Chapter 1: Pei Yuanxi

Chapter 1: Pei Yuanxi

No place in the world can rival the splendor of the Eastern Capital City.

The Robu Well's foreign goods shop, the smoke-rain pavilions along the lengthy streets, the picturesque boats of the ten-mile Qinglong Lake, and the Quadripartite Divine Pillars at Tongyun Terrace. These are the proud and illustrious landmarks of the Eastern Capital, each with enough stories to occupy one for hours on end.

Dongdu is the capital of the Ling Dynasty, where the imperial family, noble aristocrats, and prominent clans congregate. The broad, cobblestone streets, expanded over previous dynasties, weave through the bustling alleys and markets. Before each grand gate, painted in vermillion, stand majestic stone lions, exuding an awe-inspiring authority.

The Ling Dynasty has surpassed two centuries, with Business as the royal family name.

The current emperor ascended the throne three years ago and named the country Jingwu.

The summer of Jingwu Year 3 arrived somewhat later than in previous years, bringing with it a more intense and fierce heat. Wherever the scorching wind swept, leaves curled and tree branches drooped, while the cries of the cicadas sounded weak and intermittent, pausing now and then.

The sun shines brightly, its blazing rays filling the sky.

The thoroughfares and narrow lanes of the Eastern Capital City were enveloped in a scorching heat, discouraging many from venturing outside. Those few determined souls who did venture out hurried along as if wishing to cover three steps with a single stride.

In such a season, one can only find relief from the heat by being in a chamber generously supplied with ice.

At noontime, when the sun was at its peak, most servants in the manor houses preferred to stay indoors to avoid the scorching heat. Yet, there was an idiot who seemed oblivious to the sun's intensity, crouching by the grass in search of crickets.

This fool was none other than Third Young Lady of Marquis Xuanping's residence, Pei Yuanxi.

When it came to this Third Miss Pei, one couldn't help but feel a deep sense of regret. It was said that she was once clever and vivacious, greatly pleasing Marquis Xuanping. Who could have imagined that a fall would result in her becoming mentally challenged?

"Aunt Li is still attending to Lady in her chambers. She has truly put in a lot of effort, yet she has never known a moment of respite as a loving mother. Since Third Young Lady's accident, Aunt Li has become even more devoted to Lady. Perhaps she hopes that by showing great filial piety to Lady, she will eventually gain some favor for Third Young Lady."

"Indeed, I remember when Third Young Lady was little, she was an uncommonly bright child. She began calling people by their names before turning one, and could read before reaching two. The Marquis doted on her so much that even the Eldest Young Master was overshadowed."

"What a tragedy it is for Aunt Li. If Third Young Lady were still well, she wouldn't have to lower herself constantly, working harder than even us servants. Even if she couldn't compare to Aunt Zhao, she'd surely be better off than Aunt Qiu."

"It's truly a shame. In my opinion, the problem lies with her name."

"Hush, don't say that. She might hear us."

"What are we afraid of? She's a fool, how can she understand our words?"

Two maidservants conversed under the shade of a tree, discussing the subject who lay not far away on the ground.

The young maiden appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, her apricot-colored silk skirt covered in dirt, and her floral embroidered shoes soiled beyond recognition. A thick fringe of hair concealed her forehead, now dampened by sweat and tangled into disorderly strands.

Sweat trickled down her flushed, innocent face, glistening under the scorching sun. Beneath her long, curled lashes, her large eyes were empty and devoid of sparkle, as if the moon behind a thin veil had lost its luster.

Her lips were rosy, her teeth pearly white, and her skin so delicate it seemed to break at the slightest touch – she could indeed be described as having a blossoming beauty and a moon-like complexion. It was precisely because she was mentally challenged that such an appearance was even more regrettable.

After expressing their sighs and lamentations, the two maidservants dispersed.

Once they were gone, Pei Yuanxi stood up, brushing off the dirt from her clothes, and gazed thoughtfully in the direction they had left. Standing helplessly under the blazing sun, she tilted her face upward to feel the searing heat.

It was an oppressively hot day, yet she felt strangely cold.

"Miss, you've run out again? Be careful not to get heatstroke on such a sweltering day," said a plump-faced maid who hurried over from the path, none other than Pei Yuanxi's personal maid, Chunyue.

Chunyue had been by Pei Yuanxi's side for a decade, during which time Pei Yuanxi had already become mentally challenged. Prior to this, those who had served her before her condition worsened were either sold away or demoted.

Pei Yuanxi held out her hands, revealing a rather large cricket that hopped frantically but remained trapped within her grasp. "Look, Chunyue, isn't it big? So fun to play with."

Seeing her face flushed bright red, Chunyue promptly pulled her under the shade of a tree. She fetched a handkerchief to wipe her mistress's face and hands. "Miss, if you really want to play, find a cooler spot. The midday sun is most harmful, and I'm afraid you'll fall ill."

"It's such a lovely spring month, I know. I'm not foolish, after all."

Her innocent and naive appearance seemed no more than three or four years old, yet she claimed not to be foolish. Spring Month pondered how Aunt Zhao and Aunt Qiu managed their servants, for those people always liked to gossip about the lady being silly. The lady must have heard it often and taken it to heart, remembering the word 'foolish'.

"You're certainly not foolish, those people are the fools," Spring Month comforted her. Noticing that her face was flushed and her lips were dry from the sun, she asked, "Are you thirsty, Miss?"

Pei Yuanxi nodded, feeling slightly parched. Unconsciously, she licked her lips for moisture.

Even though Spring Month attended to her every day, she couldn't help blushing at this sudden, alluring gesture. Third Young Lady was truly beautiful; why would she be labeled as a fool?

It was truly unfair of fate.

"Then, Miss, please wait here under the shade while I fetch you some iced tea," Spring Month instructed, reminding her not to wander off and promising to return quickly.

"Be quick," Pei Yuanxi waved her away, mimicking a three-year-old child.

Summer cicadas sang with all their might, one chorus after another, as if eager for attention. The backyard was like a battlefield, where those who sought prominence often fell the fastest.

Pei Yuanxi slowly lowered her head, fixating on the occasional ants crawling by. No one could fathom what was going through her mind.

A servant approached stealthily, his eyes shimmering with cunning calculation, "Third Young Lady, you're sitting here alone, playing. Where's Chunyue? Why isn't she attending to you?"

Pei Yuanxi lifted her head, her gaze dull as if she didn't recognize him at all. She replied naively, "Chunyue went to fetch tea. I'm terribly thirsty."

"Tea isn't anything special to drink. Fresh lotus seeds are much more delicious. The ones in Chengming Pool are just right, sweet and refreshing when eaten one by one." He tempted Pei Yuanxi, who seemed genuinely tempted. "Would Third Young Lady like to go pick some lotus seeds over there?"

"My stepmother has instructed me not to play by the pond," she shook her head like a rattle, her pearl pendants hanging from her hairpin swaying back and forth, mesmerizing anyone who watched.

The servants pleaded, "Third Young Lady is right here watching. Allow this servant to pluck it for you."

"Truly, do not deceive me; I am no fool," said the guileless maiden with a face of earnestness that could not conceal the childish innocence beneath her years, as if she were not even three winters old.

The servant smiled disdainfully, "Third Young Lady is certainly no fool; she is known for her wit within the Marquis's residence. How could this lowly one ever dare to deceive Third Young Lady? With no one around at present, Lady should hurry."

"Truly, do you genuinely believe I am the most cunning one?" Pei Yuanxi asked with a tilted head.

Fool, the servant chuckled inwardly, "Indeed, indeed, this servant has never come across anyone as cunning as Third Young Lady."

Pei Yuanxi's lips curled into a smile, stirring the hearts of the servants with its captivating charm. It was like a gentle breeze that swept through the sultry air, bringing a refreshing coolness to one's soul. Or perhaps it resembled a vibrant flower suddenly blooming amidst countless green leaves, illuminating the entire summer with its brilliance in an instant.

"As an intelligent person like me, no one can deceive me. Let's hurry and leave," Pei Yuanxi said eagerly, climbing up from the ground without any grace, urging him constantly to depart.

Regaining his composure, a hint of triumph from his successful scheming flickered in his eyes. He smiled ingratiatingly, yet it was utterly repulsive.

Chengming Pool is the most picturesque spot within the Marquis's estate, where lotus buds begin to swell in early summer and remain a delightful sight until the elegant lotus pods stand tall. The concubines and young ladies of the household hold this place in high esteem, frequently visiting with their attendants to admire its beauty.

At this hour, the pondside would naturally be deserted.

The emerald lotus seeds stood like tiny bowls amidst the lotus leaves, but those near the edge of the pond had long been plucked clean. Even the closest lotus pods now were beyond reach without aid.

The servant seemed to have timed it perfectly, as he found a lotus pod close to the edge of the pond. "Third Young Lady, there's one here."

Pei Yuanxi followed eagerly, looking in the direction of his outstretched hand and asking excitedly, "Where? Where is it?"

"Here, here, Third Young Lady, just step a little closer. Can you see it now?" His voice rose in pitch, betraying the excitement of a impending scheme about to unfold. "Third Young Lady, a lotus seed plucked by your own hand would taste all the sweeter. Would you like to give it a try?"

"Is that true? Will it really be sweeter?" She looked hesitant with her innocent expression, "But it seems so far away."

"Fear not, I'll hold onto Third Young Lady," the servant assured, reaching out his hand.

She deftly sidestepped and shoved him forward. He was caught off guard and unable to regain his balance, plunging into the pond. The water wasn't very deep, but since the Eastern Capital City was located in the north, most people were not skilled in swimming.

The servant frantically thrashed about in the water, crying for help at the top of his lungs.

"Entertaining, truly entertaining!" she clapped her hands by the edge of the pond, watching as the servant regained his footing and attempted to climb out. "Don't come up yet, I'm still enjoying the show. It's simply too amusing!"

The servant's eyes flashed with malevolence, ready to take drastic measures.

Picking up stones, Pei Yuanxi hurled them at him. "I told you not to come up! Get back in there, I'm not done watching!"

Her throws were both forceful and precise. One stone struck the servant in the eye, while another hit his knee. Losing his balance, he tumbled back into the water.

By the time Chunyue arrived, the servant had been soaking in the pond for a good quarter of an hour, utterly humiliated. His glare intermittently fixated on the young maiden by the pond, bitterly regretting his momentary lapse in judgment.

"Miss, why did you come here?" Chunyue hurriedly pulled her away from the pond's edge. "Auntie specifically instructed you not to venture over here."

"Yes, I remember what Auntie said. This person claimed to bring me for lotus picking, saying he'd help me. But he's so clumsy, falling into the pond and unable to climb out. What a useless fellow!"

The servant had just climbed out of the water when he heard her words, so angry that he nearly spat out blood. He couldn't reveal the truth, and fortunately, she was an idiot. Even if the matter reached the Lady, he would have an excuse, and at most, he would be scolded.

Spring Moon recognized him. "Aren't you Zhou San from Aunt Zhao's courtyard?"

"I am," Zhou San replied with a bitter expression, looking at the still eager Pei Yuanxi and hesitating to speak. "Miss Spring Moon, I must trouble you to keep this a secret for me. It's just that your young miss is too clingy. I had no choice but to bring her here because she wouldn't leave me alone."

Pei Yuanxi stared at him with her big, innocent eyes, seeing him lie through his teeth. He felt a twinge of guilt and couldn't even meet her gaze, thinking to himself that there was nothing to fear from an idiot.

Spring Moon reassured him, "Don't worry, Brother Zhou. I'll handle it."

If the young miss were to run to Chengming Pool and Aunt Zhao found out, not only would Zhou San be punished, but Spring Moon would also be in trouble. Fortunately, the young miss was safe, which was a tremendous stroke of luck.

Covering his eyes and limping away, Zhou San hurriedly left. Spring Moon quickly led her young miss away from the area.

"Miss, please don't scare your maid like that again. You mustn't come near the pool anymore."

"I know, I'm not stupid!"

Pei Yuanxi answered cheerfully, her voice echoing loudly. Hearing this from a distance, Zhou San felt a surge of old blood rise to his chest, causing a piercing pain in his heart and lungs.

It is he who is the fool.