Chapter 8: May I Borrow the Lord Chancellor’s Belt? Part 1

A few days later, Eunuch Xu arrived at the Imperial Guard drill grounds in a sedan chair, carrying the purple ribbon and bronze tally of office. It was his first time meeting the legendary General Pei in the flesh.

Pei Jingyi wore the elegant, wide-sleeved robes of a civil official, yet he lacked even a hint of scholarly refinement. He was imposing—tall, broad-shouldered, and narrow-waisted. The official uniform could barely contain his powerful physique; he was the sort of man who would look like a soldier even if he were dressed in the dragon robes of a prince.

His features were deep and chiseled, with a sharp nose and thin lips. Unlike the pampered, jade-faced young masters of the capital, his skin bore the sun-bronzed hue of years spent braving the wind and grit of the frontier. It gave his profile a razor-sharp, masculine edge.

He was sitting off to the side, engrossed in a manual of military strategy, when his lieutenant hurried over and whispered a few words in his ear.

Pei Jingyi tucked the book into his tunic and stood. “I did not expect a visit from you, Eunuch Xu. Please forgive my lack of a proper welcome.”

Eunuch Xu offered a warm, polite smile, lifting a tray with both hands. “General Pei is too kind. I am here to deliver an imperial decree on behalf of His Majesty.”

By regulation, an official receiving a decree should kneel to show respect, but Pei Jingyi remained standing as straight as a spear. He showed no intention of bowing.

Knowing the general was a man of the sword who cared little for courtly etiquette, Eunuch Xu didn’t press the issue. “His Majesty has heard of the general’s illustrious military achievements—of your peerless archery and matchless bravery. He has specifically invited you to the palace to instruct him in the arts of riding and archery.”

Pei Jingyi’s brow arched slightly. Before he could speak, his lieutenant stepped forward, unable to contain his indignation. “The General’s skills are for the battlefield, for slaying enemies! How could he possibly—”

“It is fine.”

Pei Jingyi raised a hand, resting it on the lieutenant’s shoulder. He looked at Eunuch Xu and gave a short, airy laugh. “I accept the decree. My thanks to His Majesty for his favor.”

The lieutenant gritted his teeth but eventually stepped back, his eyes still fixed on Eunuch Xu like daggers.

Eunuch Xu handed over the tray, his smile never wavering. “Then please, General, follow me into the palace. His Majesty is waiting.”

Pei Jingyi remained composed. He took the bronze tally and fastened it to his waist, patting his lieutenant on the shoulder. “Keep training. Wait for me to get back.”

The lieutenant’s expression softened slightly, though he still directed a cold glare at the eunuch.

Eunuch Xu felt a chill run down his spine under that gaze, but he kept his face bright. “General Pei is truly the pillar of our military. It’s no wonder the Lord Chancellor thinks so highly of you.”

“Lord Chancellor Gu?”

Pei Jingyi’s sharp jawline tightened for a fleeting second.

Eunuch Xu, hoping to remind the general of his benefactor, acted surprised. “Does the General not know? It was the Lord Chancellor himself who recommended you to His Majesty, praising your archery as second to none.”

“Is that so?” Pei Jingyi interrupted, his expression unreadable. “I am deeply honored.”

Seeing him so “receptive,” Eunuch Xu couldn’t help but add a few more pointers. “From now on, General, you are the Lord Chancellor’s man. As you rise through the ranks of the court, I hope you’ll remember to look out for me!”

Pei Jingyi narrowed his eyes, his voice tinged with a hint of mockery. “I am a servant of Great Chen. How could I be the Lord Chancellor’s man?”

Eunuch Xu choked on his words, letting out a couple of dry, awkward coughs. “The General jokes… the Chancellor holds you in such high regard…”

“Eunuch Xu.”

Pei Jingyi turned abruptly, his tall frame casting a heavy, oppressive shadow. “Didn’t you say His Majesty was waiting?”

The eunuch’s back went cold under that stare, and he nodded frantically. “Yes, yes… of course…”

***

Shortly after, Eunuch Xu led him to the imperial drill grounds.

The bright yellow imperial carriage sat high upon the terrace, surrounded by guards. Through the shifting silk curtains of the carriage, two silhouettes were visible.

Pei Jingyi swept his robes aside and knelt in a formal salute. “Your subject, Pei Du, greets His Majesty.”

There was no immediate answer from the carriage. Instead, the sound of footsteps echoed from above—light, graceful steps on the stone stairs, as if the person were treading upon the clouds.

Before the newcomer reached him, Pei Jingyi’s keen senses caught a drifting scent. It was the fragrance of aged agarwood, mellow and sweet, mingled with the cool, crisp scent of medicinal herbs. It was strangely pleasant.

A pair of official boots embroidered with golden cranes appeared before his eyes. The hem of a purple-and-gold brocade robe shimmered in the sunlight. As the fabric brushed against his cheek, it left a phantom sensation of warmth.

The person paused, then took a seat in a chair beneath the ceremonial canopy.

A pair of bright yellow dragon-patterned boots followed behind, hurried and clattering down the steps to catch up.

The voice of a young man rang out. “Minister, your cloak is missing. Are you cold? Shall I send someone to fetch it?”

The Lord Chancellor’s voice was clear and soft as he gave a mild reminder. “Your Majesty, General Pei is still kneeling.”

Yuan Zhuo turned toward Pei Jingyi and raised a hand. “General Pei, please, rise.”

Pei Jingyi stood, brushing the dust from his sleeves.

Yuan Zhuo looked him over, hesitating. “The General is… so young?”

From the stories Eunuch Xu had told him—of the man who quelled the rebellion at Mount Wu with only three arrows ten years ago—Yuan Zhuo had expected a grizzled veteran with a white beard. He hadn’t expected a handsome, vigorous young man.

Pei Jingyi met the Emperor’s gaze with a relaxed, easy confidence. “Did Your Majesty expect me to be an old man?”

Yuan Zhuo studied him, unable to guess his age. “How old are you?”

Pei Jingyi’s brow quirked. “I am twenty-six. I hope I have not disappointed Your Majesty.”

Yuan Zhuo’s eyes lit up with admiration. “You are only a year older than the Lord Chancellor. You are truly young and capable.”

Pei Jingyi had no desire to be compared to that man. He dismissed the comment with a faint smile. “I thank Your Majesty for the praise.”

Just then, that same cool voice drifted from beneath the canopy. “When I presided over the Bureau of Military Affairs, I read the reports of General Pei’s victories. To take the head of an enemy commander while riding alone through a sea of ten thousand foes… such decisiveness makes you a true pillar of the state.”

Pei Jingyi looked toward the source. There sat the man who held the court in his palm—Gu Huaiyu. He leaned back in a cushioned chair, his face strikingly beautiful, his skin as pale as fresh snow. Even the vibrant wood hibiscus blooming in the garden behind him seemed to lose their color in his presence.