Chapter 438: Chapter 440: Investigating the Deeds of the Imperial Uncle
After finishing their early al, Pei Huaian invited them to the garden for tea tasting, where Pei Jingyi casually brought up the matter of Abbot Yuan Hui.
“Who would have thought that Abbot Yuan Hui, a man respected by many, would turn out to be a murderous bandit capable of killing without blinking an eye? Truly, one can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Pei Huaian followed up by saying, “Indeed, the human heart is unfathomable.”
“But he did predict many things that hadn’t yet happened. How would you explain that? Could it be that soone was tipping him off?” Pei Jingyi deliberately led the conversation in that direction.
Pei Chengye’s expression flashed with panic upon hearing this, but he quickly regained his composure.
Clearing his throat, he said, “Perhaps it was just good luck that he made the right guess.”
Pei Huaian glanced at him, picked up his teacup, and said nothing more.
The conversation continued with each of them chipping in until Pei Siyang got up to leave first, quickly followed by Pei Haolan.
Only Pei Huaian, Pei Chengye, and Pei Jingyi were left in the garden.
“Little brother, you’re quite the center of attention right now. Just make sure nothing happens to you.”
Pei Jingyi replied with a smile, “If nobody sches against , how could I possibly encounter any trouble? Right, Second Brother?”
“What do you an by that? Are you suggesting that I would do sothing to harm my little brother?”
“Like mother, like son. How the Empress was deposed is sothing you’re well aware of, more than anyone else.” Pei Jingyi intentionally touched upon his sore point.
Although the Emperor did not investigate Pei Chengye for that incident, he indeed lacked support among the court officials, and even the Jiang Family had distanced themselves from him.
“You…” Pei Chengye stood up abruptly, his eyes fiercely glaring at Pei Jingyi, his fist’s veins popping.
Pei Huaian sat watching the drama unfold, not bothering to break up the fight or pull anyone away.
The tension was interrupted only when Ah Mo ca with an eunuch.
“This servant greets the Fifth Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the Second Prince.”
“You may rise.”
“Fifth Prince, the Emperor summons you to the palace. The carriage is waiting outside,” said the eunuch with a smile.
It turned out the Emperor had imdiately summoned for Pei Huaian to co to the palace upon learning of his return to the residence.
“Very well. Please ask the eunuch to wait outside for a mont,” Pei Huaian said.
The disputing pair instantly ceased their argunt, exchanged glances, and hurriedly left.
Pei Huaian suppressed a smile, straightened his robe, and followed the little eunuch into the palace.
The Emperor, seeing him unhard, let out a sigh of relief and then began to scold him.
Pei Huaian stood quietly listening until the Emperor finished, at which point he bowed and said, “Father gives excellent advice, and your son will keep it in mind.”
Seeing his sincere attitude, the Emperor nodded in satisfaction.
After chatting idly for a while, they discussed the matter of Abbot Yuan Hui, and he inford Pei Huaian that the Court of Judicial Review had been instructed to investigate.
Given the wide implications of the matter, it would be inappropriate for Pei Huaian to personally investigate as it could lead to gossip; therefore, it was best left to the Court of Judicial Review.
As for the outco, they would have to wait and see, as acting rashly could lead to failure.
Pei Huaian clearly understood the stakes involved and raised no objections.
As he was about to leave the Imperial Study Room, the Emperor suddenly spoke, “Your Little Imperial Uncle has returned. Spend more ti with him if you can.”
Pei Huaian understood the Emperor’s intentions; securing support from his Little Imperial Uncle would silence many courtiers.
After all, his uncle had a formidable reputation; few dared to offend him at court, and many chose to detour rather than face him.
An idea occurring to him, Pei Huaian asked, “Father, have you ever t my Little Imperial Uncle’s beloved?”
“I have not. Your Little Imperial Uncle has protected her very well. I’ve heard she’s an extraordinary woman, but alas, beauties often have short lives, and she ended up passing away,” the Emperor sighed.
“Does father know the story of my Little Imperial Uncle and his beloved?” Pei Huaian wasn’t truly interested in winning over Pei Hanze; he rely wanted to understand a woman similar to Shao He.
Thinking that he was finally taking the matter seriously, the Emperor commanded an eunuch to bring a pot of tea, sat down with Pei Huaian, and slowly began to recount, “It’s a long story, let tell you gradually.”
By noon, the Emperor had finished the story. Although it wasn’t comprehensive, it was close enough to the whole picture.
After listening to his father’s account, Pei Huaian pondered for a mont, then raised his eyes and asked, “Thank you, Father.”
The Emperor smiled upon hearing that, “You must make good use of this opportunity. Don’t disappoint my expectations of you.”
Pei Huaian stood up to bid farewell, and as he stepped out of the Imperial Study Room, he ran into Pei Hanze, who was walking toward him. He bowed and said, “Greetings to the Little Imperial Uncle.”
“Hmm,” said Pei Hanze, eyeing him narrowly.
Pei Huaian replied calmly, “Your nephew takes his leave.”
Having said his farewells, he walked away, leaving Pei Hanze standing alone.
Upon reaching the Imperial Study Room, the eunuch at the door imdiately went in to report upon seeing Pei Hanze.
The Emperor personally opened the door, “You’ve finally decided to co. I was still waiting to finish that ga of chess.”
The two of them went inside, discussing the chess ga, and quickly arrived at the chessboard, where they sat down to play.
Pei Hanze picked up a black piece from the chess box and placed it on a square to the right.
“You can’t just place a piece like that the mont you start. How is your brother to play chess with you?” the Emperor chided with a shake of his head.
“I don’t think you’ll lose. In these years of playing chess, Imperial Brother, you haven’t lost much to at all,” Pei Hanze replied lightly, blowing off the black powder from his fingertips as the two matched each other move for move.
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