Chapter 15

Chapter 15

After Pei Mushan finished speaking, the hall fell into an awkward silence for quite some time.

The old emperor, with his hand pressed against his forehead, felt rather helpless. Ambassadors were about to arrive at the palace, and there was still a pile of official duties to attend to. Yet, here he was, dealing with a dispute among a few young, irresponsible girls. The Liu family's daughter was one thing, but Xiao Qin was the only child of the cabinet minister, Xiao Yu, who had always spoiled her rotten. At this moment, Xiao Yu was tearfully pleading,

"The princess is our sovereign, and we are her subjects. It's only right for her to teach us a lesson. This old minister dares not ask the emperor to intervene on behalf of my daughter. However, she is still unmarried, and with her arm now broken, how will she live her life in the future?"

In a small chamber adjacent to the main hall, Doctor He was attending to Xiao Qin's broken bone. Her sobs echoed through the hall, casting a heavy mood over everyone present.

The normally protective Princess Xi, known for her defense of her kin, was unusually silent today, not uttering a single word.

Xiao Qin wept within, while Xiao Yu stifled sobs without. Despite his esteemed position as a Grand Councilor, Xiao Yu had earned it through tears. Several years ago, when the post of Minister of Justice became vacant, a grand selection took place in the imperial court. During the deliberations, the factions supporting the Crown Prince and Prince Qin were locked in heated contention, unable to reach a decision on the appointment. It was then that Xiao Yu, serving as the Deputy Minister of Justice at the time, broke down in front of all the ministers, tearfully asserting that after having dedicated twenty long years within the Ministry of Justice and ten more as an inspector touring various prefectures and counties, did his thirty-year career in criminal litigation not warrant him the title of Minister?

Amidst intense opposition, the Emperor resolutely appointed Xiao Yu, who remained impartial to both factions.

Upon taking office, Xiao Yu indeed lived up to his expectations. He rectified false and unjust cases, curbed the prevalent culture of idleness and incompetence, and proved himself to be an unwavering statesman of integrity. His reputation in the court was indeed substantial and highly respected.

Yet today, Pei Mushan had disrupted someone's daughter's arm.

The emperor, with great patience, asked Pei Mushan,

"I just heard the Empress say that you have always been close to the Xiao family's girl. Why did you resort to violence over a disagreement?"

Pei Mushan imitated a male bow and replied, "Granddaughter has two reasons for her actions. First, as a royal princess, I am also a member of the imperial family, as is my sister-in-law. For these maidens to dare to defy their superiors and act so brazenly, attempting to harm my sister-in-law, I could not stand idly by.

"Second, precisely because of my deep friendship with Xiao Qin, I felt it even more necessary to teach her a lesson today. This is to ensure she understands that one should live with integrity, and refrain from engaging in underhanded or dishonorable deeds!"

It had to be said that Pei Mushan's words resonated with the emperor's temperament. This was the kind of spirit expected of a royal princess.

But Lady Xiao refused to let the matter rest. "Princess, permit this humble lady to ask you. Why are you so certain that Qin'er was behind the tea being thrown? It rained last night, and the Phoenix Nest Road was slippery. Clearly, it was that maid who accidentally stumbled. If you wish to punish someone, it should be that lowly slave, not Qin'er."

"Besides, Third Young Madam of the Palace didn't sustain any injuries. She managed to avoid it skillfully, yet it was Miss Liu from the Minister of Justice's family who got hurt!"

Madam Liu promptly burst into tears, lamenting that she only had this precious daughter and pleading for the emperor to intervene.

This time, Empress Concubine Yan did not hide her displeasure. She addressed Madam Liu sternly,

"When tea is being thrown, dodging is a natural instinct. If your daughter was scalded, the blame should fall on that Xiao family maid. How can you hold Lady Heng's wife responsible?"

In the end, it was all due to Xu Yunqi's lowly background.

Not to mention Lady Liu, even Xiao Qin would have dared to act that way, assuming Xu Yunqi was disliked by the Xi Palace and no one would stand up for her. However, she never expected Xu Yunqi to evade so swiftly, nor did she anticipate Pei Mushan's bold intervention.

Lady Liu pouted but dared not speak.

Pei Mushan shot a chilly glance at Lady Xiao, "I never accuse anyone unjustly. Apart from her, no one else dared to lay a hand on Elder Sister-in-law. Moreover, this also reflects your Xiao family's incompetence in managing your servants. What's wrong with me teaching you a lesson?"

Lady Xiao was left speechless with anger.

"The imperial court has its own laws. Would the officials of the Board of Censors accept the princess's words like this?"

Pei Mushan turned her face away.

This was the most difficult aspect of the situation.

Empress Concubine Yan had already interrogated the old servant. The woman trembled with fear, insisting it was merely an accident, and she was willing to die as atonement. As a born slave of the Xiao family, with her entire family serving the Xiao household, how could she possibly implicate her master? Xiao Qin had relied on the assumption that Xu Yunqi would lack evidence to dare act so brazenly.

The Xi Wangfei raised her voice to ask Empress Concubine Yan, "Your Highness, what has become of that old servant?"

Empress Yan sneered. "The maid, realizing the severity of her wrongdoing, bit off half her tongue and passed out."

This time, Empress Yan spoke up for Pei Mushan due to a request from someone – none other than Yan Shaoling, the youngest son of Prime Minister Yan Ping.

During a polo match, Yan Shaoling had fallen head over heels for Pei Mushan and insisted on marrying her. Empress Yan discreetly inquired about the emperor's stance, but he remained steadfast. Moreover, Pei Mushan compared him to her older brother, Pei Musheng, and found Yan Shaoling lacking in looks, thus rejecting him without hesitation.

Xu Yunqi knelt not far behind Pei Mushan, observing the situation with a cold eye. She understood the dynamics at play. Slowly, she moved her knees forward by two inches and bowed again towards the emperor. "Your Majesty, may I have permission to speak with Lady Xiao for a moment?"

Lady Xiao lifted her gaze to meet Xu Yunqi's.

As Xu Yunqi was the granddaughter-in-law chosen by the emperor himself, he couldn't deny her this request and nodded his assent.

Xu Yunqi rose and approached Lady Xiao.

Lady Xiao's stern expression watched her as she slowly stood up.

Standing by the entrance of the small chamber, the faint groans of a woman could be heard from within.

Through the open window, one could see Xiao Qin lying on a couch, her arm bound with white ointment. The pain had left her in a daze, her face devoid of any color.

Xu Yunqi's gaze shifted to Madam Xiao, and he whispered softly,

"Madam, please ponder this: what benefit would disfiguring me bring to Miss Xiao? What has she gained by hastily avenging her friend? Is that servant truly capable of withstanding interrogation? With the Emperor's birthday celebration approaching, can your Xiao family afford to bear the blame for a life being taken?"

A barrage of questions left Madam Xiao dazed, her expression shifting in surprise as she stared at Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi continued calmly, "In the end, you have only sewn a wedding dress for another, becoming a pawn in someone else's game."

Each word Xu Yunqi spoke was like a precious pearl, hitting the mark and exposing Madam Xiao's vulnerabilities. Her complexion alternated between paleness and flush, and she quickly grasped the underlying meaning.

The disfigurement of Xu Yunqi has profited none other than Xun Yunling. Our innocent daughter was led astray by others, thus falling into this plight.

A sudden surge of uncontainable fury welled up in her chest, causing Lady Xiao to grit her teeth momentarily. With great effort, she suppressed her wrath and swiftly advanced forward, dropping to her knees before the Emperor and Consort Yan, palms pressed against her forehead in a show of deep obeisance.

"Your Majesty, Your Grace, the Princess is not entirely to blame for this incident. It was my daughter who spoke out of turn and was at fault first. I humbly request that Your Majesty, considering her severe injuries, pardon her from any punishment."

This is an expression of disinclination to pursue the matter further.

Having grasped the underlying truth, Lady Xiao could not afford to offend the Xi Palace, nor could she bear to add any further distress to the Emperor's longevity celebrations.

Xiao Yu's face betrayed his astonishment as he met his wife's solemn gaze, ultimately refraining from any rebuttal.

With diplomatic negotiations between two nations imminent, it was best to maintain peace and harmony.

The emperor had no desire to delve deeper into the matter, nor did he have the heart to do so.

Leaving the matter of disciplining the women to Empress Yan, he glanced at Xu Yunqi as he rose to leave. Xu Yunqi had returned to stand humbly beside Princess Xi, her head bowed and her eyes as tranquil as water.

Her composed demeanor echoed that of Pei Muheng in every way.

The emperor chuckled to himself, stroking his garment as he departed from the main hall.

Empress Concubine Yan reprimanded a few others before dismissing them. Eventually, she left the Xihua Palace family behind and curiously asked Xu Yunqi,

"What did you say to Madam Xiao just now?"

Xu Yunqi smiled bashfully. "I merely advised her that with His Majesty's upcoming birthday celebrations, it wouldn't be beneficial for anyone if things became awkward. Madam Xiao is a wise woman who understands priorities; she naturally knows how to make the right choice."

Empress Concubine Yan wasn't sure if she believed Xu Yunqi or not. She smiled and didn't comment further.

Back at the Yongning Palace, Princess Xihui glanced at her daughter and daughter-in-law but ultimately chose not to ask any questions or say anything.

Before returning to their chambers after dinner, Xu Yunqi tugged on Pei Mushan's sleeve in a corner of the corridor.

Pei Mushan had had a good relationship with Xiao Qin in the past, so she was in a less than ideal mood after today's incident.

Looking at her bold yet endearing younger sister-in-law, Xu Yunqi felt a mix of emotions. She gently held onto Pei Mushan and said softly, "Next time, don't stand up for me like that."

Pei Mushan immediately protested, "What are you talking about? You're my elder sister-in-law, how could I just watch someone bully you..."

"No," Xu Yunqi shook her head, interrupting Pei Mushan. Her gentle gaze turned more resolute, "I'll handle it myself."

Pei Mushan clearly didn't believe her, eyeing her up and down, "Forget it. With your mild-mannered disposition, I'm afraid you'd cry if someone just spoke harshly to you."

Xu Yunqi: "..."

Silver Apricot blinked surreptitiously nearby.

Her young miss was capable of silently getting rid of anyone without anyone knowing.

In the late afternoon, at the beginning of the Hour of Monkey, Pei Muheng arrived at the palace residence. He first went to the Heavenly Earth Hall to report, then promptly returned to the Yongning Palace in search of Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi was with Xingyue, arranging the pruned plum branches they had collected that day into a vase.

She was calm and composed, even wearing a gentle smile on her face.

Seeing that she didn't seem injured, Pei Muheng's worries eased. "I've heard about what happened today," he said, his tone heavy.

Xu Yunqi finished arranging the plum blossoms and handed the vase to Xingyue, who carried it to the inner chamber, leaving the couple alone in the outer room.

The setting sun poured through the western window, casting a golden glow across the floor.

A streak of golden light stretched between them.

Xu Yunqi's features were obscured by the shadows as she smiled at him. "I'm fine, Third Master. Don't worry."

Pei Muheng's gaze remained dark and brooding. "I'll give you an explanation for this matter."

He refused to believe he couldn't pry the truth from that old servant woman.

Xu Yunqi naturally understood his intentions. "The outcome of the investigation would only reveal that she was acting on Xiao Qin's orders. Xiao Qin has already suffered a significant loss. His Majesty and Empress Concubine are well aware of this, so there's no point in dwelling on it any further."

It was better to leverage the Xiao family's animosity against them than to make them an enemy. Let the Xiao matriarch handle Xun Yunling instead.

What Xu Yunqi said made perfect sense, leaving Pei Muheng with nothing to refute.

"What did you say to Madam Xiao?"

He was curious about how his wife had managed to turn enemies into allies.

Looking at him, Xu Yunqi thought, If Xiao Qin could stand by her today, what would happen if it were her childhood sweetheart one day?

This fleeting thought quickly left her mind. She never worried about hypothetical situations, especially when her relationship with Pei Muheng was far from reaching that level.

"That old servant's fate is uncertain, and Emperor Grandfather's birthday celebration is imminent. If someone were to die during this period, the Xiao family would be held accountable. Madam Xiao knew the gravity of the situation and retreated promptly."

Pei Muheng looked at her, pausing before he spoke. "Madam struck at the snake's vulnerable spot."

Xu Yunqi always managed to surprise him, and pleasantly so.

When I reported to the Emperor just now, he inquired of me

"Are you still blaming me for mismatching lovers?"

Pei Muheng chuckled but didn't comment.

A moment later, Lady Consort's trusted eunuch Ha came to deliver a message, announcing that the Xiao Marquis Manor had sent word inviting all members of the Palace to attend a banquet at their residence this very evening. This Marquis Manor in question is none other than the maternal home of the Lady Consort, belonging to the distinguished descendants of the Lanling Xiao clan.

Planning to change into a fresh set of clothes, Xu Yunqi inquired of Pei Muheng, "Is Third Master joining us?"

The envoy has already arrived at the imperial retreat," Xu Yunqi fretted, concerned about his official duties.

Pei Muheng replied, "Grandmother has arrived, and I have yet to pay my respects. I'll introduce you to her later."

Xu Yunqi understood—this was an opportunity for her to formally meet Madam Xiao, the elder matriarch.

The fact that Pei Muheng was willing to forego social obligations to visit his grandmother indicated how much she mattered to him.

Having just returned to the retreat, Pei Muheng also needed to bathe and change. The couple entered their private chambers, one after the other.

The Empress of Xi has always favored her youngest son, granting him the entire Western Annex.

Pushing aside a massive folding screen door, they entered a spacious inner chamber. A square redwood table stood beneath the eastern window, while a small Buddhist bed was placed by the western one. To the north, behind a beaded curtain, was an intricately crafted thousand-work canopy bed.

The couple's trunks were stored beside the eight treasures pearwood wardrobe next to the canopy bed. Huang Wei personally tended to Pei Muheng's attire, leaving Xu Yunqi unfamiliar with his preferences. She casually picked out three robes for him to choose from.

Their colors ranged from light to dark.

Xu Yunqi didn't know Pei Muheng's tastes and had never paid much attention.

Pei Muheng gave his wife a quiet glance before picking up the indigo robe and entering the bathroom.

Xu Yunqi sensed a hidden meaning in that gaze. She retreated behind the beaded curtain and changed into a bright pink Mandarin jacket.

After nearly half an hour, Pei Muheng emerged, freshly dressed.

The couple appraised each other's outfits.

Xu Yunqi seldom wore such vibrant hues; the pink jacket accentuated her delicate complexion, making her appear more lovely than the flowers themselves, which would surely please the elders. Pei Muheng nodded in approval.

Only then did Xu Yunqi realize that Pei Muhang had never worn light-colored attire.

So that was the case.

The Yongning Palace was not far from the Xiao family's manor. The extensive Xuanfu Palace complex was designed for imperial relatives, with separate pavilions on either side allocated to the civil and military officials.

The Xiao family had paid a visit to Princess Xi in the morning, and in the evening, she brought her younger generation to pay respects to her mother.

Exiting the main gate of Yongning Palace and turning west along a corridor, they passed through a side gate, revealing an expansive courtyard before them. A dozen courtyards were artfully arranged amidst lush greenery, each one concealed and yet enhancing the overall landscape.

Already, attendants were waiting at the Xihuang Palace to greet the family, guiding them to the Xiao family's courtyard.

From a distance, they saw the Xiao family supporting an elderly lady with snow-white hair standing on the steps.

Seeing her mother trembling, the Hui Wangfei hurried over, taking two steps at once, "Mother, it's windy here. Why have you come out?"

Instead, Lady Xiao respectfully bent her knees slightly towards her daughter, "Etiquette must not be neglected. Wangfei, please follow this old lady into the house for a chat."

Next to Pei Mushan stood a young girl who was even younger than she was. The girl had rosy lips and pearly teeth, with a cherubic innocence about her. The two girls approached from either side, with Pei Mushan looping her arm through Xu Yunqi's and asking the girl,

"I wasn't lying, was I? Your sister-in-law is very beautiful, isn't she?"

Xiao Qi girl peered at Xu Yunqi and then blushed, giggling as she cupped her face in embarrassment. "Yes, your sister-in-law is indeed beautiful. You've won again. I'll give you that porcelain doll later!"

A kindly lady upstairs, noticing that everyone else had entered, hurriedly gestured to them. "Fuer, quickly welcome the guests inside."

Soon, the group followed Elder Madam Xiao into the main hall, each paying their respects. To avoid any noise from the younger generation, Second Madam Xiao took Pei Mushan and the other young ladies and children to play elsewhere.

Madam Xie and Madam Li knew that Old Madam wanted to meet Xu Yunqi, so they also retreated outside with the younger Xiao family wives.

In the end, only Old Madam, Empress Hui, First Madam Xiao, and the Pei Musheng couple remained in the main room.

A servant placed two cushions on the floor, and Empress Hui pointed at them, instructing the two, "Come quickly and pay your respects to your grandmother."

Old Madam Xiao waved her hand hastily. "No, no... That would be breaking protocol."

Pei Musheng stepped forward first, kneeling gracefully on the cushion. "Outside, we follow the rules of royalty; inside, we respect family ties. You are my legitimate maternal grandmother, worthy of this gesture."

Xu Yunqi followed suit, kneeling before the elderly matriarch without hesitation.

Tears welled up in the old lady's eyes as she extended her bony hand, emotionally saying, "Get up quickly..."

Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi sat on cushions on either side of the elderly matriarch.

With age, the old lady's vision had deteriorated. She reached out to Xu Yunqi, gesturing for her to come closer. Xu Yunqi had no choice but to place her hand in the old lady's, who held it still while examining her closely. "In the end, it's His Majesty's excellent taste. I've never seen such a beautiful young lady."

Princess Xi smiled awkwardly, not saying a word.

The old lady ignored her daughter and chatted with her daughter-in-law. "His Majesty has seen it all – storms and demons. Nothing escapes his keen eye. I wholeheartedly approve of the bride he has chosen."

Madame Xiao immediately agreed. "Your Highness's judgment is impeccable as well."

The old lady chuckled and turned to beckon Pei Muheng. Pei Muheng offered his slender hand, and the old lady placed their hands together.

This was the first time Pei Muheng had placed his palm on the back of her hand, and Xu Yunqi could sense a momentary stiffness in his grip. But soon, warmth enveloped her, and he held her hand with just the right amount of pressure, following the old lady's lead.

Lowering her clear gaze, Xu Yunqi presented an outward appearance of a modest and shy maiden.

The elder madam, with her benevolent and kindly expression, gently asked them,

"Has it been half a year since your wedding? Any joyous news to share?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected inquiry, both spouses were momentarily lost in thought.

As they had not consummated their marriage, how could there be a child?

Xu Yunqi clearly sensed an unusual warmth in the palm of his hand.

Amidst the rustling winds, the sun began to set, casting the last rays of light upon Pei Muheng's features, illuminating them vividly. Even on his knees, his upright posture resembled a towering mountain, exuding an unyielding stability.

He swallowed hard but remained silent, not responding.

Madam Xiao glanced at Xu Yunqi's flushed cheeks and quickly changed the subject, "Mother, such matters cannot be rushed. They must unfold naturally. Didn't it take me more than a year to conceive Little Yue?"

The elder lady took their bashfulness as innocence and grinned, addressing Xu Yunqi, "I'm just an old woman with too much to say, don't take it to heart."

Xu Yunqi returned an awkward smile, "Granddaughter-in-law understands."

The elder lady released them, and Xu Yunqi instinctively tried to withdraw her hand from Pei Muheng's grasp. This time, the man did not let go, maintaining his usual composed and gentle smile.

"Grandmother has been worried," he said.

*

After dinner, the Duchess of Xi still wanted to chat with her mother, so she dismissed the younger generation early.

Xu Yunqi followed Pei Muheng out of the pavilion. Pei Muxiang walked ahead with their child, while Li Shi carried the sleeping Xun Ge'er behind Pei Mujing. The couple chatted intermittently, leaving Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi in silence.

As they reached the Yongning Palace, the sky darkened, and lanterns began to illuminate the area. A few stars twinkled faintly in the night sky, and the wind grew stronger. Xu Yunqi tightened her cloak, and Pei Muheng turned to face her.

"Retire for now. I'll be back soon."

With that, he departed, leaving Yunqi standing there, dumbfounded and somewhat lost.

This was the first time he had given such instructions. What did they mean?

After Pei Muheng left Yongning Palace, he summoned a guard from the shadows, his expression stern. "What about that woman from the Xiao family?"

The covert guard replied, "Madam Xiao was afraid for her safety and sent her back to the capital in the middle of the night."

"Pursue her closely," Pei Mushan instructed before striding towards Yongning Palace, where the envoys were being entertained.

The palace was unusually lively that night.

Cabinet officials and diplomats mingled, while young ladies and lords cheered on games by the inner lake. Fireworks illuminated the sky, and the sounds of revelry echoed throughout the palace.

Yet, in the quiet western annex of Yongning Palace, it was serene.

Colorful lanterns glimmered in the distance, and the bustling crowd enjoyed their festivities, but none of it concerned Yunqi.

Seated at a desk by the eastern window, Xu Yunqi prepared a custom blend of cosmetics for Pei Mushan.

By her side, Ginkgo ground the medicinal powders with a smile. "Miss, why not make a bit extra for yourself to use later?"

Xu Yunqi's tone remained calm and composed. "I have no need for it. A healthy complexion still relies on proper care."

"But it seems men do like girls with rouged cheeks..." Ginkgo mused innocently.

Xu Yunqi went about his tasks methodically, showing no interest in such topics.

After an unknown period of busywork, he finally completed the formula and stretched lazily.

"Let's tidy up first and continue tomorrow," he said, only to hear the sound of a door being pushed open from outside.

He caught a glimpse of a tall figure stepping over the threshold.

Realizing it was Pei Mucheng's return, Ginkgo, carrying her jars and vials, retreated along the corridor to the back rooms.

The inner chamber's door stood ajar, so Xu Yunqi went out to greet him. Pei Mucheng entered alone.

A faint scent of alcohol lingered on him, and Xu Yunqi assumed he had been entertaining envoys.

"Would you like me to prepare a hangover soup for you?" Xu Yunqi asked.

Pei Mucheng shook his head and sat down in the spot where Xu Yunqi had just been sitting. "I didn't drink. I just got some wine on my clothes."

As he sat down, he sensed a residual warmth in the cushion. Pei Muheng lifted his gaze to look at his wife, motionless.

The lights in the inner chamber were dim, casting a hazy gloom across the room.

He had never looked at her like this before. Xu Yunqi's cheeks flushed slightly as she asked again,

"Should I prepare some water for you?"

Assuming that she was bothered by the smell of alcohol on him, Pei Muheng nodded silently.

Xu Yunqi first instructed someone in the back before rummaging through the wardrobe for a dark, long robe.

Pei Muheng watched as she held the garment, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. He strode towards the bathroom.

Last time in the tent, he hadn't allowed her to assist him. Xu Yunqi assumed it wasn't necessary, so she placed the clothes on a side table, lowered the screen around the bathtub considerately, and then retreated to make the bed on the large sleeping platform.

This time, she prepared two blankets so they could sleep soundly through the night.

Pei Muheng had bathed in the afternoon, so this time, his wash didn't take long. Just as Xu Yunqi sat down to sip her tea, his towering figure emerged.

Rising to his feet, he was not dressed as neatly as before. His robe draped casually over his shoulders, the collar open, revealing a well-defined chest. A glistening droplet could be seen gliding down his sharp Adam's apple before disappearing into the fabric silently.

Xu Yunqi had never witnessed such a scene; her ears tingled slightly, as if she had caught on to something.

The night breeze slipped through the window screens, flickering the candlelight in its wake. In the dimness, the man's slender fingers lifted a corner of his sash, gesturing towards her with a subtle nod. His narrowed eyes lowered, and in a deep yet resonant voice, he asked softly,

"Could you assist me, my lady?" The tone was a clear signal, deliberately restrained.

Should one accept, it implies an unspoken understanding.