Chapter 14: We Should Have a Child

Chapter 14: We Should Have a Child

"Is this from your mistress?"

Pei Zhang, with his extensive knowledge, immediately recognized the identity of the round-faced maid before him. He spoke gently, "No need for such formalities. Lady Lu's thoughtful gestures are deeply appreciated. It's cold today, Cuizhu, please come in for a cup of hot tea."

Cuizhu hastily waved her hands, "No, no, I couldn't possibly. Here is the New Year gift list, please take a look, Lord Pei."

Cuizhu was surprised that Pei Zhang remembered her name, a mere maid, and her smile became more genuine. Pei Zhang and Lu Feng were two completely different people, not in terms of status, position, or appearance, but in their inherent temperaments. If Lu Feng was a bloodthirsty cold blade, Pei Zhang was a warm, smooth jade, comforting to behold.

Cuizhu never even dared to look directly at Lu Feng in the Lu residence, even though she was Jiang Wanrou's personal maid, serving her for four years. She had spoken to Lu Feng less than ten times. Unlike Yao Jinyu, Jiang Wanrou was different; if the third master glanced at a maid, Yao Jinyu would offer the maid to him as a gift without waiting for his request, embodying the demeanor of a "proper wife." Jiang Wanrou never actively offered women to Lu Feng, even when she was indisposed.

Rumors said that some maids, confident in their beauty, tried to climb the social ladder, but without exception, they all violated Lu Feng's taboos and were beaten to death. When Cuizhu first arrived, Jintao warned her that Jinguang Courtyard was too small to accommodate "ambitious souls." Timid by nature, she never dared to entertain inappropriate thoughts about the master or seek closeness.

Lu Feng wasn’t used to relying on maids. He bathed alone, and his daily dressing and tea were mostly taken care of by Jiang Wanrou. The young maids only handled menial tasks like removing boots and washing feet.

Moreover, as a scion of a noble family, Lu Feng carried an innate pride. He never paid attention to the names of the maids serving his wife; in his eyes, they were all servants. The fact that Pei Zhang, whom she had met only once, remembered her name made Cuizhu happy, and she couldn't help but speak more.

"Lord Pei, the mistress severely punished the coachman and guards that day, and she kept saying upon returning that she was sorry and wanted to personally apologize to you."

"It’s unfortunate, but the mistress has been too busy these days to get away."

"Though the mistress hasn’t come herself, her intentions are sincere. Among the New Year gifts is a priceless Hui inkstone, which the mistress specifically sought out for you. She said such an item is the only thing worthy of Lord Pei's elegance and grace."

"..."

Cuizhu truly had a way with words. Jiang Wanrou had told her to "speak well," hoping she’d say a few kind words and build goodwill without going herself. But Cuizhu ended up lavishing praise on Jiang Wanrou, making the gatekeeper feel ashamed—such courtesy and warmth, and he hadn't even let them in, truly inappropriate!

Pei Zhang’s expression remained calm. He listened patiently to Cuizhu’s chatter, had the two carts of gifts unloaded, and instructed the gatekeeper to pour hot tea for Cuizhu. After her rapid speech, Cuizhu finally noticed Pei Zhang in a dark green official robe, standing tall and straight, the heavy color on him as upright and elegant as a pine tree.

Official robes were not worn at home, only for court or audiences with the emperor.

Cuizhu quickly curtsied to apologize, "I have disturbed you for too long, my lord. If there are no further instructions, I shall take my leave."

A hint of regret flashed in her eyes. The mistress had sent her to establish goodwill, not enmity. If she had delayed his important matters, it would have been counterproductive.

Pei Zhang nodded slightly, not insisting she stay. Civil officials sent out of the capital served for at least three years, and the unlucky might never return. Pei Zhang had only served as the prefect of Jiaozhou for three years before being recalled to the capital. A fourth-rank official was significant locally, but in the capital, where even a seventh-rank official was common, a mere prefect was hardly noteworthy. That the emperor summoned Pei Zhang daily during the busy year-end spoke volumes of his talent and ability, more than sufficient to handle a household maid.

Cuizhu left in a daze, wondering how there could be such a good man as Lord Pei in the world. He was tall, and she had to look up to him, but she never felt any disdain or contempt from him. She was just a maid bound by a life contract, yet he spoke to her so gently?

Cuizhu couldn't keep her thoughts to herself. When she returned to report to Jiang Wanrou, just as she had praised Jiang Wanrou extravagantly before Pei Zhang, she chattered on, describing Lord Pei as if he were a celestial being, enhancing Jiang Wanrou's favorable impression of her brother-in-law, whom she had met only once.

Pei Zhang was not as composed as he appeared.

***

Earlier in the Wenhua Hall, the emperor had questioned him on policy, and he had been distracted several times, nearly failing to answer. However, his extensive knowledge allowed him to remain composed, and the emperor didn't notice. On his way back, Pei Zhang closed his eyes in contemplation.

Usually, he would think about court affairs at such times, but today, he kept thinking about a person.

A woman.

In a narrow, damp alley, the woman's black hair was like clouds, her skin as plump and white as milk. That day, she wore an orange-red ruqun with peony petals embroidered in layers, as splendid as the evening glow.

Pei Zhang prided himself on not being a lecher. He was naturally handsome, and even in his humble days, many young ladies admired him. In Jiaozhou, subordinates flattered him by offering beauties of all shapes and sizes, yet he remained unmoved.

His ambitions lay in the court; beauty and bones were but a facade. Only upon seeing her did he understand what "desire is human nature" and "beauty captivates the soul" truly meant.

Unfortunately, she was married, and her husband was a powerful minister with significant influence. Moreover, they had such a relationship that she had to call him brother-in-law. After a moment of awe, he quickly sobered up, personally extinguishing that faint, illicit spark.

Yet she sent her maid to greet him. The maid kept saying "specially" and "Lady Lu has been mentioning you every day." Although their meeting was brief, it was evident that she was a very courteous woman. Why did the maid say such things? Was it the maid's own initiative, or was she foolish and miscommunicated? Or perhaps... was it her intention?

What does she want?

Pei Zhang's mind was in a whirl.

Having experienced the overt and covert struggles in the officialdom, Pei Zhang remained composed, and his personal servant had no idea that his master was thinking about another man's wife. The Pei residence, with its three courtyards, was not particularly large, but fortunately, the Pei family was small, consisting of Pei Zhang and Jiang Wanying, the old lady, and his cousin Ruan Zheng, leaving some extra space. Upon returning home, Pei Zhang first went to the back room to see the old lady.

He returned late, and the old lady had already taken her medicine and gone to sleep. Ruan Zheng was still up, and after a quick chat, Pei Zhang was about to leave when Ruan Zheng suddenly called out to him.

"Cousin—"

She bit her lip and said, "You came back today, but didn't you go to see sister-in-law? She... sister-in-law seemed upset today."

Pei Zhang knew his wife's animosity towards his cousin. He sighed softly and said, "Wanying is just a bit confused right now. I'll guide her again, please be patient with her."

Ruan Zheng quickly shook her head, "No, that's not what I meant. With a distant cousin suddenly joining the family, and at such an age, still... still single, it's natural for sister-in-law to have doubts. I'm a woman too, so I understand her."

"I believe I have nothing to hide, but cousin, think about it yourself. I've been here for less than a month, and you're either outside or in the study. Sister-in-law lives in the main courtyard, and you bypass it to come directly to the back room. How hurtful that must feel for her."

"With things like this, I don't even feel comfortable staying at the Pei residence anymore."

Ruan Zheng was beautiful, with a slender figure and fair skin, with no makeup on her face, wearing a fragrant, flower-patterned dress that made her look elegant. Now, with her head bowed and her long neck exposed to the cold wind, she looked quite pitiful.

Pei Zhang smiled and said, "Nonsense, the Pei residence has plenty of food for you, don't worry so much."

Ruan Zheng's face turned slightly red, "I, I will get married someday, I won't stay at the Pei residence forever."

"Stay?" Pei Zhang raised an eyebrow, his jade-like face even more handsome in the night.

He said, "What if you never marry? The Pei family, though not rich, can easily support a delicate woman."

"You, a young girl, don't need to worry so much. Today someone sent holiday gifts, pick out some brightly colored satins and make a dress."

Ruan Zheng asked, "Holiday gifts? Are they from Lady Lu?"

Her face showed joy, "Lady Lu is really considerate. Auntie hasn't been feeling well lately, and with the New Year, many pharmacies are closed. The medicinal herbs Lady Lu sent are just in time, she's really considerate."

The smile on Pei Zhang's lips faded slightly, but Ruan Zheng continued, "But... cousin, let me say something more. Sister-in-law and Lady Lu seem to have some discord. Today, sister-in-law had all those things locked in the storeroom, not allowing anyone to touch them."

"I was concerned about auntie's health, so I secretly took a piece of lingzhi to make medicine. Cousin, you should advise sister-in-law, regardless of anything else, the medicinal herbs should be used, for auntie's health..."

"Alright, I understand."

Pei Zhang interrupted her, his voice sounding cold in the night. After a brief conversation, mostly about his mother, Pei Zhang hurriedly went to the main courtyard.

When he arrived, the floor was a mess of broken fragments, tea leaves, porcelain shards, and a lucky long-life lock, its small bell thrown off and lying alone on the ground.

Having not seen each other for half a month, Jiang Wanying didn't expect Pei Zhang to return at this moment. Her tear stains were still wet, and she forced a smile that was uglier than crying.

"Pei Lang, you're back."

"I just... accidentally, knocked over the teacup... I..."

Pei Zhang looked at her quietly, his eyes deep. Jiang Wanying couldn't withstand his gaze, her voice faltering as she spoke, her head lowering, tears welling up in her eyes again.

Pei Zhang closed his eyes, let out a barely audible sigh, and turned to leave.

"Don't go—"

"I'm not going anywhere."

Pei Zhang seemed to know what she was about to say and calmly stated, "I'll have someone clean this up."

The maid quickly cleaned up the mess and brought a basin of hot water. Pei Zhang rolled up his sleeves, his slender hands picking up a towel to wipe Jiang Wanying's cheeks.

Jiang Wanying glanced at him guiltily, "You’re not upset with me?"

Pei Zhang smoothed the stray hairs at her temples and said, "It’s my fault. I’ve been so busy lately, and I’ve neglected you."

His words nearly brought Jiang Wanying to tears again.

She leaned into his arms, breathing in his faint pine and cypress scent, and murmured, "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have acted this way. She... she sent someone over today with a bunch of gifts."

"I couldn't help it."

From her rambling, Pei Zhang gathered that the two sisters didn’t get along. Jiang Wanying said, "Pei Lang, now that you’re a fourth-rank official, the Emperor will surely value you when we return to the capital. Even though those things are valuable, we don’t really need them, right?"

Pei Zhang replied, "Yes."

"Should I lock those things away in the storeroom?"

Pei Zhang said, "Alright."

"Did she also send you that Hui inkstone?"

Jiang Wanying cautiously looked at Pei Zhang, testing the waters, "That inkstone is really nice. I have a brother from my mother’s side studying at the academy. Can I give it to him when I visit home?"

Pei Zhang was silent for a moment, then said, "Alright."

Before Jiang Wanying could say more, he suddenly touched her stomach and said, "Let’s have a child."

Maybe with a child, she wouldn’t feel so insecure, and Cousin Zheng would stop dreaming. With the household stable, he could fully exert his influence in the court.

Having a child would completely sever those lingering thoughts.

***

Jiang Wanrou had no idea about the chaos she’d stirred up in the Pei household. On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, when the Emperor stopped official business and all officials were on break, she spent her days with her son and nights with Lu Feng, often sleeping until late morning.

The matriarch specifically sent word not to summon the doctor for morning greetings. With all New Year arrangements in place, she took the opportunity to relax, especially since Lu Feng was so energetic, she could hardly keep up.

So when she heard her fifth sister, Jiang Wanying, had come to visit, she had just gotten out of bed. Cuizhu hadn’t woken her, and the visitor had already been waiting for two full hours.