Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The next day was the bridal return.

The Duke's mansion was located in Enrong Quarter near the imperial city. While the Ming family’s residence wasn’t as close to the palace, it still occupied a desirable location. Thus, the distance between the two was not far, a mere half-hour carriage ride.

However, when it came to returning home, it was always better to leave early rather than late. After breakfast, Ming Tang finished packing her belongings and signaled to Pei Yue that they could depart. It was just past the *mao* hour (5-7 AM).

The two walked together, passing through the hanging flower gate and proceeding all the way to the main gate. The distance was so great that Ming Tang felt her morning stroll for digestion was already complete, with no need for additional activity.

At the entrance, the carriages were ready. One was for Ming Tang and her two maids, while the other was loaded with the various gifts she had prepared.

Using the footstool to board first, Ming Tang settled into her seat. As the procession began moving, she lifted the curtain and glanced outside, spotting Pei Yue riding his horse, Black Snow Treader, keeping pace beside her carriage, his posture upright.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, Pei Yue turned his head with a questioning look before guiding his horse closer and bending down to ask, "Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, thank you for your concern, Crown Prince Pei." Ming Tang shook her head. As Pei Yue retreated, she considered lowering the curtain but instead tied it back, leaving it open.

Wen He immediately noticed Ming Tang's intention and mockingly rubbed her cheek, teasing her: "Miss, you’re so eager to look at the Crown Prince that you don’t even mind the dust on the road."

Seated by the window, Ming Tang could easily see Pei Yue’s profile outside. Tall and well-built, his figure was especially striking on horseback, his posture elegant and pleasing to the eye.

"What else is there to look at?" Ming Tang sighed lightly, her gaze drifting outside.

Had the carriage not been so bumpy, she might have brought a novel to pass the time. Though the novels these days tended to be rather bland, they were better than nothing.

But reading at home was one thing—doing so in a moving carriage risked motion sickness or worse, ruining her eyesight.

Now, at least, there was a free handsome man to admire.

Soon, Ming Tang pillowed her arms on the windowsill, watching leisurely.

Though it was only just past the *mao* hour, shops and vendors were already bustling, their cries ringing through the streets as the capital slowly came to life.

The Pei family’s carriage was unpretentious, prioritizing practicality. The fabric for the curtains was ordinary, but the horses were sleek and strong, the driver skilled and steady, and the escort of guards marked it unmistakably as a wealthy household’s procession.

Naturally, it drew the attention of passersby.

On Pei Yue’s side, people could see a young woman—in married woman's attire—leaning against the open window, occasionally glancing at the horseman beside her.

The pair appeared young, likely newlyweds. People naturally smiled upon seeing such a handsome couple, and amidst their busyness, some even sent them warm smiles.

Some busybodies stopped to gossip.

The commotion also caught the attention of others traveling early that morning.

Chen Wenyao had the day off today. He had planned to rest at home, but his infant's wailing from the side room had left him irritable. Adding to it, Ya Yun’s weeping self-recriminations about failing to care for the baby only worsened his mood.

Knowing infants were unpredictable, he thought her self-blame ridiculous. So when Wu Shi suggested a visit to her mother's house to relax, he agreed.

By chance, he caught sight of them.

Counting the days, today was Ming Tang’s bridal return.

Chen Wenyao didn't understand what possessed him—why he found himself following the procession at a distance, watching as Ming Tang smiled at Crown Prince Pei from the carriage while the young lord remained stiff and unreciprocating. Yet Ming Tang seemed unbothered, continuing to gaze at him unabashedly.

He believed he went unnoticed, but Pei Yue’s guards were well-trained. At first, they assumed he was merely going the same way, but when he maintained a steady distance, suspicion arose.

One guard rode up to Pei Yue and reported in a low voice.

Pei Yue, already flustered by Ming Tang’s undisguised attention, wrestled with whether he should acknowledge her (since she was his wife) and worrying that any reaction might invite an awkward question like, "Why are you looking at me?"

Knowing Ming Tang, her reply would likely leave him even more flustered.

The guard’s report interrupted his thoughts. Upon hearing of the follower, Pei Yue used a turn in the road to glance back casually and immediately recognized Chen Wenyao.

What was he doing, trailing them on their homecoming day?

His gaze sharpened with hostility, and the intensity of it made Chen Wenyao’s heart stutter. Instinctively, he reined in his horse and stopped.

By the time he regained his composure, the procession had rounded the corner and vanished. Chen Wenyao seethed with humiliation—both for his absurd behavior and for being intimidated by a mere look from Pei Yue.

He cursed inwardly: *Brute!*

Meanwhile, in the Chen family’s carriage ahead, Wu Shi lifted the curtain, meaning to have Chen Wenyao take them to Shuangqiao Street for some purchases. But when she saw he was no longer beside the carriage, she ordered the driver to stop and dispatched a maid to check.

The maid looked around and spotted her master lagging behind, looking strangely distracted. Approaching cautiously, she called out, "Is something wrong, sir?"

Chen Wenyao snapped back to reality and dismissed airily, "Just saw an acquaintance." He then rode forward to rejoin the carriage, bending down to speak to Wu Shi through the window with his usual scholar's grace. "My apologies. I thought I recognized someone and went to greet them, but they were too far ahead. I didn’t mean to worry you."

Wu Shi, who prized scholarly refinement, forgot her earlier pique and asked eagerly, "Do you know where they live? If you’d like to visit, I can have gifts prepared when we return."

Chen Wenyao shook his head. "Just someone I met in passing. It was just a surprise to see them again. No need for formal visits." He then asked, "Did you need me for something?"

Wu Shi replied, "I wanted to stop by Shuangqiao Street to buy some pickles from Baiwei Shop for my mother. She’s always liked them."

As the couple conversed, the maid returned to the carriage, and the incident passed without leaving a ripple.

Meanwhile, inside her carriage, Ming Tang noticed nothing amiss. But Pei Yue, unable to endure her staring any longer, finally relented and approached her window with a smile. "Since I’m accompanying you to meet your family today, shouldn’t you introduce me to your parents, brothers, and the younger ones? If I know nothing and embarrass myself, wouldn't that shame you?"

Ming Tang blinked—these were the most words Pei Yue had strung together since their wedding. But since he asked, she was happy to oblige. "Of course." She hesitated briefly. "Why don’t you come inside? It’d be easier to talk there."

Speaking like this forced her to strain her neck, and it would tire her quickly.

Pei Yue seemed to deliberate but eventually nodded. The carriage pulled over, and he dismounted to join her.

When Pei Yue ducked through the curtain, Ming Tang felt the interior shrink. Zhe Liu and Wen He instinctively pressed themselves into the corners as he entered. Before the driver could resume the journey, Wen He quickly said, "Wait! Let Zhe Liu and me get off first." She tugged Zhe Liu out of the carriage.

After all, there was space in the gift carriage—it had room to spare. As for the Crown Prince, though they’d interacted these past few days, Wen He quailed before his martial bearing and preferred to keep her distance.

Zhe Liu shared the sentiment.

Once outside, Zhe Liu glanced at the now-curtained carriage and smiled faintly. *Besides, it’s rare for Miss and the Crown Prince to have time alone. Without us as "third wheels," they’ll surely be more at ease.*

Inside, Pei Yue perched rigidly, his earlier confidence gone. He leaned against the opposite wall, posture rigid like a student awaiting a lecture.

Ming Tang’s eyes sparkled with mischief, but she said nothing, instead launching into a detailed introduction of her family. Pei Yue listened intently.

"You’ve likely met my father before. He’s the same at home as he is outside, just a bit lazier sometimes. My mother balances kindness with discipline. My eldest sister believes an elder sister's duty is to be a second mother and sometimes is even stricter than our mother. My second brother, as the eldest son, has always been serious. The third was livelier before marriage, but even now, with children of his own, he still has a mischievous streak. But they’ve all been very good to me."

"Your family numbers siblings together, regardless of gender?"

"Yes. My mother felt that since we’re all born of the same parents, separating the counts would create distance." Ming Tang smiled. "Though my eldest sister said Second Brother once threw a fit as a child, complaining that being called 'Ming the Second' instead of 'Ming the Eldest' made him seem less impressive to his friends."

Naturally, their mother and eldest sister had swiftly put an end to that.

"Your second brother did that?" Pei Yue’s expression turned odd as he recalled Ming Rang’s stern demeanor during their meetings before the wedding. It was hard to imagine the ever-serious second brother once throwing a tantrum about his birth order.

When the carriage stopped in front of the Ming residence, the brothers Ming Rang and Ming Li appeared to greet them, both looking increasingly solemn and dignified, making Pei Yue almost unable to suppress a laugh.

Turning around, he helped Ming Tang alight from the carriage, composed himself, and exchanged greetings with the two brothers before following them to the Ming family’s reception hall.

Vice Minister Ming was idly watering flowers under the eaves of the hall, while Mrs. Ming, Ming Shao, and their two daughters-in-law chatted together. The younger generation gathered noisily, teasing Ming Shao’s youngest son, filling the hall with lively clamor.

Seeing Ming Tang and Pei Yue arrive hand in hand, Vice Minister Ming set aside his watering can, straightened up, and resumed the dignified air of a father-in-law, nodding. “You’ve arrived.”

Pei Yue, sharp-eyed, had already noticed Vice Minister Ming’s earlier anxious glances outside and wasn’t fooled by his act. Nevertheless, he played along, adopting a posture of respect and bowing in greeting.

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Vice Minister Ming’s eyes.

The women waiting inside, however, couldn't stand their dawdling outside. Mrs. Ming urged impatiently, “Must you exchange words in secret? Hurry and let You Niang and the Prince come in!”

Amid laughter, everyone entered the hall.

The two lagged behind, and seeing no one nearby, Pei Yue asked softly, “Is your childhood name You Niang?”

Ming Tang nodded. “Yes, as the youngest among my siblings, Mother has always called me You Niang.”

Pei Yue nodded but said nothing more.

Together, they entered the hall, paid respects to the elders, formally greeted their peers, acknowledged each other, and adjusted their terms of address before Pei Yue was led away by Vice Minister Ming and the others to the outer courtyard.

The two sisters-in-law excused themselves to oversee the midday family feast and left together.

Descending the steps, surrounded by their own people, Li Ningxin nudged her sister-in-law Song Zhangru and exclaimed exaggeratedly, “This new fourth brother-in-law is truly handsome!”

What luck their younger sister had.

Song Zhangru smiled demurely. “In that regard, there’s no denying it.” Anyone with eyes could see this new brother-in-law was far more striking than the previous one. Even their mother-in-law’s smiles seemed more genuine in his presence.

Inside the hall, Ming Tang sat beside Ming Shao, her hand held by Mrs. Ming as the three women chatted.

Mrs. Ming touched Ming Tang’s cheek affectionately. “You seem quite content these past few days?”

Ming Shao teased her. “Mother, you know her—she’s always been one to swoon over pretty faces. Now that she’s married such a handsome Prince, who knows how thrilled she must be inside.”

Ming Tang demurred, “Let’s keep it low-key.” She added, “So far, the Prince and Mrs. Pei are both reasonable people.”

One would actively uphold her dignity as the newly appointed leader of Loyalty Hall, while the other spoke and acted with impeccable logic.

Mrs. Ming nodded approvingly.

As they talked, Wen He and Zhe Liu, who had lagged behind Ming Tang, finally entered the hall.

Noticing the dust covering them, Ming Tang asked curiously, “What happened to you two?”

Wen He replied bluntly, “Young mistress, you wouldn’t believe it. The son-in-law had additional gifts prepared, so Zhe Liu and I tried to sit in the back carriage—only to find no room left! We had to perch on the carriage shaft the whole way.”

Autumn in the capital was windy and dusty, hence their current state.

Ming Shao burst into laughter. “Alright, go freshen up. Borrow clothes from anyone in the house, and your young mistress can return new ones later.”

Mrs. Ming, surprised, asked Ming Tang, “Did you not discuss the homecoming gifts with the son-in-law beforehand?” Otherwise, how could such a miscommunication happen?

“Last time, I prepared them alone.” Thus, she had fallen prey to an error of assumption. Ming Tang reflected inwardly.

Given another chance, she would definitely discuss it in advance.

Mrs. Ming chided her lightly but felt even more pleased with Pei Yue, her mood visibly brighter.

In the front courtyard study, the men—previously unacquainted but now family—exchanged pleasantries before running out of conversation, eventually settling on discussing recent important matters.

“The autumn hunt is approaching. I wonder which prince His Majesty will appoint to oversee the capital,” Ming Rang mused, broaching the topic.

“By order of seniority, it should be the Prince of Jin; by order of prestige, the Prince of Chu holds a slight edge,” Ming Li remarked.

The current emperor had four adult sons. The eldest, the Prince of Jin, was born to Consort De and now in his thirties. The second, the Prince of Chu, was slightly younger, born to Consort Shu. Consort De hailed from a military family, while Consort Shu came from a scholarly lineage in the south. Their statuses were comparable, though Consort Shu held a marginally higher rank among the four consorts (Noble, Gentle, Virtuous, and Worthy), lending her son slightly more prestige.

As for the third son, the Prince of Yan, and the fourth, the Prince of Ping—one’s mother was merely a country gentleman’s daughter, later elevated to Consort Zhaorong rank due to her son, while the other’s mother was even humbler, a palace maid serving the empress.

With the succession undecided, the emperor forbade his sons from mingling with court officials. Neither prince had shown extraordinary talent, so discussions often defaulted to maternal rank, gradually framing the contest as between the Prince of Jin and the Prince of Chu.

“Careful with your words!” Vice Minister Ming understood Ming Li’s reasoning but, as a prudent and steady man, disapproved of his son’s casual tone.

“Perhaps His Majesty will appoint several grand secretaries to jointly oversee the capital and and bring all four princes along,” Pei Yue interjected, easing the tension.

“Oh? What makes you say that?” Vice Minister Ming stroked his beard.

“Father-in-law, recall how His Majesty specifically ordered all imperial relatives to bring their grandchildren to the Mid-Autumn palace banquet, emphasizing ‘family reunion and harmony.’ If unity is the goal, leaving any prince behind during the hunt would contradict that spirit.”

“Well said. Moreover, the grand secretaries are seasoned statesmen, advanced in years. Accompanying the hunt would likely inconvenience rather than honor them. Joint oversight suits them better,” Ming Li agreed.

The eldest brother-in-law, Zhang Hong, who had remained silent until now, smiled. “The Prince is correct. My father has already received the emperor’s verbal decree to oversee the capital with the other grand secretaries during the hunt, with major decisions to be reviewed by Her Majesty the Empress.”

“The Empress?” The group was momentarily stunned.

“Indeed,” Zhang Hong confirmed, then added, “However, as this remains an unofficial decree and His Majesty seems hesitant, I trust Father-in-law, brothers-in-law, and brother-in-law will keep it confidential. Leaks could stir unrest.”

“Naturally.” Such sensitive information was shared only due to their familial ties. None were foolish enough to risk disclosure.

The conversation grew livelier. Though not an official, Pei Yue had interacted with the princes in his youth and shared insights into their temperaments.

By the family feast at noon, the outgoing Ming Li had switched to calling Pei Yue “brother-in-law” and plied him with drinks. Ming Rang, for reasons unknown, joined in, while even the usually reserved Zhang Hong egged them on.

Vice Minister Ming watched with amusement but did not intervene.

Pei Yue drank freely, his tolerance honed since childhood. By the time his companions grew tipsy, he remained clear-eyed and steady.

Seeing their efforts futile, Vice Minister Ming finally intervened. “Enough. Everything in moderation.”

Outmatched and nearly drunk themselves, it was time to call it quits.

Pei Yue drained his cup and nodded earnestly, a faint smile in his eyes as he regarded his brothers-in-law.

After the feast, assuming the men had drunk as much as their side, Mrs. Ming sent sobering soup and invited both sons-in-law to take an afternoon rest.

Pei Yue was naturally escorted to Ming Tang’s Serene Abode.

Crossing the threshold and rounding the screen, Pei Yue saw Ming Tang’s pre-marriage chambers for the first time. The room brimmed with knickknacks yet felt orderly, radiating a unique liveliness.

Ming Tang sat at the dressing table removing hair ornaments. Hearing movement, she turned. “Prince?”

Rising unsteadily, she stumbled.

“You Niang?”

Acting before thinking, Pei Yue rushed forward and caught her. Only then did he notice her glazed eyes—she was slightly drunk.

How much did she drink...?

The memory of Ming Tang downing a cup of Zhuyeqing (a type of Chinese liquor) without batting an eye on their wedding night was still vivid in Pei Yue's mind. He had even thought she might be one of those rare women with exceptional alcohol tolerance. Yet, just days later, here she was, already showing her drunken state.

Perhaps it was the excitement of being home that got to her.

Pei Yue let out a soft sigh, a faint smile tugging at his lips—one he wasn’t even aware of. He bent down, lifted Ming Tang into his arms, and gently laid her on the bed.

Just as he turned to leave for a short nap on the daybed by the window, his sleeve was caught. Ming Tang murmured drowsily, "Why abandon the bed, my lord? Where are you going?"

Drunk and surrounded by beauty—now that she was the one intoxicated, and he the beauty before her, she couldn’t let him slip away.