Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 165 Loyalty (Part 1)

Emperor Jian'an vaguely recalled the scene of bidding farewell to the Pei family women years ago.

In the blink of an eye, four years have passed.

During those four years, the Crown Prince was poisoned, Emperor Jianwen died, the capital was captured, and the Prince of Wei was burned to death. He came to Bohai Commandery and was enthroned as the new emperor by the Zhang family.

The world changes, and the sea becomes mulberry fields.

The Li family and others before us have also aged considerably.

"No need for formalities, rise." Emperor Jian'an instructed Eunuch Shen to help everyone to their feet, and then offered them seats. Li and the others thanked the emperor repeatedly and took their seats with trembling steps.

When Madam Lu tried to speak, Madam Li gave her a look, and Madam Lu had no choice but to shut her mouth.

Lady Li brought up what she had said to General Zhang, and sincerely expressed Lady Pei's loyalty.

The young emperor was much easier to deal with than General Zhang. He smiled gently and said, "Sixth Miss Pei established the Pei Family Army not only for self-protection but also to fight the Xiongnu barbarians and protect the people of Yan County. I understand the Pei family's loyalty."

"Bohai Commandery already has 60,000 elite troops, enough to protect the safety of the capital. I have already issued an edict ordering all troops loyal to me and the court to remain stationed in their current locations. It is just right for Miss Pei to lead the Pei family army to garrison Yan Commandery."

"The fact that the old ladies have traveled hundreds of miles to come to Bohai County to pay their respects further demonstrates the loyalty of the Pei family. I am very pleased."

"Prime Minister Pang!"

Prime Minister Pang, whose name was called, immediately bowed and accepted the order: "Your subject is here."

Emperor Jian'an said solemnly, "Go and draft an imperial edict. I wish to confer the title of Second Rank Lady on Madam Li and Third Rank Lady on Madam Lu. Also, I will bestow a mansion upon the Pei family so that the women of the Pei family will have a place to live."

Even a puppet emperor sitting on the dragon throne has to do some things. Such as bestowing titles and rewards to appease the people, Emperor Jian'an has done countless things in the past year or so, and he has done it very smoothly.

Li was flattered and hurriedly pulled Lu to kowtow and express her gratitude.

Emperor Jian'an sighed softly: "The Pei brothers were both loyal ministers and generals of the Eastern Palace back then, but unfortunately they were framed by treacherous people and burdened with the infamy of treason. Once I recover the lost territories and restore the country, I will definitely exonerate the Pei family. I want everyone in the world to know that the Pei family is a family of loyal martyrs."

Li's eyes reddened, and she choked out, "Your Majesty's great kindness will be forever remembered by all of us in the Pei family."

Mrs. Lu burst into tears on the spot.

Fang and the others also shed tears.

Emperor Jian'an offered words of reassurance and ordered Eunuch Shen to escort the group of women out of the palace. Then, he asked Commander Gao in a low voice, "Will doing this really win over Miss Pei the Sixth?"

Commander Gao looked at the weary-looking young emperor and felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.

General Zhang, under the guise of protecting the emperor, has been recruiting soldiers and has tens of thousands of elite troops under his command. Everyone knows of Zhang's ambition, and how could Emperor Jian'an, a puppet emperor, not know? However, given the circumstances, Emperor Jian'an has no choice but to rely on and heavily rely on Zhang if he wants to secure his throne.

Over the past year, quite a few military generals have pledged their loyalty to Emperor Jian'an. For example, General Yang of the Guangning Army sent his nephews and younger relatives to Bohai Commandery, effectively sending hostages.

The arrival of the Li family and a group of elderly women from the Pei family to pay homage to the emperor also carried a similar meaning.

"Of course," Commander Gao reassured Emperor Jian'an, "Lady Li is the eldest and most respected elder in the Pei clan, and Lady Lu is the grandmother of Sixth Miss Pei. Sixth Miss Pei sending them to see Your Majesty is sufficient proof of her loyalty." Emperor Jian'an, whether convincing others or himself, replied, "You're right. Sixth Miss Pei has sent all her elders; this shows her loyalty and that she will not betray my trust."

Commander Gao lowered his voice and said, "The Guangning Army is mediocre in combat strength. The Pei family army once defeated the Xiongnu barbarians and defended Changping County. They are truly elite troops. With Miss Pei's abilities, the Pei family army will definitely become stronger and stronger in the future."

"If the Emperor can win over the Pei family, he can also use the Pei family army to slightly suppress the arrogance of the Bohai Navy."

Emperor Jian'an nodded slightly: "That's what I'm planning too."

This puppet emperor was truly pathetic and helpless. Knowing that everyone harbored different intentions, he could only pretend not to know, trying his best to maintain balance and preserve the dignity and prestige of the emperor.

The scene of bidding farewell to Lady Pei four years ago flashed through Emperor Jian'an's mind, and he suddenly said softly, "Four years have passed since we parted, and I still remember what the Sixth Miss Pei looks like."

If it were Eunuch Shen here, he would definitely be flattering him. Commander Gao was an upright man who spoke frankly: "The Emperor and Miss Zhang are engaged. After the mourning period, he will marry Miss Zhang as Empress. It's best not to think about Miss Pei anymore."

Miss Zhang was not exactly magnanimous. The two palace maids who served Emperor Jian'an trembled with fear before her. How could Miss Pei, a woman of such heroic stature, possibly endure such suffering?

Emperor Jian'an seemed not to understand the implication in Commander Gao's words: "I will marry my cousin as Empress. After the country is pacified, if Miss Pei Liu is willing to enter the palace, I will make her a Noble Consort."

Commander Gao looked at Emperor Jian'an's dark eyes, which suddenly flashed with brilliance, and silently shut his mouth.

……

"His Majesty is kind-hearted and treats his ministers and their families well; he is a true wise ruler."

After leaving the palace, Lady Lu was filled with emotion and excitedly said to Lady Li, "We made the right decision to come to Bohai County to surrender and pledge our loyalty. The Emperor will overturn the verdict for our Pei family and clear our names of treason."

Lady Li sighed, "General Zhang is arrogant and domineering, and the Emperor is young and weak, like a wooden puppet. I wonder how many years this court can maintain its stability."

Fang felt a pang of sympathy: "Isn't that right? The Emperor is young, weak, and easily bullied. General Zhang holds considerable military power and controls the court. Who knows when he might rebel and take the throne for himself?"

Madam Lu found these words extremely offensive and immediately retorted, "Your Majesty is biding your time and enduring humiliation. The armies loyal to Your Majesty include the Beiping Army, the Guangning Army, and many other armies in the north. If General Zhang ever harbors rebellious intentions, Your Majesty can simply raise your arm, and all the generals will lead their troops to defend the Emperor."

Fang muttered, "The Guangning army will come, but it's hard to say whether the Pei family army will come."

Mrs. Lu was so angry that she glared at him.

Li coughed, signaling to Fang to shut up with her eyes. Lu was mentally unstable and couldn't withstand verbal provocation. If she started making a scene and shouting in the street, it would be difficult to control.

The empty mansion bestowed by the Emperor was in a good location and quite spacious. Pei Jia led his men to move their luggage, and it took them two days to settle in.

Madam Li quietly called Madam Fang over and instructed her, "You don't need to do anything else, just follow Madam Lu every day. Don't let her leave the house at will. If she goes out, just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't say anything out of line."

Madam Fang nodded, then sighed, "My sister-in-law was perfectly fine before, I don't know why she gradually turned out like this."

Li sighed, "She came to Bohai County because she truly wanted to pledge her loyalty to the Emperor. We came here willingly as hostages to help the Pei family army gain a reputation and buy time."

"It's best if she doesn't see through it. Let her immerse herself in the joy of her wish being fulfilled. Maybe, her illness will gradually improve."

(End of this chapter)