A single word—"Pay up!"—successfully drove the young heir of the Chengen Duke's residence away, leaving Sui in peace at last.
For the next several days, Sui didn’t see him again until the end of the term break, the day they were to return home for rest.
There were still three hours left before dismissal. The morning classes had ended, and the afternoon was left for the students to arrange themselves.
Sui sat at his desk, diligently completing the assignments given by the morning lecturer, a small white jade vial placed beside him.
Spring was a season prone to drowsiness, especially in the afternoon. Sui would occasionally unscrew the bottle cap, take a whiff, and then set it aside before continuing with his work.
It was at this moment that Pei Qian appeared. Seeing the small vial in Sui’s hand and how he kept opening it to sniff, his curiosity was instantly piqued.
Without ceremony, he plopped himself down on the seat opposite Sui and stared at the white porcelain bottle on the desk. "What’s in that little bottle?"
Sui didn’t even look up. "Awakening balm."
Pei Qian blinked. "Awakening balm? What’s it for?"
Sui paused, his delicate face betraying rare disdain. He thought to himself—this young heir really wasn’t the brightest. If it’s called awakening balm, what else could it be for?
"To stay awake," he replied succinctly.
After a brief silence, Sui added, "It also repels mosquitoes and cools the skin."
Pei Qian was astonished. "There’s such a good thing? How come I’ve never heard of it?"
Given his noble status, he should have long since come across such a treasure.
At this, Sui finally lifted his head, his slightly rounded face brimming with pride. "My mother made it. You can’t buy it outside."
It was said that behind the dormitory where Sui lived, there was a grove where mosquitoes occasionally flew in. Burning mugwort didn’t help, so Yun Wan spent several days experimenting before concocting this awakening balm.
Using ingredients like mint, lemongrass, borneol, and asarum, she distilled them repeatedly in a sealed jar until she obtained this tiny vial, which she gave to Sui to carry with him.
Pei Qian let out an "Oh," then glanced down at the densely written characters on the paper. His head ached just looking at it. "You’re working on the lecturer’s assignments?"
"Mn."
Pei Qian clicked his tongue, baffled. "What’s the rush? Tomorrow’s a break—you can still write then."
As for him, no matter how much work there was, he always managed to finish it the night before it was due. The rest of the time was for play.
Sui shook his head, firm. "During the break, I’ll be spending time with my mother. No homework."
This bit of work was nothing to him. Rather than bringing it home, he might as well finish it now while he had the time. It was just a small matter.
Pei Qian gritted his teeth. Was this even human?
Was this the power of a prodigy? Truly terrifying!
At the same time, he couldn’t help but regret—if only Lu Changsui were in the same class as him, he could just copy the assignments once Sui finished!
Unaware of his thoughts, Sui unscrewed the bottle again, dabbed a bit of the balm on his temples, and focused back on his writing.
Pei Qian eyed him skeptically. "Is it really that effective? Let me try!"
Without waiting for permission, he snatched the awakening balm and gave it a go.
The scent was fresh and elegant, carrying the coolness of mint with a hint of sweetness. Pei Qian’s eyes lit up in surprise.
"This really is good stuff!"
Finding it amusing, he declared without shame, "I’m borrowing this! I’ll return it next time! It’s settled!"
Maybe after using it, he too could write with divine inspiration.
Before Sui could react, Pei Qian, acting like a little tyrant, stole the awakening balm and ran off.
Sui was left stomping his feet in fury.
......
Pei Qian left the Hongwen Institute and, reminded by his attendant of his mother’s instructions, detoured to the imperial palace.
At the Hall of Diligent Governance, Jiang Fusheng, standing guard outside the main doors, stifled a yawn before spotting the approaching figure. He hurried forward with a smile.
"Young Master Pei, what brings you here?"
Pei Qian puffed out his chest, full of energy. "Eunuch Jiang, I have business with His Majesty!"
Jiang Fusheng nodded. "His Majesty is handling court affairs. Allow this servant to announce you."
Pei Qian agreed and waited outside.
Moments later, granted permission, he entered the hall.
"Pei Qian pays respects to His Majesty," he said, performing a proper bow to Emperor Jingxuan.
Setting aside his usual unruly demeanor, at first glance, he truly was a noble young master, exuding an air of luxury.
The emperor, who held some fondness for this nephew, looked up and asked, "What brings you here?"
Pei Qian lowered his head and pulled out a gilded invitation from his sleeve, grinning. "Your Majesty, my mother’s birthday banquet is in a few days. She specially sent me to invite you."
Since ascending the throne, Emperor Jingxuan had maintained cordial relations with few of his siblings—only Princess Yongshou, though not of the same mother, could speak a few words in his presence. Thus, the Chengen Duke’s residence also enjoyed considerable prestige.
As Princess Yongshou’s only son, Pei Qian was a notorious little tyrant in the capital, strutting about both the city and the palace as he pleased.
The emperor gave a noncommittal hum, tapping the desk with his fingers. "Leave it here."
Pei Qian stepped forward to place the invitation down when suddenly—
"What is that smell on you?"
Emperor Jingxuan frowned, his sharp gaze making Pei Qian’s hand tremble.
Sniffing his sleeve, Pei Qian realized and quickly explained, "Your Majesty, it must be the awakening balm."
He hastily retrieved the white porcelain vial and presented it. "This thing—it’s quite interesting. Lu Changsui’s mother made it for him. I found it amusing, so I borrowed it."
The emperor glanced at him. "Borrowed or stole?"
Pei Qian rubbed his nose sheepishly. "Heh, it’s all the same. Your Majesty, take a whiff—it really does keep you awake!"
He said it as a courtesy, never expecting the emperor to actually uncork the bottle and inhale lightly. Then, to his shock, the emperor closed his fingers around it.
"It is quite good."
Pei Qian stood frozen, watching as Emperor Jingxuan showed no intention of returning it. He hesitated, wanting to speak but not daring to.
The emperor’s slender phoenix eyes swept over his conflicted expression. "Was there anything else?"
Just as Pei Qian opened his mouth, the emperor’s languid voice cut in—
"How have your studies been lately? Yongshou mentioned you neither read nor practice calligraphy at home, spending all your time playing with swords and spears..."
As the emperor’s expression grew colder, Pei Qian shuddered and blurted out, "N-Nothing else!"
He swallowed hard, forcing a smile. "Y-Your Majesty, I just remembered—I forgot to bring the assignments the lecturer gave! If I don’t hurry back, the study hall might close! I-I’ll take my leave now!"
In one breath, he rambled his excuse and scrambled away, scratching his head in agitation.
As for the awakening balm? It was completely forgotten.
His imperial uncle might not beat him, but the consequences were far worse.
Silence returned to the hall. Jiang Fusheng entered and caught sight of the emperor tucking something into his robes.
Softly, he asked, "Your Majesty, this servant noticed Young Master Pei leaving in a fluster earlier. Did something happen?"
Emperor Jingxuan replied, "That boy has a guilty conscience."
"Investigate what Pei Qian has been up to these past few days."
Jiang Fusheng accepted the order, puzzled.
Only after uncovering the truth did he realize—it was all connected to Madam Yun’s son.
