Chapter 5 – Display of Virtue

Chapter 5 - Display of Virtue

Aunt Li knelt outside the Xuanting Courtyard before dawn broke. When Madam Shen heard the servants' report, she sighed. Marquis Xuanping had yet to leave for the morning court session, and upon hearing this news, his brows furrowed in anger.

Madam Shen rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on. If it were anyone else, they would be overjoyed that their daughter was receiving the marquis's attention. But why did Rulan seem to be facing an enemy, so frightened and nervous?

Just as she was about to speak up for Aunt Li, Marquis Xuanping stormed out, his fury like a whirlwind.

In the faint gray light, Aunt Li's hair was disheveled, and dark circles showed beneath her eyes, indicating she had not slept all night. Her expression was solemn, and her gaze resolute as she saw Marquis Xuanping approach. She bowed her head repeatedly.

"Marquis, your servant is guilty."

Startled, Madam Shen asked, "What do you mean?"

"Your servant secretly consulted a renowned monk years ago to divine Third Young Lady's fate. He said her life would be like a willow petal, unable to receive blessings. At first, I didn't believe it, but Marquis, you know how intelligent and lovely she was when she was young. Who could have predicted her current state? Third Young Lady has a thin destiny. Not only can she not handle your special attention and personal tutoring, but even ordinary good fortune might be too much for her. I beg you to reconsider your decision."

Madam Shen had never heard Aunt Li mention the monk's divination before. Clearly, it was not a favorable prediction, and Aunt Li would not have brought it up unless it was absolutely necessary.

Marquis Xuanping's face was ashen, his glare fixed on Aunt Li. He had spent time with Sanniang the day before, and he was certain she was not irredeemably foolish. He believed that with proper guidance, his Sanniang would surpass many other young ladies.

Aunt Li was shortsighted, actually invoking the notion of fate. Clearly, it was her own negligence and the servants' dereliction of duty that had made Sanniang an idiot.

"Ridiculous? What thin destiny? You mean my daughter, the noble Third Young Lady of the Marquis's household, can't even bear a bit of good fortune?"

Kneeling and weeping bitterly, Aunt Li looked pitiful. "My Lord Marquis, I am guilty. Knowing about Third Lady's destiny, I kept silent all along. The monk said not only is she fated with little fortune, but others would also suffer if they forcefully bestow blessings upon her. My Lord, you are the head of this household, the sky of the Marquis's residence. You are already exhausted from your constant busyness; how could I let Sanniang bother you? It's Third Lady's blessing that you care for her, but she's fragile. I was afraid that too much good fortune might harm her and even injure you."

Her words made Madam Shen ponder. Back then, the Marquis had adored Sanniang, who then had an accident and became foolish. Could it be that her destiny was truly so weak she couldn't withstand it?

Like her, Rulan also had only one daughter. Putting herself in their shoes, Madam Shen believed that nothing was more important than Yuanjun's safety and health, no matter how prosperous they were.

Marquis Xuanping, however, was seething with anger, growing more disgusted by Aunt Li. He had never heard of someone so destitute of fortune that they couldn't even accept their parents' love.

With such a destiny, she should be a celestial calamity or a lonely star.

Yet, he was still alive and well!

"It's clear that you didn't take proper care of your child and failed to discipline the servants, resulting in Sanniang's fall. Now, you say my daughter is so ill-fated that she doesn't deserve her parents' affection? If that's true, why haven't you, as her biological mother, been affected?"

Aunt Li grew more distraught. "My Lord Marquis, these years, I dared not enjoy a single day of leisure, nor did I seek any of your favor, all for the sake of Third Lady."

Born into humble origins, you willingly chose to be a servant. Why involve my daughter in your affairs? Since you enjoy being a servant so much, I'll indulge you. Aunt Qiu has recently become with child and her courtyard is short-handed. You shall go there to assist. As for Sanniang, you won't have to worry about her anymore."

Madam Shen was startled but quickly responded with a respectful "As you wish" when she heard Marquis Xuanping's words. It seemed that he had completely taken offense at Rulan and intended to entrust the upbringing of Third Young Lady to her.

She didn't mind taking care of another child, but she couldn't help feeling that the marquis's decision was somewhat inappropriate.

Marquis Xuanping couldn't bear to look at Aunt Li, nor did he understand why he held such disdain for this woman. In the past, she appeared gentle and submissive, with a plump face that was pleasing to the eye. But in recent years, her high cheekbones and constant frown only brought him displeasure.

"Get out of my way!"

He brushed his sleeves and kicked her aside before leaving the Xuanting Courtyard without a backward glance.

Aunt Li fell to the ground, weeping pitifully. Her current state was utterly humiliating, and Madam Shen, who had served alongside her for many years, couldn't help but feel sympathy.

Marquis Xuanping had never shown such loathing towards any servant before, let alone a concubine who had borne him children.

"Why put yourself through this?" Madam Shen shook her head.

Aunt Li sobbed, "I truly have no choice, Your Servant has no other expectations. I only wish for Third Young Lady to live a safe life, even if she were to be... a simpleton."

As both were mothers, Madam Shen understood Aunt Li's sentiments. Reflecting on her actions over the years, she admired how Aunt Li had poured her heart and soul into caring for Third Young Lady.

Indeed, a parent's love for their child was boundless; when it came to their daughter's destiny, a mother would be cautious even against the slightest possibility of harm. However, since Marquis Xuanping had given his orders, Madam Shen dared not defy him.

She softly persuaded Aunt Li to return home and then instructed someone to inform Aunt Qiu of the situation. With Aunt Qiu's pregnancy, the courtyard indeed needed more assistance. As fellow concubines, Aunt Qiu wouldn't be foolish enough to deliberately belittle Aunt Li.

Pei Yuanxi was naturally taken to Xuanting Courtyard. Watching the young lady's blissful ignorance of her aunt's struggles, Madam Shen could only let out a long sigh.

Fuming, Marquis Xuanping rushed to the imperial palace. Ordinary nobles might only make token appearances at court once or twice a month. But as a first-class marquis with actual responsibilities, he, due to his position as a middle-ranking general, had to attend court alongside other civil and military officials.

Emperor Jingwu, Shangxing, had yet to reach his sixteenth year when the state affairs were typically managed by the Grand Tutor, Gongye Chu. Shangxing was merely a prince, born from a fleeting affair between the previous emperor and a palace maid, ranking ninth among all the imperial sons.

The late emperor was known for his fondness of beauty and his numerous offspring, resulting in sixteen imperial princes. Among them, Shangxing was neither the eldest nor the crown prince, nor did he possess any extraordinary qualities. It was precisely this very aspect that attracted Gongye Chu, who then eliminated all the princes to pave the way for Shangxing's ascension to power.

After Shangxing ascended to the throne, he became utterly obedient to Gongye Chu, to the extent that he would have willingly handed over the imperial reigns. Gongye Chu, known for his autocratic nature, left no prominent family in Eastern Capital City untouched by his disregard. Marquis Xuanping owed his favorable position solely to the fortune of having an elderly marquis as his predecessor, who had passed away early.

The late Marquis Xuanping passed away too soon, leaving no legitimate younger brothers or sisters for him, nor any half-siblings from concubines. Hence, during the reign of the previous emperor, there were no Pei family ladies in the palace.

The concubine with whom Marquis Xuanping's wife was on friendly terms was a childless imperial consort. Out of consideration for his reputation, Gongye Chu had deliberately found Shangxing an aristocratic stepmother figure to maintain appearances within the palace.

This summer's scorching heat was particularly intense, and the young emperor had long since left the palace to seek refuge from it, seemingly unconcerned about whether his kingdom might be seized by Gongye Chu.

These courtiers spent each day presenting their counsel to Gongye Chu, who had taken on the responsibilities of governing. He did not conduct official business in the main Qinghe Hall but in a side chamber instead.

Marquis Xuanping, intent on showcasing his daughter's talents, deliberately presented a piece of calligraphy written by Pei Yuanxi to Minister Zhang, the Grand Secretary. Minister Zhang was an enthusiast of fine calligraphy; upon seeing it, he was immediately astounded.

"This script is delicate yet graceful, seemingly the work of a woman, yet it possesses a grandeur and vigor that transcends the feminine. I wonder whose masterful brushstroke this could be?"

Marquis Xuanping stroked his beard, playingfully withholding the answer, his eyes shimmering with pride.

Magistrate Zhang continued, "I wonder if Lord Pei could kindly introduce me to them?"

Several officials turned their attention, and Marquis Xuanping, sensing the situation, waved his hand dismissively. He nonchalantly replied, "Introducing you might be a bit difficult, for this calligraphy isn't the work of any renowned master but rather a casual piece written by my youngest daughter."

It was common knowledge that he had several daughters.

One of them praised, "Lord Pei truly knows how to raise daughters. I've long heard that your eldest miss is a talented woman, and today's encounter confirms those rumors."

Marquis Xuanping piqued their curiosity. "It's not my eldest daughter."

"Is that your second daughter?" someone ventured.

He still shook his head.

Lord Zhang frowned. "Surely not your youngest daughter? So young and already so skilled?"

Again, he shook his head.

Now, the crowd grew curious.

Someone gasped, "Lord Pei, don't tell us this calligraphy is from your Third Young Lady?"

"It is indeed," Marquis Xuanping replied with a smile.

The crowd buzzed with discussion, all claiming that Marquis Xuanping was toying with them. Who didn't know that his Third Young Lady was known as a simpleton? How could she possibly produce such excellent calligraphy?

If Lord Zhang didn't believe it, how could General Bengwei Hong Shiwu, who had always clashed with Marquis Xuanping, do so? General Hong opposed Marquis Xuanping because he disliked how, as a military officer, he often associated with the civil servants.

"Where did you buy this calligraphy, Lord Pei, to use it to embellish your daughter's reputation? It might be believable if you claimed it was done by your first or second daughter, but insisting it's from your Third Young Lady? Are you mocking us? Do you know where we are? This is the Qinghe Hall! Such audacity will not be tolerated here!"

Marquis Xuanping deliberately showcased his daughter's calligraphy, not only to earn her a good reputation but also to provoke General Hong. General Hong had a daughter who was tomboyish and illiterate, her scribbles were the butt of jokes among the noble ladies in the Eastern Capital City.

Feeling sympathy for his daughter and unable to bear her being ridiculed, General Hong sought to deflect the mockery. Pei Yuanxi, being a simple-minded girl, was a suitable target. His daughter, no matter how disinclined to study or how poor her handwriting, was still better than a fool.

Over time, their rivalry intensified.

"I can't just randomly claim that it's my third daughter's work. If anyone doubts me, they are free to visit my residence and verify if these characters are indeed the handwriting of my Sanniang."

"Really?" Lord Zhang perked up. Marquis Xuanping was known for his honesty; he'd often praised his third daughter's intelligence in the past. Perhaps these words were indeed written by his Third Young Lady. "In that case, I must pay a visit."

"You're always welcome," replied Marquis Xuanping, determined to vent his frustration. Glancing at General Hong with disdain, he continued, "For years, I've heard people calling my Sanniang a fool. There are always those eager to step on her to show off their own daughters' superiority, unaware that their daughters are inferior even to a fool."

General Hong's anger flared, his face flushed red. "Who are you referring to?"

"Let the guilty party respond if they dare," said Marquis Xuanping, still simmering from Aunt Li's provocations earlier. He carefully tucked away the piece of calligraphy, "People of distinction often have peculiar traits, and my Sanniang is no exception. She's not foolish, it's society that fails to understand."

At that moment, an announcement was made that the Grand Commander had arrived.

All the civil and military officials lined up to greet Gongye Chu. Marquis Xuanping, standing among the military officers, watched as a figure clad in a deep purple dragon robe swept past like a gust of wind.

The crowd fell into an eerie silence, and then they proceeded in a orderly manner into the side palace.