The Only One I Can Trust Is Ren Tianye

The Pei Residence!

The sky was not yet fully dark, but Pei Jingzhi was already standing at the gates of his estate.

He gazed into the distance, clearly waiting for someone.

Though his posture was hunched, his eyes were resolute. He stared down the road until the clattering hooves of a fine steed approached. Only when a familiar face appeared before him did he let out a slight sigh of relief.

He stepped forward to welcome the arrival personally.

"Chen Liang, you are finally here!"

Chen Liang dismounted swiftly and dropped to one knee. "Lord Pei, why... why did you come out to wait for me?"

"I am but a lowly official. If you were to catch a chill while waiting for me, ten thousand deaths would not be enough to atone for my sin!"

"It is nothing, nothing!" Pei Jingzhi smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "The capital is currently in a state of chaotic lawlessness. The traitor Ren runs rampant, and all the officials have been silenced. There are very few people left with whom I can discuss matters and plan our righteous cause."

"You are merely a commander of the mounted guards, yet you run about tirelessly for our grand scheme, disregarding your own life. I am deeply moved by this. What does waiting for you for a short while matter?"

Pei Jingzhi's fondness for Chen Liang had clearly reached its peak. Not only had he waited at the gate, but he also took Chen Liang by the hand and personally led him into the estate.

"I have already instructed the servants to prepare food and wine. Today, we shall eat and talk. We must come up with a plan; we cannot let the Great Yu Dynasty remain plunged in such sunless darkness!"

"Yes, My Lord!"

Chen Liang followed Pei Jingzhi into the Pei residence, heading straight for the main hall. However, as soon as they arrived, they saw a lady standing there. It was none other than Pei Jingzhi's wife, Madam Liu.

Born into the top-tier aristocratic Liu family of Hedong, she had lived a life of luxury since childhood. Now nearing fifty, she was still impeccably maintained. A pure gold dangling hairpin adorned her temples, and her garments were made entirely of cloud brocade, embroidered with intricate, intertwining lotus patterns.

Her posture was arrogant, and her face was full of aloofness.

Chen Liang knew of this lady. He knew her extraordinary background meant that even Pei Jingzhi had to yield to her. He also knew she placed great importance on social status and would certainly not show a friendly face to someone like him, who had no background to speak of.

Reality matched his expectations.

Seeing him arrive with Pei Jingzhi, Madam Liu merely cast a cold glance at him before acting as if he did not exist. She continued to block the doorway, showing no intention of stepping aside.

Pei Jingzhi could not help but frown. "Madam, what is the meaning of this?"

Madam Liu immediately let out a cold snort. "Husband, I should be the one asking you that."

"Do you think the Pei family does not have enough trouble? You insist on bringing these desperadoes into our home. Have you ever thought that gathering a crowd late at night could be framed as treason if word gets out?"

"If you want to be a loyal minister, I will not stop you."

"But do not drag down my Liu family clansmen, and do not leave my children without a place to settle down and survive in the future!"

Madam Liu's voice was crisp and decisive, leaving Pei Jingzhi no face at all in front of an outsider. Ashamed, Pei Jingzhi's old face flushed bright red.

However, his wife came from a prestigious family and had a domineering personality. Over the years, he had always suffered her temper to some extent, so he was quite used to it.

Right now, he had important matters to discuss and did not want to stoop to her level. He turned to Chen Liang and said, "Chen Liang, I will take you elsewhere. We will not lower ourselves to bicker with a woman."

"Go ahead!" Madam Liu said bluntly. "There is no food, no wine, nothing at all. If you bring people back in the future, they will receive the exact same treatment!"

With that, Madam Liu turned and walked away.

Pei Jingzhi puffed out his beard for a long time but did not dare to say anything more. He could only sigh helplessly and, looking quite embarrassed, said to Chen Liang, "My wife is fierce. I have made a fool of myself in front of you."

Chen Liang quickly replied that he would not dare think so.

He then followed Pei Jingzhi to a side hall.

After the two sat down, it was exactly as Madam Liu had said: no food, no wine, nothing at all.

It made the situation look incredibly shabby.

This left Pei Jingzhi feeling quite helpless. Spotting the chrysanthemum tea sent by the Eldest Princess Xiao Ruyi, he had no choice but to open it and personally pour a cup for Chen Liang.

If nothing else, the chrysanthemum tea cultivated by the Eldest Princess was indeed remarkably effective. Drinking it refreshed the heart and spleen, leaving one feeling clear-headed and invigorated.

Only then did Pei Jingzhi ask, "Chen Liang, you have been running about these past few days, contacting the court officials. What is the current situation?"

Chen Liang's spirits lifted as he replied, "My Lord, it has been highly effective."

"Although Ren Tianye has appointed himself Grand Commandant and controls the capital's imperial guards, terrifying the officials into submission, justice remains in people's hearts. The lords are clear-sighted and can naturally see his wild ambitions."

"They may not speak of it, but they are simply accumulating their strength!"

"In their hearts, they are all eager for Ren Tianye to be kicked out of the capital. He is nothing but a commander of a ragtag army from the Northern Frontier, yet he has usurped a high position. Who could possibly submit to that?"

Pei Jingzhi nodded.

This was to be expected.

Although Ren Tianye currently held a massive army, those soldiers were all from the Northern Frontier. The Northern Frontier's border army had already been disbanded, meaning Ren Tianye's army was not officially recognized; they were outsiders, unacknowledged by the imperial court.

It could be said that if Ren Tianye did not also hold the status of the sole heir to Duke Ren's estate, his current status as a commoner usurping the Grand Commandant's throne would have long sparked chaos across the world, prompting everyone to raise armies to save the monarch.

However...

The hearts of the people might feel this way, but daring to stand up and rebel was another matter entirely.

He asked, "Among the people you contacted, how many are willing to step forward and oppose Ren Tianye?"

Chen Liang's eyes darkened slightly as he said, "Not many. Most of our colleagues are watching from the sidelines. Very few dare to make a firm decision."

"The main issue is that we have not received an imperial edict from Her Majesty."

"The ministers do not dare to act rashly!"

Pei Jingzhi nodded again; this was also within his expectations.

People like them were different from rebellious traitors like Ren Tianye, and different from barbarians like Tuoba Xiangtai. They valued etiquette and rules above all else.

Without a righteous cause, they indeed could not act rashly.

However, Pei Jingzhi already had a countermeasure for this.

He said, "At present, the court is in chaos, the border army has entered the capital, and the world is in turmoil. But in the final analysis, it is all just because Her Majesty resides long-term in the Yuchen Palace and refuses to preside over state affairs."

"As long as Her Majesty can step forward."

"Neither Tuoba Xiangtai nor Ren Tianye will gain any advantage."

"But..." Chen Liang interjected, "Her Majesty is in the Yuchen Palace and will not come out!"

As he said this, Chen Liang gritted his teeth.

He almost wished he could depose the Empress and establish a new monarch.

Pei Jingzhi, however, shook his head and said, "I am afraid things are not that simple!"

"Her Majesty is indeed muddled, but no matter how muddled she is, how could she stay in the Yuchen Palace for so long, refusing to come out no matter what? There must be something fishy going on."

Chen Liang was suddenly startled. "My Lord, what do you mean?"

"It is all just my speculation, nothing certain!" Pei Jingzhi said. "However, I have already made preparations. I have sent people disguised as vegetable vendors to secretly interact with the barbarian purchasing officials. I believe that in a few days, they will be able to infiltrate the Yuchen Palace."

"When that time comes, whether Her Majesty is dead or alive, and what her situation is, we will know clearly!"

...

The Yuchen Palace.

Two vegetable vendors, under the pretext of delivering fresh vegetables, carried two baskets of produce all the way to the Yuchen Palace. However, at the entrance to the inner courtyard, they were stopped by barbarian guards.

"The inner courtyard is a restricted area. No outsiders are allowed to enter."

The two vegetable deliverymen, one named Sun Da and the other Sun Er, had long since familiarized themselves with these barbarian guards. Without hesitation, they slipped some gold and silver to the barbarian guards at the entrance.

The barbarian guard weighed the bribe in his hand, revealing a satisfied expression, but still shook his head and said, I know you two want to curry favor with Young Master Tuoba, but the inner courtyard is truly off-limits.

Let alone you, even my brothers and I wouldn't dare enter.

To enter is to die!

We are just thinking of your little lives. If you don't want to die, don't go in.

Sun Da and Sun Er exchanged a glance.

Both saw something different in each other's eyes.

They repeatedly claimed they wouldn't dare, and quietly backed away.

However, they didn't retreat far. After setting down their two baskets, they turned back and concealed themselves. Before coming, they had obtained the blueprints of the Yuchen Estate from the craftsmen, making them quite familiar with its layout.

Their concealment was like rain falling into the ocean.

They vanished without a trace.

It wasn't until they saw the guards changing shifts at the inner courtyard gate that the two quickly leaped out, each more agile than the last, and vaulted into the inner courtyard.

Upon entering the inner courtyard, they felt like fish returning to the sea.

If the outer courtyard was so heavily guarded that not even a fly could enter, the inner courtyard was empty and desolate, completely devoid of human presence.

Aside from the occasional barbarian maidservant, it was hard to find a single soul.

Sun Da and Sun Er felt increasingly strange.

This situation was completely different from what they had anticipated.

And entirely different from Lord Pei's guesses.

However, the two did not harbor much curiosity. They knew the purpose of their trip well, so they continued to hide their tracks and searched the inner courtyard of the Yuchen Estate.

They quickly found their target.

In truth, it was easy to find.

Because in the massive inner courtyard of the Yuchen Estate, amidst the dark night, there was only one room brightly lit. The rest of the rooms were pitch black, showing no signs of habitation.

It was just that inside the brightly lit room, a figure kept pacing back and forth. Relying on their intuition, the two could clearly sense that it was Tuoba Xiangtai.

The two men's hearts couldn't help but sink.

It seems it's just as we expected. Tuoba Xiangtai and Her Majesty are staying in the same room.

Living together like this for so long, does Her Majesty plan to come out only after giving birth to a child?

After whispering to each other, the two continued to stake out the place, not daring to move rashly. Suddenly, they saw a maidservant running over in a panic.

She said something to Tuoba Xiangtai.

Tuoba Xiangtai's voice suddenly rose: What?

What did you say?

The Great Yu imperial court has cut off the rations and all supplies for our brothers?

Who is so bold as to dare to do such a massive thing without seeking permission? Do they not want their heads? Or do they not care about their entire clans?

Over these past few days, Tuoba Xiangtai had clearly gained a deep understanding of the imperial court's operations. Knowing this matter was absurdly out of line, he immediately pushed the door open and stormed out.

The room instantly became empty.

Seeing this scene, Sun Da and Sun Er were incredibly surprised and overjoyed.

They hadn't expected things to go so smoothly this time.

The two hurried forward, one after the other, covering each other as they quickly reached the door, and then quietly pushed it open and entered.

The surging light inside the room rushed at their faces, blinding Sun Da and Sun Er for a moment. When they could see the situation inside a moment later, the two wished they had never opened their eyes at all.

What on earth were they seeing?

Her Majesty, the lofty Empress, the ruler of all people, was currently bound hand and foot with golden chains all over her body, half-leaning against the edge of the bed.

That majestic face, which they rarely saw and wouldn't dare look up at even if they did, was now filled with collapse and bewilderment, looking very much like a deeply wronged little wife after childbirth.

Thud!

Thud!

The two fell to their knees without hesitation.

Servants of the Pei family, Sun Da and Sun Er, kowtow to Your Majesty!

The two called out in hushed voices.

Tears could not be held back and streamed down from the corners of their eyes.

As individuals personally selected by Pei Jingzhi to carry out such an important task, their loyalty was naturally beyond doubt, and they naturally understood what it meant for a subject to die when their lord is humiliated!

Moreover, Her Majesty had suffered such a bizarre and tremendous humiliation!

This was not only a massive humiliation for Her Majesty, but also a massive humiliation for the Great Yu Dynasty!

Even though they were mere servants, they felt a piercing pain in their hearts.

Xiao Mingzhao, however, stood up abruptly, her face full of excitement.

People from the Pei Estate?

People of my beloved subject, the Minister of the Household Pei Jingzhi?

After Sun Da and Sun Er hurriedly affirmed, Xiao Mingzhao became even more excited: Good, good, good, Superintendent Pei has not forgotten Us, he has not forgotten Us!

When We return to the court, We will definitely join hands with Our beloved subject Pei to uphold the state together!

As Xiao Mingzhao said these words, divine light burst forth from her eyes. The fear, helplessness, and humiliation that had been suppressed for many days were completely washed away in this instant by this immense ecstasy and emotion.

She staggered, wanting to throw herself forward.

But the moment she moved, the golden chains on her body clinked. The limited length of the chains tightly confined her to the edge of the bed, forcing her to slump back dejectedly.

Yet she excitedly asked, How are you going to save Us?

Can you save Us and get Us out?

Sun Da and Sun Er dared not speak recklessly; they both shook their heads in unison and reported, Your Majesty, currently the court officials only believe that Your Majesty and Young Master Tuoba are deeply in love and refuse to return to the court. There is no rescue plan yet.

But please rest assured, Your Majesty. Now that we have learned of Your Majesty's situation today, Lord Pei will definitely devise a way to rescue you after we return and report it.

Xiao Mingzhao's face was filled with disappointment.

However, she quickly adjusted and said, Do all the civil and military officials in the court think that We are someone who would abandon everything just for love?

Haha... She gave a miserable laugh. They eat the ruler's salary and receive the ruler's grace, yet they understand Us so little. We merely had poor judgment for a moment, how could We be so foolish?

Fortunately, beloved subject Pei understands Us and believes in Us!

Beloved subject Pei has not forgotten Us, nor has he forgotten Our empire!

Xiao Mingzhao was excited for a moment, but knowing the situation was urgent, she stopped lamenting and immediately prepared to issue an imperial edict to the two. To show the urgency of the matter, she even bit her finger, intending to write a blood letter.

Taking advantage of this time, Sun Da and Sun Er explained the affairs of the court over the past few days one by one, especially how Gu Qingyue had orchestrated Ren Tianye's entry into the capital.

They further mentioned that Ren Tianye had now appointed himself Grand Commandant, wielding power over the entire court.

Sun Da and Sun Er thought that after hearing this, Xiao Mingzhao would definitely fly into a rage and threaten to punish Ren Tianye once she returned to hold court.

To their surprise, Xiao Mingzhao, who was in the middle of writing the edict, suddenly lit up. Her radiant, jade-like cheeks surged with wild joy.

It's Ren Tianye?

It's Tianye!

Hahaha, Tianye has come to save Us?

Wonderful! With Tianye here, We are safe and worry-free!

What is lost in the morning is gained in the evening!

Tuoba Xiangtai cannot be trusted, but Tianye is trustworthy!

...