Chapter 49: Arrogance

Chapter 49: Arrogance

The honest man was named Meng Huai, hailing from the town of Meng's Village, situated three hundred miles outside the Eastern Capital City. Seeking work in the city had proven unsuccessful, and he had unintentionally spent all his money. Desperate to alleviate his hunger, he resorted to such a devious method to obtain some fried dough twists.

Touched to the core, he was ready to risk life and limb for Chen Yaozhi, his gratitude overwhelming.

Two copper coins wouldn't have elicited such a reaction from anyone else.

He was an upright individual who had never deceived anyone, let alone manipulated circumstances to cheat someone. Had it not been for Chen Yaozhi's intervention, he might have been consumed by thoughts of suicide. It wasn't just about the two copper coins; even one would warrant his immense gratitude towards Chen Yaozhi.

With a casual air, Chen Yaozhi spoke of the matter as insignificant, yet inwardly, she was brimming with pride. Meng Huai was a hardworking man, his honest countenance earning him the trust of both children and the elderly. However, he was also a shrewd strategist, a capable general under Pei Yuanxi's command. Through successful overseas trades, he had helped Pei Yuanxi amass half of the Chu family's treasury.

In this life, armed with foreknowledge, she had already won over Xia Sanyu, the future renowned composer, to her side before Pei Yuanxi. Now, she was assisting Meng Huai ahead of time. She believed that in the future, Meng Huai would serve her, their Chen family.

Just as she was about to express her sympathy to further solidify Meng Huai's loyalty, Shangxing pushed through the crowd, looking down on Meng Huai with disdain.

"Only two copper coins, yet I thought it was two hundred taels of gold from what I just heard. It actually moved a seven-foot-tall man to such gratitude."

Chen Yaozhi's pupils constricted as she recognized Shangxing. Her startled gaze shifted to Pei Yuanxi, and then to Gongye Chu standing by her side. Her heart trembled with successive shocks, turning colder and colder.

How could this be?

Why was Pei Yuanxi there, and even with Emperor Gongye Chu? The three of them together?

Gongye Chu!

She remembered that face, never forgetting it for a moment. This man, who appeared to be an elegant and cold nobleman like fine jade, was in reality more terrifying than the most horrifying devil.

For Pei Yuanxi, how many lives had this man taken?

Her entire body turned cold as the excruciating pain, branded deep into her bones, surged through her, almost causing her to falter. Barely managing to regain her composure, her limbs were already icy cold.

Desperately reassuring herself that this wasn't her previous life, and that nothing had happened yet, she vowed to escape the fate of her past life while she still had the chance to alter the course of events.

The reason Pei Yuanxi had caught Gongye Chu's attention was her ability to win people over. Although the emperor's wrath had devastated their Chen family's business in the Eastern Capital City last time, she wasn't particularly angry, for this lifetime was different.

Initially, she thought that Pei Yuanxi was the one who had been reborn, but after careful consideration, she realized it wasn't her. If it were Pei Yuanxi, Emperor Jingwu wouldn't have emerged in this life.

Thus, she guessed that the person with the same fortunate opportunity as her, who didn't exist in her previous life, was the emperor. The emperor's protection of Pei Yuanxi must have a motive. Fortunately, the emperor wasn't Gongye Chu, whose methods weren't ruthless or heartless enough.

Furthermore, the Emperor must share her sentiment – their common enemy was Gongye Chu.

As she pondered, Shangxing had already gained Meng Huai's allegiance and arranged for a guard to escort him away. The sight of a coin being handed over by a guard left her feeling dizzy with disbelief.

The Emperor clearly sought to seize the advantage as well.

"Miss Chen, don't always think of profiting from others' misfortune," Shangxing said nonchalantly, his gaze filled with disdain. "To believe that two copper coins can buy someone's loyalty, you truly hold yourself in high regard."

Chen Yaozhi clenched the two coins, contemplating whether to ally with Shangxing.

Shangxing barely glanced at her before joyfully rushing towards Pei Yuanxi. Filled with both hatred and frustration, she vowed inwardly that everyone would come to know that in this life, she was the one favored by destiny.

Resigned, she reluctantly left the crowd, not daring to look back, for fear of catching another glimpse of Gongye Chu.

Pei Yuanxi didn't understand why Shangxing was so delighted. She whispered to him that if Meng Huai truly possessed talent, caution should be exercised when utilizing his abilities.

Perplexed, Shangxing knew of Meng Huai's capabilities. He had not only become the wealthiest man in the Chu Dynasty but also the most valuable asset under his father's command.

He was aware that Meng Huai belonged to his mother, so why did she speak thus?

"Don't you have faith in him?"

Pei Yuanxi replied, "Setting aside his capabilities for now, he's not someone trustworthy in terms of character. He might seem honest, but he doesn't possess strong principles. If you were to use such a person, you must have complete control over him. Whether or not he betrays you depends on the benefits you offer."

Shangxing's brows knitted into two worms, "I've heard that Chen Yaozhi was quite close to your family's former music and chess tutor. In your opinion, what kind of person is Master Xia?"

Pei Yuanxi assumed he had investigated Chen Yaozhi to know about Master Xia and didn't mind, "Master Xia does have talent, but his character leaves much to be desired. One could call it a disdain for the world, but others might say it's arrogance. He's easily swayed and can be brainwashed, and he lacks adaptability and understanding of human nature. He might excel in scholarly pursuits, but he'd fail in any other path, easily becoming a tool for others to exploit."

He made an "oh" sound, no wonder Master Xia later devoted himself to composing and became a renowned composer.

Everyone said her mother had a keen eye for talent, with all her subordinates being capable individuals. Now she realized it wasn't because her mother had a sharp eye, but rather, she knew how to utilize people's strengths. That's why those individuals flourished in their previous lives.

"As for Miss Chen, you should be cautious around her. She might know about the future, just like me," he told Pei Yuanxi, playfully winking.

Pei Yuanxi had her suspicions, which explained Chen Yaozhi's hostility towards her. Hearing Shangxing's words, she wasn't surprised. "I understand, I'll be careful."

Shangxing continued, "Actually, today's events happened before, except the one who helped Meng Huai wasn't her, but you."

How astute was Pei Yuanxi? She instantly connected his question about Master Xia. If this time Chen Yaozhi replicated her actions, could it be that her proximity to Master Xia also stemmed from the same reason?

So that was it.

She wanted to steal her life.

"I wonder what happened to her later," she inquired.

Shangxing's voice dropped even lower. "She married your elder brother and then passed away."

When he mentioned death, Shangxing instinctively glanced at his own father. Following his gaze, Pei Yuanxi also looked at Gongye Chu, immediately understanding how Chen Yaozhi had met her end.

While they whispered, Gongye Chu occasionally shot them sidelong glances.

Shangxing felt a chill run down his spine. He looked up just in time to meet his father's icy, complicated gaze. He hurriedly forced a smile, trying to appease him.

Gongye Chu huffed coldly and beckoned to the Marquis Xuanping, who had been lurking in the shadows.

The Marquis, drenched in sweat and feeling guilty, approached hesitantly. He first bowed as a form of respect, then made some casual remarks about passing by, implying that it was late and he should take his daughter home.

The father and daughter bid their farewells and departed.

Marquis Xuanping had quite a fright this evening and had repeatedly wanted to ask his daughter, Gongye Chu, why she was with them. Seeing Pei Yuanxi frown deeply the entire time, he hesitated to inquire further.

Lost in thoughts about Chen Yaozhi, Pei Yuanxi only noticed Marquis Xuanping's troubled expression after a long while.

"Dad, were you wondering why the Grand Marshal was with us?"

The marquis's face contorted even more. "Yuanxi, do you know about the emperor and the Grand Marshal... they..."

"Dad, didn't I tell you before that His Majesty has intentions of matchmaking for me? That's why he invited not only me but also the Grand Marshal today."

Upon hearing her words, Marquis Xuanping's face twisted into a knot. One emperor was already troublesome enough, let alone a grand marshal. Yet, His Majesty was playing matchmaker, attempting to pair Yuanxi with the Grand Marshal.

What on earth was going on?

"Well... does the Grand Marshal... he agrees?"

She smiled. "Whether he agrees or not, I don't know. But I'm not willing."

"Not willing... that's good too. But, Yuanxi, you can't be too straightforward. You need to be subtle and indirect. The Grand Marshal won't spare His Majesty's face, let alone your father's..." Marquis Xuanping wanted to say that Gongye Chu was even more terrifying than the emperor and was someone one should never provoke. However, he feared alarming his daughter with such grim words and ended up speaking incoherently out of anxiety.

"Father, I know what to do."

Marquis Xuanping's mind was in chaos. He could not fathom how Pei Yuanxi had become entangled with the emperor and the grand marshal, the ruler and his subject. However, he was certain of one thing: Pei Yuanxi was indeed unlikely to marry anyone else.

It was truly vexing.

The father and son watched them depart. Gongye Chu had a cold expression, while Shangxing seemed delighted. The one with a stern face walked ahead, followed by the joyful one, leaving one unsure who was the ruler and who was the subject.

From the shadows, Chen Yaozhi emerged, gritting her teeth in frustration.

What a cunning young emperor, hiding his true nature behind an innocent facade. She was convinced that he was far from naive and not as debauched as rumored.

A monarch's heart was as unfathomable as the bottom of the sea.

It seemed that the young emperor had not only blocked Gongye Chu's path to the throne but also meticulously planned to snatch Pei Yuanxi away from him. Although he had taken the initiative, if it served to undermine Gongye Chu, she would not hesitate to lend a hand, even going so far as to ally with a tiger.

She turned to catch up with the Pei father and daughter, confident in winning over her former father-in-law, Marquis Xuanping.

Marquis Xuanping did not recognize her and looked utterly perplexed when she addressed him. After Pei Yuanxi revealed her identity, his face darkened to a shade darker than the bottom of a pot.

"You're the young lady from the Chen family? I was just about to inquire of your elders in the Chen clan how they educate their daughters. You seem educated and well-mannered, yet why do you possess such a venomous heart?"

Chen Yaozhi was infuriated. In her previous life, this father-in-law had been quite satisfied with her.

"Marquis Pei, it was all a misunderstanding. I understand that Second Miss Pei misunderstood my intentions. Although my family's shop suffered considerable losses, I do not hold her accountable."

Marquis Xuanping remained skeptical but his expression softened slightly.

"I genuinely wish to become acquainted with Second Miss Pei. If you're willing to grant me the honor, I sincerely invite you to the flower appreciation gathering I'm hosting. It will be held at our Chen family's secondary residence, organized jointly with Miss Zeng. I'll personally send an invitation to the Marquis Xuanping's estate, and I hope that Second Miss Pei will grace us with your presence."

Miss Zeng referred to the niece of Empress Dowager Zeng.

Contemplating that it would indeed be beneficial for Yuanxi to socialize, Marquis Xuanping found the young lady named Chen to seem sincere and not cunning. He felt intrigued and turned his gaze towards Pei Yuanxi.

Three words flashed through Pei Yuanxi's mind: a banquet with hidden peril.

Should she go or not?

Of course she would go. Not only would she attend, but she would also watch the spectacle with keen interest, eager to see what tricks this Miss Chen, who sought to appropriate her life, had up her sleeve.

None of the noble ladies in the capital were familiar to her. Fearing that she might appear unrefined, Madam Shen specially asked Gu Yan, a niece from Gu's maternal family, to look after her. Gu Yan was of average looks with a slightly plump figure. When she looked at people, she always kept her head down, avoiding direct eye contact.

Pei Yuanxi was highly skeptical of such an individual's ability to care for others. She thought to herself that it was no wonder her aunt had never entertained the idea of letting her cousin, the crown prince, marry into the Gu family. It seemed that Gu Yan was indeed incapable of shouldering the responsibilities of being the lady of a marquis household.

Encountering Hong Baozhu was like finding someone with whom to share conversation.

Aware that she was among the invited guests, Hong Baozhu had come to the event. Though she hadn't attended such gatherings of noble ladies for many years, she was still knowledgeable about the backgrounds of these attendees.

As she listened to Hong Baozhu's hushed introduction, she began to match the faces with their names.

The hostesses of the flower appreciation gathering were Zeng Miaofu, the niece of Empress Dowager Zeng, and Chen Yaozhi. Although the Zeng family wasn't particularly noble, they were highly respected in the Eastern Capital City due to their connection with Empress Dowager Zeng. In the past, because of Shen's friendship with Empress Dowager Zeng, Zeng Miaofu and Pei Yuanjun were practically inseparable.

But now, accompanying Zeng Miaofu was not any young lady from the families of the Eastern Capital City, but Chen Yaozhi.

The Chen family might be of humble origins, but they held great prestige among the scholarly elite. In their ancestral home in Yuncang, there was even an inscription by an emperor himself.

A heart of integrity, nurturing talents across the land.

The Chen family, though not of noble or aristocratic rank, held an imperial iron bond bestowed by a former emperor. This was the reason for their enduring status over the years and the reason they were revered and treated as honored guests by society.

The noble ladies all knew each other well, conversing in small groups. Pei Yuanxi and Hong Baozhu felt like outsiders intruding on their circle. Gu Yan had long since disappeared into a corner, engaged in a private conversation with another young lady, leaving no room for concern for Pei Yuanxi.

Zeng Miaofu introduced Chen Yaozhi, receiving a chorus of praise.

The daughters from prominent scholarly and official families were astute and perceptive, a rarity compared to someone like Gu Yan. They flattered Chen Yaozhi, though many of them did so insincerely. Nevertheless, their public display appeared harmonious.

"Hypocrites," Hong Baozhu whispered under her breath. "I despise how they speak like this, as if no one can hear the barbs hidden within their words. They quote ancient texts with their mouths, but when it comes to scheming against others, they're nothing but cunning."

Pei Yuanxi smiled gently. "Let's just treat this as watching a play, shall we?"

Hong Baozhu was taken aback for a moment before she chuckled. "You're right; this is much more interesting than any play."

She began to recount some past incidents, mentioning who had sabotaged whom and who had embarrassed someone else in public. The two whispered confidentially, earning disdainful glances from others. People mumbled that it was no wonder the pair of them were compatible – they were both fools. They wondered what Miss Zeng was thinking, inviting such company.

How could Zeng Miaofu have wanted to invite them? It was all because Empress Dowager Zeng had given her instructions. She was to remember to send an invitation to Second Miss Pei whenever there was a banquet or similar event. Add to that, Elder Sister Yaozhi had strongly urged her to do so. As for Hong Baozhu, it was Elder Sister Yaozhi who had suggested her invitation, fearing that Second Miss Pei might be too shy.

Elder Sister Yaozhi was truly kind-hearted.

Prior to this encounter, Zeng Miaofu had never laid eyes on Pei Yuanxi and had assumed that an idiot must not possess remarkable beauty. Previously, when she heard that His Majesty intended to invite Pei Yuanxi into the palace, she had even maliciously speculated that perhaps in the Emperor's eyes, Pei Yuanxi was akin to venomous creatures.

In the past, her aunt would often summon her to the palace with the intention of presenting her before His Majesty. However, instead of gaining favor, she had been frightened half to death by those venomous snakes and fell ill for nearly two weeks before recovering.

She dared not entertain any thoughts about that eccentric emperor anymore.

Initially, when she heard the rumors in the capital, she did not believe them. It was truly hard to imagine that His Majesty would have affection for a young lady. It was only after her elder sister, Yaoyao, personally confirmed it that she came to accept it as truth.

To her surprise, the rumored foolish girl turned out to be quite pleasing to the eye.

She refused to acknowledge that Pei Yuanxi was more attractive than herself; in her eyes, no amount of beauty could erase the fact that the woman had once been a fool.

Thus, as the head of the family, she surprisingly omitted introducing Pei Yuanxi to others and didn't even make the effort to greet her personally. Instead, she left the woman standing there unattended until Chen Yaozhi mentioned her.

Promptly, Chen Yaozhi elegantly approached Pei Yuanxi and offered a formal apology with great solemnity.

Although it was an apology, her words carried a hint of reproach, blaming Pei Yuanxi for not knowing her place. The unforeseen calamity that befell the Chen family was all due to Pei Yuanxi. It was only through remarkable forbearance that Chen Yaozhi lowered herself to apologize to the other woman.

In that moment, numerous disdainful glances were directed at Pei Yuanxi.

Zeng Miaofu was furious, naturally taking Chen Yaozhi's side with a scornful glance at Pei Yuanxi.

With sincerity laced with regret, Chen Yaozhi said, "I was too hasty in my actions. If I had known that Second Miss Pei was under the protection of His Majesty, I should not have intervened. I didn't help Second Miss Pei as intended, and instead caused her to misunderstand my intentions. In the future, I will not dare to act so recklessly, and I beg for Second Miss Pei's forgiveness."

The young ladies buzzed with chatter, lamenting that good intentions were rewarded with ill fate. From their perspective, Second Miss Pei must be envious of Miss Chen, hence her tattling to the Emperor.

These young maidens were all at marriageable age, and many of them would be candidates if the Emperor chose to expand his harem. Thus, quite a few held animosity towards Pei Yuanxi.

Chen Yaozhi's words stirred up resentment among the group.

Disdainful gazes multiplied, growing more disdainful by the moment.

Hong Baozhu's face flushed red from anger, yet she was at a loss on how to defend Pei Yuanxi. Despite being unaware of the specifics, she trusted that her sister Yuanxi was not at fault.

"Is that an apology? To me, it sounds like you're blaming Sister Yuanxi," she accused.

A maiden in green spoke up in Chen Yaozhi's defense, "Shouldn't Second Miss Pei be criticized for her behavior?"

Pei Yuanxi held Hong Baozhu back, her serene gaze fixed on Chen Yaozhi. "Miss Chen is well aware of what transpired that day. There is no need for me to defend myself. An apology from Miss Chen is in order."

Chen Yaozhi maintained her composure with an air of arrogance. "Despite the deep misunderstandings Second Miss Pei has of me, I still feel the need to apologize and hope you can forgive my meddling."

"Apologizing is indeed your duty, and you know very well why you meddled. Your actions were utterly disgusting, and whether or not I forgive you is my decision. Therefore, my answer is that I do not forgive you."

The crowd gasped in astonishment.

What kind of attitude was that?

How arrogant!

She only had the audacity because of the Emperor's favor, yet she dared to act so disdainfully toward others. Poor Miss Chen, she thought she was doing a good deed, only to be repaid with ingratitude.

Hong Baobao looked up to Yuanxi with admiration, her eyes glowing. "Well done, Sister Yuanxi. You shouldn't forgive such hypocrites. Does she think a public, insincere apology means you should forgive her? She can dream on!"

Some of the young ladies began to waver, their uncertain gazes flickering between Chen Yaozhi and Pei Yuanxi.

Chen Yaozhi suppressed her anger, forcing a smile. "I have a clear conscience."

"If Miss Chen is truly without guilt, then why apologize?" Pei Yuanxi countered, her tone calm and composed.

The more composed Pei Yuanxi remained, the more Chen Yaozhi burned with resentment. In her previous life, Pei Yuanxi was an object of both envy and hatred for Chen Yaozhi, and in this life, she would not allow the other woman to enjoy the same exalted status.

Their exchange of veiled insults created an awkward atmosphere.

As the hostess, Zeng Miaofu felt compelled to intervene. She cast a meaningful glance at Pei Yuanxi, her disdain clear in her eyes. "Sister Yaozhi, today is a flower-appreciation gathering. Let's not let certain ungrateful individuals spoil our enjoyment."

Some voices chimed in, others cheered, and the focus should have shifted to the main event.

At flower-appreciation banquets, it was customary for young ladies to showcase their talents. Zeng Miaofu proposed a new game, which quickly piqued the girls' interest.

Pei Yuanxi and Hong Baozhu were once again left on the sidelines.

Hong Baozhu simmered with anger. These people were doing this on purpose, undoubtedly planning another poetry game to embarrass them. She was no good at music or poetry, and neither was her sister Yuanxi. They would be forced to sit idly by.

Sure enough, Zeng Miaofu's new game excluded them, all under the pretense of sparing them. They were mere spectators.

Dubbed "Poetry, Music, Painting, and Flower Interpretation," this game involved guessing flowers from visual cues. A painting would be shown to one person who would compose a poem about it. The next participant had to guess the flower depicted from the poem and then play a tune related to it. The third person would deduce the flower from both the poem and the melody before painting their own interpretation, and the final player would identify the flower.

Upon hearing the rules, Pei Yuanxi gave Chen Yaozhi a telling look.

Chen Yaozhi prided herself on her exceptional talents, and when Zeng Miaofu revealed that she was the one who came up with this idea, she received many looks of astonishment and admiration.

In her previous life, Pei Yuanxi had gained great fame in the Eastern Capital City due to the guessing flower game. This time, Chen Yaozhi wanted to see how Pei Yuanxi could still catch Gongye Chu's attention and win his favor without the help of others or such opportunities for fame.

As long as Gongye Chu didn't fall in love with Pei Yuanxi, the events of the past wouldn't repeat.

Pei Yuanxi, Pei Yuanxi, even if I borrow your ideas and snatch what's yours, so what?

All of this is what you owe me!

The new game sparked immense interest among the young ladies, and everyone eagerly awaited their turn. When the guessing flower game began, Chen Yaozhi was the first poet to present her verse:

...Dares to vie with spring breeze, its subtle fragrance enters silk curtains.

After a round of praise, a refined melody of a zither followed, then the third participant would attempt to interpret the poem through a painting.

Seated together, Hong Baozhu and Pei Yuanxi chatted nonstop. Hong Baozhu munched on snacks while commenting, "Who knows what it is or what she's playing?"

Pei Yuanxi appeared quite relaxed, as if she were merely an audience member enjoying the show.

Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft. "Since it's a flower guessing game, it can't be more than plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, forsythia, water lilies, jasmine, or peonies. What's so difficult to guess?"

"Hmm, then what flower do you think this is?" Hong Baozhu's eyes widened in admiration; Sister Yuanxi was indeed clever.

Pei Yuanxi smiled gently. "Plum blossom."

The girl painting paused in her stroke, staring blankly at the one playing the zither. The musician, in turn, looked to Chen Yaozhi, whose expression was far from pleasant.

Seeing their reactions, Hong Baozhu immediately knew that Pei Yuanxi had guessed correctly. Enthusiasm lit up her face, excitement brimming in her words. "Sister Yuanxi, then tell me, what flower will they have to guess next?"

"Chrysanthemum," Pei Yuanxi replied.

Another team had just received their drawing, which was now in Zeng Miaofu's hands. As she looked at the painting in her possession, the large chrysanthemum nearly blinded her. Frustrated, she crumpled the drawing into a ball.

This flower guessing game couldn't continue!

That silly girl was here to ruin everything!