Yet this man, who held the power to cover the heavens with a single hand, was currently curled in the arms of a young maid, his body twitching from lingering pain. With wine still clinging to his hair, he looked like nothing more than a sickly cat caught in the rain.
The sky grew dark, and golden lanterns were lit under the eaves. The Iron Eagle Guards standing duty outside had already swapped for the second shift.
When Gu Huaiyu’s breathing finally stabilized and some color returned to his pale lips, Yun Niang’s heart finally settled.
Liu Erlang stepped inside quietly. Seeing the scene, he understood the situation immediately. He whispered to Yun Niang, “How long has the Chancellor been asleep?”
Yun Niang estimated the time. “Less than three hours.”
Seeing how pale she looked, Liu Erlang said with concern, “Do you want to go rest? I’ll look after him.”
Yun Niang shook her head and whispered back, “Why have you come?”
Liu Erlang’s expression shifted, his brows knitting together in hesitation. “A general has come to see the Chancellor. He’s waiting in the tea parlor.”
“Then let him wait.”
Yun Niang looked at Gu Huaiyu’s frail state. She didn’t believe the Chancellor would have the strength to get up and handle government affairs.
Liu Erlang also looked at Gu Huaiyu. “The Chancellor gave specific instructions. He said that if a ‘murderous-looking person’ came looking for him these few days, I must inform him immediately.”
Just as Yun Niang was about to speak, Gu Huaiyu’s eyelids flickered. He slowly opened his eyes, reached up to touch his aching throat, and asked in a raspy voice, “What time is it?”
Liu Erlang leaned in close, whispering softly, “My Lord, it has just passed the Hour of the Pig (9:00 PM).”
Gu Huaiyu closed his eyes again, gathering his strength. The lingering effects of the wine made him groggy. “Yun Niang, help me dress. Erlang… in fifteen minutes, bring him in.”
Pei Jingyi sat in the tea parlor with his legs splayed wide. The small tea cup provided by the servants looked like a delicate toy in his palm.
Several servants hid behind the pillars, stealing glances at this “outlier” general.
Countless high-ranking officials had visited the tea parlor of the Chancellor’s Manor, including military officers, but none were like this man. He had come to visit the Lord Chancellor without his official robes or his black gauze cap. A long saber lay across his knees, and his sleeves were still stained with fresh blood.
He looked more like he was here for a blood feud than a meeting.
Pei Jingyi’s patience was almost exhausted. The tea cup in his hand let out a sharp crack.
Finally, Liu Erlang returned and spoke politely. “General, thank you for your patience. The Chancellor will see you now.”
Pei Jingyi grabbed his saber and stood up abruptly. While seated, he was intimidating enough, but once he stood, his broad shoulders and long legs radiated such martial prowess that the manor guards looked like paper dolls in comparison.
“Leave the blade,” Liu Erlang said, staring at the long saber.
Pei Jingyi tossed it aside casually. The saber hit the table with a loud clatter, knocking over the teapot.
He spread his arms to show he was unarmed. Though he said nothing, his attitude screamed: Is your Chancellor really this afraid?
Liu Erlang led him to the door of Gu Huaiyu’s bedchamber. When the Iron Eagle Guards saw Pei Jingyi again, they went on high alert and immediately searched him.
Pei Jingyi stepped into the room. The underfloor heating was burning high, making the room feel like a stifling steamer. His nose twitched; he smelled fresh blood mixed with the heavy scent of liquor.
Gu Huaiyu walked out from the inner chamber with measured steps. A soft fox-fur cloak was draped over his shoulders. His face was whiter than rice paper. Without even glancing at Pei Jingyi, he sat down at the desk.
The Iron Eagle Guards followed Pei Jingyi inside. Even though he was unarmed, they remained on guard.
Gu Huaiyu spoke. “Everyone out. I have matters to discuss with General Pei.”
Pei Jingyi stood with one hand behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the Chancellor’s bedchamber with blatant disrespect.
Liu Erlang hesitated but eventually led the Iron Eagle Guards out, closing the door behind them. He left Gu Huaiyu and Pei Jingyi alone.
The moment the door clicked shut, Pei Jingyi exploded into motion. With terrifying speed, he closed the distance and slammed Gu Huaiyu against the bookshelf, his hand clamped firmly around the Chancellor’s throat.
Gu Huaiyu had expected him to lose control. Seeing his prediction come true, he actually curled his lips into a smile. His bloodless face flushed a faint red from the lack of air. “Mmh… do you intend to kill me?”
In Pei Jingyi’s large, calloused hand, the slender neck felt delicate and smooth.
He exerted every ounce of his self-control. If he applied just a little more pressure, he could rid the Great Chen Dynasty of this traitorous minister right now. “Where are the letters?”
Gu Huaiyu’s fingertips calmly brushed against Pei Jingyi’s wrist. His voice was a thin, trembling rasp. “Let go first.”
Pei Jingyi tightened his grip by a fraction, leaning in until his cheek was almost touching Gu Huaiyu’s. “You want me to let go? Tell me where the letters are!”
The corners of Gu Huaiyu’s eyes turned a misty red from suffocation, but a low, husky laugh bubbled from his lips. “You’re hurting me… if you don’t let go, I’ll call for help.”
