Chapter 72: Poems Penned for Thee

Chapter 72: Poems Penned for Thee

Marquis Xuanping's heart was in disarray, unable to articulate his emotions at that moment. He seemed oblivious to the envious gazes of others; instead of envisioning a bright future, he felt as if he were treading on thin ice, each step taken with the utmost caution, as if walking on the edge of a blade.

Yuanxi has already been showered with unparalleled favor. Further indulgence and opulence might not be a blessing in disguise. The Grand Commander is a man of solitude and cold disposition; he is not one to easily give in to affection.

His greatest fear was that the Emperor had laid a trap, and the Grand Commander, in turn, would seize the opportunity to turn the tables. Yuanxi, caught in the eye of the storm, found herself compelled to drift along with the currents, reduced to a mere pawn in their royal game of strategy. In the end, even the power of the Marquis's estate would prove insufficient to shield his daughter from harm.

Amidst his concerns, numerous ministers felt as if a great weight had been lifted from their hearts. As servants of the realm, their loyalty should lie with the Son of Heaven. Yet, the Grand Tutor held such immense power that they were bound to obey him. With every hint of unrest, their hearts tightened, knowing that the inevitable shift in the throne would one day come, yet still they couldn't help but tremble with fear.

If the Grand Marshal is willing to serve His Majesty as a loyal advisor, then they, as subjects, would have no cause for concern. No need to live in constant fear or be torn between loyalty and self-preservation.

In that case, Marquis Xuanping has indeed raised an admirable daughter.

"Lord Pei, I recently acquired a new painting. Would you do me the honor of giving it your appraisal?" someone offered an olive branch.

Others followed suit. One mentioned a new dish at the Four Directions Tavern, inviting everyone to try it together. Another spoke of an upcoming joyous event in their family, hoping for Lord Pei's gracious presence.

General Hong detested such two-faced behavior. They seemed to have forgotten how they had distanced themselves from Lord Pei lately, all afraid of being implicated by the Grand Marshal should they become too close to him.

Little did they expect that the tides of fortune would turn, and they would face such a day.

Among all, Lord Zhang was the most aggrieved. His heart was chilled, his mouth bitter, filled with regret for his past actions. Somehow, recently, he seemed to have strayed onto the wrong path, offending his former close friends.

Initially, he had not intended to foster ill will, merely to keep a respectful distance. However, his wife ceaselessly whispered in his ear, asserting that Lord Pei had fallen out of favor with the Grand Commander and that the second young lady of the Pei family was a femme fatale destined to bring ruin and destruction upon the Marquis's household.

Observing General Hong standing proudly beside Lord Pei, as if they were the closest allies, who could have imagined that they were once irreconcilable foes, locked in a bitter rivalry?

General Hong harrumphed, "Just look at you all, pretending to be above it all. Though I may be unrefined and barely literate, I surpass you scholars in many ways. I at least know how to write the characters for righteousness, while you don't even comprehend the meaning of shame."

Upon hearing Marquis Xuanping's mocking remarks, those who had eagerly sought his favor all turned crimson with embarrassment. They certainly did not admit to being the type of people who changed sides with the wind, and they began to defend themselves with flowery words.

Marquis Xuanping's expression remained stern. "There's no need for such behavior. What one sees may not always be true, and wealth and status are not forever guaranteed. If events do not unfold as you hope, it would be my fault. Therefore, I request that you remain as you were, and refrain from deliberately seeking me out. Otherwise, you may regret your actions in the future."

His words held great wisdom, and some indeed found them to be true.

Magistrate Zhang's hope flickered to life; he believed that the Grand Commander, known for his character, would not be bewitched by a woman. It must be a ploy for the Emperor, a countermeasure against cunning schemes.

Suddenly, his legs regained their strength, and he felt energized. He straightened his official robe and walked past Marquis Xuanping, earning a disdainful glance from General Hong.

Gongye Chu still held Pei Yuanxi tightly in his embrace from a distance. She was powerless to break free from his immense strength. The height difference between them was significant; she could only be held against his chest, suffocating in his scent. It felt as if she were on the verge of losing her breath.

The civil and military officials dared not linger, stealing glances at the pair as they moved either heavily or hesitantly towards Jinhua Gate. Only when the area was devoid of spectators did Gongye Chu finally release her.

As she caught her breath, still within his reach, they both found themselves embraced by Shangxing – the happiest among the trio.

"Dad, Dad, you're finally here... I've missed you so much," the youth wept softly. "Did you come because you heard me calling out to you in my dreams?"

Was that so?

Pei Yuanxi pondered. Could it truly be the strong bond of blood between father and son that brought him here after hearing Chong'er's longing cries last night?

Gongye Chu neither confirmed nor denied it.

"You've become such a crybaby," he said, furrowing his brow with a hint of helplessness. "Don't tell your mother that I taught you this."

Shangxing immediately stopped crying, wiping away his tears. "I was just too happy to see you, Dad. I'm not a crybaby. Ask Mother, she can vouch for me."

Pei Yuanxi, sandwiched between the father and son, found it difficult to breathe. These two were catching up, but why did they have to involve her in their reunion?

Observing the cowering palace maids and eunuchs, who seemed like frightened quails, Pei Yuanxi could tell they were thoroughly intimidated by the scene they had just witnessed. Even Chunyue dared not glance in their direction, indicating that Gongye Chu's actions were indeed extraordinary and scandalous.

Gongye Chu looked at her with an unreadable expression. "I know, you would naturally defend him."

She hadn't said a word!

Was this man talking to himself? She hadn't uttered a single syllable, so how did he know she would speak up for Chong'er? Besides, how could he be such a father? Meeting his son after years in a different dimension, and all he could do was criticize him – was this really the behavior of a loving parent?

As for his attitude towards her, wasn't Chong'er supposed to have said that he loved her with his life? The look on Gongye Chu's face was neither warm nor cold, much like his distant demeanor of old. There was no sign of the devoted lover he was claimed to be.

With a twinkle in his eye, Shangxing cleared his throat, adopting the imperial authority. The palace attendants lowered their heads even further, afraid to stand out.

"Dad, this isn't the place to talk. Let's go to Ren'an Palace."

Pei Yuanxi finally breathed in fresh air, appreciating the cool scent more than ever before. Her mind raced as she pondered how to approach Gongye Chu after all these years.

Chong'er had claimed his undying love for her, though she couldn't see it. The mere thought of being married to him made her uneasy. In the past, Gongye Chu's indifference was tolerable, as they both lacked the shared experiences.

But the current Gongye Chu was different – he had genuinely been her husband once.

Upon entering the grand hall of Ren'an Palace, his gaze immediately fell upon the arrangements. From the bookshelf to the fish tank, he seemed to inspect every detail meticulously, not even overlooking the stand beneath the aquarium.

Shangxing proudly declared, "Father, isn't it just like before?"

"That's right. You've put in effort, and your mother will surely love it." Gongye Chu looked at Pei Yuanxi with that gaze that seemed to peer through her to someone else. It made her feel uneasy under his scrutiny.

Imagine a man, originally cold and detached, suddenly changing his demeanor and addressing her as 'your mother' in front of their child, as if she were now his wife. What was one to do when they had never been married, and then encountered this future husband?

There was no sweetness, no bashfulness, only astonishment.

Her emotions at that moment were like July's weather—her inner self yearned for tranquility, but the scorching sun outside was relentless. That fire seemed to engulf mountains and walls, closing in on her with no escape route in sight.

"Mother must love it, right, Mother?" Shangxing asked, his face beaming with satisfaction. He felt like he was dreaming. Last night, he had cried himself to sleep, tears soaking his pillowcase as he missed his father. Today, his father had arrived.

He looked from one to the other, his dimples deepening with his smile. At such a young age, he expressed his gratitude to Buddha, inwardly acknowledging how wonderful it was to have both a father and a mother, hoping that their family would never be separated again.

The carp in the fish tank swam playfully, creating a gentle splashing sound.

"Father, can we still call them Ah Dui and Ah Gua?" he asked, his voice filled with joy.

"Of course," Gongye Chu's gaze remained fixed on Pei Yuanxi. "A name chosen by you must naturally be excellent."

"Mother's names are always lovely. Back in Ren'an Palace, there were two fish with the same names. I wonder if these two could be the same ones?" Shangxing said, studying the fish intently as if he could discern their identities from memory.

Feeling her cheeks twitch, Pei Yuanxi thought to herself that Ah Dui and Ah Gua were anything but appealing names. How could they be considered good? She couldn't fathom how her future self could have such peculiar tastes.

Ren'an Palace was heated by underground pipes, creating a warm atmosphere akin to spring. The fish in the tank swam lively and free, while the young man's voice resonated with joy. A subtle fragrance filled the air, intertwining with the scent of ink from the books lining the shelves. Even though she tried to distance herself emotionally, the warmth of the room still enveloped her.

Gongye Chu moved closer to her and said, "Despite the vast mountains, distant waters, and the passage of time, we have indeed reunited."

She wanted to refute his statement because, strictly speaking, it wasn't her and him who had reunited, but him and their son. She was her own person, not the version of herself from the future. Thus, this wasn't a reunion but rather their first encounter.

"I've often heard Chong'er speak about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," she replied politely.

Gongye Chu's complicated gaze fell upon Shangxing. "Are you glad to see me because I'm Chong'er's father or because of who I am as an individual?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his question.

Didn't he realize he was just a stranger to her? No matter if their future selves were married or had a son together, the current her had no connection to him.

"Chong'er is very happy," she replied, diverting the conversation.

"Why are you afraid of me?" He persisted with his previous question, not allowing her to change the subject. "When we first met, you were incredibly bold. You approached me and even asked if I was already married or had any suitors."

Pei Yuanxi's eyes widened in astonishment. Had she really initiated a conversation with him and inquired about his marital status? It couldn't be! Unless she wasn't who she thought she was, she would never have done such a thing.

Shangxing, who had been playing with the fish in the water, pricked up his ears at his father's words. He chimed in, "I know, I know. Uncle Liu Ze told me that your first encounter was on the street. Mama helped Meng Huai, and Papa just happened to be there. Then Mama fell head over heels for Papa at first sight and has never forgotten him since."

Gongye Chu's gaze darkened as he glanced at his son. "Your mother doesn't know any of these stories."

"Yes, Mama doesn't know," Shangxing said, a touch dejected, but then brightening up again. "But it doesn't matter if Mama doesn't know. I believe that Papa and Mama will definitely get back together."

The expression in Gongye Chu's eyes was too complex for her to decipher. Her thoughts were jumbled, like ink spilled across a page. She was at a loss, unsure how to react.

There was a brief silence, which was promptly broken by Shangxing. Clutching his stomach, he coaxed, "Papa, I'm hungry. I want to eat. I want to eat the food Papa makes."

Gongye Chu could cook?

She found it hard to believe.

"Mother, are you hungry?" Shangxing asked her.

"I'm not," she replied. Not that she wasn't hungry, but she didn't dare to eat anything prepared by Gongye Chu. She couldn't explain why, but it felt as if consuming his food would ensnare her in his web, making her his prey.

"That's alright. You might get hungry once the meal is ready," he said in a deep voice that sounded like a bewitching spell to her. A chill ran down her spine, and she could feel a fine sheen of sweat on her forehead.

This was Gongye Chu, a man whose hands were drenched in blood from countless killings. He was about to cook for her with those very hands.

Could she bring herself to eat it?

As Shangxing eagerly followed his father to the imperial kitchen, she fed the fish with a tinge of resentment. He claimed to love her the most, yet he abandoned her the moment her biological father arrived. Indeed, children grew up and left their mothers' side eventually.

When all the dishes were laid out in Ren'an Palace, she involuntarily swallowed her saliva.

It was hotpot.

In the midst of the freezing winter, the aroma of the hotpot was irresistible. The aloof man seemed to shed his cold demeanor as he gazed at her with softened eyes.

Shangxing seated her in the center, and the spicy scent whetted her appetite. The red oil broth bubbled, while the man's slender fingers skillfully skewered the meat rolls. In no time, the meat was cooked.

A delightful fragrance wafted to her nose, and she froze as the meat was offered to her lips.

"Taste it," the man's voice was cold yet authoritative. Uncertain if she was overwhelmed by the food or his presence, she reacted only after the morsel was in her mouth.

He... he was feeding her.

Would he truly love her deeply in the future?

"Mother, isn't it delicious?" Shangxing asked, feigning innocence.

She nodded composedly, taking up the chopsticks herself. Catching a glimpse of her son grinning like a cat with a stolen cream, her cheeks flushed crimson.

Fortunately, the warmth from the hot pot and the cozy atmosphere within Ren'an Palace disguised her embarrassment. It felt like spring despite the harsh winter outside.

"You said that hot pots complement the coldest days of winter best, and you enjoyed eating one while watching the snowfall outside. You mentioned that the contrast of the red soup and white snow was the epitome of beauty on earth," Gongye Chu recounted, his tone as even as ever.

She put on an innocent front, feeling a chill run down her spine. That version of herself seemed overly sentimental, and she struggled to picture herself acting so pretentiously.

Last night, a heavy snowfall blanketed the entire Eastern Capital City in silver. At Ren'an Palace, except for the cleared paths, the untouched snow remained as a picturesque scene.

Amidst the steamy warmth, gazing at the thick layer of snow on the courtyard wall and the clusters of snow piled on the low potted plants, one truly felt comforted and cozy.

"Dad, can I drink?" The teenage boy eagerly looked up at Gongye Chu, his eyes fixed on the Peach Blossom Drunkenness wine beside his father's hand.

"Certainly."

The boy's face lit up with joy. He had long been curious about the taste of Peach Blossom Drunkenness. His father had mentioned that it was his mother's favorite wine, beloved for its peach fragrance and crispness.

"Mum, you should have some too."

Pei Yuanxi didn't want to drink. She was afraid that alcohol might make her lose control. Her mind was still muddled, and she was worried that if she drank, she might embarrass herself by getting lost in confusion in front of him.

Before she could refuse, Gongye Chu had already poured her a cup. "This is your favorite wine. You once went to great lengths to find the recipe and brew it yourself. I remember that winter, on a snowy day like this, you personally brought me the wine."

She had brought him wine?

Another case of love at first sight, followed by relentless pursuit, even chasing after him with wine? Had she lost her mind?

Shangxing was unaware of the strength of Peach Blossom Drunkenness. It appeared as clear as water but was actually incredibly potent. He downed the cup in one gulp, tears streaming down his face from the burn. Through his tears, he continued, "I remember, Uncle Liu Ze told me. Uncle Liu Ze also said that Dad scolded Mum, but in the end, he accepted the gift and secretly kept it as a treasure."

The slice of meat in her hand slipped into the pot, stunning her.

Impossible.

This was the first thought that flashed through her mind. She wasn't that shameless, nor would she eagerly seek Gongye Chu's cold affection. If she had done so, she must have been out of her mind.

Seemingly reading her thoughts, Shangxing said, "Mother, don't you believe it? These all really happened. Not only did you send gifts to Father to show your kindness, but you even wrote love poems expressing your feelings."

She wrote love poems for Gongye Chu?

That wasn't madness; it was courting death.

Gongye Chu's voice was icy as he asked, "Did Liu Ze tell you about the love poems?"

Shangxing hurriedly denied it, fearing that his father might misunderstand Liu Ze, "Father, you used to read them often, and I accidentally saw them when I was young... something like 'A chivalrous gentleman stands alone in the world, like a cold, snowy pine on a high mountain, defying the wind and snow without compromising.' And also, 'We are both trees in this world, neither climbing nor leaning on others, standing tall in the universe.'"

Such poetry...

Pei Yuanxi felt as if struck by lightning.

Absolutely impossible!

That was the second thought that flashed through her mind.

She must have lost her mind to write love poems for Gongye Chu, as if it was something she could actually do. But why Gongye Chu of all people?

Given her personality, if she truly fell for a man and had a crush on him at first sight, she might indeed take the initiative to pursue him and even use tactics like writing love poems.

But it couldn't possibly be Gongye Chu!

"I must be crazy," she muttered to herself.

If she wasn't insane, she wouldn't have done such a thing. If she wasn't insane, she wouldn1t have written love poems for Gongye Chu. If she wasn't insane, she wouldn't have provoked this formidable man.

In this awkward situation, she still found the mood to ponder over those few lines of poetry. Repeating them subconsciously in her heart, she suddenly felt that they didn't express her affection towards him but rather teased and mocked him. What "noble gentleman," was he really a gentleman? Did he not deceive others? Didn't she know that his hands were stained with blood?

The last line, however, held some meaning. It was clearly praising herself. Unlike other women who relied on men to live, she compared herself to standing tall like a man.

"Chong'er, did you misread it?" She blinked, hoping her son would give her an excuse to save face.

"Mother, what are you talking about?" Drunk with wine, Shangxing missed her subtle hints completely. With a flushed face and charming dimples, he chuckled, "How could I have been mistaken? My memory is impeccable. I clearly recall that in the love letter you wrote to Father, there were not only love poems but countless sweet nothings. You even mentioned how you were captivated by Father's charm at first sight, saying that one glance felt like an eternity..."

This child wasn't just giving her an escape route; he was actively dismantling her cover. Captivated by charm, an eternity in a glance... Why couldn't the ground split open and swallow her?

She covered her ears like someone trying to block out the truth, refusing to hear, to listen.

That wasn't her writing, anyway. Up until now, she had done nothing, written nothing. None of it concerned the present her; those actions belonged to another version of herself.

"Mother, you're being stubborn," Shangxing laughed. "Father, isn't Mother's expression amusing?"

This time, she caught a glimpse of Gongye Chu's smile - a fleeting wisp of cloud across towering peaks, faint yet distinct. It was like the first sun of winter after the snow had begun to melt, cold yet warm.

In that fleeting moment, she found herself utterly mesmerized.