Chapter 73: The assassination of the Emperor of Qin

Nanny Liu was extremely embarrassed by the question. She looked at Bao Ning cautiously and asked, “Little Madam, do you really not know?”

Bao Ning shook her head.

Nanny Liu understood then—they hadn’t consummated their marriage yet. Perhaps the Fourth Prince felt she was too young and was afraid of hurting her.

While Wei Meng continued his loud, boastful chatter nearby, Nanny Liu hurriedly pulled Bao Ning further away, her old face flushing with shame. Having been a servant in grand households for most of her life, she was a cautious woman; she didn’t dare speak plainly about such things to Bao Ning. Instead, she tried to brush it off, coaxing her: “This old servant doesn’t know either. Little Madam should ask the Fourth Prince tonight. He is well-traveled and knowledgeable; he will surely be able to explain it clearly.”

Bao Ning was skeptical. “Alright then.”

Nanny Liu breathed a sigh of relief.

On the other side, Pei Yuan watched Wei Meng’s animated expression and nearly spat his wine in the man’s face. He frowned in disgust. “If you have that much free time, why don’t you find a good matchmaker and get married? Aren’t you afraid of catching a disease, lingering in places like that?”

Wei Meng couldn’t be bothered to argue. He tilted his head back for a gulp of wine. “To each his own! I can’t make you understand.”

Pei Yuan stood up. “I don’t want to hear another word. Stop eating, we have business to attend to. Let’s go.”

Wei Meng’s eyes lingered on the half-finished plate of duck webs. He swallowed hard. “Let me eat a bit more. It won’t take long, and it’s such a waste to throw it away. With skills this good, who knows when I’ll get to eat this again? Where did you find this cook? Borrow them to me for a couple of days?”

Pei Yuan slapped him on the back of the head, cursing through gritted teeth, “Borrow my foot!”

Wei Meng smacked his lips. “Little General, don’t be so stingy. I’ll trade you two jars of twenty-year-old aged Fen wine for a month with that cook!”

Pei Yuan was nearly driven mad by his persistence. He raised his hand to strike again but paused when he glimpsed Bao Ning standing nearby.

He suddenly recalled Wei Meng’s earlier nonsense—descriptions of “slender waists and jade feet,” and “hugging one on the left and one on the right.” Pei Yuan broke into a cold sweat. He didn’t know how much Bao Ning had heard or if she had misunderstood. He wanted to strangle Wei Meng on the spot.

Pei Yuan gave a stiff cough. “When did you get here?”

Bao Ning was smiling brightly. “Just a moment ago. Seeing that General Wei is here, I won’t stay. If there isn’t enough food, I’ll have the kitchen make more.”

Pei Yuan scrutinized her expression. Seeing nothing unusual, he relaxed slightly.

Hearing her voice, Wei Meng hurried over to greet her. This was his first time in such close contact with Bao Ning. Seeing her standing there gracefully—not much shorter than Pei Yuan, gentle and beautiful—she possessed an aura entirely different from the girls at Qingluo Pavilion. Wei Meng felt uncharacteristically restrained. He dropped his playful smirk, bowed respectfully, and addressed her as “Little Madam.”

Bao Ning returned the gesture politely. “General Wei, thank you for your hard work.”

Wei Meng was delighted by the praise. He couldn’t keep up his serious act anymore and let out a boisterous laugh.

Bao Ning stood there awkwardly, thinking to herself that it was no wonder Pei Yuan had the air of a bandit; she had found the root of it in Wei Meng. After spending so many years with a man like this, it wasn’t surprising that Pei Yuan’s remaining princely elegance and reserve had been worn away.

Wei Meng put one hand on his hip and patted his belly with the other. Pei Yuan’s eyelid twitched. He quickly covered Bao Ning’s eyes, turned her around, and led her back to their room.

He decided then and there: he would station soldiers at the courtyard gate. He would never allow this illiterate, boorish old man to set foot inside again!

Confused, Wei Meng called out from behind, “Little General, where are you going? We’re discussing business in the study later—don’t be late!” He then turned back to the table with a longing look. “What a pity, what a pity.”

Bao Ning couldn’t stand to watch any longer. She called Nanny Liu over. “Go get some oil paper. Wrap up the remaining duck webs for General Wei, and let him take the melon seeds too.”

Pei Yuan’s brow furrowed. “You shouldn’t spoil him like that.”

Bao Ning sighed. “Don’t be so petty. If he likes it, just give it to him.”

Pei Yuan fell silent, his face grim as he ushered Bao Ning back to the room. Just as they were about to step inside, Wei Meng’s thunderous voice echoed from behind: “My thanks to the Little Madam for the reward!”

Bao Ning jumped in fright. Pei Yuan’s face went completely black. He scooped Bao Ning into his arms, stepped over the threshold, and slammed the door behind them.

That visionless old fool!

Bao Ning actually laughed. She sat on Pei Yuan’s forearm with her arms around his neck. This was a common way for them to move; Pei Yuan was strong enough to hold her steadily with one arm. It was only at times like this that Bao Ning felt marrying a martial artist was a stroke of luck.

She remembered the matter of Qingluo Pavilion again. Reaching up, she pinched Pei Yuan’s ear and whispered, “You weren’t lying to me earlier, were you? Is Qingluo Pavilion really a clothing shop?”

Pei Yuan’s heart tightened. He feigned indifference. “How much did you hear?”

“I heard General Wei say it was worth a lot of money, and then Nanny Liu pulled me away. I didn’t hear the rest.”

Pei Yuan silently praised Nanny Liu for her quick thinking. He insisted, “It really is a clothing shop.”

He set Bao Ning down on the bed, removed her shoes and socks, and pulled the quilt over her legs. “You’ve been busy all morning. Take a nap. I have to go out for a bit, but I’ll be back soon.”

Bao Ning curled her legs up and hugged her knees, agreeing softly.

Pei Yuan’s heart nearly melted. He loved her obedient and innocent nature. He couldn’t help but rub her face and kiss her lips, thinking she couldn’t be any more lovable—or easier to fool. After a moment of tenderness, he reluctantly left.

Wei Meng had just finished the last duck web and was waiting under a tree by the study. Pei Yuan kicked him as soon as he arrived. “You almost got me killed! Why did you have to bring that place up?”

Wei Meng rubbed his leg, looking sheepish. “The Little Madam didn’t know? I thought you’d already shown her the deeds.”

Pei Yuan scoffed. “Would I dare tell her?”

“Forget it.” Pei Yuan’s expression turned serious as he looked toward the study. “Why did General Qiu have time to visit? Shouldn’t he be busy?”

The Right Chancellor, Jiang Chunlai, was about to resign. The Marquis Chongyuan’s estate was a century-old loyal family, and the Marquis, Jia Daogong, was known for his integrity. The Emperor favored him to fill the position. If all went well, the Right Chancellor would be replaced in two months. Pei Xiao and Qiu Mingshan were currently doing everything they could to win him over.

This was also why Pei Xiao wanted to marry Ji Jiaying. Jia Daogong’s eldest daughter-in-law—the wife of the Heir Apparent of the Marquis—was Ji Jiaying’s eldest sister, Ji Xiangzhen. This marriage would make Pei Xiao and the Heir, Jia Ling, brothers-in-law, bringing him closer to Jia Daogong. This was exactly what worried Qiu Mingshan; he had to return to the Northern border in a month and was desperate to make a move.

Wei Meng said, “Pei Xiao’s secret letter was for Jia Ling, promising gold and beauties and inviting him to a teahouse. General Qiu just received news from court that Jia Ling is about to be appointed to a vital position. Guess what it is?”

As they walked into the study, Pei Yuan pondered. “Commander of the Imperial Chariots ( Fengche Duwei )?”

Wei Meng was shocked. “How did you guess?”

“The Emperor is heading to the summer palace soon, passing through Lake Li. Yet, Pei Xiao has a topographical map of Lake Li on his desk—something that should have nothing to do with him. His ill intentions are obvious. But the Son of Heaven has eight identical secondary carriages; no one knows which one he is in. Even if Pei Xiao wanted to do something, he wouldn’t have a clear target.”

Wei Meng picked up the thread. “If Jia Ling becomes the Commander of the Imperial Chariots, he alone will know the carriage arrangements. If Pei Xiao wins him over and gets that information…”

Before he could finish, the study door creaked open. Qiu Mingshan stood there. “Precisely.”

Pei Yuan looked up. Whether it was his imagination or not, Qiu Mingshan seemed to have aged significantly. Pei Yuan subconsciously assumed it was due to the trouble caused by his two daughters.

They moved to the inner room. Qiu Mingshan sat down. He was in plain clothes, and perhaps due to his age, he seemed gentler and kinder. Pei Yuan leaned back lazily and pushed a cup of tea toward him. “General, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

His tone was polite, which was a rarity for Qiu Mingshan. The General had been hesitating, but Pei Yuan’s attitude gave him courage.

Qiu Mingshan said, “You both know the story of Zhang Liang attempting to assassinate the First Emperor of Qin at Bolangsha?”

Wei Meng nodded. “It’s an old story. To kill the Emperor, Zhang Liang hired a strongman and forged a 120-pound iron hammer. They waited at Bolangsha, but because the Emperor used multiple identical carriages, Zhang Liang couldn’t tell which one he was in. The strongman threw the hammer and hit the wrong person.” He asked, “Why bring this up?”

Pei Yuan rested his chin on his fingers, his eyes narrowing as he realized where Qiu Mingshan was going.

Qiu Mingshan continued, “What if Zhang Liang had hit his mark? If the First Emperor had died early, perhaps there wouldn’t have been so much conflict and suffering. Regardless, the Emperor has to die eventually.”

Wei Meng gasped. “General, what do you mean?”

Qiu Mingshan avoided Pei Yuan’s gaze. He stood up and paced with his hands behind his back. “I know what you’re thinking. If Pei Xiao and Jia Ling truly unite, your first choice is to save the Emperor, kill Pei Xiao, and then take the Crown Prince position. But why bother? If Pei Xiao wants to commit regicide, let him! Once he’s done, we can ‘clear the Emperor’s side’ of the traitor. We gain a hero’s reputation and the throne without lifting a finger…”

Snap.

Qiu Mingshan froze. He turned to see Pei Yuan holding a snapped calligraphy brush, which he then threw violently at the General’s feet.

Qiu Mingshan took a step back, regretting his bluntness. He knew Pei Yuan cared about this deeply, but this opportunity was once in a lifetime. He steeled himself to persuade him. “Yuan-er, you don’t need to feel guilty. If the Emperor dies, it isn’t you who killed him! You—”

Pei Yuan’s voice was cold. “I always knew you were a traitorous official, but could you not at least try to hide your wolf-like ambition?!”

Qiu Mingshan’s fists clenched at his side. He gritted his teeth, suppressing his emotions for a long time before he finally burst out: “Yuan-er, next month is the anniversary of your mother’s death! Do you truly believe her death had nothing to do with your ‘good’ Imperial Father? She died in his harem!”

Pei Yuan glared at him. “I know you have improper feelings for my mother, but do not forget the terms we originally agreed upon!”

Qiu Mingshan’s lips trembled. “You think my feelings… were improper?”

“Are they not? You have no shame, so I shall feel it for you!”

Wei Meng watched the tension between them, unsure how to intervene. His loyalty was with Pei Yuan, and he looked at Qiu Mingshan with growing suspicion. He even thought the General was a bit foolish—trying to convince a son to let his father be killed, right to his face? So much for a brilliant general. Wei Meng attributed Qiu Mingshan’s actions to a desperate thirst for power.

Pei Yuan thought the same.

Hurt by the words, Qiu Mingshan stood in silence for a long time. Finally, he spoke. “Yuan-er, do you really respect that man so much? Don’t forget, he misunderstood you, he stripped you of your title. He is a stubborn and selfish man.”

Pei Yuan shot back, “So are you.”

Qiu Mingshan didn’t know how he left the manor. He walked out in a daze. The estate wasn’t large, but it felt like an immense effort to reach the gate. Once outside, he couldn’t go any further. Propping himself up with his blade, he sank down beneath a toon tree. He buried his face in his hands, and soon, tears leaked through his fingers.

“A-Xiang, did I really do something wrong? I remembered your words. I didn’t dare tell him; I wanted to protect him. But why… why are we drifting further apart?”

“He won’t even acknowledge me.”

“What should I do?”

It was nearly evening, and the breeze was cool and refreshing. Bao Ning woke up and had a bite to eat. Unable to sit still, she dragged Nanny Liu to the gate to pick toon leaves to make tea. The leaves weren’t tender anymore, but they still made a flavorful tea.

When she reached the gate, she saw a tall figure sitting under the tree. She recognized him instantly as Qiu Mingshan. What was he doing there? It looked like he was crying.

Bao Ning wanted to turn back, but after a few steps, she couldn’t help but look again. She asked Nanny Liu, “Is General Qiu ill?”

“I don’t know, but he doesn’t look well.”

Bao Ning said, “Let’s go see.”

Hearing footsteps, Qiu Mingshan wiped his eyes and turned to see Bao Ning’s smiling face. Her attitude was like Pei Yuan’s—distant but polite. Standing three paces away, she asked, “General, are you alright?”

“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” Qiu Mingshan forced a smile, looking a bit flattered. He stood up. “Just an old injury flaring up. I rested for a bit, and I’m all better now.”

Bao Ning hesitated. “It’s late. If you leave now, it will be the middle of the night by the time you return. Would you like to stay at the manor for the night?”

Qiu Mingshan waved his hands repeatedly. “No, no need.”

Bao Ning didn’t press him. “Then let me see you off.”

“No, the wind is strong, go back inside.” As he spoke, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a silk pouch, pressing it into Bao Ning’s hand with a simple smile. “Good child, we’ve met many times, but I’ve never given you a proper gift. Take this money and buy yourself whatever you’d like to eat.”

Bao Ning didn’t dare take it. She felt he was acting strange today. “It’s not necessary, I have money. Thank you, General.”

“Take it!” Qiu Mingshan stuffed the pouch into her hand, brooking no argument. He waved her off. “Your uncle is a clumsy man and doesn’t know how to pick gifts, so I can only give you silver. Buy whatever you like.”

Before she could speak, he walked toward his horse. “Seeing you… it reminds me of a child of mine who wasn’t meant to be.”

Bao Ning was left speechless.

Qiu Mingshan looked back and smiled once more. Bao Ning watched his lonely silhouette as he rode off into the mountains.

Support Sansukini on Ko-fi

Thanks for visiting. If you like this story, then I’m shamelessly asking you to visit NovelUpdates and give a 5⭐ review. (人❛ᴗ❛)♪тнайк　чоц♪(❛ᴗ❛*人)

You can also check out my other translations Here