Chapter 34: Return to Xingyang (End)

The moon rose in the east, hanging in the vast and silent firmament.

It was a night of clear skies and sparse stars. The breeze was gentle, coaxing a few drifting wisps of cloud into various shapes. Pei Shuying sat in her room at the Sishui Pass post house, clutching a painting in her hands.

The woman in the painting was graceful and slender, with an elegant bearing. She leaned against a window, outside of which several blooming crabapple blossoms seemed to sway in the wind. Resting her chin on her hand, she appeared deep in thought.

In the corner of the painting, a few lines of verse were inscribed:

"Beauty graces Jiangzhou, in a pavilion high above the clouds. Her brows and eyes outshine the bright moon; one smile brings joy that topples cities. I often fear the green grass will wither late, and sit weeping in the chill of the autumn wind. Slender hands strum the jade zither in resentment, sighing long at the break of dawn. How could I find a noble gentleman, and ride together with him like a soaring phoenix?"

The inscription read: "The third day of the second month in the fourth year of Daye. Zheng Yanqing, having returned from a horse race with his aunt, composed this painting and poem to settle his gambling debt..."

He had not won the race that day.

Was it truly that he could not win, or perhaps he could not bring himself to win—or did he simply not want to?

Zheng Yanqing could not say for sure himself. Regardless, in the end, he had lost. And since he had lost, he would accept the wager gracefully.

After arriving at the Sishui Pass post house that evening, Zheng Yanqing had been struck by a sudden impulse and proposed to paint a portrait of Pei Shuying. Everyone under heaven knew of the "Half-Fate Gentleman," the "Immortal of Wine," and the "Goose Prince," whose poetry and calligraphy were peerless. But when it came to painting, he had never revealed his skill before.

In truth, during his previous life, the Central Plains region where he lived—though somewhat lagging in other respects—was absolutely top-tier when it came to calligraphy and painting. The Central Plains possessed a profound cultural foundation. Within the regional literary circles, there were countless masters of brush and ink. Yanqing loved calligraphy, and thus had frequent dealings with the Central Plains Calligraphy and Painting Association. As they say, calligraphy and painting are inseparable; while Yanqing’s painting was indeed not on par with his calligraphy, he had been subtly influenced by his environment, and his foundational skills were very solid.

During his four years at the Bamboo Garden, he would occasionally doodle in his spare time between readings. However, he usually disposed of these sketches immediately, so even someone as close as Xu Shiji did not know that Yanqing could paint.

Of course, Zheng Yanqing did not possess the legendary skill of "Wu’s drapery fluttering in the wind," but after spending so much time in this era, his brushwork had improved, to the point that the Pei Shuying in the painting was vivid and lifelike.

Pei Shuying looked at the woman in the painting. Her gaze gradually became distant and unfocused...

***

The next day, unexpectedly, Pei Shuying did not ride horses with Zheng Yanqing. Instead, she donned a traditional ru-skirt and boarded a carriage. Zheng Yanqing did not ask for the reason; since she chose to do so, she surely had her motives. Furthermore, they were only half a day’s journey from Xingyang, so it was reasonable for her to switch to a carriage.

"Pei Zi."

"What are your instructions, Miss?"

"Depart for Xingyang now. Inform the clansmen of the Xingyang Zheng family that I am passing through and intend to pay a visit."

As soon as they cleared Sishui Pass, Pei Shuying gave the order.

Perhaps in the eyes of the world, Pei Shuying was merely a fragile woman. But in the eyes of the great clan patriarchs, she was not only a member of the Hedong Pei clan but also the most beloved daughter of Pei Shiju. Her visit while passing through Xingyang naturally held unusual significance.

Moreover, given that this was a critical moment in the Zheng family's internal power struggle, did Pei Shuying’s appearance carry the weight of the Hedong Pei clan’s intentions? Or rather, what was Pei Shiju’s attitude toward this internal conflict? Whom would he favor? Would he intervene? All these possibilities could affect the struggle between the seven branches of the Zheng family for the Anyuan Hall.

Pei Shuying’s grand gesture left Yanqing feeling immensely grateful.

At noon, the carriage arrived at the ancient city of Xingyang. Because Pei Shuying was visiting in a private capacity, the official authorities of Xingyang did not take any action. Instead, the Zheng family sent a large group of people to welcome her outside the city walls. Naturally, elders like Zheng Shanyuan and Zheng Shiji could not appear, as it involved matters of status. However, they did send prominent figures from each branch to greet her.

Taking the Zhujing Hall as an example, while Zheng Shanyuan did not come, his younger clansman Zheng Yuancong represented him. Zheng Yuancong held the title of Baron of Yong'an and was the legitimate son of Zheng Yi, so his presence was sufficient to show respect to the Pei family. The Anyuan Hall sent [Name omitted] as their representative... and of course, Zheng Shi'an was also in the welcoming party.

"A difficult journey for you, Lady Pei!"

Zheng Yuancong stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting.

This was enough to give the Pei family face. After stepping down from the carriage, Pei Shuying bowed slightly. "Please forgive me for this presumptuous visit, Master Zheng."

"Not at all, not at all. If Lady Pei were to pass through Xingyang without stopping, then we would truly be to blame."

The group exchanged pleasantries outside the city gate, while Yanqing was blocked by a group of Zheng family retainers and went unnoticed. However, Zheng Shi'an spotted Yanqing’s horse, Yutier. He was all too familiar with this white dragon horse. Back at the Bamboo Garden, he had often helped Yanqing walk the horse, so he recognized it instantly.

But how could Yutier be here?

If the horse was here, then where was Yanqing? Could Yanqing have come too?

Zheng Shi'an instinctively scanned the crowd and his eyes suddenly widened in surprise. He saw Zheng Yanqing hiding within the throng. Even with people blocking the view, he could only see a profile. But after ten years of depending on each other for survival, if Zheng Shi'an couldn't recognize his own grandson, he would have to be blind.

He did not call out; if Yanqing was acting this way, he must have his reasons.

Yet, deep confusion gnawed at him... What was Yanqing planning? Why hide in the shadows?

***

"Which one is the elder, Master Zheng Shi'an?"

Pei Shuying suddenly asked.

Zheng Shi'an was startled, looking around blankly. He was just here to make up the numbers; how could he have expected Pei Shuying to ask for him publicly?

It wasn't just Zheng Shi'an who was baffled; everyone, including Zheng Yuancong, felt confused.

"Uncle, the young lady is calling for you."

"Ah!" Reminded by the person next to him, Zheng Shi'an reacted and hurriedly walked forward, cupping his hands. "Zheng Shi'an greets the eldest lady of the Pei family."

Zheng Yanqing also saw Zheng Shi'an!

He hadn't seen him for months; Zheng Shi'an seemed to have gained a little weight, and his complexion was good.

He suddenly understood Pei Shuying’s intention. On the road, he had shared his thoughts with her, but he never expected Pei Shuying to use such an overt method to push his plans forward.

Pei Shuying bowed—a gesture of a junior acknowledging an elder.

"This niece greets you, Uncle Zheng."

Zheng Shi'an was even more bewildered, waving his hands repeatedly. "Eldest Lady Pei, what is the meaning of this?"

"Your grandson Yanqing is the brother of my clansman Yuanqing. He calls me Aunt, so naturally, I should address you, sir, as Uncle. I have come this time at Yanqing’s request to pay you a visit. Master Zheng, gentlemen, I shall rest at Uncle Zheng’s residence today... Tomorrow morning, I must return to Luoyang. I thank you all on behalf of my father for coming to welcome me!"

*I know why you came to welcome me; in truth, I am just here to see Zheng Shi'an, nothing more.*

The faces of Zheng Yuancong and the others changed slightly, and they all looked toward Zheng Shi'an in unison.

Instinctively, Zheng Shi'an straightened his chest.

Although he didn't know what Zheng Yanqing was playing at, he greatly enjoyed being the center of attention. Even after being included in the Zheng family genealogy, Zheng Shi'an’s status was not high. Especially after returning to Xingyang, no one paid him any special respect. Even if the servants called him "Master Zheng" out of courtesy, and even if Zheng Renji had bestowed hundreds of acres of land upon him, in the hearts of most people—especially those of the Zheng clan—Zheng Shi'an was still just a former servant.

But now...

A sense of pride welled up in Zheng Shi'an’s heart.

The representatives of the various branches held different expressions. [Name omitted], though unaware of the intricacies, could not hide the wild joy on his face. The Anyuan Hall had been under immense pressure lately; even [Name omitted] himself was unsure if the Sixth Branch could maintain the status of the Anyuan Hall. But now, Pei Shuying had come, and she had clearly signaled her relationship with Zheng Shi'an.

Zheng Shi'an was a member of the Anyuan Hall!

This would, to a great extent, alleviate the pressure on the Anyuan Hall.

"Since Lady Pei is here at the request of my nephew Yanqing, we shall not make other arrangements... Uncle Shi'an, please see to the hospitality of the eldest lady."

[Name omitted] had never called Zheng Shi'an "Uncle" before, but now, he spoke with unusual warmth.

Zheng Shi'an felt flattered, but for a split second, he stood even taller.

*Damn it, didn't you look down on me?*

*But I have a good grandson, who among you can compare? Look, even the eldest lady of the Pei family must address me as Uncle...*

"Lady Pei, please this way."

"Please, Uncle, board the carriage; let us travel together."

Pei Shuying acted like a virtuous daughter-in-law, helping Zheng Shi'an into the carriage.

Meanwhile, the crowd cleared a path. Pei Shuying and the others bade farewell to the group, and the procession slowly entered the city.

"That old eunuch is really putting on airs now," someone muttered under their breath.

But many others were lost in thought, hurrying back to their respective residences.

[Name omitted] pretended to be calm, cupping his hands to Zheng Yuancong. "Third Brother, I must return to inform my elder brother. I shall take my leave now."

It could be said that the Anyuan Hall had finally held its head high today. Even if Pei Shuying did not visit the Anyuan Hall, her choice of Zheng Shi'an was tantamount to choosing the Anyuan Hall. This would certainly give those who were still watching from the sidelines cause for consideration. For the Anyuan Hall, this was nothing but beneficial.

Watching [Name omitted] depart, Zheng Yuancong and the representatives of the Seventh Branch looked grim.

"Third Uncle, that bitch..." a young man from the Seventh Branch stepped forward to speak, but before he could finish, Zheng Yuancong struck him across the face. "The daughter of the Duke of Wenxi is someone you can speak of so recklessly? If you have the ability, go learn from Zheng Yanqing and make a name for yourself in Luoyang! He earned his position as a Cloud-Riding Lieutenant through his own merit, caught the eye of the Pei family, and was accepted as a disciple by General Zhangsun. What are you?"

The young man from the Seventh Branch had a swollen face but dared not utter a single word of complaint.

"Shi Ze, go back immediately and report to your elder brother; I must also report to the clan leader. It seems the Anyuan Hall still has cards to play."

Zheng Shize was the brother of Zheng Shiji and also a representative of the Seventh Branch. Hearing Zheng Yuancong’s orders, he dared not delay, quickly agreeing before rushing toward the city with the Seventh Branch clansmen.

Watching his back, Zheng Yuancong revealed a cold sneer.

"Third Master, shall we return as well?"

"I am going back to inform the clan leader of the situation here; you go to my elder brother’s place and tell him that tonight, he and I will meet at our usual spot."

Zheng Yuancong’s elder brother was named Zheng Yuan-shou. These two brothers were the legitimate sons of Zheng Yi.

Zheng Shanyuan, in fact, was born to a concubine, but because Zheng Yuanshou and Zheng Yuancong were too young to shoulder heavy responsibilities when Zheng Yi passed away, and because the imperial court was suppressing the Kanto clans at the time, they chose the steady Zheng Shanyuan to take charge of the Zhujing Hall.

On the surface, the Zhujing Hall was harmonious. Privately, however, the three Zheng Yuan brothers held together, Zheng Shanyuan managed the Zhujing Hall, and Zheng Yi’s nephew, Zheng Shanguo, formed his own faction. Zheng Shanguo was currently the Right Guanglu Grand Master and Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, making him the highest-ranking and most influential person among the seven branches of the Zheng family. Thus, whether it was Zheng Shanyuan or the Zheng Yuan brothers, they could do nothing about Zheng Shanguo. Even if they were deeply dissatisfied with him, they had to rely on him.

***

Zheng Shi'an lived in a quiet spot in the southeast of Xingyang county.

Although Zheng Shi'an’s status was not high, Zheng Renji had not neglected him in the slightest.

Others might not know, but the Zheng Renji family knew all too well what a monstrously talented grandson Zheng Shi'an had. Not to mention Yanqing’s peerless poetry and calligraphy, which earned him great fame among the refined scholars, just his feat of being granted the rank of Cloud-Riding Lieutenant for his performance in the Cuju match on the twenty-eighth of last December made him the youngest recipient since the establishment of the Eight Lieutenants in the Kaihuang era. Whether anyone would break this record in the future, Zheng Renji did not know, but in the past century, no one had been like Zheng Yanqing.

More importantly, the network of relationships surrounding Zheng Yanqing was growing increasingly powerful.

Look at the participants in the Cuju match... two from the Hedong Xue clan, one from the Hedong Pei clan, one from the Henan Dou clan, plus one from the Xia Shi Yao clan. The energy generated by these people combined was astonishing. Not to mention that behind Yanqing, there was now the Zhangsun clan.

Therefore, Zheng Renji had been very thoughtful in arranging Zheng Shi'an’s residence.

It was a three-courtyard estate adjacent to Donglin Lake, with exceptionally moving scenery. Not far from Zheng Shi'an’s residence was the Donglin Temple, founded during the Eastern Han Dynasty, which also enjoyed great incense offerings.

For an elderly man, this arrangement was indeed very appropriate.

Had Zheng Yanqing not been by his side, Zheng Shi'an would have had nothing left to pursue. There were no servants in the residence. It wasn't that Zheng Renji had neglected him, but that Zheng Shi'an did not want them. He didn't want a group of people who would show superficial respect while gossiping behind his back. Fortunately, Yanqing had sent Mao Xiaonian to look after his daily needs, so life was quite comfortable.

Now, in addition to Mao Xiaonian, there was another guard in the courtyard: Shen Guang.

The carriage stopped at the gate of the estate, and Zheng Shi'an walked into the courtyard, supported by Pei Shuying. However, as soon as he entered, Zheng Shi'an stopped in his tracks.

"Lady Pei, please allow the little fellow to come in. Everyone here is my own, so there is no need to worry about anyone seeing..."

Pei Shuying giggled. "Uncle Zheng, let’s go inside to talk."

Then, she turned and called to Zheng Yanqing, who was leading two horses and two small mastiffs at the gate: "Little brat, come in too."

"Young Master?"

Mao Xiaonian happened to be coming out of the main hall. He first saw the two familiar little mastiffs running over, followed by Zheng Yanqing leading the horses, and was instantly stunned.

Zheng Yanqing smiled slightly. "Grandfather, you go inside first to talk... Brother Shen, come with me to settle the horses."

When Shen Guang first saw Zheng Yanqing, he was also surprised. But having seen many things in his life, he was better at concealing his astonishment than Mao Xiaonian.

"The stable is this way; please follow me."

Zheng Yanqing nodded, leading the horses, and followed Shen Guang. At the same time, the three of them—Dang Shijie and the others—walked into the courtyard and, under Mao Xiaonian’s arrangements, moved the various pieces of luggage into the side rooms. Zheng Shi'an was completely bewildered; he couldn't figure out what kind of trick Zheng Yanqing was playing. *Why not just hand the horses over to Shen Guang? Why do it himself?*

Pei Shuying said, "Uncle Zheng, let’s go inside and talk."