Chapter 049 The Unfed Pei Qinghe

Chapter 049 The Unfed Pei Qinghe

Lin Yingxue nestled in Fu Jiaze's arms. She had washed her long hair, which now hung loosely behind her, and without any makeup, she carried a faint scent of fragrant soap. "I wonder how Miss Pei is doing. After Aunt Qiu was taken away like that, has she recovered yet?"

Fu Jiaze had been closing his eyes, organizing the books he read today. Hearing Lin Yingxue's words, he gently rubbed her abdomen. "Still thinking about the Pei family's affairs?"

"Mm." Lin Yingxue responded, placing her hand on her husband's. "My mother is particularly concerned about this matter. She always feels she told us too late. If only she had rushed over that day."

"It wasn't too late," Fu Jiaze said. "Aunt Qiu hid for more than ten years, and no one in the Pei family noticed. If not for your mother, who knows what might have happened. You don't need to worry too much about Miss Pei. She is still Master's flesh and blood. Even if their relationship is strained for a while, it will improve with time. Ultimately, the solution lies in Master remarrying."

"Given Master Pei's status, remarriage should be easy. Why hasn't Master Pei remarried?"

"Remarriage is simple, but Master is still grieving his late wife, which makes him hesitant," Fu Jiaze explained. "Let me tell you about Lady Qi from back then."

Master Pei Jin's father had encountered a joyful event and was heavily intoxicated. In his drunken state, he carelessly gave his jade pendant to Miss Qi's father. The Qi family, being ordinary merchants, seized this opportunity and clung to the Pei family. They insisted on fulfilling the marriage contract, leading to Pei Jin marrying Miss Qi, who became Lady Qi.

Lady Qi, having such a desirable husband, wanted to keep him tightly under her control. Even when Pei Jin went out to socialize with colleagues, she would seek him out, earning her the nickname "River East Lioness" and Pei Jin the ridicule of being "controlled by his wife."

Despite the nickname, Lady Qi felt proud of her control. Their relationship was not good, and the Pei family did not have the tradition of taking concubines. This stalemate continued until Lady Qi somehow managed to conceive twins.

"When Lady Qi passed away, the Qi family caused a commotion, suspecting foul play. However, all records of her pregnancy and childbirth were intact, showing no signs of tampering. Carrying twins naturally posed difficulties, which led to the resolution of the matter."

"Even so, the Pei family spent a considerable amount of money, which came from the dowry of the old lady."

"Old Master Pei easily promised his son's marriage and used his wife's dowry, which weighed heavily on his mind, shortening his lifespan."

The Qi family was not easy to deal with, and Lady Qi was especially difficult, which likely contributed to Pei Jin's reluctance to remarry.

Lin Yingxue had met Master Pei, a man as dignified as a pine or cypress, never imagining such a history. "Would... Master Pei treat Miss Pei well? After all, he didn't love his late wife."

Fu Jiaze pinched Lin Yingxue's cheek. "Don't worry. Your husband is good at judging people. Master cares for his daughter. If he truly didn't care, Nanny Qiu wouldn't have chosen such a method to retaliate against him."

Lin Yingxue felt relieved. They chatted for a while longer. Seeing Fu Jiaze close his eyes, she nudged him. "Are you going to rest here tonight?"

"My dear, you're not feeling well, so this is natural."

Lin Yingxue whispered, "Should I sleep in the study? It's quite messy." She started to get up.

Fu Jiaze spun Lin Yingxue around, supporting himself on the bed, trapping her beneath him. "What mess? Without menstrual blood, where would children come from?"

Lin Yingxue blushed. "Speaking of children, my period came. Mother-in-law must be disappointed."

"Not at all," Fu Jiaze smiled. "My mother hopes the child comes later."

"I'll continue taking the contraceptive soup? What if Mother-in-law finds out? And what about Uncle?"

Before Fu Heng's release, Lin Yingxue had been taking contraceptive soup. Now that her mother-in-law was free, would it be inappropriate?

"The delay was suggested by my mother," Fu Jiaze reassured her. "Put your mind at ease. She's traveled extensively and understands. She advised me before marriage to wait two years before having children, and she provided the recipe."

"My mother-in-law is so understanding?"

Fu Jiaze chuckled. "Not just understanding. You'll see after spending time with her. As for my uncle, he listens to my mother."

This revered Nine Thousand Years in court is obedient to his sister.

They chatted a bit more before extinguishing the lights and falling asleep.

The next day, Fu Jiaze went to the Imperial Academy, while Lin Yingxue visited Fu Heng alone.

Fu Heng spoke and ate quickly. "I have many things to do at the shop. Could you help look after Wanan, Yingxue?"

Fu Heng was absent all day and only appeared the next day during dinner. Lin Yingxue thought it would be another quiet day, but unexpectedly, Fu Jiaze returned early with Master Pei Jin.

Pei Jin had dark circles under his eyes. He bowed to Lin Yingxue and explained his purpose: to visit Wen Hui's residence and ask her to speak with Pei Qinghe at the Pei mansion.

"If possible, I wouldn't disturb Lady Wen, but she hasn't even drunk water for two days. She's unconscious now, barely able to sip some water. If this continues, her health will suffer. Therefore, I seek your help."

"My mother examined Qinghe's belongings and found a handkerchief she cherishes. I believe it belongs to Lady Wen. Please confirm."

"Lady Wen saved Qinghe when she was near death. To Qinghe, she is special. I request Lady Wen to speak with my daughter, not to fully resolve her issues, but to encourage her to eat and drink."

Lin Yingxue examined the handkerchief and nodded. "It is indeed my mother's. That day, my mother saw Miss Pei crying and used this handkerchief to wipe her tears."

Lin Yingxue stood up and offered, "Let's go to my mother now."

Upon entering, Wen Hui was teaching a neighbor's child painting.

/

Sunlight bathed Wen Hui, who smiled warmly, devoid of the coldness she once had in the Lin household.

Seeing Lin Yingxue, the girl said, "Lady Wen, I'll come again soon."

She smiled sweetly at Lin Yingxue. "Sister Lin, I'm leaving."

Wen Hui closed the scroll and asked her daughter, "Why are you here? Your mother-in-law just returned; you should visit less."

"Mother, there's an urgent matter that needs your help. Let's discuss it in the carriage."

Wen Hui entered the carriage, surprised to find Pei Jin inside. She recoiled, startled.

"Lady Wen, be careful," Pei Jin held her hand.

Wen Hui, shocked, violently pulled away from Pei Jin's grasp.