SEHE Chapter 143

Persuasion

Having stolen a day of leisure from a floating life, on the second day he wanted to steal more, but there was none.

Yunsheng came to the door, acting high and mighty as he said Gu Jiuqing wanted to see him.

Pei Yanci didn’t refuse. The carriage changed direction from its original route to the Imperial Academy and headed toward the Eastern Palace instead.

In his impression, this was the first time he had entered the Crown Prince’s bedchamber. It was vastly different from where he had lived in his previous life, yet had a similar essence.

Magnificent, yet rigid, solemn, and dull.

As Gu Jiuqing watched him cross through palace gate after palace gate with a composed bearing, approaching him, he recalled in a daze the courtyard full of peach blossoms and snow at the Crown Prince’s Mansion.

A thin layer of icy, snowy white, with tender pink peach petals frozen ripe, becoming transparent, nestling together on trembling branches, shaken down together, scattered into mud.

The gray, short servant’s clothing he wore also complemented the simple, unassuming beauty of the small courtyard.

As Pei Yanci approached and paid his respects, seeing that Gu Jiuqing didn’t speak, he asked, “What troubles Your Highness?”

“Today’s attire suits you very well.”

Only now did he notice that Pei Yanci could also carry off wealth and nobility.

His black hair was half-bound with a small silver crown of gardenia-rolled bamboo leaves and branches. He wore a silver-gray robe with dragonfly perched on withered tail, charred gold and gray-blue bamboo pattern, cinched at the narrow waist with a jade ring and hollowed-gold dangdai belt, from which hung a double bat-clasp three-legged crow yellow-patterned white jade pendant. The collar and cuffs revealed a brook-stone blue silk lining, covered outside with a cloak of the same color.

Like jade trees on a jade terrace, bright but not dazzling.

Indeed, only such noble yet understated, restrained elegance could match his entire bearing.

“Your Highness is too kind,” Pei Yanci perfunctorily replied. “What matter has Your Highness summoned this subject for today?”

Gu Jiuqing touched the tip of his nose, forcing himself to look away. He took up the memorial from the table, then raised his eyes again, his gaze inevitably falling on him once more. “The capital evaluation is about to begin. What do you think?”

What could he think? For this capital evaluation, he had begun fighting for control of the entire Ministry of Personnel when he took advantage of pursuing Tangxi Zhui to have him imprisoned. The imperial edict for Tangxi Zhui’s lingering death had been issued only a few days ago when Minister of Personnel Xu Jiao brazenly walked alongside him after the morning court session.

“This subject knows Your Highness must already be fully prepared. Even so, this subject also wishes to do what he can for Your Highness.”

“Yanci, you’ve already done too much for this prince.” Gu Jiuqing’s eyes flickered slightly, even the hardest ice melting into water because of the person before him.

Pei Yanci ignored his pleasantries and said, “The Zheng, Cui, Yue, and Xue families—the five great clans of Great Yu. Now Your Highness lacks the Zheng family’s support and has incurred trouble for nothing. Relying on the Wang family alone, I’m afraid your weight at court still isn’t enough. A few days ago, this subject saw Minister Cui introducing the Marquis of Quliang to Prince Qi. This subject is also trying to win over the Cui family, hoping they’ll stand on our side.”

“Don’t place too much hope in him.” Gu Jiuqing’s index finger tapped the tabletop intermittently. “When he registered Cui Ya into the main family genealogy, his attitude was already clear. In his heart, he also leans toward Gu Wanchong.”

“Who can say for certain? This time the court vacancies are too large. If he maneuvers properly, he could very well become the next Zheng family.” Pei Yanci said.

Thirty or forty years ago, the Zheng family had bet on the right horse with Empress Zheng and enjoyed glory for decades. Originally, according to normal patterns, the next Crown Princess and future Empress would also come from a great clan, and the next great clan would continue to prosper for decades.

This was the tacit understanding formed through several generations of competition and accommodation among the great clans.

From Great Tao to Great Yu, emperors came and went, but the great clans remained.

Now the Emperor had broken this balance and would soon face backlash from the great clans. The great clans also had to be wary of the power in the Emperor’s hands, but both sides were in a delicate balance, as if standing inside and outside a door—clearly seeing each other’s exposed ambitions through the gauze window, yet always playing dumb, telling others they saw nothing.

“The next Zheng family?” A thoughtful glint passed through Gu Jiuqing’s eyes.

The Wang family relied on women and marriage alliances to consolidate their power. While the world envied them, the great clans looked down on them—fundamentally, they still didn’t have enough voice at court.

Relying on the Wang family’s support alone was indeed insufficient.

When the Zheng family fell, a third of the court’s pillars went with them. The court’s vitality was severely damaged, and even Gu Wanchong dared to challenge him now.

“How confident are you?” Gu Jiuqing asked.

“Fifty percent. But,” he said, “if Your Highness agrees to have several daren from the Ministry of Personnel stand on this subject’s side and speak for this subject, this subject is eighty percent confident.”

“Go ahead and do as you see fit.” Gu Jiuqing didn’t hesitate much. “This prince’s people are also your people.”

“This subject thanks Your Highness.” Pei Yanci cupped his hands in salute again.

Gu Jiuqing looked at him. “You’re still so distant with this prince. Minister Zheng is dead. You’re no longer the Zheng family’s adopted son.”

With the Zheng family’s fall, aside from taking the blame for him, the only remaining benefit was probably this.

If one assessed the situation properly, he should return to his side.

“About the incident at the palace gate last time, this prince was too impulsive. Now is not the time for romantic scandals and idle gossip to spread.” Seeing he didn’t respond, Gu Jiuqing hesitated, then rarely lowered his head and admitted fault first.

“This subject was merely somewhat overwhelmed by the favor.” Hearing this, Pei Yanci’s face showed a faint smile. “In political affairs, this subject hopes Your Highness will give this subject more opportunities to serve loyally in the future.”

Gu Jiuqing was satisfied. “Stay for a meal later. This prince will have the palace’s imperial chefs make…”

Halfway through, he suddenly realized he still didn’t know what Pei Yanci liked or disliked.

Pei Yanci, neither servile nor overbearing, naturally took over the conversation. “May Your Highness permit this subject to be presumptuous once and let this subject order?”

“What do you want to eat?”

“This subject still remembers when previously confined with Your Highness at the Crown Prince’s Mansion, the eight-treasure mandarin fish, brown sugar glutinous rice cakes with cheese, clay pot matsutake chicken and roasted venison, as well as crispy fried meatballs and bamboo shoot mushroom soup all tasted very good.”

Gu Jiuqing’s eyes lit up. Most of these were also dishes he loved.

Especially the last two—they were among the few good dishes he could eat throughout his entire childhood. Since becoming Crown Prince, he had felt these two dishes were too common in preparation and ingredients, beneath his status, and normally didn’t eat them anymore.

With Pei Yanci mentioning them like this, he also recalled the most unforgettable sweet flavors from those bitter days. Beyond being moved, he couldn’t help but delight that their preferences aligned. The corners of his lips curved up. “All as you wish. We’ll eat these later.”

If everything had been to his liking, Gu Jiuqing would definitely suspect this person’s terrifying powers of observation and question his intentions. But hearing these dish names, with one or two that he didn’t like or even detested, he didn’t doubt at all.

Seeing he’d coaxed the person into blooming happiness, Pei Yanci continued, “Today, basking in Your Highness’s favor and eating such a lavish feast—how can this subject feel at ease?”

“Oh? What will you do?” Gu Jiuqing couldn’t help laughing again, the frosty coldness on his face completely gone.

“The Xue and Yue families have always remained neutral. This subject also wishes to win them over to serve Your Highness.”

“You’re single-mindedly devoted to this prince. How could this prince not agree?” After a pause, Gu Jiuqing still disclosed, “Because of the previous matter of harboring retainers and death warriors, this prince and the Xue family have damaged relations somewhat. However, they’ve already privately promised Second Imperial Sister that if necessary, they’ll lend this prince a helping hand.”

“Princess Zhangping keeps dozens of guests at her residence, holds endless banquets, and receives a constant stream of high officials. This matter looks in every way like cultivating power. Your Highness should be careful.”

“She’s just a woman. Even if she cultivates her own power, she can only attach herself to this prince or Gu Wanchong. Minister Zheng’s death doesn’t affect our previous friendship. These words are fine to say before this prince, but don’t let outsiders hear. If she throws a tantrum, this prince won’t be able to protect you at all times.”

“Yes.” Pei Yanci always felt that even though Qi Lan had fled to Great Xi, Gu Yueqian still socialized with ministers and famous people as before—she must be holding back a big move.

He just didn’t know yet what this big move was.

This lunch lasted a long time. When Pei Yanci left the Eastern Palace, it was already mid-afternoon. He didn’t return home but went to the Marquis of Quliang’s mansion.

Getting straight to the point, he directly asked about the Cui family’s response to the matter discussed the other day.

“You’re the Crown Prince’s man, yet want to establish your own faction?” According to the Zheng family’s intention, they had recommended he not join any side of the Gu family.

But to advance further, it was impossible not to place a bet.

“This official has just come from the Eastern Palace,” Pei Yanci said. “This official is the Crown Prince’s man, but also not entirely the Crown Prince’s man.”

The Marquis of Quliang was confused.

“This official is the Marquis’s best choice for both offense and defense.” Pei Yanci analyzed. “With the Zheng family’s fall, Prince Qi and the Crown Prince are evenly matched at court. Prince Qi has the Elu Bureau’s assistance, which seems very powerful, but the current Huo Cun is too young and inexperienced. Within a year, the Elu Bureau will certainly have problems—whether it will be an asset or liability to Prince Qi remains to be seen. As for the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Justice, and Censorate that lean toward and are close to him, their attitudes are all unsteady. The Minister of Personnel could choose to draw close to the Crown Prince after Tangxi Zhui’s downfall—others can do the same.

“The Crown Prince is brave and resourceful. Previously keeping a low profile, enduring in silence, now his reputation for benevolence is at its zenith. Among the six ministries, many support him. The Princess’s guests are at his disposal, and with his distinguished status, he’s only one step away from that position. But don’t forget—how did our Majesty treat the former Crown Prince? When the Zheng family fell without warning, did the Crown Prince plead for them? Did His Majesty remember the affection between father and son, between ruler and minister? If he can abandon the grace of help in snow, what about the Cui family’s icing on the cake now?

“This official has recently been serving at His Majesty’s side. His Majesty is not yet fifty, his cultivation has achieved some success—living another twenty years is no problem. Who laughs last isn’t determined by the present. That the Gu family sons can laugh last doesn’t mean the Cui family will be the same.”

“You’re His Majesty’s man?” The Marquis of Quliang understood suddenly.

The Zheng family’s collapse became a logical reason.

After growing so powerful over the years, Pei Yanci had been recognized as an adopted son for less than a year when the Zheng family fell—how could it not be suspicious?

“The Zheng family died because…”

“The Zheng family sold salt and iron illegally, using our Great Yu’s salt to fatten Great Xi’s people, using our forged iron to arm Great Xi’s soldiers—this is high treason.” Pei Yanci interrupted.

Why wouldn’t they acknowledge this fact, insisting instead on investigating who framed them? Such conduct was different from internal corruption and bribery. As military officers, they had lost their loyalty to ruler and country. They wore military uniforms but harbored business in their hearts.

This was a very dangerous thing.

What was more dangerous was that all the civil and military officials at court felt the Emperor was making a mountain out of a molehill, that it was caused by factional strife.

Of course, he only revealed hints of his reincarnated identity, vaguely suggesting that if the Zheng family wasn’t dealt with, Great Yu’s fall wasn’t impossible.

Whether he was overthinking it, if he said these exact words to Wuli and Wushu, they wouldn’t think of such supernatural matters at all.

“Let me consider it again.” The Marquis of Quliang was somewhat moved.

“Cousin, don’t listen to his instigation.”

A voice suddenly rang out.

The main halls of noble families all had concealed sliding small windows on both sides. Ordinarily, if young ladies were to be married, they could secretly observe their future husband’s appearance and character through the small windows.

Cui Ya’s voice came from the small window, then his figure appeared from behind.

“Cousin, no matter how much he talks, it doesn’t change that he’s deeply entangled with the Crown Prince’s faction. Straddling two boats, in the end drawing water with a bamboo basket—gaining nothing from either side.”

The Marquis of Quliang lost face when Cui Ya spoke this way in front of an outsider. His expression immediately soured. “Pei Daren, my cousin has just been entered into the main family genealogy and is too concerned about the clan’s safety. His words are somewhat impertinent.”

“Minister Cui’s concerns are reasonable.”

Pei Yanci smiled, leaning close to the Marquis of Quliang and whispering a few words in his ear.

Watching the two, Cui Ya’s expression was rather unpleasant.

What couldn’t he know? Pei Yanci’s action clearly didn’t regard him as important.

“Minister Cui must have also received word that tomorrow His Majesty will summon several top ministers to gather at Ganchen Palace. Although no reason was given, the next two days are when the capital evaluation results and promotions will be announced. If the Marquis and the Cui family’s attitude remains wavering, this official can do nothing.”

He simply sat down. “This official gives the Marquis half an hour to consider. If not, this official must go find other great clans.”

Information flowed between the great clans. The Marquis of Quliang knew he had contacted both the Xue and Yue families.

The Yue family had previously intended to board the Crown Prince’s ship, then for some reason remained neutral. Recently, for unknown reasons, they showed favor toward Pei Yanci, making the Xue family anxious. While befriending Gu Yueqian, they also met privately with Pei Yanci.

The current court situation was becoming increasingly unclear to him.

Just as he was about to speak, Cui Ya suddenly said, “Marquis, a word in private.”

The two went to the back, muttering for nearly half an hour. When they emerged, the Marquis of Quliang said, “My Cui family is also a renowned clan. If we assist you, it would be like adding wings to a tiger. Pei Daren has just experienced the pain of the Zheng family’s collapse. Our century-old great clan cannot risk everything with you. Please understand.”

Pei Yanci said, “Didn’t you just understand whose man this official is?”

“Gaining favor through unorthodox means is not a long-term plan, like a rootless duckweed. I believe the other great clans have the same thought.”

“Then how can this official prove himself?” Pei Yanci looked at him calmly.

“Recently, beacon fires have risen at the borders. Among the commanders of the three armies, aside from my Cui family sons who can determine victory, no one can surpass us.” The Marquis of Quliang gave Cui Ya, who was eager to try, a reassuring look. “The Secretariat has been implicated by eunuchs and is effectively crippled. Only a capable person can shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Director of the Secretariat.”

He also scattered many harsh minor conditions.

“The Marquis has quite the audacity.” Pei Yanci sneered coldly. “Didn’t Minister Cui just say that wanting both ends only results in gaining neither?”

Currently in Great Yu, the one holding the most military power was Cavalry General Xu Xiangqian, and another was Jiang Yi. One primarily dealt with Great Xi externally, one sat in command internally stabilizing the princes—still within Pei Yanci’s controllable range.

If the Marquis of Quliang entered the game, the outcome of this chess match would be uncertain.

“I’m planning a way out for Daren.” The Marquis of Quliang said. “If this succeeds, it’s a win-win situation for both of us.”

“Even if this official talks himself hoarse before His Majesty, there’s no way to accomplish these conditions.” Pei Yanci smiled bitterly.

“Then our Cui family can do nothing.” The Marquis of Quliang said. “I believe in Daren’s capabilities, which is why I sincerely propose these. You know, my Cui family rose through military might. The sons of the clan are all brave and skilled in battle. Even if Daren doesn’t mention it, my younger brother will soon be promoted to third rank through military merit.”

This fact Pei Yanci knew well. The Cui family only produced two outstanding individuals in civil governance—the Marquis of Quliang and Cui Ya—but in military accomplishments, the Cui family was truly strong. Over a dozen descendants held important positions in various armies.

His reputation among military officers was unremarkable. Currently, he could only rely on Jiang Yi, who was young and spirited. The hundreds of thousands of troops were the result of his maneuvering. To win, he absolutely needed the Cui family’s full support.

“The Marquis also knows that third rank and first rank—that’s an enormous gap. How about this: this official will find more people. This official can guarantee the Marquis’s younger brother’s placement. At the same time, this official guarantees to fill out the personnel for Minister Cui’s Southern Yamen’s Imperial Guards. How about that?” Pei Yanci lowered his stance, reducing demands, hoping the Marquis of Quliang would also yield slightly.

“The Southern Yamen’s Imperial Guards is just sufficient. There’s no need for Pei Daren to waste such useless effort.”

Seeing him like this, Cui Ya became even more arrogant, the corners of his mouth showing a cold sneer. “Since Pei Daren is a favorite before His Majesty, surely you wouldn’t lack even this much face?”

“You mentioning it is merely icing on the cake, as insurance. Of course, I won’t force you.” The Marquis of Quliang also said. “Changing masters three times—whoever cooperates with Pei Daren can’t help but feel a chill in their heart and must weigh things carefully.”

“Pei Daren was born a criminal slave, with no parents or brothers to worry about. Our Cui family is different.” Cui Ya said. “If Pei Daren lacks sincerity in cooperating with us, then let’s talk another time.”

Pei Yanci sighed. “The two daren insist on not yielding?”

“It’s that Pei Daren cannot produce sincerity.” Cui Ya smiled.

“Marquis, this official asks you one thing: shouldn’t you be able to see that Minister Cui, in order to make you support Prince Qi, has thus disrupted our cooperation?”

Before the two went to the back to discuss, he saw that the Marquis of Quliang was actually moved.

“The Cui family is united as one. You should see my attitude.” The Marquis of Quliang said.

Pei Yanci appeared to be the Crown Prince’s man, yet his persuasive words carried selfish motives. Recently gaining imperial favor, with unclear allegiances—he saw this person was no simple character. He himself was not someone who pursued immediate gains, so he might as well test the depths first.

“Since the Cui family is determined to support Prince Qi, then what this official said today, the two daren can consider it fart.” Pei Yanci angrily swept his sleeve and left.

****

When Pei Yanci returned to his residence, it was nearly evening. Chunsheng, dressed as a steward, helped him down from the carriage, saying quietly, “Mister Yue and his father, as well as the Xue family head, are all in the main hall. They’ve been waiting for a quarter-hour.”