Chapter 39

Chapter 39

A-Ze was interested?

If anything, it seemed Ming Tang was the more intrigued one...

"It’s nothing too demanding," Pei Yue said offhandedly, glancing at Ming Tang. "And you, Mrs. Pei, are you interested as well?"

Ming Tang paused, then replied solemnly, "The journey must have been exhausting for you, Young Master. Naturally, I would prefer you rest first." She added lightly, as if joking, "But since you say it's no trouble, I won’t object further."

So she wanted him to rest? Pei Yue chuckled, observing Ming Tang’s loosely tied bun adorned with only a single pearl hairpin, her posture relaxed, but her expression mirrored the same curiosity as Pei Ze’s.

Under their twin eager stares, Pei Yue relented and told a servant to fetch his bow and arrows.

The bow had been Pei Jun’s before Pei Yue inherited it. Over a decade old, its surface gleamed with a polished sheen, though closer inspection revealed fine scratches, evidence of its long service. It looked well-worn but dignified, yet when Pei Yue grasped it, his fingers settling into the worn grooves, he suddenly looked every inch the warrior.

Noticing the change, Pei Ze stretched his arms toward Nanny Zhou, who promptly lifted him into her embrace. Holding his breath, he watched intently as Pei Yue prepared.

The sky at dusk was painted in hues of orange and gold, dotted with small black specks—tired birds returning to their nests.

Pei Yue steadied his breath, drew an arrow from his quiver, and removed its sharp tip with two fingers. He drew the bowstring back into a perfect arc and released. The arrow sliced through the air, and a distant bird plummeted from the sky, landing somewhere on the Pei family estate grounds.

Mrs. Pei, having just finished resting, was in the middle of reviewing the estate’s accounts with the steward. She paused frequently, pointing at specific entries and demanding detailed explanations. Despite the autumn chill, the steward was sweating bullets under her questioning.

The solemn atmosphere in the main hall was abruptly shattered by a maid’s startled cry from the courtyard.

Frowning, Mrs. Pei instructed Lin Ma, "Go see what’s happening and remind them of their manners."

This racket was unacceptable.

Lin Ma stepped into the courtyard to find several maids huddled together, whispering over something on the ground.

"What’s going on?"

The maids turned and bowed. The boldest maid spoke up, "We were passing through when something suddenly fell from the sky. We were startled—we didn’t mean to make a fuss. Please forgive us."

They parted to reveal a white pigeon, injured and flapping weakly, unable to take flight. Nearby lay a long arrow.

Lin Ma knew Pei Yue’s arrows on sight, and her irritation faded. "Given the circumstances, I’ll let it slide this time. But mind your behavior in the future."

The maids murmured their assent.

At the sound, the pigeon suddenly flapped its wings and, though unsteady, managed to rise into the air. It lurched into the air, stubbornly flapping past the estate’s walls and out of sight.

Lin Ma retrieved the arrow and reported the incident to Mrs. Pei, presenting the arrow as proof.

Seeing the blunted tip and recalling A-Ze’s recent obsession, Mrs. Pei understood immediately. She sighed, torn between laughter and annoyance, "A-Ze’s memory is impressive. And Yue humors him too much."

She instructed Lin Ma, "Return this arrow to them."

Back in the eastern courtyard, Pei Ze’s eyes widened as Pei Yue took his stance. Nestled in Nanny Zhou’s arms, he stared unblinkingly until the bird fell. "A bird dropped! Uncle is amazing!"

Glancing between the sky and Pei Yue’s bow, Pei Ze abruptly abandoned Nanny Zhou, stretching his arms toward Pei Yue, begging to be picked up.

Pei Yue passed the longbow to the attendant beside him and took Pei Ze into his arms. As he leaned forward, he locked eyes with Ming Tang.

She was no longer in her earlier relaxed posture but stood upright, her eyes fixed on him with intense focus, scanning him with obvious interest.

Her stare was so intense it felt physical, and Pei Yue's ears warmed slightly. He averted his eyes, a strange flutter stirring in his chest.

Before he could discern the source of this feeling, Pei Ze in his arms wriggled excitedly, stretching toward the bow with excitement. "Let me see!"

The attendant, holding the bow, hesitated—it was heavy even in her hands; she could barely keep hold of it. How could she possibly let the young master handle it?

Pei Yue put Pei Ze down and took the bow himself, gripping one end while letting the other rest on the ground.

The longbow stood upright, and Pei Ze circled it twice, gazing up wide-eyed. "So big~"

It's bigger than A Ze!

Curious, Pei Ze reached out, touching the bow's surface. He liked how smooth it felt, and he stroked it gently before looking up at Pei Yue. "Uncle, can I use a bow like this when I grow up?"

The image of Pei Yue effortlessly wielding the bow was still fresh in his mind. Now, with this direct comparison, Uncle seemed even more impressive to Pei Ze.

Uncle can hold A Ze in his hands!

Pei Yue looked down at him, seeing only the top of Pei Ze's head, which barely reached halfway up the bow. Without thinking, he reached out and ran his hand through the boy's hair, momentarily startled by its softness before doing it again. No wonder Ming Tang liked touching A Ze's head.

"Of course. But only when you're older, and only if you practice really hard. Otherwise, even if you hold this bow, you won't be able to wield it properly."

Pei Ze curiously pressed his small palm against the part of the bow he could reach.

The bow narrowed slightly toward the ends, and at his height, Pei Ze could just barely grip it. Uncle and nephew stood side by side, their hands on the same bow, their long shadows stretching in the sunset.

In the distance, smoke curled up from cooking fires, and the occasional chirp of birds lent an inexplicable sense of tranquility.

Just then, the courtyard gate swung open, interrupting Ming Tang's thoughts. She glanced over.

Lin Ma, seeing the gathered crowd and receiving a slight nod from the heir, stepped past the threshold. Holding out the arrow with both hands, she smiled. "Young Master, this arrow of yours happened to land right in the main courtyard. The mistress asked me to return it."

Pei Yue nodded. "Thank you for the trouble."

Lin Ma's eyes twinkled with amusement. "How could I dare accept such courtesy from the heir?"

While the adults exchanged pleasantries, Pei Ze left the bow and trotted behind Lin Ma, peering around. Seeing no one else and nothing in her hands, he frowned. "Mommy, where's Uncle's bird?"

Lin Ma froze, her lips twitching.

Ming Tang nearly bit back a laugh. She glanced at Pei Yue, who remained outwardly composed but seemed slightly rigid. Suppressing her amusement, she beckoned Pei Ze over, crouching to pull him into a tight hug and mussing his hair until he complained indignantly. Then, turning to Lin Ma, she asked, "The heir didn’t use an arrowhead—did the bird fly away after falling?"

Lin Ma nodded. "Exactly so, Young Madam. It was a pigeon, still alive. It lay in the courtyard for a while before flying off."

It finally clicked for Pei Ze. He looked at Pei Yue sympathetically. "Aw, poor Uncle."

Auntie had said before that Uncle was such a good archer he could hunt enough to eat. Today, he finally caught a bird, but it flew away—now he had nothing to eat.

Though Pei Ze said nothing more, Pei Yue felt as if he could read volumes in the boy’s gaze.

He glanced at Ming Tang. A Ze never used to have such wild ideas... though it was true he’d become more energetic.

The pre-dinner interlude passed quickly. Pei Ze was washed and seated in his specially made chair. It was his first time having dinner at Ming Tang’s place, and he looked around, noticing only his uncle and aunt were present—Grandmother was missing. "Isn’t Grandma coming?"

Ever since the Duke of Dingguo and his wife had their falling out years ago, the household had grown accustomed to the family members eating separately.

Pei Yue had long been accustomed to it, and Ming Tang had no intention of breaking the household rules, so they kept to the usual arrangement. Today, with Pei Ze staying for dinner and Pei Yue off duty and returning to the estate, the three of them sitting together at the table felt a bit off.

It was as if a family of four had gone on vacation together, but three were eating together while the other dined alone—a little awkward...

Pei Yue glanced around and also realized the issue. Thinking of Mrs. Pei, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Recalling that Ming Tang had first caught his mother's eye before their marriage, he assumed their relationship must be harmonious. So, he asked Ming Tang: "How about, starting tomorrow, we join Mother in the main courtyard for dinner during these few days of the autumn hunt?"

His gaze was sincere, and the matter was trivial. Ming Tang considered that the hunt would only last a few days, and since Mrs. Pei was easy to get along with, she nodded easily: "Sure."

With that settled, they began their meal. Pei Ze was now much better with his utensils than before. Nanny Zhou stood behind him, watching his interest in the dishes and making sure they were okay for a child before serving him portions. Pei Ze ate happily with his spoon.

After dinner, Pei Ze was taken back to stay with Mrs. Pei, while Ming Tang naturally remained with Pei Yue in the eastern wing.

The next day, they would head to the hunting grounds. Considering Ming Tang’s recent fatigue, Pei Yue planned to turn in early after washing up. But shortly after closing his eyes, he felt a warm touch—Ming Tang had taken his hand, propped herself up on the pillow, and smiled at him. Her loosely tied hair was about to come undone, the pearls in it glimmering faintly.

The downside of napping too long in the afternoon was sleeplessness at night. Recalling Pei Yue’s appearance earlier, before she knew it, she had unconsciously grasped his hand.

In the dim candlelight, the intimate setting of sharing a bed, Pei Yue got Ming Tang’s hint. After a slight pause, he turned over, removed the pearl hairpin holding her hair, and let her dark tresses cascade down. He smoothed her hair, enjoying the feel of the cool strands slipping through his fingers, then leaned over her.

Ming Tang tilted her head in response, her fingers brushing against his sleepwear before giving a light tug.

Having been married for some time, Pei Yue had gotten much better compared to before. Ming Tang found herself somewhat flustered, her gaze lingering on his chest and abdomen, her palm pressing against him almost instinctively.

Pei Yue’s throat tightened slightly as he pinned Ming Tang’s hand beside her head. Seeing her eyes still wandering, he suddenly understood the strange feeling he’d had earlier that afternoon:

It was because Ming Tang probably hadn’t paid any attention to how he drew the bow—her focus had been entirely on his body.

He bent down, kissing her ear lightly. Pressed close together, he indeed sensed more enthusiasm from her. After several rounds of passion, when Pei Yue wanted to continue, Ming Tang quickly put a stop to it.

As tempting as he was, moderation was key. Any more, and she truly wouldn’t be able to get up tomorrow. On the first day of the hunt, as the young mistress of the Pei family, she couldn’t afford to miss the social gatherings of the ladies.

Pei Yue felt a twinge of regret but got up to call for water. After washing up, they returned to bed.

Ming Tang was nearly asleep the moment her head touched the pillow. So, when Pei Yue asked her a question, her answer slipped out without thought, mumbled sleepily: "What woman wouldn’t love a handsome husband?"

With that, her breathing slowed, and she drifted off.

Leaving Pei Yue alone to gaze at her sleeping face, pondering: When his mother had taken a liking to her and sought the marriage, the Ming family had insisted on meeting first—could it have been Ming Tang wanting to see him for herself? Come to think of it, Imperial Censor Chen had been a Tanhua in his youth, known for his dignified appearance...

If he hadn’t been blessed with a reasonably handsome face, perhaps the Ming family wouldn’t have agreed to the match.

Touching his cheek, reflecting on his time with Ming Tang and the increasingly lively Pei Ze, Pei Yue felt, for the first first time, that this face of his wasn’t all bad.