Chapter 65: Reunion

Chapter 65: Reunion

When Pei Yuanxi met Aunt He again, the latter's countenance was no longer filled with warmth but wore a stern, stepmother-like expression. Ever since she had heard what her daughter had said, she felt that Pei Yuanxi was overly jealous.

In what world would a woman forbid her husband from taking concubines? Even common wealthy households often have three or five concubines, let alone the noble status of their young master. A wife who is neither virtuous nor kind, no matter how good her background or appearance, is unworthy of being the lady of the house.

Ya'er's heart is entirely devoted to the young master, and as her mother, I observe and cherish this sentiment deeply. With a son-in-law of such caliber, she naturally wishes for her daughter to remain by his side.

Only, as the young master has yet to take a wife, this matter has been repeatedly delayed. She had assumed that this young lady from the marquis household was of fine character, never expecting her to be so intolerant of others.

Displeasure flickered in her eyes, but Pei Yuanxi pretended not to notice.

"Aunt He, I have something to say, but I'm unsure if it's appropriate."

"If you think it's inappropriate, then it's best left unsaid," Pei Yuanxi replied nonchalantly, lowering her head to continue eating.

Aunt He's expression immediately turned grim, as if she had a bone stuck in her throat that needed to be dislodged. "Miss, please listen and judge for yourself whether what I'm saying makes sense. Women rely on men to live, and even those of noble birth have no right to stop their husbands from taking concubines. Even a prince has one or two ladies in waiting, let alone other men in the world. A woman should be magnanimous; if she lacks the tolerance to accept others, she will only invite the disdain of men. Eventually, it'll be you who regrets your actions."

Pei Yuanxi finished her meal, laid down her chopsticks, and gazed at her calmly. "Why should I be magnanimous? Others are others, and I am me. Why should I emulate others and feign virtue?"

"Madam...

"Aunt He, you truly have the heart of a caring mother. Your own daughter is eager to become a concubine, and instead of stopping her, you are pushing her into a pit of fire."

These words did not sit well with Aunt He. How could she be accused of pushing her daughter into a fire? Girls from noble and wealthy families had no understanding of the hardships ordinary folk faced. A lifetime of mundane struggles with food and fuel was far less appealing than a life of luxury as a concubine in a wealthy household.

Ya'er was her only daughter, raised with even more care and attention than most ladies of high society. Aunt He could not bear the thought of her daughter suffering through household chores and hardships in the future.

"Miss, this matter is not within your control."

"Since Aunt knows that I have no say in this, why bother mentioning such trivial matters before me?" Pei Yuanxi rose gracefully and leaned elegantly against the bedside, looking at the other party with a smile that was not quite a smile. "A legitimate wife has countless ways to make life difficult for a concubine. Regardless of who your young master's future wife may be, she would surely not tolerate a concubine with past affections."

Aunt He's expression turned even more grim, secretly annoyed at Pei Yuanxi for not being a virtuous woman. The young master was entirely focused on avenging his family and had no interest in women. As a servant, she dared not overstep her bounds to discuss such matters. When the young master instructed them to fetch Second Miss Pei, she had harbored some hope. Once the young master took a wife, it would be only natural for him to take concubines afterward.

Little did one expect that the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's residence would be so consumed by jealousy, displaying such lack of generosity and tolerance.

"From outside the Eastern Capital City to your manor, have I ever given you any reason to feel distressed, Miss? I have treated you with the utmost respect, yet you show no consideration. Yes, Miss, you do come from an esteemed background, but may I remind you where we are? If I were to wish to make things difficult for you, Miss, you would not be enjoying such tranquility."

She spoke the truth indeed.

A bitter smile tugged at Pei Yuanxi's lips, revealing her deeply troubled mood.

Aunt He straightened her back and thought to herself that even if Second Miss Pei married the young master, she would never hold the same status as a legitimate wife born of a formal marriage. It was likely that her frustration was driving her to pick fights.

"Miss, we're both women. Let Auntie speak frankly. No matter how you were treated in your natal family, after marriage, it's all about pleasing your husband. A man like Young Master, with his exceptional character, will surely rise above mediocrity. Not to mention concubines, there might even be many noble consorts whose backgrounds rival yours. If you don't gather support and find reliable allies now, how will you secure your position in the future?"

"Auntie, you're absolutely right. I was momentarily blinded."

Hearing this, Aunt He knew that Pei Yuanxi had started to see reason. Immediately, her face lit up with a warm smile again. Concerned that the young lady might feel lonely, she offered to send her own daughter, Ya'er, to keep her company.

It was evident that Ya'er had been instructed by Aunt He. Regardless of whether her act was convincing or not, she appeared much more affectionate towards Pei Yuanxi upon their meeting. Despite being two or three years older than Pei Yuanxi, she respectfully addressed her as Elder Sister Pei, seemingly against her will.

Pei Yuanxi's expression appeared somewhat awkward, her demeanor neither cold nor warm.

Feeling resentment within her heart, Ya'er had been instructed by her mother to win over this Miss Pei with all her might. Her smile had become rigid on her face, yet the other party seemed to hold her in contempt. Her mother had said that she could only remain by the young master's side if Miss Pei consented. She wondered inwardly, Why should that be? Simply because Miss Pei is to marry the young master?

Should Miss Pei not succeed in marrying the young master...

With limited life experience and accustomed to being doted upon in the manor, she was unaware of how to conceal her thoughts. By observing the shifts in Yuanxi's expressions, Pei Yuanxi could discern the workings of her mind to a great extent.

"Miss, is the Eastern Capital City bustling and prosperous?" she inquired.

Pei Yuanxi's face fell at the mention of this, "Of course it's bustling – it's the capital city. The shops in Robu Well always have intriguing novelties, and the main streets come alive with festivities during every holiday. Unlike this mountainous region where... there is nothing one could wish for that isn't here..."

Ya'er's almond-shaped eyes darted, "With Eastern Capital City being so wonderful, don't you miss it, my lady?"

"What do you mean by that?" Pei Yuanxi's face flushed with annoyance. "Wasn't it your mother who brought me here? As the legitimate daughter of a prestigious marquis household, how am I supposed to return after being brought to this remote mountain valley by you people!"

"Miss, I might be of assistance to you."

"Is your kindness so genuine?" suspicion filled Pei Yuanxi's eyes. "Are you here to test me?"

"Who's testing you? I simply don't like you, and it seems you're not too keen on staying either. Helping you is helping myself. I'd rather not have Lord marry a jealous woman like you," Ya'er said, her face flushed red, her almond-shaped eyes slightly tinged with crimson, whether from anger or frustration unclear.

Pei Yuanxi looked at her doubtfully. "I appreciate your intentions, but I'm not leaving."

"You truly don't wish to return to the Marquis's residence? With your looks and background, you could easily find an excellent husband in the Eastern Capital City. After all, I am my mother's daughter, and I know this estate well. I can arrange for someone to secretly escort you out and accompany you all the way back to the city. Even so, you won't go?"

It was indeed tempting, and Pei Yuanxi pondered over the offer.

Ya'er was nervous, her eyes fixated on Pei Yuanxi without blinking, even her breathing becoming unconscious and rapid.

Fifteen minutes later, Pei Yuanxi suddenly laughed at herself. "I'm not leaving. What difference would it make if I return to the Marquis's residence? Who knows how my abduction will be portrayed? My father and elder brothers might prefer me dead outside rather than disgracing the Marquis household. You have no idea how much importance noble families place on a maiden's reputation. It'd be considered fortunate if they were sent to a temple to live with ancient Buddhas, let alone the number of women who end their lives with a white silk rope."

Not just noble families, but ordinary households held similar views.

Ya'er wished she could stomp her feet in frustration. If this woman didn't leave, was she really going to marry the young master? "Aren't you the emperor's foster mother? Who would dare force you to die?"

"You're truly naive. The emperor values his reputation more than the Marquis household. If I returned to the Eastern Capital City with my reputation ruined, he might be the first one to wish me dead." Pei Yuanxi looked at her as if she were an idiot. "Your young master has ambitions, and following him might give me a chance to gamble. Once I stand proudly in front of everyone with glory in the future, who would dare to mock my current situation?"

Her anger grew, and she stomped her foot in a huff. "Ungrateful wretch, don't regret it later."

"How could you have good intentions? Aren't you afraid that I marrying your young master would cut off your path to becoming a concubine? Stop dreaming about being a concubine; few of them end well. The shrewder the concubine, the emptier her outcome in the end. Have you heard about the affairs in our Marquis household? Ask your mother when you have time, and perhaps you'll change your mind."

Aunt He naturally hadn't shared the details of the Marquis household with her daughter. When asked by Ya'er, she hesitantly revealed some information. The chaos within the Marquis Xuanping's residence was indeed astounding, no wonder Miss Pei couldn't tolerate concubines.

Sending her daughter to approach Pei Yuanxi wasn't truly for conversation. After dismissing Ya'er, Aunt He immediately went to Cheng Yu and relayed the outcome of her daughter's attempt.

Cheng Yu let out a cold snort, unsurprised.

When trouble befell the Marquis Estate, many distanced themselves. After their entire family was imprisoned, Mother's natal family urged her to divorce Father. Even my married older sister was discarded by her husband's family.

No one spoke up for the Cheng family; everyone was fearful of Gongye Chu.

People always choose what is most advantageous to themselves, and Pei Er is no exception. If she were to return to the capital, how could the Marquis's residence still accommodate her? For a woman, losing one's life is a small matter compared to losing one's virtue. Let alone marrying into a good family, she would likely struggle even to preserve her life. Even if Marquis Xuanping cherished her deeply, he would not dare to marry her into a high-ranking household. Finding an ordinary man who is easy to influence would already be the best possible outcome.

She is an intelligent woman and knows how to make decisive choices.

After the Duke of Guo's mansion was seized, he no longer believed in the notion of true affection amidst adversity; he only held faith in the power of self-interest to move people's hearts. Rather than those who professed righteousness and morality, he found those motivated by gain to be the most reassuring.

There was no way out for him, nor was there for her.

Glimpsing beyond the low earthen courtyard wall, she saw the woman drying vegetables alongside others. Refusing to take a concubine for her husband, she was likely still haunted by the past. A legitimate daughter, swapped and raised as a concubine's child, even suffering through a decade of foolishness. Any person in her position would undoubtedly harbor deep resentment towards the concubine.

Her present disposition must be shaped by her experiences, much like how his own transformation was a result of his family's ruin and loss. Gazing at the woman who had so effortlessly integrated with the other ladies, he unexpectedly found something beyond revenge that sparked anticipation within him.

Should that day come, he would present her with whatever she desires. As long as she is willing to embark on that thorny path of revenge alongside him, he vows to bestow upon her the glory and favor she yearns for once their mission is accomplished.

Pei Yuanxi went about her task of drying the vegetables with grace and poise, engaging in lighthearted conversation with the two women from time to time. Her peripheral vision kept an unobtrusive watch on the figure in moonwhite until it disappeared from sight. Then, she turned her gaze towards the laborers in the fields. The tall, dark-skinned men stood out, especially since there were two of them.

Some were born to ascend to greatness, for they possessed the ruthless resolve necessary for such heights. This was true of the man with the disguised darkened face at present. Consumed by his hatred for the Shang family, he had bathed Tai Ling Palace in blood.

His wrath extended to Duke Yan's residence, resulting in the execution of every member of the household. His decisiveness and cruelty left no room for mercy. Such a person was destined to be the ultimate victor, sitting atop the majestic dragon throne with the force of thunder.

Others, despite their aspirations, might still fall short, even with favorable circumstances, due to an innate trace of kindness within them. Cheng Yu, who had just observed her, was one such example.

He had taken her as collateral but treated her with respect, refraining from mistreatment or confinement. His threat to ruin her innocence was merely a scare tactic. Instead of forcing compliance, he repeatedly tested her patience. This lack of ruthlessness could be seen as nobility, but more accurately, it was naivety. Therefore, he was fated to be the ultimate loser.

The manor was sparsely populated with women; the majority of inhabitants were men.

Among the two ladies who worked alongside her, one was named Li and the other Zhang. Aunt Li and Aunt Zhang were villagers from the vicinity, hired to assist with miscellaneous tasks around the estate.

Only two courtyards housed female residents on the manor: the one currently occupied by Pei Yuanxi and the one inhabited by Aunt He and her daughter. Aunt He oversaw the food provisions for everyone on the estate, earning her Cheng Yu's trust.

The beans had been sorted, and the vegetables sun-dried.

Next, they planned to make tofu. With more people this year, there were more beans to grind. Rather than carrying heavy loads of beans to another courtyard, they decided to move the stone mill to their location.

This was a task for men, preferably those with considerable strength.

Aunt Li stood outside the courtyard, pointing at the group and said, "You lot, come here."

The bearded man, Hu Dali, rushed to the front eagerly. These past few days, his heart had been burning with desire. The fairy-like woman strolled through the courtyard every day, tormenting him with vivid dreams each night.

Upon hearing that they were to carry the stone mill, he immediately deflated. But the thought of entering the courtyard to do so invigorated him like an adrenaline rush; now he could get a closer look at the beauty.

Gongye Chu was also on the list but walked behind without casting a glance at Pei Yuanxi.

The stone mill was heavy, and even for these burly men, it was a strenuous task. Hu Dali's face turned dark red as he gritted his teeth. Upon setting down the millstone, he panted heavily, his eyes seemingly glued to Pei Yuanxi.

Aunt Li gave him a sharp look. "What are you looking at? Do you think you're worthy?"

Hu Dali chuckled and tried to ingratiate himself. "Sister, my name is Jia Jinbao. If you ever need anything, just call on me."

"Sister, your name is quite interesting," Aunt Li covered her mouth, smiling. "Why Jia Jinbao when you could simply be Jinbao?"

Assuming she was praising him, Jia Jinbao became more animated. "Sister, my name was chosen by a scholar for ten copper coins, as instructed by my mother. I was lacking in metal in my destiny, so I'm named Jinbao. My parents are quite refined people, unlike some who are named Da Zhu or Er Gou, or even Dog Egg or Ox Egg. As for my brother, because he's stronger than others, he's called Hu Dali – his parents really didn't put much thought into it."

His self-aggrandizing remarks, belittling others to elevate himself, were somewhat comical.

When Pei Yuanxi saw Jia Jinbao telling Gongye Chu that Brother Hu should change his name, she couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed that this mighty general had given himself a rather casual alias.

Aunt Li and Aunt Zhang covered their mouths in amusement, while Jia Jinbao wore a smug expression.

Pei Yuanxi spoke softly, "Thank you all for your help. The tofu should be ready by tomorrow afternoon, and I promise it will ensure you have a good night's sleep."

As she said this, her gaze flickered towards Gongye Chu. Jia Jinbao, mistaking her look for him, felt half of his body go weak. He thought to himself, 'Oh my, there are such enchanting women in this world.'

Aunt Zhang quickly chimed in, "She's right, tofu is delicious no matter how it's prepared. You should eat plenty of it."

Still captivated by Pei Yuanxi's captivating voice, Jia Jinbao nodded like an idiot. Back at the field, he continued to grin foolishly, boasting to Gongye Chu about the encounter.

Gongye Chu's eyelids remained still, giving away nothing about his thoughts.

Jia Jinbao didn't mind. They had come across this Brother Hu just as they were approaching Shi Fo Town. Upon hearing his accent, they realized he was from the same region. Learning that he had run out of money and was seeking work, Jia Jinbao promptly introduced him to their boss.

Back then, their boss had led them with the intention of finding a mountain to settle on. However, after several forts were destroyed, they became too afraid to venture up the mountains. A few years ago, their boss pledged allegiance to a wealthy landowner. They guarded the manor, oversaw the shops, and maintained order for him. A month ago, the landowner promised them a promising future, which led them to Shi Fo Town.

There were originally around ten people in their group, but now only he and Brother Hu remained on the estate; the others had been assigned elsewhere. He'd heard that those who stayed behind had the brightest futures, perhaps even bringing honor to their ancestors someday.

He didn't understand grand principles; all he wanted was to distinguish himself in this life. For a man, wealth and power meant an endless supply of silver and beautiful women to spend his nights with.

"Brother Hu, did you hear that? She must have been talking to me. Perhaps she's taken a fancy to me because of my strength. Tomorrow, I'll make sure to eat plenty of her tofu, freshly ground by her own hands. The way she tossed that little flirtatious glance... I nearly lost myself right there...

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a chill, causing him to shiver involuntarily.

"Hot tofu, I could eat it right now." That woman's face was as tender as the tofu, and he felt his mouth watering just thinking about it.

Suddenly, the atmosphere seemed even colder.

In the courtyard, Aunt Li and Aunt Zhang were also discussing men, becoming increasingly candid in front of Pei Yuanxi. Without warning, their conversation took a different turn.

"I noticed those young lads earlier, each one with such remarkable...Aunt Li spoke with a suggestive tone.

Aunt Zhang playfully smacked her, "What nonsense are you spouting? There's still a lady present."

"What's there to be afraid of? We women will all face that day eventually. Don't be embarrassed, dear. You'll understand when the time comes. A woman marries for sustenance, and even in the dark, one must eat well. In the early years, my husband was still capable, but these days, he complains of being tired all the time." Aunt Li wore a regretful expression, her gaze wandering outside the yard.

Aunt Zhang blushed and said, "Oh? Are you thinking of changing men?"

Aunt Li scoffed. "Not at all. I was just daydreaming. Back then, I liked him because he had fair skin, more delicate-looking than many young men in the village. If I had to choose now, I'd rather have those with dark skin, strong and capable. Strength helps with work, and it doesn't cost me extra meals. At night, they're also...

Pei Yuanxi pretended not to understand, thinking to herself that having a dark complexion or being strong didn't necessarily mean one was skilled in that aspect. Fair-skinned, good-looking men might also excel.

Aunt Zhang glanced at her and hastily shushed Aunt Li.

"You mustn't listen to her nonsense, Miss... she abruptly covered her mouth, realizing her mistake. A gentleman like... how could they speak of him like that? It's madness, to discuss such matters in front of a lady.

"Talking about what?" Pei Yuanxi appeared genuinely puzzled.

Aunt Zhang breathed a sigh of relief. "... Nothing."

Aunt Li continued, "That Jia Jinbao seems alright, but that other one, Hu Dali, I think he's even...

"Stop it," Aunt Zhang nudged her with her elbow, and she finally caught on.

Fortunately, seeing that Pei Yuanxi seemed completely oblivious, they quickly changed the subject. As Pei Yuanxi pretended to stretch and looked towards the field, she wondered if Gongye Chu had understood their conversation.

She directed her gaze towards the row of wooden barrels soaking with beans, her eyelids lowering to conceal the guilt shimmering in her eyes.