Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Not only was Ming Tang captivated, but the onlookers by the riverbank were also struck dumb by the unexpected turn of events. It wasn’t until the dragon boat docked that the crowd erupted in cheers.

The woman who had witnessed the child slip from her grasp nearly collapsed into the arms of those beside her. After a long moment, she finally regained her composure and hurried through the crowd toward the landing point.

Amid the surging crowd, the officials’ hearts were in their throats. They had to forcefully suppress several waves of commotion before order was restored.

The Emperor was at Kun Tower today! This accident was already more than they could handle. If another incident occurred, their future careers would surely be ruined.

The docking spot wasn’t far from Ming Tang in a straight line, allowing her to observe the tall, elegant figure of the man in black as he stepped ashore, looking even more like a stately pine or bamboo.

Only when a blue-clad figure from Kun Tower hurried over, bowed, and led him away did Ming Tang finally withdraw her gaze.

Snapping back to reality, she noticed something amiss with Mrs. Pei beside her.

Though she had only spent a short time with Mrs. Pei, the latter’s aristocratic bearing had left a deep impression. Ming Tang had never expected to see what looked like worry on Mrs. Pei’s face and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you feeling unwell, madam?”

Mrs. Pei shook her head. “I’m fine, thank you for your concern.”

Yet her expression remained troubled, as if she had lost all interest in conversation.

Since they were merely chance acquaintances, Ming Tang didn’t press further. She stood and said sincerely, “Though I don’t know what troubles you, speaking with family or friends might help. I’ll take my leave now.”

Mrs. Pei nodded, a hint of warmth in her eyes. “Thank you.”

Watching Ming Tang leave, Mrs. Pei was surprised to see her heading straight toward the Ming family’s women. She had met the younger generation of the Ming family at the Qixia Temple scripture lecture, except for the one she was most interested in—Fourth Miss Ming. Could this be her?

Glancing at her grandson Pei Ze, who seemed reluctant to see her go, Mrs. Pei gently ruffled his soft black hair. It seemed she and this Fourth Miss truly had some fateful connection.

Ming Tang was right. No matter how many worries she had, it would be better to discuss them thoroughly with Yue later. At the very least, she could learn what plans he had in mind.

After the brief interlude, the dragon boat races resumed as usual. The drummer from the winning golden dragon boat team, who ascended Kun Tower to receive the award, felt as if he were in a dream.

Receiving an award from the Shuntian Prefecture Magistrate was already an unimaginable honor, let alone seeing the Emperor himself today.

And because of the audience with the Emperor, he even got a new set of ceremonial robes for free.

The drummer half-suspected that if the "smoke from his ancestors’ graves" (ancestral blessings) could be seen, people might mistake it for an actual fire.

In a daze, he couldn’t even remember what he had said after descending the tower. He only vaguely recalled the Emperor pointing at the handsome young man who had saved the child and asking something, to which he had replied, “This humble one knows little, but how could someone so handsome possibly be a villain?”

While Kun Tower was abuzz with excitement, the jade platform was no less lively.

Word had already spread—the man who had rescued the child on the river was none other than the current heir to the Duke of Dingguo. His extraordinary martial prowess and eloquent replies had pleased the Emperor, who praised him as “the Pei family’s exceptional scion, upholding his ancestors’ legacy.” He was even granted an official post on the spot—the highly coveted position of Imperial Guard Deputy Commander, which had previously stirred quiet contention among military families.

When the news first arrived, the ladies familiar with official ranks could hardly believe it.

Imperial Guard Deputy Commander! The Imperial Guards were one of the five elite units closest to the royal family, responsible for guarding the imperial palace—a position of immense importance. And the rank? Third-rank!

Many officials served diligently for years without hope of promotion, and even those who eventually reached third-rank were usually well into middle age.

Achieving third-rank before thirty was already considered remarkable.

And yet…

“Has the heir to the Duke of Dingguo even reached his capping ceremony?”

“It seems not. Tut-tut, his future wife is in for a treat—a husband so young, starting his career at third-rank, securing the title of *Shuren* without lifting a finger.”

“Nonsense! The heir’s wife would naturally be addressed as ‘Heir’s Consort,’ a proper noble title, not like us commoners who informally use ‘madam’ in conversation. Your *Shuren* would only insult her.”

“How fortuitous! With an elder brother who inherited the title, he’d have been stuck as ‘Second Young Master,’ destined to be a mere branch of the family. Who’d have thought his brother would fall in battle at the frontier, leaving the heirship to him?” The speaker couldn’t hide their envy.

“The Duke of Dingguo’s household will be in for some chaos,” another gloated. “The previous heir left behind a son, and everyone knows the Duchess of Dingguo has been raising him personally. By rights, he’s the true eldest grandson. Once the current heir has children of his own… oh, what turmoil that will bring!”

Despite the gossip, those who could still scrambled to congratulate Mrs. Pei.

The Duke of Dingguo’s household was one of the founding ducal families, and unlike other declining noble houses, each generation had produced capable successors.

Now, with the Emperor’s evident favor and the current heir’s renowned excellence, the family was poised to re-enter the political arena. If they didn’t cultivate connections now, they might never get another chance.

Besides… even if these ladies didn’t have daughters of their own, they could surely identify a suitable candidate among their relatives who might catch the Duchess’s eye.

Realizing the rescuer was the heir to the Duke of Dingguo and that the woman she’d been chatting with was his mother, Ming Tang mused: Truly, good looks run in the family.

Watching the commotion, the eldest daughter-in-law Song Zhangru, recently preoccupied with her own daughter’s marriage prospects, sighed. “They say a desirable daughter attracts a hundred suitors. With the heir’s remarkable appearance, Mrs. Pei must feel like she’s marrying off a daughter herself.”

The usually reserved woman’s unexpected jest sent the Ming family into laughter.

Mrs. Ming nodded. “With the heir’s beauty, Mrs. Pei must feel no one is quite worthy of him.”

Finally escaping the crowd and returning to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence, Mrs. Pei exhaled deeply, her mood somber.

After instructing Nanny Zhou to take Pei Ze to rest, Mrs. Pei stared at the dancing candle flames until she heard a soft greeting at the door. She looked up to see Pei Yue approaching slowly.

Pei Yue was the son she had at thirty. With her eldest, Pei Jun, already twelve and titled heir, and Pei Yue’s celestially beautiful appearance and way with words, she had indulged him without realizing it.

Back then, her eldest was dependable and competent, her second son bright and devoted. Even though she and her husband exchanged few words, she had been at peace.

But fate had other plans. After learning some family secret, Pei Yue grew withdrawn, abandoning his playful childhood habits for relentless practice.

Then her eldest died unexpectedly, and his wife, after struggling to give birth to a grandson, followed soon after. The burden of maintaining the family's standing fell abruptly onto Pei Yue’s shoulders.

He spoke even less after that.

The thought crossed her mind as she motioned for him to sit beside her. After a pause, she asked, “Was today’s incident your doing?” It all seemed too coincidental.

Pei Yue shook his head, then nodded. “Not planned, but I seized the moment as it came.”

Mrs. Pei started. “Given the current situation…”

“If we only consider the situation, staying far away would be wise. But do you truly believe we can remain uninvolved?”

Mrs. Pei fell silent. The Duke of Dingguo’s household had a vast network of branches and former subordinates. While they couldn’t rally entire armies, many in the military owed debts to the Pei family, lending their words inherent influence. Such influence could hardly be overlooked—and would inevitably draw attention.

If they were destined to be caught in the turmoil, it was better to act first and secure some advantage.

“But… your marriage can’t be delayed any longer.” Thinking of the countless hints and probes at the jade platform today, Mrs. Pei felt both pride and exhaustion.

In previous years, whenever marriage was raised, Pei Yue had shown no interest, outright refusing. With her eldest’s passing and young Pei Ze needing constant care, she had lacked the energy to press the matter.

Now, she regretted not insisting he meet a few candidates—at least there’d be some groundwork laid.

Finding a suitable bride—one who was dutiful, capable of managing the household, pleasing to her son, and unlikely to drag the family into turmoil—was no simple matter.

Mrs. Pei massaged her temples.

Hearing his mother bring up marriage again, Pei Yue frowned slightly. “There’s no need to rush.”

He glanced casually at the table and noticed a somewhat familiar small ball, changing the subject: "Are toys like this popular in the capital now? It looks quite amusing."

Earlier today, while passing near the Jade Terrace, he had encountered the Ming family's female relatives alighting from their carriage and going up to the building. Among them was Fourth Miss Ming, with whom he had once had a brief encounter where only he had noticed her. He recalled that she seemed to have a similar-looking ornament hanging at her waist.

He had spoken offhandedly, but Mrs. Pei, sitting across from him, was inwardly alarmed. Instinctively, she glanced at Pei Yue and, seeing his expression remain natural—completely unaware of anything unusual—her suspicion only deepened.

When had her son met that Fourth Miss Ming? She had inquired carefully earlier and learned that this temari ball was something Fourth Miss Ming had made on a whim before the Dragon Boat Festival, using leftover five-colored threads. At present, she was the only one in the entire capital who had crafted such a plaything.

So how could it possibly be popular?

Keeping her composure, Mrs. Pei picked up the temari ball and said with a smile, "This was given to A Ze by Fourth Miss Ming of the Ming family today. Come to think of it, it’s rare to see A Ze warm up to a stranger so fast."

"Fourth Miss Ming?" Suddenly, he remembered their last meeting in the mountains—how she had chatted cheerfully even with a little flower-selling girl. Pei Yue mused, "She does seem to charm children easily."