SEHE Chapter 36

Sending Someone Away 

A brand new Persian carpet had been laid over the stone path that extended from the mansion gate to the main hall’s front courtyard. When Pei Yanci walked to the front courtyard, he happened to see two rows of guards in black robes and cloaks marching in with orderly steps, standing on both sides of the carpet.

Persia was far away in the Western Regions. The woolen carpets it produced had soft and delicate texture, brilliant colors, and intricate patterns with distinctive exotic style. The price of one foot was comparable to one tael of gold.

He patted a dumbfounded servant, asking him to make room, and squeezed sideways to the end of the carpet, beside Gu Jiuqing.

“I was planning to give the registry book to Your Highness earlier. Seeing that Your Highness was not present, I was thinking of giving it tomorrow.” As he spoke, he handed the registry book to Gu Jiuqing.

Gu Jiuqing glanced at it and withdrew his gaze, saying, “The registry book was found?”

“Yes, when I led people to sort through Zhang Huairu’s belongings today, the servants found it.”

“Keep it with you first. Send away those advisors and death warriors tomorrow.” Gu Jiuqing said somewhat impatiently.

This matter had troubled him for several days, and at this moment he wished he could end it sooner.

“Yes.” Pei Yanci tactfully withdrew half his body behind him.

It seemed that Gu Jiuqing had not listened to what Steward Zhao said earlier, and treated him as before.

Several graceful Western Region dancing girls with exposed waists walked in pairs, barefoot stepping onto the carpet. Huo Cun got down on all fours, his back arched flat, with a gold brocade boot steadily stepping on his back.

A golden figure descended from the black carriage and stepped onto the Persian carpet.

Tang Xizhui wore a gold crown inlaid with eastern pearls, a hollow taotie golden half-face mask, and a wide-sleeved robe embroidered with golden auspicious beast patterns in cloud mist design. As he moved lightly, a sweet and spicy fragrant breeze wafted over. In an instant, the servants in the mansion couldn’t help but brighten their eyes, unconsciously following that figure.

Being in the simple and modest Crown Prince’s Mansion, at this moment, they seemed to experience the meaning of “bringing glory to a humble dwelling.”

Huo Cun stood up, casually brushed off the dust on his body, and quickly followed behind. Immediately after, a group of officials of various ranks silently and orderly followed into the mansion.

Gu Jiuqing stood at the entrance of the main hall, his expression frosty. Pei Yanci beside him could sense that his demeanor was somewhat tense, and also somewhat angry.

Making a crown prince wait at the door to welcome a eunuch was a tremendous humiliation.

“Your Highness.” He imperceptibly tilted his head toward him and said in a low voice, “This is only temporary. You are the future emperor.”

This sentence seemed to give him considerable encouragement. Gu Jiuqing closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his waist and back had relaxed.

When the person approached, he naturally stepped forward two steps and bowed, saying, “Uncle.”

This was the first time Pei Yanci had heard this form of address. Thinking carefully, he had heard Yue Ting mention that Tang Xizhui was a prince of different surname, and even the Son of Heaven addressed him as brother.

As the crown prince, the future master of the realm, at this moment he could only lower his noble head and call a eunuch uncle. It was indeed difficult for him.

Tang Xizhui looked weary and returned the courtesy somewhat perfunctorily without much respect. “His Majesty has been concerned about Your Highness’s health recently. Looking at these stiff and unbending knees and legs, it seems they haven’t fully healed. Don’t leave any lingering ailments that you’ll regret for life.”

“I’m grateful for Father Emperor’s concern. The imperial physicians are attending to it, and they remind me daily to take good care. These legs should bend when they need to bend, and when they need to be straight, they must be kept straight, lest they become spineless cheap bones in the future.”

“Is that so?” Tang Xizhui’s tone became dangerous.

“Uncle, please this way.” Without waiting for him to continue, Gu Jiuqing stepped aside and welcomed him into the main hall.

Tang Xizhui was not polite either. He flicked his sleeves and took the first step to sit in the main seat.

Pei Yanci lowered his head and bowed his eyebrows, standing obediently to the side, when he suddenly felt a chill at the back of his neck.

Stealing a glance upward, Tang Xizhui had just withdrawn his gaze from him.

As the two masters took their seats, the officials who came together also found their appropriate places according to their ranks, packing the entire hall to capacity.

Seeing that the tea house servant had never seen such a scene and his legs were somewhat weak, Pei Yanci sent him to serve tea to others and personally carried two cups of tea to place at the head seats.

As soon as the tea was placed on the table, a pale and slender hand brushed over. Cold and smooth fingers seemingly casually caressed his hand twice, then nonchalantly picked up the teacup. Using the drinking motion as cover, he gave Pei Yanci a meaningful look.

Pei Yanci: “……”

Imprudent friendship.

The first words upon entering were sarcastically challenging Gu Jiuqing, and as soon as he picked up the tea, he came for him.

Gu Jiuqing was sitting right beside them. How could he not see his little movements?

With his suspicious nature, seeing this scene of exchanged glances, how could he not suspect that he was Tang Xizhui’s man?

Coming in and immediately wanting to put him in a deadly situation – was this an ally or an enemy!

“Does Uncle still remember him?” Gu Jiuqing also picked up his tea. “Yanci should have visited the Chief Overseer’s mansion before.”

He was referring to the day after Pei Yanci was kidnapped by Xin Hai.

“No impression.” Tang Xizhui indifferently looked away, his response so quick it seemed he was eager to distance himself from something.

Gu Jiuqing’s grip on the teacup tightened.

After he had persecuted Pei Yanci, this person went to the Chief Overseer’s mansion the next day. This had always been a thorn he deliberately avoided thinking about.

Even though Pei Yanci had given sufficient reasons and had always been loyal and devoted to him.

“Despite his young age, he can achieve the position of steward. He seems very capable. Your Highness trains people well. Taking over Eastern Palace affairs should soon come naturally.”

Hearing him stiffly change the subject, a dark gleam flashed in Gu Jiuqing’s eyes. He calmly followed his words. “Today, having Eastern Palace officials come to report to me would suffice. How dare I trouble Uncle to make this trip personally.”

“It’s all His Majesty’s idea. Your Highness has had little contact with government affairs for the past twenty-five years. Suddenly taking on so much, there will inevitably be areas where you’re overwhelmed. His Majesty always considers things thoroughly, so he sent me over.”

Seeing that Pei Yanci was also looking over, Tang Xizhui smiled maliciously. The taotie on his face showed fierce menace like a tiger eyeing its prey. “It depends on Your Highness’s aptitude. At shortest three to five months, at longest one or two years – I’ll have to frequently visit the Crown Prince’s Mansion to chat.”

Gu Jiuqing’s expression became somewhat stiff. “Uncle is truly taking great trouble.”

“Sharing His Majesty’s worries is my duty and responsibility.” Tang Xizhui propped his head with one hand, looking at the master and servant. “Your Highness’s mansion is short two eunuchs. I happen to have several clever ones who can be transferred over.”

“There’s no need to trouble Uncle with this.”

“Why be so formal? What His Majesty is concerned about is that Your Highness’s mansion is full of all sorts of messy people, not the lack of attendants. Those under me are all obedient and well-behaved. I guarantee they’ll serve you comfortably.”

“I have already had Yanci prepare to buy servants from outside to fill the positions.”

“Is that so?” Tang Xizhui looked at the person behind him, his eyes slightly narrowing. He immediately stopped insisting. “Since Your Highness insists on your own ideas, I can’t say much more.”

His easy abandonment of placing people in his mansion made Gu Jiuqing suspicious again.

Hearing that Pei Yanci had already bought people, he immediately gave up persuasion. Could it be that the people Pei Yanci bought would be his people? They hadn’t even been bought yet – how could he be so certain?

Was Pei Yanci really his man?

“I’ve always remembered that Uncle appreciates beautiful people. With Yanci’s appearance, does he suit Uncle’s taste?” He put down his teacup, his cold words as always betraying no joy or anger.

He was once again testing Tang Xizhui’s attitude to determine whether Pei Yanci was truly his man.

“His looks are barely acceptable.” Tang Xizhui’s tone was frivolous, his voice suggestive. “What, are you planning to give him to me?”

“As long as Uncle wishes, he’s just a servant. What’s not possible?” Gu Jiuqing said indifferently.

If Pei Yanci were a spy, Tang Xizhui wouldn’t agree to this, but would instead find ways to keep him by his side where he would be useful.

A smile curved Tang Xizhui’s lips. His blood-red lips touched with tea water looked full and seductive, as if they might rot at any moment.

“It depends on whether he’s willing.”

If Pei Yanci were unwilling, Gu Jiuqing would inevitably suspect that his insistence on staying in the mansion was at Tang Xizhui’s behest. If he were wise, he should nod in agreement.

“A loyal servant should know to follow his master’s intentions,” Tang Xizhui said.

“This humble one follows Your Highness’s instructions.” Pei Yanci didn’t answer directly, but instead transferred the choice back to Gu Jiuqing.

The Crown Prince’s expression softened slightly, but then he fell silent again.

“Is Your Highness reluctant to part with him?” Tang Xizhui said. “That’s understandable. To become chief steward at such a young age, he must have exceptional talents that make Your Highness rely on him. I wouldn’t want to ruin a capable person and make an enemy of Your Highness.”

Gu Jiuqing’s eyes turned cold.

Pei Yanci’s promotion to chief steward had only happened in the past two days. He hadn’t yet formally announced it to the people in the mansion. He was still wearing a steward’s clothes, and Tang Xizhui had also addressed him as steward earlier – everything proper and correct. But this word “chief steward” seemed to inadvertently reveal something.

“I see you’re in a difficult position. How about this – I only need him for one night.” His gaze burned hotly on the person behind Gu Jiuqing. “Whether he can return in one piece depends on whether he can satisfy me.”

Even knowing he was joking, when these words were spoken, Pei Yanci still felt a chill down his spine and his blood flowing backward.

“Your Highness.” He stepped forward, about to speak, but was stopped by Gu Jiuqing’s raised hand.

“Very well.”

“……” He knew this servant job was trouble!