Chapter Sixty-Seven: Leaving the Court

As Pei Xiunian turned and rejoined the ranks, the far from grand commotion was thus quietly laid to rest. Regarding the rewards, Pei Xiunian earnestly declared that the Grand Diviner’s martial arts and weapon suited him well. Grateful for his imperial father’s favor, he insisted there was no need for excessive rewards. Emperor Zhaoning, delighted, insisted that some gold, carriages, and jewels must still be bestowed. An imperial decree was issued at once, granting not only wealth, but even a bronze furnace for coin minting.

After the chief eunuch finished reading the decree aloud, the Hall of Supreme Harmony resumed its customary proceedings, discussing recent affairs both in the capital and throughout the Zhou Dynasty. It was, in a sense, a welcome interlude—a less tense pause between the morning’s court sessions.

Though Yu Hongdou’s actions had somewhat overstepped propriety, she was, after all, the granddaughter of a Duke. Her words had not shown disrespect to the court, and her etiquette was impeccable. Moreover, Emperor Zhaoning himself displayed no displeasure, so the officials did not dwell openly on the matter. They only found it curious that the Emperor seemed unconcerned about Changle Duke’s blatant attempt to place a spy beside the Third Prince. Yet, it was a trivial issue; with the Third Prince’s abilities, he would hardly be troubled by the surveillance of a lady from the Yu family who had lowered herself thus.

Today’s court session proved surprisingly eventful for many officials, as all matters revolved around the Third Prince alone. It was his first time attending court, and before his return to the palace, he had no allies among the officials. Though his military achievements were outstanding and he was certain to stir waves in the court, none had anticipated such scenes. Evidently, the Third Prince had moved decisively, laying his pieces in secret before making a sudden, remarkable entrance.

Pei Xiunian himself had not expected things to unfold as they did today. Changle Duke’s intervention was entirely unforeseen—a twist of fate, nothing more. Yet to the officials, it appeared otherwise: those who spoke in the Third Prince’s favor today belonged to none of the Empress Dowager’s factions. For reasons unknown, the Empress Dowager herself wore a faint look of displeasure, but none dared provoke her, so no one commented.

The officials maintained their silence as the session concluded. Few matters required attention; only three stood out:

First, the southwest was plagued by bandits and frequent robberies, hindering the reconquest of Yunchuan.

Second, scouts reported the Jin Xia in the northeast were uncharacteristically preparing their forces as heavy snow approached, though the Zhaoning Northern Garrison remained on high alert.

Third, sects of both righteous and demonic paths across the Zhou states had sprung up like mushrooms after rain, recruiting disciples widely. There were even rumors of an upcoming martial contest to determine the true ranking on the Xuan Tian board.

The first matter was not difficult; Emperor Zhaoning gave no opportunity for the princes to earn merit, handing it instead to a few military commanders.

As for the second, the Seventh Prince volunteered to return to the northern frontier and continue the defense once matters in the capital were settled.

Now only the third matter remained to be discussed. The court and the martial sects naturally stood on opposing sides, especially with cultivators running rampant; “rebellion by force” was no empty threat. Such was the nature of internal and external strife. After surveying the officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Emperor Zhaoning calmly asked, “How do my beloved ministers view this so-called martial contest?”

A murmur ran through the ranks. The Grand Libationer of the Imperial Academy stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, in my view, those rising among the righteous and demonic paths are merely small sects. Moreover, this contest is but a rumor at present; better to wait and observe, at least until spring before making any decisions.”

The old libationer’s approach was conservative, but reasonable. Zhaoning indeed found it difficult to spare troops to restrain the cultivators. Ordinary armies were almost powerless against such practitioners, and those willing to serve as soldiers for the court were so few as to be negligible.

It was understandable; most sought only immortality, advancement in cultivation, dreaming of one day ruling over the ages. Who would willingly serve as a mere foot soldier?

Though great rewards might inspire courage, loyalty was not guaranteed. Besides, Zhaoning currently had little to offer as incentive. If conflict arose with the martial sects now, it would be unwise.

The capital was heavily garrisoned, and Zhaoning controlled mighty sects like the Sword Sect, but this did not mean he could suppress all martial factions at will. The resurgence of the righteous and demonic paths, after years of silence, was almost inevitable—a tide brought by this era of contention.

Someone was about to speak in support of the Grand Libationer when the Second Prince, who had been quiet, suddenly stepped forward and solemnly said, “Father, if I may, I believe this matter requires immediate action. The leading sects of both paths are still waiting and watching. If our court remains passive, we may inadvertently fuel their rise. I urge Your Majesty to make an example, to deter them.”

Pei Xiunian had intended to stay out of it, but this issue affected the sphere of influence of his elder sister, who sat on the throne. The more power the Empress Dowager held, the more leverage he gained—who knew when he might need to venture into the martial world himself? At least then, he’d have a few beautiful sisters-in-arms to rely on.

So he spoke again: “I cannot agree with my brother’s words. Your Majesty, I believe it is better to remain still for now. The martial sects are scattered across the states, and with no invasion from Qingqiu, their rise is inevitable. Making an example may only deter them briefly. If the sects intend this contest as their first step to re-emerge, it is actually an opportunity. Such a contest would necessarily depend on the court’s support.”

Pei Xiunian met Li Yan’s gaze coolly, his expression composed.

The officials discussed further, each faction holding its ground. Most sided with Pei Xiunian, recognizing that this surging tide could not be stopped.

Emperor Zhaoning signaled the chief eunuch to crack the silence whip again before declaring, “Let us observe for now; if the two paths stir trouble, I shall make an example then. As for the martial contest, Xiunian’s words are sound—such an event would require the court’s involvement. We shall not discuss it further today.”

With the Emperor’s decisive words, the court session neared its end. The assembled officials all cried in unison, “Long live Your Majesty!”

Emperor Zhaoning seemed to ponder a moment on his dragon throne before announcing, “The reason I summoned my sons and convened this court today is to declare sad news.”

The hall was shocked as the Emperor continued, grief heavy in his voice, “My fifth son has passed away. It has been confirmed he fell victim to the demonic sect. From today, the news will be announced to the realm. For seven days, music and banquets are forbidden until my son rests in peace.”

A brief silence filled the Hall of Supreme Harmony before the ministers bowed and chorused, “Your Majesty, our condolences!”

Emperor Zhaoning, coldly, said, “If there is nothing further, court is dismissed.”

With such news, none dared step forward to risk the Emperor’s ire, and so they all withdrew.

The myriad officials in their finery poured from the hall like a tide. Pei Xiunian brushed past Li Yan, who whispered, “Brother, might I have a word with you?”

Pei Xiunian nodded. “Of course.”

A hint of a smile appeared on his second brother’s face as he bowed slightly and said, “Please.”

Just then, the Empress Dowager passed by, her voice—slightly unfriendly—reaching Pei Xiunian: “Come see me afterwards.”