Chapter 68: Love at First Sight

Chapter 68: Love at First Sight

Shangxing could clearly sense Pei Yuanxi's anger. What could his mother be upset about? Was it because Father had taken her bed to sleep in? Or was it because he hadn't informed her about this matter?

When faced with the choice between comforting his mother and betraying his father, he chose the latter without hesitation.

"Mother, I've wanted to tell you for a long time. It's Father who wouldn't let me inform you. He even forbade me from acknowledging our relationship. Otherwise, I would have told you a long time ago and acknowledged you as my mother."

"Good child," Pei Yuanxi praised her son generously.

Hence, it turned out that Gongye Chu was the one creating obstacles all along. No wonder Chong'er had been ambiguous on several occasions; her heart filled with suspicion. It was the doing of that despicable man. Chong'er must have informed him long ago, and he, being aware of the truth, deliberately prevented her from sharing it with her.

Well, isn't this just splendid.

Shangxing was drenched in cold sweat. Mother was indeed angry. As long as she wasn't angry with him, he didn't care who else she was furious with. As for Father, they could deal with that situation when the time came.

No sooner had he vaulted over the wall of the Marquis's residence than he was greeted by the chilling countenance of his own father, a face that could incense both gods and men.

It was evident that Gongye Chu had deliberately waited for him.

A fresh wave of nervous sweat broke out on his forehead as he wondered secretly if Father could possibly know what he had said to Mother? Besides, he hadn't really revealed anything – he had only explained in response to Mother's questions.

At this thought, his smile became even more ingratiating.

A hint of disdain flickered in Gongye Chu's eyes. Who did this child take after? He would never wear such a smile; it was something that woman used to do often when she pretended to be foolish.

Thus, even though he had personally raised this child, the boy seemed to have inherited more from his mother.

Unaware of his father's disdain, Shangxing's dimples deepened as he continued to smile warmly. "Father, thank you for saving Mother."

"What have you been discussing?" he inquired, his elongated figure as enigmatic as the night itself.

The young lad furrowed his attractive brows, tilting his head thoughtfully. "I said plenty. Mother even asked why you always like to sleep in her bed. I told her your story."

Gongye Chu paused subtly, "Did she say anything?"

"She didn't say anything particular."

No words were spoken, but anger was palpable.

Gongye Chu felt somewhat disappointed. How could she not say anything? Did she truly not care about his matters at all? Throughout the journey from Shi Fo Town back to the capital, he sensed her deliberate avoidance of him.

In her eyes, he could no longer see the affection that had once been there in his dreams.

The cold winds rose, and winter deepened.

Shangxing rubbed his hands together, tucking them into his sleeves, feeling the weight of his dilemma. On one side was his birth mother, and on the other, his birth father. How could he possibly reconcile their love for each other?

It was a headache.

Looking up at the starless, moonless sky, he let out a long, weary sigh, his youthful, handsome face reflecting a profound sense of loss and sorrow. For five years, he had yet to find Master Diviner Ye. What exactly was wrong with Mother's health?

He feared that time was running out, that he might not make it in time.

"Dad... I want to bring Mother to stay at Tai Ling Palace for a few days. Will you think me reckless?"

Gongye Chu glanced at him. "Have I ever told you our Gongye family's ancestral teachings?"

"The country and its people come first, the king second. You said that a ruler should prioritize the welfare of the nation above all else." Shangxing's mood sank; he knew his father would disapprove of his plan. After all, Mother was still an unmarried maiden, and there were no other women in the palace. Bringing her into the royal residence would certainly invite criticism from the world.

Yet he feared the sorrow of wanting to honor one's parents when they were no longer there, or the tragedy of a parent mourning their own child. He only wished to fulfill his filial duty as a son, yet he had to consider the opinions of the entire kingdom.

Gongye Chu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the night sky with a cold expression as chilly as winter, "A ruler should prioritize the prosperity of the land and its people, ensuring they have no cause for complaint. As an emperor, you can do as you wish. If not for that ultimate, supreme power, why would people be so obsessed with the throne?"

Shangxing's eyes lit up, "Father, you mean it's really okay?"

"Why wouldn't it be? Do you believe that the reason those fallen kings lost their nations was due to their personal morals? Emperors like your late ancestor, who indulged in beauty, were driven by their own desires. It doesn't matter how many concubines they had. Their mistake was enjoying pleasures without securing the realm. Had he dedicated himself to governing the country, I wouldn't have taken issue with him having numerous consorts or loving beauty."

The young man recalled the lessons he had been taught. His father had said that the common folk didn't care who ruled the world or what the emperor ate, wore, or how many concubines he had. What mattered to them was if they could fill their bellies and keep warm. If everyone had enough food and shelter, where would the grievances come from?

Throughout history, there had been wise and foolish rulers, some remembered fondly, others despised eternally, and some who were neither good nor bad. His father had said he cared little about being remembered with praise or blamed for centuries; after death, all was emptiness, so why cling to a reputation he couldn't hear?

After his mother's passing, the harem was left without a leader, Tai Ling Palace without concubines. Many officials presented petitions to choose new consorts, but all were dismissed with his response that his domestic affairs were none of their concern. Some loyal ministers fervently advised against it, only to be dismissed when he pointed out that instead of alleviating the emperor's burdens, they were fixating on the harem like women in a household.

From then on, no one dared to advise him.

Uncle Liu Ze said that his cleansing of Tai Ling Palace was seen by the world as ruthlessly brutal, yet few knew it was actually an act of benevolence. Historically, regime changes brought suffering to the people, but his swift actions, though seemingly bloody, spared the citizens from war and strife.

In this world, there were great benevolence, righteousness, and kindness, but who could truly define them? If he could ensure a hundred years of peace and stability for the people, allowing them to live in harmony, what harm would it be if he was considered unrighteous, unjust, or unkind?

"Father," the youth's voice was tinged with tears. "You did nothing wrong."

Right and wrong, virtue and vice, all lay in the hearts of men, yet human hearts were the most fickle.

Gongye Chu had never cared about others' criticism or slander towards him, nor did he seek praise. Yet, he never expected that one day, someone would tell him that he hadn't erred.

Truly a child he had raised, to understand him so well.

"Do as you wish, but don't shed tears so easily," he said, his tone laced with a hint of future affection despite his obvious disdain.

Shangxing wiped away his tears, laughing like an innocent child.

Determined to honor his mother, the boy swiftly ordered the preparation of a phoenix carriage and a ceremonial escort. When the resplendent procession emerged from Tai Ling Palace, it caused a sensation throughout the entire Eastern Capital City.

The citizens rushed to the streets, sharing news and speculating. As the emperor had not yet appointed a queen, and there was no empress dowager in Tai Ling Palace, who could this phoenix carriage be for?

When the carriage stopped at Marquis Xuanping's residence, some finally grasped the truth. The second miss of the Pei family, residing there, was the emperor's adoptive mother. However, despite bearing the title of the emperor's foster mother, Second Miss Pei had not received any official imperial decree.

Many were unaware of why Shangxing had not bestowed an official title upon Pei Yuanxi. Some even believed he had intentionally provoked Concubine Zeng out of spite. After her death, he might have regretted his actions and decided to leave matters vague. Little did they know that Shangxing had refrained from granting the title because it was not his place to do so – it was a duty reserved for his father.

When the servants of the Marquis household reported to the Changhui Courtyard, Kang, who had finally found some peace in her sleep, was conversing with Pei Yuanxi. As she was recounting the story of the old abbot of Pu'en Temple passing away, she heard her granddaughter mention that the young nobleman who had spoken with the old abbot that day was Cheng Yu. This revelation left her so astonished that her heart turned cold.

No wonder she found him familiar back then; it turns out he was the young master from Duke Yan's residence.

Therefore, the death of the senior abbot...

The chill in Lady Kang's heart had yet to dissipate when she heard the servants reporting that the imperial phoenix carriage had arrived at the marquis residence, requesting to take Pei Yuanxi to the palace for a few days' stay. She covered her chest, repeatedly confirming the news, looking at her granddaughter in disbelief.

Pei Yuanxi was completely unaware of this development, as Chong'er had made no mention of it the previous night. Still pondering the situation, she felt her hand being firmly grasped by her grandmother.

Madam Kang's hands were slightly cold, and her expression was incomparably solemn. "Second Sister..."

"Grandmother," Pei Yuanxi looked at her.

"Second Sister, you're a good child. Grandmother knows you've suffered a lot, and that those incidents were unjust to you. I know you don't mind, that you haven't even taken them to heart. But Second Sister..." Her voice suddenly softened, and her expression turned somewhat despondent. "The Marquis House is still your home."

Pei Yuanxi lowered her gaze. "I know the Marquis House is my home."

Madam Kang shook her head. "No, Second Sister, Grandmother can tell that you don't consider this place your home. You seem obedient and well-behaved, but it's very difficult for others to get close to you. Grandmother understands that you disdain the idea of rising and falling together with the family's fortunes. But Grandmother still wants to tell you that now, the prosperity or decline of the Marquis House rests entirely on you. If you still care about your father and this old grandmother, please take more care of the Marquis House in the future, for our sakes."

"Grandmother, you're too kind with your words."

Madam Kang let out a long sigh. This granddaughter of hers was the wisest and most composed. Initially, she had indeed favored Pei Yuanxi because she resembled Lian'er, but now, her affection for this child was genuine.

"Er Niang, you understand life better than anyone else. Sometimes, Grandmother wonders how close you and your aunt would have been if she were still alive. I know deep down, you don't truly care about the Marquis Manor. In fact, due to Li Shi and Yuanjun, you might even wish to leave it all behind."

Pei Yuanxi didn't refute. Be it calling her heartless or pragmatic, she genuinely wasn't that attached to the Marquis Manor.

Madam Kang sighed again. "Er Niang, life is unpredictable. Grandmother wishes only the best for you and for our Marquis Manor to flourish."

"Grandmother, there are my loved ones in the Marquis Manor. I will never abandon them, no matter what happens or where I am."

With her assurance, Lady Kang seemed to have received a promise, patting her hand affectionately and murmuring praises. She then turned away to wipe her tears secretly, before turning back with a smile through her tears.

The entire Marquis household saw her off as she left the manor. Madam Shen held many words in her heart but didn't know where to begin. All she could do was give detailed instructions to Chunyue to take good care of Miss Pei Yuanxi.

Thanks to the imperial favor, Pei Yuanxi was allowed to bring Chunyue into the palace this time. Following behind the imperial carriage, Chunyue walked amidst envious gazes from all the servants. Who would have thought that the maid who served the foolish and illegitimate daughter would become an object of envy for everyone in the Marquis Manor just half a year later?

"Look as much as you can, for each glance might be the last," Lady Kang said to Madam Shen.

Madam Shen misunderstood the meaning behind Madam Kang's words, thinking that she was lamenting her own aging. "Mother, what are you saying? You're still young and will surely live to be a hundred."

Madam Kang looked at her and sighed softly.

It was a pity that such a good mother-daughter relationship had been subjected to fate's whims.

The phoenix carriage proceeded, with the common folk making way.

Numerous onlookers lined the streets, their whispers and discussions incessant. Inside the phoenix carriage, Pei Yuanxi's figure was vaguely visible through the gauzy, golden tassels of the curtains. Despite being dressed like an ordinary girl without any rank-specific jewelry or attire, her inherent dignity was unparalleled.

Countless pairs of eyes tried to catch a glimpse of her, and amidst the sea of gazes, she unexpectedly heard the word "fool" amidst the cacophony of voices.

Indeed, she had heard it too many times, leaving a deep impression.

"It turns out to be that fool from the Marquis House. My goodness, how boundless is her fortune. No wonder they say fools have their own blessings. I've seen blessed people, but never one as fortunate as her."

"There's no Empress Dowager in the palace, and she's the emperor's foster mother. She's practically the Empress Dowager in all but name."

"The emperor truly treats her as his own mother. The gifts he bestowed upon her were endless not long ago. I heard that the emperor nearly emptied the palace treasury just to please his foster mother."

"How can there be someone so fortunate in this world?"

The townsfolk were engaged in lively discussions about Pei Yuanxi, gathered in twos and threes to talk about the happenings within the Marquis's residence. Each one of them marveled at her fortunate life, remarking that she was blessed with good fortune now and that even greater blessings might be in store for her in the future.

"What good fortune? It could very well be a life cut short."

A mysterious voice echoed, drawing the attention of the gossiping crowd. They turned to see a woman in white pushing her way through, her face concealed by a veil, leaving her true appearance unknown.

"Who is it? Such venomous words." A voice exclaimed in curiosity, yet no one could be found.

Chen Yaozhi had already pushed her way out of the crowd and ascended to a nearby teahouse.

On the teahouse's upper floor, Chen Ling stood by a window. Only after the phoenix palanquin had passed did he turn his gaze toward his seated sister, his eyes darkening with a hint of grimness. Both were young women, yet why was it that some enjoyed such fortune while others only brought trouble?

He had explicitly sent someone to escort her back to Yuncang, but who could have guessed she would run away halfway and return on her own? He also didn't know what she might have said to Cheng Yu that made him intervene.

Considering her role in persuading Cheng Yu to act, he allowed her to stay.

He had originally thought that they were secure in the Eastern Capital City, and if Cheng Yu's plan succeeded, he could seize the initiative. Yet, Cheng Yu's attempt failed, resulting in the entire Shi Fo Town being upended.

"Didn't I tell you to stay out of trouble? Are you seeking more complications for yourself?"

What did she mean by causing trouble?

Chen Yaozhi's face darkened with displeasure.

Seeing her expression, Chen Ling knew she was not convinced. "I've warned you not to meddle with Second Miss Pei. If you were wise, you would try to befriend her. Look at yourself, then look at her. If I had a sister like her, why would I worry about achieving great things?"

The anger within her simmered. Why did everyone side with Pei Yuanxi? What made her inferior to others?

"Greatness often precedes decline. With the emperor's extravagant actions, there will surely be someone to impeach him during tomorrow's morning court. His high-handed behavior will eventually lead to his reign's downfall. Pei Yuanxi may seem to be in favor now, but perhaps her fortune is too fragile to sustain such prosperity. When the time comes, not only will her favor fade, she might even meet an untimely end."

Chen Ling frowned. "When did you learn to be so bitter? Favor and prestige are fleeting; how many can enjoy them throughout their lives? Instead of envying others, you should reflect on yourself. Even if you were to possess such blessings one day, I wouldn't treat you like this."

His words were a subtle mockery of her being taken as an adopted daughter by Concubine Zeng.

Chen Yaozhi clenched her palms. She was simply unfortunate. She had thought that Concubine Zeng, chosen by Gongye Chu to guard the Tai Ling Palace, must have some skills. Yet, she lost the battle quickly and even implicated Chen Yaozhi, almost sending her back to Yuncang.

"Brother, I am your own sister. Why do you belittle me like this?"

If others looked down on her, it was one thing, but for her own brother to speak to her this way, how could she bear it?

Pei Yuanxi, Pei Yuanxi, you simply had too much fortune to handle, that's why you died young. In your previous life, you monopolized the emperor's favor and perished early. In this life, you still enjoy imperial grace and love, but so what? Heaven will undoubtedly not tolerate you.

Noticing her expression, Chen Ling found that his sister had somehow developed a sharp edge. She was, after all, his own flesh and blood. Knowing that she had been suffering lately, he softened his tone, "Aunt will arrive in the Eastern Capital City soon. You must take care of yourself."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yaozhi sat down abruptly on a stool.

The crowd of commoners on the street had dispersed, carrying with them the rumors about Marquis Xuanping's residence and Pei Yuanxi into various teahouses and alleys, destined to become the latest topic of conversation in the Eastern Capital City.

The magnificent and majestic phoenix palanquin, accompanied by an imposing ceremonial procession, gradually disappeared from sight, leaving behind the envious or jealous gazes of everyone in the city as it slowly made its way to Tai Ling Palace. Shangxing, leading a group of eunuchs and palace maids, personally greeted their mother at the palace gate.

The emperor himself welcoming her – such extravagant favor was unparalleled, even for a true empress, let alone a dowager empress.

Pei Yuanxi was not entirely comfortable with such grand treatment. She had intended to tell her son not to do this again, but as she stepped down from the palanquin, she met her son's moist eyes, and all her words were held back.

Tears shimmered in Shangxing's eyes, but joy illuminated his face like a child who had just received candy.

In the absence of consorts in the harem, he enjoyed breeding venomous creatures and spent most of his time living in Fangyin Palace. However, he had his own private palace, known as Zhengde Hall.

Zhengde Hall was the closest to Qinghe Hall, and Pei Yuanxi was placed in Ren'an Palace, which was traditionally the residence of the Empress Dowager. He believed his own mother was worthy of such an arrangement.

Just as the mother and son entered Jinhua Gate, they encountered Gongye Chu, who had come from Qinghe Hall.

He wore a rich purple robe with golden embroidery, exuding opulence and dignity. The imperial aura suppressed his innate elegance and handsomeness, leaving no trace of ruthlessness in his dignified expression.

Pei Yuanxi mused that if she were indeed to be forcefully taken by him in the future, it would undoubtedly be his captivating appearance that coerced her submission. A man with such looks, even if devoid of any other merits, seemed not entirely unacceptable.

Shangxing whispered, "Father agreed to me bringing you into the palace."

Startled, she yielded the way to Gongye Chu, pondering his intentions and speculating about why he had agreed to let her stay in the palace temporarily.

Within the palace gates, he did not neglect the etiquette of ruler and subject. She quickly followed suit with a bow, catching a glimpse of his indifferent gaze as she lifted her eyes unintentionally.

His emotions were an enigma to her.

As he passed by them, she turned her head repeatedly, deep in thought. His dignified and aloof figure seemed to embody the regal authority of the entire Tai Ling Palace.

Shangxing smiled, pressing his lips together. Mother always liked looking at Father like that, clearly delighted with his appearance.

"Mother, do you want to see how Father wouldn't let him stay?"

"No, I don't want to see him," Pei Yuanxi denied promptly, admitting to herself that she had been momentarily captivated by his beauty just now. But male charm was like poison, and she dared not risk it.

Shangxing laughed like a child who had secretly eaten candy, "Mother's lying, you clearly fell for Father at first sight..."

Without a second thought, she covered his mouth, instinctively glancing behind her. The man of golden countenance and jade-like demeanor paused in his steps, clearly having overheard their conversation.

"Stop talking, I couldn't have fallen for him at first sight," she warned her son in a feigned anger, ignoring the astonished expressions of the eunuchs and palace maids.

"...I'm not making this up, it's true... Uncle Liu Ze said you were smitten with Father and relentlessly pursued him..." Shangxing whispered in protest.

She felt as if a thunderbolt had struck her, blushing from head to toe. Was this still her own son? How could he reveal such embarrassing secrets about his mother?

Moreover, would she really relentlessly pursue Gongye Chu?

Impossible!

With an embarrassed expression, she discreetly glanced in his direction from the corner of her eye. The man, who had stopped in his tracks, had turned around. A faint hint of mockery seemed to flicker in his cold gaze, as if he was saying: I heard everything.

"Death seems imminent!" she thought to herself.