Chapter 87: Well Scolded

Chapter 87: Well Scolded

In all her scheming, she had never considered bearing children for Gongye Chu. Her only goal was to conquer his heart and make him fall in love with her, so she could then return to where she came from.

Thus, she saw herself as a transient being in this world, and everyone else as mere passersby in her life. She thought she could come and go without a trace, without any attachment.

But the unpredictable nature of life surprised her—she unexpectedly became pregnant. What was even more unexpected was that after her death, she did not return to her original realm but was reborn in this one once again.

She found it ironic that despite all her meticulous planning in her previous life, it led to such an outcome. Yet, she also believed that this result might not be a bad thing. Perhaps, it was precisely because of this second chance that she had the opportunity to get to know those she didn't have time for in her past life. They were no longer just fleeting encounters; they were now bound to her by love or hatred.

With love and hate involved, she would inevitably lose control.

Moreover, she was no longer the version of herself who was rushed by time. She didn't know where this life's journey would end, but even if tomorrow was her last day, she wanted to do her best to alleviate her guilt as long as she was still alive today.

Spring Moon was greatly startled when she saw her mistress rummaging through all the fabrics. When she heard that she was making clothes for the emperor, she hesitated several times, wanting to advise against it.

Her young lady's sewing skills were adequate for simple items like knee pads and socks, but could the stitching hold up for a garment? Besides, how could the emperor's clothes be made from ordinary materials? Their estate did not possess the imperial yellow fabric.

She didn't argue back. If the stitches looked bad, should she not do it? Even if she didn't aspire to be a doting mother, she wanted to sew a garment for her child. If the outerwear wasn't presentable, surely the undergarments would suffice.

The fabrics were piled up, and she carefully chose a piece of delicate blue cotton. Running her fingers over the soft and smooth material, she slowly exhaled a breath of relief.

Battling with needle, thread, and fur under the lamp until midnight was something that would never have happened in the past. Chunyue tried to persuade her several times, but seeing her determination to finish the knee pads herself and not wanting others to help, she could only accompany her in the sewing.

Days passed swiftly, with sunrises and sunsets following each other in quick succession. When all three knee pads were finally completed, she felt a great weight lifted off her shoulders. Delivering them to the front courtyard coincided with her brother's calligraphy practice.

Pei Ji was delighted to receive the knee pads, his joy evident in the corners of his eyes and the lift of his brows.

His younger sister was skilled in needlework, and their concubine was even more proficient in feminine crafts. From the largest garments to the smallest shoe inserts, everything he wore was prepared by the concubine and his older sister.

Younger Sister's sewing skills are lacking, as evident from the stitches on the knee pads. Yet, sincerity is precious; despite her clumsiness in needlework, she still thought of making knee pads for him and Father, demonstrating her heartfelt intentions.

The study's firewood was insufficient, in accordance with Marquis Xuanping's belief that studying necessitates endurance. One must endure the bitterness of cold and heat to be able to focus and compose scholarly works.

Pei Ji was not dressed in excessively thick attire; he wore a simple azure robe and a scholar's cap on his head. With his handsome features and gentle gaze, he embodied the very image of a refined and upright noble youth, akin to a clear breeze or bright moon.

Such a scion of an esteemed family, and the sole heir to a marquisate at that—would it matter if he were born of a concubine? Given his standing, it was only fitting that he should wed a proper daughter from an equal family as his principal wife. Yet, in his previous life, fate had willed that he marry Chen Yaozhi instead.

Chen Yaozhi, as the legitimate daughter of the Chen family, was indeed considered of respectable status in the eyes of scholars. However, no matter how renowned the Chens were or how well her reputation sounded, that was all there was to it.

In terms of power and influence, the Chen family's unremarkable status was nothing but an empty title. Forming this marriage alliance would bring no substantial benefits to either the Marquis House or Pei Ji, aside from the superficial prestige it might lend.

This was the true intention of his legal mother.

Pei Yuanxi felt a chill in her heart, recalling how in her previous life, her mother had been on exceptionally friendly terms with the head of the Chen family, the two being close friends. Add to that Chen Yaozhi's deliberate efforts to get closer, and this marriage was sealed.

On the surface, it was a fine match, but in reality, it held no substance. Chen Yaozhi's heart was not with her brother; she spent her days scheming for things beyond her reach. As a result, her brother grew distant, treating her with polite formality.

"Brother, if you have feelings for any maiden, simply speak to Mother about it. If she disapproves, you can ask Father to intervene."

Pei Ji was first taken aback, then saddened.

"How... how could that work? Since ancient times, the decision of a son's marriage has always been in the hands of the legal mother. If I were to bypass Mother and ask Father to decide, it might be seen as disrespectful."

As a concubine-born son, he had no say in his own marriage. He knew his sister had only his best interests at heart, but such matters were beyond his control. Previously, he had heard rumors of the General's Manor seeking an alliance with the Marquis House, causing him to secretly hope and feel excited for a long time, only to be ultimately disappointed.

A concubine-born son like him had no right to make demands of his legal mother. He was aware that if not for her benevolence over the years, his life would not have been so comfortable.

Pei Yuanxi looked at him intently. In her past life, she had not cared about the affairs of the Marquis House. Had he married Chen Yaozhi solely because he could not defy his legal mother's wishes?

"Brother, don't you desire to marry a lady who truly captures your heart?"

A faint flush tinged Pei Ji's somber face, reminding him of the fiery maiden in red, and her uninhibited manner of conduct. With a hatred for evil and an unwavering sense of self, she dared to act on her beliefs, fearlessly disregarding others' gossip. How free-spirited such a person must be, unlike him, bound and restricted by the rigid confines of societal norms and etiquettes.

However, one must not be consumed by greed. Compared to the concubine-born sons of other households, he was exceedingly fortunate. He was the sole male heir of the Marquis's residence; even though he was not born of the primary wife, he was treated as if he were. From a young age, he received personal tutelage from his father – a privilege that alone surpassed that of all concubine-born sons in the Eastern Capital City.

He shook his head gently. "Matters of marriage are not solely up to my desire. The inner household is populated by womenfolk; it has to be a lady whom my mother has approved. Otherwise, if there's disharmony between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, it would not be appropriate for me, as a man, to intervene excessively in domestic affairs."

Indeed, it is true that a legal mother finding trouble for a concubine-born son's wife is as effortless as breathing.

He has his struggles and hesitations.

Pei Yuanxi sighed, "I thought that marrying a wife to one's liking wouldn't conflict with honoring one's stepmother. If you truly have your heart set on it, brother, there should be no obstacle in this world that can stop you. I believe in the power of determination and the sincerity of one's intentions. If you have any difficulties, feel free to ask for my help. I wish for you to live happily."

Pei Ji was touched. Though he had several sisters, only Yuanxi truly understood him. He remembered when she was just three years old, acting like a little adult, teaching him how to please their stepmother. Those memories still warmed his heart.

"You, you were really a little housekeeper back then. Do you remember when you were barely taller than a stool, yet you were already looking out for me? You were afraid that our father would scold me for getting my clothes dirty, so you secretly wet a handkerchief to clean me up..."

These incidents sounded distant to Pei Yuanxi, as if they happened in another lifetime. Outside the study, the trees were withered, but a peculiar stone stood resilient against the cold. Its pattern resembled ink strokes, and she could almost envision two tiny children playing hide-and-seek around that very stone.

That was the young her and her brother, back when the her from her previous life was still unaware of what was to come. She believed she could attain much in this world, even without the status of a legitimate daughter. She could simply be a carefree maiden of a noble family, shielded by the wings of her father and brother.

The day before yesterday, the second snowfall of winter dusted the earth, its scattered white patches remnants of snow yet to melt. The coldest days come with the thawing of snow, and she instinctively wrapped herself tighter in her cloak.

Hearing the distant commotion, both siblings' expressions changed simultaneously.

This is the front courtyard, which is the first place to receive any news that occurs in front of the marquis's mansion. The one causing a commotion at the door is Madam Gu, and the two matrons behind her are escorting Yuanjun Pei.

When outside, Lady Gu was cautious not to draw undue attention, showing some consideration for the dignity of the marquisate. However, it was evident that her concerns were not for the reputation of Marquis Xuanping's residence, but rather for that of their own Marquis Changqi's Manor.

Upon stepping through the gates of the Marquis manor, her boiling anger could no longer be contained. Storming straight towards the Xuanting Courtyard, she didn't wait for Madam Shen to inquire before sternly interrogating her about how she had raised her daughter.

No wonder she was so furious. She had gone to great lengths to guard against Pei Yuanjun's schemes, yet despite her precautions, this baseborn woman had still succeeded in her machinations. How could she not feel resentment?

Pressed down by two maidservants, Pei Yuanjun knelt immediately upon entering the main hall of the Xuanting Courtyard. "Mother, it wasn't me. I knew nothing about it. I was perfectly fine with my grandmother. Who could have expected that while I was changing clothes, Cousin Prince suddenly burst in? He didn't give me a chance to explain... How could I resist him..."

"Poppycock!" Lady Gu trembled with rage, the fact that the matriarch of the house, Madam Hou, would resort to such a vulgar exclamation betraying the depth of her fury.

She couldn't speak for other men, but she was confident that Yin Ge'er was not the type to be swayed by beauty. Moreover, she had repeatedly exhorted him not to engage in conversation with Pei Yuanjun; he would never go against her wishes and act in such a manner.

Madam Shen clutched her chest, already able to guess what had transpired.

In her confusion, she recalled Pei Yuanxi's words. Her daughter had indeed reminded her to send Yuanjun to the Marquis Manor and ensure that Chang Yin stayed at the academy. To avoid losing face in front of her sister-in-law, Madam Shen hadn't mentioned this instruction.

Who would have thought something truly terrible would happen?

"Sister-in-law, you . . ."

"What about me?" Madam Gu was furious, no longer caring about saving face for her younger sister-in-law. It wasn't that she looked down on her; it was just that the lady of the house was constantly in a sorrowful state. Some might call it magnanimity, but others might say she was unclear about her position. She failed to discipline her concubine and didn't bother to win over her stepson. All day long, she doted on one girl, only to create such a disaster. Not only did she harm others and herself, but she also implicated her own family.

When Madam Gu thought of her recent troubles, her trouble-making mother-in-law at home, and then this good-for-nothing younger sister-in-law before her, her anger flared up, threatening to burst her lungs.

How unfortunate she was to be entangled with such a mother and daughter pair.

The moment Pei Yuanjun arrived at the Marquis Manor, Madam Gu feared she would scheme against them. Thus, she claimed that Yin Ge'er's studies were a priority and made him stay at the academy recently.

But who could have predicted that the old, devout grandmother would insist on seeing her beloved grandson. Thinking that her people were keeping an eye on things, Madam Gu believed a simple visit to his grandmother wouldn't cause any problems. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that the old woman, in her senility, would conspire with a lowly illegitimate daughter to plot against her own legitimate grandson.

As a daughter-in-law, even if she was angry, she dared not vent her frustrations at her mother-in-law.

Yet, she couldn't swallow this resentment, especially not in front of Madam Shen. She couldn't hold back any longer, "What a fine lady you've raised! You've certainly taught her well! To so shamelessly torment my Yin Ge'er, how can you face me? All those praises you once heaped upon her—saying she was reasonable and sensible—were nothing but nonsense!"

Confused, Madam Shen retorted, "Sister-in-law, I didn't teach her..."

"Did you not teach her? Who raised her, if not you? For someone who hails from a Marquis's estate and has served as its matriarch for years, your conduct brings nothing but shame! It's one thing that you fail to assert yourself, but to nurture such a shameless creature is beyond tolerance! No wonder even a mere servant dares to trample upon you. You couldn't even recognize your own flesh and blood, instead foolishly cherishing a concubine's daughter as a treasure. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't have the face to live on. I'd eliminate that mother and daughter first and then take my own life in atonement! To let them linger under your very nose, you are utterly and hopelessly foolish!"

Faced with Gu's relentless barrage of criticism, Shen's face turned pale, humiliated beyond words. How could her sister-in-law speak to her like this? Was she really that despicable? Was it her fault that she had been betrayed?

Madam Gu's voice was loud and unyielding, leaving no room for courtesy towards Madam Shen, ensuring that even the servants in the courtyard could hear every word. Not only did the servants catch the exchange, but Pei Yuanxi and Pei Ji, who had hurried over, also heard it clearly. With an awkward expression, Pei Ji found himself in a dilemma, unsure whether to advance or retreat. He had rushed over after hearing from the servants that Third Miss had been escorted back, but hadn't initially considered the implications of the situation.

Being a concubine-born son, it was inappropriate for him to enter.

Pei Yuanxi also didn't go in. The siblings stood outside together.

Madam Gu was still seething with anger, her breath stuck in her chest. "Don't blame me for speaking harshly. Look at your actions—there's not one that's commendable. Let's talk about that close female friend you had in your youth. Was she truly a good person? And the people around you—one betrayed you, two betrayed you. Would they have dared if you weren't so foolish? You're the Lady of a Marquis House, and it would be acceptable if you neglected all affairs and just focused on raising your daughter. But look at what kind of person you've raised!"

"Ever since you found out your daughter was switched, how have you been acting? You wear a lifeless expression every day as if the world owes you. You aren't concerned about your own flesh and blood suffering for fifteen years, yet you were foolish enough to keep the concubine-born daughter by your side. If it weren't for the consecutive incidents that followed, would you still treat someone else's daughter like a treasure? No wonder Yuanxi has grown distant from you. With your lack of clarity and foolishness, who would dare get close to you?"

The siblings in the courtyard heard every word clearly. Pei Ji was deeply unsettled. After all, their mother was Yuanxi's biological mother, and he, as a concubine-born elder brother, was still separated from his sister by a layer of status.

Pei Yuanxi maintained a serene expression. "I believe Aunt Shen was right in her scolding."

Pei Ji was taken aback. His sister wasn't angry?

"My mother has forever been trapped in her own discontent and sorrow. When you take over the family, brother, you must not cater to her every whim. Show her the respect and filial piety that is due, but remember not to repeatedly tolerate her behavior on my account."

"Little sister..." Pei Ji hadn't expected such words from her. He felt a mix of emotion—both touched and reassured. He knew his sister was close to him and held him dear in her heart. Swearing to himself, he vowed to do everything in his power to become her support.

Inside the room, Shen's face was not merely pale; it had lost all its blood, resembling a sheet of paper that could collapse at any moment. Her ears rang with humiliation and rage, leaving her on the brink of despair.

She had been married for nearly two decades; never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that there would come a day when she would be berated by her sister-in-law from her natal family.

"Sister, how could you speak to me like this? I've raised another man's daughter for fifteen years—it's my fault, isn't it? But did I have a choice? I didn't want it to be this way. How I wished Yuanxi had been by my side since she was a child, that I could have fostered a close relationship with my own daughter. All of you blame and resent me, but who understands my suffering?"

"You suffer? Please, spare me your complaints. Had Yuanxi been raised under your care, she might have turned out as shameless as this little harlot. You should be grateful your daughter was taken away, or else there would be no Yuanxi of today. You only focus on your own hardships, but do you know how many people in this world suffer more than you? Do you suffer as much as Yuanxi? As much as I do? You're blind to your blessings - with such a wise and understanding mother-in-law, and a sensible, intelligent daughter, what is there for you to suffer about?"

Madam Shen's vision blurred, and she felt herself on the verge of collapse. Why didn't her mother-in-law intervene in the household affairs? Wasn't it all for Aunt Zhao and her elder brother? As she had no legitimate son, Madam Shen's mother-in-law was likely trying to appease her, lest she take out her frustrations on Aunt Zhao and her brother.

She was aware of the hardships Yuanxi had endured and wished to make amends as best she could, but her daughter refused to grant her that chance. It was as though she had no daughter at all, for in this Marquis's residence, she didn't even have a single confidant. Her life was so wretched, yet her sister-in-law still insisted that she did not suffer.

Madame Gu could not bear to see Pei Yuanjun's weak and sorrowful appearance. "Marquis Pei is not the kind of man who would favor a concubine over his wife. Even if you haven't given birth to an heir, he wouldn't stab you in the heart. Moreover, Old Lady Pei has entrusted you with the household management and no longer interferes. There are only three concubines in the marquis residence. So, where exactly is your suffering? If you had a meddling mother-in-law who constantly stuffed women into her son's chambers, what would you do? If you held the power of the household but were still reprimanded by your mother-in-law every day, how would you cope? Besides, there's a bunch of idle women supported by the marquis residence, and that alone would drive you mad. And if you had an incompetent husband on top of all that, where would you find solace?"

These were the hardships Madame Gu faced.

In the past, although her mother-in-law didn't cause trouble, she would occasionally put pressure on Madame Gu. Her husband was an indifferent figurehead, and apart from her dowry, everything else in the residence belonged to their ancestors. If not for her diligent management, the marquis residence would not have maintained its current prosperity.

With a plethora of concubines and secondary wives, her husband spent his days either drinking with friends or seeking amusement in their chambers. Therefore, Madame Gu placed all her hopes on her son.

Her son was refined and talented, earning high praise from scholars. He was well-mannered and considerate, becoming the pride of her life. Her son was her vulnerability, and anyone who dared to plot against Yin Ge'er would face her wrath.

Pei Yuanjun sobbed, "Aunt, don't blame Mother..."

"Shut up! Who's your aunt? !" Madame Gu's anger flared at the sight of Pei Yuanjun's face. In the past, she appeared plump and fortunate, but now she resembled Li Shi. "I have a legitimate niece, and you, a shameless creature, don't deserve to call me aunt!"

Pei Yuanjun was filled with resentment, but she dared not speak further.

Amidst her mounting hatred and humiliation, a sense of satisfaction arose within her. Let them scold, let them unleash their fury; their words could not stop her from marrying into the marquis residence.

In the future, when she became the young madam of the Marquis household, she would have ample means to deal with this wicked mother-in-law. When the time came for her to take charge when the elder matriarch grew old, she would have even more ways to repay all the injustices she had suffered today.

"Aunt... I really didn't do anything, and I never expected Prince Heir Cousin to..." She covered her face, appearing pitiful, deliberately putting on a show for Madam Shen.

"How dare you address my son as Prince Heir Cousin?" Gu Shi slapped her across the face. "You little harlot, what right do you have to call my son cousin?"

If it were possible, Gu Shi truly wished to get rid of her.