Chapter 58: Palace Intrigues and Romantic Tangles

Chapter 58

After such an unsettling incident, the newlyweds both lost their desire to sleep. They lay in their wedding bed, wide awake, waiting for dawn.

Pei Mushan, trying to save Yan Shaoling from embarrassment by pretending to sleep, couldn't actually fall asleep. Similarly, Yan Shaoling was troubled and restless. At the second crow of the rooster, he jumped out of bed to practice martial arts in the backyard.

On the first day after the wedding, the entire Yan family gathered for the traditional tea ceremony, filled with joy and excitement. However, the newlyweds seemed somewhat listless. Everyone assumed they had stayed up late celebrating, so they didn't pay much attention.

After the morning ceremony, Yan Youhe and others took Pei Mushan to play mahjong. In the afternoon, Yan Ping personally accompanied the couple to the palace to express their gratitude. Empress Concubine Yan kept Pei Mushan engaged in conversation for quite some time, and they only returned home as darkness fell.

That night, lying together, Yan Shaoling was consumed by desire, but he refrained, not wanting to disappoint Pei Mushan again.

Finally, on the third day when it was customary for the bride to visit her parents' house, Pei Mushan hurriedly finished breakfast with Yan Shaoling and eagerly set off for the palace.

As Pei Mushan's elder brother, Pei Musheng, was on duty and not at home the previous night, Prince Xi received Yan Shaoling along with his eldest and second sons. After paying respects to her father, Pei Mushan went straight to the backyard. Upon entering Jinhé Hall, she scanned the room and noticed that her third sister-in-law was absent. With her impulsive nature, she couldn't wait to ask her mother, "Where is Third Sister-in-law?"

Prince Xi's wife glanced at her disapprovingly. "It's not even past noon yet. Who would have thought you'd come back so early? Your Third Sister-in-law is still at Qinghui Garden."

Pei Mushan gently stroked the back of her head and chuckled. "Then I'll go find Third Sister-in-law to play."

In a flash, Pei Mushan disappeared, leaving Empress Xi unable to stop her.

Arriving at Qinghui Garden in a hurry, she indeed saw Xu Yunqi returning after finishing a set of Wuqinxi exercises.

"Sister-in-law!"

Xu Yunqi was sweating slightly. With a handkerchief in hand, she wiped her sweat while standing at the entrance, looking back. Seeing Pei Mushan rushing up the corridor with great energy, she was surprised. "Shan Shan, you're back so early?"

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Pei Mushan replied, "Isn't it because I missed you, Sister-in-law?"

Xu Yunqi didn't believe her. She invited Pei Mushan in for tea and walked towards the inner room. "Wait for me to change clothes."

"Sure." Looking at her elegant figure, Pei Mushan already felt a bit anxious. As Ginkgo went to attend to Xu Yunqi's changing, Nurse Chen brought in a cup of milk tea.

"Auntie, have you had breakfast?"

"Yes, but has Sister-in-law eaten yet?"

Nanny Chen nodded.

Moments later, Xu Yunqi emerged in clean, dry clothes. Nanny Chen then presented the five delicacies, while Pei Mushan sat beside her, watching her eat.

Pei Mushan was not one to hide her emotions; her anxiety was etched clearly on her face. Xu Yunqi couldn't miss it. Chuckling, she hastily finished her meal and dismissed the servants before pulling Mushan aside. "What trouble have you run into?"

Pei Mushan's expression turned grim. She shifted her chair closer to Yunqi and replied hastily, "Sister, something terrible has happened."

Xu Yunqi's eyebrows rose slightly as she asked in a deep voice, "What is it?"

Through her tears, Pei Mushan answered, "There seems to be an issue with Yan Shaoling."

Xu Yunqi was genuinely surprised. Yan Shaoling was tall and robust, exuding vigor. Xu Yunqi had been worried that her younger sister would be worn out by him. How could there be a problem?

"Why do you say that?" Xu Yunqi asked calmly.

Pei Mushan then whispered the details into Yunqi's ear.

After listening, Xu Yunqi looked at Mushan with a mixture of emotions. "Didn't you try again?"

"How dare I!" Pei Mushan was on the verge of tears, taking a large gulp from her teacup. "You have no idea how I endured last night. Seeing him longing yet hesitant broke my heart..."

Xu Yunqi chuckled at this.

"Two fools!"

Confused, Pei Mushan couldn't understand her sister-in-law's amusement. "Sister, stop laughing and think of a solution. I'm still young; I don't want to be a widow."

Xu Yunqi covered her mouth, giggling for a while. Impatient, Pei Mushan shook her arm vigorously.

Xu Yunqi finally composed herself and explained,

"Silly girl, it's usually like that for the first time. Just give it a few more tries."

"Really?" Doubt flickered across Pei Mushan's face, but she also felt a sense of relief. "Was my brother like that too?"

This question left Xu Yunqi momentarily speechless.

Pei Mushan had indeed never shown such hesitance. Either he had experienced it before with someone else or he was deeply guarded, knowing how to control himself. Xu Yunqi suspected the latter to be more likely.

While not everyone adheres to this, it is often the case. You needn't take it to heart. When you return, gently guide him and let nature take its course. Everything will fall into place eventually."

Pei Mushan understood the message, and the clouds in her heart dissipated, her brows lifting with newfound vitality.

"Thank you, Sister-in-law!"

She promptly left for the main hall to find Yan Shaoling. She concocted an excuse to pull him aside and whispered in his ear. The couple exchanged glances, both amused and touched. With Xu Yunqi's clarification, their minds were finally at ease.

The young couple spent the entire day at the palace before returning home late in the evening.

Pei Muhang missed the evening meal, and didn't return until the first hour of the night. As usual, he first went to the Jinhé Hall to pay his respects to his parents. The Duke of Xi and the Duchess of Xi were in the warm chamber, engaged in an affectionate conversation about their daughter and son-in-law.

Prince Xi was highly satisfied with his son-in-law, "This young man might have a fiery temper, but he treats Shan Shan impeccably. Yan Ping even accompanied them on their return visit today, demonstrating the Yan family's respect and seriousness. Shan Shan, I can truly rest assured about you now. All that's left is to wait for that boy from the Xu family to complete his mourning period, and then Lan'er can also be married off. That would mark the completion of all matters in my household."

Two years ago, Pei Mulan was betrothed to the Minister of Rites, the Xu family. Unfortunately, the groom-to-be is in mourning for his mother, causing their wedding to be postponed. It will be another year before she can leave her parents' home.

After all, she wasn't his biological child, so Princess Xi didn't attach much importance to her.

"How can it be perfect when you've forgotten about Heng'er and Yunqi's maid?"

This remark implied that the third branch of the family still lacked an heir.

As soon as these words were spoken, the couple saw the main figure leisurely emerge from behind the screen. The three of them exchanged glances. The Duke of Xi rubbed his brows and pointed at the brocaded stool in front of him.

"Heng-er, take a seat."

Pei Muheng hadn't intended to sit down, but seeing his parents' posture, it was clear they wanted to have a long conversation with him. He had no choice but to join them.

With the conversation flowing, the Duchess of Xi no longer held back.

"You forbade me from interfering with the affairs of Qinghui Garden before, and I didn't want to put you in a difficult position, turning a blind eye to everything. But today, Second Sister-in-law is suffering from morning sickness again. Oh, how worried I am, Heng-ge. It's been a whole year since your marriage, and there should be some news by now."

Pei Muheng wore a black overcoat, its deep black fur cascading down to accentuate his handsome face even more, making his features appear whiter and sharper. He lowered his gaze without a word.

How could he not yearn for a child? But such matters couldn't be rushed. Moreover, although they had been married for a year, their conjugal life had only lasted half that time.

He didn't wish to burden Yunqi with pressure. "Mother, I have this matter in mind. You don't need to worry."

The Duke of Xi sat closer to Pei Muheng. Upon catching a glimpse of the sharpness in the corner of his eye, he sighed inwardly.

Pei Muheng was determined to seize the position of heir; how could he not be anxious about an heir, except that he didn't show it openly. Thus, he defended his son by saying,

"Children come into the world when the time is right. The more you rush, the more chaotic it becomes."

Princess Xi also understood this principle. Pressuring the couple would only add stress and backfire, so she decided to say no more.

Pei Muheng rose to his feet, bowed, and left Jinhé Hall. He followed the winding corridor to the side door, heading towards Qinghui Garden.

The brightly lit corridor stretched out before him. Two women patrolling the courtyard were ahead. Pei Muheng's steps were so light that they didn't notice him.

"One Young Madam is truly fortunate. Not long after giving birth to Young Master Xun, she's pregnant again. If this one turns out to be a girl, it will make a perfect pair."

"Indeed, but don't spread it around. If Head Nurse Hu, who serves the Princess, overhears, she'll scold us again. With all the good news for Second Young Master, there's been none for Third Branch. The Princess is already unhappy, so let's avoid stirring up trouble..."

"Very true..."

One of the women seemed to have stolen some fruit and was eating it, her mouth full of juice. As she wiped her mouth with her sleeve, she caught sight of someone walking slowly behind her. Dressed in a black cloak, he stood tall like a pine tree, his dark eyes deep like pools. His cold gaze seemed immersed in ink, making others dare not meet his eyes directly. Recognizing Pei Muheng, the two women were terrified and immediately fell to their knees, pounding their heads in apology.

Pei Muheng disliked gossiping women, and he frowned at them. "Go receive your punishment." Then, without looking away, he continued on his path.

Approaching the side gate of Qinghui Garden, I entered directly. There weren't many attendants in the courtyard, and the way was quiet all the way. Following the path, I stepped onto the veranda of the main house. Through the transparent, multi-colored stained glass windows, I caught a glimpse of someone seated inside.

She sat composedly behind a long table, clad in an old yet pristine white robe that set off her fair skin and lustrous black tresses. Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with a gentle glow. Apparently lost in thought, she gently propped her cheek on her hand and smiled, her radiance enhanced by the warm lamplight, casting a captivating charm around her.

Had she given birth to a child back then, she wouldn't have casually mentioned divorce. With a child in her life, she would have put down roots and no longer entertained the thought of separation.

From every perspective, Pei Muqing's yearning for a child was undeniable.

Gathering his composure, he entered the eastern antechamber as usual. Nurse Chen personally took his cloak and hung it by the screen, then served him tea.

"Back already," Xu Yunqi smiled upon hearing his approach.

Pei Muheng washed his hands and sipped his tea before taking a seat opposite her.

These past two days, Xu Yunqi had been busy sorting through the medicinal herbs he brought back from Miaojiang. Among them was a box of iron moss orchids. She picked up one and popped it into her mouth, meticulously categorizing them by size into different compartments. Pei Muheng did not wish to disturb her focus.

"You carry on with your work. I'll head to the study for a while and return later."

Xu Yunqi was slightly taken aback and quickly looked up, asking, "Is there something, Third Master?"

Pei Mucheng's expression showed some discomfort at this moment. He got up and pulled over a drum stool, sitting opposite Yunqi at the long table. Extending his arm, he revealed his slender wrist.

"Yunqi, please take my pulse."

Xu Yunqi felt a lump in her throat, and her face immediately turned more serious. "Are you unwell?"

Pei Mucheng glanced sideways at the serving Maomao Chen, who quickly bowed and retreated, dismissing everyone waiting in the corridor as well.

Once their footsteps faded away, Pei Mucheng looked at Xu Yunqi with a serious expression. "We've been married for so long, and our conjugal relations have been frequent, yet there's still no sign of good news. Check if I might be hindering our chances of having children."

Xu Yunqi was a doctor and also knew how to take care of herself. If there was an issue, it could only stem from him.

Upon hearing this, the brush in Xu Yunqi's hand slipped from her grip, and her heart tightened slightly. She remained silent for a while.

After a moment, she spoke softly, "Why do you think that way?"

Seeing her nervousness, Pei Mucheng's expression softened, and his eyes shimmered with a gentle glow. "It's always better to be prepared and investigate beforehand. It can't hurt."

Xu Yunqi's mind raced for a moment before she quickly grasped the entire situation.

During lunch today, Second Sister-in-law Li Xuanyan had covered her mouth and vomited repeatedly. Right there, she had shown signs of pregnancy, leaving Princess Xi's face frozen in shock.

Linking this incident with Pei Muheng's behavior made everything clear.

How desperate must Pei Muheng have been to doubt his own health?

A swirl of mixed emotions swirled within Xu Yunqi. After a moment of silence, she rose to wash her hands in the bathroom. Returning, she placed her hand on his wrist, closing her eyes to listen to his pulse.

After only a brief examination, Xu Yunqi released his wrist.

This man's pulse was steady and rhythmic – there was absolutely no cause for concern. Examining his complexion and palm, she found no irregularities at the corresponding acupoints.

Of course, Xu Yunqi knew better than anyone whether Pei Muheng was in good health or not.

In the past, their failure to conceive was likely due to destiny not yet aligning. Now... Xu Yunqi felt a slight discomfort in her heart, but she still managed to wear a smile on her face.

"Third Master is in perfect health."

Saying this, she lowered her gaze.

Xu Yunqi's cheeks flushed slightly. Pei Muheng assumed she was embarrassed, so he smiled softly, curled his arm around her delicate hand, and gently rubbed it for a moment. "Alright, I have some business in the study. I'll be back soon."

Pei Muheng stood up and fetched his robe from behind the screen, retying it before leaving.

Xu Yunqi's eyes followed his retreating figure until he completely disappeared through the moon gate. The light in her eyes dimmed.

If not for today's events, she was confident she could still keep it hidden.

But seeing the clear anticipation in his dark eyes, Xu Yunqi couldn't remain indifferent.

She had to tell him the truth about her inability to conceive in the near future.

Pei Muheng was never impulsive. Revealing her grandfather's matter to him would allow them, as husband and wife, to calmly analyze the situation, weigh the pros and cons, and decide whether to part ways amicably or take things one step at a time. Xu Yunqi was prepared to accept either outcome.

Determined, Xu Yunqi didn't hesitate. She went inside to change into a thicker jacket and, accompanied by Nurse Chen, headed to the study in the main courtyard.

Sometime during their conversation, a misty rain began to fall, creating a flurry of droplets. The chill in the courtyard intensified.

Nanny Chen shuddered and couldn't help asking, "Young Lady, shall this servant fetch you a cloak?"

A mist clung to Yunqi's eyebrows like a light frost. Standing in the corridor, Xu Yunqi nodded slightly.

In a moment, Nanny Chen hastily returned with a silver squirrel fur cloak. Wrapping her arms around Yunqi's back, she enveloped her warmly.

Having braved wind and rain throughout her life, few had taken such meticulous care of her. Xu Yunqi turned and smiled at Nanny Chen,

"It's cold outside. Please wait in the annex; I can go alone."

She was accustomed to not causing trouble for anyone, even servants.

Servants were people too.

Without waiting for Nanny Chen's response, she gracefully exited through the moon gate.