Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Upon reaching the palace, Xu Yunqi noticed a carriage with green curtains heading towards the Xun residence, its side adorned with a plaque bearing the words "Imperial Medical Bureau." A sense of longing stirred within her as she gazed at the sign. Pei Muhang, observing this, turned to the butler and inquired,

"Is Lord Xun unwell?"

Now, the Xun residence held only one master, Xun Yunhe. The only one who could warrant the attention of the Imperial Medical Bureau would be him.

The butler glanced at Xu Yunqi before softly replying, "Didn't the verdict for yesterday's case come out? Lord Xun personally escorted Young Master Nianxi out of the capital last night. He caught a chill and is currently indisposed."

Both spouses were taken aback. Xu Yunqi's face remained expressionless as he entered the door first. Pei Muheng followed closely behind, disregarding whether Xu Yunqi was willing to listen or not, and informed her,

"Ye's loyal followers have all been executed by slow slicing. Her two maternal relatives were implicated, dismissed from their official positions, and sent back home. Xun Yunling has been imprisoned in the Inner Palace Prison, severely ill and likely doesn't have much time left. Xun Nianxi was exiled to Lingjiang; she left the city last night."

Xu Yunqi strolled casually along the sloping corridor towards the backyard, nodding to acknowledge the information.

That night, the couple didn't speak a single word to each other.

The following day, Pei Muheng attended the imperial court first, while Xu Yunqi was summoned to Jinhe Hall by Princess Xi.

"It's been quite some time since I last paid my respects to Her Majesty the Empress. She is a merciful person and would never hold it against me, but I cannot be disrespectful. Yunqi helped cure my headache, so I must pay her a visit and express my gratitude. All of you shall accompany me."

The group of ladies-in-law agreed. Upon hearing "Yunqi," Pei Mushan winked at Xu Yunqi, who smiled without saying a word.

As usual, the two sisters-in-law rode in the same carriage. Pei Mushan presented a set of riding gear to Xu Yunqi. "This was a gift from my brother when I first learned to ride. Now, I pass it on to you."

Xu Yunqi politely declined. "Keep it for yourself. My brother has prepared a set for me." Xu Yunqi signaled Yinying to show Mushan what she meant. It turned out that Pei Musheng had already instructed Huang Wei to fetch a brand new set of riding gear for Xu Yunqi. Pei Mushan unwrapped the package and found a complete set, including knee and wrist protectors.

Upon arriving near the Donghua Gate, the maidservants went ahead with the carriages to the Imperial Hunting Grounds while the Wangfei led her daughter-in-law and daughter to the Kunning Palace to pay their respects to the Empress.

Inside the inner chambers, the palace ladies were like a flock of clouds, all dressed in brilliant and luxurious attire, causing a bit of dazzlement. Apart from the Empress and the Yan Guifei, all the other prominent concubines and Wangfus were present.

Wangfei Xi knelt and bowed to the Empress.

Observing her radiant appearance, the Empress exclaimed, "What magical elixir have you consumed? Your complexion has improved greatly."

A favored concubine chimed in, "In my opinion, it must be the County Wangfei's miraculous healing touch."

Outside the palace, Wangfei Xi never praised Xu Yunqi's medical skills, fearing that people might constantly seek treatment for their ailments from her daughter-in-law. Instead, she replied, "Her Majesty's health tonics have been most beneficial. Recently, following Yunqi's advice, I've taken up practicing the Five Animals Frolics, which has indeed relieved much of my bodily stiffness."

Practicing the Five Animals Frolic was mere pretense; it was a subtle message to the concubines that they should find their own remedies for ailments and not burden her daughter-in-law.

Everyone present was sharp-witted and thus left the unspoken words unsaid.

The Empress had long grown accustomed to Princess Xi's protective nature and chuckled warmly, "Please take your seats."

Empress Concubine Yan's gaze fell upon Pei Mushan as she extended an amiable invitation, "Shan Shan, come sit by my side."

As Pei Mushan was betrothed to Prince Yan Shaoling, Empress Concubine Yan treated all of the Xi Palace's members as her own kin.

With bashfulness, Pei Mushan approached her and the Empress Concubine engaged her in conversation, inquiring about every detail, "When is the wedding scheduled?"

Pei Mushan lowered her head and replied, "In two months' time."

"The date is indeed approaching swiftly," the Empress chimed in from beside them.

Empress Concubine Yan cast a glance at the Empress before sighing, "I, on the other hand, wish it would come sooner. I eagerly anticipate her arrival as my daughter-in-law."

Addressing Pei Mushan again, she continued, "Yesterday, the Hangzhou Textile Bureau presented a tribute of exquisite silk fabrics. I have selected a few bolts with the most vibrant hues, which will be tailored into garments for you later."

Upon hearing this, a chill ran down the spines of the concubines in the palace.

As Prince Qin's favor wanes perceptibly within the palace, these imperial consorts, ever attuned to the shifting winds of court intrigue, have largely deserted the once-crowded orbit around Noble Consort Yan. Most now make overt or covert overtures toward the Empress, leaving Noble Consort Yan with scarce loyal companions save for her two closest confidantes. Such is the cruel reality of fleeting alliances and the proverbial cooling of tea as company departs.

Surprisingly, the Emperor has yet to revoke Empress Concubine Yan's authority to assist in managing the imperial harem. As a result, the finest treasures from the Textile Bureau end up in Empress Concubine Yan's possession. Her intentions are evident: she is seeking to gain the favor of the Xi Wangfu.

The queen's expression revealed no hint of displeasure; instead, she said with a bright smile, "Shan Shan is so beautiful, she should wear vibrant clothes. I happen to have some newly acquired south sea pearls as well. Shan Shan can take them back when we're done here."

Pei Mushan was left with no choice but to express her gratitude to both parties.

It was that very concubine who had just called out to Concubine Li, seeing Empress Consort Yan cling to Pei Mushan. She devised a plan, "Oh, Your Majesty, this humble concubine has heard that His Highness the Twelfth Prince is hosting a polo match at the Royal Hunting Grounds today. You are the most compassionate, so why not let these young ones go and have some fun?"

The empress, amenable to good advice, replied, "Indeed, it should be so. Shan Shan, take your sisters-in-law along."

Unable to withstand the ladies' persistence, Pei Mushan hastily led Xu Yunqi and the others away from the Kunning Palace.

After a while, the empress spoke with her daughters-in-law, dismissing the other concubines. The women followed Empress Consort Yan in twos and threes as they exited the palace hall, heading west. However, upon reaching the Kunning Palace's wall, Empress Consort Yan suddenly stopped, leaving the other concubines staring blankly at her, hesitant to proceed without her.

Empress Consort Yan leaned on a palace maid's arm and turned slowly. Her gaze swept across the group before settling on Concubine Li. This concubine had entered the palace three years ago and was a favorite of the emperor. With her charming appearance and quick wit, she was known as the emperor's comforting blossom and had been the most favored concubine in the past three years.

Empress Concubine Yan was well aware that Concubine Li was the Queen's pawn to target her. She gave her a disdainful once-over and said coldly, "Concubine Li is dressed in a pink skirt embroidered with peonies today. Such attire is inappropriate. Take her away and give her twenty severe strokes of the cane!"

The other concubines were all taken aback, staring at Empress Concubine Yan in astonishment.

Concubine Li, filled with anger and humiliation, retorted, "Empress Concubine Yan, this dress was a gift from Her Majesty the Queen. Your actions show disrespect to Her Majesty."

Empress Concubine Yan remained composed. "Even if it was a gift from the Empress, one must still adhere to the palace rules. Otherwise, everyone would break them, and chaos would ensue. Besides, perhaps the Empress bestowed it upon you as encouragement to strive for improvement, not necessarily to wear it."

According to the imperial protocol, only concubines ranked third or above were entitled to wear pink, and technically, only the Empress could don clothing adorned with peonies. Clearly, the Empress had bestowed one of her own garments from her younger days upon Concubine Li as a gesture.

Concubine Li was left speechless.

It was evident that Consort Yan held a grudge against her for speaking up in defense of the Empress earlier; she was sending a message to intimidate others.

Unfortunately, with real power in her hands, Concubine Li was powerless against Consort Yan. Swiftly, palace attendants approached and apprehended her, escorting her to the disciplinary court for punishment. All along the way, they could hear Concubine Li's heart-wrenching cries, while the other concubines dared not utter a sound.

The maidens supported Consort Yan back to her palace, their minds filled with concern as they walked.

"Empress, why must you do this? Openly offending the Empress and displeasing His Majesty is not wise."

The maid's words implied that Concubine Yan was being overly arrogant.

Concubine Yan shook her head. "I've been arrogant for so many years, suppressing the Empress since she entered the palace. Until now, have you seen how His Majesty has treated me?"

The maid replied anxiously, "That's because in the past, Prince Qin and Prime Minister Yan supported you."

Concubine Yan sneered. "Not quite. Compared to a silent dog, someone like me is transparent to His Majesty, easy to control. That's why he can rely on me with peace of mind. Otherwise, do you think why my favor hasn't waned all these years?"

"His Majesty hasn't appointed an heir yet, and they already ignore me. How could I not remind them of their place?"

Concubine Yan had a deeper motive, wanting to test the Emperor's attitude towards her and Prince Qin through this opportunity.

In the maid's mind, even if Concubine Yan regained the Emperor's favor, without Prince Qin as the heir, he would eventually have to bow to the Empress's authority.

"The Imperial Cabinet no longer has people loyal to Your Highness. Xun Yunhe doesn't participate in political factions, and Deputy Prime Minister Shi Zhuo was almost deadly against the Crown Prince last time. It's rare to see him as a supporter of the Twelfth Prince. Although Prime Minister Zheng is a fence-sitter, as the Minister of Rites, he must uphold the principle of establishing the eldest son as the heir. The Minister of Revenue and the Minister of War remain unclear. Regardless, His Majesty's reshuffling of the cabinet hardly seems to be paving the way for the Twelfth Prince."

Concubine Yan was well aware of this, but the fire in her eyes remained unquenched. "Until the final moment, we won't know who will emerge victorious."

At the Upper Garden, Lady Li and Lady Xie were engaging in conversation with their friendly imperial grandsons' wives, while Pei Mushan led Xu Yunqi and Pei Mulan to the hunting grounds.

The maids, Tao Qing and Silver Apricot, had spread out a mat on the grass and prepared water and refreshments for their mistresses.

As Tao Qing finished setting up, she approached them, "Miss, Young Master Yan has accompanied the Twelfth Prince into the mountains. He mentioned that he won't be hunting but will be watching from the side."

Pei Mushan felt uneasy, "Where did they go?"

Tao Qing pointed towards the western woods, "They went westward."

After some thought, Pei Mushan slung the prepared bow and arrows across her back and mounted her horse, addressing Xu Yunqi and Pei Mulan, "Lan'er, stay here with your sister-in-law. I'll be right back."

With a flick of her whip and a cry of "Giddyap!", a red figure flashed past them, galloping swiftly towards the forest.

This spot was a sheltered slope, with low-lying terrain and a vast expanse of green grass. Below the slope lay the narrow Taiye Lake, its surface shimmering under the brilliant autumn sun. The view was breathtaking, filling one's heart with a sense of tranquility.

Pei Mulan watched Pei Mushan's retreating figure and spat out, "What 'be right back'? Sister, do you believe she'll return within two hours?"

Xu Yunqi merely smiled in response, picking up the bow and arrow set that Pei Mushan had left behind instead. She toyed with it in her hands.

Pei Mulan assumed that Yunqi also wanted to join the hunting trip. "Sister-in-law, do you want to ride a horse?"

Xu Yunqi shook her head. Slowly drawing the bow, she aimed at a tree in the direction of the woods. As she lifted her hand, Silver Apricot handed her an arrow. Xu Yunqi notched the arrow, and with a whoosh, it shot out, disappearing silently into the depths of the forest.

She missed.

Undeterred, Xu Yunqi continued practicing.

Pei Mulan watched as she shot eight arrows in a row, none even touching the tree trunk. She couldn't help but find it amusing. "There are things in this world that Sister-in-law is unable to do."

Xu Yunqi's face flushed with embarrassment. "I want to learn archery. Can you teach me?"

Pei Mulan eagerly took the bow and arrow. "Father taught us when we were younger. Let me give it a try."

Pei Mulan shot three arrows and managed to hit the target once. As an inexperienced teacher, she began instructing her clumsy student.

The two of them fumbled for a while. Though they didn't manage to improve their skills, they caused Silver Apricot and the two young maids to run back and forth, picking up the arrows.

Finally, Silver Apricot couldn't bear it. "This servant will fetch a bundle of arrows from the Imperial City Guard."

She dashed towards the distant pavilion. Since the Twelfth Prince had arranged this game, the Imperial City Guard had stationed attendants here to serve. There was a court physician on duty, horses to choose from, and a stockpile of bows and arrows.

There were only seven arrows left on the grass mat. Pei Mulan didn't dare use them, so she handed the bow and arrows to Xu Yunqi. "Sister, you play with the rest."

Xu Yunqi drew the bow again. Since childhood, she had been strong enough to pull the bowstring all the way back. She kept adjusting her posture, trying to find her rhythm. Suddenly, a refined voice sounded from behind her,

"Relax your shoulders, keep your feet shoulder-width apart..."

Xu Yunqi was slightly startled. She turned her gaze and saw that the Twelfth Prince had somehow strolled over without her noticing. He still wore his military attire, holding a horsewhip in one hand while standing five paces behind her with his hands clasped behind his back. His smile always conveyed a broad and powerful energy, as if a bright moon had embraced her.

As the renowned best archer in Great Jin, Xu Yunqi dared not waste the opportunity to receive guidance. She promptly adjusted her stance according to his instructions and looked ahead, asking, "What next?"

With her permission, Pei Xun stepped closer, coming to stand beside her. He even leaned over to examine the direction she was aiming at before shaking his head.

"Slide your hand to the grip of the bow, align your wrist with your forearm..."

Pei Xun raised his hand to correct her posture. With his long arm extended, Xu Yunqi clearly saw the thick callus on the inside of his thumb.

On the other side, Pei Mulan also retrieved her bow and arrows from her horse, standing nearby to learn. After Pei Xun adjusted Xu Yunqi's posture, he began teaching her, "No, no, relax your strength a bit. Don't grip so tightly here. Don't be nervous..."

He then stood between the two, instructing, "Look straight ahead. Your eyes, the arrow, and the target should be on the same horizontal line. Hold the bow at the height of your chin."

"For the first shot, use seven-tenths of your strength, leaving three-tenths. Alright, you can draw the bow... Remember to use your back muscles to pull your arm, slowly drawing it back to full extension. Swiftly, powerfully, and precisely, release the arrow."

With his command, the arrow was loosed, and Xu Yunqi watched, wide-eyed, as it shot into the trunk at an incredible speed. Though it missed its mark slightly, it still hit the target. She laughed happily.

Silver Apricot, who had rushed back, held up the arrow in triumph, exclaiming,

"You hit it! You hit it! Miss, you hit it! His Highness the Twelfth Prince truly is a master archer!"

Pei Xun smiled warmly, using his slender fingers to pluck an arrow from the bundle Silver Apricot was holding and passing it to Xu Yunqi. "Stay still. Find your rhythm and try again."

Having finished his official duties, Pei Mulan left the Ministry of Revenue through the Chengtian Gate and rode north to the Imperial Hunting Grounds, known as the Shanglin Garden. Entering the riding grounds through the same small gate as before, he spotted a tall figure standing behind Xu Yunqi, occasionally lifting his hand to correct his wife's posture. As she released her arrows, he would clap in amusement.

Xu Yunqi hit the target three times in a row, her beautiful eyes shining bright and clear, her eyebrows curving like crescent moons, with a radiance seemingly spilling from the corners of her eyes.

He had never seen her so happy, her smile different from the usual gentle and reserved one. Her eyes and brows now held a touch of audacity and boldness. Even when she shot her arrows, that daring quality revealed a hint of fierce determination.

She turned to face the Twelfth Prince with a grateful smile, her cheeks glistening with a thin sheen of sweat that sparkled under the blazing sun, making her radiance outshine everything around.

In that moment, a bittersweet sensation filled his chest, choking him with emotion.

Pei Muheng involuntarily quickened his pace, but as he drew near, he slowed down again, gently exhaling and maintaining his composure.

"Twelfth Uncle!"

The trio, Pei Xun included, turned to look at him in unison. Seeing no change in his expression, Pei Xun merely pointed at Xu Yunqi and said, "I just taught her some basics, but she's quite inexperienced. Little Seven should supervise her more diligently starting from tomorrow."

Xu Yunqi brushed aside a strand of loose hair from her cheek and looked at Pei Muheng, wondering if he had time to practice archery with her.

Pei Muheng raised his hand in a courteous gesture. "Thank you, Twelfth Uncle." Then, he approached Xu Yunqi and gazed intently at his wife.

"How long have you been practicing? Are you tired?"

Xu Yunqi rubbed her sore arms. "More than two hours already, I am quite exhausted."

Pei Muheng took the bow and arrows from her hands and handed them over to a guard. "Then, let's take a break for now."

Pei Mulan, still basking in the thrill of hitting three targets in a row, tugged on Pei Xun's sleeve and asked eagerly,

"Uncle Twelfth, you just said my bow isn't good enough. So, what kind should I look for?"

Pei Xun laughed heartily. "Your father is too stingy to give you a decent one. Wait here, I'll send someone later with fine bows for both of you."

Then his gaze fell on Pei Mulhan. "Number Seven?"

Understanding, Pei Mulhan recalled the last time when Pei Xun had gestured at his injured leg, obviously hoping for Xu Yunqi's acupuncture treatment. He turned to his wife and said,

"Uncle Twelfth's leg was once injured. Yunqi, would you be able to examine it?"

When it came to her medical expertise, Xu Yunqi never hesitated. She wiped the sweat off her forehead and replied promptly, "Of course."

Pei Xun's attendant pointed towards a pavilion by the water, and the group made their way down the slope from the riding field to the pavilion.

Servants and attendants were already there, preparing tea and snacks, and setting up screens to shield against the lake breeze.

Pei Xun settled into a grand armchair behind the screen, extending his leg onto a bench in front. The attendant knelt to remove his footwear, revealing the healed wound. It had been almost half a year since the incident in Tongzhou, and the sword injury had completely closed, leaving only a faint red scar.

Pei Mulan, feeling thirsty, sat on a crescent-shaped stool to her right of the table, sipping tea and wiping sweat. Pei Xun was seated directly across from her.

A palace maid attended to Xu Yunqi, helping her cleanse her hands. Xingyin spread out her medical pouch and placed it on a small stool next to the bench.

Xu Yunqi donned a white gauze glove and squatted in front of the bench on a cushioned stool. She began to examine the wound. "Does it still hurt?" As she applied more pressure, Pei Xun tried to gauge the sensation. "Just a little bit..."

"What about here...?"

"Yes, it still hurts here, especially on rainy days..." A frown creased Pei Xun's face.

Xu Yunqi lifted her gaze to look at him. The awkwardness and unfamiliarity from before had vanished, replaced by the serious demeanor of a physician attending to a patient. "If you keep delaying treatment, it could turn into a chronic condition. Your Highness might have to pass on your title as the 'Supreme Archer'."

Pei Xun couldn't help but chuckle.

Pei Mulan, hearing the words "keep delaying," sensed something amiss. How did she know that her twelfth uncle's injury had lingered for a long time?

Aware of Pei Mulan's astuteness and the possibility of her misinterpreting the situation, Pei Xun quickly explained, "Qi-er, even before I returned to the capital from Tongzhou, my subordinates had learned of a doctor in the southern city who was particularly skilled in acupuncture. After being injured during the martial competition with Da Wu, I visited the Nanyang Medical Hall. To my surprise, I encountered your wife there, and she treated me with acupuncture once."

So it is.

Pei Xun's explanation in person relieved some of Pei Musheng's unease, but soon, wrinkles formed anew in his heart.

This meant that his twelfth uncle had known earlier than him about Yunqi's medical skills. Furthermore, Yunqi had never mentioned their encounter to him, making him feel like the last to know despite their intimate relationship. This discomfort mixed with the scene he had just witnessed and fermented into a sour sensation.

Pei Musheng was usually composed, revealing no emotions on his face.

"If that's the case, why did Twelfth Uncle wait until now for a follow-up consultation?"

Pei Xun leaned back leisurely. "I still hope you'll bring her here."

Pei Musheng understood that Pei Xun wished for his endorsement of Xu Yunqi's medical abilities and for him to take the initiative to bring her along.

He nodded, not saying another word.

Unaware of their conversation, Xu Yunqi focused on applying a layer of medicinal liquid onto Pei Xun's injury and began to insert the needles.

Pei Mulan watched as she confidently grabbed long silver needles and swiftly inserted them into his ankle. She shivered. "Twelfth Uncle, does it hurt?"

Pei Xun replied with a smile, "Do you believe me if I tell you, Uncle Twelve, that it doesn't hurt at all, and might even feel refreshingly sour?"

Pei Mulan looked at him doubtfully.

Ginkgo turned back to explain, "Fourth Miss, acupuncture is a skill that greatly depends on one's technique. A clumsy practitioner will cause pain with their needles, whereas a master can accurately locate the acupoints, making the insertion feel soothing and relaxing. It might be a bit sore, but it's pleasantly refreshing."

Pei Xun nodded in agreement. "Exactly so."

With hesitation, Pei Mulan stretched out her arm. "My arm has been aching from embroidery for years. Could Sister-in-law also give me a few needles then?"

Pei Muheng cast a fleeting glance at his sister. "Your sister-in-law has had a long day. We can talk about it another time."

Fei Mulan reluctantly fell silent.

Seeing her obvious disappointment, Yinxing quietly consoled her, "When my lady has some leisure time, you can come to Qinghui Garden to find us."

"Okay, okay." Fei Mulan nodded enthusiastically, stealing another glance at her brother before moving further away from him.

After two quarters of an hour, Xu Yunqi finished threading the needles and instructed Yinxing to massage him with medicated oil to soothe his muscles. By the time she started, Pei Xun no longer felt any pain, and as she worked on him, he felt incredibly relaxed.

This young lady's skills are truly remarkable.

Pei Mulan was fond of ginkgo trees and crouched down to observe them, vacating her spot for Xu Yunqi. The palace attendants served Xu Yunqi to wash her hands and poured her a cup of warm tea.

It was already the first hour of noon, and Xu Yunqi felt hungry, so she ate a few snacks.

The Water Pavilion was serene, with only the rustling sound of the lake breeze brushing against the screens.

A few swallows hovered in the sky nearby, soaring up to the clouds at times and diving into the water at others, their wings creating a sparkling splash. Their agile bodies then darted back up into the vast sky, tracing smooth arcs across the heavens.

Seeing this scene, Pei Xun couldn't help but sigh, "When I was young, I envied the freedom of those swallows. I shot a few and caged them, but unfortunately, they didn't last long. Swallows are meant to soar through the skies, not be trapped within palace walls. The illusion of luxury can become a cocoon, but eventually, it's just falling into dust."

Pei Mulan understood the metaphor as clear as day, "Palace walls are walls, but so are clouds. If one's heart is free, nothing can confine them. The so-called cocoon of luxury is merely a self-imposed prison, a wall that people create themselves. If you don't see it as a wall, it's not a wall."

Xu Yunqi, unaware of the silent exchange between the two, had caught the meaning behind Pei Mulan's words.

She thoroughly agreed with this sentiment. No matter where she went, she always found a way to thrive because it was never the environment that bound her, but rather her own mindset.

She glanced at her husband before continuing to enjoy her tea.

Hearing this, Pei Xun laughed softly and slowly.

"Xiao Qi is still young and unaware of the world's hazards and the fickle nature of human hearts. Often, when you reach that position, you will find yourself without a choice, for you will bear greater responsibilities and burdens. You will have more significant missions to fulfill. Today, Uncle Twelve imparts a lesson: one cannot have both fish and bear's paw; you must learn to make sacrifices."

Beauty and the throne cannot be reconciled.

Pei Xun's maternal family, the Su clan, was the premier family in the southern region, wielding immense influence throughout the Jiangnan area. Due to the Su family's preeminence among the regional elite, the emperor had promptly taken Pei Xun's mother as his second empress after the passing of the former queen. However, just as Yan Ping ascended to the position of Chief State Councillor, he strategically inserted Qu Weizhen into the Jiangnan, effectively dividing half of the Su family's power and territory.

Qu Weizhen is a thorn deeply embedded in his heart.

There is but one reason why Pei Muheng did not fully cooperate in utterly ousting Prince Qin, instead choosing to shield Qu Weizhen and seize the opportunity to draw Liu Xiwen into his fold: it is the intent of the Xiyi Palace to vie for the succession to the throne.

Pei Xun did not wish for Pei Muheng to stand against him, hence he gave him this warning.

A kingdom and a beauty cannot both be ours.

Xu Yunqi's loyalty was uncertain; his willingness to divorce her without hesitation last time spoke volumes.

Prince Pei Muhen held his teacup in a leisurely grip, his gaze slowly shifting towards his wife seated opposite him. Unaware of his scrutiny, Xu Yunqi returned her husband's look with a pair of bright apricot eyes, like twin clear springs that revealed their depths at a single glance. Her countenance exuded gentle warmth and an endearing naivety, so captivating that any onlooker might find their heart melting upon but a single glance at her.

In that moment, he was tempted to keep this beauty in the palm of his hand, away from all prying eyes.

He opened his thin lips, his clear and refined gaze shimmering with an indomitable resolve, "There is nothing in this world that cannot be attained, either one lacks the ability or the vision."

Pei Xun chuckled softly upon hearing this, "Indeed, you make a valid point." He straightened slowly, picked up a teacup from a side table, and sipped lightly.

"Juvenile eagles are easy to tame, but mature ones are hard to control."

He was reminding Pei Muheng not to overlook the fact that Xu Yunqi had Xun Yunhe behind her - a father who prioritized Xu Yunqi above all else.

Xu Yunqi, unaware of the reason for Pei Muheng's persistent gaze, blinked at him. Pei Muheng closed his eyes, laughing softly to himself.

As the gingko leaves were almost cleared, Pei Muheng said with a smile, "It's getting late, we should head back. Uncle Twelve, take good care of your injuries."

When the couple returned to their carriage, Pei Xun instructed someone to bring a set of bow and arrows. The attendant bowed to Xu Yunqi and said,

"This is a token of gratitude from Prince Twelfth. Please, Your Highness, accept it."

Xu Yunqi glanced at her husband, and Pei Muheng's eyes fell on the bow and arrows. It was an old bow that Pei Xun had used to teach him archery over a decade ago, a gift from the Emperor that Pei Xun cherished dearly. Now, he was presenting it to Xu Yunqi, leaving Pei Muheng puzzled about his uncle's intentions. Clearly, it wasn't a joyful matter, and it wouldn't be appropriate for Pei Muheng to refuse. Thus, he accepted the gift on Xu Yunqi's behalf.

"Many thanks for Twelfth Uncle's kind intentions."

Along the journey, Xu Yunqi ate some food to satisfy her hunger and then leaned against the carriage wall to sleep. It was still early when they returned to the palace, and in the past, Pei Xun would either go to his study or return to the court. But today, he accompanied her all the way back to Qinghui Garden. Even after she had changed her clothes, he remained seated at the carved table, sipping tea by himself.

Xu Yunqi sensed that something was off with her husband. She sat down beside him and asked, "Third Master, what's wrong?"

Pei Xun admitted that he felt uneasy. He turned to his wife and asked, "Yunqi, do you want to learn archery?"

Without hesitation, Xu Yunqi nodded. "Yes, I really want to learn, and I enjoy it as well."

Pei Xun chuckled, but there was a hint of bitterness in his smile. "Why didn't I hear you mention this before?"

Otherwise, he wouldn't have arranged for someone else to teach her.

Xu Yunqi blinked and replied, "You didn't ask me either."

Noticing the slight darkening of Pei Xun's expression, Xu Yunqi realized that he was bothered by it.

Pei Xun was an elder, and Pei Mulan was present. It was quite normal for elders to teach their juniors archery, especially considering how often it seemed to happen based on Pei Mulan's demeanor. Thus, Xu Yunqi hadn't found anything amiss. Now, she understood that her husband's possessiveness exceeded her expectations.

She explained helplessly, "His Highness the Twelfth Prince made a sudden visit and saw me practicing archery with Fourth Sister. He kindly offered some guidance as he passed by."

"Peyton understands, and I'm not blaming you," Pei Muhang interrupted her, his gaze darkening as an uncontrollable wave of jealousy surged within him.

"Yunqi, I'm just... feeling jealous," he admitted honestly.

Xu Yunqi was taken aback.