Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 607: Han Qianhu Reveals His Cards
When Pei Yuan woke up, it was already the next day.

He remained stunned on the bed for a while before remembering the celebratory wine he had shared with the newly appointed scholars yesterday afternoon.

Looking at the bright daylight outside, Pei Yuan became somewhat worried. Would those guys be late for today's grand banquet?

He called out to the outside of the room, and the person who answered was Lu Yong, who was on duty that day.

Lu Yong is Lu Yin's nephew.

Because Lu Yin had rendered meritorious service in pacifying the Bazhou army, and eunuchs were not allowed to bestow titles, Lu Yin brought his nephew from his hometown and asked the emperor to grant him the title of Earl of Zhenping.

The imperial court bestowed titles upon him, but it didn't expect a peasant boy like Lu Yong to actually be a good military commander.

After all, Lu Yong's title was earned by Lu Yin.

Therefore, the imperial court only gave Lu Yong the honorary title of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, without giving him any actual position.

Similar to Lu Yong's situation was Xiao Tong, one of the two generals, Heng and Ha.

Xiao Tong was granted the title of Earl of Leping based on his merits in Yanggu. Logically, since Xiao Tong personally participated in this and obtained the title, he should be able to gain some military power.

Unfortunately, Xiao Ying had leaked the secret to Pei Yuan, which led to Zhu Houzhao's investigation. Pei Yuan had no choice but to sell out the favor Xiao Ying owed him.

The Xiao family father and son naturally lost Zhu Houzhao's interest.

Later, in order to appease the Empress Dowager's anger, Xiao Jing withdrew from the competition for the position of Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

As compensation for his thoughtfulness, Zhu Houzhao also promoted Xiao Tong to a higher professional title.

Xiao Tong is now the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a position without any vacancies.

After Lu Yong came in, Pei Yuan said to him, "Go and find someone to check on those newly appointed scholars. Don't let them drink too much and oversleep, thus missing today's grand banquet."

Lu Yong subtly suggested that it wasn't really necessary.

"Commander, they left together happily after the banquet yesterday, and even said they would go shopping together to buy things to wear when they return home in glory. There should be no major problems."

Pei Yuan responded with an "Oh".

Then, somewhat annoyed, he asked, "Why aren't you leaving yet? Have you finished everything?"

Lu Yong replied, "Commander Han has arrived. I heard that Commander Han was still drunk, so he went to the Garrison Office to check this year's files first."

Pei Yuan fell off the bed with a "thud".

All the drunkenness vanished in an instant.

Then, glaring at Lu Yong, she said, "Why the hell didn't you say so earlier?"

Although Pei Yuan had already had Bi Jun assist Jiao Yan'er in modifying the accounts of the Thousand Households, basically removing the money and erasing the traces of personnel transfers, what was this feeling of fear, similar to being checked by a girlfriend while sleeping?

Moreover, Pei Yuan thought back on his operations to capture Commander Han, and wondered if he had made any mistakes without Pei Yuan's supervision.

He hurriedly got up from the ground and shouted, "Go and fetch me some water!"

As he spoke, he hurriedly and haphazardly put on his clothes.

After getting dressed, Pei Yuan washed his face thoroughly before quickly leaving his resting room.

Upon arriving at the main hall, they did not see Commander Han's familiar, sharp gaze.

Only then did I remember that Lu Yong had mentioned before that Commander Han had gone to the Zhenfu Hall.

As Pei Yuan's adjutant, Zhenfu's office was located in the side wing of Pei Yuan's main hall.

Pei Yuan took a breath and headed towards the Zhenfu Hall, his mind in turmoil.

When Pei Yuan arrived outside the Zhenfu Hall, he heard the Imperial Guards guarding the gate greet him respectfully with a slightly unfamiliar title, "This humble officer greets Deputy Commander Pei."

Pei Yuan glanced at them and knew that these were the men that Commander Han had brought from the south.

Then, the guard reported into the hall, "Reporting to Commander Pei, Deputy Commander Pei has arrived."

A calm voice came from inside, "Yes, let him in."

I don't know if it's because I've been too troubled lately and haven't been near any women for several days, or if it's because the white moonlight I dared not dream of when I was young is now within my grasp.

Pei Yuan found those simple words to be like heavenly music.

He straightened his slightly tight lower robe, his mouth a little dry, and stepped awkwardly into the town hall.

But then they saw Commander Han casually flipping through those thick files.

Today, Commander Han was dressed in the usual military uniform with a bow and narrow sleeves, and his hair was neatly combed and tied up with a net like a man's.

Although she has a beautiful face and clear eyes, she also possesses a dashing and heroic air.

Looking at the beautiful woman he had been longing for, Pei Yuanzhen wished he could swallow a mouthful of water, and felt his robes becoming tighter and tighter.

Thinking that he hadn't yet revealed their relationship, he took the initiative to say, "This humble servant Pei Yuan greets Commander Qianhu."

Commander Han was looking at the case file when he casually said, "Hmm, you're here."

After reading the line, Commander Han's eyes flickered, glancing at Pei Yuan.

Then, as if realizing something was wrong, he looked up and glanced at Pei Yuan again before looking away, somewhat speechless.

All I can say is that when people are speechless, they really are speechless.

Commander Han looked back at the dossier for a while, but couldn't think of anything to say.

After a long pause, Commander Han rubbed his forehead and said calmly, "Have you gotten used to your work in the north for the past six months?"

After saying that, I remembered why I had come here in the first place.

He pressed further, "Is that all the information we have about the Maitreya sect?"

"Uh." Pei Yuan thought he had concealed it well, but now he realized he had completely messed up. Even with his thick skin, he was embarrassed and his face turned slightly red.

When Commander Han inquired about the Maitreya Sect, Pei Yuan could take the opportunity to ease the awkward atmosphere.

Seeing that Commander Han had several files next to him, he instinctively wanted to go over and see which ones Commander Han was looking at.

But as soon as he approached the table, Commander Han could no longer tolerate the eyesore and said with slight anger, "Pei Yuan, do you think my tolerance for you has no limit?"

Pei Yuan immediately realized that his approaching the beauty at that moment seemed rather abrupt.

His enthusiasm was dampened by this cold water.

Those beautiful expectations, like wonderful bubbles, crumbled and faded, slowly bringing everything back to reality.

Pei Yuan paused for a moment.

Then, all the anxiety and unease that had preceded Han Qianhu's arrival vanished without a trace.

Pei Yuan kept his gaze fixed on Han Qianhu's eyes, then steadily took two steps forward, closed the dossier in front of Han Qianhu, and placed his large hand on it.

Under Han Qianhu's surprised gaze, Pei Yuan asked calmly, "Didn't Commander Yun say anything to you?"

Upon hearing Pei Yuan's words, Commander Han's pale hands, which had been resting on the table, clenched involuntarily.

Her expression was calm, but her words carried a threatening undertone: "Have you thought carefully about what you're saying?"

Pei Yuan had, of course, thought it through.

Having witnessed the enviable and destructive beauty of love, Pei Yuan's perfunctory marriage seemed almost insignificant.

Even the possessions he had painstakingly acquired began to feel cheap in Pei Yuan's heart. Since losing them wasn't so terrible, why make things difficult for himself by being so cautious?

Pei Yuan calmly said, "There are many temples in the capital, and all kinds of disasters and auspicious omens from various places are reported to the capital. The files in the Zhenfu Hall are enough to number in the thousands."

"Without the people who manage this place and help the thousand households, it wouldn't be so easy to find these few copies."

Han Qianhu stared intently at Pei Yuan with his clear eyes, and slowly asked, "And then?"

Pei Yuan said without backing down, "Since Commander Yun has met with Commander Qian, given his personality, how could he not congratulate Commander Qian on his upcoming wedding?"

Hearing Pei Yuan bluntly expose him, Han Qianhu's clenched white jade hand tightened even more, and finally he couldn't help but slam it on the table.

"Pei Yuan, how dare you!"

The sturdy table couldn't withstand Han Qianhu's angry blow and collapsed to the ground.

Pei Yuan had already gone all out, stating his position directly, "His Majesty has already bestowed a marriage upon us. Whether you like it or not, whether I can have you or not, you are mine."

Han Qianhu's beautiful eyes glared at Pei Yuan as if they were spitting fire. The deputy he had promoted had turned around and betrayed him by arranging a marriage.

This made even Han Qianhu, who always prided himself on his intelligence, somewhat lose his composure.

Especially when I think back to the joyous scene of everyone congratulating me when I first arrived at Zhihua Temple this morning.

Han Qianhu was so angry that he gritted his teeth in hatred.

Seeing that the shameless bastard had completely gone all out, Commander Han held back for a while before finally saying, "I don't care what you're thinking or what methods you use, I want you to immediately have the Emperor retrieve the imperial edict."

"Otherwise, I'll never let you off the hook!"

Pei Yuan felt a little sad after hearing this, but the more depressed he became, the calmer he remained.

He asked in a deep voice, "Am I, Pei Yuan, not good enough for you?"

Han Qianhu gave a soft "heh," turned his body to the side, and glanced at Pei Yuan out of the corner of his eye.

Sensing Han Qianhu's disdain, Pei Yuan felt a little upset again.

He asked in a steady voice, "Is it because when we first met, I, Pei Yuan, knelt before you like a dog? When we met again, I, Pei Yuan, was at your mercy like a pawn? And even if I achieved some success afterward, it was merely because of your whim?"

As Pei Yuan spoke, the pent-up frustration finally burst forth, "How successful do I, Pei Yuan, have to be to wash away the embarrassment I felt when I first met you?!"

Han Qianhu frowned slightly, sighed softly, and turned to look at Pei Yuan.

About to say something.

Then Pei Yuan shouted, "Guards!"

Upon hearing Pei Yuan's call, Lu Yong, who was guarding outside the door, immediately entered and bowed, saying, "Commander, I am here."

Pei Yuanli ignored him and continued shouting, "Guards!"

The Imperial Guards outside who overheard this exchanged glances and then knelt before the steps, saying, "Commander, your subordinates are here."

The commotion here caught the attention of several guard rooms nearby.

Soon Xiao Tong appeared with some other Imperial Guards.

As Pei Yuan's personal attendant, Xiao Tong hurriedly entered the Zhenfu Hall, while the other Jinyiwei knelt down at the foot of the steps and said in unison, "Commander, your subordinate is here."

Han Qianhu swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Her gaze swept over the approaching Imperial Guards, and she said seriously, "What? Is Deputy Commander Pei trying to coerce me?"

Pei Yuan's gaze lingered on the Imperial Guards for a moment, then looked at Xiao Tong and Lu Yong, before letting out a long sigh.

This breath seemed to release pent-up frustration, making Pei Yuan's subsequent words less aggressive.

Pei Yuan looked at Han Qianhu again, his words now calm and gentle.

Pei Yuan pointed at Xiao Tong and Lu Yong and said, "These two men are Lu Yong, the Earl of Zhenping, and Xiao Tong, the Earl of Leping. Both of them are now commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and are now obedient to my orders, serving me faithfully."

"I wish I could get to know you again now."

Han Qianhu looked at Pei Yuan and pursed his lips.

Pei Yuan looked at Xiao Tong and said, "Bring me His Majesty's decree."

Upon seeing the scene before him, Xiao Tong immediately understood what Pei Yuan meant. He quickly scrambled to his feet and went to the main hall next door to retrieve the imperial edict.

Pei Yuan took the imperial edict from Xiao Tong, glanced at it himself, and then unfolded it in front of Commander Han.

"Then let's get to know each other again. I am Pei Yuan, your husband."

After saying this, Pei Yuan did not feel any sense of relief, but rather a strange sense of loss.

He didn't look at Commander Han's reaction, threw the imperial edict aside, and strode out of the Zhenfu Hall.

Xiao Tong and Lu Yong hurriedly grabbed the imperial edict and followed Pei Yuan away.

After Pei Yuan left Zhihua Temple, Lu Yong and Xiao Tong, who had just been labeled as two lackeys, hurriedly chased after him in a very obsequious manner.

Lu Yong was a country boy who had never seen much of the world, and Xiao Tong had long been subdued by Pei Yuan. The two of them acted as if they hadn't heard anything and obediently guarded Pei Yuan's side.

Pei Yuan stood in front of Zhihua Temple, feeling depressed for a while.

For some reason, Lu Yong felt that Pei Qianhu was very handsome just now, but Pei Qianhu was very confused now.

He couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Commander, are we going back?"

Pei Yuan shook his head. "I'm not going. I'm going to check out Chengqingfang."

The two exchanged a glance. As close followers who had been trained by Chen Xinjian, they both knew exactly what Chengqingfang was.

The house that Commander Pei prepared to use to marry Commander Han is over there.

Xiao Tong asked, "Should we inform the Vice Minister of the Imperial Stables to accompany him?"

Pei Yuan waved his hand, "No need, let me have some peace and quiet."

When Pei Yuan arrived at the residence in Chengqingfang, he was surprised to find that Dou Yu, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Stables, was there busy making arrangements.

The number of people working inside has more than doubled.

Seeing Pei Yuan arrive, Dou Yu was both glad that he had come at the right time and fawned over him, saying, "Why didn't you inform me of your arrival, Commander? I would have had a banquet prepared in advance to properly entertain you."

Xiao Tong and Lu Yong both looked at the fourth-rank official with disdain, wondering why the commander hadn't mentioned him earlier.

Pei Yuan put aside his gloom and asked Dou Yu, "How's the house renovation going?"

Dou Yu quickly replied, "The general layout is mostly fine; only some details about the back garden need to be worked out."

When Dou Yu saw Pei Yuan inquiring about the house, he made a quick guess and said to Pei Yuan with a fawning smile, "Could it be that good news is coming soon for you, Commander? Then I, Dou, must offer my congratulations in advance."

Pei Yuan sighed.

He was rather pessimistic about how Han Qianhu would react.

However, since he took it by force first, there's not much to say.

Since he has given up on seeking mutual affection and is prepared to be the villain, Pei Yuan will never give up, even if it is just a formal possession.

(End of this chapter)