Chapter 29: Not a Kind-Hearted Person

Chapter 29: Not a Kind-Hearted Person

When she awoke, it was her maid, Xiang Mang, who stood by the bedside, not Mother Lao. The room was illuminated by lanterns, casting a warm glow as usual.

This day should have been no different from any other, or even a joyful night, for her daughter had just come of age.

Yet, the flickering shadows jumbled in her mind, conjuring up the events of the day in the flower hall. It took her a moment to regain her composure, her expression pained and sorrowful, wishing it were all just a dream.

Xiang Mang offered her water, whispering that the young lady was still kneeling outside. As the Second and Third Young Ladies were indistinguishable, referring to the young lady couldn't be wrong, and this young lady was undoubtedly Pei Yuanjun.

She gave a bitter smile, closing her eyes heavily. No matter how much she wished it was a dream, the truth was staring her in the face. Her daughter, whom she had cared for fifteen years, was not her own, but someone else's child.

If it had been a simple mix-up, she could have considered it an extra daughter to love. But her daughter had been deliberately switched, and for the past fifteen years, she had not lived a life of ease.

"Let her kneel," she forced herself not to soften, her heart aching for Yuanxi. The pain turned into hatred after the initial hurt.

How she hated it!

Hating Rulan, hating fate, and hating herself.

Pei Yuanjun knelt outside the door, her tears having long since dried up. Her doting grandmother hadn't even spared her a glance before departing, and her already indifferent grandmother was now utterly disappointed in her.

She was no longer her mother's beloved biological daughter; she had been demoted from a legitimate daughter to a concubine-born one.

All her glory and prestige were rooted in her status as a legitimate daughter. Now that she was not, what could she possibly have left? The whispers of others, the disrespect from servants, and her mother's estrangement. Most terrifying of all, she still had that birth mother.

She was so afraid, terrified of losing everything she once possessed.

"Mother, I am your daughter, I am truly your daughter..." She repeated these words over and over again, as if by saying them enough times, she could still be the legitimate daughter of the Marquise household.

Those tender cries of 'Mother' pierced through Shen's ears like sharp blades, rending the heart she had nurtured with pain for fifteen long years. It turned out that the daughter she had cared for was someone else's child. Her heartache and self-reproach were unbearable; she felt as if living was worse than death itself.

Xiang Mang assisted her in sitting up and recounted the events that had unfolded after she had fainted. Not long after her swoon, the niece from the Li family was brought to the Marquis's residence, and indeed, she bore a striking resemblance to Pei Yuanjun.

Lady Shen had anticipated this, tears silently streaming down her face.

Outside, the voice of Pei Yuanjun persisted, her sobs intertwining with her desperate cries for her mother. She clutched her chest in agony, wishing she could rip out her heart to alleviate the pain and discomfort it caused.

In the end, she couldn't bear it any longer.

"Let her go back to rest. Tell her not to kneel anymore," she instructed Xiang Mang.

As Xiang Mang left, hope flickered in Pei Yuanjun's eyes. "Has Mother woken up? Is she going to see me?"

"Miss, you should return and rest for now. We can discuss anything else tomorrow."

Tomorrow?

Pei Yuanjun was unwilling to wait until tomorrow; she feared its arrival. After tomorrow, everyone would know that she was not the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Manor, and her birth mother was Aunt Li. The entire population of the Eastern Capital City would mock her, and the noble ladies who had once befriended her would surely look down upon her. What about her marriage with Brother Chang Yin?

She couldn't afford to wait.

"I want to see Mother... Mother, I am Yuanjun, your most cherished daughter!"

For an instant, Shen wished she could rush out. She wanted to declare that no matter who had given birth to her, she had raised Yuanjun for fifteen years, making her her daughter. But then, thoughts of the suffering her biological daughter had endured over the years stirred up her anger and hatred.

Why did heaven treat her this way? As she listened to Xiang Mang's attempts at persuasion and Yuanjun's heart-wrenching cries, she wished with all her might that none of this had ever happened.

Pei Yuanjun's voice grew increasingly shrill, but Xiang Mang's earnest pleadings had no effect whatsoever.

In the inner chamber, Madam Shen shed sorrowful tears, her heart filled with an overwhelming sense of desolation.

Suddenly, Pei Yuanjun rushed in, and Xiang Mang was utterly unable to stop her. She threw herself onto Madam Shen, weeping in choked sobs. "Mother, Mother, I am your daughter, I truly am... Didn't you love me the most?"

Madam Shen felt bitter in her heart and on her tongue, longing to push her away, but alas, the other woman's grip was steadfast and unyielding.

She dared not let go, for he was her sole source of support. Without her mother's love and protection, in the depths of this marquis's residence, even the servants might dare to trample upon her in the days to come.

"Mother, it doesn't matter who gave birth to me. In my heart, you are my true mother, and I recognize no one else."

This statement echoed the sentiment expressed by Pei Yuanxi, but it carried a different weight when heard by others. Pei Yuanxi made her remark out of disregard for her status as a legitimate daughter, whereas Pei Yuanjun spoke from a desire to hold onto that position.

Even Xiang Mang could discern Pei Yuanjun's intentions, let alone Shen.

Shen was aware that there was a degree of sincerity in Pei Yuanjun's words. After all, she had been the girl's mother for fifteen years; the bond between mother and daughter couldn't be severed so easily. For those fifteen years, she had doted on Yuanjun, shielding and nurturing her with all her heart. How could she willingly accept that her efforts over a decade had been misplaced?

"No matter whose child you are, I... am still your mother."

It was the truth.

What Pei Yuanjun sought wasn't this statement; she yearned for her mother's unwavering affection. "Mother, I don't want to leave you. I want to stay by your side forever."

This stirred another wave of pain in Madam Shen, a tormenting agony that felt like fresh blood gushing forth.

In the end, she managed to utter a single word: "Alright."

Swapping a legitimate child for a concubine's was an intolerable offense in any noble household.

Needless to say, Lady Kang and Marquis Xuanping were busy until late into the night, their discoveries only amplifying their shock. On the day Madam Shen gave birth, Lady Kang had conveniently been away from the residence, paying respects at a temple outside the city walls. Coincidentally, Marquis Xuanping had gone to fetch her and spent the night at the temple.

By the time the mother and son returned, two young misses had already been added to the household.

Had this incident not occurred, they might never have delved deeper into the matter. Now, it seemed clear that Aunt Li had deliberately chosen that day to make her move. According to Mama Lao's recollection, Aunt Li, still heavily pregnant, had served Madam Shen her meal and stayed by her side until she finished eating.

That very night, Madam Shen went into labor.

It seemed that both women had timed their labors with ulterior motives. Kang Shi was secretly relieved that Pei Yuanxi had been incapacitated for ten years; otherwise, she would have long fallen victim to Aunt Li's schemes.

Aunt Li refused to utter another word under any circumstances. She appeared lifeless, her face pale and her eyes tightly shut. Neither protesting nor explaining, she had resolved to feign ignorance.

She was determined to play deaf and dumb.

"You might think we'd be swayed by Yuanjun's words, but you couldn't be more wrong," Kang Shi saw through her ploy. "By putting on this act, you hope to cloud the truth. Save your effort; given what you've done to Yuanxi, do you dare claim she's your own flesh and blood?"

Aunt Li's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but her eyes remained closed.

Kang Shi continued, "Yuanjun is a lady of the Marquis household. No matter how many faults you may have, the household won't abandon her. However, with you as her birth mother, her future marriage prospects will undoubtedly be challenging. Forget about the alliance with the Marquis Changqi's family."

Aunt Li's eyes snapped open, her breaths quickening.

Marquis Xuanping turned away in disgust, unwilling to spare her another glance. His Yuanxi was such a wonderful child, and even if she wasn't biologically hers, Aunt Li had no right to harm her.

"Doesn't Lady's deep affection for Yuanjun stir any guilt within you?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of mockery flickered across Aunt Li's face before she shut her eyes once more.

"Guilty?"

Of course not.

She refused to believe Lady Lin's words and stubbornly insisted that she, too, was a daughter of the Marquis's household. Born of the same father, why should she be deemed a servant while others were masters?

Judging by your demeanor, you haven't learned your lesson even in the face of death," Marquis Xuanping said with a stern expression, his disdain deepening.

At this moment, Madam Shen approached, supporting Xiang Mang's hand.

As a servant for many years, Madam Shen believed she had never mistreated her. "Why? Even if you switched my child, why couldn't you have been kinder to her?"

What else could it be but resentment? Whose fault was it that the child was too clever and had already won the favor of the Marquis? She had spent half her life as a servant, and now her daughter not only had to become a lady, but she also wanted that child to serve her daughter as a slave, just as she once did.

Why had she visited the Xuanting Courtyard every day for so many years?

Firstly, to see her own flesh and blood daily, and secondly, to scheme for the Lady's compassion towards that child, hoping she would become her daughter's companion wife.

How delighted she had been upon hearing that child's words that day, thinking that her years of planning were finally coming to fruition. Little did she know that joy came and went too swiftly.

That child, being an idiot, refused to become a concubine. How could she permit such defiance? Thus, in a fit of anger, she knocked over the candlestand. Witnessing Marquis Xuanping and the Eldest Young Master defending that child, her heart turned cold.

Why had she been kind to that child? Never before had she wished so fervently for that child's early demise.

Madam Shen cried until she convulsed. "Rulan, how could you do this to me... What am I supposed to do? What should I do?"

Her daughter, as well as Yuanjun, what was she to do about them?

Madam Kang patted her back. "Do whatever needs to be done. Yuanjun is a concubine's daughter, so she'll follow the rules for one. As for Yuanxi, she is a legitimate daughter and should regain the dignity due to her status."

Aunt Li's body trembled slightly, her head hanging low.

Marquis Xuanping spoke up. "Yuanxi has suffered for so many years. You must strive to make amends in the future."

With swollen eyes, Madam Shen nodded vigorously.

Mother Lao, as a trusted servant, had committed a grave oversight. According to Madam Kang's suggestion, she should have been sold away. Madam Shen intervened, pleading for Mother Lao's mercy.

Mother Lao wept bitterly, insisting that she deserved punishment and acknowledging her fault and carelessness. In the end, she was only punished with a year's loss of monthly allowance and twenty strokes of the cane, still retaining her position serving in Xuanting Courtyard.

As for Pei Yuanjun, Shen thought for a moment and discussed with Lady Kang about not moving her just yet, allowing her to remain in the Xuanting Courtyard.

"Have you thought this through? With Yuanjun still by your side, how will you interact with Yuanxi?" Lady Kang asked.

Shen hated Aunt Li and blamed herself for being careless, but she truly couldn't direct her anger at Pei Yuanjun. Fifteen years of mother-daughter affection wasn't something that could be easily dismissed.

"Mother, my heart is still in turmoil. I don't know what to do... I really don't know... What has Yuanjun done wrong? My Yuanxi is so pitiful..."

Lady Kang sighed. What could be the fault of the children when it was Lady Li who was truly at fault?

Considering Marquis Xuanping's temperament, Aunt Li wouldn't survive the night. Lady Kang had her own calculations—Lady Li must die, but not tonight. A few more days of life would only make the cleanup more efficient.

When the matter was settled, Pei Yuanxi arrived.

Marquis Xuanping hurriedly asked, "Is your head still hurting? Why aren't you resting?"

How could Pei Yuanxi possibly sleep? Her headache had subsided.

Shen looked at her eagerly. She greeted her mother in a proper manner. Upon hearing the outcome of Mama Lao's punishment and that Pei Yuanjun would still reside in the Xuanting Courtyard, she wasn't surprised.

Her mother must still trust Nurse Lao, and surely still harbor maternal affection for Pei Yuanjun. She had awoken to witness such events herself, transported through time. Yet, she could not reveal this to others, nor would they be likely to believe her. This was a secret that belonged solely to her.

Madam Kang consoled her with tenderness, "Your father and I have investigated this matter thoroughly. Now, rest assured and focus on healing your wounds. From now on, you are the rightful second young lady of our Marquisate. Whatever you have missed out on, Grandmother will make sure to provide for you."

Pei Yuanxi shook her head. "Grandmother, Father, I don't care about such matters. Things can remain as they were before. I only came to visit my aunt; I have some words I wish to share with her."

Marquis Xuanping could not tolerate such words from her, which only intensified his hatred towards Aunt Li.

Given the chaos that has ensued, the fact that his Yuanxi still wishes to visit this woman demonstrates what an incredibly kind-hearted child she is. What manner of heart does this Lady Li possess, to be so relentlessly ruthless?

Aunt Li had already opened her eyes upon hearing her voice. Her withered expression held an indescribable eeriness, and the gaze she cast upon her was equally peculiar.

Undaunted, Third Young Lady drew closer.

What was there to fear from someone bound hand and foot?

"Mother," she called softly, as if no barriers existed between them.

Looking at her, Aunt Li surprisingly revealed a hint of relief. "I'm truly glad that Third Young Lady still came to see me. I don't care what others say about me; all I wish for is a safe and peaceful life for you in the future."

Addressing her still as Third Young Lady, they probably think there's still a chance to turn the tables.

"Rest assured, Auntie, I am a lady of the Marquis Xuanping's household. Our Pei family has flourished for a century; I am destined to live a life of peace and security. You once told me that you wished for me to serve Lady Yuanjun as devotedly as you served Madam. I must beg your pardon, but on this point, I cannot comply. Being a lady of the marquisate, I cannot allow myself to lower my station to that of a servant. Furthermore, although Yuanjun was raised under Mother's care, she is still my sister. How could I possibly attend to her as if I were a mere maidservant?"

She spoke each word deliberately, without any apparent resentment. It was as if she was unfolding a story gently, with barely any fluctuation in her emotions. Only a subtle sense of sorrow permeated her words.

Madam Kang was slightly distant, but she heard this clearly. Her anger could not be described.

Well played, Lady Li. So this is how she taught Yuanxi in the past. To make one young lady serve another as a maid - what an ingenious notion. Such a venomous woman cannot be allowed to remain.

Aunt Li's expression turned grim, and before she could speak, Pei Yuanxi started to cry.

"Aunt, I don't blame you. I understand that you're doing this for your daughter, that you want her to be the legitimate child instead of a concubine's child. But now that the truth has come out, tell me, was what you said about her thin destiny really true? If it is, what should we do about Yuanjun?"

Madam Kang shuddered and looked at Aunt Li. If Aunt Li admitted it was true, then it was Yuanjun with the thin destiny. If she denied it, it would prove that she had been lying all along.

Aunt Li replied, "Belief creates reality, disbelief nullifies it. Third Young Lady, asking me won't change anything."

"I know Aunt wouldn't tell the truth, but I'm worried about Yuanjun. Suddenly, she's gone from being a legitimate daughter to a concubine's child, and now she bears the burden of this thin destiny label. She doesn't even know that you were seeking a husband for her. How devastated she would be if she found out."

Aunt Li's gaze turned menacing.

Pei Yuanxi appeared oblivious, her voice laced with sorrow and hoarseness. "Aunt Li, I know you've dedicated your life to planning for Yuanjun's future. You allowed her to occupy the position of my legitimate daughter, to bask in the glory that was rightfully mine. Unfortunately, now that the truth has come to light, Marquis Changqi's residence will not, under any circumstances, take her as their bride. Forget about a marquis's household, even an ordinary family would likely avoid her."

Aunt Li's terrifying stare seemed capable of devouring someone. "Y-You... Y-You're lying!"

Pei Yuanxi burst into tears. "Aunt Li, don't worry. I won't compete with Yuanjun, I won't vie with her for anything. If she wishes to contend with me, I'll willingly give her everything I have."

Including all the sufferings she had endured.

Aunt Li understood the underlying message: Yuanjun was warning her that if she dared to vie with Pei Yuanjun, she would retaliate in kind. This child... was terrifying. It was all deliberate, intentionally said for Aunt Li's benefit. She was issuing a threat – what, exactly, did she intend to do?

At the tender age of five, she was astoundingly clever, yet who would have thought she would remain so after all these years of seeming simplicity. Had she known this would be the case... she truly should have...

"On what grounds do you forbid it? Lady Second was nurtured by Madam herself. You couldn't compete with her even if you tried."

A needle seemed to pierce through Shen's heart, and she instinctively turned her gaze towards Pei Yuanxi.

Not a hint of anger marred Pei Yuanxi's face as she cast a meaningful glance outward, toward the spot where Mama Lao had been punished with the cane not long ago. "I am aware that Yuanjun was raised by Mother, and I do not take issue with that. As a daughter of the Marquis's household, I am already blessed with the love of my grandmother and father."

Aunt Li's face contorted with fury. What kind of child was this?

From a young age, she had been clever to the point of being almost supernatural. If others couldn't decipher the hidden meaning behind those words, how could she fail to understand? This was a warning that in the Marquis' residence, with the favor of the Elder Madam and the Marquis, as well as the Lady's affection, she, Yuanxi, didn't need to care. That casual glance the girl had cast just now was enough to make Aunt Li tremble with fear.

She couldn't help but suspect if the girl knew more than she let on.

No, that couldn't be possible.

No one would have discovered anything.

"You think that's enough? Listen to your aunt, nothing is more important than your own life. No matter how brilliant you are, it's all for naught if you don't have the chance to live."

Fixing Aunt Li with a peculiar gaze, Pei Yuanxi spoke in a low voice, "Whether I can live or how long I will live is none of your concern. I'll definitely outlive you. I'm not a benevolent person; even in death, I'll drag someone down with me. Since we were born on the same year, month, and day, we can certainly die on the same year, month, and day."

Aunt Li instantly lost her mind, bellowing in rage, "You dare... You, you wretched girl!"

Marquis Xuanping's face turned ashen, nearly rushing forward, but he was stopped by a sharp glance from Concubine Kang.

Concubine Kang sneered, "Refusing to repent even at this moment? Then you'd better remain silent from now on."

A dose of the silencing potion ensured that Aunt Li would never utter another word, even if she wished to. At this point, whether she admitted to her actions or not made little difference. Such a venomous woman could only bring calamity if allowed to remain.

Those unwavering eyes, filled with defiance, locked onto Pei Yuanxi. Undaunted and unflinching, Yuanxi even offered a subtle smile.

How could this be the demeanor of a fifteen-year-old maiden? It was evident that she was a deceptive demon in disguise. It was a pity that Aunt Li was unable to speak; otherwise, she would have surely shouted these words out loud at this moment.

"Father, Aunt Li is, after all, Yuanjun's birth mother. They have yet to be properly reunited. Given Yuanjun's usual rationality, she will surely remember her birth mother once the matter has passed."

Marquis Xuanping seemed lost in thought as he gazed at Lady Kang.

Madam Kang realized the validity of this reasoning. After all, Yuanjun was still the lady of the Marquis Xuanping's household, and Li was her biological mother, no matter how cruel she might be. Perhaps one day, when Yuanjun came to her senses, she would remember her mother. If Li were to pass away by then, Yuanjun might hold a grudge against them for it. They should not bear the burden of being the villains in this scenario.

"My child, you truly have a kind heart. Despite her grave mistake, you still wish to spare her life. It's admirable that you consider others even after all the hardships you've endured," Madam Kang said with affection.

Aunt Li had no desire to live. She knew that as long as she breathed, she would be a thorn in Shen's side and a blemish on Pei Yuanjun's reputation. Only with her death would Shen gradually forget her misdeeds and treat their daughter kindly.

She sobbed and glared at Pei Yuanxi.

"You wicked woman, Yuanxi is merciful enough to plead for you, but you deserve nothing less than death," Marquis Xuanping exclaimed angrily.

A pained expression crossed Pei Yuanxi's face. "I'm afraid Aunt Li is well aware of her heinous crimes and has decided to seek death. What if she can't bear the thought?"

"Her will to live or die is not in her control. Don't worry, Father knows what to do."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Li's anger transformed into fear.

Pei Yuanxi looked at her with pity in her eyes. "Aunt Li, you must live on. Not for anyone else, but for Yuanjun's sake, you cannot give up."

Her fear intensified, for she understood the hidden meaning behind Pei Yuanxi's words.

Yet, what followed was even more chilling. Pei Yuanxi continued, "Aunt Li, I will persuade Yuanjun to visit you. I believe there will come a day when she acknowledges you as her birth mother."

These words sent a shiver down her spine.