Chapter 61: Hush Now

Chapter 61: Hush Now

Marquis Xuanping couldn't shake off his unease and, after paying his respects to Lady Kang in the Changhui Courtyard, the mother and son discussed the matter of Pei Yuanxi. Like him, Lady Kang had also been deeply concerned lately.

The more favor one receives, the more envy it arouses; the greater the favor, the more it stirs unease in the heart.

She was born in the year of Yongcheng, during which the Ling Dynasty had already shown signs of decline. Back then, in the Eastern Capital City, Duke Yan's residence led the way, while the Eastern Mountain King held sway at the borders. The world looked upon the combination of scholarly and martial prowess, the balance of internal and external affairs, and praised the foresight and governance of the preceding emperors.

Following the Dongshan Mansion's tragic annihilation by rebel forces, the Duke Yan's household continued to bask in unyielding imperial favor. After the late emperor ascended the throne, his reign was marked by indulgence and extravagance, with concubines in the Tai Ling Palace changing like the seasons. Ultimately, the Shang royal family met their grim fate, their blood spilled and lineage obliterated by Gongye Chu.

The world believed that Gongye Chu would usher in a new dynasty, yet to their surprise, he elevated Emperor Jingwu to the throne. Three years of peaceful existence have seemingly made some forget the true nature of Gongye Chu.

Borne of an aristocratic family and having witnessed the shifting tides of power, she acutely understood that opulence could vanish in the blink of an eye. One day, all might be blossoms and splendor, only to transform overnight into a field of withered remains.

Er Niang had been taken in as a foster mother by the emperor, binding their House of Marquis Xuanping to Emperor Jingwu's fate as closely as ants on a single string. Should the emperor prosper, naturally, their marquisate would flourish. But should the emperor... their house, alas, might find itself in perilous straits.

"Did Second Aunt claim they were as close as uncle and nephew?" she asked Marquis Xuanping.

Marquis Xuanping nodded, "That's what Er Niang said."

Madam Kang let out a soft sigh, unsure where her intuition was coming from. She had an unshakable feeling that her second granddaughter was no ordinary person. If anyone else had said those words, she would have harbored some doubts. But since it was Pei Yuanxi who spoke, she found the statement strangely convincing.

"Er Niang has always been clever and knows her limits. I believe you may all be misunderstanding. If the Grand Marshal truly aspired to be emperor, he wouldn't have waited until now."

A person with such ruthless tactics would not care about his reputation if he truly valued it, nor would he allow the current emperor to sit on the throne for three years if he genuinely desired the position.

The entire world believed he was playing a long game, but given his character, why would he need to?

A moment of silence ensued.

Madam Kang sighed again. "If you're still uneasy, I'll take Er Niang to Pu'en Temple for a couple of days."

Upon hearing this, Marquis Xuanping's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

Whether it was to seek the Buddha's protection or simply for peace of mind, Pei Yuanxi could understand her elders' intentions. Madam Kang was taking only her from among the three ladies in the household; Pei Yuanruo was already immersed in her frenzied pursuit of musical mastery, while Pei Yuanhua was diligently learning manners under the guidance of a governess.

The grandmother and granddaughter set off discreetly, passing through the city gates and onto the main road. Halfway through their journey, they stopped at a tea shed for a brief respite.

The sign above the tea shed read "Favorable Wind." A group of people had already occupied most of the space, with a woman in white seated in the center. It could be none other than Chen Yaozhi.

The Zeng family was exiled, and Concubine Zeng tragically passed away. As her adopted daughter, Chen Yaozhi naturally wanted to keep her distance, but she didn't wish to leave the Eastern Capital City. Unfortunately, her brother disagreed.

Before entering the capital, her primary goal was to prevent Gongye Chu from being with Pei Yuanxi, thus averting the events of her past life. Her secondary aim was to acquire what she desired. She had imagined countless scenarios—how she would make a grand entrance in the Eastern Capital City, capturing everyone's attention, and how her fame would spread far and wide. She had fantasized about being courted by noble sons, and dreamed of being adored by countless men.

She hadn't anticipated that her seemingly surefire plans would end in such a manner, nor had she expected another reincarnated individual in this world. As for who that person might be, she had been uncertain until recently.

At times, she suspected it was the emperor; at others, Pei Yuanxi.

After much deliberation these past few days, she believed it was still the emperor. Perhaps he was the one who informed Pei Yuanxi of certain matters.

If she had known earlier that the emperor was also reincarnated, she wouldn't have suffered such a devastating defeat.

Pei Yuanxi, of course, noticed her. Under Chen Yaozhi's astonished gaze, she sat down on the other side with her grandmother for a rest. They wouldn't partake in the tea stall's refreshments, as their main purpose was to replenish their horses' provisions and water.

The elderly man running the tea stall had seen his fair share of nobles, as they all stopped at his stall when entering or leaving the Eastern Capital City. He was initially struck by Chen Yaozhi's grace and appearance, and now, he was equally mesmerized by Pei Yuanxi's looks, unable to recover from the stunning sight.

What a beautiful day it was, with two celestial beauties gracing him at once.

It was Pei Yuanxi's first long journey, and she couldn't help but admire the surrounding landscape along the road. The trees displayed a mix of green, yellow, and red leaves, some hanging on branches, others scattered on the ground. Some grass was withered, while others remained lush, growing on slopes or alongside the path.

Amidst the winter's desolation, she found the scenery strikingly enchanting.

Seeing Pei Yuanxi pay no attention to her, Chen Yaozhi felt a thousand needles of irritation prick her heart. She had expected Pei Yuanxi to acknowledge her, but instead, the other woman seemed to ignore her completely.

Madame Kang didn't recognize Chen Yaozhi but had glanced at her a few times due to her striking appearance. Upon noticing the girl's ominous gaze fixed on her granddaughter, dislike welled up in her heart.

"Er Niang, do you know that young lady?"

"Yes, she's from the Chen family."

At the mere mention of the character Chen, Lady Kang's expression turned cold.

So this was the Chen family's young lady who had bullied her granddaughter. She did appear to be quite pleasing in appearance and seemed to be an educated young woman with some talent. It was unforeseen that she possessed such a venomous and ruthless nature.

The gaze of Mrs. Kang made Chen Yaozhi involuntarily shrink back, for this great-grandmother from her past life was no simple figure. When she first married into the Marquis's residence, both her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and even Aunt Zhao had been pleased with her, but it was this very great-grandmother who seldom gave her a kind look.

"Chen's family is well-known for their uprightness, yet the lady they have raised turns out to be so ignorant of propriety," Lady Kang harrumphed coldly.

Chen Yaozhi felt a surge of irritation. Clearly, it was Pei Yuanxi who pretended not to see her, yet she was the one being accused of lacking manners. She lifted her chin slightly with a cold expression, pretending not to have heard Madam Kang's words.

Madam Kang huffed dismissively. "Scholars throughout the land hold the Chen family in such high esteem, but it seems they're not all that impressive."

"A lady of our Chen family has always treated others with courtesy. May I ask what has caused your displeasure, honored madam?" A middle-aged man, seemingly a steward by his demeanor, spoke up beside Chen Yaozhi.

"You are merely a servant. Your master doesn't have the right to speak to me, so why should you intervene? Is this how the Chen family conducts itself? If servants behave like this, one can only imagine the arrogance of their masters."

In noble scholarly families, reputation was more important than life itself. The middle-aged man's face flushed as he instinctively glanced at Chen Yaozhi.

Suppressing her anger from her past life, Chen Yaozhi said, "Second Miss Pei, I don't know where I've offended you, yet you continually make things difficult for me. Even if you provoke me, I won't hold it against you. But why must you let your grandmother belittle me?"

Without looking at her, Pei Yuanxi comforted Madam Kang. "Grandmother, there's no need to pay attention to those who are all show and no substance."

Her anger flared at these words. What did 'all show and no substance' mean? Pei Yuanxi dared to say such things about her! She was both talented and attractive. Pei Yuanxi's only advantage was being born into a noble household and having the emperor take a fancy to her through sheer luck. Otherwise, she had no right to mock Chen Yaozhi.

"Second Miss Pei!"

"Please point out which word I said incorrectly, Miss Chen," Pei Yuanxi replied without meeting her gaze.

Already in a foul mood, she now seethed with rage. "Second Miss Pei is basking in triumph now, so naturally, you can look down on others as you please. But flowers don't remain in bloom for a hundred days, and people don't enjoy favor forever. Who knows if the person you despise today will be someone you look up to tomorrow."

Pei Yuanxi finally deigned to cast her a glance, her eyes filled with mockery. "Miss Chen is quite right. I wonder if you were aware when you looked down upon others that this day would come?"

"You..."

Not only does Miss Chen lack any official standing through her father or brothers, she painstakingly climbed to the favor of Consort Zeng, only to have the Zeng family fall into disgrace. You thought you could shine brightly in the Eastern Capital City and earn praise from all corners, yet now you find yourself leaving with your head hung low. Doesn’t this precisely mirror the very words you spoke just moments ago?

"Second Miss Pei, one must not be overly triumphant in life," Chen Yaozhi said through gritted teeth.

What is there to be smug about?

What good is fortune? What difference does it make being a queen? In the end, one is still a short-lived soul!

She took a few deep breaths, and her anger gradually subsided. A short-lived soul can only bask in glory for so long. Wealth and favor mean nothing without the life to enjoy them.

Pei Yuanxi observed Chen Yaozhi's emotional shifts and could guess what was on her mind. "One is but young once; why not revel in the privileges of being a noble lady's daughter while I can?"

Her chest felt constricted with frustration as she watched them angrily climb into their carriage. The disdainful voice of Madam Kang still echoed in her ears, each word piercing her heart.

"Seeing truly is believing," Madam Kang remarked. "I never expected a lady from the Chen family to be like this. So petty and narrow-minded. She truly brings shame upon the virtuous reputation of her ancestors."

"Granddaughter never imagined she could be such a jealous person. Her envy is truly terrifying."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yaozhi wished she could slap Pei Yuanxi in the face herself. What was there to be jealous about? What did this foolish girl have that was worth envying?

She recalled her elder brother's scathing words, each one more hurtful than the last. He accused her of being incompetent and causing trouble without knowing her limits. Though her brother was always strict, he had never before spoken to her in such a manner.

All because of Pei Yuanxi, her brother not only scolded her but also struck her. Why was it that Pei Yuanxi could act with impunity while she was forced to leave the Eastern Capital City in disgrace?

Fifteen minutes later, the marquis's carriage had vanished from sight. The steward by her side inquired if they should set off, but she glared at him fiercely.

"Mind your place, servant," she snapped.

The manager promptly fell silent, seething with resentment. Climbing into the carriage, she didn't instruct the driver to proceed but instead ordered him to turn back and head for the city.

Pu'en Temple was a bustling pilgrimage site, and Lady Kang was a long-time devotee. Her reception and accommodations were naturally arranged with great care.

After a tiring journey, Lady Kang was exhausted. After settling in and having a vegetarian meal, the grandmother and granddaughter retired to their respective chambers for rest.

Pei Yuanxi felt weary but found sleep elusive. The temple's scent of incense imbued her with an inexplicable sense of calm, as if it held the essence of destiny within it.

In my youth, my brilliance was overly conspicuous; in my foolishness, I was like an animal trapped in a cage. Step by step, I've maneuvered to where I am today. The past was filled with uncontrollable circumstances, and the future holds more than I could have ever imagined.

Chunyue entered softly and whispered a few words into her ear, filling her with astonishment.

Rising to dress, she left a message for Concubine Kang before the two of them exited the chamber. A young monk led them forward, and after traversing almost half the temple, they finally came upon a row of solemn Buddhist halls.

Beyond the temple hall stands a towering pagoda.

Spring Moon was held back at the entrance, allowing only Pei Yuanxi to proceed. Barely stepping inside, she was greeted by a young lad with short hair, his face alight with joy, dimples dancing on his cheeks.

"Mother, are you surprised?"

Surprised indeed.

Not seeing him for a day, Pei Yuanxi found herself genuinely missing him. Perhaps she hadn't felt it before, but after these days, she realized that she truly had the heart of a mother.

Judging by his plain attire, she knew he hadn't revealed his true identity.

"Why are you here?"

Shangxing narrowed his eyes mysteriously, gazing at the man standing before the Buddha statue. The man was tall and refined, unusually clad in a white robe that accentuated his elegance.

In his pristine white attire, he appeared even more like a jade-like nobleman untouched by the dust of the world. The whiteness cooled his aura, yet softened the air of ruthlessness around him. Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, they seemed too beautiful to have ever been stained with blood.

Was this a man, whose hands were drenched in blood, and who wielded immense power, someone who would believe in Buddha?

From his posture, it was clear that he did not. He was inspecting the golden Buddha statue without a hint of devotion. With his hands concealed behind him, it was evident that he felt no reverence.

Then, why was he here?

Just as doubt flickered in her eyes, Shangxing provided the answer, "Today marks the anniversary of the annihilation of the Gongye family."

Gongye Chu slowly turned around. Upon seeing her, he seemed to frown slightly before casting a glance at Shangxing. From these subtle glances, she understood that today's encounter was orchestrated by Chong'er.

Considering Gongye Chu's usual conduct, it was highly unlikely that he would choose Pu'en Temple to commemorate the Gongye family's tragedy.

She was at a loss whether to bow or not; their relationship was indeed complicated. On one hand, they were unrelated strangers. Yet, on the other, they were bound by the fact that they shared a child.

Seemingly oblivious to the awkward atmosphere, Shangxing asked softly, "Mother, was my father exceptionally handsome?"

Back in the palace, despite their intense fear of Father Emperor, there were still some daring concubines who attempted to climb into his bed. It wasn't just because he was the emperor; it was also due to his striking appearance.

Of course, those women never got close enough to Father, as they were dealt with by Uncle Liu Ze.

"Yes, Lord Gongye was indeed very handsome," Pei Yuanxi replied openly, a fact that was evident to anyone with sight.

Shangxing's eyes immediately lit up. "Mother, I'm also very good-looking. I resemble Father a lot."

He presented himself as if seeking praise, despite his face bearing no resemblance to Gongye Chu's at all.

Pei Yuanxi felt a warmth in her eyes, an inexplicable urge to cry. "You must be the most handsome of all."

He beamed with joy, a touch of bashfulness on his face, like an innocent child unsure how to react after receiving compliments. Not knowing where to place his hands and feet, he simply pulled them both along to offer incense to Buddha. He stood between them, one on each side.

Among the three, he was the most devout.

"Thank Buddha for allowing me to reunite with my mother, making our family of three whole once more."

Buddha's majestic countenance was serene, but it was uncertain if he could hear her words.

After offering incense, it was not appropriate for Pei Yuanxi to linger.

Upon her departure, the father and son found themselves at an impasse. Primarily, Gongye Chu's overpowering presence and cold aura were too intense. If not for Shangxing always envisioning him as the father he would one day become, he might have crumbled under that gaze and demeanor.

"You said you wouldn't interfere. What is the meaning of this?"

"Dad, I didn't think that far ahead. I only had this idea after hearing that Mom was coming to Pu'en Temple. But I truly did it for your own good. Don't you know about your own affairs? How have you been spending this day every year?" Shangxing argued softly, his face pleading for understanding.

Gongye Chu's expression was cold. How had he spent those days?

Naturally, they ended with bloodshed.

His most vivid memory was three years ago when he had bathed Tai Ling Palace in blood. The pleading voices, curses, and the lingering stench of blood seemed to still echo before his eyes.

A subtle headache began to surface.

"Father, is your headache acting up again?" Shangxing asked with concern, recalling that his father always seemed to suffer from it on this particular day. His father had mentioned that the headaches ceased when Mother was around, only to return after her passing.

Gongye Chu pressed his fingers against his temples. "It's nothing."

His demeanor hardly conveyed a sense of being unbothered.

Worry etched on Shangxing's young face; he had witnessed his father's episodes before. Although it had happened only once, the memory was seared into his mind. On that sleepless night, he had gone in search of his father.

Slipping quietly into his father's chamber, he found his father rolling on the floor as if clutching his head. The muffled growls and hoarse sobs frightened him. It was then that he realized even his seemingly invincible emperor father was susceptible to illness.

Father's ailment is incurable, except by Mother's care. For five years, on the day his father's condition worsened, Gongye Chu would hide nearby. He had witnessed his father's frenzied state and the act of murder, yet his heart still ached for him.

"I'll be here with you, Father. Mother is too."

These words seemed to have a soothing effect; Gongye Chu felt a subtle easing of his headache. Gazing at the Buddhist temples, he became lost in the scent of incense.

This young man claimed to be his son, and that woman, in his dreams, was his wife. It was an absurd, dreamlike illusion, yet he found himself believing it.

"Rest early tonight, and don't stir for any disturbance. I wouldn't wish to inadvertently harm you." These were his instructions to Shangxing.

As night fell, mountain breezes began to blow.

The incense smoke from the temple drifted with the wind, settling in the woods on the rear mountain, permeating the hearts of every monk within the temple, and even infiltrating the dreams of the visiting devotees.

Father and son concealed their true identities, residing in another guest chamber within the Pu'en Temple. Countless covert guards lurked unseen around the entire temple, blending seamlessly with the night.

Liu Ze assumed the role of a servant, standing guard outside Gongye Chu's quarters.

In his youth, Liu Ze was already a trusted confidant of Gongye Chu. Wherever they traveled, even before arriving in the Eastern Capital City, bandits would vanish within a radius of hundreds of miles on this particular day each year. Since Gongye Chu's arrival in the Eastern Capital City, the number of local tyrants and bullies has dwindled, and in recent years, both the city and its outskirts have enjoyed increasing peace.

While the world knew Gongye Chu as a ruthless killer, few were aware of how many common folk had been spared from the hands of bandits, and how many had been protected from oppression.

As Gongye Chu's right-hand man, Liu Ze never perceived his lord as a cruel individual. On the contrary, he knew that his master had never forgotten the ancestral teachings of the Gongye family.

The people and the land come first, the ruler second.

It was precisely because of this principle that the Dongshan Mansion had won the hearts of the people, and why Emperor Yongcheng held it in such fear. Despite the deep-seated hatred for the Shang royal family following the massacre of his kin, his lord consistently adhered to that very tenet.

May His Majesty be right, for the temple is indeed the most conducive to soothing one's nerves and stabilizing one's spirit. Perhaps this time, Lord Gongye Chu will suffer less.

Gongye Chu sat in the room, with a simple oil lamp on the table before him.

The light it emitted was dim, yet his slender fingers deftly tended to the wick, causing the flame to brighten slightly. The Emperor had mentioned that after marrying that woman, his migraines had never again plagued him on this very day.

He recalled her calming effect on him, as well as the peach blossoms in his dreams.

Each year on this day, he would fall ill, and he knew this illness was rooted in his heart. That fateful night when the Dongshan Mansion was annihilated many years ago, a deep-seated emotional pain had taken root within him.

Though his rationality did not entirely desert him during these episodes, the intensity of the splitting headache was unbearable. At times, it felt like a thousand galloping hooves were trampling over his skull, while at others, he was immersed in a hellish realm of wailing ghosts and howling wolves.

The once-loving and familiar relatives transformed into monstrous demons, rushing towards him in a frenzied attack. A thick, overpowering scent of blood engulfed him, drowning him amidst a sea of crimson.

As the headache intensified, he covered his ears, trying to block out the voices. But they seemed to emerge from the depths of the earth, sprouting long vines that coiled around his feet.

Struggling against them, the oil lamp on the table toppled over.

The room plunged into darkness instantly, and he felt as if he were trapped in the very depths of hell.

Liu Ze, hearing the commotion, knew that his master's ailment had resurfaced. He rushed into the room but refrained from assisting Gongye Chu, instead standing aside and suggesting, "Your Excellency, there's a wealthy man in the nearby Rui Water Town who has taken on over a dozen concubines. Some of them have either found the humiliation unbearable and taken their own lives, or have been tormented to death by him. He's quite generous with hush money, thus no one has dared to expose him. This subordinate believes this man deserves to be eliminated!"

In the darkness, Gongye Chu lifted his head slowly, his eyes revealing an undeniable bloodthirsty madness.

"Certainly worthy of death!" he replied with an icy-cold tone.

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Ze watched as his master vanished like a ghost.

The ghostly figure moved silently through the night, suddenly stopping at another guest residence. He approached quietly, his perilous gaze fixed on his destination.

The lights in the room were already out, indicating that the occupant should have been asleep.

He entered without disturbing Chunyue, who was sleeping on a small bed outside. His footsteps were as silent as leaves carried in by the wind, carrying a chill as they drew near to the woman in bed.

In her daze, Pei Yuanxi sensed the coldness, instinctively wrapping herself tightly in the covers.

She was dreaming, feeling an inexplicable chill. It was as if the wind was everywhere, bitterly cold and biting, making her shiver uncontrollably. Then she seemed to transform into a caterpillar, encasing herself within a cocoon.

Finally, she felt warm.

At that moment, she noticed a white spider approaching. She was puzzled by the existence of such a white spider, and one so visually appealing, when it began spinning its silk to bind her.

She wanted to cry for help, but in this dream, her voice wouldn't come out. The spider ensnared her with its lengthy legs, tightening its grip, and she felt as if it intended to devour her.

In sheer terror, her heart pounding, she woke up.

Her awakening was significant; she genuinely felt something tightly wrapped around her, and someone with elongated limbs pinning her down.

"Don't scream," a voice colder than ice commanded.

Relieved yet startled, she clamped her lips together, determination etched on her face.