Chapter Fourteen: The Marriage of Evil Fate

  In the first year of Tongtai, on the 16th day of the first month, Pei Yun, the commander of the Imperial Guard, mistakenly entered the Cold Garden. Zhe was delighted by his bold and uninhibited nature and kept him to drink with, engaging in a long and secret conversation. Before long, Pei broke off his engagement and married another woman. At the time, people all laughed at him for being unfaithful and heartless. Later, they came to realize that he had made a wise and resolute decision. However, Zhe's destruction of Pei's marriage was truly an act unbefitting of a wise man.

  The Book of Southern Chu · Biography of Jiang Suiyun

  I turned my head to look, but it was a young man in gray clothes, with an extraordinary appearance and a calm face. He was being blocked by two guards, who were holding him back with their swords drawn. The young man looked puzzled, seemingly unable to understand why this remote place would have such strict security. The two guards were tense, ready to strike at any moment, although they didn't take the young man seriously. However, he wouldn't dare to resist, as he wasn't a real assassin. As I watched, he was saying in a low voice: "Brothers, I am Pei Yun, the commander of the Imperial Guard. This time, I came to the Wang Mansion for a banquet, but because I dislike noise, I wandered around and didn't mean to intrude. Please forgive me for not knowing that this is a forbidden area."

  The two guards looked at each other, both of them were suspicious. If one were to talk about this person's demeanor, he indeed looked like a general. However, the aura that emanated from his entire body was not only extremely fierce but also carried an air of mastery in every move he made. If this person truly had ill intentions, then what face would they have left to report back to the palace?

  I had already recognized Pei Yun, and I couldn't help but think that the Prince of Yong's ability to win people over was truly impressive. Pei Yun was just a Northern Camp Commander of the Imperial Guard, a fourth-rank military officer. Although his duty of guarding the capital was important, he didn't have the qualifications to attend the grand banquet at the Prince of Yong's estate. Someone of his status would be lucky to be allowed to present a gift, and probably wouldn't even have been qualified to take a seat. Now, here he was, prominently appearing in the prince's estate - it was likely that the Prince of Yong had personally extended an invitation to him. Thinking this, I smiled slightly to myself. Let me help the prince out a bit. Rather than letting him attend the banquet in the side hall where even the Prince of Yong wouldn't be able to see him, it would be better to keep him here. With that thought, I spoke loudly: "No need for courtesy, this is Commander Pei Yun, isn't it? I am Jiang Zhe, the Administrative Assistant of the Heavenly Strategy Pavilion."

  Those two guards saw me speak, and they retreated with a bow. Pei Yun walked over and bowed, saying: "Thank you, Lord Jiang, for helping me out of this situation." His gaze towards me was calm and cold, which was unusual. Since I arrived in Yong, every official who saw me had eyes that were either curious or evaluating, or even disdainful. But this person seemed like an ordinary person to me, which made me more curious about him. So, I smiled and said: "General must not have liked the commotion up front, so you came to take a walk in the back. This humble official is also the same, that's why I'm living in the Cold Garden. It's fate that we met, how about General taking a seat in the garden?"

  Pei Yun hesitated and said: "The prince's banquet is about to begin, I'm afraid it won't be convenient for me to stay here."

  I smiled faintly and said, "General, even if you don't attend, it's not considered impolite. The seats outside are also meaningless. How about this? If the General is willing, since Yun Zheng is about to have dinner, please stay here for a small drink. As for the palace, I'll take care of it myself."

  Pei Yun's heart skipped a beat as he received the invitation from the Yong Wang Palace, although it was an honor, but being among those officials made him uncomfortable. Moreover, no matter what, he could only attend the banquet in the outer hall, which didn't make much sense. If it weren't for the Yong Wang's invitation, he would have just sent a congratulatory gift and that would be it. The person before him was more straightforward than those officials, his residence was heavily guarded, probably because the Yong Wang valued him greatly. So accepting the invitation wouldn't be impolite to the Yong Wang. In comparison, staying in the Cold Garden was a better idea.

  I saw Pei Yun's expression and knew he had already made up his mind, so I said loudly: 'Send someone to report to the palace that General Pei has stayed behind.'

  One of the guards bowed and replied. I stepped forward, pulling on Pei Yun's arm, saying: "General Pei, please come in quickly. Zhe has always deeply admired the General's martial arts skills."

  Pei Yun was slightly embarrassed as I pulled him to the flower hall, it was almost noon at this time, two servants brought up wine and dishes, habitually letting them retreat, I picked up my chopsticks and pointed to the dinner table: "General Pei, Zhe is a southerner, so His Highness specially found a chef from South Chu to cook, please try it and see if you are used to it."

  Pei Yun looked at the small dishes on the table, all of which were light and delicious South Chu specialties. He had only tasted a few bites before he couldn't help but praise them. Although he was a meat-lover, these dishes were all famous South Chu cuisine, and he still ate with great relish. Seeing that he liked it, I poured him another cup of wine and said: "This is the famous South Chu wine, Peach Blossom Dew, brewed from the finest honey peaches in South Chu every autumn. Originally, I didn't think I'd be able to drink this wine here, but a friend specially brought some from South Chu yesterday."

  He took a sip, and it was like drinking nectar, the wine was mellow and fragrant. However, he had a strong personality and didn't like this soft and weak wine, so he furrowed his brow. I saw this and smiled lightly: "It seems General Pei doesn't like this wine? I've heard that at the Great Yong border, there's a type of liquor called 'burning knife' that is extremely spicy and pungent. Does the general enjoy it?" Pei Yun's face suddenly lit up with joy, and he said: "Does your lordship have some 'burning knife' here? This wine is rarely seen in Chang'an."

  I walked to the corner of the flower hall, where there was a yellow poplar cabinet. I took out a small wine jar from the lower layer. Although this small wine jar was not large, it could hold at least ten kilograms of wine. I brought it over with ease, and Pei Yun hurriedly came over to take the wine jar and placed it on the table. He couldn't help but glance at the cabinet, which contained many small wine jars and food boxes.

  He opened the mud seal, and Pei Yun immediately smelled the intense wine aroma that he could never forget. He took a deep breath, then hastily poured the wine into a large wine bowl I handed over, and drank a big mouthful. The familiar throat-burning spiciness made him feel like he had returned to the border town. He sat weakly in his chair, raised the wine bowl again, and the liquid flowed down his throat. His eyes almost fell with tears as he thought of the bloody battle at the border town years ago, the deep affection among comrades-in-arms, and how happy and carefree they were. Now that he was in the capital city, although he was wealthy and noble, there was no one who truly understood him. He longed to return to the border town again, but thinking of his father's frail figure, Pei Yun tightly closed his eyes, suppressing the bitter pain in his heart.

  I didn't expect Pei Yun to be so agitated, but soon I understood his intentions. It seems that the greatest wish of this Imperial Guard commander is to return to the battlefield again. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it. Who can make him abandon his grief as a father who has lost his child? Even he himself cannot escape this predicament. However, seeing him in such pain, I suddenly thought of something: if he had children, it shouldn't be difficult for him to return to the battlefield. So I asked: "General Pei, how old are you this year?"

  Pei Yun was after all a disciple of a famous family, and soon calmed down. He raised his head and said: "Lord Labor asked, this general is 23 years old this year."

  I asked again: 'Has General Pei established a family?'

  Pei Yun shook his head and said: "My father arranged a marriage for me, but I was not willing, so I have not married until now."

  I asked in doubt: 'Why is this? Your respected father must be eager to have a grandson, and since you are filial to your parents, shouldn't you get married early?'

  Pei Yun looked at me for a moment, feeling that our conversation was a bit too deep for acquaintances, but somehow he had an inexplicable good impression of the young man in front of him. Although it might be due to the wine, he still felt very relaxed and thought it would be nice to talk to someone about things that had been bottled up inside him for so long. So he opened his mouth and said: "You don't know this, sir, but according to my master, I shouldn't get married until my martial arts skills have reached a certain level. However, at the beginning of this year, my master said I was already eligible for marriage. But that's not the main reason. The main reason is that my fiancée has a special identity and our sect is very dissatisfied with it."

  I felt a stir in my heart and asked: 'May I ask whose daughter is the general's fiancée?'

  She is the daughter of Shu Wei, the Deputy Minister of Works. Our families have been close for generations, and we were engaged when we were young. We grew up together like childhood sweethearts, and our feelings for each other were mutual. However, at the age of nine, I went to Mount Song to study martial arts, and by the time I returned at sixteen, she had already joined the Phoenix Sect. When my sect found out, they summoned me back to the mountain, and the head of the Discipline Hall, Master Cihai, told me that if I were to marry her, Shaolin would not stop us, but I would never be able to learn the divine techniques of Shaolin again. He asked me to think carefully about it, so I have been unwilling to get married until now. Several times I wanted to call off the engagement, but they did not agree. My father-in-law said that his daughter had done nothing wrong, and if I were to unjustly annul the engagement, he would take it to the Emperor for judgment. Recently, my father has been pressuring me constantly, and if I hadn't resisted with all my might, I'm afraid I would have been forced into marriage already.

  I thought to myself, it seems that Shaolin and Fengyi have a deep grudge, the young master's intelligence was not wrong, and Pei Yun said it so easily, it seems that Shaolin does not mind turning against Fengyi. But I asked verbally: 'Now this official doesn't understand, this marriage is a matter of parental orders and matchmaker's words, General, if you want to get married, it's only natural, why did your esteemed sect forcibly obstruct it? Isn't this going against human ethics? Is the general looking at the divine skills in the sect as being that important?'

  Pei Yun lowered his head and said, "Although I am infatuated with martial arts, I am not a person who forgets righteousness and betrays emotions. If she were just an ordinary woman, I would rather be pursued by the sect to return my martial arts than betray her. However, seven years ago when I first returned to Chang'an, I went to pay respects to my father-in-law and saw her for the first time. She had become very different, no longer as pure and innocent as she was in childhood. Although now her appearance and temperament are unmatched, and she has practiced excellent martial arts, I feel that she is always distant from me. Her smile is sweet, but it can no longer move my heart. Moreover, she is always with those women of similar status, either going out to hunt or indulge in the city of Chang'an. Although I am not one of those who cannot bear their wife to be outstanding, I still hope that she can assist me in teaching our children and serving our parents. In fact, two years ago when I returned from the border, I originally thought of no longer considering my martial arts progress, getting married early, and letting my parents enjoy their grandchildren. However, seeing her again, my dissatisfaction did not decrease at all. She is indeed beautiful and talented, but what I want is a good wife who can share weal and woe with me. After marriage, she will have to serve my parents, and I also want to return to the battlefield to serve the country. However, she cannot do it. Every time we meet, she either discusses great things under heaven or talks about Jianghu rumors. I really don't hope to marry a wife like her."

  I quietly looked at Pei Yun, knowing that every word he said was sincere. For a general on the battlefield, what he needed wasn't someone who looked beautiful in paintings, but rather a good wife who could take care of the household. Fengyi probably didn't think of this point - not all men like those wives with stunning looks and exceptional talent, yet can't handle everyday life.

  I smiled faintly and said, "Actually, General, you're overthinking this. There's no parent in the world who doesn't favor their children. If you and your respected parents explain the reason for marrying a virtuous wife, they'll understand. If they're hesitant due to the Xue family, you can first take a concubine outside. Once she gives birth to a son, when your parents see their grandson, will they still be angry?"

  Pei Yun's heart moved, and he thought that using the excuse of practicing martial arts to delay the marriage might not work. I saw his expression and understood that he was already willing, but there were still difficulties. So I said: "General, you have repeatedly asked for a divorce, but the other party is unwilling. Your reasons for divorce are probably not sufficient, and you don't want to offend your in-laws. When the time comes, you can say that you unintentionally formed a bond with another woman outside, and you cannot abandon her. Even if the other party has a strong background, they cannot stop you from taking a concubine. If they get angry and divorce, it would be exactly what you want. If they insist on marrying their daughter to you, this is a matter between husband and wife, can outsiders still intervene? As long as you exclusively love your concubine, and the elderly couple above loves their grandson, I'm afraid it won't take long for your respected wife to propose 'divorce'."

  Pei Yun said somewhat reluctantly: "This plan is good, but I'm afraid it's too hurtful."

  I said faintly: "Although it hurts for a while, I'm sure General's fiancée has many suitors. If the general reluctantly marries an unlikable wife, in the future, husband and wife will be incompatible, unable to filially support parents above, and inconveniently teach children below, this is against human ethics. If Miss Xue is a virtuous and gentle woman, I am speaking ill of her marriage, unforgivable sin. But I suppose Miss Xue--"

  I didn't continue speaking, but seeing Pei Yun's face turn red and white, I must have said something right. The disciples of Fengyi Gate are not all fond of showing off their faces, let alone the fact that Daxia has an open and free atmosphere, even ordinary women wouldn't dare to step out of their homes, not to mention those noblewomen from prominent families.

  After a moment, Pei Yun had calmed down and was slightly flushed as he thanked me. I smiled and said, "Now that the general's worries are all gone, why not have a few more cups?" Pei Yun raised his cup in a toast to me, while I poured myself a cup of peach blossom wine - I couldn't handle the strong liquor.

  Just now, Pei Yun's candid words made us two people start to get close, so when we talked, it gradually became less awkward. When Pei Yun talked about military affairs, he was very enthusiastic and had a lot to say. He used to be a brave general under the command of King Qi, so many things he said were related to King Qi. Although King Qi is not a famous general, he is fierce and fearless, and willing to listen to his advisors' opinions, so he is also respected by his soldiers in the army. Pei Yun spoke of him with great respect, it seems that we should not underestimate King Qi. In the past, when he twice attacked Xiangyang and failed, it was because Xiangyang's defenses were too strong, while his troops lacked a unified strategic goal. I once heard Wang Yong say that the previous expedition was promoted by the Crown Prince himself. It seems that because of those things, we underestimated King Qi, which is really unfair to him. As long as we give King Qi a few good advisors, he can definitely hold his own and defend one side.

  We were chatting and getting along famously when I heard the sound of music coming from the front, although it was muffled by the many buildings, but still faintly audible. I knew that Prince Yong's banquet had already started, so I smiled and said: "Today I stopped you from attending the prince's grand banquet, but you're not at a loss either, are you? The wine here is definitely to your liking."

  Pei Yun smiled and said: "Thank you, Mr. Jiang, for the wine knife. If it weren't too presumptuous of me, I'd like to take a whole jar of wine away."

  I was about to respond when I suddenly heard a low groan in my ear, and my heart skipped a beat. I listened carefully and heard another urgent breath, accompanied by the sound of bones breaking. Oh no, someone is assassinating the guards at the Cold Garden! I forced myself to calm down and recalled the positions of the surrounding guards. The two dead guards should be nearby, while the other guards were about 100 steps away. I wouldn't have been able to hear such a small noise otherwise. I glanced at Pei Yun, but he didn't seem to notice anything. Then, I heard someone push open the garden gate. This sound caught Pei Yun's attention, but he just furrowed his brow slightly. I looked at his expression and saw nothing out of the ordinary; it seemed he thought it was just one of the Cold Garden's servants. I put down my wine cup. Who could be killing the guards? I judged that the other guards in different directions were probably already dead, or else someone would have noticed an intruder entering the Cold Garden. Looking at the time, it was when the grand feast was in full swing, and most of the guards were defending the front. That's why he could sneak in so easily. What should I do? I'm powerless, and looking at Pei Yun, can I rely on him? After all, he used to be under the command of the Qi King.

  Pei Yun looked at Jiang Zhe with a puzzled expression, wondering why he had suddenly fallen silent and his face was somewhat strange. He couldn't help but gather his strength to be prepared for any situation. Just then, he heard the faint sound of footsteps in his ear, which was the sound of someone treading on the snow in the garden. Pei Yun's heart skipped a beat as he listened carefully, realizing that the person's lightness skill was extremely high, and from the sound, it seemed that only a small pit would be left on the snowy ground. Was it a master from the Yong Wang Fu? Pei Yun thought so, but somehow he felt it wasn't right, because that kind of cautiousness didn't seem like someone from the Yong Wang Fu. He looked at himself and found that he hadn't brought any weapons with him. Although he was skilled in fist and foot combat, having a weapon would still be better. He immediately whispered to Jiang Zhe, "Sir Jiang, there's someone outside, it seems they're not from the palace. Do you have any weapons here?"

  I glanced at Pei Yun, and it seemed that he was trustworthy. My life would have to rely on him for the time being. The person who came in was probably not here with good intentions, but I didn't have anything around me that could alert the guards ahead. The dead guards had copper whistles on them, but there was no way I could get to them. I didn't know if Pei Yun could hold off the people outside. If no one arrived in time, my life would probably be over.

  I didn't hesitate, taking out a dagger from that cabinet, the only weapon in this room. The hairpin on my head was sharp enough, but I didn't expect Pei Yun to use it.

  Pei Yun furrowed his brow and handed me a dagger, saying: "You keep it for self-defense." I smiled wryly as I looked at the exquisite dagger. Originally used to cut meat, in the hands of an expert it could be a deadly weapon, but what use was it to me? Still, I accepted it. Pei Yun's martial arts skills were formidable, and he wouldn't need it anyway. Just then, someone outside the door spoke softly: "Mr. Jiang, His Highness knows you don't want to attend the banquet in the front hall, so he sent his subordinate to bring you some imperial wine."

  Pei Yun's expression relaxed, and he looked at me awkwardly, as if thinking he was too sensitive. I grabbed him, shook my head, it couldn't be someone sent by the Crown Prince, Your Highness knows my habits, would never send a stranger to deliver wine, if he had sent back Xiao Shunzi that would have been normal, but a stranger is impossible.

  I said calmly: "Who is it outside the door? Please come in and speak."

  The door opened quietly, and a middle-aged man wearing a guard's uniform walked in. He had an ordinary appearance that made him easily forgettable. At a glance, I knew he wasn't from the Yong Wang Fu, and I detected two smells on him - one was the smell of kitchen oil smoke, and the other was a faint scent of blood. Looking at him, I coldly asked: "Are you the new cook from Nan Chu?"

  The middle-aged man was stunned, and Pei Yun also looked at me with a strange expression. I ignored their surprise and asked coldly: 'Why did you come to kill me? Who sent you?'

  Pei Yun immediately stared tightly at the middle-aged man, his eyes full of vigilance.

  The middle-aged man's expression suddenly changed from calm to ferocious and cold-blooded. In an instant, the mediocre guard disappeared, and what appeared before us was a ruthless killer. Pei Yun stepped forward, blocking me with his body.

  The middle-aged man suddenly laughed and asked: 'How did Jiang Zuo know that I am an assassin?'

  My expression turned cold and I said lightly, 'I know you, you're the poisonous hand with an evil heart, the number one killer in the Southern Chu army. In the past, you took orders from Prince Deqin Zhao Ke, but now you probably take orders from Rong Yuan instead?'

  The middle-aged man's expression turned serious, and he said coldly: 'No wonder the king's will was so strict. If Jiang Zhe were to surrender to the enemy, we must do our best to kill him.'

  Hearing this, I could no longer hold back, a mouthful of blood gushed out from the corner of my mouth, and I slowly sat down, closing my eyes.