Chapter 6

Chapter 6

At three quarters past noon, Princess Xī had just awoken from her afternoon nap. Lately, she had been using a new prescription, which significantly alleviated her headache, and her complexion appeared much more relaxed.

In a moment, an elderly servant entered to report, "Princess, Third Prince has returned."

Overjoyed, Princess Xī's gaze instinctively searched for the entrance. "Finally, he's back!"

Behind the purple lavender jade screen, Pei Mujing's tall figure emerged. He wore a black cloak covered in frost and snow, and as he strolled in with an unhurried gait, his eyebrows carried an aura of dignity that even the biting cold couldn't diminish.

With a smile on his lips, he approached and bowed. "Greetings, Mother. I've been too busy lately to attend to you, and for that, I apologize."

Looking at such an outstanding son, the corners of Princess Xī's eyes curled into a smile so warm it could melt ice. "My dear child, your father mentioned that your recent military proposal pleased your grandfather greatly, and it was praised throughout the court. As your mother, I am truly proud."

Since ancient times, a loving mother dotes on her youngest child. In Princess Xī's eyes, Pei Mujing was unparalleled.

Her eldest son, Pei Muxiang, did not stand out among the many royal grandchildren, and his scholarly pursuits were even surpassed by his younger half-brother, Pei Mujing. This caused Princess Xī much disappointment for a long time. It wasn't until Pei Mujing, at the age of seven, intimidated an envoy that he greatly boosted Princess Xī's prestige. From then on, she held her head high in both her husband's and the imperial family's eyes.

Princess Xī cherished Pei Mujing the most, and in return, he held her dearest in his heart.

Filial piety and maternal kindness are highly praised.

The elderly nurse approached personally to help Pei Muheng remove his cloak, while a maid brought a cushioned chair for the Duchess of Xi to sit on. Pei Muheng sat down.

The Duchess asked again, "Why have you returned at this time?"

Pei Muheng was usually out early and back late; it was uncommon for him to return home in the afternoon.

Looking deeply into his mother's eyes, he replied, "His Majesty sent me to have a meal with Her Majesty the Empress, who entrusted me with some matters, hence my return home."

Upon hearing this, the Duchess's expression changed, and her tone grew tense. "What did the Empress say?"

Recently, the Duchess had been unwell and hadn't visited the palace to pay respects for quite some time. Pei Muheng's words made her instinctively assume that the Empress was blaming her.

Perceiving his mother's concern, Pei Muheng explained, "Her Majesty heard about Mother's indisposition and was very concerned. She instructed me to return home and visit you. Empress is most generous and benevolent; she wouldn't have any reproaches, would she?"

Realizing that her thoughts were seen through by her son, the Duchess felt awkward. It was embarrassing that she hadn't gone to pay respects, yet the Empress was showing concern for her health.

Pei Muheng continued, "How is your headache, Mother?"

With a softening expression, Princess Xi said, "Thanks to you for inviting a renowned physician, I'm much better now." Noticing the chill on his body, she handed him the hand warmer from her embrace, and Pei Muheng took it with a smile. "It's my duty as a son."

Pei Muheng leaned back with the hand warmer in his hands and spoke calmly, "Just now, I met Miss Xu..."

Princess Xi was slightly taken aback, then her voice rose, "She went out? Why did she go out again?"

As Princess Xi was about to scold Xu Yunqi for her recent behavior, Pei Muheng continued,

"The snow is getting heavier. If she left at this hour, it must be an urgent matter."

Princess Xi dismissed the idea, "What urgent matters could she have?"

Pei Muheng sighed inwardly upon hearing his mother's tone, realizing how deep her prejudice against Xu Yunqi was. "Mother, not being her, how can you know that she doesn't have any urgent matters? She's human, with emotions and desires. Perhaps she has a caring mother or cherished friends..."

Princess Xi gradually perceived the protective sentiment in his words. She looked at her son meaningfully for a while before smiling faintly.

"Oh, my Heng-ge has learned to protect his wife, huh?"

Pei Muheng replied candidly, "She is my lawfully wedded wife. It's only natural for me to protect her."

Princess Xi harrumphed, her tone tinged with jealousy. "As the saying goes, a son gets married and forgets his mother. My son is no exception to this custom."

Pei Muheng had anticipated her response. Setting down the hand warmer, he noticed a maid holding a cup of ginseng soup nearby. He gestured for her to come forward and personally offered the soup to his mother. "Mother, she's young and might make mistakes. As her mother-in-law, it's only natural for you to teach her when necessary. I won't say a word. However, I won't allow her to be constantly subservient to Elder Sister-in-Law or to read her moods."

Pei Muheng didn't use the term "unhappy," but instead, "not allowed."

With an extremely calm tone, he expressed his clear stance.

Princess Xi forgot to take the ginseng soup, staring at him in surprise. "I didn't mean that..."

She had merely wanted to avoid Xu Yunqi, so she had sent her to Madam Xie. Now, with Pei Muheng's reminder, she realized the issue with her actions.

However, this was the first time her son had spoken to her in such a tone because of a woman, causing Princess Xi's heart to feel uneasy.

Not giving his mother the chance to get angry, Pei Muheng continued softly, "If she comes to you for help, even if you scold her, she would only bow her head to receive your guidance. Just don't let others humiliate her. Naturally, if she truly comes before you, I believe, given your magnanimity and kindness, you wouldn't make things difficult for her..."

Princess Xi realized that Pei Muheng had already said everything, leaving her with nothing to add. Connecting his earlier praise of the Empress as "magnanimous and kind," it would be foolish not to understand his intentions. So, she pointed at him and reprimanded, "When did you learn these cunning tricks? You're obviously trying to appease me while actually fearing that I'll bully your wife..."

By mentioning the Empress first and then bringing up Xu Yunqi, Pei Muheng was reminding Princess Xi to consider how she would feel in Xu Yunqi's position.

Princess Xi took the ginseng soup from him with a sigh. "Well, well, if you put it that way, what can I do? From now on, just inform Nurse Hao whenever she wants to go out. Let her be."

After Princess Xi finished her soup, Pei Muheng continued slowly, "I understand, Mother, how much effort you've put into my marriage, and how it has tired you out... If you don't like her, I won't insist, but for my sake, please treat her kindly. She is my wife, and her reputation reflects mine. A harmonious household will give me peace of mind."

Princess Xi knew that Pei Muheng had no intention of marrying Xu Yunqi. Still, he came to her for the sake of their relationship, making her feel even more sorry for her son and deeply moved. He already had enough stress outside; how could she burden him further? So, wiping away her tears, she agreed solemnly.

"Yes, Mother understands."

Mother and son knew each other well, and many things went unsaid.

After chatting with Princess Xi for a while, Pei Muheng excused himself. As he stepped out, he saw his father, Prince Xi, hiding something behind his back and eavesdropping. Pei Muheng looked at his father speechlessly, while Prince Xi approached him, full of admiration.

"You always know how to handle things. I've been trying to convince your mother for so long, but she wouldn't budge. One conversation with you, and she's at ease."

Pei Muheng didn't want to discuss this further and simply said, "There's new progress in the Tongzhou case. Father, please come to my study this evening when you have time."

Prince Xi nodded. Seeing Pei Muheng about to leave, he stopped him again.

"Ah, you're so good at advising your mother, but how about yourself?"

Peng Muhang's gaze flickered with a momentary pause.

Prince Xi, with a hint of sarcasm, pat him on the shoulder and said, "Treat her kindly; it would be worth more than anything."

With those words, Prince Xi strode in with an object in hand, his demeanor grand and unconcerned. His bold and generous tone seemed to pierce through the heavens.

"Your Highness, I have returned to the residence. Look, what have I brought for you? It is the lotus leaf wrapped chicken that you loved so much in your youth... Do you still remember the time when I climbed over the wall to visit you at your residence..."

Pei Muhang shook his head and strode away with determination.

*

At the fourth hour of the afternoon, Xu Yunqi arrived hastily at Chengyang Medical Clinic. The carriage driver was one of Pei Muheng's personal guards, disciplined and well-trained. After depositing Xu Yunqi, he stood by the carriage, neither casting an extra glance nor asking a single question.

Ascending to the upper level, Xu Yunqi found the young woman lying on the bed, convulsing with uneven breaths, her condition resembling impending collapse. Yunqi swiftly removed her cloak and approached the lady, washing her hands before taking her pulse. Xueying, in an orderly manner, laid out the medical pouch that Yunqi carried, passing her needles as needed. The two, having served together for years, moved in perfect harmony.

After a quarter of an hour, Yunqi managed to stabilize the young woman's pulse, and the bleeding had ceased. Immediately, she prescribed a calming tonic for the pregnancy, instructing the apprentice to prepare it and feed it to the patient.

Another quarter of an hour passed, and the young woman slowly regained consciousness. Surveying the room, she saw a composed and serene woman seated beside her bed, smiling gently. Recognizing her as the renowned female physician, Madam Xu, tears welled up in her eyes.

"Thank you, Madam Xu, for saving my life."

Xu Yunqi comforted her,

"Take good care of yourself, and don't get angry anymore."

From her pulse, Xu Yunqi diagnosed that she was suffering from excessive anger. The young woman heard this and immediately tears streamed down her face.

Ginkgo, filled with curiosity, poured tea for Xu Yunqi while glancing at the weeping mistress and servant who had their heads bowed. She asked,

"Why has everything turned out like this all of a sudden?"

The young woman could only sob in response, while the serving maid, on the verge of tears, eagerly explained,

"Please listen, my lady. This morning, our old madam heard that my master lost silver in a gambling den. She then lashed out with scathing words. When my mistress saw her mother-in-law enraged, she tried to reason with her, asking her not to hurt herself. But the old madam didn't appreciate it. Unable to control her son, she vented her anger on my mistress, pushing her… Her words were very insulting, even saying that since my master married my mistress, she's been cut out of her son's life. She accused my mistress of bewitching him and neglecting her as a parent… My mistress has never done such a thing, and she was truly angered, which affected her pregnancy…"

Ginkgo's eyes widened in indignation. "Your mistress is five months pregnant, and she still dared to lay a hand on her? And what about that husband of hers? Doesn't he protect his wife?"

At this, the young woman's face took on a sorrowful expression. With tears in her eyes, she continued, "How could he protect me? He's always cowed by his mother and does whatever she says. Since I married into the family, he's been urging me to be filial to her. I've been submissive and endured all sorts of humiliation, but I'm also a person. I complained to him privately that his mother was too strict, yet he said that she just has a quick temper and no ill intentions, asking me not to take her behavior to heart…"

"But that mother with no ill intentions has been secretly bullying me behind her son's back, blaming me for stealing her son away…"

Xu Yunqi was unaccustomed to such gossip and silently sipped her tea. Yet, Yinxing couldn't help but comment, "I've seen your kind many times before. Let me ask you, is your husband an only child? And has your father-in-law passed away?"

The young woman's face revealed surprise. "Yes, my father-in-law passed away over a decade ago. My mother-in-law and her son ran a small business together, and now they have a decent standing in the southern part of the city..."

"Exactly!" Yinxing seemed experienced in such matters. "Your mother-in-law relies solely on her son. When you suddenly entered the picture and he started doting on you more than his mother, she must have felt hurt. That's why she's been causing trouble for you every day."

The young woman was speechless, clearly acknowledging that Yinxing had guessed correctly.

After another round of treatment, Xu Yunqi packed her things, preparing to leave once the young woman's condition was stable. Before departing, she advised,

"Anger harms the body. Nothing is more important than your health. If anything were to happen to you, your husband would surely take another wife, continuing his indulgent lifestyle. You'd become a wandering spirit, causing pain to those who love you and delight to your enemies. Wait until you give birth before making any plans."

Xu Yunqi's words struck a chord with the young woman. She bit her lip, gradually revealing a determined expression.

"Mrs. Xu, rest assured, I understand."

Xu Yunqi left it at that, accompanied by Yinxing.

Exiting the clinic, the sky suddenly darkened, and the fine snow transformed into large, fluffy flakes.

Through gusts of wind and layers of snow, the young maiden's translucent eyes gazed up at the dusky sky. Xu Yunqi lifted her gaze to meet the dark heavens.

Yunqi was helped into the carriage by a maid named Silver Apricot, who wore a discouraged expression. "I wonder if Lord will scold us?"

Xu Yunqi's face remained calm. "When soldiers come, we'll meet them with shields; when waters rise, we'll build dykes."

At the start of the evening hour, Xu Yunqi arrived hurriedly at the palace.

The dim lights were shrouded in a snowy mist, creating an ethereal scene. Delicate snowflakes fell, their every detail visible under the goat horn lanterns.

Xu Yunqi stepped onto the steps against the blizzard, where the butler awaited her respectfully, bowing in greeting. She smiled faintly and nodded, then walked past the main hall towards the side corridor. Pei Musheng's carriage lacked a stove, so Xu Yunqi had been freezing on the journey. Concerned for Pei Musheng being in the palace, her steps quickened unintentionally, leading her through the moon gate and along the veranda.

Nanny Chen waited at the entrance, ready to hold back the curtain for her.

"Third Lady has returned... It's late, and you might be hungry. Would you like a meal served?"

Warmth from within the room melted the frost on her eyebrows. Xu Yunqi crossed the threshold with a smile.

"I am truly hungry. Let's have the meal served..."

In the brightly lit main room, she noticed someone sitting quietly in the shadows.

He had changed into a lustrous robe embroidered with cloud patterns in moonwhite, leisurely leaning against a backrest as if dozing off. Upon hearing footsteps, he suddenly lifted his gaze, revealing clear eyes framed by thick lashes, with no trace of fatigue in his expression.

"Welcome back," he said calmly, his tone even bordering on gentle.

Xu Yunqi gazed at him in surprise for a moment, feeling uneasy about a man suddenly appearing in the room she had occupied for a month. Realizing belatedly that he was the male master of this residence, she silently rubbed her forehead and turned to remove her cloak, handing it over to a maid. She then approached Pei Muheng to greet him.

"Third Master is also here..."

The table before them was a rectangular huanghuali wood desk, with Pei Muheng seated facing south while Xu Yunqi took her place to his right and slightly below. Two cups of tea rested on the table, one in front of Pei Muheng and another closer to Xu Yunqi. Having dozed off in the carriage, she woke up with a dry throat. Seeing the cup, she instinctively assumed it was prepared for her and reached for it to take a sip.

Pei Muheng's face froze at her action.

Xu Yunqi finished the tea in one go, still holding the teacup in her fingers. Unconsciously, she noticed that her husband's expression seemed off, and behind him, Manager Chen, who held a few account books, stared in astonishment at her cup...

Her heart sank like a stone into a lake.

Oh no, she feared that she had just drunk from Pei Muheng's cup.

A strange sensation suddenly welled up within her.

The atmosphere seemed to freeze in place.

Housekeeper Chen shot his wife a reproachful glance, while Nurse Chen felt immense regret.

When Pei Muheng had taken his seat earlier, Nurse Chen personally poured him a cup of his favorite Emei Brow Tip tea. With his keen sense of smell, Pei Muheng detected that it wasn't this year's fresh batch. He pushed the teacup away, and Nurse Chen promptly replaced it with a new batch of Emei Brow Tip. Hearing footsteps, Nurse Chen hurried to greet Xu Yunqi, forgetting to collect the discarded cup.

In reality, Pei Muheng hadn't actually sipped from that cup; he merely caught a whiff of the tea's aroma as it approached his lips and sensed something amiss, thus pushing it away. However, the cup had indeed been shared between the two of them.

Pei Muhang's gaze lingered fleetingly on her lips before shifting away quickly.

Since Xu Yunqi wasn't the type to be overly sentimental, she pretended not to notice and placed the teacup down while asking Pei Muhang,

"Why did Third Master return today?"

Pei Muhang maintained his usual composed demeanor and gave no hint of his true intentions as he replied in accordance with her question,

"I accompanied His Majesty to have a meal at Empress's palace today. The Empress entrusted me to bring you some pastries."

Finished speaking, he pushed the food box that had been placed aside toward her.

Xu Yunqi noticed that Manager Chen looked somewhat helpless when Pei Muheng spoke those words.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity. And thank you, Third Master, for making this trip." She smiled politely.

Pei Muheng's lips curled slightly at her response.

In truth, the Empress had summoned him to the Kunning Palace after hearing he had stayed in the palace for half a month. She scolded him for neglecting his new wife and asked him to bring back some pastries from the imperial kitchen as a gesture of comfort. The Empress had intended for him to present them in his own name to console his bride. However, Pei Muheng, unable to deceive, had relayed the true story.

Even if Pei Muheng hadn't been truthful, Xu Yunqi wouldn't have mistaken it for his intention.

Soon, Pei Muheng dismissed Manager Chen, indicating that he intended to dine there. Xu Yunqi instructed Nanny Chen to serve the meal, and the couple sat in silence during the brief wait.

After a moment, Pei Muheng remembered the incident at Jinhuo Hall earlier and instructed her, "I've already explained to Mother. In the future, you don't need to seek permission from anyone else to leave the mansion. Just inform Ama Hao, who serves by Mother's side, through one of the maids."

Since Princess Xi didn't take a liking to Xu Yunqi, Pei Muheng couldn't force them to get along. He could only think of this method to free Xu Yunqi from constraints while showing respect to his mother, benefiting both parties.

Xu Yunqi's eyes sparkled as she looked at him, "Indeed, that's wonderful."

Her smile was warm and innocent, like a flower that had been nurtured with care, untouched by any hardships.

Pei Muheng saw a new vitality in her expression for the first time. "My mother might have acted improperly before. I apologize on her behalf, and such incidents will not occur again in the future."

Xu Yunqi was slightly taken aback, hardly believing that Pei Muheng would stand up for her. She didn't know what to say, but it seemed that this husband of hers was fair-minded and wouldn't blindly favor his own mother. This gave her hope for their future together.

She laughed off the matter, saying, "Third Master is too serious. Actually, I understand my mother, and I don't blame her."

No one would be happy if the chosen daughter-in-law was replaced.

Xu Yunqi's eyes were pure and clear, devoid of fear or flattery. She genuinely didn't take these matters to heart.

Reasonable, gentle, and unbothered, such a wife would be easy to live with in the long run.

Pei Muheng nodded and said, "Let's have our meal."

Departing, he cast a glance back at the gentle glow of Qinghui Garden's lamps, imagining how it must have stung for Xu Yunqi to drink from his cup. Putting himself in her shoes, he felt she must have felt aggrieved during their encounter today.

He needed to find a way to make amends.