Chapter Thirty-Six: Seeing Through

As soon as Qi Baichuan’s letter reached the hands of his father, the King of Qi, it was only natural that the king would immediately contact Pei Xiunian. Pei Xiunian had already anticipated the swift arrival of this letter. The only uncertainty was what decision this cunning and calculating prince would make.

Pei Xiunian unfolded the letter. It was not long, just a few sparse paragraphs:

“Your Highness, the Third Prince, I have confirmed that Li Yan indeed bribed the Seven Severed Valleys, and his poison was deliberately chosen for its connection to Qingqiu, all to frame you. However, Your Highness need not worry. Troubles will be arranged for the Second Prince, keeping him occupied and unable to threaten you or attend to matters in the capital for the time being.

“In addition, Your Highness need not feel guilty about the matter in Hangzhou. Though I have personally suppressed the case, and it has not yet spread to the capital so His Majesty remains unaware, even if he were to learn of it, I doubt he would be angered.

“At the October court assembly, I ask that Your Highness attend in person. I will speak on your behalf and gather supporters. Also, my youngest daughter has just come of age and has yet to find a suitable match. Now that Your Highness has established your own residence, it is time to consider marriage. What are your thoughts on this?”

Pei Xiunian exhaled slowly. Though the letter was brief, the information it contained was astonishing.

He had long suspected that Li Yan was behind the attempt on his life; Qi Wang’s confirmation merely verified the traces left aboard the flying vessel, and even so, its reliability was yet to be determined. Still, for Li Yan to sit firmly in his fief in Yangzhou while reaching his hand into the capital’s court and becoming the favored contender for the throne, he could hardly be constrained by bonds of brotherhood.

The imperial house is ever the most ruthless. Pei Xiunian now threatened his position.

Even if Li Yan did not act this time, he would never permit Pei Xiunian to act with impunity.

It was indeed a boon to use Qi Wang’s hand against him. Pei Xiunian had no qualms about reaping benefits without effort.

Whichever side won or lost, it could only serve to his advantage.

It was the letter’s second paragraph, however, that truly demanded Pei Xiunian’s attention.

The affair in Hangzhou referred, of course, to the demonic beast-raising case at the Cao Family Manor.

The incident was causing an uproar in Hangzhou, rumors already spreading through privately-published gazettes. Though Qi Wang had suppressed the news, it was only a matter of time before it reached the capital.

But did this letter suggest that Emperor Zhaoning himself was already aware of the demonic beasts at Cao Manor? That the Son of Heaven, ruler of the Great Zhou, secretly supported the raising of such creatures?

If Zhaoning Emperor truly supported, or even abetted, such actions—so damaging to the very foundation of the nation—what then was his aim? Was it to end factional strife? Or had he allied himself with the demonic path? Or perhaps he pursued that eternal obsession of emperors: the quest for immortality?

From these words alone, Pei Xiunian could not discern what role Zhaoning Emperor played in the Cao Manor affair.

Yet it was now clear that the former Third Prince, Li Xiunian, had long known of this matter—perhaps he learned it from speaking with Qi Baichuan, or perhaps even earlier, in the capital’s palace itself.

Otherwise, Qi Wang would never have disclosed such news to him today.

Pei Xiunian made a mental note of the matter. Fortunately, he had not handed his talismans over to outsiders, or things might have spiraled completely out of his control.

He drained the cup of tea, now grown cold, and continued reading. As for the third paragraph, it was of least concern: such transparent attempts at alliance through marriage required no personal refusal. The Empress Dowager would never allow anything to jeopardize her grand designs—she would intervene.

Pei Xiunian put the letter away, rubbed his temples, and walked to the window. The chill of the snowy wind gradually calmed his thoughts.

He no longer dwelled on the letter’s contents. What lay ahead was the court assembly in a few days and the turbulence of the political arena.

This struggle for the throne was finally drawing him into the fray.

Though a figure at the center of the storm, Pei Xiunian felt little anxiety; every step he could take had already been set. As for uncertainties, he would watch and see how the game unfolded.

The complexity of this chessboard was beyond anything Pei Xiunian could wholly predict. A single misstep would spell the end of his fortunes.

Thus, every move must be made with caution, free of impatience or pride.

If possible, Pei Xiunian hoped to obtain a writ granting him unfettered access to the Wen Zong Pavilion.

To consult the Great Zhou’s recent histories, learn the details of the late emperor’s campaign against demons, the circumstances that led to the Empress Dowager’s regency, the conclusion of the great conflict between the righteous and demonic sects—these things might allow him, a stranger to this world, to analyze the true state of affairs and perceive the hidden paths amidst this web of intrigue.

—

Deep in the imperial avenue outside Chengqian Palace.

A maid carrying a tray happened to meet the Empress Dowager, resplendent in her phoenix coronet and scarlet robes.

Their gazes met. The maid bowed slightly and spoke in a soft voice:

“Your servant greets the Empress Dowager.”

The Empress Dowager glanced at her, the soundproofing talisman in her sleeve shattering in silence, and she asked calmly, “He is no longer the Third Prince, is he?”

Xiao Qin’s eyes flickered as she bit her lip and was silent for a moment. She did not answer directly, only replied ambiguously, “I will not let him know who I am.”

“Of course you won’t.” Their pace was slow, and only as they drew level did the Empress Dowager smile and say, “You needn’t worry. I am not here to blame you. He is far better than the Third Prince: clever, decisive, and resourceful.”

“But for that very reason, such a man is most difficult to control, and his trust is hardest to gain. Yet you have been through much together—perhaps not intimately acquainted, but you have earned a measure of trust. Stay by his side and assist him well.”

“If you can make him fall in love, all the better. Once one is ensnared by feeling, it is like falling into an endless abyss. However shrewd or calm, a single night’s passion can burn all to ashes. That is why our sect pursues the path of severing all ties and desires.”

Xiao Qin’s gaze fell, her head bowed, her eyes fixed on her own shoes. She did not refuse, but changed the subject:

“But, Your Majesty, how could you do such a thing? And why not tell me beforehand?”

The Empress Dowager raised a delicate brow and chided, “Oh? As if you inform me of everything you do. What’s this—are you distressed?”

Xiao Qin shook her head at once. “Your servant wouldn’t dare. It’s just that he is naturally suspicious; I fear he may—”

The Empress Dowager snorted, “Just a nameless child from who knows where. Does he really think himself destined to seize the dragon’s throne?”

“Hmph. And what if he is suspicious? Without me, he cannot take a single step in this palace. Let him be.”

The Empress Dowager paused in the snowy night, then added, “Before I go, let me ask—do you still remember our sect’s rule?”

“Your Majesty, I would never dare forget,” Xiao Qin replied, bowing again. “Our sect’s only rule is to feel nothing—to sever all ties and desires.”

“Indeed.”

The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction and brushed past her. “Though you have no experience with matters of love, it shouldn’t be hard to ensnare his heart. If not, there are many methods to employ external force.”

Xiao Qin pursed her lips but said nothing more. She watched as the Empress Dowager drifted away, when suddenly the Empress Dowager turned and, with a faint transmission, spoke into her mind:

“If you fail, I will handle it myself. Though I have never tried such things, he is but a mere boy—I will have him dancing in the palm of my hand.”

—

A short while later.

The doors to the hall were tapped gently. Xiao Qin stood outside with her tray, waiting until Pei Xiunian called before she entered.

“Your Highness.”

Snowflakes clung to her hair, yet her tray was spotless. She bowed slightly, glanced around with care, set the tray on the table, and then asked softly, “Has Your Highness finished your discussion?”

Pei Xiunian, leaning by the window, glanced back at Xiao Qin. He simply replied, “Mm.” He did not reproach her for failing to warn him of the Empress Dowager’s personal intervention. Instead, he handed her a white handkerchief. “Wipe your head. Don’t catch cold.”

Xiao Qin accepted the handkerchief, dazed for a moment, then bowed. “Thank you, Your Highness…”

Pei Xiunian watched the flustered girl and smiled, saying openly, “Once you’re done, join me for dinner. We’ll both rest early tonight. After reading at the Wen Zong Pavilion, playing chess with the Grand Astrologer, and spending so long in conversation with the Empress Dowager, today has been truly exhausting.”

Xiao Qin nodded eagerly, then said with sweet obedience, “Then I’ll draw a hot bath for Your Highness. A soak will ease your fatigue and help you sleep well.”

Pei Xiunian did not refuse, only nodded. Then he lifted the bronze cover from the table.

Steam rose from the array of dishes. The imperial kitchens of Great Zhou spared no effort, and even an unplanned meal was sumptuous beyond compare.

Pei Xiunian poured himself tea and, unexpectedly, asked, “Xiao Qin, what do you think of the Empress Dowager?”

Xiao Qin’s heart gave a sudden jolt. With her back to Pei Xiunian, her beautiful eyes widened. She took a moment to recover before testing the bathwater and answering, “I dare not presume to judge Her Majesty.”

Pei Xiunian paid her little mind, only remarking, “Could someone who once ruled the world truly care about matters of love and sentiment? Especially for the son of a nominal sister she’s never met?”

Xiao Qin turned, her voice soft, “Your Highness means…?”

Pei Xiunian set down his freshly brewed tea and looked at her, speaking plainly, “Don’t you think that assassination at the posting station came too quickly, too conveniently? By the timing, it could only have been plotted immediately after the morning court. And in the court of Great Zhou, how many possess that capability and resolve?”

Their eyes met in silence. Xiao Qin’s hands trembled behind her back. Pei Xiunian, however, remained unruffled, patting her shoulder in reassurance, “Just my own wild conjecture. In any case, let us eat first.”