Chapter Forty-Seven: A Gifted House, Neighbors

Pei Min felt a headache coming on; with Xue Na’s downfall, his plans would have to be rearranged. Without a trustworthy acquaintance who valued him, the opportunities in Youzhou were clearly inferior to those in Chang’an. He had resolved not to attend the Ministry of Personnel’s examination, but now he had to participate. Otherwise, holding the title of top scholar without an official position would be meaningless. As for Princess Taiping, whose ship was about to capsize, he had no intention of boarding. The historical failures were one reason; the real key was that he simply didn’t have much confidence in her. She was too much like Wu Zetian in temperament...

History had already suffered enough from one Wu Zetian; another would be disastrous. The powerful military foundation left to Wu Zetian in the early Tang still ended up in utter chaos in her hands. Now, with military strength waning, another like her could very well bring calamity to the nation.

As for Xue Na, Pei Min wasn’t worried. With his status and experience, being demoted was little more than a vacation. Whenever the court needed him, a single imperial edict would restore him to the command of the armies. Such things happened time and again in history. Even the invincible Li Jing had been impeached and dismissed at times, yet he always enjoyed good food, good sleep, and a steady rise in rank.

Princess Taiping, seeing Pei Min silent for so long, smiled and said, “You need not worry about the Grand Commander. With his credentials, my royal brother’s removal of him is merely a stopgap. Here, in the imperial capital of Chang’an, the opportunities far surpass those of Youzhou. Why pursue the distant when the near is so much better?”

Pei Min was finally feeling the disadvantages of ancient times. Xue Na’s demotion was such a major event, yet he hadn’t heard a word about it, causing him to miss the chance. Facing a forceful figure like Princess Taiping, losing the initiative made it much harder to muddle through. He could only resign himself: “So be it. I thank Your Highness for your favor, but as for the position, I have not yet decided. I must decline the post of Censorate Inspector; the powers of the office are too heavy and invite too many enmities, and my foundation is too shallow. Making too many enemies is not beneficial in the long run. Also, my relationship with the Pei family is not as antagonistic as Your Highness imagines. They look down on my mother, and I look down on them. We go our separate ways, each to his own, and have nothing to do with each other.”

Princess Taiping was surprised and inwardly amused: “Such feminine compassion!” In her world, everything was black or white, friend or foe. Those who offended her would not be allowed to recover; she would see to it they never rose again. Mercy to enemies was cruelty to oneself—that was her way of dealing with the world...

Self-preservation above all else; such a philosophy was not wrong, but in Princess Taiping’s position, if truly implemented, it would spell disaster for the country and the dynasty.

Just like Cheng Wuting, Wang Fangyi, and Heishi Changzhi, the three leading generals of the third generation in Tang’s military: Tang’s unstoppable foreign conquests were thanks to the strength of the state and its generals. First-generation commanders like Li Jing, Li Ji, Hou Junji; second-generation like Su Dingfang, Xue Rengui, Pei Xingjian—all ensured Tang’s invincibility. Yet, the third generation who could inherit from Su, Xue, and Pei were all destroyed by Wu Zetian, leading to a break in military succession and repeated defeats in what should have been a golden era.

Had Wu Zetian possessed even a bit more tolerance, leaving just one of Cheng Wuting, Wang Fangyi, or Heishi Changzhi would have prevented the military disasters of the Zhou dynasty under her rule.

Pei Min was not surprised by Princess Taiping’s reaction; from the beginning, they were not of the same ilk.

Aside from “feminine compassion,” Princess Taiping was very pleased with Pei Min’s performance today: young as he was, he already displayed maturity beyond his years, showing no excessive excitement at her overtures but calmly weighing everything to make the wisest, most beneficial choice for himself. If Pei Min had agreed to her request and accepted the post of Censorate Inspector, she would actually have thought less of him. That position was a blade in her hand—wherever she pointed, it struck; if it dulled, she cast it aside, but a sharp blade would be used to cut down many more. Yet, those who wielded it made too many enemies and would eventually face universal condemnation. Pei Min’s ability to see through this calmly was truly extraordinary. Only with sufficient benefit would such a clever man be willing to serve her.

“I will not treat any talented person who serves me poorly. You’ve been living at He’s residence in Chang’an—how inconvenient. I have a house in Fuxing Ward; I will give it to you.”

Pei Min did not hesitate and agreed immediately. With Princess Taiping’s status, having sought him out today, not offering something in return and wishing for peace in the future was simply wishful thinking. Accepting her house was a fair exchange; both got what they needed.

Princess Taiping, seeing Pei Min’s quick acceptance, valued him even more; she felt the house was well spent. With the maturity and proper discretion Pei Min displayed today, given time and cultivation, his rise was only a matter of time.

“I happen to be free; let me accompany you to see your new residence…” Princess Taiping’s tone left no room for refusal. She rose, tall and proud, and said, “Wait for me outside the residence.”

Pei Min smiled wryly to himself; Princess Taiping was clearly announcing her claim to the world. Soon, all of Chang’an would know he was her man. He had to concede: she was truly formidable, and in today’s contest, he had been utterly defeated. In truth, it was hardly his fault—he simply lacked the resources to contend with her at present.

Pei Min waited outside as instructed. Princess Taiping’s procession was no less grand than the emperor’s. Even before she appeared, over a hundred ceremonial guards were waiting, surrounding a luxurious four-horse carriage, awaiting her presence.

Princess Taiping arrived slowly; she had changed into formal attire and looked particularly noble.

Heading east along familiar streets, Pei Min’s mind drifted to a delicate, charming little girl, recalling their first meeting, and a smile crept to his lips.

As they approached Yuzhen Temple, Pei Min noticed the ceremonial guard had stopped. An attendant placed a footstool by the carriage’s right side; Princess Taiping was preparing to alight.

To the right was a magnificent mansion, with a plaque above the gate reading “Xue Residence.”

Princess Taiping stood outside, gazing at the mansion with a hint of nostalgia.

“Taiping Aunt!” A little girl ran out from Yuzhen Temple and threw herself into Princess Taiping’s embrace—it was Princess Yuzhen, Li Chiying.

Li Chiying asked, “Why are you here?”

Princess Taiping pinched Li Chiying’s nose and replied, “To show your neighbor his new house.”