Chapter 13: Pei Ji's Apology!

Liu Shuyi’s words, "I am fortunate not to have failed my mission," echoed through the silent hall of the Ministry of Justice.

The night wind howled, stirring his azure official robe, the fabric fluttering and rustling like waves.

The onlookers gazed at the handsome, composed young Liu Shuyi, their hearts filled with endless admiration at that moment.

None had imagined that the man who had long appeared weak and incompetent could actually solve the mysterious murder case involving the ghost of Prince Xi—a case that had baffled the combined efforts of the three judicial offices.

Even more astonishing was that Liu Shuyi had cracked the case in less than a day.

Crucially, within that same day, he not only solved the ghost murder case but also uncovered the long-closed corruption case against Zhao Zhuo.

Both cases were tangled in obscurity and hidden secrets.

The mastermind behind both, Zhao Chengyi, was cunning and extraordinarily cautious...

Yet, despite all this, Liu Shuyi unraveled the truth swiftly and decisively.

Such skill even made Zhou Mo grit his teeth in envious muttering: “Quite the talent.”

“Excellent!”

At that moment, Du Ruhui’s hearty laughter suddenly rang out.

He stood up and approached Liu Shuyi, his satisfaction growing with every glance at his remarkably capable subordinate.

Patting Liu on the shoulder, Du Ruhui smiled, “I always knew the person I chose wouldn’t disappoint! You truly lived up to my expectations!”

“You deserve all the credit for solving this case!”

“Rest assured, I will report your merits to His Majesty. I promise you will no longer be a mere insignificant voice!”

He recalled Liu Shuyi’s self-mocking words from the previous night and the promise he had made to him.

The crowd, hearing Du Ruhui’s praise, looked at Liu Shuyi with envy shining in their eyes.

They could imagine that from this night onward, Liu Shuyi would no longer remain obscure.

With Du Ruhui’s favor and recognition from the emperor, his rise to prominence was imminent.

Even Cheng Chumo looked on with longing and envy.

Though his background was not humble, he had never received such praise and admiration from a great figure like Du Ruhui.

For the first time, Cheng Chumo doubted his own choice to study martial arts.

He wondered if, had he chosen to pursue scholarship, he might also be revered like Liu Shuyi.

Beside him, Du Gou seemed to know Cheng’s thoughts and surely would say, “You’re overthinking it.”

After all, Du Gou had recognized characters at two, read at three, composed poetry at five, and by ten, his writings had won acclaim from great scholars.

Wasn’t that enough reading?

And yet?

He was still left with nothing but admiration and envy.

“Well then, since the case is solved, let’s not waste any more time.”

At that moment, Pei Ji’s voice cut through the admiring thoughts.

The officials of the Ministry of Revenue instinctively turned to look at Pei Ji.

Though the case was settled, Pei Ji’s expression betrayed no joy.

“Arrest Zhao Chengyi and put him in the prison!”

“As for the others, everyone may disperse.”

With that, Pei Ji rose and, without even glancing at Liu Shuyi, was about to leave.

“Minister Pei!”

Just then, Liu Shuyi’s calm voice rang out.

He looked at Pei Ji, who was about to depart, with a faint, knowing smile.

“Minister Pei, are you in such a hurry to leave that you’ve forgotten something?”

Pei Ji, his foot suspended mid-step, darkened in expression.

He turned back to look deeply at Liu Shuyi and spoke sternly, “Liu Shuyi, are you deliberately causing trouble for me?”

“How could this be trouble for Minister Pei?”

Liu Shuyi raised an eyebrow, unafraid of Pei Ji’s intimidating gaze.

“I’ve heard that Minister Pei is a man of profound learning, so you surely know the saying: ‘A gentleman’s word is as binding as four horses’ hooves cannot overtake it.’

We made an agreement here in front of everyone; if you do not honor your promise, won’t it cause others to think you are not a gentleman but someone who breaks his word?”

“So, I am not causing trouble. On the contrary, I am helping clear your name to prevent misunderstanding.”

Because of Liu Wenjing, Pei Ji’s hostility toward Liu Shuyi was irreparable.

No matter if he lowered himself or confronted him directly, Pei Ji’s dislike would not change.

In that case, why should Liu Shuyi hold back?

Moreover, filial piety was paramount in ancient times.

Pei Ji had publicly humiliated Liu Wenjing multiple times, even calling him a curse and a blight on the Liu family bloodline.

If Liu Shuyi did not stand up for him, how would others view him?

His hard-won image, restored by solving the case, could be destroyed in an instant.

Therefore, from every angle, Liu Shuyi had no reason to let Pei Ji leave so carefree.

Besides, Liu Shuyi dared to confront Pei Ji because Du Ruhui now held him in high regard.

From subtle hints in Du Ruhui and Pei Ji’s interactions, Liu Shuyi keenly sensed that the two were far from close.

Officialdom demanded harmony and mutual face-saving; “You give me face, I give you face” was the norm.

But Du Ruhui’s backing of Liu Shuyi in the investigation was a direct slight to Pei Ji, offering no soft landing or excuse for him.

This proved that their relationship was strained, barely maintaining a facade of civility.

Under such circumstances, with Du Ruhui’s support, what was there to fear from offending Pei Ji?

“You—”

Liu Shuyi’s sharp tongue ignited Pei Ji’s fury.

Yet, he found himself unable to retort.

After all, he had indeed made the promise.

Everyone was watching; if he denied Liu Shuyi’s words, it would prove he was untrustworthy—a severe blow to his reputation.

But if he did not deny them, he would have to apologize to the son of his enemy.

Since defeating Liu Wenjing, no one in the court had been his match.

He had risen steadily to the prestigious rank of Minister of Works.

Even after the Xuanwu Gate Incident and Emperor Li Shimin’s ascension, Li Shimin had not challenged his position.

His reputation, accumulated status, and power made him nearly unbowed before anyone.

Thus, apologizing to the son of his foe was an unthinkable humiliation.

Yet, not apologizing was impossible...

For the first time in ten years, Pei Ji was caught in a rare predicament.

Seeing Pei Ji’s grim hesitation, Du Ruhui squinted and said, “Liu Shuyi, don’t trouble Minister Pei anymore. He was just joking with you.”

He waved his hand, “Alright, let it be. Let no one take the agreement between Minister Pei and Liu Shuyi seriously! Moreover, no one is to spread word of today’s matter.

If I hear any rumors accusing Minister Pei of breaking his promise or being untrustworthy, I will show no mercy.”

“How can this be…” Cheng Chumo was eager for more drama, but Du Ruhui unexpectedly sided with Pei Ji.

“Silence.”

Before he could speak, Du Gou stopped him.

Lowering his voice, Du Gou said, “If you don’t understand, don’t speak recklessly.”

Not understand?

Cheng Chumo was baffled. The words were so clear—how could he not understand?

Du Ruhui defending Pei Ji and forcing Liu Shuyi to swallow his pride was obvious; of course, he understood.

That was why he was so resentful—why should his admired Liu brother suffer?

Yet the following developments were beyond his expectations.

After Du Ruhui spoke for Pei Ji, Pei Ji’s face darkened considerably, nearly matching Cheng Chumo’s scowl.

Then, with a grim countenance, clenching his fists tightly, Pei Ji coldly addressed Liu Shuyi:

“I was previously deceived by the murderer and misunderstood you and your father. I apologize for my earlier words.”

With that, he flicked his sleeve and left so swiftly he left a blur.

Cheng Chumo was stunned: “But wasn’t Du Ruhui defending him? Why is Pei Ji the one apologizing?”

“Which ear did you hear that my father was defending him?” Du Gou said helplessly.

“If my father had said nothing, it would have been just a clash between Liu and Minister Pei.”

“But when my father spoke, it meant he—and everyone else—got involved.”

“Though he told Liu not to take it seriously and forbade rumors, in truth, he reminded Minister Pei that everyone remembered the agreement, and if Pei did not apologize, gossip would surely spread.”

“Tell me—if you were Minister Pei, what would you do?”

Cheng Chumo’s eyes widened, mouth agape.

“Do you scholars always speak in such convoluted ways?”

He hadn’t expected Du Ruhui’s apparent defense to actually be a threat.

His father was right—scholars were truly devious!

Liu Shuyi smiled at Cheng Chumo’s words.

Scholars could be cunning, but if that cunning helped him, he quite liked it.

He turned to Du Ruhui and cupped his hands, “Thank you, Minister Du.”

Du Ruhui laughed heartily, “I did nothing. It is Minister Pei’s noble character and faithfulness that shines.”

Though he had pressured Pei Ji, he would never admit it outright.

Seeing Liu Shuyi remain composed even after solving such a major case and making the high-ranking Pei Ji concede, Du Ruhui nodded again.

Such steadiness was something he himself lacked in youth.

A truly outstanding young man—if only he were his own son...

Huh?

His own son?

Du Ruhui’s eyes flickered suddenly.

Perhaps, this was not impossible after all.