TTTQF Chapter 50

Birth Charts

“Your Majesty, these are submitted by them today.” Eunuch Xu hands over several sheets of paper, filled with everything Pei Che and Jiang Miao have done throughout the day.

Emperor Liang Ping takes the paper and holds it up to his eyes. It reads:

“At the beginning of the Dragon hour, Young Lord Pei leaves the Duke’s residence and travels by carriage to Tianshui Alley in Yifeng Street, West City Gate. They stay there for half an hour, then together with Jiang Miao, they take a carriage to Plum Garden to meet with Young Lord Su, Han He’s second son who serves in the Ministry of Revenue, and the eldest son of Minister He Xu, for an intimate gathering. The content of their conversation is unknown. At the beginning of the Horse hour, they dine at the Lanyue Tower. Later, Young Lord Pei and Jiang Miao travel alone by carriage to the West City Gate. Along the way, they disembark and enter a long alley with unclear intentions…”

Since issuing the imperial decree that day, Emperor Liang Ping has ordered his subordinates to monitor their every move. From the intelligence reports submitted, it seems there is indeed a budding affection between the two.

Emperor Liang Ping sets down the paper and picks up another. This one contains the gathered opinions from various household servants on the proposed marriage contract. Seeing Pei Che embroiled in public opinion pleases Emperor Liang Ping immensely.

“Xu Hai, any reaction from Feng Shi’s side?” Emperor Liang Ping asks, remembering that Pei Che is not only the son of Pei Shijie but also the grandson of Feng Jianshan. However, this matter was personally sought by Pei Che; even if there is resentment, it cannot be blamed on him.

Eunuch Xu replies, “Your Majesty, since Feng Elder visited Duke of Zhongguo’s residence last time to investigate, there has been no further action. I think Young Lord Pei has already convinced him.”

“Feng Shi has always been a decisive figure. I expect he won’t easily accept another man being with Pei Che. Furthermore, any news from Pei Che’s grandmother?”

“I heard that in the past few days, the old lady has been summoning the Duke’s wife daily to set rules. If she shows any discomfort, she scolds her angrily. If she doesn’t comply, she threatens with filial piety to suppress her, forcing the Duke’s wife to submit.”

Emperor Liang Ping smiles satisfactorily. The more chaotic Duke of Zhongguo’s residence becomes, the happier he feels.

“That’s not enough. Send someone to the Observatory and have Li Dian go find Pei Che to obtain their birth charts. Let him pick an auspicious day for them. Rarely do I get to play matchmaker; naturally, I have to be meticulous.” Emperor Liang Ping decides to stir up more trouble at the Duke of Zhongguo’s residence.

“I’m sure that Young Lord Pei would be very grateful when he learns of this,” Xu Hai smiles along.

After receiving the imperial decree, Li Dian, the Director of the Imperial Observatory, does not delay. Early in the morning, he goes straight to the Duke of Zhongguo’s residence. There had been little interaction between them in the past, so naturally, they are unaware of his purpose. After being received by Pei Shiyuan, it is discovered that Li Dian has come to see Pei Che, forcing them to swallow their pride and send for Pei Che to come over.

Ever since Pei Che was titled as the heir apparent, Pei Shiyuan has felt a stifling sensation in his chest, disturbing his peace of mind. Whenever he goes out, this feeling is particularly strong.

Back then, as an illegitimate son, he inherited the title of Duke of Zhongguo. Although those people looked down on him, they dared not say anything to his face, only whispering sarcastic remarks behind his back. Unexpectedly, once the imperial decree is issued, those people become unrestrained. Several times, they praise him in a sarcastic tone for keeping his promises and even reluctantly hand over their sizable family business.

He is infuriated and has no choice but to return to his mansion. However, even there, he cannot escape frustration. His wife has been mistreated by the old lady, and when she comes back, she rants and raves, blaming him for the bad idea he had come up with. Not only have his schemes come to naught, but the consorts in the palace are also affected, spreading word that they will no longer interfere in the affairs of the Duke’s residence.

These days, he ponders often on how things have developed into this state and why they are completely different from his previous expectations.

Just as Pei Shiyuan is probing Li Dian’s intentions, a servant reports that the heir has arrived. Pei Che enters, bows in greeting, and then quietly waits for Pei Shiyuan to introduce the unfamiliar visitor.

“This is Master Li, the Director of the Imperial Observatory. He is here on the Emperor’s orders to discuss matters with you,” Pei Shiyuan says, smiling warmly at Pei Che in front of the outsider, assuming the role of a benevolent uncle.

“I wonder what business Master Li has with me?” A member of the Imperial Observatory seeking him out? Pei Che cannot help but feel uneasy.

Li Dian smiles and says, “Firstly, congratulations to the heir for finding a good match and being granted marriage by the Emperor. Your union is destined to be blissful and successful. Today, I have come unexpectedly because the Emperor has ordered me to match your birth charts and choose an auspicious date for your union. It’s time for you two to become a couple.”

Although Li Dian’s words are auspicious, they leave Pei Che feeling conflicted. He forces a smile and replies, “My birth chart is easy to obtain, but as for the other person’s, it might not be obtainable today. How about this: you return first, and after I obtain the birth chart, I will send someone to deliver it?”

Li Dian hesitates, “But the Emperor wishes for me to calculate it as soon as possible. How about this: please provide me with your own birth chart first, and then tomorrow, send someone to the Imperial Observatory with the other person’s?”

“In that case, please wait a moment, Master Li. I will send someone to retrieve it now.” Pei Che summons a servant and instructs him to go to Minghua Court to find Chan Yi, who will then go to his grandmother’s place to retrieve his birth chart.

Not long after, Chan Yi hurries back with a box in hand. Pei Che takes the box and hands it to Li Dian. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Dian departs with his men.

“Young Master, the Old Madam wishes for you to come over,” Chan Yi whispers.

“My grandmother has summoned me. Second Uncle, this nephew will take his leave now.” Pei Che doesn’t wait for Pei Shiyuan to respond; he leaves with Chan Yi, completely ignoring his angry glare from behind.

“Che’er, why do the people from the Imperial Observatory want your birth chart?” Grandmother Pei asks, though someone of her status certainly understands the implications. She is merely asking to confirm.

“The Emperor ordered them to combine my birth chart with Jiang Miao’s and calculate an auspicious date for us to marry,” Pei Che replies. Originally, he thought the Emperor’s anger was temporary and that he would soon forget about this affair amidst his daily affairs of state. Today’s events, however, make him realize that the emperor really sent someone to keep an eye on them.

Grandmother Pei’s lips tremble slightly, and her face turns pale. She asks, “Che’er, do you really intend to marry that man?”

“Grandmother, now that things have come to this, do we have any other choice?” Pei Che sighs in resignation. “But I don’t understand why the Emperor is so concerned about this matter.” He isn’t the only one who has rejected a princess’s advances, yet he seems to be the only one pushed into this situation.

Grandmother Pei sighs and says, “This matter is too unusual. I only figured it out later. Most likely, it has to do with your parents.”

Pei Che is confused. His parents passed away long ago. How could they be connected to this?

“Your mother is from the Feng family. Whether in terms of family background, appearance, temperament, or talents, she surpassed all other women in Liangjing. Such a person naturally attracted many suitors among Liangjing’s men.”

“Are you suggesting that the Emperor… back then…” Pei Che hesitates to delve deeper into the love and hate affairs of his elders.

Grandmother Pei nods. “Yes, unfortunately, the Feng family has strict rules, one of which is that Feng women cannot be taken as concubines. Even if he was a prince, he was no exception. After your father married your mother, the Third Prince deliberately made things difficult for her many times, but luckily, the Fourth Prince intervened. Over time, your father and the Fourth Prince became close. The two of them had similar interests, so they interacted more with each other.”

Pei Che ponders for a moment. “Back then, the late Emperor had not yet designated a Crown Prince. Both the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince had opportunities to ascend to the throne. Given my father’s close relationship with the Fourth Prince, the Third Prince must have seen both of them as rivals.”

“Yes, your father was the heir of the Duke of Zhongguo’s residence and the son-in-law of your maternal grandfather. The Third Prince was quite wary, afraid that your father would align himself with the Fourth Prince’s faction. But I know that your father never did anything to warrant such suspicion. However, after your parents and your grandfather passed away… the Emperor took advantage of the chaos and ascended to the throne. Many years have passed, and I thought his resentment had faded, but I never expected him to suddenly issue such a decree.”

This is also why Grandmother Pei hesitated to take action. Since it’s deliberate retaliation, why would the Emperor listen to others’ advice? Even if she brings out more people, it’s probably useless.

“I see, no wonder His Majesty has been paying attention to this matter and even hurriedly ordered the Imperial Observatory to calculate an auspicious date,” Pei Che finally understands why the Emperor is so pleased when he heard that Pei Che chose the second edict.

“He holds a grudge from the past, which is why he wants you to marry a man, to cut off the future of your father’s lineage!” Grandmother Pei is both angry and helpless.

“Grandmother, Mu’er is also my parents’ child,” Pei Che reminds her.

Grandmother Pei’s face freezes, and she speaks a little unnaturally: “If his illness can’t be cured, everything will be in vain.”

“I believe Mu’er will get better!” Pei Che says firmly. “I need to go fetch Jiang Miao’s birth chart now. I’ll take my leave.”

He walks out of the door and heads straight to Pei Mu’s courtyard. Inside, a few maids are gathered talking. They are startled when Pei Che suddenly approaches and quickly greet him.

Pei Che asks them to stand up and walks towards the house. It is quiet inside, as if no one is there. He finds Pei Mu, takes his hand, and says, “Mu’er, today your brother will take you out to play, how about it?”

Pei Mu doesn’t respond, and Pei Che is already used to it. He takes him outside. The two of them get into a carriage and arrive at Tianshui Alley. Pei Che leads Pei Mu off the carriage and walks towards the side door.

Inside the house, Jiang Miao hears the knock on the door and hurries to open the side door in the courtyard.

“Why are you here?” He is in the middle of preparing the filling. The fried bun business has been booming these days. The bucket of filling in the morning won’t last until evening. Jiang Miao has some free time today, so he plans to make more and send them to Daniu later to have him make more.

“I’ve come to get your birth chart and also take Mu’er out to relax,” Pei Che explains.

“I see, it happens that Xiao Shitou has a day off today, so I’ll have him take Mu’er to play later. After I’m done here, I’ll prepare some good food for them,” Jiang Miao greets Pei Mu but doesn’t mind the lack of response.

Jiang Miao leads the two inside. As soon as Xiao Shitou sees Pei Che, he immediately calls out, “Brother-in-law.” Yesterday, he had called Young Master Pei “Big Sister-in-law,” but Young Master Pei told him that two men couldn’t be called “Big Sister-in-law”; they should call him “Brother-in-law” instead. Although his brother had told him after coming home that the two weren’t married yet, so he shouldn’t call him that, his brother had also said that children with sweet mouths were likable. After calling Young Master Pei “Brother-in-law” yesterday, Young Master Pei was very happy! Xiao Shitou called out happily, completely unaware that his brother was sighing heavily with his hand on his forehead.

Pei Che smiles and responds, beckoning Xiao Shitou over. He takes out a flawless white jade gourd from his pocket with a red string hanging from it, looking exquisite. “Since I came in a hurry yesterday, I’m making up for it today with this token of appreciation.”

Xiao Shitou dares not accept it. He turns his head to look at Jiang Miao, preparing to listen to his brother’s instructions.

“Ah Che, this is too precious. It wouldn’t be good if it got damaged. Take it back!” Even though Jiang Miao doesn’t know much about jade, he can tell this piece is valuable.

“It’s alright. I had this jade specially made to give to younger generations. The gourd symbolizes blessings and longevity; it’s my sincere gesture. I hope you won’t refuse it,” Pei Che says earnestly, his hand extended without any intention of pulling it back.

Unable to argue with him, Jiang Miao reluctantly takes the jade gourd from his hand and carefully ties it around Xiao Shitou’s neck. He asks Xiao Shitou, “What do you say?”

Xiao Shitou immediately understands, “Thank you, Brother-in-law, for giving me this little gourd. I’ll take good care of it!” He holds the gourd and examines it repeatedly, his eyes filled with joy.

Pei Mu stands aside, playing with his own jade fish sculpture, showing no reaction to what is happening before him.

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