Chapter 42: How Merciless!

Chapter 42: How Merciless!

The courtyard gates creaked open, and the matrons guarding them showed utmost respect. One of them reminded, "Second Miss, mind your step," while another attended diligently to Pei Yuanxi's skirt, ensuring that the exquisite, silvery-white silk fabric, as pure as snow, remained untarnished by dust.

Her gaze was serenely calm, her demeanor elegant and understated. Her ink-black tresses were styled in the "Suspended Clouds and Fluttering Swallow" fashion, adorned with simple ornaments, merely a single hairpin that jingled with each step and an ornate hairpiece. The exceptional splendor of the step ornament lay in its pendant—a jade butterfly that seemed to dance with every movement.

Observing her, neither haughty nor arrogant, yet exuding an innate elegance and nobility, she gracefully entered the scene, capturing the attention of Aunt Li and Pei Yuanjun, a mother-daughter pair. The subtle silver embroidery on her skirt shimmered with brilliance, elevating the humble earth beneath her feet to a level of distinction, setting her apart from all others.

Times have changed, and so have circumstances. Not long ago, she was but a pitiful, naive girl, born of a concubine. Back then, who could have foreseen her transformation into the legitimate daughter of a marquis household, and her sudden regain of clarity?

The same courtyard, the same people, but each with utterly transformed identities.

Her gaze met Pei Yuanjun's directly. "Third Sister wishes to see me?"

Pei Yuanjun was consumed with envy, a bitterness tinged with self-doubt and anger. Upon witnessing the obsequious behavior of those two servant women, a thorn seemed to have lodged itself in her heart, impossible to dislodge.

Everything that once belonged to me, all snatched away by this damned fool!

"Second Sister, your aunt has returned. I thought you might wish to pay her a visit."

Whose concubine is she?

Before Pei Yuanxi could speak, a servant woman retorted, "Third Young Lady, Li Pozi is your birth mother, so how does she relate to Second Young Lady? For all the wrongs she's done to Second Young Lady in the past, death wouldn't be enough to atone for her sins. It's only because Second Young Lady is kind-hearted that she came to visit upon hearing of Li Pozi's return. If it were someone else, they would not only refuse to have anything to do with her, but perhaps even wish to stab her twice out of hatred."

Aunt Li kept her head down, her expression unseen.

Pei Yuanjun inwardly seethed. These servants were truly detestable. They dared to talk back and indirectly criticize her just because she was currently in a disadvantaged position. No slave would dare to interrupt her or speak up before her when she was at the height of her power.

"I know that Second Sister is a kind person. Upon hearing that Aunt Li was ill, she immediately came over. No matter how many wrongs Aunt Li has committed, she was still Second Sister's mother for fifteen years. The bond between mother and daughter cannot be severed. Birth-giving kindness may not surpass nurturing kindness, so why doesn't Second Sister take her in and care for her?"

That was truly amusing.

Of course, she said that birth-giving kindness was not as great as nurturing kindness because she wanted to return to Xuanting Courtyard and be reunited with Shen Shi. By saying that the bond between mother and daughter couldn't be severed, she hoped that someone would convey this message to Shen Shi, reigniting Shen Shi's maternal affection for her.

Pei Yuanxi thought that after their previous encounters, she would become smarter, but it seemed that her tactics remained shallow. With such clumsy attempts to trap her, she would be doing a disservice to this Third Sister if she didn't push her into the pit she dug herself.

"Mother Li is sick?"

Upon hearing the term 'Mother Li', Aunt Li instinctively lifted her head. Under Pei Yuanxi's pretended pity, she lowered her head again. That pity wasn't genuine; it was laced with icy blades hidden beneath the surface.

"Yes, she's ill." Pei Yuanjun pushed Aunt Li away. "You should hurry back with Second Sister. She has everything you need there, and you can properly rest and recover."

A mocking smile crept across Pei Yuanxi's face as her demeanor shifted in an instant. "Mother Li, do you wish to come back with me?"

How could Aunt Li not hear the threat in those words? Recalling Madam Lao's death, recent events, and the days spent at the manor, her thin frame trembled slightly as she shook her head desperately.

Pei Yuanjun was furious. What was wrong with this person? "Aunt Li, Second Sister was raised by you. Now that she wishes to repay your kindness, why would you refuse to go back with her?"

The servants glanced between her and Pei Yuanxi, their hearts filled with disdain. Li Pozi was wicked, causing a fifteen-year separation between Second Miss and Lady. Not only had Second Miss come to visit her, but she was also willing to take her back to recuperate. Yet, Third Miss, knowing full well the atrocities Li Pozi had committed, was eager to get rid of her like a pesky fly.

One could not compare people; it was clear who deserved the status of a legitimate daughter. With Third Miss's character, even if she had been treated as a legitimate daughter for fifteen years, she still carried the pettiness of a concubine-born child.

A servant woman couldn't bear to watch and spoke up. "Third Miss, Li Pozi is your birth mother. If she wants to be with her own daughter, why do you insist on driving her away?"

Pei Yuanjun's eyes widened in anger. For a servant to speak to her master like that, it must be this fool's allowance. What a pretense of kindness, she had merely been toying with her.

She switched to a pleading expression. "Second Sister, I only suggested Aunt Li come with you because I care for her well-being. There isn't even a servant in my courtyard to attend to her. How can she recover?"

Pei Yuanxi looked at her and suddenly realized that her behavior and mannerisms were eerily similar to Aunt Li's.

An elderly female servant sneered, "Oh my, isn't Li Pozi a criminal of the Marquis's Manor? Could it be that she has returned to enjoy blessings? How can there be justice in this world if those who bring harm still expect to be waited upon?"

Indeed, Madam and Second Young Lady are kind-hearted, not wishing for anyone to be ungrateful," another servant woman chimed in. "Third Young Lady, it's inappropriate of you to act this way. Li Pozi's deeds deserve a thousand cuts. Madam only wanted you to take care of her personally, considering she is your birth mother. Yet, you try to shift the responsibility onto Second Young Lady. What are you thinking? You keep mentioning that the debt of giving birth is less than that of raising, as if everyone doesn't know you still aspire to be the legitimate daughter. Instead of pondering how to atone for your birth mother's misdeeds, you're plotting to harm Second Young Lady. Really..."

Foolish and venomous.

How foolish and venomous.

Pei Yuanjun's face twisted with anger. How dare these people expect her to atone? On what grounds?

She is a lady of the Marquis's Manor, born not of the principal wife yet still a daughter of immense worth. To offer her up as atonement for a servant's crime, do these lowly ones dare to defy the natural order and lord over their masters?

Pei Yuanxi sighed, "Third Sister, you too, how can you be so naive? You still don't understand Mother's painstaking efforts. Don't you think about who Li Ma has been committing wicked deeds for all her life? She dared to scheme against her own mistress for your sake, and even harmed the legitimate daughter for you. Even if the whole world despises her, you shouldn't discard her."

These words fell on Pei Yuanjun's ears like a curse, condemning Aunt Li from head to toe. The wretched one still lived, disgracing and humiliating her with their existence. They were the cause of her being looked down upon and ridiculed by others.

Yet, Pei Yuanxi added fuel to the fire with a melancholic and sympathetic tone, "Third Sister, regardless of whether Mother Li is a concubine or a servant, she is your biological mother. As long as she is alive, you, as her daughter, cannot despise her."

Aunt Li abruptly lifted her head, a flash of fear and hatred crossing her ashen gaze. Her body trembled even more violently, her hands clenched into fists within her sleeves, digging painfully into her flesh.

She understood the implications behind those words and clearly saw the coldness in Pei Yuanxi's eyes. What chilled her even more was that she sensed a fleeting flash of murderous intent in Pei Yuanjun's eyes after hearing this.

How ruthless!

"Huhu." She noticed her own coarse and unpleasant voice.

Pei Yuanxi expressed both sympathy and regret. "Don't be afraid, Mother Li. You're Third Sister's birth mother. I believe that as long as you're still alive, Third Sister will eventually recognize you. She's your biological daughter—without you, who would she be?"

These last words only filled Aunt Li with despair.

The two servants began praising Pei Yuanxi again, showering her with flattering words. They extolled her virtues, describing her as both filial and kind.

Pei Yuanjun's hatred for Aunt Li intensified. Her mind was filled with frenzied thoughts. If this woman were gone, would Mother's heart be relieved of a thorn? If there wasn't this woman, would others gradually forget who her birth mother was?

This thought lingered in her mind, refusing to fade away.

A chill ran through Aunt Li's body, and she suddenly lunged forward, kneeling on the ground and pounding her head repeatedly. She did so swiftly and fiercely, and soon, blood seeped through her forehead, mixing with dirt in a pitiful sight.

One of the servants said, "Second Miss, Li Pozi must be expressing her gratitude to you."

"Indeed, even this wicked woman has been moved by Second Miss's kindness," another one commented.

Pei Yuanxi's expression softened. "She's committed countless wrongs, but now she knows her mistake. It's pitiful to think of how she spent her life scheming for Third Sister, only for her efforts to go unappreciated. Forget it. From now on, keep an eye on her and don't stint on her food. I recall she likes dried vegetable stew with pork belly and fish soup—make sure these are never omitted from her meals."

Aunt Li paused in her act of prostrating herself, her despair-filled eyes burning with hatred as they locked onto Pei Yuanxi.

Pei Yuanxi's gaze grew even more compassionate. "I imagine you must be delighted to live with Third Sister, after all, she is your own flesh and blood. Now that you two are reunited, you should enjoy the true joys of mother-daughter bonding. I won't come to visit you anymore; take care of yourself."

"Second Miss truly has a kind heart. Dried vegetable stew with pork belly is quite a delicacy, something most families can't afford to eat even once a year."

"And the fish soup, that's also a valuable dish."

The two matrons sighed with emotion, once again appreciating Pei Yuanxi's benevolence.

Glancing over at the furious Pei Yuanjun, whose face had turned ashen, they couldn't help but compare the two. As expected, a concubine-born child was still a concubine-born child, no match for a true daughter of the main wife.

How could Pei Yuanjun not be angry?

Those dried vegetables, pork belly, and fish soup were dishes she detested the most. She knew Pei Yuanxi was doing this on purpose, deliberately making things difficult for her.

"You, you know full well that I don't like to eat..."

"Third Sister!" Pei Yuanxi's expression darkened. "How can you only think of yourself? Have you forgotten how Mother Li took care of you? Can't you even spare a bite for her?"

"Are you suggesting that Second Sister wants me to eat plain rice?"

"Why can't you eat plain rice?" Pei Yuanxi's gaze turned cold as she looked at the house she had lived in for fifteen years. "I recall eating plain rice quite often back then."

Pei Yuanjun was filled with hatred. This wretch was indeed taking revenge on her. She was the mistress, so how could she bow down to a servant and eat dry vegetables with pork belly while drinking fish soup every day? The mere thought of it made her want to vomit.

Before she could speak, the servant woman silenced her. The servant meant that it was the lady's grace for Aunt Li to dine with them, hoping they would have a good relationship as mother and daughter. If Third Young Lady refused, she would be ungrateful.

The servant was just short of pointing at her nose and scolding her for being heartless and ungrateful like a wolf. Enraged, she glared fiercely at Aunt Li, who was still kneeling on the ground. When she saw the bloodied mud on Aunt Li's face, she felt nauseous and nearly vomited up her dinner from the previous night.

While she was feeling disgusted and uncomfortable, Pei Yuanxi left amidst the respectful attendance of the servants.

As the courtyard door closed, she could still hear the two servant women's voices, albeit softly.

One of them said, "Third Young Lady is truly ignorant. It's a pity that the lady used to dote on her so much. Turns out she's so selfish and self-serving. You really don't know until you compare – she's far behind Second Young Lady."

Another sighed, "Indeed. Not to criticize Aunt Li, but what was the point of her life? She harmed others and herself. She harmed Second Miss and Lady, only to be despised by her own flesh and blood in the end. Evil truly begets evil."

Who would wish that wretch any kindness?

Furious, Pei Yuanjun kicked up a pile of dirt, which scattered over Aunt Li's head and face, making her even more filthy and miserable. She didn't bother to tend to the woman's wounds or care about her well-being.

Turning around, she slammed the door shut.

Aunt Li was left sitting on the ground, pitiful and half-dead like a beggar.

As Pei Yuanxi walked slowly out of the yard, the scenery along the way stirred up memories. She seemed to see another version of herself lying in the grass, foolishly searching for crickets. Under the shade of the trees, she had often sat there to escape the heat.

How could she forget those years of hardship and helplessness etched deep within her bones?

Li Rulan, Ping Zhen, Pei Yuanjun, Li Yi...

And who else?

She gazed absentmindedly at Chengming Pool. The lotus pods were all withered and heavy, hanging low without anyone to pick them.

Fifteen years had passed like fleeting shadows, flickering in the ripples of a pond. Memories of her youthful brilliance, her naivety that led to ridicule, and her calculated journey to uncover the truth all flashed before her eyes.

"Yuanxi," came Shen's voice from behind. She knew that Pei Yuanxi had visited Aunt Li and had followed her. Filled with guilt towards her daughter, she was at a loss on how to bridge their relationship.

She wanted to make amends for the past, to compensate this pitiful child.

Back when Yuanjun was still her daughter, everything she did was to pave the way for her. A good reputation, a respected status – those were the stepping stones that lifted Yuanjun above others.

Now, her Yuanxi was continuously being targeted, and apart from regaining her identity, she had gained nothing.

A few days ago, a message had arrived from the palace, conveyed by Concubine Zeng. It requested Shen to bring Yuanxi to the palace when she had the chance. Shen had always been on good terms with Concubine Zeng, who had shown great affection towards Yuanjun in the past. Shen hoped that through Concubine Zeng's influence, people would see the worth in Yuanxi.

"Concubine Zeng is a kind-hearted person, she will surely take a liking to you," Shen reassured Pei Yuanxi as they discussed the impending visit.

Pei Yuanxi's eyes shimmered slightly, and she nodded.

Shen seemed to heave a sigh of relief. "Mother didn't know back then... Mother hopes to make it up to you in the future. I know there's still resentment and blame in your heart."

"Mother, I've told you that I don't hold any grudges or blame you. You don't need to blame yourself."

How could she not bear any resentment or blame? Shen did not fully believe this.

If there truly was no resentment or blame, why wouldn't Yuanxi move back to the Xuanting Courtyard? Furthermore, in these recent days, she rarely visited the courtyard, let alone showed any intimacy with her.

After realizing this, she vaguely understood that she had deeply hurt this child's heart.

"You have no resentment or blame, and that's good. I only hope you can give your mother a chance. I genuinely want to make it up to you..."

"Mother." Pei Yuanxi looked at her, her eyes like the still pond water, seemingly calm but shimmering with tiny ripples. "You are my biological mother, and I am your biological daughter. That will never change."

What had happened could not be altered, just as a broken mirror could not be mended. Their mother-daughter relationship would remain unaltered, with the existing cracks forever present.

A mother's love for Yuanjun might fade or change, but it would not disappear. Her mother's guilt towards her was genuine, but guilt could not compete with love. She believed that guilt would fade with time until it vanished, but love would not.

Shen's gaze dimmed as she perceived the hidden meaning in Pei Yuanxi's words. "But I want to be closer to you. I truly know I was wrong. I regret it so much, regretting not standing by your side from the very beginning."

"Mother, I think things are fine between us now."

Not too close, not too distant, each living their own lives in peace.

Madam Chen wept, realizing her greed. Yuanxi still recognized her as her mother, and she should be content. If it were her in such a situation, she would likely be filled with hatred, let alone help eliminate those who harmed her.

"Very well, very well, take your time."

She believed that sincerity could move even the hardest of hearts, and eventually, they would have an unbreakable bond as mother and daughter.

No matter how close Empress Dowager Zeng was to her, Madam Chen knew she had to carefully instruct her daughter, allowing Pei Yuanxi to learn about their past relationship.

When Madam Chen was still the legitimate daughter of the Marquis House, Empress Dowager Zeng was just a concubine-born daughter of the Zeng family. The Zeng family wasn't prominent, despite being a scholarly household, as Zeng's father held a low-ranking official position. Even now, Empress Dowager Zeng's elder brother merely held the position of a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

In her natal family, Empress Dowager Zeng suffered constant bullying from her legitimate older sister. Madam Chen accidentally witnessed one such incident and stepped in to help. After their conversation, Madam Chen admired Empress Dowager Zeng's talent, and they became close friends over time.

Back then, many looked down on Empress Dowager Zeng due to her humble background. If not for Madam Chen's intention to support her, the Zeng family might have married her off casually.

After entering the palace, Empress Dowager Zeng remained unpopular. It was precisely because of her lack of favor that she survived the coup led by Gongye Chu three years ago and became the sole Empress Dowager in Tai Ling Palace.

Those who once despised Empress Dowager Zeng now envied Madam Chen, secretly praising her sharp judgment. Madam Chen used to feel proud, believing herself fortunate.

Ironically, she mocked herself, wondering if she truly had sharp judgment, why would she be betrayed and framed by those around her, leading to a separation from her own child for fifteen long years?

Pei Yuanxi listened attentively, deeply intrigued by the stories of Concubine Zeng's life before entering the palace.

To ensure her daughter was well-versed in palace etiquette, the two sat together at a pavilion beside the Chengming Pool for almost an hour. At the end of their conversation, they even dispatched someone to fetch the nanny who taught Pei Yuanruo the rules of the palace, requesting her to give Pei Yuanxi a lesson that very night.

On the day they entered the palace, the mother and daughter rode in the same carriage.

While Shen was anxious and worried, Pei Yuanxi appeared calm and composed. As Shen kept praising Concubine Zeng's kindness and gentleness, Pei Yuanxi became increasingly thoughtful.

Concubine Zeng indeed had a pleasant, amiable appearance, well-preserved from the passage of time. Her beauty wasn't striking at first sight but grew on one the more one looked. Her makeup was subtle, and her attire simple, giving off an air of casualness as if meeting an old friend.

Upon seeing Pei Yuanxi, she smiled warmly and examined her. "Child, you've had a hard time. Come here and let Empress Dowager take a closer look."

Pei Yuanxi stepped forward respectfully, allowing her to inspect her closely.

"What a lovely child. I've heard you resemble Lord Pei's late elder sister. No wonder you don't resemble your mother." As she spoke, she gestured to the nanny behind her to present the gift for their first meeting.

The gift was no trifling matter – it was a jade ruyi scepter, its entire body a vivid green.

Pei Yuanxi thanked her for the gift and retreated obediently to stand behind Shen.

As Madam Shen wiped away her tears, a tearful glint also appeared in Concubine Zeng's eyes. It truly seemed as if they were long-time friends with deep emotional bonds, able to share each other's pain.

When the conversation turned to the switch of daughters and Aunt Li, Concubine Zeng alternated between gritting her teeth in fury and wearing an indignant expression. She declared that had she known their true faces earlier, she would have never let them off lightly.

"I, your servant, lived with them every day but failed to see through them. I regret it deeply whenever I think about it. Fortunately, Yuanxi is doing well now, which brings me some comfort," she said.

Concubine Zeng turned her affectionate gaze towards Pei Yuanxi, "She indeed looks like a well-behaved and sensible child. The more I look at her, the more I like her. I wish I could keep this child in the palace."

Madam Shen's tear-filled eyes widened slightly. She quickly replied, "Her health isn't good, how can I disturb Your Majesty's peace? I only wish to take care of her personally every day to make up for my past negligence."

"Ai, I was just joking. Look how frightened you are," Concubine Zeng teased, her face turning melancholic. "Sometimes, I envy you. At least you still have a daughter by your side. Although Yuanjun wasn't your biological child, the bond between you two as mother and daughter was truly touching. Now, you have another biological daughter who is so sensible. I genuinely feel happy for you."

Madam Shen couldn't speak ill of Yuanjun. After all, she used to be the source of her pride. If she were to change her tune now, it would be like slapping herself in the face. If word got out, people would say she was narrow-minded and unable to tolerate a concubine-born daughter. They would also doubt the sincerity of her previous words and question her character.

Right now, she needed to pave the way for Pei Yuanxi, so she couldn't afford a bad reputation.

Regarding her resentment towards Aunt Li, she had no choice but to suppress it.

In between her sighs and expressions of envy and affection, Concubine Zeng continued, "I really wish I had someone dear to keep me company. Back then, I did have such thoughts. But Yuanjun already had someone she loved, and I couldn't be that villainous person..."

Seemingly realizing her slip of the tongue, she quickly stopped herself and cast a sympathetic glance at the obedient Pei Yuanxi.

Feeling a bit guilty, Madam Shen also turned to look.

Pei Yuanxi slightly bent her body and lowered her head, appearing obedient yet somewhat detached. To onlookers, she seemed simple-minded, not quite as sharp as the average person.

Madam Shen sighed in slight relief, hoping that Yuanxi hadn't caught the implications of the conversation.

Empress Dowager Zeng wore a mix of affection and sympathy, hinting that she had much to discuss privately with Madam Shen. She signaled for a palace maid to take Pei Yuanxi out to play.

In the palace, apart from the dowager empress, there was only the young emperor. The palace maid likely wouldn't lead Pei Yuanxi anywhere inappropriate. Madam Shen wasn't worried about her daughter offending anyone; instead, she comforted her daughter with a reassuring gaze, telling her not to be afraid.

Obediently, Pei Yuanxi followed the chatty palace maid outside. The maid's voice was pleasant and lively, narrating amusing anecdotes at every turn, genuinely capturing their interest.

Tai Ling Palace, with its unoccupied chambers, bore signs of neglect and damage in some areas. It seemed that after the upheaval in the palace years ago, the buildings had never been fully restored.

The maid's voice was light and melodious, and before they knew it, the two had covered quite a distance.

As they walked, the surroundings grew increasingly quiet. Previously, they could hear the chirping of birds, but now all was silent. The tranquility was profound, with only the palaces standing stoically around them.

The palace maid's voice remained steady, but upon closer listen, a subtle tremor could be detected.

Pei Yuanxi's eyes flickered slightly as she surreptitiously surveyed her surroundings. Sunlight cascaded upon the lustrous green-tiled palace roof, casting a mesmerizing halo. Within that glow, one could glimpse the vast expanse of the sky and the overhanging eaves stretching outwards.

At the end of those eaves were a variety of mythical creatures, each with their unique forms. One of them seemed to be suspended from the eave. motionless. Had it not been for Pei Yuanxi noticing the continuous flickering of its tongue, she might have believed it was a deliberate decoration.

"Big sister, where are we?"

The palace maid jumped at the sound of her voice and nearly turned back in fright. "This is also a place within the palace. If you pass through here, you'll see the Ingenious Eight-Curved Pavilion. Didn't Miss Pei want to go there? This servant will lead you there right away."

She lowered her gaze and remained silent.

As someone entering the palace for the first time, how would she know about the Ingenious Eight-Curved Pavilion? It was this palace maid who had persistently led her on, deliberately piquing her curiosity.

"I'm not really interested anymore. The imperial concubine and my mother are still waiting for me. Perhaps we should head back?"

The palace maid's expression changed slightly. "We're almost there. Are you really not going to take a look? That Ingenious Eight-Curved Pavilion was constructed according to the five elements and eight trigrams. It only allows one person to pass through, and it's filled with mysteries at every turn."

Pei Yuanxi showed signs of hesitation. "I think we shouldn't go. Mother said not to wander around the palace aimlessly, lest we come across something we shouldn't."

As she spoke, she subtly shifted her position without attracting attention.

In the corner not far away, there seemed to be some dark objects. They were crawling about, with one or two even venturing into the middle of the path. But unless one looked closely, they would easily go unnoticed.

The palace maid grew anxious and continued urging her persistently.

She moved a little further to the side, quickly casting a sharp glance at the towering eaves.

Something from the eaves fell down like a withered branch, landing on the palace maid's head. It hung there upside down with its triangular head lowered, extending a long, slender tongue before her forehead.

"Ahh!"

A shrill scream pierced through the heavens.