Chapter 242: Reunion
How did Commander Gao, with his thick eyebrows, big eyes, and straightforward temperament, learn to flatter like this?
Eunuch Shen internally complained, but smiled cheerfully on the surface: “Commander Gao escorted the Pei Clan female dependents all the way to Youzhou that year, and last year went to the Pei Family Army to deliver the decree. Commander Gao’s friendship with General Pei is indeed incomparable to others.”
Gao Yong glanced at Eunuch Shen and casually smiled, “This is Eunuch Shen’s first time meeting General Pei. How did it feel today?”
Eunuch Shen laid on the flattery thickly, using at least seven or eight idioms in the short walk to the Imperial Study.
Gao Yong chuckled inwardly.
He was reckless, but not stupid. Eunuch Shen had been boastful and aggressive before going, but returned like a mouse with its tail between its legs, clearly having suffered Pei Qinghe’s dressing-down.
Eunuch Shen pushed open the door first, and Gao Yong led the way.
Pei Qinghe stepped into the Imperial Study.
The young Emperor Jian’an could not restrain himself any longer and rose from the Dragon Throne, his gaze eagerly fixed on Pei Qinghe’s face.
Back then at their first meeting, he was the Prince Zhangwu of the Eastern Palace, and she was Sixth Sister Pei, the daughter of a traitor sent into exile.
He was fifteen, and she was only thirteen.
After more than five years apart, he was now the Son of Heaven revered by all in the Northern Lands of the Jing Dynasty. And she was General Pei, peerless in archery and invincible in battle.
Back then, she had a slender figure and a handsome, spirited face. Now her features had fully matured, her spiritedness even more pronounced, like a tiger in a thorny jungle, radiating a sharp dominance that no one could ignore.
That proud and spirited beauty was a splendor that no brush could capture.
His heart felt scorched by blazing flames, or battered by raging waves.
Unable to restrain his emotions, he stepped forward and called out the name he had buried in his heart for years: “Pei Qinghe!”
“Your subordinate Pei Qinghe pays respects to the Emperor.” Pei Qinghe calmly cupped her hands and saluted the Son of Heaven.
It was like a basin of cold water poured over him, extinguishing most of the flames in Emperor Jian’an’s heart.
Emperor Jian’an’s smile froze for a moment.
The years on the Dragon Throne had not been in vain. Emperor Jian’an quickly regained his composure and gestured for her to rise: “General Pei, rise.”
As the Son of Heaven, it was not improper to be a bit closer to valued civil officials and military generals. At least Emperor Jian’an had some sense and did not touch her sleeve.
Pei Qinghe smiled and thanked the Emperor for his grace.
Emperor Jian’an granted her a seat, and Pei Qinghe sat down calmly.
Watching this scene, the stifled feeling in Eunuch Shen’s heart suddenly dissipated. Look at General Pei, acting like this even before the Emperor. What was his minor humiliation compared to that?
Gao Yong was unconcerned. Military generals trained troops in the barracks all day or led troops in battle, killing and fighting, so they were not the same as the circuitous civil officials.
Pei Yan stood outside the Imperial Study, her copper bell-like big eyes fixed on the sturdy door, looking ready to kick it down and kill at the slightest sign of trouble.
Pei Xuan and Pei Feng each gripped their sword hilts.
Gu Lian was calm and smiled softly: “Miss Pei Yan, rest assured. I have met the Emperor, and he has a mild temperament and holds the Pei Family Army in high regard. With our general coming personally to Bohai Commandery, the Emperor must be pleased. Today’s audience is to show favor and importance. There will be no issues.”
Feng Chang thought to himself, not only would there be no issues, there might even be rewards!
In the study, Emperor Jian’an opened his mouth with a torrent of praise: “General Pei single-handedly established the Pei Family Army, annihilated the mountain bandits, protected the common people, greatly defeated the Fanyang Army, and repelled the Xiongnu barbarians. You are indeed my confidant and beloved general.”
Gao Yong was grossed out, covered in goosebumps.
Pei Qinghe smiled and replied: “That day, when the Pei Family Womenfolk were exiled, in their hour of peril, His Highness the Prince extended a helping hand. Only then did the Pei Family members safely reach Changping County. Afterward, the Eastern Palace secretly instructed the Beiping Army to look after them. These kindnesses, your subordinate has always kept in mind and never forgotten.”
“Your subordinate lacks the ability to conquer the world. Being able to garrison Yan Prefecture, resist the Xiongnu barbarians, and protect the local common people is enough!”
Emperor Jian’an looked deeply at Pei Qinghe: “General Pei is too modest. Among the Northern Lands armies, the Bohai Navy has the most troop strength, the Beiping Army is fierce and unafraid of death, and the Pei Family Army is brave and valiant, powerful, and has never suffered defeat. I have always hoped the Pei Family Army would come to Bohai Commandery. Then, with the Bohai Navy, Beiping Army, and Pei Family Army in hand, I can launch the Southern Expedition to reclaim the Capital City.”
Pei Qinghe replied: “Bohai Commandery already has two armies with sufficient troop strength.”
“General Situ is leading the Imperial Guard to attack the Capital City, and Thief Qiao is nearly at the end of his rope. Thief Tao is badly injured, just a frog in late autumn that won’t last much longer. Your Majesty need not be anxious and can wait patiently for the best opportunity.”
Situ Xi and King Qiao were locked in fierce combat, like the snipe and clam fighting, best if both sides were wounded. That would be the time for the Southern Expedition.
Emperor Jian’an surely understood this reasoning. He was just using the Southern Expedition as an excuse to try to keep Pei Qinghe.
Pei Qinghe made her attitude clear: she only wanted to garrison Yan Prefecture and did not wish to get involved in Bohai Commandery’s political struggles.
Emperor Jian’an was the Son of Heaven after all and needed to save face. He could not show weakness to his officials or beg them to stay. After a moment of silence, he changed the subject and asked about the details of the battle against the Xiongnu.
Pei Qinghe said solemnly: “In this battle, the primary credit goes to the Guangning Army. The Guangning Army sent troops to lure the enemy and set up the first ambush, blunting the Xiongnu barbarians’ momentum. I led troops to ambush from behind. Later, in defending the city, the Guangning Army was first on the city wall, consuming the Xiongnu barbarians’ troop strength and morale.”
Emperor Jian’an felt somewhat embarrassed: “I was so eager to see an old friend today that I overlooked General Yang. Tomorrow I will summon General Yang into the palace.”
Then, he shifted the topic again, mentioning Madam Li, Madam Lu, and others.
Pei Qinghe sighed lightly: “My closest kin are separated in two places, and I miss Grandmother and the others all the time. Once I leave the palace, I will go see Grandmother and them.”
Emperor Jian’an had originally wanted to keep Pei Qinghe for dinner together, but now could not say it. He coughed and said: “Not today. You go out of the palace first to reunite with your family. Tomorrow I will summon you and General Yang together.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and rose, cupping her hands to take her leave.
Emperor Jian’an personally escorted Pei Qinghe out of the Imperial Study. He then instructed Gao Yong and Eunuch Shen to escort Pei Qinghe out of the palace on his behalf.
Pei Qinghe cupped her hands again and led Pei Yan and the others away.
Emperor Jian’an silently watched Pei Qinghe’s figure recede into the distance.
After years apart, he had finally seen the girl at the tip of his heart today, and the joy in his heart was beyond doubt.
But upon careful reflection, he felt a sense of disappointment and loss.
Pei Qinghe had responded appropriately without being sharp or aggressive. Yet her attitude was crystal clear. She was unwilling to stay and help him with all her might.
When Eunuch Shen returned to report, Emperor Jian’an suddenly asked: “This was your first time seeing her. What did you think?”
Eunuch Shen weighed his words: “General Pei is not an ordinary young lady of the boudoir and cannot be treated lightly.”
“Nonsense!” Emperor Jian’an was in a restless mood and coldly glanced at Eunuch Shen.
Wasn’t it just nonsense?
Otherwise, what could he say?
Should he burst the Emperor’s unrealistic fantasies—wanting the Pei Family Army without providing money and grain, and also wanting General Pei herself?
