Chapter Forty-Two: Accepting a Gift ≠ My Consent (Double Chapter—Please Keep Reading!)

“Eunuch He.”

Just as Pei Xiunian stepped out of the Wen Zong Pavilion, he saw the eunuch who had been waiting outside for him.

He could recognize this eunuch in the blue-purple robes because he had seen him before. Eunuch He had been the companion-reader of Emperor Zhaoning since childhood. Although he held little real power, his status in court was considerable.

To send such an attendant to greet him meant that Emperor Zhaoning’s attention to Pei Xiunian was anything but trifling.

Eunuch He quickly turned, hands clasped in salute, his voice betraying its sharpness, “Your Highness, the Third Prince, His Majesty awaits you in the Imperial Study. All the princes have already arrived.”

Pei Xiunian nodded slightly, his tone calm, “Then I must trouble you to lead the way.”

“Your servant obeys.” Eunuch He flicked his whisk and bowed again, a paper umbrella floating above the Third Prince’s head, shielding him from the fine wind and snow. As he walked, he gestured:

“Please, Your Highness.”

Pei Xiunian followed at a measured pace, raising his eyes. The mist above Renhuang Mountain behind the Forbidden City had dispersed; Emperor Zhaoning had just finished refining his latest batch of elixir.

Indeed, an emperor could not lack ambition or means. Zhaoning, silent before, now startled the realm with his actions.

Though Pei Xiunian could not yet know when the emperor would next fire his furnace, at least for now, he had a few months of respite—those months would be his rare opportunities.

But to overturn the Second Prince, who had long since made his name, in so short a time was unrealistic.

Moreover, Li Yan had not yet arrived in the capital, and there was no way to confirm if he had already been fully brought under Zhaoning’s control.

If so, then to overthrow Li Yan would be as futile as trying to topple Emperor Zhaoning himself.

Clinging tightly to the Empress Dowager would not suffice to defeat Li Yan, backed by the emperor. Only by controlling the Empress Dowager could Pei Xiunian hope… Yet if he could control her, there would be no need for all of this; it was mere fantasy.

So, considering this possibility, he needed another path. Mediating between the Empress Dowager and the emperor’s factions was perilous—a single misstep could spell eternal ruin.

Pei Xiunian slowly sorted through the “currently public intelligence” in his mind: the emperor’s ambitions and actions, the Empress Dowager’s identity and arrangements—all roughly understood.

But these matters he could only swallow for now; to reveal them at this moment would not yield a decisive blow, but rather a death sentence.

Subtle threads lay hidden, stretching thousands of miles.

Emperor Zhaoning and the Empress Dowager were masters of feigned ignorance. To play against such expert manipulators was like fighting the final boss immediately after leaving the novice village—there was no enjoyment in the game.

The reality of traversing this world was worlds apart from what Pei Xiunian had imagined before his crossing.

When he first arrived, he expected to encounter some arrogant young lord shouting, “Today I’ll show you the difference between the second and first stages of foundation-building!” Then the fellow would rush at him, be defeated in a single move, and fall to the ground, lamenting, “How can this be?!”—that was the proper flavor.

Even now, as he replaced a prince, he ought to repeat the same pattern, perhaps with the added drama of facing an elder after defeating the younger.

Then, the elder would kneel and kowtow at once, pleading, “I failed to recognize Your Highness, please forgive me!” That would be fitting.

Instead, he had stumbled into this high-level intrigue that even veteran officials would shake their heads at.

The vermillion palace walls overlapped in layers. As Pei Xiunian sighed and soothed his restless thoughts, he had already arrived at the Imperial Study.

This was his second visit. The building was no longer shrouded in the hurried night of his last arrival.

In winter, the blue-glazed tiles shimmered with crystalline light, the eaves rose, majestic and splendid like all the halls of the Forbidden City.

Pei Xiunian waited at the door, listening for the summons. Only when the eunuch announced, “The Third Prince has arrived!” did the doors swing open.

Today, the Imperial Study was particularly solemn. Aside from the princes, the Empress Dowager, and Emperor Zhaoning, there was no one else.

Even the Three Dukes were not summoned, as this was the emperor’s family matter?

No, Pei Xiunian realized as he crossed the threshold, it was more than that.

Emperor Zhaoning had gathered them here to prevent news of the Fifth Prince’s death from leaking. The Three Dukes may have heard rumors, but they would restrain each other.

Keeping it secret was not merely for propriety or reputation—the main reason was that the emperor had not yet finished refining his elixirs. Having killed a son once, he might wish to do so again soon.

“Xiunian has arrived.”

Emperor Zhaoning’s tone was flat.

Pei Xiunian looked at the emperor, standing with hands behind his back before a mountain of memorials.

Though his face bore some heaviness, his complexion was much improved compared to the night Pei Xiunian returned to the palace.

By age, Zhaoning was in his prime, but years of scheming and reviewing memorials, coupled with poor cultivation, had taken their toll.

Yet now, the gray at his temples had darkened, his face was rosy.

He truly looked younger; it seemed that refining elixirs from one’s offspring was not mere trickery in this world.

No one else in the study noticed anything amiss; all the princes’ faces were equally tense and apprehensive.

Pei Xiunian knew that his ability to discern the emperor’s changes came thanks to the Heavenly Eye.

Sometimes, he wondered if this automatic exposure of disguises was more trouble than it was worth…

He bowed as protocol demanded, his face solemn, “Your son pays respects, Father.”

Emperor Zhaoning merely grunted. Once the doors shut again, he swept his gaze over them all and said coldly,

“Upon hearing this dire news, I hurried down the mountain. The death of my fifth son pains and angers me…”

Before he finished, the princes bowed in unison, “Father, please restrain your grief.”

Emperor Zhaoning waved his hand, continuing:

“I will have the culprit found—who dares spill blood in the Forbidden City? Whoever they are, they will pay with their life. But as this is our Li family’s affair, and to avoid any leaks, you all must not spread word of it.”

The princes replied in chorus, “We will obey Father’s command.”

The emperor raised his hand again, “According to the Imperial physicians and coroners, the fifth prince died from the poison of the zhen sparrow. Do any of you have clues to offer?”

At this, the princes exchanged glances. Clearly, the fifth prince had died in the struggle for succession.

Of all those present, only the Third Prince was at the heart of this contest.

This did not mean they suspected him—on the contrary, the Third Prince was the least likely candidate.

He was waiting for his merits to be acknowledged; it would be absurd to act so rashly at this critical moment.

Moreover, though the Second Prince had not yet arrived in the capital, offending him was unwise. Rumor had it he was friendly with the Fifth Prince, making his involvement less likely.

The Fourth Prince was already under temporary house arrest, the emperor’s attitude clear.

Thinking swiftly, the Sixth Prince stepped forward and advised,

“Father, I have heard that last night, the Fifth and Fourth Princes drank and made merry together, and this morning such tragedy befell. I suspect the Fourth Prince may have deliberately poisoned him.”

He glanced at Pei Xiunian, explaining, “I believe the Fourth Prince acted to delay the Third Prince’s military rewards.”

Others followed his lead, echoing the suspicion.

Pei Xiunian raised his brow. He did not need allies among the princes now; forming factions without cause only made him seem threatening. Sixth, don’t put me in danger…

“I must disagree.” Pei Xiunian stepped forward, ignoring his brother’s good intentions, and said directly,

“Father, I believe this was orchestrated by the Second Prince, using his allies in court to carry out the deed. He is close with the Fifth Prince, and may have sought to frame the Fourth. I ask that Father investigate thoroughly.”

As the Third Prince, ignorant of the emperor’s method of refining elixirs, the Second Prince was his greatest rival. This was consistent with his identity.

No one else dared speak so openly.

Even so, few would support him against the Second Prince, showing the latter’s considerable influence.

Emperor Zhaoning seemed to ponder for a moment before sighing,

“We cannot yet conclude who is responsible, but I will see this investigated fully. The Forbidden City will be strictly guarded; from today, flight is forbidden. Such evil will not happen again, and you may rest assured.”

The Empress Dowager, silent thus far in the corner, now spoke,

“His Majesty is right. This must be resolved, or not only the princes, but I, a weak woman, will live in constant fear.”

“For this, I will assign the Embroidered Guards of the Inspectorate to begin investigating the fifth prince’s body. The criminal must have left traces.”

Before Emperor Zhaoning could respond, Pei Xiunian stepped forward again, maintaining a calm face under the Empress Dowager’s gaze,

“Your Majesty, investigation is good, but the physicians have already examined the fifth prince’s body. Why must outsiders have access to him? This incident already stains our royal reputation; we must guard against leaks.”

“I believe the fifth prince should not be exposed further. He ought to be laid to rest in the imperial tombs, and the investigation conducted in secret. The Astronomical Bureau can divine the omens; I suggest consulting the Grand Fate Master.”

His gaze met the Empress Dowager’s, who showed slight surprise, momentarily silenced.

The Third Prince was the least suspicious; none would jeopardize their future now.

He need not intervene, yet he did, and his words inclined toward the emperor. Was he joining the imperial faction?

The princes exchanged glances, still unable to read the situation.

The Empress Dowager’s phoenix eyes narrowed, recalling how Pei Xiunian once called her “Aunt Meng,” expressing concern and comfort…

Now, having accepted her protective amulet, he turned his back so abruptly?

Well then, Pei Xiunian, are you openly stabbing me in the back?

She barely had time to signal “I’ll deal with you later,” when Emperor Zhaoning agreed,

“Xiunian is right. The fifth prince, bearer of our royal bloodline, cannot be exposed to wind and sun. I also agree he should be interred in the tombs, granting him peace. The investigation will not cease until the truth is found. What do you all think?”

With the emperor’s words so clear, none dared challenge the physicians’ authority. After a moment’s thought, they all replied in unison,

“Father is wise.”

Emperor Zhaoning nodded in satisfaction, “Let it be so. You may all withdraw.”

The princes bowed and filed out of the study.

As all departed, Pei Xiunian lingered. Emperor Zhaoning’s eyes flashed with curiosity, asking this prince who had surprised him today,

“Do you have something further, Xiunian?”

“Father,” Pei Xiunian clasped his hands and bowed, glancing around before lowering his voice, “Has Father heard the rumors circulating in the palace today?”

Emperor Zhaoning set down his memorials, “What rumors?”

Pei Xiunian stepped closer, voice hushed, “Many say I have allied myself with the Empress Dowager. Has Father not heard?”

“Is this so?” Zhaoning narrowed his eyes.

“It is indeed!” Pei Xiunian nodded sharply, “I spread the rumor myself.”

“Oh?” Zhaoning raised his brow, “Why did you do this?”

Pei Xiunian replied with a mysterious air, “Because the Empress Dowager sought to win me over, but her methods were dirty—I saw through them.”

Faced with his father’s puzzled look, the dutiful Third Prince continued,

“I learned that the Zhao Attendant who fetched me from Hangzhou once served the Inspectorate, so he must be the Empress Dowager’s man. On the airship, he discovered the poison when I was attacked—Father, do you think such coincidence is possible?”

“Afterwards, upon returning to the palace, I heard the Empress Dowager supported me after the victory at Qingqiu, though we had never met. Why would she intervene?”

“Thinking it over, I suspect the poisoning was a deliberate performance by the Empress Dowager to frame others and draw me to her side. Now, having reclaimed Yun Chuan, public sentiment favors me. Her ambitions are clear—she seeks to swallow the dragon and sparrow.”

Emperor Zhaoning listened quietly, fingers tapping the desk, his eyes bright. He asked in a low voice,

“What do you intend to do now, Xiunian?”

Zhaoning was a master manipulator—such men shared the same weakness: arrogance.

A novice like the Third Prince, falling into his trap and reaching a conjecture, was unexpected but plausible. Suspicion?

Why suspect? His good son trusted him, sought his counsel, had not asked for excessive rewards, and just now spoke on the emperor’s behalf—surely an imperial loyalist.

Moreover, his claims were logical and self-consistent; Zhaoning was happy to play along.

Pei Xiunian answered decisively, “The Empress Dowager must be guarded against. I have a plan.”

“What plan?”

“Turn her scheme to our advantage!” Pei Xiunian explained, “Since she offers an olive branch, I wish to see her true intentions. Checking her is one thing; if possible, I may seize control of the Censorate and Inspectorate, helping Father unify Great Zhou.”

His words struck directly at Zhaoning’s heart; the emperor was delighted, stroking his robes and laughing,

“Excellent! But Xiunian, beware the Empress Dowager’s cunning—a single misstep could mean ruin. Of course, I shall aid you. If you need anything, ask me.”

Pei Xiunian bowed deeply, sincere, “Thank you, Father. I shall now take my leave.”

“Wait, Xiunian.”

Zhaoning stopped him, took a jade vial from the drawer, and handed it over, saying,

“This is a freshly refined elixir. Though not potent, it will cleanse your bones and strengthen your body, aiding your cultivation. Take it.”

Pei Xiunian would not refuse the emperor’s kindness; he knew the emperor used such elixirs as cover for his more sinister practices.

One glance told him these were not made this morning, and their benefit to his already formidable physique was minimal—but a gift should not be wasted.

The camel’s remnants are easily gained.

He bowed again, “Thank you, Father.”

“Good.” Zhaoning was in excellent spirits. “Go now.”

Pei Xiunian responded and left the study, without waiting for a eunuch escort. He walked alone through the rear garden, planning to take a shortcut to Chengqian Palace.

Just then, a jade hand grabbed him at a corner, pressing him against the wall. The Empress Dowager, furious, wearing high-heeled palace shoes, stood with one hand on her hip, her gaze imperious.

Pei Xiunian had anticipated her ambush and greeted her calmly,

“Aunt Meng.”

The Empress Dowager bit her lip, angry, “Are you trying to drive me mad?!”

When Pei Xiunian did not answer, she demanded, “Why did you contradict me in the study?”

He spread his hands, “Aunt Meng, what do you mean by ‘deliberate’ or ‘contradict’? I never agreed to join you…”

She ground her teeth, wanting to bite this shameless fellow. She forced herself to breathe, calming down,

“Then why did you accept my protective amulet? Give it back!”

She reached for his waist.

Pei Xiunian shrugged, stepping aside deftly, “Accepting a gift doesn’t mean agreeing. Besides, what gift is ever returned?”

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager pressed her fingers to her forehead, feeling faint with exasperation. Was that even human speech?

She was about to explode, but suddenly felt something cool in her hand.

Looking down, she found a delicate jade vial in her palm.

Pei Xiunian gently wrapped his arm around her waist, whispering in her ear,

“Aunt Meng… How could I not know your thoughts? This is an elixir I requested from Father, said to enhance beauty. As for what happened earlier, we’ll discuss it at leisure when we return to the palace.”