Chapter 46: Shangxing Protects His Mother

Chapter 46: Shangxing Protects His Mother

As the two ladies were about to disappear around the corner of the staircase, the fair-skinned Lady Chen slightly turned her head, revealing her proud profile to Xia Sanyu.

Her perfect jawline and fluttering eyelashes seemed to resonate with his heart. His jade-like face flushed, and he appeared somewhat flustered, no longer the world-weary young man he had been before.

"Mr. Xia, those two ladies downstairs were just watching you. Do you know them?"

The enchantment in Xia Sanyu's heart faded, and he frowned as he recognized the Pei sisters. "I do recognize them. I taught music at Marquis Xuanping's residence before, and these two are the marquis's daughters."

Lady Chen's haughty expression revealed her understanding as she glanced down at the Pei sisters. "In that case, why doesn't Mr. Xia go and greet them?"

Xia Sanyu hesitated. He had finally found a chance to be alone with Lady Chen, so he couldn't afford to pay attention to the Pei sisters. It didn't surprise him that they would be here; he assumed they were here to purchase a musical instrument.

Before he could react, Lady Chen gracefully descended the stairs.

With no other choice, he followed.

"Greetings, ladies. So you're Mr. Xia's students? It's a pleasure," she said, her tone implying an air of superiority due to her higher social standing.

Xia Sanyu promptly introduced the Pei sisters' status and also revealed the origin of Miss Chen.

The Chen family of Yuncang.

At the dawn of the Ling Dynasty, the foundation of the kingdom was built upon the prowess of the Chengs, the Chens, and the Gongyis.

When the Shangs seized power and rewarded their loyalists, the Chengs became Duke Yan, and the Gongyis were bestowed the title of Duke of East Mountain. One ruled the nation through wisdom, the other secured it with martial might. The Chen ancestors, who had served as strategists, retreated to Yuncang upon the accomplishment of their mission.

The Chens of Yuncang were commoners, yet their descendants were respected nationwide for their profound knowledge and teachings. Miss Chen was named Chen Yaozhi, belonging to the legitimate branch of the family. She had recently arrived in the Eastern Capital City, and this very music store was one of the Chen family's establishments.

Both parties exchanged courtesies, and Pei Yuanruo, who had originally admired the Chen family, was now feeling a complex mix of emotions. The man she admired clearly had his affections directed towards Chen Yaozhi; no matter how much she revered Chen, jealousy could not be entirely avoided.

Chen Yaozhi spoke with a gentle yet firm tone, not at all like those petty ladies confined to their chambers. Perhaps it was the scholarly air about her, or perhaps it was her broad knowledge and experience that made her appear open and confident.

Xia Sanyu's admiration was evident in his eyes.

Pei Yuanruo's gaze grew increasingly despondent. Chen Yaozhi's appearance was on par with hers, and they were both women of a similar ilk. Her sadness stemmed from the fact that after years spent with Master Xia, she had never seen him look at another woman with such tenderness.

Women, when observing one another, tend to be more perceptive.

Pei Yuanxi trusted her instincts; this Chen Yaozhi not only recognized her but also held a subtle, unspoken animosity towards her. That hostility was concealed in every fleeting glance and in the corners of her lips when they curved up unintentionally.

"I may have recently arrived in Eastern Capital City, but I've heard of Second Miss Pei. It seems that the rumors circulating in the streets have misled people – Second Miss Pei is nothing like what they portray."

Pei Yuanruo instinctively glanced at her younger sister, relieved to see her calm expression. Upon their first meeting, Miss Chen had mentioned her sister's reputation, leaving it unclear whether it was deliberate or simply an open-hearted comment.

"My second sister rarely ventures out and is unaware of the treachery in people's hearts. Our family has faced malicious servants harming our kin, followed by others with ulterior motives spreading falsehoods. As the wise say, rumors cease with the discerning. Miss Chen, with your scholarly demeanor, surely understands this principle."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yaozhi offered her a faint smile.

"The eldest Miss Pei is indeed protective of her sister and has a keen sense of the bigger picture, truly a young lady well-educated by the marquis's household. The tarnished reputation of the Second Miss Pei has unfortunately affected all the young ladies of the marquis's residence. I harbor no ill will; I am merely stating the facts. The eldest Miss Pei need not rush to explain herself."

Pei Yuanruo's face paled slightly, realizing that she had indeed been too hasty just now. Catching a glimpse of Master Xia standing nearby, she noticed an unnatural expression on his face, bordering on anger.

Xia Sanyu has always been known for his arrogance, stemming from his talent, and one could say he lacks finesse in dealing with people. That day, after being enlightened by Pei Yuanxi, he regarded her as a kindred spirit. Recalling the gossip and rumors, how could he not feel indignant?

"Second Miss is not what they portray, Miss Chen, you must not believe those rumors."

Chen Yaozhi offered a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Naturally, I do not believe such rumors. For the First and Second Misses Pei to grace the qin shop with their presence speaks volumes about their refined tastes. Should either of you find a qin to your liking, the shop will offer it at a generous three-tenths discount. I have some pressing matters to attend to; please, make yourselves at home."

The words were tactful, giving both face and substance to the sisters.

Xia Sanyu found Chen Yaozhi's reputation in Yuncang well-deserved. It was truly remarkable for a woman to possess such breadth of mind. Nodding at the Pei sisters, he followed Chen Yaozhi back upstairs.

Pei Yuanruo had no heart for selecting a zither. Seeing that pair of elegant figures in white, her heart was shattered; she only wished to leave immediately. Pei Yuanxi perceived her sister's dejection and softly asked if they should return home now.

Lost in her thoughts, she nodded absentmindedly.

The two sisters left the music shop. Before they had taken a few steps, they heard an excited, shrill voice, "Oh my, isn't this Second Miss Pei?"

"Is that true? Where is that shameless fool?"

A cluster of women swarmed around, leaving Pei Yuanruo utterly startled. Chunyue and the others positioned themselves protectively, quickening their pace. Little did they expect that these women had no intention of letting them go.

Their voices grew louder with each utterance, saliva flying as they declared their accusations. Soon, they were surrounded on all sides, with no escape route in sight. It wasn't just the women; many scholars from the Qinglong Academy, who had initially been in the vicinity, had also gathered around to witness the commotion.

Pei Yuanxi cast a cold glance and, to her surprise, recognized several familiar faces among the scholars. They were the very individuals who had accompanied Li Yi to cause a commotion at the Marquis's residence on the previous occasion.

It appears that today's events bode ill, surely aimed directly at her.

She gestured for Pei Yuanruo to step aside, then seized the opportunity to slip away, hurrying back to the Marquis's residence to summon help. Pei Yuanruo, badly startled, obeyed her without question.

"Look, she's the daughter of a noble household, as lovely as a blossoming flower, yet how shameless can she be? After sharing an intimate moment with Young Master Li, she still refuses to acknowledge it, causing him to be imprisoned. What a wicked young lady, indeed! Pah!"

Indeed, if it were an ordinary girl, she would be grateful to the core if a man asked for her hand with her undergarment as a token. If the man were already betrothed to another, such a girl, having lost her virtue before marriage, might at most be taken as a concubine. Yet, she not only denied it but also framed Young Master Li. Poor Young Master Li, after working so hard to free himself from his social status and pursue scholarship, his future was ruined by this woman."

Given such circumstances, those with dignity would have long secluded themselves at home, never stepping out. Yet, she still shamelessly strolls about. One can only wonder which scholar she is attempting to entice now.

"A lady from the Marquis household, indeed, knows no shame, compared to an ordinary courtesan. If I were her, I would have thrown myself into Qinglong Lake long ago, rather than bear the disgrace of living on."

"Indeed, indeed, it would be cleaner to just jump into the lake and end it all!"

Amidst the uproar, the women loudly expressed their opinions, yet each one was secretly uneasy and avoided looking at Pei Yuanxi. The scholars, quoting ancient texts, declared that a woman's life was of lesser importance than her chastity, and that sacrificing oneself to protect one's reputation was the true virtue of a lady.

Pei Yuanxi looked coldly towards the second floor of the music hall, where a fleeting white figure seemed to have passed by an ajar window. There were never shortages of spectators in the world, nor those who would add fuel to the fire.

These people aimed to utterly ruin her reputation and push her to take her own life.

Chen Yaozhi and Xia Sanyu were upstairs; how could they not hear the commotion on the street? Xia Sanyu's face flushed with anger. Several times, he wanted to descend the stairs to come to Pei Yuanxi's aid, but Chen Yaozhi stopped him each time.

Your going would make no difference; the tale of Second Miss Pei has already spread throughout the Eastern Capital City. Even if the Marquis's Manor were to clarify that the scandal was fabricated by Li Yi, the people may not necessarily believe it.

"Are we to stand idly by and witness her being humiliated?" Xia Sanyu, inherently resentful of the world, had feelings for Pei Yuanxi; naturally, he couldn't bear to see her subjected to verbal abuse.

With a glint in her eyes, Chen Yaozhi held a subtle disdain for his lack of composure. However, he was filled with a fervent spirit, making him ideal for standing up for others. Coupled with his talent, if utilized properly, he could prove to be an excellent ally.

"Your involvement would only make matters worse. Those women's tongues are sharper than knives; they would immediately defame you, linking you and Second Miss Pei in some scandal. Instead of assisting her, you would end up harming her."

Upon hearing this reasoning, Xia Sanyu realized it to be true. If he were to rashly intervene on Second Miss Pei's behalf, he might inadvertently invite unwarranted gossip. Given that even he, a man, valued his reputation, how much more so would a young lady like her? His irritation grew, evident in the hint of aggression that surfaced on his face.

Despite his appearance of detachment from the world, he was easily swayed by worldly affairs. This kind of person wore their hatred and affection on their sleeve, guided entirely by personal feelings.

Hearing the increasingly intolerable voices outside, he wished he could cover his ears.

"Perhaps I should go down and see for myself. Maybe I can be of assistance," Chen Yaozhi suggested.

Xia Sanyu immediately bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Chen."

What Chen Yaozhi sought was precisely his gratitude and admiration. For a man like him, winning his favor was the most effective way to captivate his heart completely.

The clamor outside had reached unbearable levels, with voices urging Pei Yuanxi to leap into the lake growing louder by the moment. It seemed as if, should she not prove her innocence through death today, she would become a sinner to the Pei family and an eternal blemish on the Marquis Xuanping's household.

Pei Yuanxi remained silent, while Chunyue shielded her desperately, fearing that someone might attempt violence. Fortunately, despite their fiery words, those women clearly held some measure of deference to her status.

Her narrowed eyes were profound and dark, revealing the depth of hatred harbored by the person manipulating these people to push her towards death.

Amidst the agitated crowd of women and righteous scholars, along with the curious onlookers, the street in front of the Qinglong Academy was packed tightly.

When Chen Yaozhi emerged, a startled cry of "Miss Chen" echoed, and the crowd instinctively parted to allow her passage. She moved with grace and elegance, respected and revered, her snow-white sleeves and flowing dress as unattainable as her persona.

She expected to see a terrified Pei Yuanxi, her face twisted with fear. That was the contrast she sought to present to the world. With her, the pearl, at her side, Pei Yuanxi could only serve as a foil and subordinate accompaniment.

Upon seeing Pei Yuanxi, whose expression was as serene as if nothing had happened, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. Indeed, she was the same woman from the previous life who had captivated men like moths to a flame; remarkably composed.

"Do not continue to trouble the Second Miss Pei, for she is also compelled by circumstances. That matter has been proven to be a false accusation by Li Yi; why do you persist in holding her accountable? Furthermore, as a lady from the marquis's household, her reputation is the responsibility of her father and brothers, so what concern is it to others?"

These words appeared to be in defense of Pei Yuanxi, but they held a hidden meaning.

Spring Moon, unable to conceal her emotions, wore an expression of profound gratitude.

The women were chattering noisily, with one of them saying, "Miss Chen, you're new to the Eastern Capital City and might not know about Second Miss Pei's past. She was once an idiotic girl. Who knows what she's capable of? What Young Master Li said is probably true, but the Marquis Xuanping's household refuses to acknowledge it."

"Indeed, how can a girl who lost her virtue still roam around without any shame?"

"In our opinion, if any family had such a daughter, they should drown her at birth. It would be better for everyone that way."

Chen Yaozhi's expression revealed her distress, as if she had just learned that Pei Yuanxi used to be an idiot. Her sympathetic gaze towards Pei Yuanxi carried a tinge of regret.

Soon, her regretful look turned into a serious one as she addressed the crowd, "Regardless, the affairs of the Marquis Xuanping's household are not for you common folk to discuss. If you truly anger the marquis, what will you do then?"

Her words held hidden meanings and were meant to incite trouble. Clearly, Miss Chen had a grudge against her. Pei Yuanxi gently shook her head, signaling Chunyue not to argue.

Chunyue's eyes reddened from anger, wishing she could fight those women. Her young miss wasn't the kind of person they accused her of being. Who would bother themselves with other people's problems to the point of driving someone to death? They hadn't even eaten the rice from their house; these women were simply bullying too much.

Frightened by Chen Yaozhi's stern warning, some of the women seemed to back down. A scholar shouted that the marquis household could get away with anything, which was unjust. A few others echoed his sentiment, turning the situation into a criticism of the marquis.

As the atmosphere heated up, the women grew more vocal.

Chen Yaozhi's face darkened as she looked at Pei Yuanxi disapprovingly, "Second Miss Pei, why would you venture out in such a vulnerable state?"

This implies that, as people say, Pei Yuanxi is shameless, appearing in public after such an incident.

Pei Yuanxi looked at her calmly. "Miss Chen, if my reputation is truly as terrible as you say, should I be hiding at home, weeping endlessly, or perhaps, as some suggest, jump into a lake to preserve my honor?"

"Hardly so, I am here to assist Second Miss Pei," Chen Yaozhi replied, as if deeply offended. "I merely suggest that, given the numerous criticisms from the world, it would be wiser for you to remain secluded and unseen."

"Thank you, Miss Chen," Pei Yuanxi expressed gratitude, though a hint of mockery lingered at the corners of her eyes. "I am a lady from an aristocratic household. No matter how others defame or slander me, my father and elder brothers will always stand by my side. As Miss Chen has pointed out, those who dare to publicly insult me today should be prepared to face the fury of my kin. After all, in the shadow of the Emperor's throne, the law is paramount, and pushing someone to their death is no trifling matter. And as for these so-called scholars, instead of applying their learning to save lives, they engage in street bullying like common women. They truly are unworthy of studying the classics of sages and are even less fit to be considered virtuous men!"

Her voice carried, causing some of the women present to entertain thoughts of retreat, while a few students slipped away from the crowd discreetly. Yet, a greater number refused to disperse, instead voicing their discontent loudly, accusing the Marquis's residence of bullying with its power and influence.

Chen Yaozhi sighed, "So it seems that Second Miss Pei has her own support. I was indeed meddlesome."

"Miss Chen's actions are indeed unnecessary," Pei Yuanxi said with subtle implication.

Sympathy arose for Chen Yaozhi, fueling the collective indignation once more as people accused Pei Yuanxi of being ungrateful. The topic then shifted to Li Yi's incident, with the harsh words becoming even more unbearable to hear.

Chen Yaozhi wore an expression of dilemma, unsure whether to leave or stay.

At this moment, a whip cracked through the air, followed by a shriek, and immediately, a path was cleared. At the end of the path stood a modest carriage from which leapt a flamboyant young man with short hair, clad in brocaded robes.

The youthful and handsome face was livid, with tightly pressed lips that betrayed his extreme anger. The usual charming dimples were nowhere to be seen, replaced instead by a fierce, wrathful glare.

As Pei Yuanxi watched him approach, she felt an inexplicable warmth in her heart.

His sharp gaze swept across everyone, his teeth grinding audibly, "You dared to bully her in broad daylight? Do you think I'm dead?"

"Who's this guy?" a woman whispered, "With hair cut like that, does he have any respect for his parents and ancestors?"

Shangxing gave a single, pointed glance, "Seize this person first!"

The woman screamed as she was lifted up by a guard in a manner resembling how one would pick up a small chicken.

The onlookers were astounded, engaging in animated discussions about who Shangxing could possibly be. In recent days, many men in the Eastern Capital City had taken to cropping their hair short. Most of these men were impoverished laborers striving to make ends meet.

This young man was well-dressed and accompanied by attendants, seemingly an inexperienced youth from nowhere. Perhaps his family's wealth had nurtured in him a disposition of ignorance about the world and its boundaries.

The moment Chen Yaozhi set foot in Shangxing, he found himself pondering relentlessly over the identity of this young man. In his recollections, there was no such individual among Pei Yuanxi's admirers, nor did anyone of this description belong to the esteemed scions of the Eastern Capital City's prominent families. His gaze shifted to the attendants that accompanied Shangxing, each dressed in unremarkable attire, devoid of any emblems that would signify their affiliation with esteemed lineages.

Observing the person with short hair, and though their attire was splendid, it seemed somewhat incongruous, could they be a foreigner? She speculated in her mind that they might be the offspring of a wealthy merchant from afar, and indeed, they appeared to have a certain fervor.

"Sir, you might not be aware, but despite their harsh words, these people have good intentions at heart."

"Who are you to claim that they mean no harm?" Shangxing's anger boiled over, and he slowly drew a snake from his sleeve. The serpent raised its triangular head, flicking its long, red tongue.

Chen Yaozhi's eyes widened in fear. "My surname is Chen, from the direct line of the Yuncang Chens."

At the mention of the Yuncang Chens, some in the crowd gasped in awe.

Of the three major academies in the land, two bore the Chen name. Not only were many masters at Qinglong Academy disciples of the Chens, but even the scholars at the Eastern Capital Academy had roots in their teachings. The Chens' influence spread far and wide, from the highest court officials to the most respected figures in rural areas.

In the literati of the Ling Dynasty, the Chens were revered as something sacred. A member of the main branch, like Chen Yaozhi, would naturally command respect. It was no surprise that her demeanor and grace transcended the mundane.

Used to admiration, Chen Yaozhi's aloof expression became even more regal. An air of arrogance and disdain unconsciously crept into her gaze when observing others, especially Shangxing.

With his rebellious short hair, Shangxing resembled a ruffled lion cub. "A fine Chen woman indeed! To blindly defend them and claim they have good intentions. In my opinion, you're on the same side as them – both of you harbor malicious hearts."

Pei Yuanxi looked at him and found his current demeanor rather endearing. She was even tempted to stroke his short hair and smooth it down for him.

Chen Yaozhi's expression darkened. The Yuncang Chen family had always been respected. This young man must have come from some uncultured place to dare look down on their esteemed Chen family like this.

He was clearly illiterate, or else he wouldn't have reacted in such a manner. With this thought, a hint of disdain crept into her proud gaze.

"Sir, though you're young and full of vigor, you should know what to say and what not to say when trying to be a hero and save the day. If you provoke someone you shouldn't, the consequences will be more than you can bear."

Upon hearing Chen Yaozhi's words, the initially frightened women and students were reassured, as if they had taken a calming pill. So what if it was a marquis's residence? Compared to the deep roots and extensive influence of the Chen family, a marquis's mansion was insignificant.

Though the Chen family may seem humble, they are not to be underestimated. Among the founding fathers, the two Chens and third Gongyis, it is only the Chen lineage that has flourished and branched out into prosperity until this day.

Amidst the crowd, enthusiasm stirred as they recounted the lineage and prestige of the Chen family. Each word was spoken with reverence and honor, as if by standing alongside a woman of the Chen family, they too could imbibe some of her scholarly aura.

Some urged Shangxing to apologize promptly, for there were individuals one couldn't afford to offend easily.

Shangxing sneered disdainfully, "You're quite right; there are indeed many people in this world one shouldn't provoke."

"Milord is well aware, I believe this incident is merely a misunderstanding. It would be wise for you to escort Second Miss Pei away without attracting further trouble," Chen Yaozhi assumed her words would impress upon the young man, who was perhaps too bold for his own good, the need to learn from setbacks. "The Chen family has always been about fostering wisdom and caution. I hope, Milord, that you will henceforth remember to ponder twice before acting."

What a righteous lady, and what an educated young miss, indeed.

Shangxing brushed his short hair aside, "What if I don't? What if I insist on pursuing this matter? What can your Yuncang Chen family do to me?"

"Sir, the Eastern Capital City is under the emperor's rule, not a place for you to act recklessly," Chen Yaozhi's words carried a hint of threat. Her proud gaze regarded Shangxing as if he were an uneducated rustic.

Shangxing licked his teeth, revealing a dimple on his face, "In my entire life, no one has ever dared to speak to me like that. How novel it is that I'm hearing a threat from someone else today."

At that moment, he appeared like a willful child, both arrogant and cunning.

Peng Yuanxi looked at him with amusement in her eyes. He used to pretend to be mature, acting as if burdened with great sorrows despite being just a young man. But now, he seemed like a different person, no longer hiding his flamboyance. Something must have happened to bring about such a change in him.

He raised an eyebrow at her, his dimples deepening, "I'm making it clear today – anyone who troubles Second Miss Pei will be crossing me. If I'm displeased, you'll all be in for a world of trouble."

Chen Yaozhi felt a knot form in her stomach, sensing that something was amiss.

Could this young man have an influential background?

"Sir, originally, I came to help Second Miss Pei out of this predicament. Who could have foreseen things escalating like this?" Chen Yaozhi looked at Peng Yuanxi helplessly, "Second Miss Pei, would you mind explaining the situation to this sir and me?"

Pei Yuanxi appeared utterly bewildered. "Explain what? Miss Chen arrived and immediately scolded me for leaving the house, then informed these people that our Marquis household would bully others with our power, which only fueled their anger. Miss Chen claimed to be here to help me, but forgive my ignorance – I fail to see how."

"Turns out you're here to stir up trouble," Shangxing said with a wave of his hand, addressing a guard. "I recall that Miss Chen has a rather friendly relationship with that traitorous dog Cheng. Investigate how many shops the Chen family owns in the Eastern Capital City and thoroughly search them to see if they're hiding any remnants of the Cheng faction."

Chen Yaozhi's face paled at this. "This is the heart of the kingdom, where the Emperor rules! Our Chen family are founding heroes – you dare not!"

Shangxing's smile was enigmatic as he toyed with the snake in his hand. "In the heart of the kingdom, do you think I dare or not, little darling?"

What did he mean by that?

The snake's triangular head, with its tongue flickering in and out as if emitting a faintly fishy scent, suggested it was no ordinary harmless serpent. A youth who tends to venomous creatures... the most renowned one in all the land is none other than the inhabitant of Tai Ling Palace.

Chen Yaozhi's face turned pale. Could this young man... could this young man possibly be...

"Who... Who are you?"

With a faint smile playing on his lips, Shangxing spoke deliberately, "I am the Son of Heaven. Do you dare to doubt if I would dare?"