Chapter 22

Chapter 22

For a fleeting moment, Xu Yunqi imagined that her husband was flirting with her. But when she turned to meet his gaze, she found herself entranced by his eyes.

They were as dark as a bottomless pool, yet exuded a hint of casual indifference and leisurely elegance.

Could he be tired?

Noticing the confusion and bewilderment in her eyes, he exerted more force, his gaze now resembling that of a deity looking down upon mortals, intense and overwhelming. He held her delicate hand, trapping her within his grasp.

Xu Yunqi was not accustomed to being so dominated. She turned her face away, twisting her palm in an attempt to break free.

This action seemed to irritate him.

Suddenly, he leaned in, his palms gliding along her smooth waist before firmly grasping the nape of her neck.

Xu Yunqi gasped in surprise.

They had never been this close before.

...

The sound of splashing water gradually brought Xu Yunqi back to her senses. Such pleasure was indeed delightful, but it also left her exhausted beyond measure.

Xu Yunqi didn't know how long she had been soaking in the bathtub until a mellow voice echoed from behind the screen outside.

"Madam, are you still not finished?"

Pei Muheng grew worried when she didn't emerge for such a long time.

Fortunately, after a brief wait, the curtains fluttered, and shadows danced. A slender and graceful figure emerged from behind the screen.

With her hands folded demurely over her abdomen, she stood quietly there. Her snow-white dress hugged her well-proportioned body gracefully, exuding an elegant and refined demeanor.

In Pei Muheng's eyes, she resembled a mermaid leaping out of the water, with her eyes resembling polished obsidian, sparkling and translucent.

Seeing that she was unharmed, Pei Muheng turned around, picked up a teacup from the table, and offered it to her.

"Have some water and rest early."

There was now an added touch of warmth and familiarity in his tone.

Xu Yunqi walked over as if nothing had happened, gently taking the item from him. Her back ached slightly, so she leaned against a circular armchair and sat down.

Pei Musheng sat opposite her. Perhaps he had been waiting for a while; he had been reading some documents earlier. Now, he picked them up again to continue under the lamp's glow.

Feeling a slight chill in her stomach, Xu Yunqi got up to pour herself a warm cup of tea. She sat back down and sipped it slowly, stealing glances at her husband.

It was often said that a beauty under lamplight was like a jade statue. This description could also apply to Pei Musheng. The man, with his wide sleeves flowing, possessed a clean and refined appearance akin to a piece of jade. Seated in the quiet of the late night, he exuded an aura of a bright moon shining through the window, creating an atmosphere of openness and broad-mindedness.

Having traveled extensively and seen many beauties, Xu Yunqi realized for the first time that her husband's looks were truly exceptional.

Lost in admiration, Pei Musheng relaxed against the backrest, his broad sleeves spread out. His deep, focused expression added another layer of maturity and sophistication.

After appreciating her husband's beauty and finishing her tea, Xu Yunqi retired to bed.

Following Huang Wei's instructions from Pei Musheng, he wrapped the broken lacquer box and the book together with a piece of brocade. He then took a servant and headed to the neighboring Xun residence.

Although the Xun and Xi palaces were situated close to each other, their main entrances faced different streets. However, due to the frequent visits between the two households' women, a small gate had been built in the dividing wall. Passing through this gate, there was a hidden passage along the side wall that led directly to the front entrance of the Xun residence.

Compared to the grand and majestic Xihua Palace, Xun Yunhe's residence appeared much more modest with its narrower entrance. Xun Yunhe was known for his low profile, and this was reflected in his four-compartment house, which lacked opulent decorations. The pavilions and terraces within were all tastefully conventional. Anyone who had visited would never have guessed that it belonged to a prominent cabinet minister and elder statesman of the current dynasty.

Huang Wei strolled along the hidden passage, and upon reaching the corner, he noticed a luxurious pavilion nestled beneath the eaves. Glimmers of light flickered within, accompanied by hushed whispers. This was the pavilion where the Xun family's stablehands rested. Approaching, Huang Wei stood at the entrance and inquired, "Has Lord Xun returned home?"

Under the shed, several grooms were seated, among whom a sharp-eyed one recognized the attendant by the Third Prince from the neighboring palace. He promptly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and replied with a smile, "Our lord hasn't returned yet. The lady has been back at the palace for two days and has sent people to urge him several times. However, we've heard rumors that he should be back tonight."

Xun Yunhe spent no less than five days out of every ten at the palace, and Huang Wei found this quite unsurprising.

"Then I shall wait a little longer."

In no time, the gatekeeper, upon receiving the news, respectfully welcomed Huang Wei inside. After a brief sit of less than a cup of tea, Huang Wei heard the sound of horse hooves approaching. He leisurely rose to his feet and followed Xun Yunhe's butler out the door.

In the dim light, Xun Yunhe descended from his carriage in a vivid crimson robe. His sharp features were veiled by a subtle coldness, and he barely cast his gaze aside, holding his knee coverings as he strode up the steps with purpose.

Huang Wei, accompanied by his entourage, bowed in greeting,

"Lord Xun."

Xun Yunhe stepped onto the veranda and only then noticed the presence of outsiders. His expression softened, and with a smile, he asked, "Eunuch Huang has arrived?"

Huang Wei promptly signaled to the servant, pointing at the package and saying with a gesture of respect, "Lord Xun, this is what my third young master instructed me to deliver to you."

In the past, Pei Muheng would also send good books to him, so Xun Yunhe was not surprised. "Thank you very much."

Huang Wei smiled again, bowed politely, and left the Xun residence.

Xun Yunhe glanced at the package with an unperturbed expression and instructed his steward, "Take it to the study."

The steward carried the heavy package to the study, his mind filled with curiosity as he weighed it in his hands.

Meanwhile, Xun Yunhe strolled towards the main hall, walking along the long corridor towards the north. The three-compartment main hall was brightly lit, and he could clearly see two figures waiting for him. Xun Yunhe's pace was unhurried, his gaze fixed on that direction without any emotional display.

As he drew closer, the corridor's lights illuminated a vivacious, charming face.

"Daddy!"

Xun Yunling approached joyfully, her happiness almost overflowing but also restrained by a hint of caution.

Xun Yunhe's gaze gradually focused, and he greeted her with a warm smile. "You're back."

Xun Yunling sensed the calmness in her father's tone, causing a slight disappointment within her. Nevertheless, she approached obediently and bowed to him, "Why did Father return so late?"

Xun Yunhe did not deign to answer her.

Father and daughter entered the room together. Lady Xun stood by the table, her manner gentle. "Master is back," she said softly, lifting her sleeves to indicate the seat of honor. Her delicate brows and gentle eyes shimmered with a contented smile, enveloping her in an ethereal beauty reminiscent of the misty rain of southern China.

Xun Yunhe merely inclined his head in her direction before taking a seat in the circular chair closest to the north. Promptly, Xun Yunling hastened to pour tea for him, saying, "Father, this is the Mount Emei Tip tea brewed with plum blossom snow from last winter. Please have a taste."

Xun Yunhe sat down wearily, not speaking at first. He merely took the tea and sipped it, then commented, "Not bad." After a brief taste, he set the cup aside. Only then did he lift his gaze to look at his wife. "How long have you been back? Was the journey smooth?"

Madam Xun's smile remained unwavering. "I've been back for two days, and everything is well. My lord, rest assured."

Xun Yunhe nodded, not pressing for more information. After a moment of silence, he asked, "And Nianxi? How is he?"

Xun Nianxi was the younger son of Xun Yunhe and Madam Xun; they had only these two children.

At the mention of her son, Madam Xun's smile deepened with genuine warmth. "He heard that I returned and paid his respects at home yesterday. This morning, he was at the National Academy early."

Xun Yunhe nodded again, this time with clear satisfaction. "Excellent."

Xun Yunling stood docilely by his side, her eyes filled with admiration as she gazed at him.

Her father had always been her greatest source of pride. She had always been well-behaved and sensible in front of Xun Yunhe, hoping to earn his affection and approval.

Noticing her father's silence again, Xun Yunling exchanged a glance with her mother and gently reminded, "Father, it's late. You should rest early."

Xun Yunhe regained his composure and nodded faintly.

As Xun Yunling accompanied her parents through the hanging flower gate towards the main courtyard, she shared a few anecdotes from her experiences over the past six months. Xun Yunhe responded with occasional smiles, nods, or thoughtful silences, making for a harmonious return to the Tuisi Hall.

When their daughter left, the courtyard returned to its tranquility.

Xun Yunhe enjoyed peace and quiet and seldom listened to others. The servants in the house were also subdued. Lady Xun personally prepared his clothes and accompanied him to the bathing chamber. As she was about to attend to him, Xun Yunhe waved his hand, indicating that it wasn't necessary. Lady Xun paused, observing her still handsome and refined husband before slowly stepping back out.

Fifteen minutes later, Xun Yunhe returned to his room after changing clothes. Lady Xun was seated at the dressing table.

Xun Yunhe headed straight for the couch. Lady Xun turned around, facing her husband as she asked, "Sir, your fortieth birthday is at the end of the month. What are your plans?"

Without lifting his head, Xun Yunhe replied without hesitation, "There's no need to make any arrangements."

She then lay down on the outer edge of the bed.

Upon hearing this, Lady Xun immediately frowned and sat by the bedside, gazing at her husband who was resting his head in his hands and closing his eyes to rest. "This is your major birthday celebration. Not only will our neighbors inquire, but even the wives of officials outside will ask about it. Even if we don't hold a celebration, they will still send gifts. How can I explain if we accept their presents without reciprocating with a cup of tea?"

Xun Yunhe opened his eyes at that moment and spoke coldly, "Did I ask you to accept their congratulatory gifts?"

Xun Yunhe was typically mild-mannered, yet there was always an air of indifference around him. He rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it meant his bottom line had been crossed.

Lady Xun felt wronged and swallowed hard, lowering her gaze. "I understand."

Xun Yunhe closed his eyes again. Lady Xun secretly took a deep breath, extinguished the lamp on the dressing table, and passed by Xun Yunhe to sleep on the inner side of the bed.

The curtains fell into darkness. After lying down for a while, Lady Xun couldn't help glancing at her husband. In the dark, Xun Yunhe's figure was indistinct, and his breathing was steady, indicating that he was almost asleep.

Unable to resist, she slowly moved closer to him and reached out to touch his waist. A large hand reached over and gently pressed against hers, "Go to sleep." His tone was weary and distant.

Lady Xun froze, her expression desolate as she sat silently in the night for a while. Slowly, she returned to her own spot, listening to the chirping of cicadas outside. A bitter and self-deprecating smile appeared on her face.

On the eighth day of the fifth lunar month, Xun Yunhe had a day off from court duties. Early in the morning, he returned to the study in the front courtyard. As he sat down, his gaze fell upon the package on the desk.

He lifted the lid, revealing a damaged brocaded box and two dusty books. His expression shifted upon seeing them.

Swiftly, he picked up the books and flipped through one, recognizing familiar handwriting.

Each line of elegant semi-cursive script, with its distinct style, belonged to Pei Muheng. He had read this book before – a handwritten copy of "Jinglan Chronicles" that Pei Muheng had transcribed from the royal library. Below Pei Muheng's writing, there were occasional lines of delicate regular script. Undoubtedly, these were Xun Yunling's annotations.

A surge of anger crept up his forehead. It was as if Xun Yunhe had touched something filthy, causing him to instinctively let go. The book fell onto the desk.

Retreating with a cold, stern expression, he leaned back and allowed old memories to flash across his mind. A hint of self-mockery or disdain curled at the corners of his lips. Remaining silent, he sat in deep contemplation. After a while, footsteps approached the door. Xun Yunhe took a deep breath and, holding his forehead, instructed,

"Summon Miss Second here."

The butler, who had just opened the door, froze at the command. Then, with a smile, he pointed outside, "Master, Miss Second prepared a bowl of lotus seed porridge for you early this morning. She's waiting outside."

Xun Yunhe's face remained impassive as he rested his hand on the armchair, directing his gaze out the window.

This was an indication for Xun Yunling to enter.

With the butler's permission, Xun Yunling carried the food tray into the room.

Xun Yunhe's study was not spacious, but it was filled with the fragrance of books, with shelves overflowing everywhere. Amidst all the elegance and restraint, only the bookshelves were in disarray, with volumes piled haphazardly, looking untidy. Yet, no matter how chaotic they seemed, he could effortlessly locate the book he desired.

In the past, when the household of the Xun family had offered to tidy up for him, he always declined. Moreover, no one was allowed entry into his study without permission.

Xun Yunling placed the food tray carefully on a side table before lifting her gaze towards her father. At once, she noticed the shattered silk box and scattered books on the desk, freezing her smile in place, and filling her with panic.

"Daddy..." Her cheeks flushed at first, then drained of all color as their father's scrutinizing gaze slowly met hers.

Despite her young age, Xun Yunling possessed some composure. She suppressed her turmoil, walking slowly forward and standing before Xun Yunhe with her head bowed, remaining silent.

Xun Yunhe coldly opened the book, laying it out in front of her. "What is the meaning of this?"

Peering over, Xun Yunling saw one page densely scribbled with her thoughts and opinions. Ashamed, she lowered her eyes and softly explained, "While recuperating at Qing Shan Temple, I had many realizations, so I recorded them."

"Writing your insights in someone else's book - what is the purpose?" Xun Yunhe seemed to see through his daughter's intentions, exposing them mercilessly. "To let him know that you are an educated and knowledgeable woman, is that it?"

Xun Yunling's face turned bright red. "I..."

Suddenly, Xun Yunhe laughed, though it was unclear if he was mocking his daughter or himself. Heaving a deep sigh, he closed his eyes to suppress the fury and disappointment that swelled within him.

"From a young age, I taught you to live with integrity and dignity, especially for a young lady like you, to know self-respect, self-love, and self-worth. Apparently, you have taken none of my words to heart!"

"I ask you, is your intention to become a concubine for Pei Muheng?"

Xun Yunling's eyes widened in surprise, instinctively protesting, "Daughter has not, how could daughter ever stoop so low as to be a concubine?"

Xun Yunhe's gaze turned icy cold. "So, are you bullying someone from the countryside because you think you're more educated? Or do you wish to replace her?"

Struck by the truth in his words, Xun Yunling felt embarrassed. She bit her lip, lowering her head in shame.

She had to admit that she did indeed harbor such motives. Filled with resentment, she found it hard to accept that a man like Pei Muheng, a man of great prestige, would marry an illiterate country girl. But after meeting Madam Xu yesterday and seeing these books today, she realized her mistake was colossal.

Madam Xu's influence, evidenced by Pei Muheng sending this lacquer box and books to her father's desk, indicated her significant standing in his heart. Moreover, it indirectly proved that Pei Muheng held no romantic interest in her.

Upon considering this second point, Xun Yunling truly felt a mix of sorrow and humiliation.

How had she, the daughter of a high-ranking official, ended up in such a predicament?

It was her underestimation of Madam Xu that led her astray.

Xun Yunling was well aware of her father's temperament. Knowing that arguing would only provoke him further, she chose to admit her mistake. Without hesitation, she knelt down and bowed to Xun Yunhe, solemnly saying, "Father, I know I was wrong. My fleeting pleasure has left me with nothing but shame. I am willing to accept any punishment you see fit."

Hearing her apology, Xun Yunhe felt a slight relief. He shifted his gaze out the window, where flowers were in full bloom and summer grass thrived, marking the height of prosperity.

Lost in thought for a moment, Xun Yunhe regained his composure and instructed Xun Yunling, "You have two choices before you: live an honest life, and I will find a suitable husband for you. If there is another incident, I will send you to a convent to live a life of solitude with only ancient scriptures for company, never to be seen by others."

An image of Pei Muheng's handsome face flashed through Xun Yunling's mind, but she suppressed her resentment and lowered her eyes, replying softly, "Daughter understands..."

In front of Xun Yunling, Xun Yunhe burned the two books to ashes. It was as if she had been slapped in the face, leaving her humiliated and aggrieved. Throughout the ordeal, her father hadn't even glanced at her. Kneeling, she looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cautiously asked, "Father, if it were my sister in my place, would you have done the same? Would you have fought for the man she loved?"

Xun Yunhe's eyes shot up sharply, staring at her as if he couldn't believe she would ask such a question. After a moment, he coldly replied, "I warned you about losing your dignity, but you ignored me and followed your mother to the palace. Princess Xi may like you, but Pei Muheng's marriage is decided by the Emperor. You dismissed my words, so how can you still mention your sister now?"

"As long as she is my daughter, I won't allow her to belittle herself or disgrace our family. You can do it, unless you don't bear the surname Xun."

Xun Yunling left the study in a daze, carrying the food box. After walking a while, she saw a refined young man approaching hastily. Gazing at his sun-like countenance, she felt a mix of envy and jealousy.

Xun Nianxi had returned home early in the morning for a book. Upon hearing that their father was back, he came to pay his respects, only to stumble upon his sister weeping.

"Second Sister, what happened?"

Xun Yunling regained her composure, wiped away her tears, shook her head, and managed a smile for her brother. "You're here to greet Father?"

Lowering his eyes, Xun Nianxi noticed the food box in her hand. He asked with concern, "Father refused to eat?"

Xun Yunling sniffled and spoke with a gloomy tone, "I made a mistake and angered Father."

Xun Nianxi frowned. "Father is the most gentle and patient. If you could make him angry, it must mean you committed an unpardonable offense. Sister, Father is already busy enough; don't add to his worries."

"Worries?" Xun Yunling found the remark hilarious, narrowing her eyes coldly. "When has Father ever cared about me? His heart is occupied by our eldest sister, and he also devotes great effort to your upbringing. But for me... I've never been able to win Father's favor..."

With this thought, Xun Yunling covered her face and sobbed her way back to the rear courtyard.

Xun Nianxi was utterly baffled by her words.

"Why bring this up again all of a sudden?"

Shaking her head, Xun Nianxi strode into the study with the book in hand.

At that moment, Xun Yunhe had just finished a light breakfast. Unusually, he hadn't spent his time reading. Instead, he had reached under his desk to retrieve something from a secret compartment.

When Xun Nianxi entered, she saw her father lost in thought, holding a faded tambourine in his hand.

Her father was missing her eldest sister again.

Gently closing the door to the study, Xun Nianxi slowly approached. The twelve-year-old's youthful face displayed a blend of admiration and curiosity. Squatting down on a cushion in front of her father, she asked,

"Father, is this an artifact left behind by Eldest Sister?"

Xun Yunhe's fingertips softly traced the worn patterns on the leather tambourine, which he had crafted himself. It had been her most cherished toy.

"Yes..." All signs of his usual composure and sharpness vanished from Xun Yunhe's face, replaced by a loving smile that any ordinary father would wear.

"She adored it, playing with it every day until it eventually developed a small hole. Before leaving, she handed it to Father, asking him to mend it. So, Father decided to make her another one..."

Xun Yunhe couldn't continue. He lowered his gaze, and his reddened eyes seemed to be pierced by thorns, causing him immense pain.

Seeing her father's uncontrollable emotions, Xun Nianxi felt deeply pained. The innocent young man didn't know how to comfort his father, so he blurted out,

"Father, tell me, what kind of girl was Elder Sister?"

Perhaps he needed someone to share his memories with.

Xun Yunhe froze upon hearing this, his gaze falling once again on the rattle drum. A vivid scene from his deepest memory slowly emerged before his eyes.

"She was such a mischievous child. You wouldn't believe it, but when she was born, she had long legs and arms, stronger than other children. While others were just learning to walk, she could already run."

"Her presence could be found everywhere. She would accidentally fall and scrape her skin, tumbling down from high slopes. Ah, the village boys had nothing on her in terms of mischief. Father was both amused and frustrated. I would climb up the slope with my book bag, lift her out of the ditch,"

"and she'd be covered in mud. When she saw me scolding her, she wasn't happy at all. She grabbed a handful of mud and smeared it all over Father's face. Unlike you, you were so well-behaved when you were little..."

An involuntary smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Xun Nianxi also smiled, "Is Sister that mischievous?"

"Not just that," Xun Yunhe held the worn-out rattle, his eyes brightening a bit, "She has a terrible temper and is very spoiled. She doesn't allow anyone to touch her things. Even boys a head taller than her, she would dare to hit. With one punch, she'd make those poor boys cry."

Xun Nianxi laughed heartily, "So did Father raise Sister like a boy?" She could easily picture an untamed little tyrant.

Xun Yunhe chuckled and shook his head, "Not at all."

"Don't be fooled by her mischief. She loves dressing up. All five of her tiny fingers had to be adorned. Back then, Father was poor and couldn't afford real gold or silver for her. So, he would weave colorful rings from flower vines. With her chubby fingers, each adorned with a ring, she would be delighted, running through the village like a gust of wind."

"She loved showing off. Whenever Father made her a floral crown, she insisted on wearing it, parading in front of the other village girls."

"One time, a child in the village found a bracelet somewhere and waved it in front of her. When Nuan Nuan saw it, she cried. She's proud, never wanting to be outdone. She demanded that bracelet. What could Father do?"

"So, he spent day and night copying books, eventually saving some silver. He went to the city to buy her a silver bracelet. She was overjoyed. That night, she ate a full bowl of rice and proudly raised her chubby little arm to everyone she met."

"Look, my Father bought me a bracelet!"

"My father bought me a bracelet!"

Her clear laughter echoed through the fields and groves.

If she were still alive, he would have piled mountains of gold and silver at her feet, allowing her to choose as she pleased, making her the most dazzling jewel in the capital city.

The rain grew heavier, drenching him thoroughly. He kept digging, uncovering a charred wreath and a burned piece of cloth that was once a dress, turning over every remaining fragment of the ruined palace for three days and three nights. Eventually, he unearthed half of his late wife's unrecognizable body and a tiny arm still wearing a silver bracelet...

How much pain must she have endured?

Xun Yunhe shut his eyes, overwhelmed by sorrow.

*

On the other side of the wall, in the Xi Palace.

The afternoon sun shone brilliantly, causing the flowers in the garden to droop under its heat.

Xu Yunqi had been dragged by Pei Mushan to Jinhe Hall. After a night of boiling medicinal powders, Xu Yunqi had prepared medicine cakes early in the morning. These were then delivered to the imperial palace by Pei Musheng. By noon, the Empress's reward arrived. Two days ago, during the Dragon Boat Festival, the Emperor had fallen seriously ill, and the Empress, overwhelmed with responsibilities, had forgotten to send gifts to the Xi Palace. Today, they were finally compensated.

It wasn't an oversight; they had been deliberately overlooked.

Princess Xi was well aware that whenever the emperor fell ill, he would blame Prince Xi, implying there would be no rewards. The empress could only agree publicly, but afterward, she would find an excuse to compensate the Prince Xi's palace.

Princess Xi came from a wealthy family and received a substantial dowry; thus, she had no interest in these gifts. She summoned all the female members of the household and allowed them to choose for themselves.

The gift for the Prince Xi's palace on Dragon Boat Festival consisted of calligraphy sets, ink, paper, and brushes, along with some pearl hair ornaments.

Everyone showed little enthusiasm.

However, the reward for Xu Yunqi was much more generous: a chest filled with fine silk and satin, and several boxes of southern pearls and turquoise.

The box was carried directly to the Jinhua Hall, but Princess Xi forbade anyone from opening it, intending to send it straight to Qinghui Garden.

Despite her dislike for Xu Yunqi, this did not deter her from favoring the third branch of the family, as she was always wary of others getting too close to her youngest son.

When Xu Yunqi arrived, the room was crowded with ladies, including the two concubines who rarely made public appearances.

The women shared the pearl hairpins and calligraphy supplies, looking rather uninterested.

Upon seeing her own chest, Xu Yunqi immediately understood the empress's intention.

The Empress, who oversaw the six palaces, was no simple figure; why would she choose to send these two gifts together? If Xu Yunqi's assumption was correct, the Emperor must have complained about Prince Xi's meager festival offerings. However, the Empress, concerned about the ladies of the palace being shortchanged, had sent this box as a gesture of compensation – her intentions were clear.

Last time, when the Emperor bestowed so many gifts, they all ended up in her hands. This time, she couldn't be so ungracious.

So, Xu Yunqi pointed at the brocaded chest and said generously, "Mother, I, your daughter-in-law, wish to open this chest. If there are any items of use, I'd like to share them with my sisters-in-law."

Princess Xi, sipping her tea, heard this and her expression turned slightly wooden.

Forget about her clumsiness, this daughter-in-law was also rather slow-witted. Princess Xi truly worried for her son.

With her own consent given, Princess Xi could hardly object, so she raised her gaze, signaling Mother Hao to open the chest.

As the box was unlocked, it revealed an abundance of luxurious silks and satins, alongside dazzling jewels.

The room lit up with excitement, all eyes turning to Xu Yunqi. Smiling, she said, "Feel free to choose what you like, everyone."

Pei Mushan shot her a subtle glance, but Xu Yunqi, sipping her tea, simply shook her head nonchalantly.

Mother Hao had no choice but to display all the silken fabrics and jewels on the intricately carved lacquer table and the nearby desk.

Lady Li believed she had a good rapport with Xu Yunqi and had already surveyed the offerings, selecting her preferred color. However, seeing that no one else was making a move, she didn't wish to be too forward. Thus, she discreetly tugged on the sleeve of her mother-in-law, Lady Gao, the secondary concubine.

Lady Gao hailed from an illustrious family and was not so shallow as to reveal her desires so openly. She remained seated, composed and motionless.

On the other hand, Lady Han, another secondary concubine, was keen to rise but hesitated without the permission of Princess Xixi. She dared not make a sound.

Pei Mushan genuinely worried about her sister-in-law being at a disadvantage and pulled her up. "Sister, this is your reward. You should choose first."

Xu Yunqi truly didn't attach much importance to these items. "Please, go ahead, Sister."

Princess Xi gazed at her smiling daughter-in-law, who seemed oblivious to the nuances of hierarchy, and shook her head wordlessly. She put down her teacup and turned to address the two concubines with a calm voice, "Respect for seniority is essential. Lady Gao and Lady Han, you may choose first."

Lady Gao promptly rose to bow, "Your Highness is too courteous. In a family, there's no need for such formalities. Besides, these are just fine silks and satins; it's only fitting that the children should have the first pick."

Princess Xi, appreciating her tact, nodded and glanced at her daughter, "Very well, you may start then."

Pei Mushan was the sole legitimate lady in the household, and everyone had always doted on her.

She selected three vibrant bolts of silk and picked out two large southern pearls before turning back to signal Xu Yunqi to make her choices.

Xu Yunqi remained seated, but Lady Li noticed that the fabric she had her eye on was taken by Pei Mushan. She quickly got up and said, "Third Sister-in-law, I won't hold back anymore."

She approached with her maid, selecting the three fabrics she had picked out. Glancing at the box of jewels on the table, she saw that the largest ones were untouched—clearly reserved by Pei Mushan for Xu Yunqi. Being perceptive, she didn't touch them and instead chose two green turquoise and coral beads before returning to her seat.

Seeing that Madam Xie wasn't moving, Pei Mushan, as the eldest sister-in-law, didn't feel it appropriate to go herself. So, she nudged Madam Xie. Madam Xie wasn't really interested in choosing, but since everyone else was picking, she didn't want to appear disrespectful to Xu Yunqi. Thus, she pulled Pei Mushan up, and the two sisters-in-law went together.

Madam Han, who shared similar tastes with Madam Xie, hurried to join in, fearing that the indigo blue brocade she favored would be taken.

Seeing that her mother-in-law, High Concubine Gao, was still hesitating, Lady Li simply gave her a gentle push.

Amidst the lively commotion, everyone gathered around.

The Jinhua Hall was unusually harmonious, and even Princess Xi showed a smile.

Pei Mushan managed to snatch a few of the largest southern pearls for Xu Yunqi, who looked at her and said, "Why didn't you choose anything?"

"I lack nothing," Xu Yunqi replied gently with a warm smile, lifting her clean and fair wrist. "You see, when I need to formulate recipes or select medicinal herbs, it's inconvenient to have things on my hands."

In Pei Mushan's hands, the jewelry felt scorching hot.

Unfazed, Yinxing explained to her, "Miss Fifth might not be aware, but our young madam has never been fond of wearing such colorful and extravagant accessories."