Chapter Seventeen (Part 1)

Pei Jin and Yan Shi Ning left Huang Guos manor in the horse carriage.

Yan Shi Ning noticed Pei Jin looked a little deflated. Big brother, what did you talk to him about?

Pei Jin stretched his back. About imperial court duties.

Yan Shi Ning didnt force Pei Jin to tell her the truth. Besides, she could guess there was nothing else for them to talk about apart from Su Yue and stealing the throne.

The night sky was dark like ink when they returned to Pei Jins manor.

Yan Shi Ning was tired from a tensed day. A maid prepared a warm bath for her and she immediately walked to the chamber.

Pei Jin walked in the direction of Bei Dous chamber.

Bei Dou was about to take off his clothes to sleep but he heard someone barged into his chamber. He turned around and his outer robe was grabbed by Pei Jins hand.

You delivered the note! Pei Jin said coldly.

Bei Dou heard Huang Guos messenger requested Pei Jin and Yan Shi Ning to attend a banquet and he knew he couldnt deny the truth and anticipated Pei Jins temper.

Bei Dou pushed Pei Jins hand away from his outer robe and straightened his outer robe. Whats the point of asking if you know?

Pei Jin saw Bei Dous calm state even after behaving reckless, it made him angry enough to laugh. He sat on a chair and silently looked at Bei Dou.

Its your fault for being slow, Bei Dou said. I could only borrow someone elses hand.

Out of Huang Guos children, Huang Guo loved Consort Chen most. If Huang Guo knew the empress killed Consort Chen, it was certain Huang Guo would avenge Consort Chens death.

Youre a good schemer, Pei Jin praised. Its a pity you need to walk a wide circle. When you want to borrow a dagger to kill a person, someone else would also want to borrow a dagger to kill a person. Bei Dou, you gave Huang Guo an opportunity to force me to cooperate with him to deal with the empress.

Bei Dou suppressed a little guilt. Thats good. You should cooperate with Huang Guo to deal with the empress.

Pei Jin rubbed his temples. In the past when you wanted me to cooperate with Huang Guo you didnt know about Huang Guos scheme. But now you know about the Diao Jing Ji, you still want me to cooperate with them also, you should know my personality. I hate other people forcing me to do something. Ill avenge Consort Chens death, but Ill not allow anyone cause trouble for me!

Bei Dou took a deep breath. It doesnt matter if Huang Guo uses you. Cant you use him? Dont you care that he sees you as a puppet? With your brilliant strategic mind even if Huang Guo is intelligent, he wouldnt know wholl scare him to death.

You want me to risk being exposed by association? Pei Jin asked.

Why not? Bei Dou asked.

I hate taking any risks, Pei Jin said.

Honestly? Bei Dou asked. If you hate taking any risks then in the past why did you save me?

The atmosphere in the chamber became tensed.

That year Bei Dous family property were taken and his family members were killed. Pei Jin saved him from a fire and hid his identity. He wanted to oppose the imperial court to avenge his family.

You say you dont care about being emperor, Bei Dou said. But why did you save a convicted criminal like me? Pei Jin, youre too cautious, you wouldnt save me because I saved your life. You saved me because of the gold and silver taels that my Sheng household hid. If you have them in your hands then you can steal the throne.

Bei Dou kept those thoughts in his heart for a long time. He truly wanted Pei Jin to answer his questions directly.

Even if you saved me because of Shengs riches Im willing to give them to you with my own hands, Bei Dou said. As long as you help me deal with the empress people.

The chamber was eerily silent. Bei Dou couldnt see through Pei Jins thoughts.

Suddenly the sounds of raindrops pitter-pattered on the roof.

A gust of wind blew rain into the chamber and onto Pei Jins face. He gently wiped it off his face, stood and closed the window.

What if I say that I truly saved you because you saved me? Pei Jin asked.

Bei Dou wasted his energy to decipher if Pei Jin was sincere. Pei Jin was one of the rare people he knew who was an expert at concealing their true thoughts.

Also, everyone in the Sheng household died, Pei Jin said. Dont forget, youre Bei Dou.

Bei Dou stood still in the same spot for a long time. Pei Jins tone and expression were gentle, but he didnt know why it made him feel pressured to concede.

I have something else I want to tell you, Bei Dou said and coughed.

What is it? Pei Jin asked.

I examined the Fu Gui in the incense sticks more carefully, Bei Dou said. I discovered the Fu Gui in your wifes body doesnt need half a month to be released. Seven days is enough.

Pei Jin slitted his eyes, grabbed Bei Dous collar and punched Bei Dous chest. You purposely lied to me!

Bei Dou rubbed his sore chest. Indeed your wife is someone special to you.

Pei Jin smiled sincerely. Of course.

It explains why you schemed against Lady Yewu that year, Bei Dou said. Honestly, I want to know how she died.

Wait until you die, Pei Jin said. You can meet her in hell and ask her how she died.

Pei Jin pushed the door and left the chamber.

***

End of Chapter Seventeen (Part 1)