prince may not bode well for the future.”
“I know. The Crown Prince is still young, and I will guide him properly.”
When Xie Yanchuan saw him off, he had someone prepare a food box filled with pastries. “Take this back with you, Duke. Recently, the tributary states offered some unique fruits, and the Imperial Kitchen has prepared some new delicacies. Please take them as well.”
“Then this old minister thanks Your Majesty.” Pei Yuanzheng did not stand on ceremony. After all, he had once nearly become the Emperor’s tutor.
When Pei Yuanzheng returned to the mansion, Madam Jiang was waiting at the entrance with the concubines and younger generation of the household.
“Madam.” Pei Yuanzheng dismounted and, seeing Madam Jiang standing there, hurried forward to take her hand.
“My husband has been away on campaign, and now that you have returned safely, that is my greatest wish.”
“These past months, the household has relied on you.” Pei Yuanzheng held great respect for his wife. Compared to superficial beauty, Madam Jiang’s grace and bearing were unmatched by anyone else.
“Father!” Pei Yunshu had no such reservations. She rushed forward and hugged Pei Yuanzheng, displaying the charming demeanor of a young girl.
Pei Yuanzheng held his daughter. “Our girl has grown again.”
Madam Jiang patted them both from the side. “You two, Niannian is already so grown up. It would be unseemly if others saw.”
“Isn’t this our girl? It’s fine. Never mind those cumbersome military formalities.” Pei Yuanzheng picked up a teacup and took a sip. Madam Jiang smiled. She came from the Jiang family, where rules were strict and instilled from childhood.
But she knew that Pei Yuanzheng valued family harmony more than any rules, so she had always allowed her children to interact with their father like an ordinary father and children.
Pei Yuanzheng was also affectionate toward her children. As for the children of other concubines, that was beyond Madam Jiang’s concern.
Pei Zishan followed his father into the mansion. Jiang Liuyan bowed to him. “Welcome back, Second Cousin, triumphant from your campaign.”
Seeing the delicate, willow-like young woman before him, Pei Zishan’s expression softened considerably.
“I brought some gifts for you on my return. I’ll have them sent to your courtyard later.”
“Thank you, Second Cousin, but—”
Before Jiang Liuyan could finish, Pei Zishan waved his hand. “I’ll have someone send them over later. You can enjoy them as you like.”
With that, Pei Zishan hurried off. Jiang Liuyan pursed her lips lightly. Her second cousin had always been exceptionally kind to her. It was just a pity that without the position of heir, at most he would only be a third-rank military officer.
Jiang Liuyan was unwilling, so she never responded to anything, merely presenting some things to please her. After all, she had given quite a few gifts to Pei Yunshu as well.