Volume 1, Chapter 19: A Warning to Shen Zhi
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Shen Zhi’s eyes suddenly recoiled, disbelief etched across her face. “Why?”
“Because he bears an inconspicuous black plum blossom mark—a pattern only the most capable assassins of the royal family possess.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhi furrowed her brow, deep in thought. “If that’s the case, then it means he approached us deliberately, to help us secure victory. But what is his purpose in doing so?”
Pei Jing, moved by her analysis, took out a sheet of paper. “Use this to prepare ink for me.”
Shen Zhi nodded obediently and walked over to his side.
[Beep! Beep!]
[Character Affection: 7%.]
[Distance to Pei Jing’s Heart: 20%.]
Hearing this, Shen Zhi felt a shiver run through her body. Was this truly Pei Jing opening his heart to her? It meant he was gradually beginning to trust her—a promising prospect.
Pei Jing wrote on the paper, outlining the current trends in the Kingdom of Xuan Yue. His fingers, with clearly defined knuckles, tapped on names: “The emperor has five sons—eldest Prince Pei Huai, sixth Prince Pei Zhe, myself, the ninth, and the fifteenth prince. However, the ninth and fifteenth are still young. If the emperor were to choose an heir, it certainly wouldn’t be the ninth or fifteenth.”
That left only Pei Jing, Pei Zhe, and Pei Huai. Judging by the emperor’s attitude, the crown prince title would likely go to Pei Huai.
“Although Sixth Prince Pei Zhe has outstanding abilities, his legs are weak. I fear he cannot shoulder heavy responsibilities,” Shen Zhi’s frown deepened. “But I recall that Sixth Prince was once healed. And why was it that the emperor suddenly granted you the title of prince? If it were based on merits in the Sanping Beiliang campaign, the rewards should have been given earlier. Why is it that...”
Why were two princes bestowed their titles at the archery field?
Seeing Shen Zhi perplexed, Pei Jing suddenly laughed, his face softening like melting ice touched by spring’s caress, a tender warmth blossoming in an instant. He lowered his head, a smile playing on his lips: “Shen Zhi, tell me—do you think Sixth Prince Pei Zhe’s leg injuries are natural, or were they inflicted?”
In her previous life, she paid little heed to the court’s undercurrents, assuming the eldest son would inherit. Pei Huai was indeed excellent, and by comparison, the limping Sixth Prince and the temperamental Seventh Prince naturally paled beside him.
“That would be... man-made?” Shen Zhi looked at him with resolute eyes.
Pei Jing did not directly answer but pointed to another name. “In terms of political power, empathy for the people, governance, and wisdom, the true exemplary one is the ninth prince, Pei Shang. In his youth, Pei Shang relied on his capabilities to win the emperor’s favor.”
Pei Jing’s gaze lingered on her, emotions unfathomable, a hint of lament in his voice. “Unfortunately, three years ago, Pei Shang fell into water. Thinking about his inability to govern pains me greatly. He can no longer participate in court affairs. The opportunities meant for the ninth prince have vanished.”
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The night wind was chilly. Shen Zhi, wrapped in a fox fur, could not stop shivering.
“Sixth Prince Pei Zhe’s legs are crippled, and the ninth has lost her chance.”
Pei Jing’s words exploded in her mind like a timed bomb.
Those who obstructed Pei Huai’s path were eliminated one by one. The intelligent Ninth Princess was struck by an ailment that barred her from politics—yet what illness could explain such a fate? The only plausible explanation was that the Ninth Princess faced a threat and willingly withdrew.
Sixth Prince, competent in governance, ended up crippled. Anyone who showed promise was ruthlessly harmed by others.
Then, who would be next?
Pei Jing!
Shen Zhi’s heart jolted. The fox fur slipped from her shoulders, the wind howling against her face with a sharp whistle.
So, Pei Jing’s words today were not an opening of his heart but a warning. He saw through her intentions, recognized her desire for that position, and used the fates of Sixth Prince and Ninth Princess to tell her not to meddle.
Shen Zhi’s gaze sharpened. How could she retreat or stay uninvolved?
The emperor feared the Shen family’s military strength and thus granted Pei Jing the title of prince, using the empress’s influence to strike against both her and Pei Jing—and beyond them, the Shen family itself.
Shen Zhi retrieved the fox fur from the ground, wrapped it around herself, and turned back. No matter Pei Jing’s warnings, she would not heed them.
...
The next day, Shen Zhi awoke with a splitting headache as if her mind might burst. Rubbing her brow, she got out of bed. Ming Zhi knelt beside her holding wash water. “Miss, the Empress Dowager has sent a swift message for you and the prince to come to the palace. The prince is already waiting.”
Crowned just yesterday, now summoned by the Empress Dowager—the Empress Dowager truly had only Pei Huai as her grandson.
Shen Zhi quickly washed up. After Ming Zhi helped her dress, she went to find Pei Jing.
Pei Jing sat inside the carriage, waiting.
She stepped up, hesitated for a moment, then chose to sit beside him.
The two sat in silence.
The carriage jolted along the road, and Shen Zhi’s impatience surfaced. “Pei Jing, what do you think the Empress Dowager wants with us?”
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“What do you think? Aren’t you clever? Can’t you imagine?”
Shen Zhi was speechless.
Suddenly, she felt as if this man had multiple personalities—sometimes kind, sometimes scolding, protective in public, whispering gentle advice in private.
Was he schizophrenic?
Crazy.
She silently grumbled inwardly but wore a defiant expression. Pei Jing noticed her lips moving with barely concealed irritation and teased, “What? Cursing me in your head?”
Oh, he guessed right.
Shen Zhi replied, “No, I dare not. I was just wondering—could this be the Empress Dowager’s way of warning us?”
“Of course, otherwise, would she invite you for tea and a heart-to-heart chat?”
“...”
That made sense.
Shen Zhi wisely closed her mouth and fell silent.
The carriage stopped just outside the palace. Pei Jing disembarked first and extended his hand. Shen Zhi took it, and together they entered.
Inside, beneath carved beams and painted rafters, tasselled lanterns hung. White porcelain walls bore carvings of dragons and phoenixes symbolizing harmony and prosperity—every detail spoke of grandeur and nobility.
They reached the Empress Dowager’s palace and respectfully bowed. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
The Empress Dowager wore a golden palace robe of shimmering satin, its hem adorned with glazed beads. Her slender fingers bore cold jade armor inlaid with emerald and ruby gems.
She sat with regal composure, her sharp gaze radiating silent pressure.
Pei Jing remained composed. “May I ask the reason for the Empress Dowager’s summons?”
“Bring seats for Lord Qi and the princess consort!”