SEHE Chapter 132

Jealousy

When Gu Jiuqing received the list of arrested border generals, he had already sensed that the matter might be related to the smuggling of salt and iron. The names were simply too coincidental. In his heart, he still harbored a sliver of hope—if it was indeed related to this matter, logically the Emperor couldn’t possibly let him off. At the very least, he should have been held accountable, rather than being casually questioned at a banquet and then easily released after he had stated his position.

This wasn’t his Father Emperor’s style.

Unless… he was holding back a major move, waiting for him.

Thinking of this, his vision darkened and his back ran cold.

He spent several sleepless days in anxiety, until he heard the imperial edict—the Emperor would personally preside over the trial, and the crime those people had committed was smuggling salt and iron.

In an instant, the matter of the Zheng family-led nobility colluding with border generals to smuggle Great Yu’s salt and iron to Great Xi became known throughout the court and countryside.

When he heard this news, Gu Jiuqing still felt somewhat dazed. He asked Yunsheng, “Has this matter truly settled like this?”

“Yes, over twenty-three thousand people have already been implicated. This matter should end quickly.” Yunsheng had also been on edge lately.

Too fast.

Those who were arrested—each one was precisely targeted. Those pieces of evidence were all ironclad.

How did the Emperor obtain the evidence?

“What about Pei Yanci?” These past seven or eight days, he had been anxiously worried about his own fate and had forgotten about one person.

“This one surnamed Pei can also be considered part of the Zheng family. When the Zheng family was arrested, he was placed under house arrest in his mansion by His Majesty. By rights, he should also be punished along with them. Now outside there’s bloodshed and carnage, yet he’s perfectly fine, nothing’s happened to him at all.” Yunsheng said puzzled, then as he spoke, a trace of unwilling resentment flashed in his eyes. “How is he so fortunate?”

“Still nothing wrong up to now?” Gu Jiuqing frowned.

“Exactly. They say it’s house arrest, but in this servant’s view, it’s actually protection. When the Zheng family fell into trouble, it must have been him who reported them. Your Highness, this servant told you long ago that this boy is no easy mark. With the Zheng faction fallen, the one most affected is Your Highness. Originally we thought that with Tangxi Zhui arrested, the Fifth Prince would lose an important support, but now it seems Huo Cun still supports the Fifth Prince, while we’ve lost the Zheng family’s backing. Just relying on the Wang and Xue aristocratic families, how can we compete with the Elu Bureau?”

His eyes suddenly lit up as he said, “That one surnamed Pei might just be someone from the Elu Bureau’s side, constantly sowing discord between you and Minister Zheng. Now he’s even helped the Fifth Prince topple the Zheng family. If he’s not from the Elu Bureau, what benefit would doing this bring him?”

Gu Jiuqing also began to suspect Pei Yanci’s motives.

The Zheng family’s relatives within five degrees of kinship had all fallen into disaster and would soon be beheaded. How was it that only Pei Yanci escaped?

Unless this matter was something he reported and exposed.

Perhaps when he was chief steward in the mansion previously, he discovered some clues.

But if so, Pei Yanci must know that this matter was orchestrated by him, and the Zheng family was completely a bystander—they only took money and didn’t handle affairs. Except for Zheng Qinglai, the other Zheng family members didn’t even know about this.

While Yunsheng continued to prattle on about Pei Yanci’s sinister intentions, Gu Jiuqing felt he must have had his reasons.

Right, it must be like this—someone discovered his traces, and Pei Yanci, to protect him, took the initiative to push all the blame onto the Zheng family.

If it was Pei Yanci who reported it, if the matter was settled like this, then this time he would surely escape danger unscathed.

“It has nothing to do with Yanci.”

With one sentence from Gu Jiuqing, Yunsheng’s dozens of sentences of earnest persuasion were completely wasted. The Chief Eunuch’s expression immediately froze awkwardly.

“But it’s very obvious that he…”

“Father Emperor is truly biased. Tangxi Zhui committed eighty-three serious crimes, yet Father Emperor has kept him in prison for half a year without any resolution. Now Zheng Qinglai has only done this little thing, yet so many people are to be implicated—won’t this provoke public outrage?”

“But…” Yunsheng was at a loss for words.

“Since Father Emperor is determined to destroy the Zheng family, then that Tangxi Zhui shouldn’t think he can live well either.” Gu Jiuqing said, “Have Jian Ji’an come over.”

****

When Wang Lingche heard in his mansion that the Zheng family had fallen, his heart kept worrying this matter would implicate his younger sister. Pei Yanci told him not to worry—his family’s marriage alliance with the Zheng family back then was to show that both families had let go of past grievances and would work together wholeheartedly to support Gu Jiuqing. Also, because the Zheng family was in mourning, this matter was quietly proposed. Now that it was canceled, it wouldn’t affect her marriage prospects.

Wang Lingche thought about it and agreed with this reasoning.

When Peng Chulang withdrew the Imperial Guards surrounding the mansion, he immediately rushed back to the Wang mansion.

This also meant that this case had reached its conclusion.

“Pei Daren, what a pity you were stuck in your mansion these past ten or so days, unable to go out, and missed quite a show.” Peng Chulang laughed heartily, his hand supporting the sword hilt swaying at his waist. “But tell me honestly, did you report this matter? His Majesty specifically sent me to protect you.”

“Yes, everyone in the Zheng family was arrested, only I’m fine. Those Zheng faction people still outside might become desperate—with just these few people in my mansion, I wouldn’t even know how I died.”

“But you should still be careful. There’s a lot of gossip in the court. People see that you could even turn on your own adoptive father, and many condemn you as heartless and ungrateful. Once this wave passes, His Highness the Crown Prince might make an example of you to win over the remnants of the Zheng faction.” Peng Chulang reminded him.

“Who would have thought—General Peng is both martially capable of securing the realm and literately capable of perceiving the situation.” Pei Yanci exclaimed in admiration.

Unlike that straightforward Jiang Yi, who acts however he thinks and believes whatever others say—still too young.

Peng Chulang patted his chest with the back of his hand and said heartily, “What perceiving the situation—I’m just a rough fellow who doesn’t know anything and has offended quite a few people. Otherwise, why would I be leading these dandy soldiers? I’m just calling it as I see it, speaking to the matter not the person. I don’t have many friends in court, and after our few encounters, our temperaments and everything match well. I’m reminding you—don’t misstep.”

“I’ll certainly remember what Big Brother says.” Pei Yanci readily agreed and immediately changed his form of address, bringing their relationship closer.

He was the Commander of the Imperial Guards, while Pei was Imperial Academy Chancellor—one civil, one military, with no particular connection and similar ranks. When an old hand who had worked his way up for over ten years in officialdom took the initiative to show goodwill, he had no reason not to accept.

“Rest assured, Big Brother. Before doing this, I already secured myself a layer of protection with His Majesty.” Pei Yanci smiled.

According to his original plan, he would need to scheme in court for at least another three to five years. After establishing a firm foothold among the civil officials and developing his own factional power, he would gradually transition into the military generals and army camps.

This was his plan. When he became Chief Steward of the Crown Prince’s mansion, every step of the next five years had already been planned out—steady and methodical, advancing step by step. While he couldn’t guarantee absolute certainty, as long as no major accidents occurred, he could at least advance or retreat as needed.

From the moment Tangxi Zhui was arrested, everything developed in directions beyond his expectations.

He could only abandon all previous plans and adapt to circumstances.

He dared believe that when Gu Jiuqing planned to take Tangxi Zhui’s life, he certainly never imagined the person to make the first move would be Zheng Qinglai.

This should also have been beyond their expectations.

“Seeing how confident you are, I won’t worry then.” Peng Chulang laughed heartily, then slowly withdrew his expression and sighed, “Now this situation is becoming harder and harder to fathom.”

“After tomorrow’s minor court session, we’ll all understand.” Pei Yanci murmured.

****

The next day at the minor court session, the Emperor indeed made another appearance.

Before them were those imprisoned for being implicated with Tangxi Zhui, behind them were officials from the Zheng faction arrested for involvement—the vast hall was emptied by more than a third, and no one could feel pleased.

After several people finished reporting the affairs they had to report, the hall fell silent.

“Bringing such trivial matters here to discuss?” The Emperor raised an eyebrow. “Huo Cun.”

The eunuch whose entire face was formerly powdered deathly pale walked out from beside the dragon throne. “Your Majesty, these days this servant has been busy with the Zheng faction case and hasn’t had time to handle those affairs.”

His original intention was to say he hadn’t handled those great affairs of state—these past days there truly were only these small matters, with the court and countryside calm and all under heaven at peace.

But once the words left his mouth, they instead caused the Emperor to immediately darken his expression.

The more he looked at this eunuch, the less presentable he seemed—both in appearance and character.

Not to mention whether the Emperor liked men or not, just speaking of Tangxi Zhui’s beautiful and luxuriant appearance—simply looking at him was pleasing to the eye. His personality was also magnanimous and knew how to handle things. Occasionally when the Emperor himself made mistakes, the man never contradicted him, took blame upon himself, credited all achievements to the Emperor, and handled everything properly. To put it bluntly, this person made him more comfortable than all his former harem consorts combined.

“Enough, withdraw.” The Emperor said irritably.

Even knives must be distinguished between useful and useless ones.

And at this moment, someone directly crashed forward.

Minister of the Dali Temple Jian Ji’an stepped out from the ranks. “Your Majesty, the Zheng faction’s conspiracy with Great Xi to smuggle salt and iron has reached a conclusion, yet the Tangxi Zhui case has gone on for half a year without trial. With the new year’s evaluations about to begin, shouldn’t we hurry and conclude this case?”

The Emperor’s expression was bland as he didn’t immediately respond.

Once these words were spoken, not only the Crown Prince faction’s people, even Cui Ya called out, “Your Majesty, Chief Overseer Tangxi cannot have dirty water splashed on him without clarity. Whether those serious crimes are true or false, we must finish the trial to know.”

“Father Emperor, this salt and iron smuggling case was able to complete arrests and sentencing in less than half a month entirely because evidence was gathered swiftly. This just provides an example for the Tangxi Zhui case. In this son’s opinion, why not also give the Dali Temple and Ministry of Justice a deadline to thoroughly investigate the matter? If he’s truly innocent, it would also spare him suffering in prison.” Gu Wanchong also said.

Pei Yanci stepped forward. “Your Majesty, the previous southern uprising was precisely because Tangxi Zhui was extravagant, tyrannical and cruel, causing the people’s grievances to reach the heavens and their suffering to be unbearable. If he is not executed, it will be difficult to appease public resentment.”

Gu Jiuqing gave a signal, drawing ambiguous agreement and echoes from Chen Sihong and several others.

If they were made to be the ones to stick their necks out and say these things, they absolutely wouldn’t say them. Having stayed here long enough, they had personally witnessed how some people’s towers rise in an instant and others’ towers collapse in an instant. As long as one hasn’t been buried, who knows whether Tangxi Zhui might come back from the dead and then start settling old scores?

Only greenhorns like Pei Yanci and Jian Ji’an, who had been instructed by Gu Jiuqing, dared to do this.

Gu Jiuqing clearly didn’t hold much hope for these people either. Everyone had their way of survival, and even he himself wasn’t personally speaking out now.

Because there was no need.

The Censor-in-Chief stepped forward. “Your Majesty, the evidence for this case is still under investigation. Those who were part of Tangxi Zhui’s faction and his accomplices are all being tried by us day and night. Actually, this case has always been progressing, it just still needs some time. If Minister Cui presses so urgently, it’s very likely the case will lack key testimony and related physical evidence.”

“But as far as I know, when His Highness the Crown Prince originally accused Tangxi Zhui, the evidence was already fully prepared.” Pei Yanci’s face showed mockery. “Daren wouldn’t have lost that important physical evidence, would you? I’ve heard Daren was previously very close with the eunuch faction led by Tangxi Zhui.”

“Don’t make such slanderous accusations here!” The Censor’s gray beard bristled with anger. “I’ve lived my whole life clean and upright, otherwise I wouldn’t be in this position. You insolent youth, don’t be so presumptuous!”

Pei Yanci’s lips curved slightly as he looked toward the throne. “Your Majesty, you see—Tangxi Zhui’s remaining influence still exists. Many people don’t dare act freely. This case has been dragged out until now, presumably also for this reason.”

These words immediately awakened Gu Wanchong. “Father Emperor, why don’t you personally preside over the trial in open court? What do you think?”

Pei Yanci said, “This time, why not have Tangxi Zhui debate in open court? Even if he dies, let him die with understanding.”

****

After the court session ended, Pei Yanci had just placed one foot on the carriage step when a cool voice came from behind.

“Yanci,” Gu Jiuqing walked over. “The salt and iron smuggling case—was it you who pushed it forward?”

Pei Yanci thought to himself that this person was coming for revenge, and stepped down from the footstool.

“It was me.” This time he and Gu Jiuqing had thoroughly torn apart all pretenses.

“As expected.” He drew closer, asking softly by his ear, “So you also know who the real mastermind is?”

“Mm,” Pei Yanci said, looking at him meaningfully.

Gu Jiuqing relaxed his expression, gazing at the jade-like delicate face so close at hand, and said softly, “Thank you.”

“Hm?”

Seeing Pei Yanci’s confused little expression of bewilderment, he inexplicably found it somewhat adorable.

Suppressing the urge to ruffle his hair, he said, “Who discovered this matter?”

“The Elu Bureau.”

“This time I truly owe you much.” Gu Jiuqing’s lips curved slightly. “Otherwise, this prince would certainly have died.”

“When Tangxi Zhui was pulled down, did you cooperate with Gu Wanchong on this?”

Gu Jiuqing drew even closer, almost touching, and said softly, “He can only blame himself for his many unjust acts.”

There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.

“You be more careful of him.” Pei Yanci reminded.

“This prince only reached consensus with him on this matter. In other aspects, he’s just a foolish brute.”

Gu Jiuqing rarely showed such contemptuous feelings toward a person of high position and power in front of outsiders.

“If you think like that, you’re in danger.” Pei Yanci also unconsciously leaned his head closer, using his body to point upward. “Someone above is protecting him.”

Gu Jiuqing was puzzled for a moment, then when he understood, his expression changed drastically.

Above Gu Wanchong—besides the Emperor, who else could there be?

Pei Yanci saw his shocked expression, identical to his own when he first learned of this matter.

First step: eliminate the Zheng family.

Second step: split the cooperation.

“You be more careful.” Pei Yanci bowed in farewell.

Just as he turned around, someone pulled him back. The scent of peach and bamboo entered his nose as he was embraced.

“You!” He hurriedly turned sideways to push the person away, looking around—fortunately no one saw.

“You’re crazy!”

They were still at the palace gate. The court session had just ended, with a group of officials nearby.

Gu Jiuqing also felt he had been impulsive. Seeing his nervousness, he comforted, “Don’t worry, there’s no one here.”

He had already unconsciously led him to a secluded corner.

“Your Highness,” Pei Yanci said, “I am Zheng Qinglai’s adoptive son, and also your cousin.”

In this dynasty, marriage between cousins was permitted, but between male cousins it was not allowed.

The prohibition on close female relatives being together was for the sake of offspring, but between men there was no concern about pregnancy. However, also because there was no concern for descendants, if male cousins were permitted, then what about brothers from the same hall, or actual brothers, or even closer relationships—would those be acceptable too? Wouldn’t that be incest? So the Great Yu legal code simply made a blanket rule—any relatives with blood ties could not be together.

“But there’s no blood relation between you and me.”

“You were the one who first didn’t want to have any connection with me.” Pei Yanci said, “The relationship between us became very clear when you abandoned me at the polo field and returned to the city alone.”

“I was just angry in the moment.” Gu Jiuqing bent slightly, lowering his posture, trying to take his hand, but was avoided.

“Your Highness, we truly have nothing to discuss.” Pei Yanci himself didn’t know why he was becoming increasingly annoyed with him.

His principles for conducting affairs had always been that even with a father-killer as enemy, one must yield before interests.

“Yanci.” Gu Jiuqing reached out to pull his sleeve, but was forcefully shaken off.

“Your Highness, I’ll say this one last time—between us, there are only political dealings, nothing beyond that. Stop using your concubine rhetoric to disgust me.”

Pei Yanci shook off the person and walked back to his own carriage.

****

Returning to the Pei mansion, Pei Yanci went back to his room to find Tangxi Zhui sitting motionless at the table. He went about washing his face and hands first.

The wooden figure finally spoke, “Why don’t you ask me?”

“Ask what?”

He had been sitting there for quite a while, eyes just staring at him pitifully.

Pei Yanci saw him keeping a straight face and refusing to speak, so finally walked closer and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“What filthy smell are you rubbing on me?” Tangxi Zhui turned his body to the other side.

“What smell could I possibly have?”

Tangxi Zhui looked at him with a half-smile. “Already embracing each other at the foot of the palace, and you ask what smell?”

So this was what he was upset about.

“He just hugged me once, I pushed him away immediately,” Pei Yanci didn’t think it was any big deal, but seeing him being temperamental, he coaxed, “How can you be jealous? I’ll go change clothes.”

“Mm.” Tangxi Zhui responded with a low sound.

Pei Yanci had someone light the charcoal fire. When he returned to the room, he sniffed and looked around the room, then immediately rushed before Tangxi Zhui.

“What are you doing!” Tangxi Zhui, shocked, leaned back to avoid him, but his hand was pulled out from his sleeve.

Inside the removed sleeve were dots of blood stains. The pale wrist was covered in crimson scratches, flesh mangled, some places deep enough to see bone.

Tangxi Zhui’s other hand’s fingernails were still stained with bits of his own flesh.

“Pa!” With ice in his eyes, Pei Yanci mercilessly slapped him across the face.