Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Back at Qinghui Garden, Pei Mushan gave an order to his covert guards,

"From now on, report every detail of Lady's whereabouts to me."

As a young woman, it was indeed unsafe for her to be out and about. As her husband, he had the responsibility to escort her.

After leaving these words, his tall figure disappeared through the moon gate of Qinghui Garden. The courtyard was eerily quiet, with no sign of anyone or any light coming from the eastern chamber.

Nanny Chen approached him,

"Third Master, Fifth Miss has invited our young madam over. She said she needs Madam's advice on her attire for tomorrow, fearing that she might return late and disturb you. Thus, she'll be staying there tonight."

Pei Mushan's handsome brows knitted instantly. Standing in the corridor for a moment in silence, he went in to bathe as usual, then changed into his regular clothes. The graceful figure that usually bustled about was missing, and the vast bed was empty. Pei Mushan sat alone on the bed, lost in thought for a while.

There was a time when he wasn't accustomed to living with a woman. Now, after just one night apart, he found himself feeling uneasy.

July 22nd marked the grand engagement banquet between Pei Mushan and Yan Shaoling.

Due to the imperial edict for their marriage, the Minister of Rites arrived early in the morning accompanied by a eunuch from the Office of Ceremonies to announce the decree. Yan Shaoling rode on a magnificent steed, holding a goose as he came to ask for the bride. The twenty-year-old man had a robust physique and an imposing demeanor, with a hint of arrogance in his eyebrows and a grin that wouldn't leave his face. Behind him followed a group of Yan family nephews, all handsome and promising, creating a lively scene gathered at the palace gate.

The eldest nephew, Yan Xu, seeing his uncle's unbecoming expression, said disdainfully,

"Uncle Five, you should restrain yourself. Everyone knows you're marrying your beloved wife, but even if you're overjoyed, you should keep it inside and present the dignified and righteous air of a Yan family man. Don't embarrass our clan."

Yan Shaoling glared back from his horse, "I'm your uncle, so don't lecture me day and night just because you're older. Do you know why I, despite being younger, am marrying before you? It's because you always wear that scholar's face, which doesn't endear you to others."

"You could have learned from someone else besides Pei Muheng. If not for the emperor's edict, do you think Madam Xu would have looked at him?"

Yan Xu swallowed hard.

"Cough, cough!" The second elder Yan coughed abruptly, pointing to the open courtyard where Pei Muheng, dressed in a deep red prince's attire, stood.

"Uncle, be careful. He's now your brother-in-law. You won't have it easy if you offend him."

With a loud proclamation from the Minister of Rites, Yan Shaoling alighted from his horse with great confidence. Carrying the goose, he replied to his nephews,

"Why should I be afraid of him? Shan Shan and I are on Madam Xu's side."

With those words, he donned a warm smile and strode confidently into the courtyard, following the red-carpeted stone path that led to the main hall.

Prince Xi and his three sons were standing in the arcade waiting.

The two elder sons of the Yan family hurriedly followed, while the youngest three hesitated, each pushing the other forward, none daring to take the lead.

Finally, the fifth son, Yan Jin, unable to bear their indecisiveness, nudged his two older brothers inside.

"What are you afraid of? I was the one who offended Pei Muheng openly. If I'm not scared, why are you two fussing about it?"

The trio stumbled their way in.

The story of the five Yan brothers hastily competing with Pei Muheng for a wife had spread throughout the capital.

As Yan Shaoling bowed to Prince Xi, Pei Muheng, with his hands behind his back, cast a chilly gaze over the Yan family's fifth son.

Yan Jin couldn't help but shiver. Pei Muheng, with his deceptive appearance and monstrous heart, had caused him to receive thirty lashes, and his buttocks still ached from the punishment. Later, he would make sure to pour him some wine, seeking revenge for his humiliation.

Compared to the turmoil in the front yard, the back was a peaceful haven.

The Yan family's matriarch personally led her daughters-in-law to present the betrothal gifts list, which the Xi Wangfei received and passed on to Nurse Hao, instructing the ladies to entertain the guests.

The elder matriarch was very courteous.

"You may inspect the betrothal gifts list, Your Highness. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, just tell me."

Xi Wangfei's expression was indifferent. Back then, the matriarch had almost snatched away her daughter-in-law, and now she was seeking to marry off her own daughter. Wangfei felt that she had lost out. She sipped her tea casually and said, "It's just those usual items, no need for a detailed inspection. The Yan family is reputable, so I have no worries."

Knowing that she had displeased the Wangfei last time, the Yan matriarch had to lower her stance. Whatever the Wangfei said, she agreed to it. However, when she saw Xu Yunqi at the banquet, she couldn't resist pulling her aside to inquire about her well-being.

"Yunqi seems to have lost some weight recently."

"Really?" Xu Yunqi touched her cheeks. "Perhaps the hustle and bustle in Yangzhou has slimmed me down."

"I've brought you a box of bird's nest. Cook some every day to nourish your body," the elder matriarch said affectionately, looking at Yunqi's abdomen and whispering, "You haven't conceived yet, have you?"

Xu Yunqi was taken aback. Lowering her gaze, she shook her head. "No, I haven't."

The matriarch comforted her. "No rush, no rush. Good things take time..."

The Princess Xi watched the two women whispering intimately, almost causing her to choke with anger.

She didn't catch much of their conversation, but the word "swallow's nest" rang clearly in her ears. When Madam Yan and the others left for the banquet, she instructed Nanny Hao gloomily,

"I blame myself for not paying enough attention. I was so focused on hoping she would conceive that I neglected to nourish her body. Fetch a few servings of swallow's nest from my storehouse and send them to Bright Moon Garden. Our Xi Palace can still afford this expense; we mustn't let her owe gratitude to others."

After entertaining the guests in the front courtyard, Yan Shaoling came to the back courtyard to pay his respects to the princess.

In front of Yan Shaoling, the Princess Xi managed a smile,

"How is your health now?"

Yan Shaoling was obedient before his mother-in-law. He answered respectfully, "I'm much better. There are just a few lumps left when I touch it, nothing else unusual. To be honest, it's thanks to Third Sister-in-Law's outstanding medical skills."

Regarding Xu Yunqi's medical practice, the Princess Xi had already given up resistance and reluctantly accepted it. Her smile appeared forced as she said,

"That's good to hear. Shan Shan is waiting for you next door. Go see her."

It had been a month since Yan Shaoling last saw Pei Mushan, and he missed her dearly. After giving a proper bow, he left for the western chamber next door.

Aside from a familiar maid standing by the entrance, there was only one person sitting upright on a canopied bed inside the room. Dressed in a vivid red, gold-embroidered phoenix robe, she wore a jeweled headdress adorned with red gems and golden filigree hairpins swaying gently at her temples. With her eyes lowered, she maintained an air of seriousness, not cracking a smile or moving an inch.

Seeing her like this, Yan Shaoling panicked.

"Shan Shan, what's wrong with you? If you're unhappy, just tell me. Who has bullied you, and I'll deal with them!"

Yan Shaoling feared most that Pei Mushan would be displeased with their arranged marriage, which he had pressured her into.

Pei Mushan, noticing Yan Shaoling's alarmed reddened eyes, couldn't help but break her composed act. She playfully punched him on the forehead.

"You fool, I was just trying to scare you."

Relieved, Yan Shaoling let out a sigh and bent down to be closer to her. "Shan Shan, be honest with me. If you have any doubts, we can take our time..."

Pei Mushan glared at him. "Am I someone who goes back on my word? Since I've decided to take you as my prince consort, it's a done deal; no turning back now."

She wasn't sure what it meant to truly like someone, but she knew with certainty that she wanted to marry no one but the man before her.

Yan Shaoling, reassured, instantly regained his vigor and confidence.

Pei Mushan only then noticed how unusually flamboyant his attire was today. "Why are you dressed up like a peacock?"

Yan Shaoling's expression froze, and he scratched his head. "It's our betrothal ceremony today, so naturally, I need to look handsome." Then, he asked anxiously, "You don't like it?"

Pei Mushan shook her head. "I don't."

Yan Shaoling's handsome face fell. "Ah, those few rascals spent ages advising me, but in the end, they still couldn't meet your expectations."

Seeing him looking dejected, Pei Mushan burst into laughter. She lifted her skirt and walked around to stand in front of him.

"Fool, you're not suited for such bright clothing. You looked better before."

In the past, Yan Shaoling had worn a deep black robe that accentuated his muscular physique, and his eyebrows were like sword sheaths. Whenever he rode past on horseback, everyone knew he was the most dazzling young nobleman in the capital.

Yan Shaoling was stunned. "You're not joking with me, are you?"

"Why would I joke about this?"

Yan Shaoling smiled for a while, then secretly took out a steamed bun from his pocket and handed it to her.

"Here, I bought this steamed meat bun from the stall on Chang'an Street for you. Give it a try; it's still warm."

Pei Mushan took it and inhaled its aroma. "Smells divine. Are you hungry? Want half?"

They crouched beside the low couch, sharing the meat buns.

Pei Mushan mumbled with her mouth full, "Hmph, my mother is so strict. One moment she forbids me from eating street food because it's unclean, and the next, she complains about my spending habits and cuts my monthly allowance, leaving me unhappy all day."

Yan Shaoling took a bite of his bun. "It doesn't matter. From now on, I'll give you all my money. Once we're married, I'll take you out for midnight snacks every night."

Pei Mushan's eyes sparkled as she looked at her fiancé. "Aren't you currently a Wu Duwei Middle Commander? How much is your salary?"

Yan Shaoling wiped his mouth and pondered for a moment. "A hundred and twenty taels a year."

"What?" Pei Mushan widened her eyes. "Only that much?"

Seeing the disappointment on Pei Mushan's face, Yan Shaoling panicked. "Yes, but maybe the emperor has made a mistake. If that's the case, I'll confront him about it later. Oh wait, my father, when he was the prime minister, only received around five hundred taels a year."

Princess Xi, listening to their murmurs, couldn't help but laugh and feel a bit teary-eyed.

"Two foolish souls, how will they manage in the future!"

Grandma Hao tried to reassure her, "You're just overthinking it. The most important thing for young couples is their sweet life together. A bit of ignorance doesn't matter. The Yan family wouldn't deprive their youngest son and daughter-in-law, would they? Neither Duke Yan nor the elder madam would let their little ones suffer."

Upon hearing this, Princess Xi recalled her own youngest son and daughter-in-law. That couple was equally composed, and she wondered when they would become as affectionate as Pei Mushan and Xu Yunqi.

Princess Xi's hair turned white with worry.

After the lunch banquet, the Yan family returned home. Pei Musheng intended to find Xu Yunqi in the back courtyard but was stopped by the covert guard Wang Fan at the slanted corridor,

"Third Master, half an hour ago, someone from the Jiang family requested Miss Xu, the second daughter, to ask the young madam to meet them outside. Madam Yunqi is currently in a teahouse across the street."

Pei Musheng closed his eyes upon hearing this, remaining silent for a while before nodding to acknowledge the information.

He knew why the Jiang family sought out Xu Yunqi.

In the teahouse on the opposite side of the street, Mrs. Jiang held Xu Yunqi's wrist, tears streaming down her face,

"Yunqi, I shouldn't have come to you, but I've exhausted all my options. Who could have imagined that the deputy general would be so daring as to attempt assassinating the adopted son of the current prime minister? This matter has caused a huge scandal. Yuhua's father has been imprisoned in the Board of Censors. I'm at my wits' end, so I had no choice but to seek your help."

Jiang Yuhe's father, General Jiang Junzheng, then serving as the Garrison Commander of Yangzhou, was ultimately found by Pei Muheng to have been betrayed by his own Deputy General. Evidently, Jiang Junzheng had defected to the Twelfth Prince. Pei Muheng handed over the culprit to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who promptly escorted the prisoner to the capital. Now, Jiang Junzheng himself has been recalled to the imperial city, entering the Censorate from which he has not emerged since.

Madam Jiang's eyes were swollen from weeping, dark circles beneath them testament to sleepless nights that had stretched on for days.

Xu Yunqi observed the distraught and vulnerable Lady Jiang, and couldn't help but sigh with resignation.

"Madam, if your plea concerns saving a soul or curing an ailment, Yunqi would trample over any obstacle to fulfill it. But when it comes to entanglements in courtly strife, I must apologize for my inability to intervene."

Devoted to her medical practice, Xu Yunqi had never entertained the idea of becoming entangled in political strife; she lacked the capability for such intrigue. Moreover, it was Pei Muheng who was investigating this case. If she were to plead for the Jiang family at this juncture, how would that affect Pei Muheng's thoughts? She couldn't risk estranging their marital relationship for the sake of others.

Madam Jiang stared at her in a daze, then gradually realized, "I... I've put you in a difficult position."

She had initially thought that with Xu Yunqi's husband handling the case and her father being the prime minister, a single word from Xu Yunqi could alter the fate of the Jiang family. But upon closer reflection, Xu Yunqi was an indifferent person who had yet to acknowledge her father. How could she possibly bow to such requests for Madam Jiang's sake?

Madam Jiang wiped away her tears and said, "I apologize for my impertinence, Yunqi. Please don't take it to heart."

In just one night, Madam Jiang's hair turned unusually gray. Xu Yunqi looked at the lady who had once treated her with respect and kindness, feeling a mixture of emotions.

After seeing Madam Jiang off, Xu Yunqi strolled back with Xingye, who noticed her somber expression.

"Are you feeling distressed, my lady?"

Xu Yunqi slowed her pace. Back in the palace, Lady Jiang had fearlessly stood up for her against the powerful Minister Liu of the Board of Punishments. Now, she was unable to lend a helping hand. Intellectually, she knew her choice was right, but she couldn't shake off a sense of sadness.

After a tiring day, Xu Yunqi returned to Qinghui Garden and fell into a deep sleep, only to awaken in the evening. After freshening up and changing clothes, she found someone sitting inside her room.

The man wore a long robe embroidered with subtle bamboo patterns in a deep hue, sitting elegantly in a round chair. His handsome features and captivating eyes exuded warmth like the lingering glow of sunset.

A breeze carried the scent of soap from his person, suggesting he had just come back from the study.

Xu Yunqi's smile grew as she approached, pouring him a cup of tea. "Third Master didn't go out today?"

Pei Muheng took the teacup, his gaze never leaving her. "I made a trip to the Ministry of Revenue. I got sweaty on the way, so I changed clothes in the study before returning."

Xu Yunqi smiled, holding the delicate teacup with her slender fingers. Instead of sitting down, she leaned against a long table opposite him, savoring her tea leisurely.

Pei Muheng gazed at his composed wife and suddenly asked, "Yunqi, is there something you wish to discuss with me?"

Xu Yunqi was taken aback, unsure why he would inquire thus. Meeting his calm, dark eyes, she quickly realized that he must have learned about her meeting with Lady Jiang.

She placed the teacup down with a resolute tone, "No."

A relieved smile spread across Pei Muheng's eyes. He finished his tea, set the cup on the table, and then leaned in towards her.

Xu Yunqi abruptly lifted her gaze, meeting his profound stare.

Pei Muheng supported himself with his arms on either side of her, looking intently at her as he said,

"You may have no words for me, but I have something to tell you."

Xu Yunqi was unsure of his intentions. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she softly acknowledged him with a gentle hum.

The softness in her nasal tone had an irresistible allure that made one want to kiss her.

This thought had been lingering in Pei Muheng's mind for quite some time.

"Yunqi, today I pleaded for the Jiang family's pardon before His Majesty," he spoke calmly.

Xu Yunqi was visibly taken aback.

Pei Muheng noticed the confusion in her eyes and explained,

"I admit I don't have a favorable opinion of the Jiang family. However, they once treated you with respect, which resulted in your special affection towards them. Today, as your husband, I am repaying that favor on your behalf."

For a moment, Xu Yunqi's mind went blank.

Few people in this world could see through her thoughts so easily, but Pei Muheng could read all her concerns and skillfully sever any lingering ties between her and her former fiancé.

This man was indeed very clever.

Xu Yunqi gazed at him silently for a long while, as if seeing him for the first time. Her clear, bright eyes didn't blink.

The corners of her eyes were too soft, like delicate feathers that could easily touch one's heart. Pei Muheng's Adam's apple bobbed, and he placed his finger against her dense eyelashes, whispering hoarsely, "Don't look at me like that..."

Xu Yunqi remained still.

Pei Muheng didn't bother anymore. His gaze slowly descended, landing on her plump, rosy lips, before he leaned in closer.