Wish You All the Best - Chapter 48

Chapter 48

When Yuzhu heard the matron outside call out "Eldest Mistress," she hurriedly lifted the door curtain and stepped out to welcome her from afar. Upon reaching her, she smiled and greeted Jiafu, then leaned in close as she walked beside her toward the inner room, whispering with a grin: "I was just about to go and pass a word to you, Eldest Mistress, but who would have thought you would come so soon. The Master left early this morning. When he came over earlier, the Old Madam hadn't risen yet, so he told me to tell her that because he stayed late in the study last night preparing for his audience with the Emperor today, he ended up tiring you out for half the night, and that he would be coming over later. The Old Madam just sent me to find you and tell you to sleep in a bit longer, and that there was no need to come."

Although Yuzhu was still an unmarried girl, at twenty-some years of age, she understood certain worldly matters. Jiafu felt guilty; seeing Yuzhu’s beaming face, she suspected the maid had guessed something. She couldn't help but imagine Pei You’an’s straight-faced, nonsensical lies from this morning, feeling a wave of embarrassment. She wondered what the Old Madam would think. But since she was already late and he had already said his piece, she suppressed her bashfulness and went inside. Yuzhu lifted the curtain for her. Upon entering, she saw the Old Madam sitting by a small kang table. Madam Xin and Second Madam Meng were both present. Madam Xin’s expression was not very good, as if she were in the middle of saying something; she stopped speaking the moment Jiafu walked in.

Jiafu greeted the Old Madam, bowed to Madam Xin, and finally to Second Madam Meng. Second Madam Meng said warmly, "Just now, the Old Madam was sending Yuzhu to your place, and here you are already."

Jiafu’s earlobes turned hot. "It is entirely my fault for waking so late and delaying the hour. I ask Grandmother and Mother to punish me. It will never happen again."

Madam Xin shot her a look.

The Old Madam laughed, "I am old, and sometimes I am lazy to rise early to speak with you all. The past few days were because you had just married, which is why I forced myself to rise early every day. When it comes to filial piety, the heart is what matters most. Coming less often is better than showing your face every day while harboring resentment in your heart. You’an is busy; he never rests before the third watch, and my words don't carry any weight with him either. Now that he has taken a wife and settled down, you taking good care of You’an is the greatest act of filial piety toward your grandmother and your mother. Your mother here likely thinks the same. Furthermore, this is not just for my granddaughter-in-law; it goes for both of you—you don't need to come over every day from now on. Once every two or three days is enough. Go and busy yourselves with your own affairs."

Madam Xin smiled and agreed, and together with Second Madam Meng, she thanked the Old Madam.

The Old Madam said, "Hearing about the Daoist nun Chi yesterday, I have been quite concerned. I remember that child used to be called Muniang, right? The Chi family was full of integrity, and this child is the same; it makes one respect them. I have nothing to do tomorrow. If you are free, come with me to the White Crane Temple for a ritual, and we can visit that child while we are at it."

Madam Xin and Second Madam Meng agreed, saying, "We will send people over as soon as we return to make preparations."

The Old Madam nodded, then dismissed Jiafu and the Second Madam first, saying to Madam Xin, "You stay behind for a moment."

Second Madam Meng and Jiafu were seen out by Yuzhu. The servants and maids in the courtyard all smiled respectfully at Jiafu, with a chorus of "Have a good walk, Eldest Mistress" echoing in succession. Once outside the courtyard, the Second Madam intimately took Jiafu’s hand, walking with her and teasing her with a smile: "It is thanks to You’an doting on his new bride all night that I get to share in the glory; from now on, I won't have to get up early to stand against the walls here at the Old Madam’s place. My niece truly has good fortune."

The trickery of her sleeping late this morning—if Pei You’an hadn't come to explain, it would have been fine, but by going out of his way to say it, he had done more harm than good, making everyone in the house tacitly aware. Her aunt, the mistress, was a master at turning with the wind; when things were going well, she was sweeter than honey, but toward those she deemed useless—while she wouldn't necessarily turn on them—she could be cold and biting in a way that made one shudder. Jiafu had experienced this before. Half-embarrassed and having nothing to say to her, Jiafu didn't respond, simply lowering her head in silence.

After teasing her a few more times, Second Madam Meng lowered her voice even further: "The Second Master just went out earlier; you didn't bump into him, did you? Your mother-in-law—it’s not that I want to speak ill of her, but she is too biased. Before, it was one thing, but if it weren't for You’an now, given how the Second Master was acting before, I fear our Ducal Mansion's reputation would have been ruined. I heard hints in her words that she actually blames You’an for not looking after his brother, for not recommending the Second Master to the Emperor to quell the rebellion earlier, and now watching as someone else takes the merit."

After Xiao Lie entered the capital, the Prince of Taiyuan, within the royal family, gathered several of Prince Shun’an’s former confidants to raise an army in Taiyuan. The rebel force reached tens of thousands, creating a massive momentum and leaving the people of Shanxi in a panic. When Xiao Lie asked Pei You’an who could quell the rebellion, Pei You’an recommended Zhang Zhengdao, who had served as the Governor of Jinxi during the Tianxi reign. He noted that this man was skilled in training troops and was familiar with the local military situation and the sentiment of the people in the Jin-Shaanxi region. In the last few years under Prince Shun’an, this man had been demoted to a local regional commander and had been living in frustration. This time, leading troops into Shanxi, he indeed successfully quelled the rebellion. Returning to the capital the day before yesterday to report, he was granted special permission to ride his horse all the way to the palace gates, an immensely glorious sight.

Jiafu remembered Madam Xin’s expression when she had entered earlier and suddenly understood. She was also confused—since both were her sons, why treat them so differently?

After losing her own father, the care received from a mother seemed all the more precious. Although Pei You’an was a man, the deep devotion of children toward their parents remained the same throughout the ages. Thinking of everything he had endured after losing his father at sixteen, she wondered what kind of emotions he carried when he left the capital alone, and what was truly on his mind?

Jiafu suddenly felt a faint, inexplicable heartache.

"You might not know yet, but the Second Master is getting married soon!"

Second Madam Meng added.

"It is not someone else, but the daughter of a distant relative of your mother-in-law’s family, surnamed Zhou, named Jiao’e. She seems to have some family connection to the Empress’s household. I hadn't heard her mention it before, but now that the Emperor has entered the capital and the Empress is in the central palace, people who previously had no connection are all racking their brains to climb up and forge one."

Madam Meng curled her lip, her face filled with disdain, but Jiafu heard clearly that her tone was sour.

"I suspect the Old Madam doesn't want this marriage, but your mother-in-law insists. The Old Madam keeping her behind just now must be to discuss this very matter."

Second Madam Meng insisted on personally escorting Jiafu back to her courtyard, chatting in a low, gentle voice all the way to the gate. Finally, she leaned in to whisper: "Auntie is telling you this from the bottom of her heart. We naturally hope this marriage succeeds, and we wish the Second Master well, but if a Second Mistress who is related to the Empress really comes into this family, you, as the elder sister-in-law, might find your spotlight dimmed. Auntie feels for you."

Jiafu said, "If the Second Brother has good fortune, not just you, Aunt, but our whole family will be happy. As for the 'spotlight,' where would I have any spotlight? You are teasing me, Aunt. I have arrived; let me see you back to your room."

The Second Madam was slightly taken aback, looked at Jiafu, then changed her tone with a smile: "That is true. Look at me; I was just chatting and didn't even watch the road. I will go back myself; you go on in."

Jiafu stood at the gate, watching the Second Madam and her entourage slowly depart, then turned and returned to her room.

Based on her deductions, Pei Xiuzhi’s marriage would, in all likelihood, succeed.

Although the Old Madam held the highest status in the Pei family, there was no reason for her to forcefully overrule Madam Xin on a grandson’s marriage. Furthermore, given Pei Xiuzhi’s current situation, being able to contract such a marriage was, at least in the eyes of outsiders, of the highest order. On what grounds would the Old Madam block a grandson’s good fortune?

Jiafu’s deduction was soon confirmed. In the evening, Yuzhu came over to deliver two dishes. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, she quietly mentioned that in the morning, while outside, she had vaguely heard Madam Xin tearfully lamenting that "the palm and the back of the hand are both flesh." Afterward, Madam Xin emerged with a look of joy not seen in many days. It seemed the marriage would soon be finalized.

Yuzhu paused for a moment, then left.

At the end of the Hour of the Monkey (around 5:00 PM), Pei You’an had sent a servant back to inform them that the Emperor had unexpectedly called for an afternoon court session and that he would also be dining in the palace, telling Jiafu not to wait for him.

Since Xiao Lie ascended the throne a few months ago, not only did he hold morning court without fail, but he frequently added afternoon sessions. When saddled with such a hardworking Emperor, as an official, one could only accompany him at the cost of one's life.

Jiafu ate her meal, and after dark, she took a fragrant bath. Slowly drying her long hair, she picked up the Lunheng and began to read, waiting for Pei You’an’s return.

...

During the day, Xiao Lie summoned the military officers who had returned to the capital after distinguishing themselves in the rebellion. They were rewarded according to their merits; among them, Zhang Zhengdao was granted the rank of General of Manifest Valor of the Third Rank and was appointed Assistant Commander of the Central Military Governor’s Office, to lead the Divine Strategy Guards camp—a turnaround in one battle, adorned in red and purple robes. After the rewards, a celebratory banquet was held in the palace in the evening. Xiao Lie sat in the center, with Crown Prince Xiao Yintang and Pei You’an below him, along with the nine ministers, the hundred officials, and the meritorious officers who had quelled the rebellion.

Halfway through the banquet, a Great General entered and knelt to report that the Heir Apparent of the Prince of Anle had arrived in the capital on behalf of his father to admit guilt and seek leniency; he was now outside the palace, waiting for an audience.

At the beginning of the Prince of Taiyuan’s uprising, the Prince of Anle had maintained secret contact, but when the rebellion began, he grew fearful and withdrew. Now that the Prince of Taiyuan had failed, Xiao Lie did not pursue him, but the Prince of Anle was living in constant fear in Jiangxi, sending his heir to the capital to beg for forgiveness on his behalf.

Xiao Lie frowned and ordered the Heir to be brought in. Soon, the Heir entered the hall, knelt before Xiao Lie, and stated his father's case, expressing deep pain and regret. Finally, he presented a list of tributes, listing five thousand taels of gold and two carriages of treasures, hoping to present them to Xiao Lie to show his upright heart.

Xiao Lie granted the Heir wine and then ordered him to be settled in the guest house. After the Heir of the Prince of Anle left, Xiao Lie asked the officials how to handle this batch of gold and treasures.

Having reached such a high office that one could dine at the same table and share the same meat as the Emperor, aside from a few dim-witted ones, everyone present was shrewd. They had long realized that Xiao Lie had no intention of accepting this tribute.

Once accepted, it would undoubtedly show the clansmen that even if one committed treason, as long as one paid gold and treasures, the Emperor would be accommodating. Moreover, Xiao Lie had just ascended the throne and was even less willing to be labeled greedy for wealth and profit over five thousand taels of gold and two carriages of treasures.

But if he refused directly, it might stir anxiety and suspicion among the clan members, including the Prince of Anle, leading them to think that Xiao Lie would not tolerate others.

The officials offered advice and strategies, but none of them satisfied Xiao Lie.

Xiao Lie looked at Pei You’an: "What does Minister Pei think I should do?"

The eyes of the entire hall turned toward Pei You’an.

Pei You’an said: "The Emperor may as well accept it first, then, in the name of rewarding the troops, bestow it upon the soldiers under the Prince of Anle’s command."

The hall fell silent, and then the Duke of Zhu, the Marquis of Anyuan, and others nearby nodded one after another.

This was indeed a perfect solution that preserved the Prince of Anle’s face while using his money to win hearts for the Emperor among the Prince’s own subordinates.

Xiao Lie, already slightly tipsy, struck the golden vessel before him with his chopsticks, producing a resounding ring. He laughed heartily: "This method is excellent! Proceed accordingly! Minister Pei truly lives up to the reputation of a young Prime Minister; you never fail to disappoint me!"

Everyone looked at Pei You’an, their eyes filled with envy.

"Father, the million refugees in the Jingxiang region have already become bandits. If not quelled in time, they will surely become a thorn in the side of our Great Wei. I wonder if Father has decided on a strategy to pacify them?"

Xiao Yintang suddenly rose and asked respectfully.

The composition of the refugees, aside from thieves and disorderly soldiers, consisted mostly of farmers who had lost their land. The scourge of refugees had been endless since the founding of the dynasty. Especially in the Jingxiang region, where the land was fertile and located at the intersection of several provinces, the mountains were high and the forests dense, making it difficult for the government to exert its influence. Whenever a disaster year or war occurred, the people who could not pay rent or had lost their land would move here and form a community of their own. Yet, this place happened to be at the forefront of the wars with the Hu people, and its strategic position was extremely important. Therefore, successive emperors had tried every means to firmly control these refugees, but the results were often half the effort for double the return. In the last year of Prince Shun’an’s reign, due to forced migration, a riot broke out, with the number of gathered people reaching as high as a million, nearly equal to the number of soldiers under the Court’s Five Armies Governor's Office, leaving the imperial court in utter chaos.

When Wuding started the uprising, the chaos of the refugees was one of the factors that helped Xiao Lie win.

The banquet hall went quiet again.

As Xiao Lie pondered, Xiao Yintang said: "Your son recommends someone who will surely be able to help Father pacify Jingxiang and stabilize the world. Your son is willing to write a military order for him before Father!"

Xiao Lie said: "Who do you recommend?"

"When employing people, one should not avoid one's own kin. The person I recommend is the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Zhou Jin."

The ministers looked one after another toward Zhou Jin.

Zhou Jin was Empress Zhou’s younger brother, a jinshi by background, quite capable, and decisive in action. He had rendered meritorious service during the Wuding uprising and now held the third rank, considering himself an official of integrity.

Zhou Jin rose, knelt before Xiao Lie, and said with solemnity: "Thanks to the Crown Prince’s recommendation, I will make a self-recommendation. Here, I write a military order before the Emperor: if I cannot quell the catastrophe within three months and return a tranquil Jingxiang to our Great Wei, I will resign from office and return home to farm!"

Xiao Lie hesitated for a moment, then laughed: "Your loyalty is commendable, very good! Since the Crown Prince recommends you, and you have made such a statement, why should I not believe you? I appoint you as Governor of Military Affairs; you may depart within these two days."

Zhou Jin kowtowed to thank the Emperor for his grace, and Xiao Yintang also thanked the Emperor and sat back down, pouring himself a drink. His eyes cast two glances toward Pei You’an, who was sitting obliquely opposite him. Seeing him sitting upright with a grave expression, drinking his wine in one gulp, the Prince narrowed his eyes slightly.

When the banquet ended, it was already the middle of the Hour of the Dog (around 8:00 PM). Xiao Lie was half-drunk and was supported back to the inner palace by Li Yuangui and Cui Yinshui. The officials rose, congratulating Zhou Jin one after another, wishing him a successful mission.

Xiao Yintang and Zhou Jin came to Pei You’an. Xiao Yintang smiled: "You’an, Father has approved my uncle to go out and quell the rebellion of the Jingxiang refugees. Uncle knows you are always resourceful and talented; if you have any brilliant ideas, I hope you will not hesitate to share them."

Pei You’an rose from his seat, turned to the smiling Zhou Jin, and said: "Your Highness’s words are too kind. I have no brilliant ideas, only one word of advice. Between quelling and pacifying, between the people and the thieves, there is only a hair's breadth of difference, yet for the people, it concerns the grand plan of life and death. If the people are harassed, they will inevitably be distressed; if the people are distressed, chaos will arise. I hope Minister Zhou will deliberate on this when taking action in the future."

Xiao Yintang’s eyes flickered, but he remained silent with a smile. Zhou Jin was clearly even less concerned, saying only: "Many thanks for Minister Pei’s words. I have given my heart and liver for the Emperor and, having been trusted by the Emperor, I will naturally do my utmost. In three months, all gentlemen present, just wait for my report of victory!"

The ministers echoed him one after another.

Pei You’an remained silent. He glanced at the water clock placed in the corner of the hall, bid farewell to his colleagues nearby, turned and left. Leaving the palace, he rode his horse straight back to the Pei Mansion. Upon reaching the gate, he threw the horse whip to the servant who came to greet him and walked inside. The closer he got, the slower his pace became. By the time he crossed the courtyard gate and walked down the steps of the corridor, a group of servants and maids welcomed him, calling him Master. He hesitated, stopped in his tracks, and said, "Where is the Eldest Mistress—"

"Husband, you have returned?"

Jiafu had been in the room, ears pricked up, listening for movement outside. Hearing the faint sound of his return, she hurriedly abandoned her book and dashed out to welcome him.

She was clearly fresh from the bath, her hair styled in a simple, delicate bun with a jade hairpin inserted at an angle, wearing a green gauze skirt over a jacket. She was charming and moving. As she stood on the steps looking at him, a sweet smile on her face, her eyes sparkled with brilliance under the light of the corridor.

"Fragrant face half-opened, charming and delicate; the jade beauty emerges from the bath, newly washed."

This line suddenly popped into Pei You’an’s mind.