Chapter 62: A Guest

Chapter 62: A Guest

His embrace was too tight, his long limbs entwined around her body. Though a blanket cocooned her, she could still keenly sense his distress.

She recalled her son's words - today was the Gongyang family's day of mourning.

How old was he when Dongshan Mansion was wiped out? Five or six, perhaps seven or eight, but certainly not ten. At such a tender age, to witness his loved ones perish one by one, what emotions must he have felt then?

Suddenly, she seemed to understand the source of his unease. The psychological scars from his childhood likely still haunted him as an adult.

But why did he come to her room in the middle of the night if he had mental issues?

Truly, he was an enigma.

She dared not move, nor could she. The blanket swaddled her, and his limbs restrained her. It was a struggle even to free just one hand, let alone attempt to shift her position.

In this situation, she hesitated to speak.

The notion of propriety between men and women clearly didn't apply to him. If he were truly a rule-abiding individual, his name wouldn't inspire fear in others.

She gazed at the room, gradually adjusting to the darkness and discerning the aged rafters overhead, their surfaces adorned with cobwebs in several spots.

Monks, observing the precept against killing, would not clear away these webs. Recalling the dream she had just had, of that long-legged white spider, she found it strangely apropos.

Each passing moment felt like torture, as she had no idea how long he intended to hold her. Apart from her eyes that could move, she remained utterly still.

Gongye Chu was acutely aware of his actions, his headache splitting his skull in two, as if trampled by countless galloping hooves. He watched helplessly as he sank into a sea of blood, its pungent scent overwhelming him. Beneath the bloody tide, countless hands reached out, trying to pull him down into eternal damnation.

It was as if a driftwood emerged suddenly from the crimson depths, its end blossoming with vibrant peonies. Gripping the makeshift raft tightly, he began to break free from the bloodied abyss.

The sweet fragrance of the peonies dispelled the stench of blood, and as he breathed it in, his headache eased. Wherever the scent reached, the imaginary hooves retreated one by one.

In all these years, he had never found relief from his headaches without the sight of blood. His scarlet gaze slowly regained its icy composure, though his limbs remained entwined but less tense.

Indeed, she was the cure he sought.

He remembered the vision from his dream, where he lay with a deceased woman, their hair intertwined as if they were inseparable for eternity.

The woman on the bed had her jet-black tresses sprawled across the pillow. Her body was enveloped in a plain blue quilt, and in the moonlit night, her delicate face appeared even more poignant, merging with the image of the pale, ethereal beauty from his dreams.

He had never cared about a woman's appearance, nor bothered to discern their beauty or ugliness. Except for her; even when she was acting, or perhaps genuinely naive, he found her exceptionally beautiful. He began to suspect that his future self might truly develop feelings for her, as in his dreams. It could be an initial attachment that grew into affection over time.

Upon the complete disappearance of his migraines, he made haste to distance himself from her.

Her liberation brought a sense of relief, and in her weakened vision, he stood out starkly in his white attire against the darkness, exuding an enigmatic, otherworldly charm.

"Thank you," he said.

Like a breeze, he left, dispelling all chill from the room. She sighed softly and began to shift, unwrapping herself from the cocoon of blankets.

He still knew how to express gratitude, indicating that he wasn't entirely indifferent to propriety.

The man, as silent as the wind, exited the house and swiftly blended into the night. His movements were swift, and before long, he arrived at his own residence.

Liu Ze waited patiently, aware that his master would certainly return before dawn. In earlier years, he would have followed out of concern, but later, his superior forbade him to do so.

A white figure materialized before him, and he thought to himself that his master had moved exceptionally quickly this time.

A tall and slender figure in white, handsome and aloof. He inwardly praised that Lord was indeed suited for white attire, appearing like an aristocratic young master nurtured in the Eastern Capital City.

For a moment, his mood turned somber. Lord was not merely an aristocratic young master; he was truly born into an esteemed family. Many years ago, Lord was the heir to the Dongshan Mansion. Back then, who didn't commend Prince Gongye for his composure and elegance, predicting he would become the model of all aristocratic young masters when he grew up.

If the Dongshan Mansion still existed, what would Lord be like?

Undoubtedly, he would be a gentleman as precious as jade, drawing admiration from maidens everywhere.

"Lord, are you well now?"

Gongye Chu softly hummed in response, "Dispose of that wealthy merchant from Rouran Town."

Liu Ze was astounded. Lord's headache had subsided, but wasn't it because blood had been spilled, ending with the life of that merchant? If the merchant was still alive, where had Lord gone just now?

Full of questions, he watched the ethereal figure in white enter the room.

Behind another door, Shangxing leaned against the door frame. He had held his breath, listening to the sounds outside. As Liu Ze pondered in confusion, a smile tugged at the corners of Shangxing's lips.

Father must have gone to see Mother.

How wonderful.

Even though he had prepared for the worst, which child wouldn't wish for their parents to be together? He hoped that this time, his mother and father would fall in love again, for he knew how deeply they once cared for each other.

However, the journey would be long, and the outcome still held many uncertainties.

Pei Yuanxi didn't sleep soundly throughout the night, and her spirits were visibly low during breakfast with Lady Kang. Assuming it was due to her unfamiliarity with the temple, Lady Kang didn't probe further.

Pu'en Temple's vegetarian meals were quite renowned, featuring steamed buns filled with three fresh vegetables, pickled mushrooms, and perfectly cooked porridge. After their meal, the grandmother and granddaughter joined the monks for morning prayers.

Upon completion of the prayers, Lady Kang took Pei Yuanxi to meet the elderly abbot. A young monk passed along a message, informing them that the two guests had already left before dawn.

Those two guests referred to Gongye Chu and Shangxing, naturally.

Upon hearing this, a wave of melancholy washed over Pei Yuanxi. She thought she only missed her son, but unbeknownst to her, the face of Shangxing with his smile, as well as another cold and noble face, lingered in her mind.

As they approached the abbot, they spotted the white-bearded old monk bidding farewell to a man. The man appeared to be in his late twenties, dressed in a scholarly green robe, with an upright posture and an excellent bearing.

Despite seeing only half of his profile, it was clear that he was strikingly handsome. As the man conversed with the abbot, he took his leave in a different direction.

Madam Kang was older now, and her eyesight wasn't as sharp as it used to be. She found the young nobleman's face somewhat familiar but couldn't quite place him in the moment.

"I wonder which family he belongs to. He's truly handsome," she mused.

In Pei Yuanxi's mind, another face emerged. If one were to speak of true beauty, that person would be the cream of the crop. But his cold demeanor and overpowering presence often overshadowed his appearance.

Curious, Madam Kang asked the old abbot who the young nobleman was. The old abbot simply replied that he was an acquaintance's son.

Pei Yuanxi's brows furrowed slightly. She felt as if the man had turned to look back after walking away, and their gazes had met.

She was certain she didn't know him. However, there was something eerie about the way he looked at her, as if he recognized her.

Over on their side, Madam Kang had finished her polite conversation with the old abbot, who then led them into the main Buddhist hall. Pu'en Temple was well-known for its prosperous incense offerings, and the temple's fortune sticks were said to be exceptionally accurate.

Madam Kang brought Pei Yuanxi to the temple for two reasons: to make an offering for peace of mind and to seek a talisman of safety for her granddaughter. This talisman was personally blessed by the old abbot.

Receiving it with great care, Madam Kang passed it to Pei Yuanxi, who accepted it solemnly and stored it away just as cautiously.

Now that they were at the temple, it was only natural to consult the fortune sticks.

Young ladies visiting the temple would naturally seek answers about their marital fortunes. Intent on inquiring about her granddaughter's destiny, Madam Kang prompted Pei Yuanxi to draw a slip from the tube.

The moment the slip reached the old abbot's hands, his expression shifted.

It was a Phoenix sign.

Pei Yuanxi wasn't surprised; she was destined to be a queen, the Empress of Great Chu. It was just that her life was cut tragically short, and she didn't reign for long.

Madam Kang's heart raced with sudden anxiety. She never expected a Phoenix sign. Regaining her composure swiftly, she beseeched the old abbot to keep their secret while urging Pei Yuanxi not to dwell on it.

The emperor has already taken Er Niang as his foster mother. What could this Phoenix sign mean for her?

A Phoenix denoted a queen. If Er Niang were truly to become the mother of the land, then who would be the ruler of the world? It couldn't be the emperor, for he was Er Niang's adopted son. Given their parent-child relationship, the emperor wouldn't defy the natural order of things.

So, was the throne about to change hands?

In an instant, she recalled her private conversation with Nanny Yun. If the realm were to have a new master, it would undoubtedly be General Gongye, the Grand Commander.

If, one day, the Grand Commander did ascend the throne, what would become of Er Niang...

Exiting the temple, she nearly lost her balance, but was promptly steadied by Pei Yuanxi on one side and Aunty Yun on the other. Gazing at her granddaughter, she found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to express her thoughts. Seeing her granddaughter's calm demeanor, she marveled silently in her heart.

Little did they anticipate, shortly after their departure, the scholarly-looking gentleman returned. He inquired of the old abbot about the words exchanged and actions taken by the Pei family's elder and descendant.

Monks do not engage in riddles, so the old abbot silently retrieved the Phoenix seal. The man took it and examined it carefully, raising an eyebrow slightly, seemingly unsurprised by what he saw.

"Indeed, that is the case," he said.

"Monk here has been favored by your father in the past. I shall repay this favor just once, never to be repeated. May Buddha be merciful."

"Many thanks, Abbot," the man replied with a gesture of palms together in a Buddhist salute. Moments later, he took his leave once more.

The elderly abbot watched his departing figure, then turned to gaze at the Buddha statue behind him and let out a long sigh. He sat down on the spot and recited the Sutra of Repentance countless times, lost in thought.

Over there, the grandmother and granddaughter returned to their guest room. Lady Kang held Pei Yuanxi's hand, examining her face from left to right, as if she wished to find a blossoming flower in her granddaughter's features. As the Empress, Yuanxi was the pinnacle among all the women in the land.

"Er Niang, what are your thoughts on this?"

"A single fortune slip, what can it possibly reveal?"

Gently patting her granddaughter's hand, she suddenly smiled. "No wonder your father has always cherished you since childhood. Despite my many years, I still can't see things as clearly as you do. You're right; one fortune-telling slip shouldn't be taken too seriously."

Nanny Yun smiled from the side, knowing that Second Miss was indeed blessed with good fortune. To remain so calm in such situations was a true sign of profound blessings.

When Lady Kang was earlier disturbed, she had planned to take her granddaughter down the mountain immediately. Now, influenced by her granddaughter's composure, she decided to stick to their original plan.

For the following few days, the grandmother and granddaughter accompanied the monks for their daily morning and evening prayers, as if the phoenix fortune had never occurred. Whenever she saw her granddaughter's devout and earnest attitude, she repeatedly marveled at how this child deserved all the favor and blessings she received.

In just a few short days, the bond between the two generations deepened dramatically.

Should anyone inquire at this moment about whom among her grandchildren Lady Kang holds in highest regard and loves the most, she would answer without the slightest hesitation. It is not her only grandson, Pei Ji, nor her eldest granddaughter, who has grown up before her eyes, nor even the lively and charming youngest granddaughter. Rather, it is her second granddaughter for whom Lady Kang's affection and favor are reserved.

Occasionally, she would sigh to Yun Mama, "Ji Ge'er is indeed a good boy, steady and sensible, but firstly, he is of common birth, and secondly, judging by his abilities, he is only fit to maintain the status quo. If only Pei Yuanxi were the grandson, a legitimate heir and grandson, and capable of shouldering great responsibilities, that would truly be a blessing for the marquisate."

In the mountains, one loses track of time, hearing only the morning bells and evening drums.

Several days passed like flowing water, and at last, the day arrived for descending the mountain.

The return journey followed the same path, yet it was now tinged with the browning of leaves and an encroaching chill of winter. Along the way, we inevitably passed by that familiar tea stall, where we stopped once more to rest and refresh ourselves.

The horse was led away to be fed, while the grandmother and granddaughter sat in a teahut to rest. They didn't need refreshments, but their servants did. As the old man from the teahut carried the tea and snacks over, he somehow stumbled, spilling some of the tea.

He apologized ingratiatingly, his smile more grotesque than a cry.

Madam Kang was kind-hearted and wouldn't scold him harshly.

After a quarter of an hour's respite, the horse was reattached to the carriage once it had been fed, and they continued on their journey. There was still nearly half the road ahead, but the path was relatively smooth.

Suddenly, the horse knelt down on all fours, and the coachman was thrown forward without even a sound. The carriage flipped halfway through the air before landing on its side to the right.

In this moment of shock, Pei Yuanxi immediately shielded Madam Kang. The two of them tumbled inside the carriage, and after it overturned, Madam Kang landed on top of Pei Yuanxi.

"What's going on? Er Niang, how are you?" Madam Kang cried out, calling for Nanny Yun and the others by name.

No one responded.

Feeling that something was amiss, Pei Yuanxi heard footsteps approaching. By the sound of it, there were at least five or six people coming, accompanied by the noise of another carriage. Madam Kang was utterly astonished and instinctively gripped her granddaughter's hand tightly.

The group consisted of matrons and male servants, appearing to be attendants from some noble household. However, these people didn't spare a glance at the fallen servants on the ground but instead headed straight for the carriage.

"Second Miss Pei, my mistress requests your presence," the matron said.

"May I ask who your mistress is?" Madam Kang held her granddaughter's hand tightly, her heart pounding.

The matron seemed to chuckle softly. "I'm afraid I cannot disclose my mistress's name. Second Miss Pei will know when you arrive."

Madam Kang was already overwhelmed with fear. No one invited guests in such a manner unless they had ill intentions. It was clear now that they had fallen into a trap at the teahouse.

Aside from her and her granddaughter, no one else had escaped unscathed.

"I'll go with you, but please spare my grandmother and the servants in our manor," Pei Yuanxi said.

Madam Kang shook her head desperately, her voice a mix of panic and anger. "Yuanxi, you mustn't go! They have ulterior motives!"

"Grandmother, we're already like fish in a jar for them. Even if I don't want to, I must go. Since they didn't choose to harm us directly, there might still be a chance to turn this situation around."

Madam Kang's eyes reddened with anxiety. There was no turning back; these were clearly not kind-hearted people, given their ruthless actions and secretive behavior. If Yuanxi went with them, not only would her reputation be at risk, but her life might also be in danger.

"Yuanxi, I'll fight to protect you with my life."

"Grandmother," Pei Yuanxi held her hand back, "I don't want you to die for me; that would only be a granddaughter's fault. Life is hard, and if there's a chance to live, I won't choose death."

Madam Kang was so anxious that tears welled up, "Second Miss..."

Addressing the people outside, Pei Yuanxi said, "If you promise to spare my grandmother and the servants, I'll go with you. Otherwise, carry my corpse to your master."

The matron outside chuckled, "Second Miss Pei, you're overreacting. Our master sincerely invites you as a guest; how could they harm your family?"

Madam Kang clung tightly onto her granddaughter's hand, unwilling to let go.

Pei Yuanxi gently shook her head, prying her grandmother's hand away, "Grandmother, I'll be fine."

As expected, outside the carriage, the horse convulsed, and everyone collapsed. Some had fallen quite a distance from the carriage. Fortunately, they seemed to have merely fainted, and their lives appeared to be out of immediate danger.

The leader of the group was the matron, who, with her attire and demeanor, could rival any senior housekeeper from an aristocratic family. As Pei Yuanxi was surprised, the matron was equally astonished by Pei Yuanxi's appearance, smiling even more joyfully.

No wonder our master has been preoccupied; she turns out to be such a remarkable young beauty.

"Please, Second Miss Pei," she stepped forward to blindfold Pei Yuanxi and then assisted her into a nearby green-dyed oilcloth carriage.

A servant asked, "If we don't kill them, they'll report this to the authorities."

"What are you afraid of? You really don't understand these noble families. Not only will they not report it, they'll keep it under wraps," the matron said with conviction.

To these aristocratic families, reputation held more weight than the lives of their descendants. The loss of a granddaughter was tolerable, but bringing disgrace upon the entire clan was a grave offense. Any family in their position would conceal such an incident rather than let it become public knowledge.

"Bind them one by one and throw them into the woods nearby. By the time they're rescued and report it to the authorities, they won't be able to catch up with us," the matron instructed, addressing Pei Yuanxi. "Second Miss Pei, rest assured, we are people of our word."

Pei Yuanxi, with her eyes covered, cooperated fully.

The carriage rolled away, and she could still hear her grandmother's sobs in the distance.

After roughly seven or eight days, she was seemingly brought to her destination. Throughout the journey, whether she ate, slept, or rested, the old woman never left her side for an instant. Her eyes remained bound, leaving her utterly unaware of where she had been taken.

She was placed in a chamber, where the sounds of footsteps echoed incessantly outside.

A barely audible yet steady footfall approached the room, and she heard the servant woman address someone as 'Young Master.' Clearly, the arrival was the master of these people, the one who had supposedly invited her as a guest.

The approaching figure was not far from her, and she distinctly sensed two pairs of eyes settling upon her. The sensation was profoundly unsettling, carrying an eerily familiar discomfort.

"Little beauty, we meet again."

Upon hearing this voice, her heart plummeted to the depths.