Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Xu Yunqi, of course, did not attempt to persuade Huang Wei to stay. Such things could not be forced, and Pei Muheng did not linger either. He returned to his study and continued with his official duties as if nothing had happened.

But the man, who was usually preoccupied with political strife, found himself unusually unable to sleep that night. It was as if he were sailing smoothly on a boat when, all of a sudden, the wind changed direction, catching him off guard.

It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that Pei Muheng finally fell into a deep slumber. Less than two hours later, Huang Wei knocked on his door once more.

A thick fog had descended outside the window, cloaking the entire house in a blanket of white mist. With his eyes closed, Pei Muheng sat on the bed wrapped in a white inner robe. Upon seeing the displeasure on his face, Huang Wei approached cautiously, his tone careful,

"Someone from the palace just arrived. They said His Majesty requests your presence at court."

Pei Muheng gently tapped his forehead with the tip of his finger, slightly dazed.

The emperor had many descendants, and there was never a shortage of attendants. He rarely summoned Pei Muheng to the palace proactively, especially not so soon after dawn. There must have been something unusual about this summons.

Upon further reflection, Pei Muheng began to understand.

In the past, the Crown Prince and Prince Qin, along with others, were always at the Emperor's side, vying for his favor while secretly competing against one another. But now, with the Crown Prince in trouble and the entire Eastern Palace faction defeated, the Emperor no longer trusted Prince Qin, Prince Chen, or the Seventh Prince, among others. The Twelfth Prince was injured, leaving only him, the Seventh Imperial Grandson, as a useful tool.

A chill self-deprecating smile flickered across Pei Musheng's dark eyes. He couldn't remember how many years he had spent biding his time or how many sleepless nights he had spent studying, even going so far as to enroll anonymously in the national academy to compete in the exams. All these efforts were aimed at carving out a position for himself in the court. After much hard work, he had finally become a sharp sword ready to be unsheathed.

Rising from his seat, his tall figure stood up slowly, eyes closed as Huang Wei attended to his attire. A sense of satisfaction was on the verge of erupting within him, yet something was still missing – something he couldn't quite identify.

Pei Musheng gathered his composure and entered the palace, immediately being led by a junior eunuch to the Hall of Heavenly Purity.

Ascending the white jade steps, he caught sight of Liu Xiwen, the head of the Office of Ceremonial, being helped out of a side chamber by another junior eunuch.

Liu Xiwen was already nearly sixty years old, and serving the Emperor was no easy task. For fifty years, he had dedicated himself to this role, turning into a shriveled old man. Now, Pei Musheng saw him leaning on the junior eunuch's arm, limping down the stairs.

Maintaining his expression, Pei Musheng approached slowly, standing with his hands behind his back, and asked, "What has happened to you, Head Liu?"

Liu Xiwen had noticed Pei Musheng and, catching his breath on the steps, bowed respectfully, not too hurriedly. "I've been staying in the palace retreat, and my old chilblains have flared up again. I attended to His Majesty all night, and now, in the morning, I'm dizzy and disoriented. The Emperor allowed me to return to my office to rest."

Upon hearing this, genuine concern appeared on Pei Musheng's face. Reaching into his sleeve, he casually produced an item and handed it to Liu Xiwen. "Head Liu, this is a medicinal oil that my father commonly uses for military injuries. It's said to be highly effective in treating old chilblains. Please give it a try."

Liu Xiwen's gaze lingered on the small medicine bottle, instantly captivated.

Though it was referred to as a medicine bottle, it was actually a miniature Guanyin vase meticulously carved from an exquisite piece of jade. The craftsmanship was so intricate that it seemed almost supernatural. As the head of the imperial household, Liu Xiwen had handled numerous precious treasures; this tiny porcelain vase before him was, in fact, the late masterpiece of the renowned jade sculptor Qu Buhe from the previous dynasty.

Qu Buhe's jade sculptures were comparable to Mi Fu's calligraphy and Wang Ximeng's paintings as the three most treasured wonders of the former era.

Pei Mucheng's move was not an ordinary one.

It was no secret that Liu Xiwen had a fondness for jade carvings.

Pei Mucheng was not delivering medicine oil; he was presenting a jade sculpture.

Liu Xiwen smiled subtly. "Third Prince has indeed been thoughtful, worrying about the Emperor," he said, seamlessly taking the bottle. He glanced at the majestic Hall of Heavenly Praise and sighed. "His Majesty is unwell, having vomited blood this morning. Third Prince, please attend to him with care."

With those words, Liu Xiwen descended the steps leisurely.

Pei Mucheng gazed at his retreating figure for a moment, pondering over Liu Xiwen's remark. Turning around, he started climbing the stairs.

The Emperor was indeed ill and had summoned him for attendance. This would be Pei Mucheng's first time serving during an illness, and he steeled himself for the task ahead.

Pei Muhang hadn't returned to his residence for three consecutive days.

Xu Yunqi didn't pay much attention either. On the seventeenth day of April, the Chengyang Medical Clinic sent word that an important merchant had injured his leg and had repeatedly requested Xu Yunqi's expertise for treatment.

From the term "important," Xu Yunqi deduced that the man must have paid a substantial sum to Doctor Hu. Without hesitation, she set off with Xingyao in tow.

As usual, she changed into a plain dress at the tailor's shop before rushing to the adjacent clinic on the second floor. Pushing the door open, she found a man dressed in a loose, moon-white robe lounging leisurely in a rattan chair by the southern window. He held a green landscape fan in his hand, exuding an aura of tranquility and ease, like a bright moon or a cool breeze in one's embrace.

Xu Yunqi's gaze lingered on his face for a moment before she stepped in slowly.

Doctor Hu was busy flattering someone, but his expression brightened when he saw her. He gestured in her direction, "Sir, this is Madam Xu. Her acupuncture skills are nothing short of miraculous. Let her attend to you, and you'll surely recover swiftly."

The eunuch attending to Pei Xun turned pale upon seeing a woman. "Why is it a lady?"

Doctor Hu's smile remained unwavering as he straightened slightly. His demeanor changed slightly. "Young Master, don't underestimate her just because she's a lady. Every patient she's treated is filled with gratitude. None of the physicians in my clinic can match her skills. If not for her exceptional abilities, I wouldn't have gone through such lengths to invite her here."

Although Doctor Hu had some ulterior motives, he genuinely admired Xu Yunqi's medical expertise and didn't discriminate against her because of her gender. It was precisely due to his unique perspective that Xu Yunqi was willing to work under him.

Xu Yunqi entered at a steady pace, not sparing a glance at Pei Xun. She merely instructed Xingyao to put down the medical case and prepare water for washing her hands.

The eunuch, disguised as a servant, noticed Xu Yunqi's somewhat haughty demeanor and became displeased.

Pei Xun had already caught sight of Xu Yunqi and felt that he had seen this woman somewhere before. However, he couldn't quite place her. Known for his virtue, he never put on airs, always conducting himself with grace and refinement.

"I don't see why you should be concerned when the lady herself isn't. Since Manager Hu has spoken thus, let us trust in Madam Xu. If we don't have faith in the physician, no ailment can be cured," Pei Xun said.

As he spoke, Xu Yunqi glanced back at him.

Their eyes met directly.

This was Pei Xun's first close encounter with Xu Yunqi, and he found her appearance extraordinary and her demeanor ethereal. It was surprising to discover that such a delicate maiden was actually a female doctor. The revelation startled him, but Pei Xun concealed his emotions well. He allowed Manager Hu to lift his leg, exposing the injury on his right ankle.

Xu Yunqi, holding a cotton swab, leaned in for a closer look and immediately recognized it as a sword wound that had also damaged the meridians.

She didn't know how the injury had occurred, but she knew that during his archery contest with the Da Wu people, the condition must have worsened.

Fixing her gaze on the wound, she raised her hand. Ginkgo passed her a small plate containing medicinal oil. Xu Yunqi applied some of the oil directly onto his injury, massaging and pressing as she did so, gradually increasing the pressure. At one point, Pei Xun winced from the pain.

Throughout the entire process, Xu Yunqi's face remained expressionless, her attention meticulous and focused.

Bearing his pain with resilience, Pei Xun gazed at the beautiful young maiden before him, feeling a spark of curiosity towards her.

Rarely had he witnessed such unwavering composure in a woman, as if she were an embodiment of the serene Guanyin Bodhisattva, capable of alleviating all earthly sufferings. Despite her calmness, there was an additional aura of tranquility about her, as if she was a divine presence descending upon the world.

After half an hour, when Xu Yunqi finished a round of acupuncture, Pei Xun's perception of her deepened. She truly resembled the compassionate Guanyin, for the pain in his ankle visibly lessened, feeling less tender to the touch.

Once she removed the needles, Xu Yunqi continued to apply a medicinal oil, instructing Yinxing, "Follow this meridian and rub it down three hundred times. Apply pressure that is neither too light nor too heavy – his face should remain uncreased."

"Got it!" Yinxing took the buffalo horn scraper from Xu Yunqi's hand, crouching in front of Pei Xun to massage his meridians.

Under Yinxing's care, Pei Xun noticed the difference in the accuracy of the pressure compared to Xu Yunqi's skilled touch. He leaned back against the support, a hint of disappointment in his heart.

Xu Yunqi returned to a side table to prepare a prescription, while Shopkeeper Hu stood by her side, assisting with the task. For each herb Xu Yunqi mentioned, Hu retrieved it from the wall-mounted apothecary cabinet. As Pei Xun watched her, her delicate fingers resembled fine jade, moving gracefully and effortlessly. She possessed a pair of beautiful hands.

When this thought crossed his mind, Pei Xun smiled gently at himself and quickly turned away.

In a short while, Xu Yunqi completed the prescription and handed it to Shopkeeper Hu to grind. Then, she sat leisurely on one side, sipping tea.

Xu Yunqi stole glances at Pei Xun from time to time, and he found himself unable to resist studying her as well. Eventually, he couldn't hold back and asked directly,

"Madam Xu, I have this feeling that I've seen you somewhere before."

Xu Yunqi chuckled and gently set down her teacup, replying with a crisp voice, "Prince Twelfth, I am the wife of Third Young Master of the Xi Palace."

Pei Xun nearly choked on his saliva.

As the only legitimate son of the current Empress, born into a life of luxury, he was no stranger to grandeur. Yet, Xu Yunqi's revelation left him utterly stunned today.

Pei Xun found it hard to believe, disregarding the pain in his ankle as he straightened up and looked at Xu Yunqi with a composed expression.

"Are you Miss Xu, Heng'er's new bride?"

"That's correct."

Rather than unexpectedly encountering each other at a royal banquet and causing a scene, it was better to admit it frankly.

She hadn't done anything to be ashamed of, after all.

Pei Xun looked at her with a complicated mixture of emotions, his expression impossible to decipher.

So Pei Muhan's wife was actually a skilled female physician?

Wait, recalling the absurd marriage that took place half a year ago, everything suddenly clicked into place for Pei Xun.

Xu Yunqi, originally from the countryside, must have learned some medical skills and started practicing in a clinic. Unbeknownst to her, the emperor had taken a fancy to her and arranged her marriage to Pei Muhan.

This wasn't Xu Yunqi's fault.

"Does Han'er know?" Pei Xun asked, his gaze filled with concern.

Xu Yunqi folded her hands, a look of confusion on her face.

Before New Year's Eve last year, during that heavy snowfall, she had rushed to save a pregnant woman, brought here by one of Pei Muhan's covert guards. She had no idea if Pei Muhan was aware of this.

Perhaps he didn't care much about her affairs, not bothering to inquire, or maybe he simply didn't mind.

"I'm not sure," Xu Yunqi replied honestly.

Pei Xun fell silent.

The young lady before him clearly didn't understand the intricacies of royal etiquette, nor the implications of her actions on noble families like his.

A layer of worry settled in Pei Xun's heart. He wanted to speak, but when he met Xu Yunqi's crystalline, pure eyes, free from any impurities, he ultimately held his tongue.

After a moment of silence, Pei Xun inquired about his foot injury.

"Is there still hope for my foot to be cured?"

"Certainly," Xu Yunqi replied confidently and generously, given her expertise in this area.

"I'll prepare a medicinal oil for you. Duke, apply it thrice daily and return for a follow-up consultation in seven days."

Upon hearing "follow-up consultation," Pei Xun's temples throbbed. "Can I just use the oil without another visit?"

He wished to heal his leg as soon as possible. However, if Pei Muheng found out, he feared for his life, as well as that of his brother-in-law, Prince Xi. Pei Xun had already begun to worry about Xu Yunqi's situation.

Xu Yunqi perceived the underlying message in his words; he was concerned for her status and reluctant to have her treat him.

Xu Yunqi never insisted on treating patients who didn't trust her. She picked up her teacup leisurely and took a sip.

"For your legs, the decision is ultimately yours."

Pei Xun: "..."

Does Pei Xun know what kind of wife he has married?

Before leaving, Pei Xun thanked Xu Yunqi with his cane and vowed,

"I won't mention a single word of this to anyone else." It's best for the couple to resolve their own matters.

Xu Yunqi appeared nonchalant.

On their way back, Yinxing was also worried about the same issue.

"Miss, what should we do when Sir finds out?"

Xu Yunqi leaned against the carriage wall, drifting off to sleep. "Don't dwell on things that haven't happened yet. Let's deal with the future when it comes."

*

As summer approached, the rains became more frequent. After two days of sunshine, the sky darkened once again, and by the afternoon, around the hour of the Monkey, black clouds rolled in, signaling an impending downpour.

Pei Mucheng had just left the palace and was on his way back to his residence.

The emperor's health had improved, and the investigation into the crown prince's case was proceeding smoothly. These days, an eerie silence reigned throughout the court; everyone carried out their duties diligently, none daring to stir any trouble.

With everything unfolding as planned, Pei Mucheng was in high spirits, radiating even more confidence.

Huang Wei accompanied him into the carriage, taking the opportunity to inform him,

"Madam went out today. She visited her dowry shop and mentioned getting some medicine from the neighboring pharmacy. I'm not sure if she has returned home yet."

Fixing his gaze on the void ahead, Pei Mucheng recalled their recent disagreement. After a moment of silence, he instructed,

"Go fetch her from the shop."

Throughout the journey, Pei Mucheng pressed his brows together, contemplating the imminent political upheaval. He didn't have the time or inclination to decipher his wife's thoughts or delve into her past. As long as Xu Yunqi's heart remained with him, they could continue their life together.

Xu Yunqi had only traveled a short distance when a heavy rain began pouring down. The coachman, eager to return home, inadvertently drove into a muddy pit, damaging the carriage's axle. Xu Yunqi and her servant sought shelter under the arcade of a nearby shop.

In a corner, a bay tree stood tall, its roots never paved with green bricks. The continuous rain transformed the ground into a muddy mess.

She inhaled the fragrant earthy scent and listened to the pitter-patter of the rain, allowing her thoughts to drift away.

Perhaps due to her nomadic life with Xu Yunqi, Ginkgo looked at the endless downpour without a worry about how they would return home. It seemed as though she could make do anywhere for the night.

Pei Musheng descended from his carriage, holding a black oil-paper umbrella. He saw his wife across the way, dressed in a moon-colored dress, standing at the eaves. Raindrops dampened her forehead, causing her hair to cling wetly to her cheeks. Her fair face was washed clean by the water, revealing a fresh glow. The corners of her slender eyes curved into an innocent smile, expressing a sense of prosperity and peace.

That devastating fire years ago had been boundless, resembling the rainstorm before them.

Flames danced like serpents, desperately crawling towards her. Sparks landed on her hair, singeing it, while her sleeves were torn open. She ran, falling by a water vat, choked by thick smoke that left her gasping for air. The overwhelming feeling of despair threatened to consume her, but perhaps the heavens had not forsaken her. The rain poured down heavily, bringing a sense of miraculous survival that remained etched in her bones ever since.

She loved the rain, the sensation of being cleansed by it.

Suddenly, a black oil-paper umbrella appeared above her. The man, elegant and refined, approached her, shielding her from the storm. With thin lips parting softly, he said slowly, "My lady, I'm here to escort you back home."

Xu Yunqi stared at him, dazed, for a moment before glancing down at her damp skirt, a hint of embarrassment crossing her face.

Pei Musheng removed his cloak and offered it to her. Xu Yunqi wrapped herself in it, returning his gesture with a sweet smile.

Pei Muheng helped Xu Yunqi into the carriage.

The carriage was spacious, equipped with a small table, a soft cushion, and a tea set. Inside, it was clean and spotless. Xu Yunqi, damp from the rain, leaned against one side, maintaining a certain distance between her and her husband. Noticing the lingering raindrops on her cheeks, Pei Muheng fetched a handkerchief and passed it to her. As she wrapped herself tightly in her clothes, she wiped her face and casually asked,

"How did Third Master come here?"

"I have some questions for you," Pei Muheng replied, his features refined and his tone casual.

Xu Yunqi paused at his words, aware of what he wanted to ask. She turned to face him, her expression becoming more serious.

"Ask away."

The carriage moved forward gently, the sound of raindrops pounding the roof creating an unusual tranquility within.

Pei Muheng gazed into her clear eyes and went straight to the point, "I'm aware of your involvement with the Jiang family."

Xu Yunqi nodded, her expression open and sincere.

Pei Muheng's deep, dark eyes remained fixed on her, "Then, is there someone in your heart?"

Xu Yunqi was slightly taken aback. She didn't fully understand what it meant to have someone in one's heart, but she could confirm that her time with Jiang Yuhe had been pleasant. He was gentle and thoughtful, always considering her feelings and needs. They had met before their marriage, allowing them to understand each other's natures. Her mother-in-law was kind, and they shared a loving bond as husband and wife. If one were to objectively assess, the Jiang family was indeed her best choice.

However, these thoughts couldn't be expressed too explicitly.

Her relationship with Pei Muheng was already fragile, like walking on thin ice. There was no need to add another obstacle.

But Pei Muheng wasn't someone who could be easily deceived.

What should she do?

After some thought, Xu Yunqi replied, "Marriage is a matter decided by parents and matchmakers. When Mother asked whom I wished to marry, I told her the kind of life I wanted."

Her eyes were too pure, making it difficult for anyone to doubt her sincerity.

"What kind of life?" His voice was soothing, his gaze deep and calm, so still that even the slightest breeze or rustling of grass could disrupt its tranquility.

Xu Yunqi's smile curled up at the corners of her eyes. "Back then, I envisioned marrying a husband who knew me well, came from an equal social standing, and was gentle in nature, so we could live a carefree life together."

She was referring to someone who knew her well, came from an equal background, and was gentle, not necessarily Jiang Yuhe himself.

Pei Muheng felt a mix of emotions that he couldn't quite articulate.

One thing was certain, though: familiar background, compatible status, gentle temperament – these phrases didn't apply to him in the slightest.

*

The couple returned home late at night when the rain had subsided, and the lanterns were just beginning to illuminate the scene. News came from the Jinhua Hall that the Queen was seriously ill. Pei Muheng intended to visit her, and Xu Yunqi, standing behind him, softly suggested, "Why don't I accompany you?"

She could also examine the Queen if she consented, after all, she was a physician.

To her surprise, Pei Muheng shook his head, maintaining his composed and dignified demeanor. "You've been caught in the rain; it's best you return to rest. Doctor He has already arrived at the mansion, and Mother's condition has always been under his care. There's no need to worry."

Xu Yunqi had no retort.

Concerned for his mother, Pei Muheng didn't linger, swiftly making his way down the corridor towards Jinhua Hall. Xu Yunqi retraced her steps to Qinghui Garden. Upon seeing her skirt soaked, Chen Mommy exclaimed in alarm, "My lady, quickly change your clothes. This old servant will instruct someone to prepare ginger soup for you. You mustn't catch a cold."

This wasn't Xu Yunqi's first time getting drenched, but she didn't take it lightly either. However, she didn't want to dismiss the old nanny's kindness. "I'll take a bath first and then have the soup."

The Queen's sudden illness had caused a great commotion, with the summoning of the imperial physician, the brewing of medicine, and the flurry of activity.

The following day, Xu Yunqi went to Jinhua Hall to visit her mother-in-law. Xie Shi was busy attending to the Queen and managing the household affairs. Concerned that Xu Yunqi might upset the Queen, she tactfully declined her offer.

"Mother needs peace and quiet for her recovery. I will convey your kind intentions to Grandmama," Xu Yunqi said with propriety, then began to make her way back. Soon, Li Shi caught up with her son, Xun Ge, in tow. She affectionately linked arms with Xu Yunqi, clearly with something to discuss.

As the two walked along the corridor away from Jinhe Hall, Li Shi waited until they were alone before speaking up,

"I'll let you in on a secret. There's a reason behind Mother's illness."

"What reason is that?" Xu Yunqi asked.

Li Shi pointed towards the high wall outside, her voice hushed with intrigue, "Madam Xun and Second Miss Xun are returning soon. They sent word to Grandmama yesterday. You wouldn't believe it, but that Second Miss Xun is quite cunning. Despite her ailment, she supported Grandmama, embroidered a headband for her, and managed to win her over completely. Third Sister-in-law, I'm not trying to criticize, but you need to be more attentive."

Li Shi looked at Xu Yunqi earnestly.

Xu Yunqi's face was filled with resignation. "Yes, I will pay more attention," she replied half-heartedly.

Eagerly, Li Shi then pulled her aside to discuss the preferences of Empress Xiaoxi, subtly guiding Xu Yunqi on how to win favor with Grandmama and defeat that cunning vixen next door.

Xu Yunqi could only laugh and cry inwardly, unable to absorb a single word of it.

"By the way, Second Sister-in-Law, I've made some E Jiao cakes. Do accompany me to the garden and let us sample them together."

Xun Ge led the way, running ahead, while the two engaged in lighthearted conversation as they made their way to the Qinghui Garden.

It was Li's first visit to Qinghui Garden. She strolled along the corridors, exploring both the front and rear courtyards. The rooms were spacious and the layout exuded subtle opulence, leaving her face brimming with envy. "Ah, indeed, there is a clear distinction between the legitimate and the concubine-born. Your courtyard is much larger than our Bihuan Garden."

Xu Yunqi smiled enigmatically, inviting her to join him for tea in the adjacent pavilion by the water.

Lady Li said as they walked, "Given how your mother-in-law favors Third Brother and has you living in such a lavish garden, you should endure her temper for now."

Xu Yunqi laughed heartily, finding Second Sister-in-law to be quite an amusing person.

When Pei Muheng returned after another dozen days, Xu Yunqi was on the verge of forgetting her husband altogether. Amidst a veil of mist and rain, he stepped onto the veranda of Qinghui Garden.

Xu Yunqi welcomed her long-absent husband inside.

Seated in the main chamber with a weary expression, Pei Muheng spoke with a tone of remorse, "I apologize for not returning home for such a long time."

This likely wasn't the longest he had been away, but Xu Yunqi merely smiled without commenting.

In truth, she had quite a favorable impression of Pei Muheng.

It was evident that he was displeased with Jiang Yuhe's actions, yet he hadn't uttered a harsh word in front of her. This showed his great self-restraint. Some husbands, apart from not loving their wives, could be overly possessive, imposing all sorts of rules on them.

The intricate affairs of the court had distracted Pei Muheng from dwelling on the matter involving Jiang Yuhe.

The investigation into the crown prince's case was nearing its conclusion. The Minister of Justice had traced the origin of the explosives found in the crown prince's residence and would soon bring charges against him. However, at this critical juncture, the emperor fell seriously ill. Should anything happen to the emperor, the one who would benefit the most would be Prince Qin, which was not what Pei Muheng wished to see.

Lately, he had been occupied with work to the point that it wasn't until he left the palace that he realized he hadn't returned home for over ten days.

Hearing his colleagues discuss their wives, he thought of Xu Yunqi and decided to return to the palace to see her.

To some extent, he was not a qualified husband.

"In these turbulent times, His Majesty's health is deteriorating, and the Imperial Medical Institute has no effective remedies. The palace is filled with anxiety. The crown prince's incident has triggered intrigue among the various factions in the court. Yet, Grandfather Emperor trusts me with significant responsibilities, forcing me to juggle the cabinet and the six ministries. The pressure is immense, which is why I have neglected you," Pei Moling said, holding the teacup his wife had offered, each word deliberate.

This was the first time Pei Moling had discussed court affairs with Xu Yunqi. She sat opposite him, though she had never been interested in political matters, she understood that the emperor's illness at this juncture was unfavorable to the Xi Palace.

Her husband was making an effort, so she should take a step forward as well.

"Third Master, you know that I have some knowledge of medicinal cuisine. If you could tell me the Emperor's symptoms, perhaps I can be of assistance to you," Xu Yunqi said with a gentle smile.

Pei Muheng looked at her in surprise, vaguely recalling the medicinal cake he had once given to his imperial grandfather. The old man had enjoyed it so much that he had praised it endlessly. Even if the cake couldn't cure illnesses, it was still a refreshing change for his grandfather, who hadn't had a proper meal in a long time.

His wife didn't blame him for neglecting her but was instead thinking of ways to help him. Pei Muheng's discontent dissipated.

After hearing the description of the Emperor's condition, Xu Yunqi began to plan.

"I can prepare a pastry that will strengthen His Majesty's constitution. However, I'll need fresh deer blood and a small piece of a thousand-year-old Polygonum multiflorum root," she explained.

Pei Muheng's expression turned serious. "I'll find a way to obtain them."

It took Pei Muheng two days to acquire the fresh deer blood and the rare herb. Xu Yunqi intended to make the "Nine-Nine Sunrise Cake" for the Emperor.

Despite its appearance as just a pastry, this dish required a total of twenty-nine medicinal ingredients, each with a meticulous measurement. A slight deviation in quantity could result in vastly different effects. Back then, under her maternal grandfather's tutelage, Xu Yunqi had spent two full years developing this recipe.

Of course, preparing it was no easy task. The mistress and servant duo spent an entire day to create just nine pieces.

With the preparations complete, Xu Yunqi boarded his carriage and headed for the palace. Pei Muhang, unable to leave the palace to greet him personally, had entrusted Huang Wei with fetching the food box. Somehow, Xu Yunqi had managed to keep the pastries fresh, as they still emitted a subtle medicinal aroma when delivered to the Fengtian Hall.

The emperor had tasted Xu Yunqi's culinary skills before and had indeed been longing for more. However, as an emperor, he couldn't simply ask his granddaughter-in-law for food. Thus, he kept silent, mentioning his craving casually a couple of days ago. Pei Muhang took note and arranged for Xu Yunqi to send it over, without directly involving her.

Liu Xiwen helped the emaciated emperor sit up, placing a thick bolster behind him for support. Comfortably leaning on the bed, the emperor watched as Pei Muhang opened the food box and served a plate of pastries.

All food that entered the emperor's mouth had to be tasted by a eunuch first, as a precaution against poisoning. Since this was a dietary offering from the Xihui Palace, Pei Muhang, to show sincerity, took the first bite himself.

Nine individual pastries were presented, each requiring a taste test. Using a delicate small spoon, Pei Muhang sampled one, savoring the flavor, before serving the emperor.

By the time the emperor finished all nine, Pei Muhang had unknowingly consumed a considerable portion as well. At first, he felt no effects, but after an hour, a restlessness became evident. Recalling that the medicinal pastry contained deer blood, Pei Muhang pressed his temples, inwardly smiling bitterly.

That night, the emperor indeed slept soundly. The next morning, he woke up invigorated, his voice resonant with energy.

"Heng-ge, your wife's skills are remarkable. This medicinal dish is unparalleled in the world. It's been a long time since I've felt this refreshed. I must reward her."

Pei Muheng returned to Qinghui Garden with generous gifts.

In the afternoon, a heavy rain fell, and as the skies began to clear, the setting sun peeked through the clouds, casting its glow upon the courtyard.

The palace servants carried a chest filled with gold and jewels into the main hall. Chen Nanny hastily prepared silver to send them off, while Huang Wei respectfully saw them out the door.

Seated at a table in the northern part of the hall, Pei Muheng sipped his tea. Xu Yunqi checked the list of rewards and, after confirming its accuracy, instructed the nannies to carry them to the treasury.

She moved to sit opposite him and smiled, "Has His Majesty shown any improvement? This medicine shouldn't be consumed excessively. I'll prepare it for him twice more, every other day. Three servings should suffice. For the rest, he needs to take good care of himself."

Given the substantial reward from the emperor, Xu Yunqi knew she had to be appreciative.

Pei Muheng listened to his wife's melodious voice and nodded casually, his attention on her.

Xu Yunqi, being a physician, had the habit of observing people's expressions closely. She noticed a hint of dark circles beneath Pei Muheng's eyes. "Third Master, are you unwell?"

Pei Muheng lifted his gaze and stared at her with an enigmatic expression for a moment before shaking his head. "It's nothing serious."

He hadn't expected the medicinal cake to have such a potent aftereffect. He had barely slept all night.

If Xu Yunqi were truly just a culinary expert, she might have believed Pei Muheng's words. However, she was also a knowledgeable physician. After suspiciously eyeing her husband for a while, she asked,

"Did you eat it too?"

Pei Muheng remained silent, looking at her.

Meeting her husband's secretive gaze, Xu Yunqi couldn't help but feel a tinge of schadenfreude for some reason.

She blamed herself for not reminding him, which led to his discomfort.

Vaguely, she recalled eating a few pieces of the cake back then, turning her small face flushed red. She had to take a cold bath before finally falling asleep. Pei Muheng must have had a rough night.

She smiled, and in her clear eyes, there seemed to be a shimmer of water reflecting.

Pei Musheng observed her expression, a hint of annoyance flickering in his narrow, upturned eyes. Without any trace of emotion, he explained, "Everything that enters the Emperor's mouth must be tasted for poison. Since it was prepared by your own hands, I didn't wish to entrust it to others."

Little did he know that he couldn't consume it.

Xu Yunqi held back her laughter, saying, "It's my fault. I forgot to remind you. Next time, you shouldn't eat it."

Her eyes glimmered like stars as they shifted slightly.

Pei Musheng averted his gaze.

A fallen petal drifted in through the window lattice, landing on Xu Yunqi's hair or sticking to the hem of Pei Musheng's robe, bathed in the rosy glow of dawn.

In his heart, Pei Musheng thought that perhaps Xu Yunqi didn't truly want to marry him. Initially, she wasn't the ideal wife he had envisioned.

Their marriage had been a result of circumstances and fate, and they would have to gradually adapt to each other in the days to come.

"Madam, the past is in the past. I've always been thinking... about living our lives seriously together. How about you, Madam?"

He let his hands hang loosely at his sides, his gaze as gentle as water as he sat straight, looking directly at her.

Xu Yunqi froze for a moment, suppressing his smile before responding candidly, "Me too."

With the conversation now open, any apprehension dissolved. Pei Muhang called out to Huang Wei,

"Go to the study and bring my clothes to the backyard."