Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Berated harshly by a servant, Huang Shi instantly felt her dignity crumbling. She stepped forward, raising her hand to strike, only for Hong Ying to seize her wrist mid-air, holding it firmly in place, unable to move an inch.

Huang Shi instinctively struggled twice, but Hong Ying remained unmoving, utterly indifferent to her resistance.

Noticing Huang Shi's increasingly sullen expression yet lack of further struggle, Ming Tang surmised she had calmed down somewhat. She signaled Hong Ying with a glance to release her grip.

The moment the restraint loosened, Huang Shi quickly withdrew her hand, not daring to act rashly again. She took a step back, rubbing her wrist where Hong Ying had gripped it, and sneered, "Is the Pei family refusing to acknowledge our kinship now that our elder sister is gone? First, a servant spouts nonsense, and now someone even lays hands on me. Poor A Ze, so young and already orphaned, yet even his maternal family is kept at arm's length."

Ming Tang couldn’t allow such a reputation to tarnish the Pei family. She immediately retorted, "I find it rather ironic that Second Young Madam seems well-versed in the art of 'playing the victim while being the aggressor.' The moment you approached, while I was still wondering who you were, you scolded A Ze for not recognizing you and then presumed to correct my household servants. Even if Madam Yun herself came, such behavior would be unjustifiable. How, then, does the fault lie with us?"

Huang Shi faltered, while Guan Shi, the elder sister-in-law from the Yun family who had accompanied her, grew visibly anxious. She couldn’t understand how, in the blink of an eye, the situation had escalated into such a quarrel when they had agreed on a different approach beforehand...

Glancing at her sister-in-law Huang Shi and recalling Ming Tang’s words, Guan Shi wanted to refute but found herself at a loss, only stammering, "Please don’t be upset, Young Madam..."

Ming Tang stood her ground. "Nanny Zhou has earned Madam Pei’s trust, tending to A Ze day and night since he was an infant. What he eats, what he wears—all are carefully overseen by her. That A Ze has grown so healthily is largely due to her efforts. Even at home, Madam Pei treats her with respect. Yet here you are, his maternal family, who’ve shown no concern for him until now, and the first thing you do is raise a hand against Nanny Zhou. Pray tell, what logic is there in that?"

She rarely spoke so sharply. Pei Ze, who had been hiding in Nanny Zhou’s arms and peeking out, was startled and immediately burrowed deeper into her embrace. Then, he leaned toward Ming Tang, tapping her arm gently and saying, "No angry, no angry!"

Ming Tang, interrupted by Pei Ze, indeed softened her demeanor. She took his little hand and shook it gently, soothing him, "Aunt Ming isn’t angry. Don’t be scared, A Ze."

Their bond was plain for all to see.

Huang Shi watched, her gaze flickering, and finally lowered her head with a contrite expression. "I spoke bluntly out of concern and misspoke. Please forgive me, Young Madam."

Guan Shi, who had always found her sister-in-law too impulsive, sighed in relief at her submission. She bowed slightly to Nanny Zhou and said, "We're indebted to your care these past two years."

Then, she explained to Ming Tang, "It’s not that our family neglected A Ze. It’s just... my father and mother were devastated by the abrupt loss of their cherished daughter, and with their advanced age, their health suffered. They’ve only recently recovered, so some matters were overlooked."

By the end, even she seemed to find the excuse flimsy, her voice trailing off uncertainly.

Nanny Zhou, surprised by Guan Shi’s gratitude, hesitated before sidestepping the gesture, her cheeks flushing as she hastily returned the courtesy.

Ming Tang observed the sudden shift to amicable familial conversation with mild surprise, gaining a measure of respect for Guan Shi.

As for the claim that grief over their daughter’s death had weakened their health... Ming Tang distinctly recalled that her elder sister-in-law, Yun Shi, had lost her mother young, and the current Madam Yun was a stepmother, with both younger brothers being her children. Noticing Guan Shi’s voice growing quieter, even she seemed aware of how unconvincing her words sounded.

"Is that so?" Ming Tang took it at face value, replying courteously, "Please convey my regards to your parents, Elder Young Madam. At their age, excessive grief could shorten their lifespan. I’m sure my elder sister-in-law’s spirit in the afterlife would also wish them peace."

Guan Shi murmured an acknowledgment, relieved to see Ming Tang return to the composed demeanor she had observed earlier from afar. She truly dreaded confrontations.

With the atmosphere seemingly restored to normalcy, Guan Shi composed herself and finally stated their purpose. "Look at us, chatting all this time without getting to the point." She smiled. "My mother has also come to the hunting grounds and wishes to have A Ze visit for half a day, to see her grandson."

Madam Yun wanted to see A Ze?

"A Ze won't go!"

Since they were his maternal family—step-grandmother or not—Ming Tang was still searching for a tactful refusal when Pei Ze, the overlooked protagonist, spoke up.

As all eyes turned to him, including those of the two strangers, Pei Ze initially shrank back. But seeing Ming Tang and the others beside him, he found courage, clinging to Nanny Zhou’s neck and declaring loudly, "A Ze stay home! Not going anywhere!"

Ming Tang silently cheered for him but outwardly sighed. "A Ze is still young and wary of unfamiliar people. Perhaps it’s best to wait until he’s more familiar with you. Please explain this to Madam Yun on my behalf."

Seeing Pei Ze turn away, refusing to even glance at them, Guan Shi realized they had pushed too aggressively. No further persuasion would work today. After a brief hesitation, she nodded. "We’ve troubled you, Young Madam."

Exchanging a meaningful glance with Huang Shi, she won a wordless exchange of glares, and the two departed together.

Once they rounded an artificial hill and confirmed no one was nearby, Huang Shi stopped and grumbled, "Elder Sister-in-law, you’re too accommodating. We’re his rightful maternal family—wanting to spend half a day with our nephew shouldn’t be this difficult. There’s no precedent for such refusal! It defies all reason under heaven!"

"Enough... A Ze isn’t familiar with us and said he didn’t want to go," Guan Shi soothed. "Once we’ve spent more time with him, won’t he naturally grow closer?"

"He’s barely over two, spending every day with that Ming woman. By the time he’s older, he’ll likely see her as his real mother. What claim will we Yuns have then to assert our standing as his mother's kin?"

Huang Shi thought of Ming Tang—hairpins studded with glimmering pearls, gold gleaming at her wrists, even her maids adorned in gold and silver. The moment someone approached, servants rushed to shield her. Now that was the bearing of nobility...

If only she had a father serving as Vice Minister, she too could have remarried after widowhood into a family like the Peis, as the legitimate first wife. In a year or two, she’d bear a son, and this grand estate would fall into her lap. What silks and jewels wouldn’t be within reach?

Guan Shi, hearing this, quickly checked their surroundings and pulled Huang Shi into an open pavilion before whispering, "How can you think that way? Had the Peis not arranged for the current Young Madam’s marriage, would A Ze be treated as the 'little heir'?"

Even her in-laws had assumed that with an adult uncle in the picture, A Ze would eventually be set aside. Moreover, their elder sister had never been close to the family, so they’d unconsciously neglected their rightful grandson. Only this year, seeing how the Peis had specially arranged this marriage and continued to raise A Ze like precious jade and gold, did they scramble to reconnect.

Her elderly mother-in-law had even eagerly hurried to the hunting grounds, fearing Madam Pei’s notoriously stern demeanor might rebuff them. They’d hoped to first meet the new Young Madam and find an opening through her.

Huang Shi, reminded that she was now a Yun wife with two sons and a daughter, glanced at the silver bracelet on her wrist and felt a pang of melancholy. She straightened her posture—Elder Sister-in-law was right. Without this marriage, how would their sister’s child be treated as the heir apparent?

Seeing Huang Shi’s reluctant agreement, Guan Shi relaxed and gently chided, "You were too rash today. Without knowing the Young Madam’s temperament, you spoke so boldly. You may have offended her."

Had they cultivated goodwill with the Young Madam—who clearly held influence in the Pei household—their request might have been granted.

Huang Shi knew her sister-in-law was right but wouldn’t admit it. With a dismissive wave, she said, "Who’d have thought a newlywed would have such audacity towards her proper kin? I merely wanted to put on a show of authority so she wouldn’t look down on us. Now that I know her temper, I’ll handle her with more deference next time."

Guan Shi sighed. "Please remember those words, my dear sister-in-law."

Huang Shi, already stung by today’s embarrassment, grew prickly under Guan Shi’s repeated "veiled reprimands." With a pout, she retorted, "I’ll remember. But you, Elder Sister-in-law, should think about how to explain our failure to Mother."

Seeing Guan Shi’s expression collapse with anxiety—no doubt worrying over how to break the news to her mother-in-law—Huang Shi leisurely patted her daughter’s head, pinching the child’s still baby-plump cheeks until she giggled. A thought flashed through her mind, and she bent to adjust the red ribbon in her daughter’s hair.

Meanwhile, once the strangers were out of sight, Pei Ze emerged from Nanny Zhou’s arms and toddled over to Ming Tang. He patted her knee, and when she leaned down, he looked up with a puzzled expression. "Where Mama and Papa go?"

Nanny Zhou hadn’t expected Pei Ze to quietly internalize Huang Shi’s earlier words. Her brow furrowed, mouth drawn into a severe line. For a moment, she wished she could drag that bigmouthed sister-in-law back and let Hong Ying teach her a lesson.

The young master had lost his parents early. Madam Pei had long instructed that, given his tender age and inability to comprehend death, excessive explanations might make him feel different from others, warping his disposition.

All had been well until now, when his maternal family abruptly shattered the illusion.

Nanny Zhou watched Ming Tang nervously, fearing she might be too blunt and frighten the child.

Ming Tang, however, was prepared. Seeing Pei Ze’s confusion tinged with unease, her heart softened. She gathered him into her arms, savoring his warmth, and after a pause, spun the tale softly:

"A Ze’s mother was surnamed Yun, a fairy in heaven whose duty was weaving clouds. She and your father were kindred spirits long ago. One day, they saw a jade-pure, snow-lovely celestial child at the Lady of Birth’s palace, destined to be born into the mortal world but undecided on parents. They loved him so much they wished to be his parents, so they descended to earth and brought you into the world."

"But your father and mother had duties in heaven. After bringing you here, they couldn’t stay long and returned. Look up, A Ze—do you see the clouds? That’s your mother weaving them, watching over you always."

As Pei Ze listened, his expression grew serene. He gazed skyward, where wisps of white drifted across the blue, shifting shapes as if someone above gazed down. A wide smile broke across his face, and he couldn't help but wave upward, mimicking Ming Tang’s gestures.

A child’s innocent joy is infectious. Wen He and Hong Ying found themselves smiling, the atmosphere peaceful once more.

Nanny Zhou, seeing Pei Ze undisturbed, exhaled in relief and bowed deeply to Ming Tang in gratitude for her thoughtful comfort.

Later, the Ji family hosted a banquet across their estate. Guests who had been admiring the scenery took their seats, savoring dishes rumored to be the Ji chefs’ specialties.

As guests, and with the food far superior to yesterday’s lukewarm offerings at the Wangshan Pavilion, the compliments flowed freely.

After the meal, as some departed and others lingered in the now-sparser hall, someone inquired, "I heard Madam Ji also invited several princesses and noble consorts. Why haven’t they come?"

Without missing a beat, Madam Ji glanced at Madam Pei and smiled. "You’ve all heard of yesterday’s auspicious animal. His Majesty was mightily pleased and summoned the imperial family for a feast today. Thus, the imperial relatives couldn’t attend."

Though the hunting grounds were vast, news traveled faster than in the capital. None were unaware of the event—indeed, it had been the day’s most discussed matter.

Even more people heard that yesterday, Pei Yue was noticed by the emperor in the crowd because he was dressed in red, and was summoned to serve by his side, which led to the fortune of personally capturing the auspicious animal. Last night, many had rummaged through their trunks to find the most eye-catching and splendid outfits for their husbands and sons, hoping they might encounter some rare prey today and make a name for themselves.

Now that Mrs. Ji had brought it up, the guests couldn’t help but turn their gazes toward Mrs. Pei.

Some feared Mrs. Pei’s status and worried that the usually stern Mrs. Pei might rebuff them, while others directly looked at her and asked, "We probably won’t have the fortune to see it with our own eyes, but Pei Yue is truly blessed—to gain an auspicious animal on his very first day serving the emperor! Such incredible luck! Did Pei Yue describe the auspicious animal to you yesterday? We’d love to hear about it."

This came from the Duchess of Yu herself.

The Duke of Yu’s estate was also a hereditary ducal household, but previous generations had been unremarkable, leaving only the ducal title to uphold their prestige. However, the current Duke of Yu had shown exceptional talent from a young age, demonstrating exceptional military prowess. He now served as the Commander-in-Chief stationed in Liaodong.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Pei frowned slightly and stood up. "The auspicious animal was encountered in the emperor’s hunting grounds. My son Pei Yue merely happened to be serving by His Majesty’s side and was fortunate enough to share in his blessings. How could we presume to call it our own good fortune? I must ask you to measure your words carefully, Duchess. As for the appearance of the auspicious animal—since you are well-traveled, you must have seen a live deer before. It resembled a white deer."

After speaking, she nodded slightly to Mrs. Ji. "We've imposed upon your hospitality enough today. There are still matters at home to attend to, so we’ll take our leave now. We’ll see everyone again at the grand hunt tomorrow."

Thankfully, Yue hadn’t let this matter cloud his judgment. Yesterday, he had already tactfully advised the emperor not to place undue faith in the notion of auspicious omens. Otherwise, if this talk of "good fortune" spread, what would people think of Yue?

Turning, she signaled for Ming Tang to leave with her.

Without waiting for the others’ responses, the two women led the Pei family entourage out of the hall.

Once they boarded their carriage and the coachman set off for home, Mrs. Pei finally noticed something amiss: Why were these two so quiet today?

Curious, she looked up and saw Ming Tang and Pei Ze sitting across from her, both staring at her with matching expressions of quiet awe.

Pei Ze was young, so such behavior was understandable—but Ming Tang mirroring him? Mrs. Pei found it both amusing and exasperating. "What are you two doing?" she asked.

The tension in her chest eased considerably.

Ming Tang didn’t answer. Instead, she imitated Mrs. Pei’s earlier posture—spine straight, expression composed, chin slightly raised—instantly exuding the same air of dignified authority.

Pei Ze followed suit, even adding his own flourish—one fist behind his back, the other hand waving slightly to the side, his childish face solemn as he mouthed two words: "Be cautious!"

Mrs. Pei realized they were mimicking her earlier demeanor. She tried to maintain a stern expression, but her lips betrayed her, curling upward against her will. Giving up the act, she pulled Pei Ze into her lap and gently pinched his nose. "What a little treasure!"

Pei Ze nestled comfortably into her arms and began counting on his fingers. "A Ze is now a young master, an auspicious animal, a heavenly child, a little treasure..." He sighed. "A Ze is so busy!"

The carriage soon filled with the women's laughter. After a moment, Mrs. Pei finally chided Ming Tang, "You should maintain more decorum. Why are you acting just like A Ze?"

Ming Tang blinked. "Isn’t this just among family?" She had observed over the past few days that Mrs. Pei likely wouldn’t fault her for such small displays of informality.

Sure enough, Mrs. Pei’s eyes crinkled with amusement, not a trace of genuine reproach in her expression. Ming Tang pressed on, "Besides, we were so awed by your noble bearing earlier that we couldn’t help but imitate you. That’s scarcely lacking in dignity."

Pei Ze in Mrs. Pei’s lap nodded vigorously in agreement.

Mrs. Pei gave an exasperated shake of her head, though inwardly delighted. What elder wouldn’t delight in being genuinely admired by their juniors?

She said no more and instead began recounting the history of the Duke of Yu’s household in detail to Ming Tang.

As someone raised in the capital, Ming Tang had naturally heard of the Duke of Yu’s exploits before, but none matched Mrs. Pei's intimate knowledge—born into a marquis’s household and having managed a ducal estate for years.

When Mrs. Pei spoke of how the current Duke of Yu left home to join the military, returned with merit to be named heir, then petitioned the emperor for a marriage that conveniently saw off several resident cousins, she recounted with colorful detail.

The Duke of Yu’s household saga was replete with dramatic turns—if framed around the duke himself, it would make for a thrilling tale of ambition and triumph. Ming Tang listened raptly, musing to herself that this was far more interesting than those stories where even fox spirits pursued scholarly honors.

Her attentive listening spurred Mrs. Pei’s enthusiasm, and she shared more anecdotes of noble families’ pasts with Ming Tang.

By the time the carriage arrived at the estate, both remained deep in discussion.

The Pei estate remained as immaculate and refined as ever. After retiring to their respective quarters, Mrs. Pei instructed servants to take Pei Ze, who had fallen asleep, for his nap. Just as she crossed the threshold of her main chamber, Lin Ma approached, presenting a list of gifts and explaining, "Before your return, the Yun family—the family of the late elder madam—sent some items specifically for the young master."

"The Yun family?" Mrs. Pei accepted the list, puzzled. Since her eldest daughter-in-law’s passing, the Yuns had cut all connections with the Peis, ignoring even their own grandson A Ze. Why would they send gifts now, outside of any festival?

Recalling that Yun family members had attended the Ji banquet today, she summoned Nanny Zhou for details and soon had her answer.

Nanny Zhou recounted everything from Guan Shi and Huang Shi’s approach to Ming Tang to their departure, including their exact words, tones, and expressions. Hearing this, Mrs. Pei understood.

The Yuns wanted to reconnect with A Ze but feared her disapproval, so they tested the waters with Ming Tang—only to meet with firm resistance.

The thought of how carefully she shielded Pei Ze from knowledge of his parents’ fate, only for the Yuns to casually mention "no parents" in his presence, filled Mrs. Pei with profound distaste for Huang Shi.

Scanning the gift list, she noted its contents were mostly generic presents—except for one longevity lock seemingly meant for a child. Raising an eyebrow, she remarked coolly, "I thought the Yuns had finally remembered A Ze is their grandson, sending gifts in haste. But it seems they couldn’t be troubled to make a sincere effort."

Handing the list back to Lin Ma, she ordered, "Store these away. Don’t let A Ze see them."

Reflecting on how flawlessly Ming Tang had managed the household affairs since taking charge, handled social interactions with grace, and genuinely cherished A Ze, Mrs. Pei mused: Upon their return, it was time to start training Ming Tang in estate management.

If she could master it, all the better. If not, recognizing areas needing improvement early on would allow Mrs. Pei to guide her properly.