Chapter 38: Playing the Victim

Chapter 38: Playing the Victim

The unrest of the night echoed throughout the restless souls.

For Pei Yuanjun, confined within her quarters, each day felt like an eternity. Unlike before, she dared not vent her anger by smashing objects, for there was little left to break.

She despised Madam Shen.

The food that Han Shuang had fetched was thoroughly cold, a far cry from her usual fare. She could not bring herself to take a single bite. The mother who once doted on her had turned her back, allowing the servants to belittle her.

Those damned servants would pay dearly when her confinement ended.

"Did you say Mother hasn't returned yet?" she inquired of Han Shuang.

"Yes," Han Shuang replied softly.

The room felt unusually warm, so she had intentionally asked Han Shuang to remove the ice basin. Lying under the covers, she waited patiently, but Madam Shen never returned to Xuanting Courtyard.

She wanted to play the role of a suffering victim, hoping to regain Madam Shen's affection.

The sweltering heat and her mounting irritation made her increasingly impatient. Her mother must be with that fool. To not return so late, they must be sharing a meal and engaging in conversation.

Thoughts of those former privileges, uniquely hers, fuel her growing discontent and hatred.

"Go and check once more, I refuse to believe that Mother won't return tonight!"

Hanchang lowered her head and left the room. Shortly after, she coughed loudly outside. Inside, Pei Yuanjun immediately threw herself onto the bed, appearing weak and lifeless.

Footsteps drew near, and Madam Shen had already entered.

Weakly, Pei Yuanjun struggled to rise from her bed and bowed, her face pale with exertion from the sweat.

"Madam, Miss has been copying books all day without eating a single bite of food," said Han Shuang, pointing to the stack of papers on the desk.

Madam Shen followed Han Shuang's gaze and slowly walked over to pick up one of the sheets. It was a copy of the Classic of Filial Piety, a thick pile of over twenty pages.

"You copied this?" she asked Pei Yuanjun.

Pei Yuanjun nodded. "Mother's kindness to me is like a towering mountain, and I have nothing adequate to repay it. Reflecting on Mother's benevolence only makes me more determined to be filial in the future."

"That's an interesting idea." Madam Shen put down the paper in her hand, revealing no trace of emotion or delight on her face. She approached Pei Yuanjun and spoke sternly, "Hold out your hands for me to see."

Confused, Pei Yuanjun hesitantly extended both her hands. Her rounded fingers were delicate with smooth skin, each one long and slender like a piece of jade, a clear indication of a well-cared-for lady from a prominent family.

Madam Shen then said to Han Shuang, "Show me your hands."

Han Shuang, seemingly understanding something, reached out her hands with a pale face. There were signs of prolonged pen usage on Han Shuang's fingertips, while there were none on Pei Yuanjun's.

Pei Yuanjun seemed to comprehend as well, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead.

Madam Shen's gaze turned cold. "So you plan to be filial to me in the future, is this how you show your filial piety? Those books were clearly copied by Han Shuang, yet you claim they're yours! All those previous claims of practicing calligraphy and copying books, they were all done by Han Shuang on your behalf."

Pei Yuanjun was startled. She had never seen Madam Shen give her a cold shoulder before. Even when she discovered that she was not the legitimate daughter, her mother had never raised her voice at her.

The sudden scolding left her dazed, unable to utter a single word of defense. Madam Shen's cold expression filled her with immense fear, making her wonder why her mother, who had once shown concern for her, seemed like a different person now.

Madam Shen might not have been able to truly harden her heart against the child she had raised for fifteen years. However, the thought of her life being ruined by someone while she was oblivious, like a fool or a blind person, made her hatred far outweigh any remaining affection.

Yuanxi was right. Yuanjun's wickedness was ingrained, like a sour jujube tree could never bear apples. Copying books and showing filial piety—she could put on a performance for these too.

"Indeed, you are your aunt's own flesh and blood, unable to hold your own in high society," Madam Shen's words froze Pei Yuanjun to the core.

"Mother, please... please let me explain..."

"There's no need." Madam Shen coldly interrupted her, refusing to meet the look of regret and remorse on her face. "You were not born of my womb, so it is indeed inappropriate for you to remain in my courtyard. Move out immediately, right now!"

A few matrons entered, each of them on high alert.

Upon seeing this situation, how could she continue her act? She rushed over, knelt before Shen, and embraced her, "Mother, I'm Yuanjun. The daughter you've raised for fifteen years and cherished with love. Please don't send me away. I'll listen to you from now on, I really will change..."

A hint of reluctance flashed in Shen's eyes. "As your stepmother's daughter, you should return to your original position. Rise, Mother will escort you there."

Pei Yuanjun cried out desperately, refusing to get up from kneeling.

At Shen's gesture, the servant woman had already started packing Pei Yuanjun's belongings. Seeing the signs, Han Shuang quickly helped with the packing, her heart churning with shock. Never did she expect Lady to have Miss move out in the middle of the night.

Back when Madam Hu had cleaned up once, Pei Yuanjun didn't have many possessions left. The servant women were efficient, and soon everything was packed and ready.

"Let's go," Shen instructed, lifting her leg. Pei Yuanjun fell to the ground in tears.

The maidservants supported her, leaving her with no choice but to follow.

Their destination was Aunt Li's former courtyard. Earlier, when Marquis Xuanping had ordered Pei Yuanxi to move to the pavilion by the water, it was because that courtyard had been burned and was uninhabitable. It had since been restored and was now ready for occupancy.

As Pei Yuanjun left the Xuanting Courtyard, this was indeed where she belonged.

Not only was the location secluded, but the courtyard was also quite primitive. With Aunt Li living in misery all these years, how could she have bothered to decorate her residence?

Moving from the Xuanting Courtyard to this humble abode was like descending from heaven to earth. The former was refined and meticulously cared for, while the latter was simple and old-fashioned. The grayish houses had faded wooden lacquer furniture. There were no exquisite carved decorations or luxurious interior furnishings.

In Pei Yuanjun's eyes, this was no place for human habitation. Under the cover of night, the courtyard appeared even more dilapidated. Cracked walls, worn-out arrangements, and occasional scurrying creatures – like rats or something else – added to the desolation.

"Ahh!" she cried out. "Mother, I don't want to live here! This is not a place for people!"

Upon hearing this, Shen's fingers dug into her flesh.

This was the very place where her own daughter, Yuanxi, had grown up. Ping Zhen's words stung – she was indeed foolish, utterly foolish and naive.

"Yuanxi lived here for fifteen years – why can't you?" Her voice was icy, with the faint sound of her teeth clashing together. "This is where you belong, and you'll remain confined here. As a concubine's daughter, remember your place and never yearn for what doesn't belong to you. We've been mother and daughter, so I hope you'll take heed."

Pei Yuanjun collapsed.

She slumped to the ground, unable to rise for a long while, her resentful gaze fixed on Shen's departing figure. Gazing back at the dilapidated courtyard, she was filled with frustration and hatred.

As Shen vanished into the night, she clung tightly to Xiang Mang's hand, nearly falling. Grief and pain tore at her heart like twin blades – giving up Yuanjun meant denying all that she had been. No one knew the depths of her pain, no one understood the intensity of her hatred.

This pain and hatred were irreconcilable, carving her heart into a bloody mess.

"Madam," Xiang Mang supported her, concern etched on her face.

Shaking her head, tears flowed like a spring. "I'm fine. I hate myself for being so naive. How could I be trapped in my own sorrow? I grieve for others' children, but who grieves for mine? Who grieves for me?"

Each event had dismantled her entire life. She wasn't supposed to live this way – she should have had a loving family with children. They had ruined her life, and now they aimed to destroy her child's.

If she showed any more weakness, how could she face herself? Face her child?

"Should I ever show weakness towards Third Young Lady again, wake me up with a slap," she instructed.

"Milady, I dare not," the servant replied respectfully.

"Don't be afraid, this is the authority I grant you." Shen removed her bracelet and pressed it into Xiang Mang's hand. "If you notice me showing leniency towards Third Young Lady, break this bracelet."

Startled by Shen's determination, Xiang Mang took the bracelet, hoping that she would never have to break it. She wished for a peaceful future for both her mistress and Second Young Lady.

It was the following morning when Pei Yuanxi learned of Pei Yuanjun's hasty departure from Xuanting Courtyard.

Chunyue rejoiced on behalf of her lady. "Madam has finally seen reason. Your suffering is over, Miss."

"In most cases, parents love their children selflessly, giving without seeking return or reason. If a parent's affection relies on the child's pleading, what good is such love?" Pei Yuanxi mused. If fate allowed it, they would strive to be a loving mother and daughter. If not, they should each find their own peace.

She couldn't predict how long her mother's harshness towards Pei Yuanjun would last. After Mama Lao's incident, she knew there was more to come.

The person behind it all must be extraordinary.

Her suspicion was soon confirmed when Doctor Dong passed away. He had succumbed to an alcohol-induced sleep and was found cold by his concubine's bedside when she awoke.

The death of Doctor Dong seemed like an unfortunate accident, unrelated to any sinister plots. But Pei Yuanxi knew that there was more to it. As she recounted the details of Mother Lao's incident to Lady Kang and Marquis Xuanping, both mother and son wore grim expressions.

In Marquis Xuanping's youth, Lady Kang had held up the household inside and out. She could hardly miss the intricate connections at play. Not to mention, as Marquis Xuanping had inherited his title for many years, he furrowed his brow deeply upon hearing his daughter's account.

The Marquis Xuanping's residence had not been prominent in the Eastern Capital City a few years back, even less so than the Marquis Changqi's. Back then, Duke Yan's estate was at the height of its power, with supporters scattered throughout the court and the public. He couldn't fathom any reason for someone to lay such elaborate plans so early on, nor could he guess their purpose.

These interconnected events appeared to be mere squabbles within the family, but they entangled far-reaching consequences. If the target were a noble family or a manor, wouldn't it make more sense to target the male members? Even if it involved replacing a legitimate child with a concubine's, Yuanxi was still a young woman, and Shen was merely a domestic woman. To attempt to undermine the foundation of a household by targeting women and girls was implausible.

When Pei Yuanxi mentioned the intrusion by thieves in her courtyard that night, both mother and son were alarmed anew. After ensuring her safety multiple times, anger flashed across Marquis Xuanping's valiant face.

"These people truly deserve to die... Father will definitely uncover the truth for you!"

Lady Kang was utterly stunned. "Not only must we investigate this matter, but we need to thoroughly review everyone in the household."

If there weren't any lapses, such an incident would not have occurred.

Mother and son were on the same wavelength, and Marquis Xuanping immediately set off to investigate.

Pei Yuanxi caught up with him, and a pang of distress flickered in his eyes. Whether it was a scheme against the Marquis Changqi's, the Marquis Xuanping's, or Shen, the one ultimately harmed was this child.

"Father can handle such matters; you, as a young lady, shouldn't concern yourself too much. Your health is still fragile; stay well-rested in your chambers."

"I trust that Father will uncover the truth. However, there's one more matter I'd like to ask for your assistance with."

She referred to the daughter from the Marquis Changqi's residence. Aunt Li and Mother Lao were both exploited for the same reason. She had her doubts about the story's authenticity – perhaps there truly was a lost daughter from the Marquis Changqi's family.

"Daughter wishes to trouble Father to investigate the concubine from the Marquis Changqi's household in years past."

Marquis Xuanping nodded, appreciating Yuanxi's meticulousness.

Since His Majesty ascended the throne, the Grand Commander's actions were swift and decisive. The aristocratic families of the Eastern Capital City had declined, and few officials dared to engage in corruption. In the Tai Ling Palace, Empress Dowager Zeng single-handedly upheld the imperial harem, making it far more stable than during the previous emperor's reign.

He believed that in today's world, apart from disputes over the Grand Commander's dominance over politics, there were no other significant conflicts. Even those who vied for power were merely wary of the Grand Commander seizing the Shang family's throne at any moment.

Perhaps he was overthinking or, conversely, underestimating the situation.

Gazing at the blazing sun, his mood inexplicably sank.

As Pei Yuanxi watched him depart, her heart was also turbulent. That shoe that mysteriously appeared in her courtyard hinted at some unseen event, and she awaited the arrival of the second shoe.

Within two days, the Marquis's residence had disciplined nearly five or six servants, and an old servant tasked with fetching firewood and disposing of kitchen waste had met an untimely end. This elderly servant, childless and without kin, would venture out to gather firewood before dawn and haul slop into the darkness, a figure of the lowest rank and utmost obscurity within the Marquis's household.

Against all odds, he perished, on the very night when Marquis Xuanping was conducting a thorough investigation of the marquisate. He tripped and never managed to rise again; by the time someone came to his aid, it was discovered that he had already breathed his last.

With his death, Pei Yuanxi faintly guessed that the thief from that night was likely not someone from the estate.

The injury of the pet had fully recovered, and it could now bound playfully around the courtyard without venturing outside. It had developed a particular fondness for Pei Yuanxi and Chunyue, constantly circling around the pair, especially sticking close to Chunyue.

Spring Moon delighted in amusing it, often engaging in playful antics with it whenever she had leisure time.

The waterside pavilion's courtyard was significantly cooler than other areas, and Pei Yuanxi enjoyed spending time in its gazebo. Occasionally, she would practice the martial arts routines taught by Hong Baozhu, and at other times, she would write or read.

Behind the appearance of tranquility, there were always discordant whispers.

Officially, Mama Lao's death was attributed to the injuries she sustained from the cane punishment. Yet, there were always those with keen ears and eyes. Somehow, a rumor began circulating that all the evil deeds were Mama Lao's doing, and Aunt Li had merely been deceived by others.

This gossip spread both within and outside the manor, raising suspicions.

Chunyue was furious. "Just a simple 'misled by others' and it's over? People even sympathize with such individuals. Miss, you have suffered so much..."

Pei Yuanxi smiled gently. "Why should I be angry about this? Others only see my current favor and status as a legitimate daughter; they wouldn't care about the hardships I've endured in the past."

Despite her lady's indifference, Chunyue was still simmering with anger. She vowed inwardly that if she ever encountered such gossip, she would give those people a piece of her mind.

From a distance, they saw Nanny Yun rushing towards the pavilion with a worried expression, devoid of any smile.

The smile on Pei Yuanxi's face slowly faded. When Nanny Yun informed her that a man named Li Yi was kneeling outside the marquis residence, begging to marry her, she knew the other shoe had dropped.

Li Yi was Aunt Li's nephew. While Li Yi's father and uncle were banished by Madam Lin to the countryside, Li Yi himself was spared. Gifted from a young age, he had originally been Shen Changyin's companion during their studies. Later, when Madam Lin noticed his diligence and talent, she made an exception and sent him to Qinglong Academy to further his education.

Qinglong Academy, with its centuries-old history, was the second-best academy in the land, second only to the prestigious Eastern Capital Academy. Named after the capital city, the Eastern Capital Academy mainly enrolled the children of noble families, who paid hefty tuition fees. In contrast, Qinglong Academy accepted talented individuals regardless of background, with reasonable tuition and even offered free education to those with exceptional abilities. It was the preferred choice for talented students from humble or moderately wealthy households.

In Ling Kingdom, Qinglong Academy enjoyed a much greater reputation than the Eastern Capital Academy. Countless high-ranking officials and talented scholars had graduated from its halls, spreading its name across the nation. Each year, numerous students from outside the capital studied tirelessly for years, competing fiercely for a coveted spot.

Li Yi's admission into Qinglong Academy spoke volumes about his exceptional talent.

Two days before Pei Yuanxi's coming-of-age ceremony, Madam Lin returned his indenture contract since he was preparing to take the examination for a scholar. As he was no longer bound by servitude and was an educated man, he was not implicated when Madam Lin punished Li Yi's family.

Dressed in a scholarly green robe and a black silk headband, Li Yi looked refined and gentlemanly, unlike someone cunning or deceitful.

At this moment, he was kneeling on the steps outside the Marquis's residence, amidst the stone lions, accompanied by several dozen students from Qinglong Academy. These students had encircled the main gate of the Marquis's mansion, attracting the attention of many curious onlookers who stopped to watch the scene unfold.

His request was straightforward - he wished to marry Pei Yuanxi.

The reasons were ample: on the day before last year's Mid-Autumn Festival, he had visited his paternal aunt, Aunt Li, at the Marquis's residence, where he happened upon the third young lady of the house, Pei Yuanxi, who was then still afflicted with a condition of mental simplicity.

Back then, Pei Yuanxi was naive and simple, constantly clinging to him for play. He was restrained by propriety and dared not overstep the boundaries, but Third Young Lady paid no heed as she embraced and kissed him, creating an intimacy between their skins.

As for why he was seeking her hand in marriage after a year, the reason was subtle. It was because the previous Pei Yuanxi was foolish and naive, with the mind of a young child. He had treated her like a child. But now that Pei Yuanxi was no longer foolish, he could not simply act as if nothing had happened.

The students of Qinglong Academy chimed in with praise for him. They lauded his integrity and gentlemanly demeanor.

Spring Month huffed in disdain, "What gentlemanly demeanor? A son of a servant, ungrateful for the chance to be freed from servitude and educated, yet he dares to harbor ambitions of marrying the legitimate daughter of an aristocratic household. How is that being responsible? It's clearly a sinister motive."

In the Changhui Courtyard, Madam Kang was furious to the point of speechlessness. She had seen shameless people before, but never one as shameless as this. For him to call himself a scholar was an insult; he was merely a servant.

Nanny Yun had already been angered prior to her arrival.

She was here to comfort Pei Yuanxi, and seeing that she remained calm and composed, Nanny Yun felt a great relief. No wonder the Old Lady said there was no need to hide this from Second Miss; indeed, she was capable of handling such matters. If any other young lady were to encounter such a situation, they would either be driven to anger or disgusted to the core.

Aunt Li... she truly was like a lingering specter.

When Madam Shen arrived, it was clear that she had already been weeping. Facing Pei Yuanxi's composed expression, her heart felt stifled. Those people... they were all pushing her daughter to the brink.

"Yuanxi, don't be afraid. Mother will never agree to this!"

Pei Yuanxi acknowledged her with a soft sound, urging her not to be angry.

Tears streamed down her face. How could she not be angry? She was furious at those people and even more so at herself. "Don't be afraid! No matter how harsh his words are, what does it matter if your reputation is ruined? Didn't your father say that our Marquis household can afford to raise a lady, and that we won't force you into marriage if it comes to that!"

Even if my reputation is ruined and I can't marry, I won't let those people have their way.

That was said out of anger!

Or perhaps it was the truth.

Nanny Yun sighed with emotion. Madam has truly come to understand life. As Old Madam said, one's reputation is indeed significant, but one shouldn't allow it to suffocate them to death.

Before she came, Old Madam had also entrusted her with a message for Second Miss, which was roughly similar to what Madam said. Since Madam has already mentioned it, there's no need for Nanny Yun to repeat it.

Both Marquis Xuanping and Pei Ji were absent from the estate – these people certainly knew how to pick their moment. They must have learned that the father and son were not in the city and deliberately chose this hour to cause trouble.

Not a single woman in this household is suitable for prominence.

The gates of the Marquis manor were, of course, securely shut, with onlookers forming concentric circles around it, all manner of whispers and speculations echoing amidst the crowd.

Recently, the Marquis Xuanping's residence has been the hub of intriguing events, each episode more captivating than the last. The students from the Qinglong Academy have made quite an ostentatious entrance, drawing the attention of numerous onlookers along their journey.

From one to ten, from ten to a hundred – before long, the news spread across nearly half of the Eastern Capital City.

The young Emperor Shangxing was stomping his feet in the study of the Qinghe Hall. He wore a bright yellow sleeveless robe, revealing his arms, with his hair loose and barefoot on the floor as he paced back and forth.

His handsome face was flushed with anger, resembling an indignant little beast.

"It's simply intolerable! Intolerable! These scoundrels take advantage of my inability to intervene, each one trying to harm her. It makes me furious!"

Before the rosewood carved desk, Gongye Chu was engrossed in reviewing official documents. His eyes were like a painting, sharp as blades, and his slender fingers flipped through the scrolls with unwavering focus, as if in a meditative state.

Shangxing kept glancing at him, but seeing that Gongye Chu remained unaffected and uncurious about the situation, the anger on his face deflated. Unable to act himself, he felt frustrated that those who should intervene seemed indifferent to the matter.

With a pitiful expression, he approached Gongye Chu, his eyes pleading and blinking.

"Your Majesty," Gongye Chu was finally interrupted by Shangxing, "you smell."

"Aaaah!" Shangxing covered his head and yelled, "I don't want to bathe! You're disgusted by me, you actually disgust me! You never used to be like this. You raised me with your own hands, attending to every little need without relying on others. I can't believe you now find me unpleasant. You've changed!"

Gongye Chu's temples throbbed with the strain of enduring such absurd nonsense.

He couldn't understand why, after almost eliminating all the Shangxing family members, he still kept this troublesome person around. Moreover, despite the young emperor's madness and tantrums, Gongye Chu had never once entertained the thought of killing him.

"Your Majesty!"

"You're still scolding me..." Shangxing was both anxious and aggrieved. "Not only do you disdain my smell, but you also scold me. My life is truly bitter, an orphan is but a withering blade of grass..."

"Be quiet!" Gongye Chu's patience had worn thin, and he rose to leave.

Shangxing grabbed hold of him. "Where are you going? Are you going to help her out of her predicament?"

He shot a glance at the young emperor, who wore an ecstatic expression, as if he were looking at an idiot. "Since she has disturbed Your Majesty's composure and made you speak incoherently, it's natural for this minister to alleviate Your Majesty's worries."

"Wonderful, I knew you'd help her."

"No, this servant will kill her!" His expression and tone were anything but jesting. "How can such a menace be allowed to disrupt Your Majesty's peace of mind?"

Shangxing's face paled, his dimples disappearing in shock. "No!"

"Let go!"

"No!" Unbeknownst to him, Shangxing had clung to his leg, stubbornly refusing to budge.

He was utterly speechless. The ruler of the world, a mighty king, even if a puppet, should not behave so indecorously. For the sake of connecting himself with that woman, he seemed willing to stoop to any means necessary.

Initially, he had spared her life due to her residual usefulness. Now, considering the potential danger she posed, it seemed best to eliminate her sooner rather than later.

However, Shangxing held on tightly, making it impossible for him to move his leg.

"Your Majesty, what exactly do you intend to do?"

"I won't allow you to harm her!" Shangxing looked up at him, appearing genuinely distraught.

His heart was suddenly tugged by an unfamiliar sensation, a rush of foreign emotion coursing through him. "Impossible! She has utterly confused His Majesty; I cannot allow her to remain on this earth!"

"No, you must not," Shangxing pleaded desperately. "You can't kill her... I beg of you, Father!"