Chapter - 48
By Tea Time Translations
---
Surprise update! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
Yu Zhu heard the maid outside calling out "Grandma" and quickly lifted the door curtain, hurrying to greet her. As she approached, she smiled at Jiafu and, leaning towards her, whispered softly, "I was just about to go to Grandma's to pass on a message when I saw you coming. Grandpa left early this morning, and when he came over, Grandma hadn't gotten up yet. He asked me to tell Grandma that he was busy with some official business last night in preparation for today's audience with the emperor, so he stayed in the study late. He also mentioned that you stayed up most of the night too. Grandma just sent me over to tell you to sleep in and not come over."
Though Yu Zhu was a young woman in her twenties, she understood human affairs. Jiafu felt guilty herself, seeing Yu Zhu's smile and wondering if she had guessed something. She couldn't help but imagine how solemn Pei You'an must have looked this morning while fabricating excuses, feeling embarrassed. She wondered how Madame Pei would react upon hearing his words. Nonetheless, despite being late, since he had already spoken, she forced herself to come in. Yu Zhu held the curtain for her and, entering, greeted Madame Pei, who was sitting at a small table by the kang. Mrs. Xin and Mrs. Meng were also present, with Mrs. Xin seeming a bit unwell and apparently in the midst of saying something. Upon Jiafu's entrance, she fell silent.
Jiafu greeted Madame Pei, bowed to Mrs. Xin, and finally to Mrs. Meng. Mrs. Meng warmly said, "Grandma just sent Yu Zhu over to your place, and here you are."
Feeling a warmth rising in her ears, Jiafu replied, "It's all my fault for getting up so late and delaying the hour. Please, Grandma and Mother-in-law, punish me. I won't do it again next time."
Mrs. Xin gave her a sharp glance.
Madame Pei smiled and said, "I'm old, and sometimes I'm too lazy to get up early and talk to you all. A few days ago, you had just gotten married, so I forced myself to get up early every day. Filial piety from the younger generation is most important, and it's better to come over less frequently but with genuine intentions than to show up every day with a forced heart. You'an is busy, he never rests before midnight, no matter what I say. Now that you're married, taking care of You'an is the greatest filial piety to me and your mother-in-law. Your mother-in-law should think the same way. And this advice isn't just for my daughter-in-law, but for both of you. You don't have to come over every day from now on, once every two or three days is enough. Go busy yourselves."
Mrs. Xin nodded along, expressing her gratitude along with Mrs. Meng. Madame Pei then sent Jiafu and her daughters-in-law away and told Mrs. Xin to stay.
After Mrs. Meng and Jiafu were escorted out by Yu Zhu, the servants in the courtyard all smiled and respectfully saw Jiafu off with repeated wishes of "safe travels, Grandma." Once outside the courtyard, Mrs. Meng affectionately took Jiafu's hand and walked with her, smiling teasingly, "You'an was so caring to his new wife last night, that I also benefited from it, not having to wake up early and stand by the old lady's side every morning. My niece-in-law is indeed fortunate."
Jiafu felt a mixture of embarrassment and resentment at her own late rising this morning. Pei You'an hadn't come, and she would've brushed it off, but his explicit mention of it had made things awkward. It seemed like everyone in the house knew what was going on. Her aunt, who was adept at manipulating situations, especially when she was in a good mood, would sweet-talk to those who were of no use to her. Though she wouldn't turn her face against them, her ambiguous remarks left people cold, a feeling Jiafu had experienced before. Feeling half embarrassed and half at a loss for words, she just bowed her head and remained silent.
After teasing Jiafu for a few more remarks, Mrs. Meng lowered her voice and said, "Did you run into Eldest Son just now? I don't want to criticize your mother-in-law, but she's too biased. It was one thing before, but now, if it weren't for You'an, our family's reputation would've been ruined by Eldest Son's past antics. I heard her complaining that You'an doesn't take care of his brothers. She even blamed him for not recommending Eldest Son to His Majesty earlier to suppress the rebellion. She's watching as someone else takes the credit."
When Xiao Lie entered the capital, Prince Taiyuan, relying on his old confidants, raised troops in Taiyuan, causing panic among the people of Shanxi. Xiao Lie asked Pei You'an who could suppress the rebellion, and Pei You'an recommended Zhang Zhengdao, who had served as the governor of Jinxi during the Tianxi reign, saying that he was skilled in military training and familiar with the military and civilian situation in the Jin and Shaan areas. A few years ago, when he was under the rule of Prince Shun'an, he was demoted to a regional general, feeling frustrated. This time, leading troops to Shanxi, he successfully quelled the rebellion. Upon returning to the capital, he was granted special permission not to dismount, and he walked along the imperial road to the palace gate, basking in glory.
Jiafu recalled Mrs. Xin's expression earlier and suddenly understood. She couldn't help but wonder why there was such a difference in treatment between sons born to her. After losing her father, the affection from her mother became precious. Although Pei You'an was a son, the profound affection children had for their parents was evident throughout history. Thinking back to everything he had experienced when he lost his father at the age of sixteen, she wondered what emotions he had harbored when he left the capital alone. What thoughts lingered in his heart? Jiafu suddenly felt a faint, inexplicable heartache.
"You don't know yet, do you? Second Brother is about to get married!" Mrs. Meng said again.
"It's not someone else; it's the daughter of some distant relative from your mother-in-law's side, surnamed Zhou, named Jiao'e. It seems she has some connection with the Empress's family. We never heard of her before, but now that His Majesty has entered the capital, with the Empress in the palace, people who were previously unreachable are trying their best to establish relationships," Mrs. Meng added, her expression showing disdain, but Jiafu understood clearly, her tone tinged with bitterness.
"I think Grandma doesn't want to agree to this marriage, but your mother-in-law insists. When Grandma kept her just now, she was probably discussing this matter," Mrs. Meng said as she insisted on personally escorting Jiafu back to her courtyard, speaking softly all the way to the courtyard gate. Finally, she leaned close and whispered, "Let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart, if this marriage really happens, although we hope for the best for Second Brother, if there's a second wife connected to the Empress's family, your position as the eldest sister-in-law might be overshadowed. Aunt feels sorry for you."
"If Second Brother's marriage brings happiness, it's not just your side of the family that will be pleased; our whole family will be happy. As for 'position,' where did I even have a position? Aunt, you're making fun of me. Let me escort Aunt back to her room," Jiafu replied calmly.
Mrs. Meng was slightly taken aback, glancing at Jiafu before quickly changing her tone and smiling, "You're right. I was too caught up in idle chatter and forgot to watch my steps. I'll go back by myself. You go inside."
Jiafu stood at the door, watching Mrs. Meng and the servants gradually walk away, then turned and went back into her room.
As she had speculated, Pei Xiuzhi's marriage would most likely happen. Although the old lady of the Pei family held the highest status, even she couldn't override Mrs. Xin's decision on her grandson's marriage. Moreover, considering Pei Xiuzhi's current situation, being able to arrange such a marriage would be seen as extremely prestigious in the eyes of outsiders. What right did the old lady have to interfere with her grandson's good fortune?
Jiafu's speculation was soon confirmed. In the evening, Yu Zhu came over and brought Jiafu two dishes. When no one else was around, she quietly informed Jiafu that she had overheard Mrs. Xin secretly crying earlier, saying something about the palm being flesh and the back of the hand also being flesh. Afterwards, Mrs. Xin came out with a faint hint of joy on her face. It seemed that the marriage would be finalized soon.
After Yu Zhu left, just before the end of the Shen hour, Pei You'an sent a servant back to inform Jiafu that His Majesty had unexpectedly added a midday court session, so he would be having dinner at the palace and told Jiafu not to wait for him.
Since ascending to the throne a few months ago, Emperor Xiao Lie not only held morning court sessions without fail every day but also frequently added midday court sessions. With such a diligent emperor, his subjects naturally had to accompany him with their lives.
After having her dinner, Jiafu took a fragrant bath in the dark, slowly drying her long hair. She picked up the book "Discourses and Dialogues" and read while waiting for Pei You'an to return.
.....
During the day, Emperor Xiao Lie convened the generals and soldiers who had returned to the capital after suppressing the rebellion, rewarding them according to their merits. Among them, Zhang Zhengdao was appointed as the General of Valiant Bravery of the third rank, bestowed with the position of Deputy Commander of the Central Military Command, and put in charge of commanding the Shenjiwei Camp. With one battle, he had turned his fortunes around, adorned with honors and titles. After the rewards were distributed, in the evening, a banquet was held in the palace to celebrate their achievements. Emperor Xiao Lie sat at the head table, accompanied by Crown Prince Xiao Yintang, Pei You'an, the nine ministers, and other officials who had contributed to suppressing the rebellion.
Halfway through the banquet, a commanding general entered and knelt to report that the Crown Prince of Anle had arrived in the capital to apologize on behalf of his father, hoping for forgiveness. He was currently waiting outside the palace for an audience.
At the beginning of Prince Taiyuan's uprising, the Crown Prince of Anle had some covert dealings, but when the rebellion began, he became afraid and withdrew. Now that Prince Taiyuan's rebellion had failed, although Emperor Xiao Lie had not pursued him, the Crown Prince of Anle couldn't live in peace in Jiangxi and sent his son to the capital to apologize on his behalf.
Emperor Xiao Lie frowned and ordered the Crown Prince to be brought in. Soon, the Crown Prince entered the hall and knelt before Emperor Xiao Lie, speaking on behalf of his father, expressing remorse, and presenting a tribute list including 5,000 taels of gold and two carts of treasures as an offering to Emperor Xiao Lie to show his sincerity.
Emperor Xiao Lie toasted the Crown Prince and then ordered him to be temporarily housed in the inn. After the Crown Prince of Anle's son left, Emperor Xiao Lie asked his ministers how to deal with the gold and treasures.
Having served as officials until tonight and being able to dine with the emperor, except for a few stubborn ones, most of them were astute individuals. They had long seen that Emperor Xiao Lie had no intention of accepting this tribute.
Once accepted, it would undoubtedly indicate to the royal family that as long as one paid gold and treasures, the emperor could be lenient even for treason. Moreover, Emperor Xiao Lie had just ascended the throne, and he was unwilling to be labeled as greedy for wealth and profit because of these 5,000 taels of gold and two carts of treasures.
But if he directly refused, it might cause unrest and suspicion among a group of royals, including Prince Anle, who would think that Xiao Lie was unwilling to accommodate others.
The courtiers offered various suggestions, but none satisfied Xiao Lie.
Xiao Lie looked to Pei You'an, "What do you think, Lord Pei?"
All eyes turned to Pei You'an.
Pei You'an said, "Your Majesty may consider accepting it first, then use it as a pretext to reward the soldiers under Prince Anle's command."
The court was silent for a moment, then nearby officials like Duke Zhu and Marquis An nodded in agreement.
This was indeed a compromise, preserving the face of Prince Anle while using his funds to buy loyalty for the Emperor from Prince Anle's troops.
Xiao Lie, slightly intoxicated, struck the gold urn on the table with his chopsticks, producing a sonorous sound. He laughed heartily, "This method is excellent! Let's proceed as Lord Pei suggests! Lord Pei truly lives up to his reputation as a young prime minister, never disappointing me!"
Everyone looked at Pei You'an with admiration and envy.
"Father, there are a million refugees turned bandits in the Jingxiang area. If not subdued in time, they will become a serious threat to Great Wei in the future. Does Father have a plan to pacify them?" Crown Prince Xiao Yintang suddenly stood up respectfully and asked.
The problem of refugees included not only thieves and marauders but also many dispossessed farmers. The refugee problem had been ongoing since the establishment of the dynasty. Especially in the Jingxiang area, with its fertile land and strategic location at the junction of several provinces, it was difficult for the government to control the situation, especially during times of disaster or war. The displaced people would migrate to this area, forming a community. Moreover, this region was strategically important as it bordered the frontier where battles with the nomadic tribes occurred. Therefore, emperors of all dynasties had tried various methods to control these refugees, but often with little success. In the last year of Prince Shun'an's reign, there was even a massive uprising of refugees due to forced relocation, with nearly a million people gathering, almost equivalent to the number of troops under the Five Military Commanders' Office. The court was in a frenzy at that time.
During the Wuding uprising, Xiao Lie's victory was partly due to the chaos caused by the refugee rebellion.
The banquet hall quieted down once again.
As Xiao Lie contemplated, Crown Prince Xiao Yintang said, "I recommend a person who can surely assist Father in pacifying Jingxiang and bringing peace to the realm. I am willing to vouch for him with a military decree before Father!"
Xiao Lie asked, "Who do you recommend?"
"I won't avoid using relatives. The person I recommend is Zhou Jin, the Left Attendant of the Ministry of War," Crown Prince Xiao Yintang replied.
The officials turned their gaze to Zhou Jin.
Zhou Jin was the younger brother of Empress Zhou, an accomplished scholar, and a capable official known for his resolute actions. He had contributed during the Wuding uprising and currently held the position of a third-ranking official, considering himself a strict bureaucrat.
Zhou Jin stood up, knelt before Xiao Lie, and resolutely said, "Thank you for the Crown Prince's recommendation. I volunteer to serve and make a pledge here. If I fail to pacify the trouble within three months, I will resign from my position and return to farming in my hometown, allowing Great Wei to regain peace in Jingxiang."
Xiao Lie hesitated for a moment, then smiled, "Your loyalty is commendable! Since the Crown Prince has recommended you and you have shown such determination, why should I not believe you? I appoint you as the Military Governor, and you can set out in a few days."
Zhou Jin thanked the Emperor, and Crown Prince Xiao Yintang also thanked the Emperor before returning to his seat. Pouring himself a drink, Zhou Jin raised his glass and downed it in one gulp. As he looked across the table at Pei You'an, who sat diagonally opposite him, he saw Pei You'an's solemn expression as he finished his drink and squinted slightly.
The banquet was over, and it was already late in the evening. Xiao Lie, half-drunk, was supported back to the harem by Li Yuangui and Cui Yinshui. The courtiers stood up, congratulating Zhou Jin and wishing him success in his mission.
Xiao Yintang and Zhou Jin approached Pei You'an, smiling. "Lord Pei, Father has approved my uncle's expedition to suppress the rebellion in Jingxiang. Knowing your talent in strategy, do you have any advice to offer?"
Pei You'an stood up from his seat, facing Zhou Jin with a smile. "Your Highness, your words are too kind. I have only one piece of advice. The difference between 'suppress' and 'pacify' may seem small, but for the people, it's a matter of life and death. When dealing with the people and the rebels, consider their plight carefully."
Xiao Yintang nodded thoughtfully, smiling but saying nothing. Zhou Jin seemed unfazed and responded, "Thank you, Lord Pei, for your wise words. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the task entrusted by His Majesty. Three months from now, I will bring back good news to all of you!"
The courtiers echoed their agreement.
Pei You'an remained silent, glanced at the hourglass in the corner of the hall, bid farewell to his colleagues nearby, and left the palace. Riding his horse straight to the Pei residence, he threw the reins to the servant who greeted him at the gate and entered the house. As he walked closer, his steps slowed. When he reached the courtyard, the servants and maidservants greeted him as "Master." He hesitated for a moment, paused his steps, and asked, "Where is Madam?"
"Has my husband returned?" Jiafu had been in the room, but she had been listening for any movement outside, and she had faintly heard him return. She quickly put down her book and hurried out to greet him.
She seemed to have just finished bathing, her hair loosely tied up, adorned with jade hairpins, wearing a light-colored dress. She stood on the steps, looking at him with a sweet smile, her eyes shining under the lamplight in the corridor.
"A fragrant face partially reveals charm and allure, as the jade beauty emerges from her bath, newly adorned." Suddenly, this sentence popped into Pei You'an's mind.
Chapter - 48
By Tea Time Translations
---
Surprise update! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
Yu Zhu heard the maid outside calling out "Grandma" and quickly lifted the door curtain, hurrying to greet her. As she approached, she smiled at Jiafu and, leaning towards her, whispered softly, "I was just about to go to Grandma's to pass on a message when I saw you coming. Grandpa left early this morning, and when he came over, Grandma hadn't gotten up yet. He asked me to tell Grandma that he was busy with some official business last night in preparation for today's audience with the emperor, so he stayed in the study late. He also mentioned that you stayed up most of the night too. Grandma just sent me over to tell you to sleep in and not come over."
Though Yu Zhu was a young woman in her twenties, she understood human affairs. Jiafu felt guilty herself, seeing Yu Zhu's smile and wondering if she had guessed something. She couldn't help but imagine how solemn Pei You'an must have looked this morning while fabricating excuses, feeling embarrassed. She wondered how Madame Pei would react upon hearing his words. Nonetheless, despite being late, since he had already spoken, she forced herself to come in. Yu Zhu held the curtain for her and, entering, greeted Madame Pei, who was sitting at a small table by the kang. Mrs. Xin and Mrs. Meng were also present, with Mrs. Xin seeming a bit unwell and apparently in the midst of saying something. Upon Jiafu's entrance, she fell silent.
Jiafu greeted Madame Pei, bowed to Mrs. Xin, and finally to Mrs. Meng. Mrs. Meng warmly said, "Grandma just sent Yu Zhu over to your place, and here you are."
Feeling a warmth rising in her ears, Jiafu replied, "It's all my fault for getting up so late and delaying the hour. Please, Grandma and Mother-in-law, punish me. I won't do it again next time."
Mrs. Xin gave her a sharp glance.
Madame Pei smiled and said, "I'm old, and sometimes I'm too lazy to get up early and talk to you all. A few days ago, you had just gotten married, so I forced myself to get up early every day. Filial piety from the younger generation is most important, and it's better to come over less frequently but with genuine intentions than to show up every day with a forced heart. You'an is busy, he never rests before midnight, no matter what I say. Now that you're married, taking care of You'an is the greatest filial piety to me and your mother-in-law. Your mother-in-law should think the same way. And this advice isn't just for my daughter-in-law, but for both of you. You don't have to come over every day from now on, once every two or three days is enough. Go busy yourselves."
Mrs. Xin nodded along, expressing her gratitude along with Mrs. Meng. Madame Pei then sent Jiafu and her daughters-in-law away and told Mrs. Xin to stay.
After Mrs. Meng and Jiafu were escorted out by Yu Zhu, the servants in the courtyard all smiled and respectfully saw Jiafu off with repeated wishes of "safe travels, Grandma." Once outside the courtyard, Mrs. Meng affectionately took Jiafu's hand and walked with her, smiling teasingly, "You'an was so caring to his new wife last night, that I also benefited from it, not having to wake up early and stand by the old lady's side every morning. My niece-in-law is indeed fortunate."
Jiafu felt a mixture of embarrassment and resentment at her own late rising this morning. Pei You'an hadn't come, and she would've brushed it off, but his explicit mention of it had made things awkward. It seemed like everyone in the house knew what was going on. Her aunt, who was adept at manipulating situations, especially when she was in a good mood, would sweet-talk to those who were of no use to her. Though she wouldn't turn her face against them, her ambiguous remarks left people cold, a feeling Jiafu had experienced before. Feeling half embarrassed and half at a loss for words, she just bowed her head and remained silent.
After teasing Jiafu for a few more remarks, Mrs. Meng lowered her voice and said, "Did you run into Eldest Son just now? I don't want to criticize your mother-in-law, but she's too biased. It was one thing before, but now, if it weren't for You'an, our family's reputation would've been ruined by Eldest Son's past antics. I heard her complaining that You'an doesn't take care of his brothers. She even blamed him for not recommending Eldest Son to His Majesty earlier to suppress the rebellion. She's watching as someone else takes the credit."
When Xiao Lie entered the capital, Prince Taiyuan, relying on his old confidants, raised troops in Taiyuan, causing panic among the people of Shanxi. Xiao Lie asked Pei You'an who could suppress the rebellion, and Pei You'an recommended Zhang Zhengdao, who had served as the governor of Jinxi during the Tianxi reign, saying that he was skilled in military training and familiar with the military and civilian situation in the Jin and Shaan areas. A few years ago, when he was under the rule of Prince Shun'an, he was demoted to a regional general, feeling frustrated. This time, leading troops to Shanxi, he successfully quelled the rebellion. Upon returning to the capital, he was granted special permission not to dismount, and he walked along the imperial road to the palace gate, basking in glory.
Jiafu recalled Mrs. Xin's expression earlier and suddenly understood. She couldn't help but wonder why there was such a difference in treatment between sons born to her. After losing her father, the affection from her mother became precious. Although Pei You'an was a son, the profound affection children had for their parents was evident throughout history. Thinking back to everything he had experienced when he lost his father at the age of sixteen, she wondered what emotions he had harbored when he left the capital alone. What thoughts lingered in his heart? Jiafu suddenly felt a faint, inexplicable heartache.
"You don't know yet, do you? Second Brother is about to get married!" Mrs. Meng said again.
"It's not someone else; it's the daughter of some distant relative from your mother-in-law's side, surnamed Zhou, named Jiao'e. It seems she has some connection with the Empress's family. We never heard of her before, but now that His Majesty has entered the capital, with the Empress in the palace, people who were previously unreachable are trying their best to establish relationships," Mrs. Meng added, her expression showing disdain, but Jiafu understood clearly, her tone tinged with bitterness.
"I think Grandma doesn't want to agree to this marriage, but your mother-in-law insists. When Grandma kept her just now, she was probably discussing this matter," Mrs. Meng said as she insisted on personally escorting Jiafu back to her courtyard, speaking softly all the way to the courtyard gate. Finally, she leaned close and whispered, "Let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart, if this marriage really happens, although we hope for the best for Second Brother, if there's a second wife connected to the Empress's family, your position as the eldest sister-in-law might be overshadowed. Aunt feels sorry for you."
"If Second Brother's marriage brings happiness, it's not just your side of the family that will be pleased; our whole family will be happy. As for 'position,' where did I even have a position? Aunt, you're making fun of me. Let me escort Aunt back to her room," Jiafu replied calmly.
Mrs. Meng was slightly taken aback, glancing at Jiafu before quickly changing her tone and smiling, "You're right. I was too caught up in idle chatter and forgot to watch my steps. I'll go back by myself. You go inside."
Jiafu stood at the door, watching Mrs. Meng and the servants gradually walk away, then turned and went back into her room.
As she had speculated, Pei Xiuzhi's marriage would most likely happen. Although the old lady of the Pei family held the highest status, even she couldn't override Mrs. Xin's decision on her grandson's marriage. Moreover, considering Pei Xiuzhi's current situation, being able to arrange such a marriage would be seen as extremely prestigious in the eyes of outsiders. What right did the old lady have to interfere with her grandson's good fortune?
Jiafu's speculation was soon confirmed. In the evening, Yu Zhu came over and brought Jiafu two dishes. When no one else was around, she quietly informed Jiafu that she had overheard Mrs. Xin secretly crying earlier, saying something about the palm being flesh and the back of the hand also being flesh. Afterwards, Mrs. Xin came out with a faint hint of joy on her face. It seemed that the marriage would be finalized soon.
After Yu Zhu left, just before the end of the Shen hour, Pei You'an sent a servant back to inform Jiafu that His Majesty had unexpectedly added a midday court session, so he would be having dinner at the palace and told Jiafu not to wait for him.
Since ascending to the throne a few months ago, Emperor Xiao Lie not only held morning court sessions without fail every day but also frequently added midday court sessions. With such a diligent emperor, his subjects naturally had to accompany him with their lives.
After having her dinner, Jiafu took a fragrant bath in the dark, slowly drying her long hair. She picked up the book "Discourses and Dialogues" and read while waiting for Pei You'an to return.
.....
During the day, Emperor Xiao Lie convened the generals and soldiers who had returned to the capital after suppressing the rebellion, rewarding them according to their merits. Among them, Zhang Zhengdao was appointed as the General of Valiant Bravery of the third rank, bestowed with the position of Deputy Commander of the Central Military Command, and put in charge of commanding the Shenjiwei Camp. With one battle, he had turned his fortunes around, adorned with honors and titles. After the rewards were distributed, in the evening, a banquet was held in the palace to celebrate their achievements. Emperor Xiao Lie sat at the head table, accompanied by Crown Prince Xiao Yintang, Pei You'an, the nine ministers, and other officials who had contributed to suppressing the rebellion.
Halfway through the banquet, a commanding general entered and knelt to report that the Crown Prince of Anle had arrived in the capital to apologize on behalf of his father, hoping for forgiveness. He was currently waiting outside the palace for an audience.
At the beginning of Prince Taiyuan's uprising, the Crown Prince of Anle had some covert dealings, but when the rebellion began, he became afraid and withdrew. Now that Prince Taiyuan's rebellion had failed, although Emperor Xiao Lie had not pursued him, the Crown Prince of Anle couldn't live in peace in Jiangxi and sent his son to the capital to apologize on his behalf.
Emperor Xiao Lie frowned and ordered the Crown Prince to be brought in. Soon, the Crown Prince entered the hall and knelt before Emperor Xiao Lie, speaking on behalf of his father, expressing remorse, and presenting a tribute list including 5,000 taels of gold and two carts of treasures as an offering to Emperor Xiao Lie to show his sincerity.
Emperor Xiao Lie toasted the Crown Prince and then ordered him to be temporarily housed in the inn. After the Crown Prince of Anle's son left, Emperor Xiao Lie asked his ministers how to deal with the gold and treasures.
Having served as officials until tonight and being able to dine with the emperor, except for a few stubborn ones, most of them were astute individuals. They had long seen that Emperor Xiao Lie had no intention of accepting this tribute.
Once accepted, it would undoubtedly indicate to the royal family that as long as one paid gold and treasures, the emperor could be lenient even for treason. Moreover, Emperor Xiao Lie had just ascended the throne, and he was unwilling to be labeled as greedy for wealth and profit because of these 5,000 taels of gold and two carts of treasures.
But if he directly refused, it might cause unrest and suspicion among a group of royals, including Prince Anle, who would think that Xiao Lie was unwilling to accommodate others.
The courtiers offered various suggestions, but none satisfied Xiao Lie.
Xiao Lie looked to Pei You'an, "What do you think, Lord Pei?"
All eyes turned to Pei You'an.
Pei You'an said, "Your Majesty may consider accepting it first, then use it as a pretext to reward the soldiers under Prince Anle's command."
The court was silent for a moment, then nearby officials like Duke Zhu and Marquis An nodded in agreement.
This was indeed a compromise, preserving the face of Prince Anle while using his funds to buy loyalty for the Emperor from Prince Anle's troops.
Xiao Lie, slightly intoxicated, struck the gold urn on the table with his chopsticks, producing a sonorous sound. He laughed heartily, "This method is excellent! Let's proceed as Lord Pei suggests! Lord Pei truly lives up to his reputation as a young prime minister, never disappointing me!"
Everyone looked at Pei You'an with admiration and envy.
"Father, there are a million refugees turned bandits in the Jingxiang area. If not subdued in time, they will become a serious threat to Great Wei in the future. Does Father have a plan to pacify them?" Crown Prince Xiao Yintang suddenly stood up respectfully and asked.
The problem of refugees included not only thieves and marauders but also many dispossessed farmers. The refugee problem had been ongoing since the establishment of the dynasty. Especially in the Jingxiang area, with its fertile land and strategic location at the junction of several provinces, it was difficult for the government to control the situation, especially during times of disaster or war. The displaced people would migrate to this area, forming a community. Moreover, this region was strategically important as it bordered the frontier where battles with the nomadic tribes occurred. Therefore, emperors of all dynasties had tried various methods to control these refugees, but often with little success. In the last year of Prince Shun'an's reign, there was even a massive uprising of refugees due to forced relocation, with nearly a million people gathering, almost equivalent to the number of troops under the Five Military Commanders' Office. The court was in a frenzy at that time.
During the Wuding uprising, Xiao Lie's victory was partly due to the chaos caused by the refugee rebellion.
The banquet hall quieted down once again.
As Xiao Lie contemplated, Crown Prince Xiao Yintang said, "I recommend a person who can surely assist Father in pacifying Jingxiang and bringing peace to the realm. I am willing to vouch for him with a military decree before Father!"
Xiao Lie asked, "Who do you recommend?"
"I won't avoid using relatives. The person I recommend is Zhou Jin, the Left Attendant of the Ministry of War," Crown Prince Xiao Yintang replied.
The officials turned their gaze to Zhou Jin.
Zhou Jin was the younger brother of Empress Zhou, an accomplished scholar, and a capable official known for his resolute actions. He had contributed during the Wuding uprising and currently held the position of a third-ranking official, considering himself a strict bureaucrat.
Zhou Jin stood up, knelt before Xiao Lie, and resolutely said, "Thank you for the Crown Prince's recommendation. I volunteer to serve and make a pledge here. If I fail to pacify the trouble within three months, I will resign from my position and return to farming in my hometown, allowing Great Wei to regain peace in Jingxiang."
Xiao Lie hesitated for a moment, then smiled, "Your loyalty is commendable! Since the Crown Prince has recommended you and you have shown such determination, why should I not believe you? I appoint you as the Military Governor, and you can set out in a few days."
Zhou Jin thanked the Emperor, and Crown Prince Xiao Yintang also thanked the Emperor before returning to his seat. Pouring himself a drink, Zhou Jin raised his glass and downed it in one gulp. As he looked across the table at Pei You'an, who sat diagonally opposite him, he saw Pei You'an's solemn expression as he finished his drink and squinted slightly.
The banquet was over, and it was already late in the evening. Xiao Lie, half-drunk, was supported back to the harem by Li Yuangui and Cui Yinshui. The courtiers stood up, congratulating Zhou Jin and wishing him success in his mission.
Xiao Yintang and Zhou Jin approached Pei You'an, smiling. "Lord Pei, Father has approved my uncle's expedition to suppress the rebellion in Jingxiang. Knowing your talent in strategy, do you have any advice to offer?"
Pei You'an stood up from his seat, facing Zhou Jin with a smile. "Your Highness, your words are too kind. I have only one piece of advice. The difference between 'suppress' and 'pacify' may seem small, but for the people, it's a matter of life and death. When dealing with the people and the rebels, consider their plight carefully."
Xiao Yintang nodded thoughtfully, smiling but saying nothing. Zhou Jin seemed unfazed and responded, "Thank you, Lord Pei, for your wise words. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the task entrusted by His Majesty. Three months from now, I will bring back good news to all of you!"
The courtiers echoed their agreement.
Pei You'an remained silent, glanced at the hourglass in the corner of the hall, bid farewell to his colleagues nearby, and left the palace. Riding his horse straight to the Pei residence, he threw the reins to the servant who greeted him at the gate and entered the house. As he walked closer, his steps slowed. When he reached the courtyard, the servants and maidservants greeted him as "Master." He hesitated for a moment, paused his steps, and asked, "Where is Madam?"
"Has my husband returned?" Jiafu had been in the room, but she had been listening for any movement outside, and she had faintly heard him return. She quickly put down her book and hurried out to greet him.
She seemed to have just finished bathing, her hair loosely tied up, adorned with jade hairpins, wearing a light-colored dress. She stood on the steps, looking at him with a sweet smile, her eyes shining under the lamplight in the corridor.
"A fragrant face partially reveals charm and allure, as the jade beauty emerges from her bath, newly adorned." Suddenly, this sentence popped into Pei You'an's mind.
