Chapter 221
As the time approached for the city gates to close, the caravan finally arrived here. Liu Jingchen came over in person, and Lu Yi also brought news from the Pei family.
Since Pei Jin left, not long after, the emperor left as well. Afterwards, the Pei family began to vigorously search for Pei Jin, feeling a sense of resentment and humiliation.
Liu Jingchen didn’t expect them to actually escort their enemy out of the city. He couldn’t help but lean close to Lin Qingyang and ask, “Qingyang, was this your idea?”
Lin Qingyang innocently replied, “It was Chu Lishu’s idea.”
“He actually… willingly helped his own enemy?” Liu Jingchen exclaimed incredulously, finding it hard to believe that Chu Lishu would do such a thing.
Lin Qingyang chuckled nervously, “Well, we made a bet, and he lost, so he helped out.”
“What kind of bet?” Liu Jingchen asked curiously.
Lin Qingyang replied, “We just bet on whether Pei Jin would leave or not.” However, at that time, Chu Lishu bet that Pei Jin wouldn’t leave, and the wager was for Lin Qingyang to fulfill one of his requests.
At that moment, Lin Qingyang even wondered if Chu Lishu still wanted to continue with the hot spring matter, considering it was interrupted, he must have been frustrated. But for Lin Qingyang, it was fortunate that it was interrupted.
Otherwise… Lin Qingyang recalled his own state at the time, feeling like he might do something reckless. If he angered Chu Lishu, he’d probably get a beating.
Liu Jingchen chuckled, “Well, since it’s someone you’re escorting, I’ll make sure to inform the team leader and take care of it.”
“Thank you, Cousin.” Lin Qingyang smiled back.
Due to the intense search by the Pei family, she couldn’t simply travel openly with the caravan. She had to disguise herself, wearing straw hats and pretending to be a rough carriage driver. Lin Qingyang had worried that Pei Jin wouldn’t know how to drive this type of carriage, but to his surprise, she managed quite well. With her adept driving skills, the caravan members didn’t resist having this extra “little brother” around so much. As long as he could get the job done without being a spoiled young master, they were fine with it.
Pei Jin sat in the carriage, looking at Lin Qingyang. Lin Qingyang approached and said, “I wish you a smooth journey.”
Pei Jin looked deeply into Lin Qingyang’s eyes, her girlish thoughts no longer hidden. Lin Qingyang was taken aback by the look, and Chu Lishu noticed, walking directly over and standing by Lin Qingyang’s side.
Pei Jin noticed and chuckled before speaking, “Lin Qingyang, I don’t know if we’ll ever have the chance to meet again, but I’ll always remember you. You’re truly kind…”
Lin Qingyang’s expression shifted slightly, feeling somewhat awkward facing Pei Jin. Surely she wasn’t about to say…
“Too bad you’re a homosexual man,” Pei Jin remarked.
Lin Qingyang: …Was that necessary?
Suddenly, Pei Jin reached out and pinched Lin Qingyang’s cheek, catching him off guard. Chu Lishu immediately looked displeased and moved to intervene, but Pei Jin let go before he could, as if it were just a harmless pinch to vent frustration.
Pei Jin looked at Lin Qingyang with a resigned smile. In truth, she had long seen through it. Regardless of whether Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu were involved romantically, the atmosphere between them was already exclusive, as if their lives were intertwined. So, she had known from the start that she would be wounded by someone impossible. However, she didn’t regret that first flutter of the heart. Meeting someone so wonderful was her luck, and she would forever treasure that affection.
“I’m sorry for causing you trouble before. Thank you for saving me. Take care, and goodbye.”
Watching the caravan slowly depart, Lin Qingyang felt a sense of nostalgia. He hadn’t expected to really see Pei Jin off. With her departure, Pei Jin’s fate had changed, and another competitor for the male lead’s affection… Well, another one was gone. It hadn’t bothered him before, but now he couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty. After all, he had secretly harbored desires as well. There was an inexplicable sense of sneaking away a love rival.
“Did you really have to watch them until they disappeared? Reluctant to let go? Did you have more to say?”
A clearly displeased voice interrupted Lin Qingyang’s thoughts abruptly.
Lin Qingyang glanced at Chu Lishu and chuckled awkwardly, “I’m just expressing some emotions, that’s all.”
Chu Lishu glanced at Lin Qingyang and didn’t say much, knowing that it was a case of unrequited love.
He simply reached out and rubbed the spot on his cheek where Pei Jin had pinched him earlier, as if wiping it clean. Then, he pinched himself in the same spot.
Lin Qingyang: Seriously, what’s with this competitiveness?
Meanwhile, watching their bizarre behavior, Liu Jingchen couldn’t help but find it amusingly childish, as if he were observing animals wiping away the scent of their enemies and re-marking territory with their mates.
The three of them boarded the carriage and began their journey back. Along the way, they encountered inquiries from Pei’s people.
However, by then, Pei Jin had already fled to freedom, and these people probably wouldn’t be able to find her again.
The next day, rumors began to circulate within the palace and reached the ears of Concubine Pei and the Third Prince. They had just been released from house arrest and were trying to keep a low profile in the palace. However, they heard about the Emperor’s visit to the Pei residence the day before.
They went to the Pei residence, but didn’t inform them, which immediately made the two of them wary. Soon after, they heard news from the Pei residence that Pei Jin was missing, and Pei’s people were searching for her.
A person disappearing out of the blue like this was quite alarming, especially considering that it was unlikely for ordinary people to dare to directly kidnap the heir of the Pei family.
At this point, Concubine Pei and the Third Prince had not yet thought about the Pei family head’s plan to bring Pei Jin into the palace. In their view, even if there were plans for a niece and nephew to serve the same husband, Pei Qianyu would surely be the preferred choice.
But just then, the eunuch they had stationed in the Emperor’s bedchamber brought something that shocked them beyond measure.
“Why… would Pei Jin’s hairpin be left behind in Father Emperor’s chambers? Mother, this is…” the Third Prince exclaimed, visibly startled.
“Damn it! Those damn people from the main branch! They’re trying to use me to present women to the Emperor! They want to abandon us!” Concubine Pei clenched the hairpin in her hand, consumed by anger.
“Mother, are you suggesting that Pei Jin… with Father Emperor?” the Third Prince exclaimed, unable to believe his ears.
“It must have been yesterday. That little wench Pei Jin climbed onto the dragon bed, claiming that Pei Jin had disappeared. I suspect the Emperor has taken her under his wing, waiting for the right moment to prove her identity and bring her into the palace! We’ve underestimated them. We’re not dead yet! They’ve been scheming behind our backs all along,” Concubine Pei raged.
The Third Prince, now realizing the situation, was furious. Remembering that Pei Jin had escaped from his hands, he cursed, “That wretched Pei Jin! So this was her plan all along. Mother, we can’t let them succeed. Father Emperor already has grievances against us. If…”
“Even if it means breaking the net, they won’t make me weave their bridal dress!” Concubine Pei exclaimed angrily.
Concubine Pei immediately found an excuse to summon her brother from their side to the palace for discussion. Meanwhile, the Second Branch also received news that the family head had a son outside, so Pei Jin no longer needed to disguise herself as a man to inherit the Pei family. Naturally, she could enter the palace, relying on her understanding of the inner palace and her clever mind, coupled with her youth and beauty, it would be the easiest thing to captivate the Emperor.
Now the Second Branch understood that the First Branch intended to cultivate its own power in the palace, preparing to sever ties with them. This was far more serious than their usual conflicts; it was a declaration of war, a fight to the death.
The Second Branch wouldn’t sit idly by. Pei Jin not immediately entering the palace provided them with the perfect opportunity to counterattack. At this moment, other factions within the Pei family were surely watching. They had to demonstrate that even without the support of the First Branch, the positions of Concubine Pei and the Third Prince would remain unshaken.
With the First Branch still frantically searching for Pei Jin, their forces were suddenly attacked by the Second Branch. This amounted to a double loss, as they had also offended the emperor. Caught in this dilemma, they could only focus on self-preservation.
What followed was a chaotic internal battle within the Pei family, drawing in both martial world and official forces, even forcing Pei family members from distant places like Gusu to get involved.
Add to that Chu Lishu, lurking in the shadows with the Cheng family, and manipulating the situation through the Chen Lan Merchant Agency. Within a month, the Pei family rapidly deteriorated, losing much of its power and wealth. By the time they realized what was happening, the once prestigious family was in shambles. Just as the First Branch contemplated seeking reconciliation, a letter of denunciation was sent to the Ministry of Justice.
The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice hurried into the palace to inform the emperor, who was furious upon hearing the news. He immediately ordered the arrest of all members of the Pei family.
It was only then that the people of the capital realized the true extent of the Pei family’s involvement, linking them not only to last year’s notorious incident at the Chunxiang Building but also suggesting that the Pei family might be the true masterminds behind the scenes.
This dark industry, passed down through generations of the Pei family, was always handled with extreme caution. Whenever problems arose, they would immediately abandon it. Last time, they thought they had cleaned up the situation thoroughly, so they believed outsiders wouldn’t know about it. The most likely scenario was that someone from within wrote the report. Both sides believed the other was trying to kill them at any cost, which escalated the conflict further. Even if they were arrested, they would leverage their connections to shift the blame for the drug addiction onto the other side.
Initially, the Second Branch had the upper hand, but Concubine Pei and the Third Prince, knowing the emperor’s stance on addiction, were terrified and desperately tried to distance themselves from the situation, pretending to be completely ignorant. Naturally, they wouldn’t help the Second Branch suppress the First Branch. However, the First Branch still managed to outmaneuver them, pinning all the blame on the Second Branch.
The entire Second Branch was decimated, with those in charge sentenced to death and others sent into exile to the borderlands.
The First Branch, implicated in the scandal, was left with no vitality and could only barely preserve their lives as they retreated in disgrace.
At dawn, as the gates of the capital opened, a procession of dilapidated carriages began to depart, carrying people southward. Among them, half were ailing patients who had been mistreated, their fates uncertain as to whether they would survive to return home.
After enduring this period of turmoil, the head of the Pei family appeared haggard and gray-haired, but remained vigilant, fearing that the Cheng family might attempt to eradicate them completely. Knowing that the Third Prince and Concubine Pei were still in the palace, the Pei family head suspected that the Cheng family wouldn’t want them to make a comeback.
Therefore, the head of the Pei family arranged for their members to split up. Women, children, and the elderly were to depart first, while others stayed behind.
Madam Pei held her son tightly, her eyes red from crying, as she bid farewell to the head of the Pei family. There was a lingering sense of foreboding that this separation might be permanent. Watching his wife and child, the head of the Pei family couldn’t help but shed tears. Finally, he gently patted his son’s head and instructed them to take care, before watching them leave.
The following day, the remaining members of the Pei family set out on their journey. The head of the Pei family sat in a carriage with his brothers, the atmosphere inside heavy and stifling.
“There’s nothing left for us in Gusu. We’ve essentially been reduced to commoners now. How did we end up like this? Back then, to preserve our power, we even…”
“If only we had known that the Pei family was doomed under our control. We should have submitted to that person. Perhaps we would still have wealth and prosperity now, better than having nothing at all.”
“Is there any point in regretting now? Back then, which family would willingly give up their power to the commoners? Nobody wanted to be weakened, and our actions at the time were not wrong! Besides, the Third Prince might still make a comeback. Despite our fierce rivalry, they will eventually need the help of their maternal family.”
“Indeed, we can rise again from the ashes.”
“We are all old now. Do we still have the vigor and spirit to start over? Our sons are even more panicky when faced with problems than we are. They’re utterly useless.”
The head of the Pei family finally spoke up, “It’s alright. Once we return to Gusuand find Pei Jin, everything will be alright.”
“Yes… Pei Jin is a good child. She has the ability, she can definitely…”
Now, everyone in the carriage fell silent.
During this time, the one they cursed the most in their hearts wasn’t their enemies, but actually Pei Jin. They felt that it was because Pei Jin didn’t comply that the Pei family ended up in this situation.
But now they had to admit that if Pei Jin were here, the Pei family wouldn’t have fallen to this extent.
Losing Pei Jin meant losing the chance for the Pei family to dominate, and even losing the only possibility of inheriting the main branch.
The atmosphere of sorrow and regret continued to pervade. The rickety old carriage seemed to have stopped without anyone noticing.
It wasn’t until shouts came from the front carriage that the people inside the carriage were awakened. They hurriedly went out to investigate, only to hear the sounds of chaos.
When the head of the Pei family came to his senses, everyone around him was dead, and he himself was nearing the end. He struggled to lift his head from the ground and looked at the newcomer.
A handsome man dressed in white passed by the bodies, his clothes stained red with blood. He held a long spear and approached the head of the Pei family. After casting a glance, he seemed ready to leave.
The head of the Pei family had expected to see someone from the Cheng family, but he was surprised to find that it was actually a delicate study companion from the side of the Fourth Prince. Was he one of Prime Minister Li’s men? With the Pei family’s defeat, was there any reason for them to resort to such ruthless measures?
Originally, their impression of this person was mostly that of a strategist, a cunning and resourceful individual. However, he turned out to be a god of death, especially with the murderous intent in his eyes that seemed capable of materializing and strangling his targets.
“Why…” Was there some deep-seated enmity between them?
Chu Lishu didn’t say anything and just left. Lu Shi quickly followed suit.
The head of the Pei family cried out frantically, feeling his life slipping away. In this desolate wilderness, all that awaited him were wild beasts.
“Don’t go, save me! I don’t want to die here. Whatever you want, I’ll do my best to give it to you! Oh, and you can also negotiate with Concubine Pei and the Third Prince’s side, as long as…”
Lu Yi had to make sure that all the Pei family members were dead before leaving. Seeing the Pei family head like this, he sneered, “They will die sooner or later.”
The head of the Pei family looked at Lu Yi in disbelief, as if unwilling to accept his fate. It was only then that Lu Yi spoke, “Go ahead. The people you killed four years ago are waiting for you underground. The Crown Prince himself seeks revenge. You have nothing to complain about, do you?”
the head of the Pei family ‘s eyes widened in shock, almost bulging out of their sockets. With the last of his strength, he turned his head to look at the retreating figure in white. He could hardly believe it—was it him? Yuan Ran had returned, he hadn’t actually died?
So, the Pei family had come to this point… it was actually the Crown Prince’s revenge. Indeed… it was retribution.
The head of the Pei family was too weak to argue or reflect. He only worried about whether his family members who had left earlier could safely reach Gusu. Perhaps they were already dead, waiting for him underground. As his vision gradually darkened, he asked in a pleading tone, “The ones who left yesterday…”
Lu Yi replied, “Our master is different from you. He still has humanity.”
Humanity… it meant that innocent people could be spared, but the Pei family was completely finished.
Once again, Chu Lishu returned, exhausted and reeking of blood. Even though there were no visible traces on his body, Lin Qingyang knew what he had done.
In his mind, the mission prompt indicated completion. His points had increased to 1550, and the plot progress had reached 80%. Another step of Chu Lishu’s revenge was accomplished.
Afterward, Chu Lishu did not take action against Concubine Pei and the Third Prince, not because he had become merciful, but because there was someone else who wanted to deal with them more than he did. Chu Lishu simply watched them fight as if he were watching a play.
Half a month later, Crown Princess Jing Rouyin brought the news of her pregnancy, but the Third Prince attempted to do something inappropriate to her on one night. The Crown Princess resisted desperately, and although she escaped harm, it ultimately led to a miscarriage.
It was a grave offense, but the Emperor passed a lenient judgment, only imprisoning the Third Prince in the imperial tomb.
Perhaps if it hadn’t threatened the interests of the imperial authority like the Eldest Prince did, the Emperor wouldn’t have been so harsh on his own son.
Yuan Ye was quite discontented with this situation, so he found various ways to torment the imprisoned Third Prince, driving him close to madness. The Third Prince became paranoid, fearing someone would try to kill him every day.
Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang accompanied the Fourth Prince to visit the Third Prince once. Lin Qingyang, observing the Third Prince’s condition, felt that he was already mentally unstable. He wondered how long the Third Prince could survive under Yuan Ye’s torment.
As for Concubine Pei, her confidant had been bought off by someone. They were supposed to reveal the truth about framing Imperial Concubine Huang in the witchcraft doll incident, but Chu Lishu arranged for them to be assassinated to protect the Ministry of Rites. Cheng Shi couldn’t use this tactic anymore, so she had to come up with an alternative plan.
This time, Concubine Pei was caught in bed with someone, without the presence of the Pei family. Framing Concubine Pei was a simple matter, without even the chance for rebuttal. She was discovered and, consumed by guilt, committed suicide.
With this, the faction of the Third Prince was completely eradicated.
Soon after, news came from the caravan that Pei Jin went directly with them to their final destination, the Western Moon Kingdom. Pei Jin stayed in the Western Moon Kingdom to start her business, and once she had settled in, the caravan departed.
Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but wonder how Pei Jin would react if she knew about the situation here.
Chu Lishu, however, told him that when Pei Jin handed him the hairpin initially, it proved she wouldn’t meddle in the affairs of the Pei family anymore. She stayed in the Western Moon Kingdom to force herself not to interfere. As long as she didn’t actively investigate the Pei family’s situation, she would never know what happened to them.
In December, Lin Qingyang received a letter from Xinyue.
Unexpectedly, Lin Qingyang found news about Pei Jin in the letter.
Because Xinyue liked things from the Great Zhou Dynasty, the two inadvertently became acquainted. Pei Jin had helped Xinyue and Tagan evade the country’s plots and schemes multiple times, given her expertise in such matters. After gaining trust, they realized they knew the same people, and thus, an odd friendship formed. Reading Xinyue’s letter, it seemed as if they had become some sort of allies.
Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but smile as he read. At the end of the letter, Xinyue expressed deep sadness, stating that she had wanted to join the festivities of the Longevity Festival in the Great Zhou Dynasty with the envoys, but their country’s crown prince insisted on coming personally, so she and Tagan couldn’t make it.
Regarding the crown prince of the Western Moon Kingdom, did he make an appearance in the original plot of the Longevity Festival, or was he just part of the background? Lin Qingyang was about to discuss this seemingly useless prince mentioned by Xinyue with Chu Lishu when he noticed Chu Lishu’s serious expression as he read Tagan’s letter.
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