Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 850

Chapter 850: Old Case

Upon entering the room, Pei Que deliberately gave An Zhi a few extra glances.

“Is there something on my face?” An Zhi asked with a smile, noticing Pei Que staring at her.

Pei Que dismissed Cuisi, leaving only him and An Zhi in the room. “I’ve been busy with official duties lately and have neglected my wife somewhat. When I have a day off in a few days, shall we go to Chunfeng Tower for a banquet together?”

“You are busy with official duties, so there’s no need to think that you neglect me. Going to Chunfeng Tower is fine; Yue’er wants to try their pastries, but let’s just go by ourselves and not invite anyone else,” An Zhi said.

Pei Que had the same idea. “I heard Chunfeng Tower has recently launched several new dishes; let’s try them all.”

Chunfeng Tower was still the most bustling restaurant in the capital; any family with a modicum of standing would hire a chef from Chunfeng Tower to entertain guests. However, a large family like the Pei family would not need that, because their chefs were just as good as those at Chunfeng Tower; they only went there for the novelty.

An Zhi fiddled with needle and thread, saying, “This time, neither the second nor the third branches’ sons passed the imperial examination. My second sister-in-law wrote a letter, meaning she wants you to help Kun Ge transfer to Qingshan Academy.”

“After my second brother died, my second sister-in-law fell silent instantly. Now she’s focused on her sons’ future, and she’s much more restrained than before.” Pei Que, as the head of the family, although he disliked his second sister-in-law’s character, now that the second branch of the family was down on their luck, he had to help them out. “Fortunately, Kun Ge’s studies are quite good this year. Even if you do not pass the exam, you will pass it someday. Have someone call Kun Ge’er home tomorrow; I will speak to him personally. As for the third branch, Third Brother is shrewd, and his son is still young, so there’s no need to rush.”

An Zhi nodded in agreement. “Second Sister-in-law is anxious because she wants Kun Ge’er to have a degree so she can arrange a marriage. Otherwise, with Second Brother gone, she will inevitably have to lower her standards when looking for someone. Ultimately, Second Sister-in-law is still ambitious.”

Before the family split up, the four branches of the Pei family lived together in this large courtyard. Even though the house was large, with four branches living there, they saw each other constantly, leading to considerable open and covert rivalries.

Later, after the family split up and with the Eldest and Second Brothers passing away, their relationship actually improved somewhat.

“Second Sister-in-law definitely still wants to hold her head high,” Pei Que sighed, looking intently at An Zhi. “Does Madam feel that our Mansion is a little too quiet?”

“Quiet?” An Zhi felt it was a little, but not too bad.

“I feel like the house is not lively anymore since Yue’er is the only child,” Pei Que said, sitting down next to An Zhi and leaning close to her. “Madam, you smell so good.”

Even though Pei Que was just making a casual remark, An Zhi blushed instantly.

That night, An Zhi did not understand why Pei Que was suddenly so enthusiastic, pulling her back and forth several times.

When An Zhi woke up the next day, it was already bright outside. Sitting up, she felt like her bones were about to fall apart.

Chunlan handed her a hot towel. “The master went out early this morning. I also sent someone to deliver a message to Kun Ge’er as you instructed.”

“Kun Ge’er is the eldest son of the second branch of the family. Tell the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes. Do not neglect him.” An Zhi wiped her face, feeling a little more awake, but still sleepy. She thought about the tonic Yu Yao had sent and dared not give it to Pei Que; otherwise, she really would not be able to handle it.

Chunlan agreed, helping her madam to dress. “This morning, I received a letter from Fusheng. He said he’s settled down. However, the letter mentioned seeing dust and dirt in his dreams, so he’s likely to suffer.”

“You really care about him,” An Zhi smiled. “Fusheng just went to the mines, some small, unknown mines, so it will naturally be tough. Chunlan, I actually have enough help with Cuisi and a few others. If you really care about him, go find Fusheng in the south. I’m serious.”

Chunlan had never been to a mine, but on the way to the capital by the slave trader, she’d heard him say that life in the mines was worthless; after half a lifetime, covered in illnesses, even the slave traders would not buy you.

She was definitely worried, but going all the way from the capital seemed a bit too deliberate.

“No, thank you. If I really go, I will not be able to explain myself,” Chunlan said. “I cannot go in person, but I can send some things.” It was almost New Year’s, and Chunlan had specially prepared quite a few things.

“Suit yourself. But if you really want to go someday, remember to tell me, and I will arrange someone for you.” With that, An Zhi finished dressing and grooming.

Two days later, just as Pei Que was about to take his leave, the carriage returning from the palace overturned. Pei Que had drunk some wine; although he was unharmed, he twisted his ankle. He could not go to Chunfeng Tower, so he could only send a servant to buy food there.

During Pei Que’s two days of recuperation, a major event occurred in the court. The usually upright and righteous Duke Cheng was investigated for an old case. It was said that twenty years ago, a student under the Duke Cheng had committed a crime, which the Duke Cheng had covered up.

And the one who unearthed this old case was Pei Yu.

With the position of Prime Minister vacant, Duke Cheng was the most prestigious figure in the court. The sudden emergence of this case surprised many, leaving them unsure which side to take.

When An Zhi heard about it, she was also anxious and asked Pei Que, “Should we not send someone to the Cheng family to sound them out?”

Pei Que shook his head. “A twenty-year-old case has been unearthed. Regardless of the facts, it’s certain that someone in the Cheng family betrayed Duke Cheng. Right now, Duke Cheng does not trust anyone. Going to their door to gather information would be counterproductive.”

“Then tell me, did Duke Cheng really interfere in this case?” An Zhi asked, frowning.

“Whether he interfered or not, if Duke Cheng could bring it down back then, he can do it now,” Pei Que analyzed. “Madam, you can rest assured, Duke Cheng will be fine, but we will have to see how he handles it.”

What Pei Que was more concerned about was how Pei Yu had managed to find this case.

When Pei Que first discovered Pei Yu’s spies within the residence, he thoroughly investigated the entire household, never expecting Pei Yu’s reach to extend to the Cheng family.

“Pei Yu must have amassed considerable wealth and connections over the years,” An Zhi said worriedly.

“Now that he’s surfaced, we will surely find out who’s with him,” Pei Que said. “We can just observe the Cheng family’s affairs from the sidelines. The Seventh Prince is about to arrive in the capital; this time, it will be different, and we will need Madam to put in extra effort.”

Upon hearing that Li Xing was coming to the capital, An Zhi knew what it meant.

The current Emperor was still young and held no real power. If the Emperor grew older, it would be much more difficult for Li Xing to seize power.

“Seventh Prince… what will happen to the Emperor after he ascends the throne?” An Zhi suddenly asked curiously.

“That depends on the Seventh Prince’s own thoughts, but it’s best to treat him with respect.” Pei Que had no interest in royal affairs; even though Li Xing had specifically sent him a letter, Pei Que only gave a polite response.

But things were not settled yet, and there was no guarantee that Li Xing would ascend the throne.