Chapter 45: Drifting Petals and Flowing Water

Chapter 45: Drifting Petals and Flowing Water

Madam Shen fell ill.

The illness struck her like a mountain collapsing, leaving her with an indescribable discomfort that drained her vitality visibly. Her already frail body grew weaker, and her eyes appeared lifeless, prone to tears at the slightest provocation.

Her ailment was not a result of Pei Yuanxi's kidnapping nor was it due to fear; rather, it occurred after she returned from Marquis Changqi's residence.

For the sake of her daughter's future, she had approached her mother and sister-in-law.

However, her mother's silence and her sister-in-law's evasion left her heart chilled. Their reactions conveyed that the marriage was now out of the question. As they escorted her out, her sister-in-law hesitantly hinted that rumors were circulating outside about the Grand Marshal taking an interest in Yuanxi, suggesting that many noble families might be too hesitant to seek her hand in marriage.

She could not recall how she left Marquis Changqi's residence or how she made it back home. All she knew was that her anger had left her limbs icy cold. What did the Grand Marshal's supposed interest in Yuanxi have to do with anything? People were spreading baseless rumors, and even her mother believed them!

Her sister-in-law had crafted a convenient excuse.

When Pei Yuanxi entered, she found Madam Shen in a sorrowful, dazed state. Her eyes were hollow and tears flowed endlessly.

Of course, Pei Yuanxi had heard the rumors outside. Perhaps Cheng Yu's words had been distorted as they were passed along. The public cared little for truth, and the more outrageous the tale, the more it spread like wildfire.

Upon returning from Marquis Changqi's residence, Mother fell ill, and she could probably guess the reason. Perhaps Mother had relied on her natal family as a beacon of salvation, believing that everyone else would despise her, but not the Marquis Changqi's household.

Madam Shen looked at her with guilt and heartache.

"Mother, when I was foolish in the past, Father had already prepared for the worst. Although our current situation is challenging, can it possibly be worse than that time?"

"It's different... You've recovered. You're so sensible. Why do you have to encounter such misfortunes?" Madam Shen blamed herself and felt distraught. She regretted leaving the house without checking the auspicious time. First, there was the incident in the palace, and then what happened after they left. If she hadn't insisted on bringing Yuanxi to the palace, none of this would have occurred.

Her profound sorrow and remorse stemmed from the belief that it was all her fault. The switch of Yuanxi was her fault, her inability to discern people's true intentions, her misplaced trust. All the suffering Yuanxi had endured since birth was a result of her actions. After finally acknowledging her daughter and wanting to do something for her, she had unintentionally caused Yuanxi more harm.

The thought that all the misfortune was brought upon her daughter filled her with immense regret.

"There's nothing different," Pei Yuanxi reassured her. "It's just that we can't find a suitable match for you."

"Yuanxi!" She was heartbroken. Just not being able to marry? Yuanxi must be suffering greatly, yet she was trying to comfort her mother with a light tone. It was like a knife twisting in her heart, filling her with remorse.

For a fine young woman to remain unmarried, it reflected poorly on her as a mother. Even her own family was distancing themselves, let alone any other respectable households willing to overlook those matters.

Pei Yuanxi wiped away her tears and learned from Xiang Mang that she hadn't eaten since returning from Marquis Changqi's residence. After much persuasion, she finally convinced her to drink a small bowl of congee.

When the lady of the house fell ill, the concubines naturally took action.

It had been some time since Pei Yuanxi last saw Aunt Qiu, and she hadn't expected her to be the first to visit.

Aunt Qiu was dressed in a light purple robe that hinted at her slightly rounded figure as she walked. There were only a few concubines in the marquis's residence, and Madam Shen was not an oppressive matron. The wealth and prosperity of the marquis's household nourished her good complexion.

Madam Shen ordered someone to bring a stool for Aunt Qiu, who bowed in greeting before sitting down.

Her overly lively eyes darted around, glancing at Madam Shen before casting a meaningful look at Pei Yuanxi. Finally, she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and asked in surprise, "Why isn't Second Miss here?"

This Second Miss referred to Pei Yuanjun.

Madam Shen had never liked her, and all her thoughts were written on her face. In the past, she loved to flaunt her favor with the marquis. With many recent incidents happening in the marquis's residence, if it weren't for her pregnancy, who knew how much trouble she would have caused. Now that she had finally come out to meet people, it was likely because her pregnancy was stable, prompting her to rush over to witness the spectacle.

Covering her mouth with her handkerchief, she continued, "This servant has been cooped up for too long and is unaware of many things. Look at my memory! Our Second Miss isn't here; the original Second Miss is now Third Young Lady."

Pei Yuanxi gave her a faint glance, causing Aunt Qiu's smile to fade slightly. According to Hua'er, this not-so-simple-minded Second Miss was not someone easy to deal with.

However, she believed that no matter how difficult this girl might be, a legitimate daughter not raised by her birth mother couldn't cause much trouble, let alone one whose reputation had been almost completely ruined.

Madam Shen's expression was grim. "Your pregnancy is delicate, so don't move around unnecessarily. I'm not that kind of strict matriarch who demands formalities. You don't need to come and pay respects to me. Our Marquis House doesn't have many male descendants. If anything were to happen to you or if the child were to be affected by your illness, I couldn't bear the responsibility."

"Aunt Qiu couldn't agree more. I dare not be careless," replied Aunt Qiu with her eyes darting about as she deliberately stood straight, cradling her belly. "The physician said that I'm carrying a son."

"Then you should take even better care of yourself and not run around without reason," Madam Shen said, slightly taken aback.

The Marquis Xuanping's residence had few male heirs, and Pei Ji was currently the only one. If Aunt Qiu was truly carrying a son, both Concubine Kang and Marquis Xuanping would attach great importance to this matter.

This was precisely where Aunt Qiu derived her smugness from.

Compared to her rosy complexion, Madam Shen appeared significantly more haggard.

She caressed her belly with even greater pride, the joy and satisfaction at the thought of soon giving birth to an heir for the marquis house evident in every crease of her brows and the corners of her eyes.

"As soon as I heard that Madam was unwell, I couldn't sit still. Lately, there have been troubles in the marquis house almost every day. If not for how precious the child in my womb is, I would've come to pay my respects much earlier," she said, casting a glance at Pei Yuanxi as she spoke. "A legitimate lady being switched with a concubine-born daughter must have been distressing for Madam. It's thanks to our kind lord and lady that we servants are allowed to raise our children ourselves. I often remind Fourth Miss that she must never forget Madam's kindness and always show filial piety to Madam and Marquis."

Pei Yuanxi seemed deep in thought but remained composed.

Madam Shen knitted her brows, pondering the implications of Aunt Qiu's words. Was she coming to pay respects at this time and spouting meaningless platitudes out of fear that she might snatch away her son?

"Madam has given her word that the one who bears the child shall raise them. Aunt Qiu, you may put your heart at ease,"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Qiu's face flushed with embarrassment. Suddenly, she rushed forward and knelt down, "Madam is a kind-hearted person. This concubine is endlessly grateful and has no way to repay you. If I were to give birth to a child in the future, I would be willing to raise it under your care!"

Madam Shen gasped in surprise, never expecting such a move from her.

Her eyes shimmered with resolve as she bit her lip, saying, "This concubine is aware that Madam has been greatly distressed lately. Second Young Lady was raised as a concubine's daughter and has been in a state of foolishness for a decade now. Although Third Young Lady was brought up by you, she was born to Aunt Li. The Marquis's residence has lacked a direct heir for many years, and the Marquis himself has endured much criticism from outsiders for this. After much contemplation, this concubine believes that the prosperity of the Marquis's residence should be our utmost priority. I humbly beseech Madam to grant your consent for the sake of our household."

Madam Shen regained her composure, her gaze filled with uncertainty. Aunt Qiu was usually the most irritating person; she would never voluntarily suggest raising her son in the Xuanting Courtyard. Could it be the Marquis's intention?

Is the Marquis pitying her?

A wave of sorrow engulfed her. After all these years as husband and wife, what she had received was merely sympathy.

Pei Yuanxi motioned for Xiang Mang to assist Aunt Qiu. "What are you doing, Aunt Qiu? You know very well how precious the child in your womb is, yet you kneel on the ground? Do you want others to think that our mother is a cruel lady who mistreats concubines and seizes their children?"

Aunt Qiu looked pleadingly at Madam Shen. "Madam, I am willing to do this willingly."

Madam Shen turned her gaze to her daughter. Her daughter's marriage was now a thorn in her heart. If she had to consider the worst-case scenario, she should prepare something more for her daughter.

If she had a son whom she had personally raised, that son would become her daughter's support in the future...

She was somewhat tempted.

Aunt Qiu sat down again, gently caressing her belly with her head lowered.

The room fell silent as each person held their own thoughts.

Pei Yuanxi asked, "Aunt Qiu, do you truly wish to entrust your child to Mother for upbringing?"

"I am willing to, Your Ladyship."

Madam Shen's gaze was complicated as she looked at Pei Yuanxi. Her lips moved, but in the end, she said nothing. If Yuanxi agreed, then she would agree to raise this child.

Pei Yuanxi asked Aunt Qiu again, "If you truly give this child to Mother for upbringing, can you promise that you will never see him again and not reveal to him that you are his birth mother?"

Aunt Qiu was startled. How could that be possible?

"Second Miss, I won't come often. As long as I can occasionally see Young Master and watch him grow up healthily, I will be content."

"If you can't even do this much, then why did you send your child to Xuanting Courtyard? What do you take my mother for? A free wet nurse? One who can provide your son with an illustrious birthright, while you bear him but delegate his upbringing? You reap the rewards of wealth and honor when he grows up, don't you?"

Madame Shen's heart trembled, and her intricate gaze turned slightly cold.

Aunt Qiu was taken aback by Pei Yuanxi's blunt and piercing words, leaving her momentarily at a loss for a retort. "Second Miss, how could you think of this servant concubine in such a way? With all the earnest effort I have put into considering the best for the Marquis's residence, for the Marquis himself, how could you speak to me like this?"

At that moment, Aunt Zhao arrived. She entered silently and stood quietly by the side.

She had come to pay her respects to Madam Shen and had been standing outside for a while. Had it not been for Aunt Qiu's words, she might not have entered at all.

As the birth mother, she couldn't afford to evade the matter concerning her son's position.

Pei Yuanxi seemed not to notice her, her gaze still fixed on Aunt Qiu. "If you truly had the best interests of the Marquisate and Father at heart, you would not have suggested sending your child to be raised by my mother today. The Marquisate already has an eldest son, my brother, who was raised by Father's side from a young age and is now capable of standing on his own. By sending another son to Xuanting Courtyard at this time, are you aiming for the status of the rightful heir? It seems to me that you relish the thought of turmoil within the Marquisate, brothers turning against each other—your intentions are reprehensible!"

The trace of hesitation in Shen's heart turned into sheer embarrassment upon hearing Pei Yuanxi's words. For indeed, apart from the desire to provide a support for Yuanxi, her momentary inclination just now had also stemmed from a subtle intention to vie for the noble title.

She naively trusts others and consistently underestimates the complexity of situations. Despite her advanced age and years as the Lady of a Marquis household, she lacks the clarity and decisiveness that her own daughter possesses.

For a moment, she felt a mixture of embarrassment and relief. Relieved that although her daughter had been foolish for ten years, she was indeed a clever child who wouldn't be easily deceived by others.

"Since ancient times, the legitimate child is upheld, and in their absence, the eldest is chosen." Pei Yuanxi's expression was grave, her eyes cold. "It's utterly ridiculous to think that one can deceive others by merely putting up a facade!"

Aunt Qiu's face flushed with alternating shades of red and green. "Second Miss, you shouldn't speak so. When you're married someday, you'll understand how crucial it is to have family support."

Her words implied that Madam Shen had agreed to adopt the child.

Pei Yuanxi turned to Madam Shen. "Does Mother truly wish to raise this son?"

Madam Shen shook her head, regretting her momentary loss of judgment. She hadn't entertained such thoughts for years. To take in a son just as her biological daughter was reunited with the family would only push Yuanxi further away from her.

Yuanxi's reaction pleased her.

"Mother's health isn't optimal, and she shouldn't be burdened with too much stress. Aunt Qiu claims to consider my mother's well-being, yet this is how you show your concern? Knowing full well about her condition, you still wish to add another responsibility to her, what is your true intention?"

Aunt Qiu seethed inwardly. No wonder Hua'er said that this Second Miss was difficult to deal with—indeed, she was a formidable opponent. If it were only Lady alone, today's plan would have succeeded.

It was her own impatience; she should have waited until the child was born before proposing this.

"Second Miss, I'm doing this for Lady. And Lady is doing this for you. If you're unwilling, there's no need to express it so harshly. Lady will be saddened by your words."

Pei Yuanxi sneered. "For me? Who knows what will happen to a child who hasn't even been born yet. To put it bluntly, by the time he grows up, my own children would be almost the same age. Would I rely on him or my own children more? With my loving brother, I don't need to rely on anyone else, yet I'm supposed to depend on an unborn child? Does Aunt Qiu think I'm still foolish?"

Was she meant to be a support or a daughter?

Madam Shen felt relieved seeing Aunt Qiu being put in her place. Ever since acknowledging Yuanxi as her daughter, she couldn't help but feel a bit inferior in front of her. Her daughter's words were like sharp knives, straight and piercing.

No matter how much she disliked concubines before, she wouldn't speak so harshly. Yuanxi... was standing up for her. Thinking about this, her embarrassment and discomfort gradually faded away.

"Aunt Qiu, let's not discuss this matter any further. Eldest Brother has grown up and is well-mannered and respected by Lord Marquis. I believe he will definitely protect his sisters."

This was a subtle attempt to win over Aunt Zhao.

Aunt Qiu knew that her plan wouldn't succeed today. She had thought that a foolish girl would be easy to manipulate, allowing Hua'er to get close and gradually influence the situation. However, she hadn't expected the fool to be troublesome, causing Hua'er a great loss.

After much contemplation, she decided to take matters into her own hands, only to hit a wall. The moment she saw Pei Yuanxi's wandering eyes while clutching her stomach, Yuanxi immediately dismissed her, preventing her from using her pregnancy as leverage. She arrived with high spirits but left in anger and humiliation.

Aunt Zhao, having paid her respects, wisely took her leave.

Madam Shen's anger subsided, and much of her distress dissipated. The mother and daughter spent quite some time discussing Aunt Qiu's matter before Pei Yuanxi finally took her leave.

As she was about to exit the Xuanting Courtyard, she noticed Aunt Zhao waiting for her.

Aunt Zhao first bowed deeply, taking her time to rise. She understood that Aunt Zhao was expressing gratitude for her intervention earlier, for protecting her brother's position and preventing Aunt Qiu from sending the child to the Xuanting Courtyard.

"Please don't humble yourself, Aunt."

"It's my duty, Miss. I can never repay your kindness."

"Aunt, you're too courteous. My brother has been raised by Father since he was young. Even if Mother had intentions, Father wouldn't allow such a thing to happen."

Indeed, Marquis Xuanping placed great importance on Pei Ji and would never tolerate any internal chaos that could undermine the family's stability.

Nonetheless, Aunt Zhao still felt the need to thank her. If there were an officially recognized legitimate son in the Xuanting Courtyard, her own Ji Gege's status would be questionable. The Marquis was always in good health and could afford to wait until his younger son reached maturity. By then, who knew how things might unfold?

She was waiting for Pei Yuanxi not solely for this matter but also for another reason.

Seeing Aunt Zhao hesitate to speak, Pei Yuanxi didn't press her.

After much deliberation, she finally revealed the truth.

No one knows a daughter better than her mother. No matter how well her daughter concealed her feelings, it was inevitable that she would sense them. She was grateful that Master Xia had already voluntarily resigned, for otherwise, the situation would have been rather tricky.

Her daughter had left the mansion three times recently. The first time, she paid no attention, but the second time, she grew concerned. By the third time, she sent someone to follow her and thus discovered the truth.

Fortunately, each time, her daughter only sneaked off to secretly watch Master Xia, and nothing untoward had occurred between them. However, there was something that worried her: it seemed her daughter possessed a jade pendant typically worn by a man, and she wondered if it held any significance.

Upon hearing Pei Yuanxi's account, she understood her intentions.

With Pei Yuanruo about to enter the palace, they could not afford any missteps at this point.

Pei Yuanruo believed she had concealed her actions well, only to find out that her younger sister was aware of them. Fortunately, Pei Yuanxi did not ask any questions and instead offered to accompany her outside the mansion to meet with Master Xia.

Master Xia rented a place near the Qinglong Academy, an area frequented by scholars and literary figures, with a rich atmosphere of books and learning – an ideal place for studying.

The two sisters hid nearby as they watched him emerge in his flowing white attire; observed him pass by a weathered, elderly beggar without diverting his gaze; saw him tip a young girl singing on the street; and then witnessed him entering a music shop.

Pei Yuanxi asked, "Eldest Sister, what do you think of his character when he's alone?"

Pei Yuanruo's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I've visited a few times, and every time he appears freshly dressed and spotless. Clearly, he's a cleanliness-conscious person with high standards for himself. I inquired around, and the neighbors speak highly of him, saying he's generous and spends his days reading or practicing the zither at a music studio. He seems to be quite disciplined."

"Is that all you see, Eldest Sister?" asked Pei Yuanxi.

"Don't you see it the same way, Second Sister?" Pei Yuanruo countered.

Pei Yuanxi gazed at the refined scholars frequenting the music studio. "His clothes are always clean, suggesting he has someone else take care of them. The neighbors might praise his generosity because of this. Just now, I noticed he ignored the beggar in tattered clothes but rewarded the singing girl with money. This shows he's a man who cherishes beauty and kindness. If a man is too much like that, his wife will have a hard life. Since he earns his living by teaching the zither in a noble household, I doubt he has any other sources of income. Spending all his time reading and practicing at the music studio, his savings will eventually run out. What then will he live on?"

Pei Yuanruo seemed not to have considered these points, her expression clearly taken aback. "He's an upright man, how could he be bound by mundane matters?"

"Eldest Sister, you're mistaken. Even the emperor, as noble as he is, still needs to eat, drink, and attend to basic necessities. Without income, how can he sustain himself? I don't deny his talent, but I don't think he's a man worthy of reliance."

The blush on Pei Yuanruo's face faded, leaving her looking slightly pale.

A lady raised in a noble household would never have considered such practicalities. She disagreed with Pei Yuanxi's perspective. Aren't all young noblemen lavish spenders, many of them accomplished gentlemen?

Observing her expression, Pei Yuanxi knew her sister didn't take her words to heart.

Scanning the crowd, she suddenly noticed several men with short hair. In this world, people adhered to the ancient belief that one's body and hair were gifts from parents. Why would so many cut their hair short?

Upon inquiry during the spring month, it turned out that the emperor was the one who started this trend.

It was said that when the emperor appeared in court with a short haircut, the hall nearly erupted in outrage. Many officials were heartbroken and complained to the grand duke. However, the emperor remained unperturbed, stating that he would cut his hair again once it grew back.

Despite their futile attempts to persuade him, the officials could only turn a blind eye.

Most men on the streets who had their hair cut were commoners. For them, besides seeking convenience and coolness, a significant reason was that they could sell their hair for money. Some had calculated that, with high demand for hair, those with good quality could fetch about one tael of silver. Since the hair would grow back, it could be sold repeatedly, essentially a profit without initial investment.

Pei Yuanxi found herself in a dilemma upon hearing this.

Thinking of Shangxing and then looking at Pei Yuanruo, she simply couldn't picture him with the concubines. In her opinion, the young emperor had no intention of selecting a queen at all.

Sometimes, she felt that the emperor was just a willful child, seemingly indifferent to others' opinions, treating rituals and teachings with disregard. If not, he wouldn't have transformed a magnificent palace into a poisonous one.

With a conflicted expression, Pei Yuanruo looked at Qinxing hesitantly.

"Big Sister, should we follow and take another look?"

The moment Pei Yuanxi suggested this, she was tempted.

The two sisters entered the music shop, even passing by Mister Xia. However, he was too engrossed in looking up at the second floor to notice them.

Pei Yuanruo felt a twinge of disappointment. She had been hiding and had actually been eagerly anticipating their chance encounter. Yet, despite being right in front of him, he hadn't seen her.

What could be on the second floor?

Pei Yuanxi looked up and saw a woman in white slowly descending the stairs.

Her snowy white robe fluttered gracefully, with wide sleeves and a matching hair ribbon. What an ethereally beautiful woman, every move she made exuded an otherworldly aura.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Mister Xia couldn't conceal his delight.

The lady's delicate features were like a painting, with a hint of arrogance amidst her transcendent beauty. As she drew closer, Mister Xia's usually furrowed brows, indicative of his disdain for the world, softened into a joyful expression that the Pei sisters had never seen before.

Pei Yuanruo's eyes dimmed slightly as she clasped her hands together.

"Miss Chen," Xia Sanyu's voice was filled with happiness, "you've come."

The Miss Chen plucked the strings in front of him. "Young Master Xia is here to admire the qin again?"

"Yes, I haven't found one that truly appeals to me."

"Lord Xia's musical prowess is exceptional; the common instruments on the first floor would certainly not catch your attention." Miss Chen said, her gaze subtly drifting towards the Pei sisters. "In search of a harmonious companion, Lord Xia, please ascend to the second floor."

Xia Sanyu couldn't conceal his excitement as he gracefully followed her upstairs.

Both were dressed in white, resembling an ethereal couple in love.

Pei Yuanruo's lips had turned pale from biting down on them, a testament to the sorrow she felt for her unrequited affection, now lost like flowing water.

Miss Chen glanced at them casually from the corner of the staircase, her gaze as cool and distant as a breeze. Pei Yuanxi furrowed her brow, sensing something unusual.

This Miss Chen seemed to know her.