It was three days later when the emperor personally inquired into the matter of the Commandant of Justice.
Regarding the Duan family case, everyone had assumed the matter was already settled, when suddenly a witness emerged out of nowhere and was silenced—sparking fierce debate throughout the court.
Wang Che bore the pressure from above, working day and night without rest for several days to handle the matter, until the poisoning of the female witness alarmed His Majesty. Only when the emperor summoned him did he hastily notify the Chancellor and rush to the palace without pause.
Who would have thought that upon entering the palace to meet the emperor, he would find Grand Tutor Yang Jin, Palace Secretary Chen Zhizhao, and others all present.
Wang Che's heart skipped a beat.
Just as his head began to ache, a frigid voice came from behind him.
"It seems I have arrived at an opportune moment—I might as well listen in on this case as well."
A tall, imposing figure strolled in from outside, unhurriedly.
The wind blowing in from beyond the hall swept up his dark, wide sleeves. His bearing was sharp and resolute, exuding a bone-chilling coldness.
Chancellor Pei had also come.
Close behind him followed Chief Clerk Yan Zhan and Palace Aide to the Censor-in-Chief Kong Wei, both tasked with handling the imperial prison investigations.
Emperor Xiao Wenyan, wearing his beaded crown, sat solemnly at the head of the hall. This young sovereign was now twenty-five—the prime age for wielding strategy and governing the realm. Unfortunately, he was not the late emperor's own son but a scion of the imperial clan, and his foundation upon ascending the throne had never been particularly solid.
Coupled with the excessive weight of the chancellorship, the Deng clan—the maternal family of the late Grand Empress Dowager—had accumulated considerable prestige in court, their influence vast and not something to be suppressed overnight. The emperor had racked his brains over this, going to great lengths to elevate the Duan clan, his empress's family, as a counterbalance. Over the years, the Deng clan had gradually declined, and Duan Hong and Pei Ling checked each other in court—a precarious equilibrium.
But who could have foreseen that Grand General Duan Hong would meet with sudden catastrophe, throwing the border into turmoil and the court into unrest. With spring approaching, war might break out again, and then military funds would run tight—deciding who to send on campaign would be a difficult problem in itself.
For days on end, the emperor's heart had been weighed down with worry.
Today, just as the Duan case had made progress, Chancellor Pei arrived this quickly. The emperor gazed at this powerful minister who had once helped him ascend the throne but now dominated the court alone. He seemed to want to speak, then held back, finally saying only: "Hurry and offer Chancellor Pei a seat."
A eunuch brought over a cushioned mat. After paying his respects to the sovereign, Pei Ling flicked his sleeves and sat down, smiling as he looked at Grand Tutor Yang Jin across from him. "The Grand Tutor has been quite diligent in visiting the palace these past few days."
Yang Jin said, "Whether I come to the palace or not—what business is that of the Chancellor's? You're overstepping your bounds."
Pei Ling said, "Whether the Grand Tutor comes to the palace is, of course, none of my business. However, what I have to say today is very much related to the Grand Tutor."
By the end of his sentence, his words carried a chilling, murderous edge. Wang Che understood immediately and hastily handed the memorial in his hand to the eunuch in regular attendance, Lu Zhihe, who passed it up to the emperor.
The emperor scanned it carefully, remaining silent for a long while. Seeing how direct they were being, Yang Jin sat for a while before he could no longer contain himself. He rose and spoke: "Your Majesty! These investigations alone cannot prove Duan Hong's innocence. I stated earlier that the identity of the so-called 'woman who struck the petition drum' was never verified, and her death was suspicious—how do we know it wasn't staged by someone with ulterior motives…"
Before he could finish, Pei Ling cut him off coldly. "Grand Tutor Yang hasn't even looked at it—how do you know what the memorial contains?"
Yang Jin was rendered speechless. The emperor closed his eyes briefly, then closed the memorial and handed it to Eunuch Lu. "Show it to the Grand Tutor."
Yang Jin took it and looked—only to be shocked to discover that the memorial was nothing more than the Commandant of Justice's year-end summary of criminal cases adjudicated over the past year, containing nothing related to the Duan case at all. His expression shifted through several changes.
He looked up and met Pei Ling's mocking, taunting gaze.
Pei Ling's features were exceedingly handsome, his eyes especially reminiscent of his late mother's—upturned at the corners, carrying both an elegant, refined charm and a concealed sharpness, cold and cutting like a blade.
Yang Jin stared at that detestable face, his hands trembling with rage as he clutched the memorial.
Pei Ling had anticipated Yang Jin's temperament and had instructed Wang Che beforehand to present an unrelated memorial first, to trick him. Sure enough, Yang Jin fell for it, and his reaction made the emperor suspicious.
Yang Jin looked up and called out in a strained voice: "Your Majesty…"
The emperor said in a deep voice, "Enough. Wang Che, present the memorial on the Duan case."
Wang Che: "Yes."
The emperor scanned it rapidly, his expression gradually growing grave. The others wore varied expressions, none daring to speak. The hall was so quiet that the drop of a needle could be heard.
After a moment, the emperor's voice slowly sounded: "On this matter, what does the Chancellor think?"
The emperor made no statement of his own position, nor did he openly say what was written in the memorial—he only asked Pei Ling for his view. Clearly, he was certain Pei Ling had already seen the memorial beforehand.
No one had held any hope for the Duan family case. Even the emperor, who had once heavily favored Duan Hong, had been forced to abandon the empress's clan.
It was Pei Ling who had instructed Wang Che to raise the possibility that the case might have other explanations.
Whether to leave room for maneuvering or to burn all bridges—it all depended on how the matter was handled.
"Since there are points of doubt, we must naturally handle the case according to law, lest we treat human lives with reckless disregard." Pei Ling said this lightly, then paused and smiled at Yang Jin. "However, I do think what the Grand Tutor just said is not without merit. Though the woman who died in prison had tokens verifying her identity, tokens can be forged or stolen—who's to say her identity wasn't assumed by someone else? What does the Grand Tutor think?"
His attitude shifted from one moment to the next. Yang Jin had initially thought Pei Ling intended to sever ties with him today, yet now he seemed inclined to yield a step on both sides.
Originally, they had not privately coordinated, but with Duan Hong dead, everyone should have tacitly understood to take what they needed. Who would have thought that Pei Ling, struck by some inexplicable whim, would pull such an unexpected move—clearing his own name while saddling them with all the blame.
Yang Jin's face was ashen, fury burning in his heart.
One could not lose composure before the emperor. Suppressing his rage, Yang Jin raised his hands in salute and said, "This old minister… shares the Chancellor's view. The witness is dead, and now it is one word against another. But even if suspicion remains, it should be treated as innocence. We must not rush to pass judgment; the investigation must continue."
The emperor closed his eyes briefly. "Continue the thorough investigation, and be quick about producing results. If anyone dares to meddle, I will not show leniency."
…
Pei Ling and Yang Jin had never been on good terms. After leaving the hall, they exchanged not a single word. Yang Jin let out a cold snort and swept away with his sleeves, wearing an expression of utter loathing toward him.
Pei Ling narrowed his eyes at the retreating figure. "After all these years, still the same temper."
Yan Zhan said in a low voice, "Since His Majesty ascended the throne, Yang Jin may hold the title of Grand Tutor and rank among the highest ministers, but he has no real power. The Yang clan's influence has waned these past years. He was counting on his daughter as empress to restore the family's fortunes. You thwarted his plans—it's no wonder he's furious."
"I didn't kill him to vent my anger—that's already showing mercy."
Pei Ling let out a cold laugh.
Pei Ling moved through court and beyond with rarely a trace of emotion, his methods inscrutable and impossible to predict. Yet his discord with the Grand Tutor was known throughout the court.
But the reason behind it remained a mystery to this day.
With the death of Grand General Duan Hong, the emperor had recently moved his seat of governance from the Northern Palace to the Southern Palace[1]. The Prefect of the Yellow Gates and the Attendant of the Yellow Gates stood guard within the palace proper, while the Tiger Guard and Feathered Forest Lancers held their halberds on watch outside the Southern Palace.
Di Yue, a commander in the Feathered Forest Guard, stood duty beneath the white jade steps, watching the officials of the Secretariat come and go through the palace gates. A few ministers who had just emerged wore strange expressions, murmuring quietly about the court discussion that had just taken place.
He yawned, then, catching sight of the Chancellor emerging in the distance, quickly roused himself and stepped forward. "Chancellor." He clasped his hands in salute. As Pei Ling walked past him, Di Yue hurriedly elbowed Yan Zhan and whispered, "I heard there's been a turn in the Duan family case? Who's so lacking in judgment as to obstruct the Chancellor's affairs at a time like this?"
Yan Zhan remembered the Chancellor's instruction that the matter of the princess must not yet be revealed to Di Yue—otherwise, given the young man's impulsive nature, he might do something rash.
So he brushed it off casually: "Nothing major. The Chancellor has his own judgment. This isn't something you should be asking about."
Di Yue: "I'm just worried about the Chancellor, aren't I?"
Di Yue and Chancellor Pei appeared to be superior and subordinate, yet there was an extra layer of special connection between them.
It was said that many years ago, when Pei Ling was still an unknown commoner, he had been gravely wounded and unconscious in the outskirts, saved by Di Yue's father, Di Kun. Later, when Pei Ling rose to high position, he repeatedly mentioned repaying that debt of gratitude to Di Kun.
Di Kun had by then lost the use of his leg, his official career cut short. He only sighed and said, "Climbing to the top isn't necessarily a good thing. If you have the heart, my lord, perhaps in the future you might offer some guidance to my reckless son—so that he doesn't one day blunder badly in court and lose his life."
Pei Ling agreed.
Over the years, Di Yue had been under Pei Ling's constant care, becoming something of a trusted aide. When Pei Ling later became Chancellor, he recommended Di Yue for the position of Feathered Forest commander, serving in the palace with no low rank.
Though Di Yue was loyal to the Chancellor, Yan Zhan knew in his heart that the young man had once secretly admired the princess, and for the past five years had regularly visited her spirit tablet.
Just then, Lu Zhihe, who had been inside the hall, emerged and hurried down the steps a few paces, calling out in a raised voice: "Chancellor, please wait a moment!"
Di Yue and Yan Zhan both froze.
Pei Ling, who had nearly walked off into the distance, halted mid-step and turned slightly to look back.
Lu Zhihe, the Palace Attendant, was a eunuch heavily favored by the emperor; his every word and action represented the emperor's will. He hurried over, bowed deeply and respectfully to Pei Ling, then straightened up with a face full of smiles. "The Chancellor exhausts himself for the affairs of state—truly meritorious and toilsome. His Majesty has just received tribute from the provinces and has instructed me to send some to your residence. If it is convenient for the Chancellor, might you accompany me?"
Pei Ling replied in a flat tone, "Is that so? Then I must trouble Attendant Lu to convey my thanks to His Majesty for his kindness."
"Naturally." Lu Zhihe smiled and drew closer, lowering his voice slightly. "…What the Chancellor said before His Majesty earlier—he has taken it to heart. But you understand, the timing is too coincidental, and it concerns the Empress's clan. His Majesty must handle it with caution."
Pei Ling's eyes dimmed slightly. He could read between the lines of Lu Zhihe's words—the emperor had not fully accepted the earlier explanation and harbored suspicion about the "female witness" who had appeared out of nowhere and then been poisoned. That was why he had sent Lu Zhihe to find an excuse to probe him.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Pei Ling turned and said coolly, "In that case, Attendant Lu, walk with me."
With that, he turned and strode toward the palace gates.
Meanwhile, Nan Rao had just finished drinking her freshly brewed medicine and was rising to try on clothes.
The servants worked quickly—in just two or three days, warm white garments had been delivered. Lu Ying deftly put the clothes away for Nan Rao, selecting one to help her change into, and couldn't help praising, "Madam is truly the most handsome person this servant has ever seen. Even in white clothes, you look beautiful."
Nan Rao glanced at her reflection in the bronze mirror.
She murmured, "It fits perfectly."
And yet, they had never sent anyone to take her measurements.
Nan Rao had always been observant, and she found this slightly strange, but she said nothing. Since striking the petition drum, she had encountered too many strange things. Everyone seemed to speak with hidden meaning, as if there was something they hadn't fully told her.
For now, she was living under someone else's roof, seemingly well-fed and warmly clothed, with even her grievance case being handled by a high official. There was nothing left for her to worry about.
But it was precisely this sense of security that made her more vigilant. The unknown was often more terrifying than dangers in plain sight.
Nan Rao sat down and let Lu Ying comb her hair. Seizing this opportunity, she asked, "Lu Ying, earlier you said… that I needn't worry about the case. Does the Chancellor often take on cases like this?"
Lu Ying smiled. "Our master is very busy every day, so naturally not just anyone who wants to appeal can come to him. The work of the Commandant of Justice can't always be taken over by our master either. But our master is upright and just—though he seems hard to approach, he's different from other officials at court. Our master was once a commoner and suffered much hardship, so he cares more about people's livelihoods and shows greater compassion for the common folk than others."
Nan Rao nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "I suddenly thought of some details about the case that I didn't have the chance to tell the Chancellor earlier. Could I go to his study to find him?"
Lu Ying smiled. "This servant heard that our master entered the palace early this morning. If he returns shortly, this servant can relay the message for you, Madam, and ask if he's available."
Entered the palace? Nan Rao's heart stirred slightly, but she remained composed and said, "There's no rush. I don't want to delay the master's official business." She paused, then probed further, "Lu Ying, I've been feeling a bit cooped up in this room these past few days. Could I go out for a walk alone in a little while?"
"This…" Lu Ying hesitated slightly. "This servant had better accompany you, Madam. The Chancellor's residence is very large—we wouldn't want you to get lost."
"Don't worry, I won't go far." Nan Rao lowered her eyelashes, appearing downcast, and said softly, "Earlier you said that the Chancellor's residence is absolutely safe, so nothing could happen to me even if I'm alone. Besides, there are guards stationed in layers outside the residence, so there's no possibility of me leaving. I just… want some time alone to clear my mind."
A lamp burned on the dressing table, its warm glow softly illuminating the woman in plain white robes in the mirror, making her shoulders look even more fragile, her complexion pale and delicate.
Seeing her like this stirred a hint of sympathy in Lu Ying.
Lu Ying remembered Chief Clerk Yan's repeated instructions: she must take good care of Nan Rao—not just in terms of food, clothing, and lodging, but also her emotional well-being. She mustn't let Nan Rao wallow in grief over her late husband and sink into despair.
This request didn't sound excessive.
It was just a walk to clear her mind. She truly had no way of leaving the Chancellor's residence.
Lu Ying hesitated for a long while before reluctantly relenting. "Very well then. This servant will go find a cloak for you first. The wind outside is strong, and we wouldn't want you to catch a chill."
Nan Rao pressed her lips into a smile. "Thank you."
After Lu Ying had fastened the last hairpin for her, she turned and left the room.
Once she had put on extra clothing, Nan Rao immediately went out. Having stayed in the warm room these past few days, she hadn't noticed the cold, but the moment she stepped outside, the north wind howling from all directions made her involuntarily shiver.
Still, she walked out alone into the wind and snow, leaving the small courtyard behind.
The Chancellor's residence was far larger than she had imagined.
Nan Rao followed the footprints others had left in the snow, walking slowly while carefully observing her surroundings and noting the features of the scenery. Her memory had always been good—she would never forget a path she had walked once.
She truly couldn't leave the Chancellor's residence, at least not now, but she still needed to find opportunities to come out and familiarize herself with the layout of the residence, to be prepared for any contingency.
She knew clearly that the Duan family case could only end in one of two ways: either the wrongful conviction would be overturned, or the entire household would be executed. But after either outcome, what would become of her?
If the case could be successfully overturned, that would naturally be the best. But what if Pei Ling was deceiving her, merely stalling for time?
Yet she couldn't think of what purpose deceiving her would serve.
Pei Ling—on the surface, he appeared stern in bearing and demeanor, solemn and proper like a gentleman. But Nan Rao would not forget that he was a powerful minister of the court, an absolute authority. Killing her would be as simple as crushing an ant.
A man who wielded such power had no reason to beat around the bush with her.
It was as if a layer of impenetrable mist hung before her eyes. She could only grope forward step by step, until she found her own way out.
The snow on the ground had melted, making the cobblestone path slippery and wet. Nan Rao carefully lifted her skirt as she walked forward, keeping a discreet eye on the people coming and going, mentally noting where the patrols were most numerous.
By the time she snapped back to her senses, just as Lu Ying had said, she had already lost her bearings somewhat.
She hesitated, wondering whether she should retrace her steps, when suddenly she caught sight of a group of people in the distance emerging from a covered corridor, heading in her direction.
The one leading them wore court robes—it was Pei Ling.
Several others followed closely behind him, all dressed in dark robes with official seals hanging from their belts and formal headdresses atop their heads—clearly all court officials.
There was also one person dressed in eunuch attire, looking out of place among them.
Not good.
They were about to come over.
Nan Rao instinctively stepped back a few paces, quickly scanning her surroundings. Noticing a rockery not far away, she gritted her teeth, hurried over, and crouched down to hide behind it.