Chapter 70: Mother and Son

Chapter 70: Mother and Son

Shangxing was the first to spot him, overjoyed.

"Dad, Dad, come sit here."

As the mother and son conversed, everyone else, including Chunyue, was naturally dismissed from their presence. Pei Yuanxi instinctively sat up straight, halting her hand that was feeding the fish. Her clear, watery eyes gazed at the man who had entered, doing her utmost to maintain a calm exterior.

Was it possible to fall in love at first sight?

In the blue and white porcelain fish tank, there were two colorful carp, one red and one white. The water plants inside were a vivid jade green, as the two fish playfully chased each other and the floating fish food in the water.

As if they were all engrossed in watching the fish, Pei Yuanxi resumed her movements. The fish food entering the water prompted the fish to open their mouths and compete for the food, causing ripples that made the water plants sway gently.

The delicate jade-like hands of the young maiden were right before his eyes, and Gongye Chu felt like he was seeing the woman from his dreams again. Suddenly, he found her feeding gesture extremely familiar, reminding him of the time when she had fed him stinky tofu. It seemed as though, in her eyes, he was no different from those fish fighting for food in the water.

Shangxing's eyes darted around, glancing at his mother who pretended to be relaxed while feeding the fish, then at his father, whose cold demeanor made him seem like a statue, and finally at himself, sitting in the middle with a thoughtful expression.

"Father, has anyone come to you with complaints about me after the court session?"

Initiating the conversation, Gongye Chu responded affirmatively.

Upon hearing that it was Lord Zhang, he let out a cold snort. "I used to think, given their close association with Marquis Xuanping, they were the best of friends. Little did I expect that before the Marquis's household faced any real consequences, he would be so eager to distance himself. Distancing himself would have been one thing, but to even consider taking advantage of the situation and kicking a man when he's down—it seems his career in office has reached its bitter end."

"Not in a hurry," Gongye Chu said, casting what seemed like a fleeting glance at Pei Yuanxi.

Pei Yuanxi gazed intently at the fish in the aquarium, seemingly oblivious to their conversation.

Recalling how this woman used to feign ignorance and stupidity, Gongye Chu's gaze deepened. The scene of their initial encounter flashed before his eyes, even the dress she wore that day was vivid in his memory.

Back then, her thick bangs hung over her forehead, and her innocent demeanor and actions were endearing. She had never lacked courage; not only did she dare to shout at him, but she also dared to stare directly into his eyes.

He remembered her staring at him in a daze. Could it be possible that he had fallen in love with her at first sight?

"Dad, Dad, were you... smiling just now?" Shangxing exclaimed in surprise.

Gongye Chu glanced over, giving him a cold stare.

He muttered softly, "I must have seen wrong."

How could Father possibly smile?

He had never witnessed his father's smile since he was a child, so he must have been mistaken – his eyes were playing tricks on him. But then again, did Father truly never laugh?

Pei Yuanxi's eyelashes fluttered slightly. Could Gongye Chu really smile? It seemed implausible. If he did, how would he look when he laughed? It was hard to picture, almost unimaginable.

The mother and son exchanged glances, one seemingly asking if he really smiled, while the other seemed to be answering that he did see it but wasn't sure if it was an illusion.

Unaware of Gongye Chu's furrowed brows and piercing gaze, they continued their silent conversation through their expressions.

By the time Shangxing finally sensed something amiss, he hastily replaced his previous expression with an excessively ingratiating smile. "Father, I've prepared a special delicacy in the imperial kitchen. Please join us for the meal."

Pei Yuanxi wanted to shake her head; she didn't wish to dine with the cold, unapproachable man. However, this time, Shangxing completely disregarded the resistance in her eyes, determined to keep his father with them.

Gongye Chu neither agreed nor declined, instead inquiring about Shangxing's studies. The conversation between father and son evolved from matters of the court to the governance of various provinces and counties, gradually turning serious.

When the palace attendants outside inquired about the dining time, there was no escaping the fact that they would now have to eat together, whether they initially intended to or not.

Pei Yuanxi was well aware that both father and son were deliberately doing this. Seeing her son trying to please her, she found the situation amusing, yet infuriating, and a tinge of indescribable sadness welled up within her.

She had no desire to draw closer to Gongye Chu, and likewise, he might not wish to be with her. However, as their son, Zhong'er yearned more than anyone for them to reconcile. Her heart softened significantly, to the point where she felt a sudden urge to weep.

The imperial dishes were served, but upon lifting the lid, an overwhelming sour and pungent smell filled the air.

It turned out to be stinky tofu noodles.

With a show of pride, Shangxing said, "I instructed them to prepare it early on, knowing that you would surely enjoy it."

Pei Yuanxi was indeed fond of it, but Gongye Chu might not be. A subtle resistance could be detected in his cold expression, as his handsome brows knitted together like a sword.

She raised an eyebrow, inexplicably feeling her mood improve.

"You put so much effort into this, of course I appreciate it. I'm sure Lord Gongye will enjoy it as well."

Gongye Chu glanced at her but remained silent.

Shangxing's face lit up with joy. "Of course Father likes it. We've shared the same dining table since I was a child. Whether it's durian, stinky tofu, or this snail noodle soup, my taste has been influenced by Father's preferences."

Surprised, she pondered and realized it was true.

Were it not for her early exposure to such matters, how could Zhong'er, at her young age, be so knowledgeable about them and develop a fondness for them? Thus, one must wonder, did the later Gongye Chu eventually come to share her preferences?

Chong'er declared his profound love for her, yet she found it hard to envision. It was as if their future selves would be entirely different from who they were now.

She couldn't help but wonder, were they truly who they claimed to be? Could it be another dimension of existence where the versions of themselves were not entirely the same?

Once such doubts arise, upon a second glance at the young man with deep dimples, an unconscious sense of heavy guilt begins to surface. What exactly is she thinking? Anything can be erased, but the existence of this child cannot be erased.

The aroma of the snail rice noodles was quite overpowering, filling the entire hall with a sour and pungent scent. She observed the man eating with an unchanging expression, and for some reason, felt a sense of sorrow.

After the meal, Shangxing vanished with remarkable swiftness.

"Father, it seems I still have some scholarly tasks unfinished."

The Emperor too had his studies, but whether he chose to engage in them was entirely at his whim, unrestrained by the need to await his father's words or heed his mother's disposition. Feigning annoyance, he rose swiftly, the youth darting out of Ren'an Palace like a gust of wind, leaving behind a pair of parents, each lost in their own disparate thoughts.

The palace hall was steeped in silence, with no one daring to utter a word.

The palace maids and eunuchs outside were even more silent than cicadas in winter, each one keeping their heads bowed, terrified that a careless glance inside might result in Gongye Chu plucking out their eyes.

Those serving within the palace walls knew his ruthlessness better than anyone outside. Every maid and eunuch in Tai Ling Palace still trembled with fear at the memory of the bloodbath he had unleashed.

Despite killing off the entire Shang royal family, many palace servants had been spared. They continued to serve, their fear of him ingrained in their bones.

Pei Yuanxi observed that the fish in the aquarium seemed less lively than before. She muttered to herself that perhaps all creatures possessed a spirit, and even the fish could sense the murderous aura emanating from him.

After about fifteen minutes, he finally left. With his departure, she let out a sigh of relief.

In the Eastern Capital City, the epicenter of imperial power, news traveled swiftly. It was unclear whether the gossip had spread through an accidental leak or a deliberate act. The streets whispered that the emperor had taken a foster mother as a ploy to entice Gongye Chu with beauty.

The rumor quietly circulated, reaching every corner of the city.

Chen Yaozhi, confined to her home by her brother, was most concerned about Pei Yuanxi's situation. Hearing this rumor was like a bolt from the blue. Now she understood the emperor's plan – it was no wonder he had promoted Pei Yuanxi, he intended to use her to win over Gongye Chu, thereby solidifying his throne.

Both beneficiaries of a second chance at life, why was it that the emperor not only secured his royal status but also exploited his foreknowledge of the future to pave his path?

And why was she still fruitless up to this point?

She refused to accept it!

Of course, there was also fear. She was terrified that the events of her past life would repeat themselves. She was scared that Pei Yuanxi would marry Gongye Chu, which was the beginning of her suffering in her previous life. She couldn't bear to witness their union.

Upon hearing that she wanted to go out, Chen Ling's expression turned grim.

"I've told you to behave yourself recently. As a young lady, instead of cultivating grace and composure, why do you always seek the limelight?"

"Big Brother, I'm not seeking attention. Haven't you heard the rumors outside? They're saying that the emperor has taken Pei Yuanxi as his foster mother to win over Lord Gongye with her beauty." Anxiety consumed her, leaving no trace of her previous calm demeanor.

"So what?" Chen Ling frowned, clearly displeased by her current state.

At this moment, she couldn't afford to care about his concerns. The mere thought of Pei Yuanxi marrying Gongye Chu caused her immense pain. It pierced through her bones and left her feeling like living was agony.

"Big Brother, I beg you, I have to go out. I can't let Pei Yuanxi marry Gongye Chu. They can't be together... They absolutely cannot be together!"

She practically shouted, her desperation only fueling Chen Ling's disgust. He knew that his sister had always clashed with Second Miss Pei. To satisfy her vanity and jealousy, she nearly ruined the Chen family's foundation in the Eastern Capital City.

He had never known a woman's jealousy to be so intense that it transformed her into someone unrecognizable. She now appeared like a madwoman, her face so repulsive that he found himself despising her.

"Do you not listen to a single word I say? Do you still respect me as your elder brother?"

"Brother, please, I beg of you. Listen to me. They cannot be together, or else I will die... and the Chen family will fall into ruin..."

Her words were becoming more outrageous by the moment. How did Second Miss Pei's marriage have anything to do with their Chen family? What did she mean by 'I will die', and how would their family fall into ruin because of it? Unless there was something she was hiding from him.

Recalling the matter involving Cheng Yu, his gaze darkened. If not for Cheng Yu acting on her advice too soon, their plan would not have failed, leaving them in the current state of uncertainty about his life or death.

"What exactly are you talking about? Explain yourself right now!"

How could Chen Yaozhi dare to reveal the truth? The downfall of the Chen family was a result of her enmity with Pei Yuanxi. Gongye Chu's attack on the Chens was fueled by his desire to avenge his late wife.

"Brother, believe me, I won't harm you."

"Haven't you harmed me enough?" The mention of this infuriated Chen Ling. If not for his sister's conflict with Second Miss Pei, how could their family's shops have caught the emperor's attention? Although the income from the music shop and stationery store was modest, the loss from closing both establishments was significant.

Moreover, due to his sister's involvement with the former Empress Dowager, their Chen family's reputation was nearly tarnished. Had he not tirelessly worked day and night, they might not have been able to remain in the Eastern Capital City.

To whom should she owe this disaster, yet dare to claim she wouldn't harm him?

"Stay in your room until Aunt comes! Don't step out until then!"

Chen Yaozhi disliked that aunt, not one bit. But her father and elder brother were both fond of her. If not for their favor towards the aunt, how could her mother have died from depression?

An illegitimate daughter who chose to remain unmarried and live as an old maid in the Chen family. Yet, both the clan elders and her father held her in high regard. Since childhood, she had been talented, but whenever people praised her, they would always mention her resemblance to the aunt.

Empress Dowager Zeng had said the same when she was last at court. Perhaps it was precisely due to this similarity that Empress Dowager Zeng took her as her foster daughter. And thus, she became the laughingstock of Eastern Capital City, all because of that aunt.

Fury intertwined within her thoughts.

"Aunt, Aunt, you only see Aunt in your eyes! Have you forgotten about Mother?" Chen Yaozhi yelled. "You blame me for causing trouble, but do you know that Empress Dowager Zeng took me as her foster daughter solely because of Aunt? If not for her acquaintance with Aunt, why would she take interest in me, and how would I end up as the butt of everyone's jokes?"

Chen Ling was furious. It was all because of her own meddling. If not for her scandalous behavior with Second Miss Pei, would Empress Dowager Zeng have summoned her to the palace?

"What nonsense are you spouting? So Aunt's popularity is now a fault? Your improper actions dragged others down with you. If not for your outrageous behavior, would Aunt have rushed here from Yuncang?"

"Who asked for her kindness!"

"Slap!"

A sharp sound echoed as Chen Ling's face turned livid.

Chen Yaozhi covered her face; this was the second time her elder brother had struck her. Ever since their mother's passing, their relationship had gradually soured. With their father's death three years ago, he had become even more distant from her.

Her eyes burned with resentment. "I will say it anyway. She's just pretending. Everyone has been deceived by her. In reality, she's more vicious than anyone! You're the legitimate son of the Chen family. Don't you hate it that the headship wasn't passed to you after Father's death?"

Chen Ling was seething. "Aunt is only temporarily taking on the role of the family head. In these past three years, she hasn't been involved in any major family affairs. The true authority of the Chen family rests in my hands. Father only let Aunt oversee things because he was worried I wouldn't be able to handle the people due to my young age. Haven't you seen how Aunt has dedicated herself to the Chen family all these years?"

"I haven't!" Chen Yaozhi shouted. All she saw was her mother's sorrowful expression whenever Aunt was mentioned. Whenever the Chen family needed a female representative, Mother would always be the one staying at home. She knew that Aunt had taken away the respect that should have belonged to her mother. While everyone praised Aunt, no one remembered that the Chen family still had a matriarch. "She's just a concubine's daughter!"

Chen Ling raised his hand but then lowered it after taking a deep breath. "I don't want to hear you call Aunt a concubine's daughter again. While I can still calmly talk to you, quickly go back to your room and reflect on yourself!"

"Fine, fine." Chen Yaozhi suddenly laughed. "Big Brother, I hope you won't regret this later!"

She was a prophet. If her elder brother was unkind, she couldn't be blamed for being disloyal.

Chen Ling felt uneasy by the gaze she gave him as she left. After she was gone, he thought about it and summoned a few people to ask them. He probed into the rumors circulating in the neighborhood but found it impossible to connect them to their Chen family.

Thoughts of Cheng Yu weighed heavily on his mind, and his expression darkened. Reflecting on recent events, he regretted his earlier leniency – that slap should never have been retracted.

Could the emperor's plan to win over Gongye Chu with beauty really work? Not only was he uncertain, but the entire population of the Eastern Capital City was skeptical.

Who was Gongye Chu?

He was a force capable of destroying heaven and earth; a mere beauty trap would not subdue him. If his killing intent arose, even the most stunning beauty would have her neck snapped.

Royal favor was not easily earned, and unfortunately, the second lady of the Pei family likely believed the emperor's intentions were genuine, failing to realize she was merely a pawn in his game against Gongye Chu.

Such a lovely woman might meet an untimely end.

The world grieved and speculated, but Pei Yuanxi remained oblivious. Walking with Shangxing from Ren'an Palace to Zhengde Hall, she listened as her son counted the tiles beneath their feet.

The palace attendants kept their distance, unable to overhear their conversation.

"From Zhengde Hall to Qinghe Hall, there are four thousand five hundred and twenty steps. From Zhengde Hall to Ren'an Palace, it's four thousand eight hundred and fifty-one. These are my current strides. When I was three, the journey to Qinghe Hall was eight thousand one hundred and sixteen steps, and to Ren'an Palace, nine thousand two hundred and thirty. At six, they were six thousand four hundred and sixty, and seven thousand three hundred. By nine, they were five thousand seven hundred and forty, and six thousand six hundred and ninety."

His voice was soft, tinged with sorrow beyond his years. It was difficult for Pei Yuanxi to imagine a three-year-old counting his footsteps.

"This road, Father and I must have walked it countless times. I remember he would often pause, sometimes right when we were almost at Ren'an Palace, yet he didn't dare to enter. He would gaze from afar for a long time. Once, I asked him why he didn't go in, and he said he was waiting for Mother to come out and greet him..."

His voice caught in his throat, tears streaming down his face.

Pei Yuanxi hugged him gently, her own nose tingling with sadness.

"Mother, Father is truly pitiful... How I wish he could be here with me, then he would finally see you come out to welcome him... I know the Father now isn't the same as him, and I miss him so much..."

"Chong'er, have you ever thought that perhaps we're not them," Pei Yuanxi spoke with effort. "You've probably noticed by now that there are some differences between us and your real parents."

Shangxing pushed her away, his face bearing the hurt of rejection. "Mother, do you not believe my words? Are you unwilling to acknowledge me?"

She shook her head desperately, suddenly feeling a twinge of cruelty within herself. How could she utter such words, how could she hurt him so deeply? What on earth was she doing?

"Chong'er, listen to me..."

"I refuse to listen!" The young boy's eyes were filled with anguish and grievance. "I know you're different... Why? I don't want to know! All I know is that you are my parents..."

Why would he need to know?

They were his parents, and after a long and difficult reunion, he didn't want to consider or worry about anything else. As long as he could be with them and see them often, he would be content.

Pei Yuanxi's heart felt as if it was being twisted by countless hands, the pain convulsing her until she was numb. She had never experienced such a sensation, as if something was being torn away from her body.

"Chong'er, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just afraid you might end up disappointed..."

"I won't be disappointed," Shangxing choked back his sobs. "I came here just to see Mother. Whether you acknowledge me or not, whether you're willing to be with Father, none of that matters most to me. I only wish for Mother to live a long life..."

Tears spilled down Pei Yuanxi's cheeks like a dam breaking. Amidst her guilt and torment, she heard Shangxing say he was tired. Through her tear-blurred vision, she watched the solitary and forlorn figure of the young boy recede into the distance. How could she hurt that child? He was her son! He had crossed time and space to find her; how could she personally shatter his hopes and beliefs?

How cold-blooded I am, she thought to herself.

She slapped herself harshly.

One slap wasn't enough, so she delivered another.

Until her hand was seized by a man, whose arrival she hadn't noticed. The man looked at her, and in his cold eyes, there was a tempestuous storm brewing beneath the surface.

"Enough," he said.