Chapter 30: Shangxing

Chapter 30: Shangxing

Madam Kang waved her hand, and two servants pulled her away. A pleading look appeared in her eyes as she turned to Pei Yuanxi. Pei Yuanxi looked at her sorrowfully, promising repeatedly that she would persuade Pei Yuanjun.

Hopelessness filled her, and her gaze became increasingly resentful.

Madam Shen felt relieved. Such a kind child would surely understand her. She was certain that Yuanjun wouldn't dwell on the matter of her staying in Xuanting Courtyard.

"Yuan... Yuanxi, you should move back to Xuanting Courtyard. Mother wants to..."

"No need. Mother is already stretched taking care of Yuanjun; I can't trouble you further. I am content living in the Water Pavilion, and it's also closer to Grandmother. Mother, there's no need to worry about me," Pei Yuanxi replied coolly.

"Yuanxi, Mother wants to take care of you personally. You've suffered so much these years, and Mother owes you an apology. Please move back so that Mother can make it up to you."

"Mother, things are fine now. There's no need for you to feel guilty; I won't hold any grudges against you because of this."

The more Pei Yuanxi acted this way, the more fearful Madam Shen became.

Madam Kang sighed deeply, unsure of how to advise.

Marquis Xuanping urged Pei Yuanxi to return and rest, to which she obediently excused herself. After Pei Yuanxi left, Madam Shen sorrowfully withdrew, leaning on Xiang Mang's arm as they hurried to catch up.

She hadn't gone far before she was caught up with.

In the hazy night, the young lady stood before them, her figure shimmering in the darkness. Her moonlit gaze and tranquil expression were serene, as if the person she faced held no significance.

The more she behaved this way, the more Madam Shen's heart ached, and the more at a loss she was on how to approach her.

Madam Shen despised her own carelessness. Despite her utmost caution, such an incident still occurred. She regretted her actions, especially the lie she told to clear Yuanjun's name. Surely, Pei Yuanxi would never forgive her for that.

This was her flesh and blood after all. When she heard those words—“Who gave birth doesn't matter”—her heart ached so much that it felt like it was about to break. What had she done to make her own daughter speak in such a manner?

But Yuanjun was a child she had cherished for fifteen years. How could she simply give her up?

Recalling the foolish Pei Yuanxi from just a few days ago, who adored being around her, following her like a little tail and calling her "Mother," Madam Shen's heart ached even more.

"Yuanxi, can you spare a moment to talk with your mother?"

"What does Mother wish to discuss with me?" Pei Yuanxi's voice was soft and gentle.

"I... Yuanxi, do you blame your mother?" Shen asked, her eyes filled with guilt.

Pei Yuanxi gazed into the night. "Mother, I don't blame you. None of this is your fault. I understand why you still allow Yuanjun to reside in Xuanting Courtyard. She truly has no one else to rely on but you. You've doted on her for years, and that affection can't be changed overnight."

"Thank you. I knew you would understand your mother. Don't worry... Mother will make it up to you, doubly so. Will you move back to Xuanting Courtyard? I want to take care of you personally." Tears streamed down Shen's face, her sobs rendering her speechless.

Pei Yuanxi shook her head. "Mother, one must accept both gains and losses. With Grandmother and Father's love, I cannot be greedy. Besides, you're not in the best health yourself. Taking care of Yuanjun should be enough."

"Are... you resenting me? Yuanxi... Mother's heart is truly aching..." Shen's emotions were on the verge of collapse as she clung tightly onto her hand. "Back then, during my childbirth, it was a near-death experience, and chaos ensued in Xuanting Courtyard. You were the flesh and blood I carried for ten months. Doctors said you would be my only child in this life. You can imagine how much I cherished you... Never in a thousand thoughts did I imagine that Rulan could hate me so deeply, that she would switch us..."

To say it was a life-threatening ordeal would be no exaggeration; after giving birth, she suffered from unrelenting postpartum hemorrhage, coming perilously close to losing her life. She went into premature labor, and there wasn't a single person in the household to hold things together—the matriarch was absent, as was the Marquis.

In such circumstances, the only person she could trust was someone close to her. Yet, who could have foreseen that Rulan would harbor such malevolent intentions, deliberately giving birth on the same day as her and secretly swapping their children?

In mere half a day, she seemed to have aged a decade. Her grief-stricken countenance, sorrowful eyes, and the guilt that lingered on her lips yet remained unspoken. Years of dedication washed away in an instant, and her own daughter had endured unspeakable suffering. This was a pain that no mother could bear.

Her body tottered, leaning firmly against Xiang Mang for support.

Pei Yuanxi wore a sorrowful expression, her gaze filled with empathy. She had once held hope that her mother would eventually realize the truth on her own. But her mother's actions had repeatedly disappointed her.

Indeed, she wasn't overly eager for maternal love. But who wouldn't wish for more people to cherish them? If it was destined to be impossible, it would be better to treat it as ordinary to avoid unnecessary heartache.

"Mother, do you truly have no suspicion at all about what has transpired?"

Shen's sorrowful expression froze, and her body began to tremble slightly. She had indeed harbored doubts before, but she hadn't pursued them. In fact, she should have suspected something when she and Rulan gave birth to their children almost simultaneously years ago. Why hadn't she? Perhaps it was because both had given birth to daughters, or maybe it was because she trusted those around her too much.

The past was like a dream, and her sins were unforgivable.

"I... "

"Mother must have had your suspicions, especially when Aunt Li repeatedly revealed herself recently. But you didn't investigate thoroughly. I think the truth was less acceptable to you than the idea that your daughter is a fool."

Her words were like sharp knives, cutting deeply into Shen's heart. Her already mangled heart ripped open anew, the pain leaving her unable to breathe.

She asked herself inwardly, was that the case?

She dared not dwell on the answer, for even she was afraid of knowing the truth.

"Yuanxi, I know you resent me. For my momentary neglect that caused you so much suffering. Mother was wrong... Mother truly knows her mistake now. From now on, I just want to take good care of you. Please give Mother a chance to atone for her sins." Sobbing uncontrollably, she leaned on Xiang Mang's shoulder, overwhelmed by sorrow and helplessness.

Pei Yuanxi wore a wistful expression. "I don't blame my mother, let alone hold you accountable. But I believe that most parents' love can't be divided equally; it's only natural to prioritize one over the other. If you focus on Yuanjun, you'll inevitably neglect me. Yuanjun and I are two separate entities, and you can't possibly give us both equal attention."

"I... I can... Yuanxi, please trust your mother. I really can do this," Shen said, raising her hand as if to swear an oath.

She pressed down on Shen's hand and gave a faint smile. "Mother thinks you can, but have you considered whether or not I'm willing?"

"You... You're not willing?"

"Yes, I'm not willing."

Her answer was firm and resolute. She would rather not have such a conditional form of maternal love. She understood her mother's actions, but from an outsider's perspective, they were truly lamentable.

Yet, she was the one directly involved—the noble-born daughter who had been swapped, the fool who had been poisoned despite not caring about her birth mother. During those ten years of her foolishness, the feeling of being trapped like a caged beast was seared into her memory. She couldn't simply accept it calmly.

If she agreed to her mother's request, she could already envision the future—constantly vying for favor with Pei Yuanjun, both openly and secretly. That wasn't the life she wanted, nor was it the reason she had exposed the truth.

Gently pushing away Shen's hand, she continued walking forward without looking back.

Shen stood there, frozen in place like a petrified log.

"I... What should I do?"

Amidst the sweltering night and chirping insects, no one could provide her with an answer.

Pei Yuanxi, having heard her sobs from afar, could only let out a sigh of sorrow.

Spring Moon was utterly perplexed by her young lady's decision. Now that she was the legitimate daughter, shouldn't she be residing in Xuanting Courtyard? Besides, Spring Moon could tell that the lady genuinely wished to make amends for the hardships her daughter had endured. So why would the young lady refuse her mother's olive branch? And as for Aunt Li, despite how she treated the young lady, why did the young lady still plead on her behalf?

The young lady was now much stronger than before, no longer the same person she once was. Spring Moon was unsure how to attend to her. The hesitation in her expression did not escape Pei Yuanxi's notice, who knew that Spring Moon was brimming with questions.

"Ask if you have anything on your mind."

"Um... Miss, why haven't you moved back to Xuanting Courtyard? And why did you plead for Aunt Li's sake when she treated you so poorly? Don't you hate her?"

From Spring Moon's perspective, the lady sincerely wanted to compensate for the suffering her daughter had undergone. Even if the second... or third young lady was being raised in Xuanting Courtyard, the young lady was the true legitimate daughter.

Moreover, given the young lady's distant relationship with her mother, there was a chance the lady might continue to dote on the third young lady. Was the young lady truly indifferent?

Pei Yuanxi slightly narrowed her eyes. As long as her mother still treated Pei Yuanjun as her daughter, she couldn't possibly accept her without reservation. As for Aunt Li, sometimes, living was more painful than death.

Aunt Li had plotted so much; it would be too easy to let someone like her pass away without consequence. She wanted to witness the scene of their mother and daughter reuniting – it would surely be dramatic.

"Mother is already struggling to take care of Yuanjun. How could I add to her burden? Aunt Li is Third Young Lady's birth mother, and she was also my mother at one point. I'm pleading on her behalf as a way to finally settle the fifteen years of entanglement between us."

"Miss, you truly have a kind heart," Chunyue sighed, crossing her hands in gratitude. "Good deeds will be rewarded. No wonder you regained your senses – it's a miracle from heaven."

Pei Yuanxi's expression remained calm. Perhaps it was a miracle from heaven that allowed her to regain consciousness after being foolish for ten years. But she was by no means a good person and had no intention of being a doormat.

She couldn't bring herself to repay kindness with forgiveness; an eye for an eye was her guiding principle.

Chunyue observed her young miss, silently noting how much Miss had truly changed for the better. Back then, people in the manor had always mocked her for serving a fool. Now, not only was her young miss cured, but she was also a legitimate daughter. Who would dare to laugh at her now?

"Miss, the Marquis has instructed you to get plenty of rest."

"I understand. You can leave now."

Pei Yuanxi gazed at the canopy above her, lost in thought for a long while.

It seemed like an eternity had passed, a timeless stretch that felt like the world had aged beyond recognition.

Suddenly, a familiar scent wafted in, followed by the sound of someone climbing in through the window. Instead of calling for help, she slowly sat up on the bed and gazed at the intruder.

It was still that young man, but tonight he wasn't wearing the old woman's headscarf. His hair was bound with a jade crown, and he smiled before speaking, holding a package wrapped tightly in his hand.

"Sigh, you're still awake." He approached her, his eyes locking onto hers, their faces only a palm's width apart. "I heard you were better. Have you come back?"

"Yes, I'm better now," Pei Yuanxi replied, looking into his eyes. "Did you know me before?"

If we don't know each other, why does it seem so familiar?

"Greetings," the young man spoke, lowering his head with a hint of sorrow. "I know that even if you're back, you still wouldn't recognize me right now. But it's alright, I know who you are. I think of you every day."

Confusion flickered in Pei Yuanxi's eyes, a subtle glint dancing within their depths.

Could it be that the other party is someone who has been reborn? She truly couldn't fathom how her path would intertwine with this young man in the future. Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any fortuitous encounters that could forge a deep bond between them.

Concealing her astonishment, she gazed at what he held in his hand, "You've brought baked durian again?"

He not only knew her preferences in food but also the small details she enjoyed. She couldn't explain why, despite having only met him once, she felt as if they had known each other for a long time.

This peculiar sensation was unfamiliar to her, yet she didn't reject it.

"Yes," he said cheerfully, casually sitting on the edge of her bed, seemingly oblivious to any impropriety. "I heard you like this, so I brought it especially for you. Would you like some?"

He treated her without any gender barriers; did that mean their relationship had already grown intimate to such a degree?

"Um..." She hesitated, reluctant to refuse, but she had no appetite at the moment. After a moment's thought, she suggested, "Actually, although grilled durian has its unique charm, I believe it would taste even better chilled on such a hot day."

The young man's eyes lit up, and he slapped his forehead. "Of course, of course! How could I not have thought of that? Next time, I'll bring you a chilled durian. Speaking of which, I've never tried it myself. If you say it tastes even better, then it must be even more delicious."

"Is it your favorite as well?" she inquired.

"I grew up with the scent of it," he replied, as if reminiscing, a hint of nostalgia and sorrow flickering in his eyes.

Pei Yuanjun pondered his words, her gaze deepening with thought.

She gestured for him to bring the package closer. She took a whiff and was flooded with fond memories. Despite her lack of appetite, she still made an effort to savor a few bites, supporting him with her enthusiasm.

The entire chamber was instantly filled with an indescribable scent. The young man watched her eat with a delighted smile on his face, clearly content.

"I knew you'd enjoy this just as much as I do. Others find it repulsive, but they don't understand the charm of something that smells bad yet tastes delicious. It's like a person's reputation; people form opinions based on limited knowledge, not realizing that the truth is often unexpected."

His words carried a hint of worldly wisdom.

Despite his young age, he didn't seem to be someone who had experienced life's hardships. It was hard to believe that such profound insights could come from him, reflecting his genuine feelings.

"Did you find some truth in what I said?" He chuckled. "To be honest, I don't really care what others think of me. I do what I want, without worrying about their opinions."

He was indeed a spontaneous and unpretentious person.

He shared anecdotes and tales, mentioning a distant land overseas where its inhabitants had golden hair and blue eyes or dark complexions like charcoal. He also spoke of the abundance of unique resources in that foreign land, all of which were unknown to the Ling Dynasty.

"The durian, for example, is native to that overseas region. Because I love it, I have people stationed there specifically for it. If there's anything else you'd like to try, I'll have it sourced for you."

Aware that speaking too much might reveal too much, she refrained from appearing overly familiar before knowing his background. She politely declined, saying she didn't desire anything, but inadvertently caught a fleeting look of disappointment in his eyes.

As the young man prepared to leave, he lit a stick of incense, explaining that it would dissipate the durian's odor, leaving the room completely clean within an hour.

Fixing her gaze on the half-open window, she found it impossible to envision any future entanglements with this young man.

Unable to reach a conclusion, she closed her eyes.

After the youth left, he strolled through the alleys and streets, followed by a dozen elusive shadows. Familiar with the path, he entered the Grand Marshal's residence and brazenly barged into Gongye Chu's study.

Without even lifting his head, Gongye Chu knew who had arrived.

Piled high on the desk were a mountain of reports, while behind the desk sat the elegant and aloof Grand Marshal of the Ling Dynasty. It was deep into the night, yet he was still buried in his work. Ever since Jingwu ascended the throne, this had become his daily routine.

Upon catching a whiff of a certain scent, his icy mountain-like brows knitted slightly.

"The girl is awake. Did you know?" The youth plopped down in a chair, his posture anything but proper.

Gongye Chu lifted his gaze and gave him a glance.

He wrinkled his nose. "Aren't you the least bit curious about what kind of person she is now that she's awake?"

That foolish girl?

Gongye Chu was not the slightest bit curious. Whether she was truly foolish, pretending, or had some other motive, he had no interest in it. He had never been fond of the intrigues that often unfolded among the women in the imperial household.

"Your Majesty, it's unsafe to be out this late at night. This servant will immediately dispatch someone to escort you back to the palace."

The young man in question was Emperor Jingwu, Shangxing, who had recently returned to the capital from his summer retreat. As someone who disliked bathing and feared perspiration, he preferred to stay indoors where there were ample ice basins.

It was uncommon to see someone strolling about on such a sweltering night.

Upon hearing this, Shangxing muttered softly, "There's no need for an escort. I know the way back to the palace. I've told you many times, you'll surely come to like her eventually. Why won't you believe me?"

Gongye Chu's brows knitted even tighter. The emperor had a habit of uttering eccentric remarks in his presence, and he was long accustomed to it. Yet, he was well aware of his own feelings – it was simply impossible for him to harbor affection for another, let alone such a woman.

"It's time for Your Majesty to assume direct governance," he said, casting a profound glance at Shangxing. "This way, the court officials won't accuse this subject of wielding unchecked power."

In his hands lay the lives of the imperial scions of the Shang family. The blood of the Shang lineage flowed beneath his sword, and before his eyes, he could almost see the unyielding ghosts of the Shang clan, their anguished cries for mercy and bitter curses still echoing in his ears.

Only the emperor before him was someone he spared from his vengeance.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it. Perhaps it was the dependence she had developed on him after he saved her life from drowning, or perhaps it was because he didn't harbor much interest in the imperial throne himself.

In short, he had spared the Shang family a descendant to ascend the throne.

The entire kingdom was speculating about when he would seize power.

Had this young man never considered such a possibility?

Shangxing waved it off nonchalantly. "You handle those matters. There's no need to distinguish between you and me; do as you see fit. I'm genuinely worried for you. If I could interfere, I would have arranged your marriage…."

"Gongye Chu, it's late. You should return to the palace," interrupted the emperor, his lowered eyes deep and inscrutable, uncertain whether to trust this level of faith in him.

He pouted in dissatisfaction. "Fine, fine, I get it. Anyway, you won't believe anything I say. One day, when you're hopelessly in love with her, you'll understand."

Hopelessly in love?

More nonsense.

What was the emperor's intention with his constant babbling? How could the Shang family, known for their betrayal, raise a truly virtuous ruler? It must be deliberate madness, a cunning plan hatched by one so young. Was he intentionally linking himself with that foolish girl? What was the purpose behind it all? Whose side was that foolish girl on?

Gongye Chu ignored him, burying himself once more in his book.

He reluctantly stepped away, feeling a deep sense of sorrow as he realized the other party had no intention of keeping him. Gazing at the dark sky, he let out a sigh that spoke of his weary wisdom.

"Not even the slightest hint, and yet it's impossible to tell they'll end up loving each other," he lamented.

Sigh.

It truly was vexing.

After he left, Gongye Chu appeared at the spot where he had just stood.

In the dark of night, a subtle chill would occasionally creep in. Dressed in deep purple, he blended seamlessly with the shadows. A figure silently emerged from the darkness, kneeling before him.

"Master, His Majesty said a phrase: Not even the slightest hint, and yet it's impossible to tell they'll end up loving each other."

He lowered his eyes slightly, and the figure vanished.

Loving each other?

The idea of him and that foolish girl was utterly absurd.

Does the young emperor truly believe he can deceive me with such tactics, using his seemingly insane words to cloud my judgment and seize power from my grasp in the future?

How naive.

The pitch-black darkness resembled that dense night from many years ago. The night breeze carried the stench of blood, as bodies lay scattered everywhere, their positions contorted in death.

Among those corpses were his parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the servants of his household. The nauseating odor permeated the air, mingling with the scent of earth, eventually forming an unknown mass grave outside the Eastern Capital City.

As a young boy, he stood before that pit, making the only vow of his life.

The blood debt of the Gongye family would be repaid with the blood of the Shang family.

Years later, he finally avenged his kin. On that fateful night, the blood of the Shang descendants, like before, saturated the skies above the Eastern Capital City. The Tai Ling Palace, cleansed by blood, fell silent, and he walked its empty halls as if in a realm devoid of living beings.

This world was conquered by his ancestors of the Gongye family. The Shangs, instead of showing gratitude, betrayed them; they deserved their fate.

To think the young emperor imagines a foolish woman could disrupt his mind is laughable. He is not so easily swayed or captivated by mere beauty.

Those who dare to disturb his heart shall be eradicated!

The night was eerie like the presence of ghosts, with vague outlines of tree and human shadows dancing about.

Pei Yuanxi was still awake when she suddenly sensed a draft and an overwhelming aura of deadly intent. The intensity of the murderous vibe was too overpowering to belong to any ordinary servant.

In her courtyard, there were maidservants and matrons, and Chunyue was even sleeping in the outer room. If she were to scream for them, it would only result in more lives lost.

Who wanted her dead?

This was a grand scheme indeed.

She clutched the bedsheet with both hands, desperately regulating her breath. As the murderous intent drew closer, she detected a vaguely familiar scent.

The intruder's gaze was fixed upon her face, as if countless cold arrows were whizzing past her ears. She could almost feel the chill on her cheeks.

Why hadn't they struck?

Not only did they not attack, she could sense the deadly aura gradually dissipating. Eventually, all that remained was the same faint scent she had encountered elsewhere before.

In what felt like an eternity but was only a quarter of an hour, she had braved a life-and-death ordeal. Opening her eyes as if she had survived a calamity, she found the room empty. The doors and windows were intact, yet she knew her senses couldn't have been deceiving her.

That person had been there.

But why... did that person want to kill her?