Chapter 74: Reliving Old Dreams

Chapter 74: Reliving Old Dreams

With her jaw painfully clenched in his grip, Pei Yuanxi was rendered immobile. It felt as if not just her chin, but also her heart, chilled by fear, was being held captive.

The man's gaze seemed capable of devouring souls.

She had no doubt that he could crush her life as effortlessly as squashing an ant, perhaps even more easily, reducing her to ashes in his palm.

Lust was a deadly blade.

One must have the life to indulge in lustful desires.

Just as she couldn't comprehend her past self, who had been tempted by his allure, she was equally perplexed by the sudden question he posed. All she knew was that she had never harbored such feelings for him before, and it was unlikely she ever would in the future.

"I don't know," she replied.

What a convenient "I don't know."

Feigning ignorance had always been one of her strengths. Her pale face reflected her fear, and her lowered eyelashes trembled slightly, portraying an image of extreme trepidation.

"Your noble demeanor and grace are so captivating that I dare not look directly at you. Even if I had the desire, I wouldn't dare to act on it," she said.

"What if I gave you the courage?" His breath seemed closer, his mischievous gaze roaming every inch of her face, capturing even the slightest tremors beneath her composure. "Didn't you used to be quite daring?"

"I dare not," her voice quivered. "I didn't know about those things, I don't know why I did them, and I don't have the courage to do so now."

Her words were clearly a deception.

If she claimed to lack courage, who would believe her?

Certainly not Gongye Chu.

"What if I command you to?" He glared at her coldly, his eyes filled with a menacing aura. "Starting from tomorrow, I wish to see you treat me as you once did."

Wasn't this forcing her hand? Starting from tomorrow, what was she supposed to do? Pursue him relentlessly, shower him with gifts, and even compose poems for him? Pei Yuanxi felt like cursing.

She lifted her eyelids timidly, her beautiful eyelashes resembling two open feather fans. But after just a fleeting glance, she quickly averted her gaze, as if startled.

He was no longer the heavenly handsome man she had seen before. He was more like an Asura, lurking in the darkness, ready to pounce.

The voice of Asura seemed to come straight from the depths of hell, "It must not be a repeat of the past, and we cannot avoid each other."

"I... I'm not very good at it..." Realizing the icy chill that had enveloped her in an instant, she felt a shiver run down her spine, "I'll try my best."

This answer was clearly not satisfactory to Gongye Chu, for his grip tightened marginally. Her delicate brows knitted together beautifully, and a pained expression appeared on her small face.

That very expression made him release his hold.

They were so close that he only needed to lean slightly forward, as if he could embrace the beauty before him with just a bow of his head. For her, any closer and she feared she might lose her life.

"Daddy... Mommy..." A young boy's murmurs echoed from the inner chambers.

Her heart leapt with fear, worried that her son might come out. Fortunately, after a muffled mutter, there was no sign that the child had awoken.

After what felt like an eternity, during which her blood seemed to freeze, he finally released her. Gasping for air, she greedily breathed in the freshness of the room.

Like a breeze passing by, he vanished from her sight.

Suddenly weak, she slumped into a chair. Instinctively, she touched her chin where he had held it, still feeling the lingering pressure there. It took her a long while before she could exhale deeply.

What on earth did that man have in mind?

Was he trying to relive old memories?

Being ordered to woo him starting tomorrow - could there be anything more absurd than that?

She didn't brew wine, nor did she pen poetry, and she certainly had no desire to relentlessly pursue him. Moreover, she couldn't repeat what she had done before; did he expect her to chase after him once more, openly and without reserve, declaring her intentions to the world?

What was his deal?

After a night of turmoil, she felt as if she were about to escape a sea of suffering when she heard her father request permission to take her out of the palace. She inwardly sighed with relief, grateful for her father's timely intervention, or else she would have been at a loss on how to face that man.

Shangxing expected his parents to scold him for getting drunk, but to his surprise, his father didn't mention it, and his mother didn't even utter a harsh word. The burden on his youthful face lifted.

Upon hearing that Marquis Xuanping had requested to take his mother out of the palace, Shangxing was anything but pleased. However, when his father approved the request, and seeing his mother's evident happiness, his mood soured.

Gongye Chu must have said something to console him, because he cheered up again.

Pei Yuanxi had entered the palace in a phoenix-drawn carriage, and now, as she left, she was similarly escorted by an impressive procession. Just as when she entered, the people braved the cold to catch a glimpse of her departure.

Someone remarked with admiration, "The second miss of the Marquis Xuanping's residence truly has remarkable fortune, tsk tsk..."

How much envy does this tsk-tsking convey?

A magnificent entourage, rivaling even that of the Empress Dowager's, marched through the streets. While the common folk admired it with envy, there were also plenty of sarcastic remarks. They said that even a simple-minded girl could have such fortune, leaving the renowned noble ladies of the Eastern Capital City feeling utterly overshadowed.

Whispers abound concerning her intricate relationship with the Emperor and the Grand Tutor, their subtle exchanges filled with enigmatic hints. Many speculate on the tactics she employs, managing not only to gain the Emperor's recognition as his foster mother but also to win the distinct favor of the Grand Tutor.

Where the phoenix carriage passed, whispers and discussions abounded.

She was unaware of the shifting tides in Eastern Capital City during her brief absence, nor did she know how the people had spun countless tales about her. Some said that her great fortune was a blessing for the entire realm, while others claimed that her extraordinary beauty was a harbinger of calamity.

Those who spoke of her blessings wished for her to reconcile the relationship between Shangxing and Gongye Chu, the ruler and his subject, thus preserving stability within the court. The ones who branded her as a source of disaster were either driven by envy or held ulterior motives.

Blessings and misfortunes often come hand in hand; it was hard to determine which one would prevail.

The phoenix carriage stopped at the entrance of the marquis's residence, where Marquis Xuanping, along with Madam Kang and Madam Shen, personally greeted them.

Madam Shen finally understood the hidden meaning behind her mother-in-law's words that day. She realized that her daughter had reached the age of marriage, and her days in her maiden home were numbered. After marrying, how could she return to her parents' house at will? Indeed, each glance was one less to cherish.

Pei Yuanxi was received into the residence like a star surrounded by moons. Marquis Xuanping, Madam Kang, and Madam Shen didn't ask her too many questions, only inquiring about her comfort in the palace, whether she was accustomed to the life there, and if she was well-fed.

After several days apart, the pavilion remained unchanged. Yuanxi had not only gained considerable weight but also grew a lush coat due to the cold weather, appearing as a fluffy bundle, much more adorable than before.

She expected that Hong Baozhu would be the first to visit her after her departure from the palace. Unexpectedly, an unforeseen guest arrived before Hong Baozhu did.

The visitor was Chen Yingxue, the current head of the Chen family, accompanied by Chen Yaozhi.

Chen Yingxue had brought Chen Yaozhi along to apologize. Initially, Madam Shen didn't wish to meet them. However, as she reminisced about the past, a particular incident resurfaced in her mind.

Back then, she was still the legitimate daughter of the marquis household and already acquainted with Imperial Noble Consort Zeng. They were very close, akin to sisters. Although she wasn't particularly familiar with Chen Yingxue, she admired the Chen family's conduct and thus met with her on a few occasions.

At that time, Chen Yingxue was merely a concubine's daughter in the Chen family, renowned for her talent in Yuncang, but not so much in the Eastern Capital City. The Zeng family had always maintained relations with the Chens, and it was through Imperial Noble Consort Zeng that she got to know Chen Yingxue.

She recalled giving something to Imperial Noble Consort Zeng once, when Chen Yingxue privately spoke to her alone, saying that one should never judge a person solely by their appearance and to pay more attention to those around her.

Back then, she assumed that as a concubine's daughter, Chen Yingxue was envious of her relationship with Imperial Noble Consort Zeng, which led her to make such a remark. Since then, she had always thought of Chen Yingxue as a petty person and avoided further interactions. It seemed that Chen Yingxue didn't take offense, as they never crossed paths again until she left the Eastern Capital City.

Upon hearing that Chen Yingxue was paying a visit, Madam Shen instinctively felt displeased. After recalling the reason for her dislike, she was stunned for a while before finally inviting them in.

Despite the Chen family's lack of political involvement, their reputation among the scholarly elite was exceedingly high. As the head of the Chen household, Chen Yingxue was naturally held in high esteem wherever she went. However, she was an extremely low-profile individual and had rarely made public appearances over the years.

In Shen's recollections, Chen Yingxue hadn't been particularly remarkable. Perhaps it was due to her reserved nature or her unexceptional appearance; either way, she didn't leave a strong impression. The only memory that stood out was the soothing vibe she exuded. If not for the misjudgment back then, Shen might have considered her a friend.

Years had passed, but she seemed unchanged. Her features were the same, not strikingly beautiful but refined and fair. Her ageless face, paired with a simple, plain-colored dress and a single jade hairpin in her bun, gave no clue to her true age.

She had never married and had taken the path of a self-bound woman early on. Such attire didn't evoke a sense of old age; instead, it accentuated her composed elegance, much like that of a contemplative recluse.

Shen was slightly dazed, marveling at how well-preserved she was, seemingly untouched by the passing years.

Her gaze held compassion when she looked at others, yet it didn't make them uncomfortable. "Second Miss Pei is exactly as I imagined. Before arriving in the Eastern Capital City, I had heard many tales about you. Even then, I knew you must be an extraordinary child. Today, I see that you surpass my expectations."

Naturally, Madam Shen's face glowed with pride upon hearing someone praise her daughter. Especially since these words came from Chen Yingxue's lips, they were all the more pleasing to the ear.

Pei Yuanxi gracefully displayed humility, feeling a bit surprised. She hadn't expected Chen Yingxue to be such a person. She had assumed that anyone capable of leading a family would be sharp and astute.

Madam Shen, of course, followed suit with her own display of modesty.

A subtle smile flickered across Chen Yingxue's compassionate eyes. "Madam Pei, there's no need to be too modest. Your daughter deserves every compliment. A person's blessings and fortune are intertwined and inseparable from their character and virtue. For her to have reached this point, it's not merely a matter of luck. From my perspective, her blessings are far from exhausted, and Madam Pei, you too, will reap future rewards."

Madam Shen was deeply gratified by these words and felt them resonate within her.

Chen Yaozhi was clearly not doing this willingly. She was displeased when she heard her aunt say this, and the resentment on her face grew more apparent as her aunt instructed her to apologize to Pei Yuanxi.

Chen Yingxue did not scold her. "Yaozhi, if you're wrong, then you're wrong. Aunt believes that deep down, you're a good child who simply made a mistake in a moment of confusion."

She disliked Chen Yingxue because her aunt was now the head of the family, and her older brother listened to her aunt's every word. She knew that if she didn't make this visit, she might truly be sent back to Yuncang and never return to the Eastern Capital City.

"I'm sorry." Her apology lacked sincerity, and her tone was cold and distant.

Pei Yuanxi remained silent.

"Second Miss Pei, don't feel obligated. Yaozhi should be the one apologizing, and you have no obligation to forgive her," Chen Yingxue said with a pitying gaze, as if everything in the world appeared pitiful to her. "Her apology is simply an act of duty; it's only right that you don't forgive her."

Chen Yaozhi seethed with anger. Her aunt was clearly using her to curry favor with the Marquis Xuanping's household. Just because Pei Yuanxi was currently favored, her aunt was willing to step on her own niece to please the other side.

How could it be her duty to apologize? She had already said sorry, so why didn't Pei Yuanxi have to forgive her?

"Does Yaozhi feel wronged?" Chen Yingxue asked, looking at her like an immature child. "Do you know that Second Miss Pei has suffered even more than you. Life is tough for women in this world. The strong may invite criticism, while the weak can be bullied. She chose not to argue with you, but you persisted. If someone else were in her position, do you think you would have gotten away unscathed?"

Madam Shen felt a pang in her heart and sighed. Her gaze toward Chen Yingxue involuntarily showed approval.

Life was hard for women. The tolerant were often taken advantage of, while the jealous were criticized. She had always been kind-hearted towards others; if Ping Zhen and Rulan had acted similarly, how could there have been so many conflicts?

Pei Yuanxi replied, "Master Chen, you misunderstand me. I am not a person with boundless tolerance, nor would I allow others to bully me without a word. I have already settled accounts with Miss Chen, which is why I opened the music shop and stationery store."

Chen Yingxue shook her head gently. "You are still too kind-hearted. If it were someone else, merely suppressing a couple of shops wouldn't suffice. Although the Chen family has some reputation, we are still common folk. You are the legitimate daughter of a marquis household; it would be unreasonable not to retaliate when bullied. Had it been someone more ruthless, my niece might have suffered."

Chen Yaozhi's face turned livid with anger. She knew her aunt disliked her. When her mother was still alive, she often clashed with her aunt. Her aunt must have held a grudge and was now taking this opportunity to retaliate against her.

To actually belittle her in front of outsiders.

At the very least, she was the legitimate daughter of the Chen family, born of the main branch itself. So what if Pei Yuanxi was the rightful daughter of a marquis's estate? How could she be compared to one who hails from a lineage of founding meritorious deeds?

"Aunt, I've already apologized. What more do you want from me?" She grumbled in discontent, her nails digging into the flesh of her palms.

"You have apologized, but it was not from the bottom of your heart," Chen Yingxue spoke calmly. "Second Miss Pei showed you mercy; you should be grateful for that. The hundred-year good name of the Chen family is a result of the virtuous deeds accumulated by our ancestors. Basking in their glory, you should contemplate how to repay their kindness, not abuse their legacy for wicked deeds, thereby tarnishing their noble spirits."

With a face pale and contorted with resentment, Chen Yaozhi seethed. After all, she was merely a concubine-born daughter—what right did she have to lecture her?

Pei Yuanxi gazed at Chen Yingxue, who still wore a compassionate expression in her eyes. Every word that came out of her mouth was spoken slowly, somehow resonating deeply with the listener.

This was a person who effortlessly won others' affection.

Madam Shen had already taken a liking to her. Recalling her timely warning years ago and adding today's conversation into the mix, it was difficult not to feel a fondness for her.

"Head of the Chen family, don't force the matter. If Miss Chen isn't genuinely apologizing, I suggest we drop it."

"Mrs. Pei, please forgive my audacity. I brought her here to apologize in the hope of tempering her attitude," Chen Yingxue explained. "She has always had everything go her way since childhood; everyone in Yuncang has indulged her. Comparing the Eastern Capital City to Yuncang reveals her lack of understanding about the world. Frankly, I wish Second Miss Pei were more ruthless. It would do her good to receive more lessons."

Chen Yaozhi was on the verge of fainting from anger. What did they mean by saying it would be good for her to receive more lessons? Was this truly her aunt? Why did she feel as though her aunt was using the Marquis's residence to suppress her?

She was about to refute, but Chen Yingxue forestalled her, "Yaozhi, I know you feel unjustly treated. Think carefully, if Second Miss Pei were replaced by someone else, where would you be now?"

In a split second, she thought of Gongye Chu. If it were him... The agony and terror ingrained in her very bones washed over her, leaving her shivering in cold sweat.

"Knowing the consequences is wise. Let this be a lesson to you; refrain from any further capricious actions in the future," Chen Yingxue advised sternly.

At this, Chen Yaozhi fell silent, her face pale.

Madam Shen sighed inwardly upon seeing this. This Miss Chen was clearly unyielding to advice, which was truly disappointing considering the efforts of the Chen Family's head. It must be difficult for him to have such a niece.

"We appreciate the intentions of the Chen Family's head," Pei Yuanxi said, glancing at her mother.

After the Chen aunt and niece left, Madam Shen still couldn't shake off the memory of that past incident. "If I had listened to her back then, perhaps I wouldn't have trusted the wrong people."

Chen Yingxue's gift was a purple bamboo wolf-hair brush made by the Chen Family, known as the 'Chen Brush.' There was also a famous paper crafted with the Chen Family's secret recipe, called 'Snow Note.' These two items were highly sought after by scholars and literati across the land, making for an impressive present.

Madam Shen felt nostalgic. "She's still the same as before, only giving these two items as gifts."

She instructed her servants to store the items properly. Noticing Pei Yuanxi's contemplative expression, her gaze softened. "Yuanxi, it's all my fault. Back then, I found truthful words unpleasant, so I didn't take the Chen Family's head's advice. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been blind to the people around me."

Pei Yuanxi wasn't dwelling on that matter; she was thinking about Chen Yingxue herself. Even with a critical perspective, she couldn't deny that Chen Yingxue was an insightful and principled person.

Her impartiality in handling matters, sincerity in speech—there was nothing suspicious to be found. Moreover, she had warned her mother about being cautious of those around her years ago, indicating her character.

But could a woman who had become the head of a family be truly simple?

She didn't wish to view people in a negative light, but she also couldn't afford to trust blindly.

"Mother, don't dwell on it too much. Good and evil will eventually receive their due reward. Those who harm others will face the consequences they deserve."

"Yes, Heaven's eyes are still open," Shen said, turning away to wipe her tears. If not for Heaven's mercy, how could her Yuanxi have recovered? "Mother only hopes that you'll be well. As for your matter with the Grand Marshal..."

She hastily stopped herself, annoyed at having brought up the subject.

The Marquis and her mother-in-law had both made it clear: they couldn't inquire about Yuanxi's relationship with the Grand Marshal. Not only were they not to ask, but they also had to pretend ignorance, so as not to put Yuanxi in an awkward position.

Pei Yuanxi understood the unspoken question. With so many officials witnessing Gongye Chu embracing her, there was no way to conceal what had happened.

Everyone assumed she had used her charm on Gongye Chu, and he had fallen under her spell. But who knew that the man... had actually coerced her into pursuing him? The thought of pretending to chase after him, sending gifts, writing poems, and openly expressing her affection made her feel overwhelmed.

She had thought that her father had already requested permission to bring her back, allowing some respite from this situation. However, upon returning to the pavilion, she encountered Liu Ze.

This Liu Ze was the talkative Uncle Liu Ze that her son had mentioned. The man standing before her had a square face and a serious expression, hardly fitting the image of a gossip monger.

He had come to deliver a message on behalf of Gongye Chu.

"The weather is growing colder by the day. All officials abstain from food and drink before their court duties. Your servant believes that after the long hours in the cold, a bowl of warm tofu pudding would not only warm the stomach but also the body."

So, Gongye Chu was longing for tofu pudding.

Before leaving, he added, "The Lord mentioned that tofu pudding made by Miss herself would be the finest."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yuanxi almost ground her teeth in frustration.

Isn't it just tofu pudding?

Very well.