Chapter 111: Black-boned Chicken

Bao Ning scrambled to fish the noodles out, but the water had boiled down to a shallow layer. The once distinct strands had turned into a doughy lump, and the bottom was scorched black.

“What should we do?” Bao Ning asked.

“It’s not fit for humans anymore.” Pei Yuan frowned as he inspected the mess. “Feed it to the dogs.”

Bao Ning hesitated. “Is that… alright?”

“It’s fine,” Pei Yuan said. “It won’t go to waste.”

He stepped outside and let out a whistle. Ah-Huang and Jixiang both came running. Pei Yuan tossed the bowl onto the ground, then returned to the room to change clothes with Bao Ning before heading to the courtyard where Emperor Zhou was staying.

After such a farce, Emperor Zhou no longer had the heart to head to the traveling palace. He decided to return to the capital tomorrow and rest at the manor for the night.

This was Bao Ning’s first time witnessing the full grandeur of the Emperor.

The room was filled with the mellow, lingering scent of Ambergris. A long line of young, beautiful palace maids stood like a dragon, stretching from the dining table all the way out the door, heads bowed in silence. The tableware on the table was solid silver, carved with dragons and phoenixes; even the chopsticks were exquisitely crafted.

Emperor Zhou was reading on a soft couch. Two maids in green were massaging his legs, another was kneading his shoulders, and a small eunuch was grinding ink.

Looking at this scene, Bao Ning’s first thought was that there were many people—and her second was that there were too many women.

She glanced at Pei Yuan. The two of them bowed in greeting. Emperor Zhou put down his book and said gently, “You may rise.”

As soon as the Son of Heaven spoke, Jiang Yan shouted at the top of his lungs, “Serve the meal!”

Emperor Zhou signaled for them to take their seats. Bao Ning sat down nervously, her every move strictly following etiquette for fear of making a mistake. She disliked such occasions; eating should be relaxing and casual, so why was it so stiff? Being one of Emperor Zhou’s concubines must be miserable—having to act like a perfect, flawless wooden puppet. But everyone chokes or gags sometimes while eating; did those concubines dare to burp in front of the Emperor?

Then Bao Ning wondered: Does Emperor Zhou burp? He had to maintain his majesty and superiority at all times; such vulgar acts would surely damage his pride. So, did he just… not do it? When he caught a cold, did his nose run? If he ate something bad, did his stomach ache?

Oh, right—the Imperial Kitchen’s food wouldn’t cause a stomach ache. If the Emperor fell ill, the chef’s entire family would suffer.

While Bao Ning’s mind wandered, she maintained a gentle, quiet posture on the outside. But Pei Yuan knew her well; one look told him she wasn’t thinking about anything “proper.” He squeezed her hand under the table. Bao Ning snapped back to reality instantly. She glanced at Emperor Zhou and, seeing he hadn’t spoken, realized she hadn’t missed anything. She breathed a sigh of relief.

She straightened her back and glanced at Pei Yuan, remembering that he, too, was once a Prince living like this.

They had lived like an ordinary couple for so long that she had almost forgotten his prestigious status. Once they returned to the capital, could their simple, happy days continue?

Jiang Yan arranged for the servants to bring the dishes. Bao Ning finally understood why the maids stood in a line; the dishes were passed from person to person, much like the “passing the flower” game she played with her sisters as a child. This method was silent and swift. Before long, the table was filled with meat, vegetables, soup, and fish.

Emperor Zhou asked Bao Ning with concern, “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I had the kitchen prepare some things young ladies usually enjoy. See if it suits your palate.”

Bao Ning hurriedly stood up to thank him. Pei Yuan followed suit.

Emperor Zhou smiled. “Sit, sit.”

Bao Ning ate her rice grain by grain. She found it hard to swallow, the food tasting like wax, terrified that her chewing was too loud. This meal was truly dull. Pei Yuan was also much more reserved, sitting upright and chatting with Emperor Zhou with a calm, refined air, devoid of his usual glibness. It was a side of him Bao Ning wasn’t familiar with, yet it perfectly suited a Prince.

Halfway through, Bao Ning lost her appetite. She stared at a piece of radish carved into a flower, wondering how she would need to angle the knife to replicate it.

Suddenly, Emperor Zhou spoke. “Lord Lin from the Ministry of Justice arrived a moment ago. He took Jia Ling for questioning. Within fifteen minutes, he confessed everything.”

Bao Ning’s breath hitched. She knew the meal had reached its critical point; Emperor Zhou hadn’t invited them just for a father-son chat.

Pei Yuan asked, “What did he confess?”

“He took bribes from bandits of the former dynasty. In a moment of muddled judgment, he committed a blunder,” Emperor Zhou said slowly. “The Marquis of Congyuan also came. I had no intention of punishing him, but he requested to retire and return to his hometown. I agreed, though I demoted his rank by two levels to that of a Baron.”

Pei Yuan replied, “Your Majesty is merciful and generous, a true role model for the people.”

Emperor Zhou added, “Xiao’er’s (Pei Xiao’s) injuries are severe. He cannot walk and will need to recover here for a few days.”

Bao Ning’s fingers tightened on her chopsticks, a bitter taste rising in her mouth. She felt a sense of injustice. Emperor Zhou had indeed believed Pei Xiao’s words—or perhaps he had doubts, but chose to believe him anyway.

Pei Yuan said neutrally, “The Crown Prince has worked hard and achieved much; the servants attending to him will surely do their utmost.”

The atmosphere turned stagnant. Emperor Zhou frowned, opening his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

During this awkwardness, Jiang Yan’s loud shouting came from outside: “Oh! Where did this dog come from? Stop it quickly, do not disturb the Emperor!”

A dog? Bao Ning was startled. She looked over to see Ah-Huang charging in, lured by the scent of food. The dog was agile, weaving through the eunuchs trying to block it, and dashed into the room. Emperor Zhou stared at it in shock. Bao Ning felt a wave of dizziness, mentally cursing Ah-Huang for being a glutton with no sense of timing!

She stood up to apologize, but Emperor Zhou said with interest, “Is this yours?”

“Yes,” Pei Yuan replied.

“It’s sturdy and clever. Quite good.” Emperor Zhou wasn’t angry; instead, he was relieved the little dog had broken the tension. Intending to give Pei Yuan some face, he beckoned Jiang Yan inside and ordered, “Did I not receive several pieces of yellow jade a few days ago? The jade box fell and chipped a corner—what a waste. Have a craftsman fix it up and give it to this dog as a reward.”

Bao Ning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but she thanked him on Ah-Huang’s behalf. Emperor Zhou had Jiang Yan lead the dog away, then smiled at Pei Yuan. “Keeping a dog is good. Dogs are loyal.”

Bao Ning’s smile faded. She didn’t know if she was overthinking, but she felt the Emperor’s words were pointed.

Pei Yuan replied, “If Your Majesty likes them, I will seek out a good dog to present to you in the future.”

Emperor Zhou smiled but didn’t answer. After a pause, he suddenly asked, “Yuan’er, am I… not a good father?”

Pei Yuan said, “Your Majesty is excellent, an example for all your sons.”

“No need for such polite talk,” Emperor Zhou sighed. “Actually, I know. I haven’t shown enough affection in the past, always pushing and questioning, rarely caring. But for those in the Imperial family, the burden is heavy; there are too many ‘musts’ compared to ordinary families. Sometimes, I too feel afraid—afraid that one day, there will be no one left by my side.”

He continued, “I read Sima Qian’s records regarding Emperor Wu, and I found it quite tragic. Emperor Wu spent his life on horseback, achieving such glory, yet his final years were bleak and filled with regret. Because of a single eunuch’s slander, the Witchcraft Scandal occurred. Empress Wei died, Crown Prince Liu Ju died—so many people died.”

Emperor Zhou asked, “Tell me, wasn’t it a pity for Emperor Wu?”

No one answered, and he didn’t seem to need one. He said firmly, “Therefore, in some matters, it is best to be ‘confused.’ I will not investigate today’s assassination attempt further. I do not wish to be Liu Che in his old age—I would rather let a culprit go than kill by mistake. Once Xiao’er’s injuries are healed, I will send him to the Southern Borders for a few years; it will be good training. Yuan’er, you should return to the imperial court. Don’t go to the Northern Borders anymore. I am getting old, and I need you.”

Pei Yuan chuckled softly. He understood Emperor Zhou’s meaning. The Emperor wanted “fairness” between him and Pei Xiao. Last year, Pei Yuan had committed a crime and was forgiven; this year, Pei Xiao had committed a crime, and he would be forgiven as well. They were both his sons, and he cared for them; he wanted to be a forgiving father and give them a chance to correct their mistakes.

Pei Yuan found it ironic, yet he still had to give thanks: “I thank Your Majesty.”

Emperor Zhou said warmly, “The food is getting cold. Let’s eat.”

Fifteen minutes later, this “harmonious” dinner finally concluded. Once they left the courtyard, Bao Ning let out a long breath and tugged on Pei Yuan’s arm, whispering, “That was too serious. I’m not full. We’re in our own home, but it didn’t feel like home at all.”

“I lived like that for many years. I used to love staying in the military camps and dreaded returning to the palace. I’ve never once had a full meal at the same table as him.” Pei Yuan led Bao Ning toward their own courtyard, smiling. “You did well, though. You weren’t intimidated. The Emperor even praised you for your grace.”

Bao Ning puffed out her chest proudly. “Of course.”

Pei Yuan pulled her along. “Walk faster. While it’s still light out, let’s go home and stew some chicken soup. After that, we’ll bathe and go to bed early.”

Bao Ning said, “You haven’t taken your medicine yet.”

“Then we definitely need to hurry.” Pei Yuan looked down at her. “When we left earlier, I saw Mother Liu. Didn’t you see what was in her bag?”

“What good thing was she carrying?”

“A claw was sticking out. It’s a chicken—still alive, long legs, probably quite plump.”

“Then let’s hurry!” This time it was Bao Ning who was anxious. “Let’s go home and kill it!”

They hurried past a secluded building hand-in-hand, not noticing the man standing by the window.

Pei Xiao watched them from a distance. As the wind blew, he felt an itch in his throat. He pressed his fist to his lip and coughed twice.

Chang Xi stood by him worriedly. “Your Highness, lie down and sleep for a while. The better you rest, the faster you’ll heal.”

“How can I sleep?”

Bao Ning and Pei Yuan had already walked far away, turning a corner until their backs were out of sight. Pei Xiao looked away indifferently and stared at the bloodstains he had coughed into his palm.

He asked, “Any sign of Gongsun Xu?”

Chang Xi shook his head. “Gongsun Xu’s Qinggong is too good; he comes and goes without a trace. He’s a free spirit who doesn’t tie himself to one place. He can’t be found.”

Pei Xiao was silent for a moment, then added, “Keep a close eye on Yuanzi. Don’t let the Princess Consort near her again. For the next three months, do not let her step a single foot out of her courtyard.”

Chang Xi obeyed.

A man dressed as a servant walked in. Chang Xi recognized him as their subordinate, Fu Quan. Pei Xiao tilted his chin, and Chang Xi quickly opened the door to let him in, asking nervously, “What happened? Is there trouble?”

Fu Quan whispered, “Your Highness, remember that man named Zhao Qian whom you once took in and planted near the Fourth Prince?”

Chang Xi’s brow twitched. “Yes, but he disappeared suddenly. We didn’t know where he went.”

“He was sold to a brothel!” Fu Quan said. “The night before last, he took his first client. According to him, five or six burly men came at once and wrecked him… there.” Fu Quan glanced toward Chang Xi’s lower half. “He said a rough client snapped it. Hiss —the pimp thought he was half-dead and sent him to a clinic, which is how he managed to escape.”

Chang Xi instinctively pressed his legs together, asking in shock, “Snapped? That’s brutal!”

Fu Quan said, “Who knows? I suspect the Fourth Prince ordered it.”

Pei Xiao’s brow furrowed.

Fu Quan continued, “The kid says he has intel. He saw the Fourth Prince and his Consort go to the Marquis of Congyuan’s estate to see the Heir’s Consort. The Fourth Prince was in disguise. Zhao Qian was hiding under the carriage and heard them talking. The Fourth Prince had already seen through Your Highness’s plan and went to discuss countermeasures…”

Chang Xi gritted his teeth. “Hindsight is a curse! It’s already happened; what use is telling us now!”

Fu Quan looked at Pei Xiao. “Your Highness, this Zhao Qian knows too much. Should we kill him, or…?”

“Keep him,” Pei Xiao said, hands behind his back. “Treat his injuries well. When I return to the capital, I will meet him personally.”

Fu Quan took his leave.

Chang Xi looked at Pei Xiao in confusion. “Your Highness, what use is this Zhao Qian?”

“The Fourth Prince’s Consort hasn’t had contact with many people; Zhao Qian is one of the few. We can surely learn something useful from him.” Pei Xiao walked slowly back to the bed and sat down, his gaze becoming firm. “Originally, wanting to drive a wedge between them was for my personal feelings, but now it is a necessity. If this Bao Ning stays by Pei Yuan’s side, she is too dangerous to us! I heard that the weapon Pei Yuan used to save the Emperor was made by her?”

Chang Xi nodded.

Pei Xiao’s eyes flickered as he fell into thought.

Back in their room, the lamps were lit. Bao Ning had already cooked the tender chicken into a soup, served in a deep purple ceramic pot in the center of the table.

Pei Yuan picked up a drumstick, put it in his bowl, and poked it with some distaste. “Why are this chicken’s legs so black?”

“It’s a White Silkie—white feathers, black legs.” Bao Ning served him some soup. “Eat more; it’s good for your health. Mother Liu said she caught it specifically for you.”

Pei Yuan obediently finished the entire pot of soup. Full and satisfied, he leaned back in his chair. Bao Ning called someone to clear the table. Once the servant left, Pei Yuan suddenly stood up, closed the door, and pulled Bao Ning toward the inner chamber.

Bao Ning stumbled along. “What are you in such a hurry for?”

Pei Yuan said, “The legs of that Silkie were too eyesore-inducing; I feel uncomfortable looking at them. Show me your white legs so I can cleanse my eyes!”

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