Chapter 108: The Truth Revealed

Chapter 108: The Truth Revealed

At first, she tried to hold back her laughter, but eventually, she could no longer contain herself and burst into fits of laughter, tears streaming down her face. It was the funniest thing she had ever heard - such a cold and stern man calling her delicate.

"So funny, huh? Didn't you say it yourself?" His voice still carried a hint of gloominess, but the heavy repression had lifted. With his exceptional hearing, he had caught every word exchanged between her and their child. He watched them whispering as they walked away, and then the servants informed him that they had left the Duke's residence.

They didn't even bother to bid him farewell before leaving, completely disregarding him.

He remembered how vibrant and beautiful the peach blossom she had given him before was, its branches much larger than this one. Back then, her smile lit up her face, but now, she was merely going through the motions with him. She ground soybeans for tofu, sewed clothes for him, and sent him flowers – all at his initiation. If he hadn't brought these things up, she might never have treated him the same way again.

Wiping away her tears, she said, "N-No... Not funny at all, not in the slightest."

This uncontrollable laughter seemed to reveal her true self.

Without her noticing, he had come to stand beside her, offering a dark blue handkerchief. "If you want to laugh, just do so. You don't need to suppress your feelings. I've promised you freedom, and you don't have to hide your true nature from me."

The handkerchief was as cold as he was.

His words...

What did it imply?

She dared not delve deeper into the thought, nor did she wish to ponder over it meticulously.

After this incident, his cold demeanor visibly softened. Perhaps it was because the tension in her heart had relaxed, or maybe she had gradually adapted to their previous life of constant togetherness. On that night when they shared the same bed again, she found herself much more at ease.

He slept soundly and rarely changed positions throughout the night.

But she was different. Her sleeping posture was terrible. Her body instinctively sought the most comfortable position according to past memories. Hence, when she opened her eyes to find herself entangled around him like an octopus, she was not surprised at all.

He seemed to be still asleep, his sleeping face handsome and harmless. She carefully climbed off him, flipped onto her side, and stared at the canopy above as her mind began to wander. Fortunately, dawn arrived swiftly.

Unbeknownst to her, as she believed she had moved without a sound, the man lying beside her had slightly fluttering eyelashes.

It was customary for a newly married daughter to visit her parents' home three days after the wedding. Other fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law might put on a display of seniority, but Marquis Xuanping and Shen did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent.

Seeing that Pei Yuanxi looked well and her expression was as usual, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

In front of Gongye Chu, Marquis Xuanping did not behave like a father-in-law at all. Official matters were dealt with strictly, maintaining their relationship as superior and subordinate in the court. He reported to Gongye Chu about the fairy maiden's malevolent deeds.

Aunt Qiu had given birth to a monstrous child, and Xia Ma Village had also produced one; other villages likely had their own secrets as well. Superstitious villagers believed that the birth of such a child was a sign of some heinous act committed by the family, so such occurrences were typically kept under wraps. Had it not been for the accidental discovery by Pei Yuanxi and her father, the incident in Xia Ma Village might have remained concealed indefinitely.

Due to this superstition, Xuanping Marquis's investigation into Xiang Shi's misdeeds had gone unnoticed for quite some time. Taking on the task, he tracked down those who had sought remedies from her. With a target for their anger, these people no longer hid their suffering, openly cursing Xiang Shi and wailing for their losses.

The public outrage was intense, and to appease the villagers, the Marquis personally compensated each household with silver. Grateful for the financial relief, they were all moved to tears. The matter was handled smoothly, and there were no further disturbances afterward.

Lady Shen and Lady Kang were among those accompanying Pei Yuanxi. They began by inquiring about her life in the Duke's residence, then gradually steered the conversation towards Pei Ji's marriage arrangements.

Pei Ji had already been designated as the heir apparent and, moreover, was the sole son of the Marquis's estate. His marriage had long been a subject of keen interest among the ladies of the Eastern Capital City. Previously, when his status as heir was not yet firmly established, some had shown hesitation. But now, with his position clear, he naturally became the prime candidate for a desirable son-in-law in the eyes of society.

During the first month of the year, social interactions were abundant. Neither Lady Kang nor Lady Shen, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, received overt or subtle hints from others about forming alliances with the noble household through marriage. Lady Kang had long relinquished her authority, and despite the numerous affairs of the estate, she never entertained the thought of reclaiming the reins of managing the household.

Madam Shen appeared to have lost more weight, with a look of forced vitality on her face.

"Suppose I personally pay a visit to the General's residence to propose marriage on your behalf?" He posed the question to his daughter with uncommon delicacy and caution.

"Has Mother consulted Elder Brother about this?"

"I have," Shen replied, thinking that Jige must be willing. "I asked his opinion on the Hong family's daughter, and he said it's all up to me."

She truly couldn't see what was so appealing about that Hong girl. A well-bred young lady behaved like a reckless lad; it was a mystery how she had connected with Yuanxi. Since they were both in favor of the Hong girl, why should she stand in the way?

Well, she had no more ambitions left these days.

"Since Elder Brother feels that way, Mother will give it a try," she said.

Kang twirled her Buddhist beads as she turned to the topic of Pei Yuanhua.

Pei Yuanhua knew she didn't have long to live, and the fear of meeting the same gruesome end as Aunt Qiu had made her weep for an entire day and night. As her own granddaughter, Kang couldn't help but grieve.

Despite some mischievous thoughts, Fourth Daughter was still her granddaughter. The tragedy happening to a fine young woman like this reminded her of Lian'er. Back then, she had known Lian'er wouldn't survive long, counting each passing day with her fingers.

Yesterday, Pei Yuanhua came to her in tears, asking to move to the pavilion by the lake to recover. That courtyard had already been given to Erniang, and it would be inappropriate to hand it over to someone else even if Erniang were married. Kang was torn, her old eyes brimming with tears as she spoke.

"Grandmother, it's just a courtyard," Pei Yuanhua said. "Let Fourth Sister stay there if she wishes."

"Dear child, your grandmother always knew you were sensible. Though your fourth sister has many faults, for the sake of her health, you should refrain from holding a grudge against her. She doesn't have many years left... It's rather pitiful when you think about it."

Yuan Hua's youth was doomed to be fleeting, and it was truly pitiable that someone as young as Pei Yuanhua might depart this world without a word.

Too many incidents have occurred in the Marquis household in the past six months, even the resilient Lady Kang, seasoned by numerous trials and tribulations, finds it somewhat overwhelming. Resolving this matter, weariness is etched deeply on her aged face.

The gloom that hung over the marquis's estate lingered, even the grand wedding of Pei Yuanxi failing to dispel it.

Shen forced a smile and brought up the matter of going to the Hong residence. Kang's expression improved somewhat; the continuation of the noble house's lineage was of paramount importance, and Pei Ji's marriage was crucial to the rise and fall of the Marquis's household, making it a matter of utmost priority.

When the topic turned to the gifts and etiquette required for a marriage proposal, Lady Kang drew comparisons to the time when their family had gone to propose to the Marquis Changqi's residence. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exchanged remarks, occasionally seeking Pei Yuanxi's thoughts on the matter.

Pei Yuanxi observed that her mother's expression turned visibly displeased when the topic shifted to Marquis Changqi's residence.

Nowadays, in the Eastern Capital City, there is no longer any Marquis Changqi Mansion; all that remains is the Shen household. The Shen family has moved out of the marquis's residence and taken up residence in a mansion located in the eastern part of the city. With the financial resources of the marquisate, purchasing a grand mansion was well within their means, but however spacious that new abode might be, it could not compare to the prestige and splendor of the former Marquis Changqi Mansion.

When the mother and daughter began their intimate conversation, Madam Shen could no longer contain herself.

"Days ago, your grandmother and aunt paid a visit... I'm aware of it all...," she choked on her words. "I... never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that detestable woman would actually... Yuanxi, if not for you, your grandmother might have faced a calamity... and we would have been none the wiser. The thought of this pierces my heart like a knife. Why was I so foolish? I couldn't protect my own daughter, nor my own mother. As both a daughter and a mother, I've failed miserably. It would be better if I were dead..."

Her sobs were heart-wrenching, each word imbued with tears. Thinking of her family's current predicament and her emaciated mother, her heart ached terribly, yet she couldn't blame anyone else for it.

The events of both her past and present lives intertwined in Pei Yuanxi's mind, creating a jumbled mix of emotions. In her previous life, her mother had probably never grieved so deeply after her death.

In this lifetime, it was merely because she hadn't treated them as mere passersby that complications had arisen.

"The matter has passed, and there is no point in dwelling on it further. Right now, Brother's marriage is of utmost importance. Once the new bride enters the household and the family prospers, everything will improve."

Madam Shen looked at her daughter with tear-stained cheeks, feeling a profound sense of loss. Yuanxi had ultimately drifted away from her, and now it was almost impossible to bridge the gap. Recalling how she had been kept in the dark for the first half of her life and had no one to confide in during the second half, she couldn't help but feel deeply saddened.

The two women gazed at each other in silence, the vast Xuanting Courtyard echoing with an eerie stillness.

The rose vines entwining the courtyard walls seemed to have transformed their hues overnight, from their erstwhile dark brown to a hue that now hinted at verdancy. The mottled brown-green tendrils covered the walls, suggesting the promise of a magnificent floral spectacle when spring's warmth brings forth a profusion of blooms.

It is high time that this marquis's mansion underwent a change.

Due to Gongye Chu's engagement, the couple did not extend an invitation to share a meal.

Under Liu Wei's escort, Pei Yuanxi returned to the Governor's Mansion, coincidentally in time to share lunch with her son. Amidst the aromatic spiciness tinged with a pungent odor, they exchanged a knowing smile.

Stinky Tofu, Boiled Meat with Chili, Spicy Tofu, and Kung Pao Chicken.

These were dishes that both Pei Yuanxi and Shangxing enjoyed.

The meal was a delightful feast, with the young boy wiping away tears while eagerly inhaling his food. It had been a long time since Pei Yuanxi had indulged herself so heartily, her face radiating contentment.

After they finished their satisfying meal, Shangxing asked, "Mother, did Father like that peach blossom?"

He hadn't had the chance to inquire yesterday and had been preoccupied with it all night. Nobody wished more than he did for their family to be reunited, and for their parents' love to remain as strong as before.

Pei Yuanxi gazed at him. "Do you think your father is the type of person who appreciates peach blossoms?"

He tilted his head slightly and shook it slowly. "No. My father doesn't understand such romantic notions. He's straightforward and decisive in his actions; he has no patience for sentimental fuss."

Both of them exchanged glances and sighed in unison.

Gongye Chu was a man of sharp tactics and never hesitated in his dealings. A man like him naturally wouldn't be fond of flowers or sentimentality.

And yet, it was precisely this kind of person who constantly demanded things from her – food, clothing, and gifts. Pei Yuanxi couldn't fathom why he didn't seem pleased despite accepting these offerings. She wondered what he truly sought.

"So that's why Father wasn't pleased when he received the flowers, right?" The young man wore a worried expression, recalling how his father had seemed in good spirits during their dinner the previous night, leaving him puzzled.

"He wasn't unhappy, just... indifferent."

"Mother, Father is like that. Don't take it to heart. Just look at the name he chose for our courtyard—Qingming. Who would name their courtyard with those two characters?" Shangxing spoke with the air of someone who knew his father well. "Even if he meant clear winds and bright moons, the name still carries an ominous tone."

Qingming referred to a memorial ceremony, not exactly an auspicious term.

Upon hearing this, Pei Yuanxi recalled the origin of the name.

"It's not about clear winds and bright moons; it's indeed a tribute. Do you know your grandfather's name?"

"His name was Gongye Ming," Shangxing answered promptly. "Is it possible that he borrowed Grandfather's name as a way to remember him? But using 'Qingming' seems unnecessary."

"You only know half the story. The 'qing' in the name wasn't chosen randomly; it also pays homage to your grandmother's name."

At that time, she had already entered the palace as the Empress, receiving unparalleled affection from Gongye Chu. Their marital love had astonished the world, and her exclusive favor was envied by women across the land.

In front of her, he was like any ordinary husband. He would share stories of his childhood, tales of his family in City Meng. The main courtyard of the Dongshan Mansion bore the plaque 'Qingming,' but this Qingming was not the same as the memorial festival. It was derived from the names of both his parents.

"The maiden name of your grandmother was Tang Yuwan, without the character 'Qing,' right?" The young man wore a puzzled expression, wondering if he had misremembered.

Pei Yuanxi chuckled and said, "Your grandmother's nickname was Qingqing."

Now it made sense to Shangxing.

The door was pushed open from the outside, letting in a gust of cold wind that howled. A man dressed in a purple robe with a golden sash stood against the wind, his garments billowing as if he had descended from the sky.

His aloof, expressionless face, coupled with those cold yet powerful eyes that could turn the world upside down. Despite having seen him in countless forms, she had never witnessed him looking so terrifying.

Pei Yuanxi's pupils constricted, her mind buzzing with confusion.

"You leave," Gongye Chu commanded as he stepped closer, his gaze fixated on the slender woman. His words were directed at Shangxing, who was utterly bewildered.

Something was seriously off with Father. Could something have happened?

"Father..." The young man sensed the change in his father's aura and was utterly lost. "What's wrong? Has something occurred in the court?"

"No, it's a matter between your mother and me," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion. His deeply conflicted gaze never left Pei Yuanxi. "I need to speak with your mother."

A suffocating sensation overwhelmed Pei Yuanxi, leaving her frozen and unable to move or even utter a word in her defense.

He knows. He knows.

These words echoed relentlessly in her mind, stirring a sense of numbness and dread within her.

He must have guessed it all; he must be utterly disappointed in her, filled with hatred towards her. She couldn't breathe or speak, her body rigid as stone. A mounting sense of oppression gripped her heart, making her suddenly afraid to confront his impending wrath.

She was scared - scared to see the emotions she didn't wish to witness in his eyes. She feared his sorrowful rejection and the possibility of him severing ties with her, never to regard her as anything more than a stranger again.

Something cracked deep within her heart, and though she sensed what it was, she couldn't quite bring herself to believe it. Perhaps in her previous life, the carefully guarded walls around her heart had already begun to fracture, unbeknownst to her.

"Listen to me, Gongye Chu," she attempted to plead.

"I won't hit your mother," Gongye Chu replied coldly to Shangxing. "Hurry up and leave!"

Shangxing hesitated, but one look into his father's eyes sent him bolting out the door.

As soon as he left, the door slammed shut with a powerful gust of wind. The loud thud startled Pei Yuanxi back to some semblance of clarity. What was meant to come would eventually arrive; there was no escape.

"How do you know my mother's pet name, Qingqing?" he asked, his eyes surging with hidden emotion. He had never mentioned this to anyone before, except in his dreams, to the one lying beside him.

Though she wanted to face everything head-on, her body betrayed her and she involuntarily stepped back. She kept retreating while he relentlessly advanced. There was nowhere left to go once they reached the inner chamber.

"I... I'll tell you," she managed to say, her voice trembling despite her efforts to control it. Her legs felt weak, her heart raced, and her back was now against an intricately carved bed.

"In fact, I..." She couldn't bring herself to look at him, taking a deep breath to gather her courage for a full confession.

But when she lifted her gaze, she turned as pale as a sheet.

He was untying his belt!

"What... What are you doing?!"