Chapter 77: Estrangement

Chapter 77: Estrangement

It wasn't that Hong Baozhu didn't think much; it was simply because Shen Yurong was young. She was the same age as Pei Yuanhua, and in her eyes, she had not yet reached the age for marriage discussions.

As for Gu Shi's presence in the marquis's residence, Hong Baozhu did not ponder over it. The Marquis Changqi's and Marquis Xuanping's households were related by marriage, so she assumed Gu Shi was invited by the Shens to view potential matches together.

She seldom interacted with these young ladies and, although she intended to leave a good impression on Shen Yurong, she was at a loss as to how to approach it. Throughout the journey, she racked her brains, feeling slightly awkward when she noticed that Shen Yurong seemed reluctant to walk alongside her.

In the distance, she saw Pei Ji, dressed in his usual white attire, which accentuated his handsome and refined appearance. A pleasant surprise filled her heart, causing a gentle flush to rise to her cheeks. Shen Yurong, however, reacted even more swiftly, warmly engaging in conversation with her cousin.

Pei Ji's gentle gaze frequently fell upon Hong Baozhu, who, unlike her usual vibrant self, now exhibited a bashfulness that was uniquely feminine, causing the corners of his ears to flush red.

Similar to Hong Baozhu, he hadn't considered Shen Yurong's appearance in any suspicious light. In his eyes, Second Cousin Shen and Fourth Sister had always been close, both being his sisters at heart.

Shen Yurong had meticulously adorned herself, donning makeup and attire that conveyed a more mature aura. Standing alongside Pei Ji, their difference in age seemed negligible.

Hong Baozhu faintly frowned. She didn't believe that Shen Yurong was vying for attention with her; instead, she attributed it to the younger girl's ignorance, oblivious to the fact that she and Pei Ji were clearly engaged in a courtship.

"Second Cousin Prince, the path we just walked on was unusually slippery. I wonder which lazy servant didn't take proper care," Shen Yurong complained playfully, a hint of displeasure evident in her youthful face.

Pei Ji was an amiable person; upon hearing this, he hurriedly assured her that he would take care of the matter.

With a pout, Shen Yurong complained, "It's only because Aunt is so kind-hearted that these servants dare to be so disrespectful. In my opinion, those who slack off and deceive should be sold immediately."

Hearing this, Hong Baozhu found Second Miss Shen even more oblivious to social cues. The servants in Xuanping Prefecture were disciplined by Lady Pei. As Lady Pei was Second Miss Shen's own aunt, how could a niece speak of her aunt in such a manner? Moreover, Second Miss Pei said this right in front of Prince Pei, which sounded rather inappropriate.

Unaware of Hong Baozhu's expression, Shen Yurong continued to grumble, "Cousin Prince, those ginkgo trees in the garden are so annoying. During the autumn rain season, their leaves mix with mud, making everything look so untidy. It would be better to plant some pine trees, so that the winter won't seem so bleak."

Even Pei Ji couldn't help but frown at this point. Those ginkgo trees in the marquis's garden had been planted by his grandfather. Second Miss Shen from the Shen family was still young, thus explaining her childish remark.

His gaze turned to Hong Baozhu, ignoring Shen Yurong's words.

A hint of annoyance flickered in Shen Yurong's eyes, but she maintained a smile on her face. "I heard from my brother that Cousin Prince has already become a disciple of the newly arrived Master Xie. Is that Master Xie really that impressive?"

There was a new master at the Eastern Capital Academy, surnamed Xie, hailing from the prominent Xie family of Liangxi.

Due to Pei Yuanxi's conversation with Gongye Chu, Gongye Chu had indeed invited the Xie family member to the Eastern Capital City. As the ground was frozen in winter, constructing a new building for studies would have to wait until the following spring. Since the Eastern Capital Academy was a royal academy under imperial jurisdiction, Gongye Chu placed Master Xie there.

Hong Baozhu knew nothing about scholars' affairs. None of her brothers were scholarly inclined either. Thus, whether it was what happened at the Eastern Capital Academy or the Qinglong Academy, she seldom heard about them.

Shen Yurong deliberately steered the conversation towards scholarly matters, invoking Shen Changyin's name in the process. Naturally, Pei Ji engaged in a more extended dialogue. Even a few exchanges like these could easily consume at least fifteen minutes.

Despite his regret at not being able to converse with Hong Baozhu, Pei Ji had no choice but to bid her farewell.

For the remainder of their journey, Hong Baozhu listened attentively to Shen Yurong's words. Initially, she was genuinely interested in learning more about the intricacies of noble households. However, as Shen Yurong continued talking, even someone as straightforward and unperceptive as Hong Baozhu began to sense something amiss.

The Second Miss Shen seemed to be subtly displaying her familiarity with the Pei family, almost as if boasting. Nonetheless, Hong Baozhu did not read too much into it.

Upon entering the garden pavilion, Pei Yuanxi instantly grasped her mother's intentions.

Her relationship with Shen Yurong was rather distant, beyond mere politeness.

Shen Yurong had never been to the Water Pavilion before. Her eyes darted around swiftly, taking in every detail, secretly acknowledging that this new Second Cousin indeed enjoyed favor.

At the same time, a bitter taste lingered in her heart. It was only a few months ago that this new Second Cousin was considered a foolish girl. Hong Baozhu still remembered those instances when the fool was made to stand in the courtyard by Pei Yuanjun.

How things had changed in such a short time, like heaven and earth apart.

The moment Hong Baozhu entered the Water Pavilion, she felt much more at ease. She was accustomed to being free-spirited, and the sudden need to behave like a proper lady had been stifling for her.

She exhaled deeply and sat down beside Pei Yuanxi with a sense of relief.

Shen Yurong observed this and revealed a look of disdain.

Pei Yuanxi noticed Shen Yurong's expression and then glanced at the unsuspecting Hong Baozhu, who let out a slight sigh. Hong Baozhu was ignorant of the situation and, with Shen Yurong present, it wasn't appropriate for her to engage in private conversations, which seemed to disappoint her.

On the other hand, Shen Yurong was quite talkative, constantly asking questions about things she had never seen before. Upon learning that these items were gifts from the emperor, a tinge of envy crept into her heart.

Each person had their own thoughts, and soon a servant reported that Fourth Miss was requesting an audience.

"Quickly invite her in," Shen Yurong said. "We're all sisters in the same family, so there's no need for formalities. Isn't that right, Second Cousin?"

Pei Yuanxi remained indifferent, addressing the servant as if to say, "Grandmother has instructed Fourth Sister to learn rules under the nanny. She shouldn't come out unless necessary. I'm currently occupied and have no time to entertain her. Tell Fourth Miss that I have guests today and I'll see her another day."

The servant nodded and left.

Shen Yurong's face flushed red; this foolish girl was deliberately disregarding her. "Second Cousin, I haven't seen Yuan Hua for some time, and I'd like to have a chat with her."

She assumed that Pei Yuanxi would give her the courtesy she sought with such a request.

Pei Yuanxi spoke with a cool detachment, "Since Cousin Shen wants to catch up with Fourth Sister, why not go to her quarters to chat?"

"Second Cousin, Yuan Hua is your sister. Even if she's a concubine-born daughter, she's still a lady of the Marquis household. There shouldn't be any distinction among the ladies of the same household, let alone requiring you to have time before she can visit. I understand that you're upset with everyone, but you shouldn't disregard propriety and bar your own sister from entering."

Shen Yurong held her head high, appearing righteous and indignant.

Hong Baozhu was dumbfounded. Had this Second Miss Shen taken the wrong medicine? Who would dictate to their host while being a guest? No matter how close they were as cousins, such behavior was unacceptable.

"Second Miss Shen, that's where you're in the wrong. Didn't you hear Younger Sister Yuanxi say that Elder Madam Pei instructed Fourth Miss Pei not to leave her quarters unless necessary? What has she done wrong?"

"Miss Hong, this is our family matter."

Pei Yuanxi couldn't help but laugh through her anger at Shen Yurong's words. She looked at Shen Yurong with a wry smile, "Cousin Shen doesn't seem to consider herself an outsider. In that case, Cousin can go and console Fourth Sister."

Without waiting for Shen Yurong's response, she immediately dismissed her.

Shen Yurong's flushed face turned ashen, a vivid display of emotions. In a fit of anger, she lifted her chin and declared, "Fine, I'll leave. Second Cousin, remember today's events and don't regret it later."

She stormed out of the pavilion, and according to the servants, she indeed left with Pei Yuanhua.

Hong Baozhu was utterly astounded. "Your cousin truly has a unique perspective. When we arrived with your brother, she complained that the road was too slippery and blamed your mother's kindness for allowing the servants to become disrespectful. Then, she found fault with the ginkgo trees in your family garden, insisting they be replaced with pines. She certainly has a bold face, behaving as if she's one of the family."

Apparently, Hong Baozhu had yet to see through all the intricacies.

Pei Yuanxi looked at her and said, "Sister Hong, haven't you realized? She's doing this on purpose, just for your benefit."

"I?" Hong Baozhu looked utterly perplexed. Why would Second Miss Shen put on this display for her? She had never had any interactions with Second Miss Shen; why would she do such a thing?

"Sister Hong, perhaps our Marquis's residence is not the ideal haven for you," Pei Yuanxi sighed. It was rare to find a match where social status aligned and love bloomed, but making a life together was never that straightforward.

At this very moment, Hong Baozhu was still in a daze. Her bright face was filled with confusion, utterly clueless as to why Pei Yuanxi would suddenly utter such a remark.

"Sister Yuanxi, you don't wish for me to be with your brother..." She furrowed her brows, hesitating to continue her sentence.

Pei Yuanxi sighed once more. "Sister Hong, my brother is truly an admirable person. But he's a concubine-born son, while my mother is the legitimate wife. Since ancient times, how many stepmothers and their concubine-born sons have genuinely treated each other like biological mother and child?"

Hong Baozhu's face gradually turned pale. If she still couldn't understand the implications at this point, then she would truly be foolish. So it was all Lady Pei's doing – the other party was displeased with her.

"Sister Yuanxi... I...” She wanted to say something, but found herself at a loss for words. Lady Pei was Yuanxi's own mother; the fact that Yuanxi could express such sentiments to her was already quite remarkable.

Her spirits sank instantly, realizing she had underestimated the situation. Hadn't her mother always been anxious about her marriage because of her tarnished reputation?

It was only natural for Lady Pei to be dissatisfied with her. After all, it was due to her father's friendship with Lord Pei and her own close relationship with Sister Yuanxi that she had falsely believed she could marry someone as esteemed as Prince Pei.

Her eyes reddened slightly, rendering her speechless.

By the time Pei Yuanxi accompanied her out, she had regained much of her composure and even had the mood for jests. However, the harder she forced herself to laugh, the more strained and awkward her smile became.

"Big Sister Hong, if you don't feel like laughing, don't. I'll try to persuade Mother, and I'll also talk to Father. I genuinely wish to become part of your family. But life is unpredictable, and we can never anticipate what's to come."

Hong Baozhu held her hand tightly, whispering a quiet 'thank you'.

Back at Xuanting Courtyard, Lady Hong listened with a smile as Madam Shen and Madam Gu conversed, occasionally interjecting a sentence or two but mostly remaining silent. When Hong Baozhu returned, she immediately bade farewell with her daughter.

Upon learning that her daughter had visited Pei Yuanhua, Madam Gu's gaze flickered with uncertainty.

Madam Shen pretended to escort the Hong women but sat back down after Lady Hong politely declined. In the end, it was Pei Yuanxi who saw them off, with Lady Hong praising her all the way until they boarded their carriage. Smiling bashfully, she watched them depart before turning back.

With a turn of her body, her expression instantly turned indifferent.

Mother's demeanor clearly indicated her disapproval of this marriage proposal. To put it politely, she was against it; in reality, she looked down on it. In doing so, she had neglected Father's friendship with General Hong and also her own relationship with Hong Baozhu.

She returned to Xuanting Courtyard with a calm, composed face, vaguely hearing Gu Shi's sobs from outside the door.

Gu Shi's heart was bitter, but she had no one to confide in.

Ever since the revelation that her sister-in-law's daughter had been switched, Mother-in-law had fallen seriously ill. It was an illness of the heart, and no medicine seemed to help. Eventually, they had no choice but to send Mother-in-law to the countryside for some respite.

As the weather turned colder, my mother-in-law returned on her own accord.

Upon her return, it was as if she had transformed into a different person altogether. Her voice had become rough and hoarse from weeping day and night. She had also lost a significant amount of weight, her appearance now gaunt and sharp, as if she had undergone a harsh transformation.

Ever since her mother-in-law returned, she hadn't enjoyed a single night of restful sleep. Her mother-in-law was constantly suspicious of everyone and everything, as if there wasn't a single decent person in the entire household. Each day, she was occupied with settling trivial disputes, selling off numerous servants in the process.

The servants in the household were also on tenterhooks, fearful of being sold away. She was overwhelmed, and the Marquis was not in a better situation. Not only did her mother-in-law demand daily adherence to strict etiquette, but the Marquis also had to pay respects in the morning and evening. Any dissatisfaction from the mother-in-law would result in tears and tantrums.

What chilled her even more was that she was scolded by her mother-in-law every day for attempting to establish order in the household. She was criticized for mishandling domestic affairs, and accused of being both unwomanly and disobedient. And yet, it hadn't been long before her mother-in-law had introduced four concubines into the Marquis's chambers.

A few days ago, her mother-in-law had suddenly lost her mind and insisted on forcing her to propose marriage to the Pei family. She said that Yuanxi was pitiful and deserved their love and care.

She also mentioned that Yuanxi was originally meant to marry Yin Ge'er, and this matter could not be delayed.

Frustrated and bitter, it was common knowledge in the Eastern Capital City about Yuanxi's relationship with the Grand Marshal. Approaching Marquis Xuanping's residence at this time for a marriage proposal would only put Marquis Changqi's household on the hot seat.

To be honest, she held resentment towards her sister-in-law. Fortunately, her sister-in-law still cared for their family and wished for Yurong to marry into the Pei family. As Yurong was a legitimate second daughter, most aristocratic families wouldn't consider her as a suitable wife. Due to the significant age difference between Yurong and Pei Ji, she had never entertained such thoughts.

Upon hearing her sister-in-law's intentions, she was overjoyed.

Seeing Pei Yuanxi enter, she quickly wiped away her tears.

At this moment, Shen Yurong returned, her expression less than pleasant. Upon seeing Pei Yuanxi, she maintained her airs. Madam Gu was afraid that her daughter might upset Pei Yuanxi, so she spoke kindly in-between them.

After the mother and daughter bid farewell, the Xuanting Courtyard was left with Madam Shen and Pei Yuanxi.

"Mother, why did you do this?" Pei Yuanxi asked.

"Yuanxi, you must understand that everything I do is for your sake," her mother replied.

Pei Yuanxi looked at her, her gaze filled with profound sorrow. Within that sadness was a sense of injustice and the pain of being misunderstood, as if she was grieved by her daughter's misinterpretation.

"Mother, are you truly doing this for my own good?" Mother knew very well that she got along with Sister Hong. If it was for her benefit, then why oppose this marriage?

The sadness in Shen Yurong's eyes deepened. "I know you must think I'm favoring my own family. Why do I prefer your Yurong sister? It's all for you. You're currently close to Miss Hong, and your brother seems to dote on you. But people's hearts are hidden, who knows if they truly mean well towards you? No matter how close they are, they can't compare to your blood-related cousin. With her around, even if Mother is no longer here, this maternal family will still be your support."

Pei Yuanxi couldn't perceive her mother's intentions, finding it extremely ironic. A blood-related cousin? While they shared the same roots, affection might not necessarily exist. Recalling Shen Yurong's subtle attempts to teach her a lesson as if she were an elder sister, Pei Yuanxi could only sneer inwardly.

"Mother, you also said that people's hearts are hidden, so how do you know that Cousin Yurong will listen to you?"

"She is your blood-related cousin, and I am her aunt. Who else would she side with but us?"

"I don't know who she sides with, but I know she won't be on my side. Do you know what she did and said today?" Pei Yuanxi slightly narrowed her eyes, concealing her mocking expression. "She taught me to be kind to Fourth Sister, and said that you don't manage our household strictly enough. Our manor's servants are lazy, according to her. She also dislikes the silver birch trees in our garden and wants them replaced with pine trees."

Shen Yurong's expression changed slightly. "She... really said those things?"

"Indeed, those were her words. Moreover, she mentioned your lack of strictness in front of Brother."

Shen Yurong's face darkened. For her niece to criticize her in front of a stepson was indeed excessive. "She's just a child, speaking without filters. Don't take her words to heart, I'll have your aunt talk to her."

"Mother, do you truly believe that forming an alliance with the Shen family is a wise decision?"

"Of course. They're your own maternal uncles' family."

An alliance between relatives was always considered a sound arrangement.

Pei Yuanxi lifted her gaze slowly, looking earnestly at her mother. "Esteemed mothers from noble families have their own methods of managing the household. As a matron, it's indeed a good strategy for you to marry your niece, who is also the daughter of the main family, to your brother, a son from a secondary branch, especially if he is set to inherit the family business. But have you ever considered, Mother, that if you insist on marrying him to a woman he doesn't wish to wed, won't he hold resentment against you?"

Madame Shen's face turned cold. "Marriage has always been the decision of one's parents. As a son from a secondary branch, it's his blessing that I can arrange for my niece from the main family to marry him. What more could he possibly desire?"

Pei Yuanxi remained calm, seemingly unsurprised by her mother's perspective. Although her mother claimed to be doing this for her, it wasn't entirely true. Her mother was determined to marry Cousin Yurong to her brother, which appeared to be a way to gain the support of the secondary branch, but there were hidden motives beneath.

Cousin Yurong was only twelve, years away from the suitable age for marriage. This meant that her brother would have to wait several years before he could marry. Delays often led to changes, and who knew what troubles might arise in those years.

"Is this also Father's intention?" she asked.

"Yuanxi, do you always place your father above me in your heart?" Sorrow reappeared on Madame Shen's face. "In matters of children's marriages, it's the duty of the main wife to decide. I've always done everything for you, why can't you understand that?"

Doing everything for her?

She forced a bitter smile. "Mother, although it's said that parents decide their children's marriages, I believe that if you truly wish to have a good relationship with Brother in the future, it would be best to ask for his opinion."

Even if it was not for anyone else, Mother should still try to get along with Brother.

Sadness welled up in Shen's eyes, and tears trickled down her cheeks. "In the end, you'll always see me as an outsider in your heart. As your legal mother, don't I have the right to make decisions for your half-brother? It's understandable that you side with your father, but you even protect your half-brother while keeping a distance from me, your own mother. Do you know how much pain this causes me?"

This was her flesh and blood daughter, yet they were growing so distant. Why was she even alive?

She heard her daughter tell her to rest well and watched her back as she left without hesitation. Suddenly, a wave of resentment washed over her, and she wept like rain. Memories of their happy times in the Xuanting Courtyard flashed before her eyes, followed by the present estrangement.

For a fleeting moment, she wished that everything could go back to the way it was. Even if it meant making mistakes, how wonderful it would have been if she had remained ignorant.

"Yuanjun..." She called out unconsciously.

Pei Yuanxi paused in her steps but did not turn around.