Chapter 76

Chapter 76

At just three years old, Pei Ze had never experienced anything quite like this. Indeed, any deviation from his usual routine filled him with delight.

Thus, those present soon watched as he reveled in the bathtub.

Meanwhile, Ming Tang gracefully entered the water on the other side. The spring water was warmer than her usual bath, initially feeling a bit hot, but becoming wonderfully comfortable once she adjusted.

However, hot springs were not meant for prolonged soaking. Knowing they would be staying at the villa for several more days, Ming Tang felt a fleeting regret before resolutely stepping out.

Emerging from the warm water, even in the heated room, a momentary chill swept over her. She quickly dressed and rounded the screen, only to find Pei Ze still utterly absorbed in his water play.

Nanny Zhou and the others had already retrieved Pei Ze’s belongings from the main courtyard. At that moment, Pei Ze was meticulously nudging a wooden tiger, watching it drift with the ripples.

Hearing movement, Pei Ze looked up. Never having seen Ming Tang with her hair down, he was momentarily stunned. Recognizing her, he immediately stretched out his arms. "Mother, hug!"

Still in the water, his movements inevitably splashed droplets around. Ming Tang instinctively stepped back and subtly signaled to the attending servants.

The next moment, Pei Ze was lifted from the water and promptly wrapped snugly in a thick blanket, bundled up like a little silkworm unable to move.

The "silkworm" Pei Ze, disoriented by the sudden change of environment, looked around confused. But seeing Ming Tang, just like him, sitting on the couch and slowly drying her hair, a new curiosity sparked within him. He reached out and touched Ming Tang’s long tresses. "Mother, your hair is so long."

A while later, when his own hair was completely dry but Ming Tang was still tending to hers, his simple admiration was tinged with a hint of relief: "Good thing A Ze’s hair is short."

The weather outside was cold, and Ming Tang, always mindful of her health, would certainly not walk back to her quarters with wet hair. She continued drying it at a leisurely pace, glancing at Pei Ze. "Don’t worry, yours will grow long too."

In a world where everyone had hair down to their waists, no one could escape the chore of post-bath hair care. Only Pei Ze, being so young and not yet needing to grow his hair out, could make such a comment.

Steam filled the air. After sitting on the couch for a while, Pei Ze was already drowsy by the time he was carried back to the main courtyard.

Ming Tang had his outer clothes removed and tucked him into bed. Seeing him deeply sleepy yet struggling to stay awake, she shook her head with a smile and coaxed, "Sleep now. You can tell Grandmother all about it tomorrow."

Pei Ze yawned at her words, then contentedly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, the first thing Pei Ze did upon waking was rush to Mrs. Pei’s quarters to recount his "hot spring" experience.

Mrs. Pei had already learned from Nanny Zhou the night before that Pei Ze had merely taken a bath in a different place. Seeing his excitement now, she felt a wave of exasperation.

But not wanting to spoil his fun—lest he actually demand to enter the spring—Mrs. Pei simply humored him, listening to his vivid descriptions while convincing herself: if A Ze believed it was a hot spring, then it was.

When Ming Tang arrived and caught Mrs. Pei’s meaningful glance, followed by snippets of Pei Ze’s retelling, she stifled a laugh, maintaining an innocent expression—she had done nothing at all.

The hot spring villa was quiet with few tasks. Mrs. Pei, who was usually "swamped" during the New Year, found herself with absolutely nothing to do here. At first, she felt somewhat unaccustomed, constantly worrying about household affairs.

But after Ming Tang’s gentle persuasion—and recalling how Ming Tang often delegated tasks to her maids without micromanaging—Mrs. Pei pondered for a moment and gradually relaxed, beginning to enjoy this rare period of leisure.

After all, there were no pressing matters at home these days, and Pei Yue was already settled in his career. There was truly little left for her to worry about.

With her mind at ease, Mrs. Pei began to enjoy life in a way she never had before, feeling an unprecedented sense of freedom.

Back in the capital, Pei Yue had spent several consecutive nights in the outer quarters.

With no one in the inner residence, returning to Chengyi Hall meant not seeing the person he wished to see. It was simpler to just stay in the front quarters.

Today, a few minor court matters had arisen. Pei Yue, on leave from duty, encountered palace eunuchs on his way home from court, dispatched to deliver rewards to the Prince of Chu’s residence.

Earlier, the Fengxiang Liu family affair had implicated the Prince of Jin, resulting in his house arrest for a time. Though the restriction was lifted by the New Year and the emperor showed no overt displeasure, the prince’s reputation had still suffered.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Chu had seized the opportunity to build a good reputation in court. His consort’s news of her pregnancy on New Year’s Day—the prince’s first legitimate child—was a big deal to the palace, with frequent gifts sent their way.

With one prince falling out of favor while the other rose, the situation seemed increasingly clear.

Discussing this with his advisor Duan Muling, both still held the same conviction: they must not actively participate in this matter. The Duke of Dingguo’s household had endured for generations; it did not need the glory of backing an emperor to elevate its status further. Stability was paramount.

As their conversation grew solemn, Fu Feng suddenly arrived with news: "Crown Prince, someone from the Duke’s side is here."

Pei Yue frowned slightly and raised a hand. "Let him in."

The visitor was the last remaining advisor, surnamed Hu, whom Pei Yue had left by the Duke’s side during the earlier staff changes.

Entering, the man looked quite nervous, not daring to raise his head as he bowed deeply. "Crown Prince, the Duke plans to move out soon. He requests the return of the attendants you previously took away."

Pei Yue arched a brow, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Return them? Does he not remember why I removed them in the first place?"

Naturally, it had been to stand up for his wife—why else would the Duke’s entire retinue be stripped away right after he reprimanded her?

The scholar shrank back, stammering, "It was... for spying on your study."

"Then why ask? Dismissed."

"This..." The man worked up the nerve to look up, only to immediately lower his gaze upon meeting Pei Yue’s eyes. "Understood."

If they couldn’t be retrieved, so be it. Between the two, the Duke was far easier to handle.

Making the Crown Prince angry risked being thrown into some remote corner for years—who would even remember him by then?

Pei Yue had long grown accustomed to ignoring the Duke’s presence in the household. Now reminded, he grew annoyed, and he stood to leave.

At the door, however, he remembered: Chengyi Hall would be empty.

Pausing, he summoned Fu Feng. "Gather the men. We depart for the villa in fifteen minutes."

Duan Muling startled. "Crown Prince, it’s getting dark. Perhaps tomorrow—"

But Fu Feng had already nodded briskly. "At once." He turned to leave.

The Crown Prince had mentioned earlier that morning his plan to visit the villa the next day—this was merely moving up the schedule for the escort he'd already arranged.

With everything ready, the guards assembled at the gates in under fifteen minutes. As Pei Yue emerged, the group mounted their horses and rode hard for the city gates.

With curfew approaching and the roads quiet, their hoofbeats echoed crisply in the stillness.

Seated by a tavern window, a man glanced up at the sound. With a curious noise, he rose to peer outside, watching Pei Yue’s distinctive steed for a moment before sending a servant to find out the Crown Prince’s sudden departure.

Learning their destination was the hot spring villa—where Mrs. Pei and the young madam had retreated days prior—the man was left speechless.

So this urgent ride was just to see his mother and wife? The Crown Prince truly was devoted to his family.

Then, an idea occurred to him, and he fell into contemplation.

Unaware of such speculation, Pei Yue rode on. Free from city traffic, his pace far outstripped Ming Tang’s carriage-bound journey. By the time he reached the villa gates, there was still some light.

Fu Feng knocked, and the gatekeeper, surprised but eager, hurried to welcome them—thrilled at this unexpected visit.

The masters hadn’t favored this retreat in recent years, leaving the staff with little to do beyond maintenance. Though the work was light, it lacked the prestige of serving the family directly, with no chance for advancement.

Mrs. Pei’s arrival had already excited the longtime servants. Who could have predicted the Crown Prince would follow?

Word was passed through the household. Because the house was small and Pei Yue's quick strides, he arrived at the main courtyard almost simultaneously with the messenger.

Mrs. Pei had just received the news when she saw him standing before her. She blurted out, "Is there urgent news from the capital?"

She had calculated that Pei Yue would arrive at the earliest during his day off tomorrow—why had he come today?

Pei Yue had acted on impulse, but seeing his mother frown, he realized his sudden visit was somewhat unusual. A little sheepishly, he said, "I was thinking of you and You Niang, so I came directly."

As a child, he had been lively and outgoing, but the older he grew, the more reserved he became. Mrs. Pei rarely heard such words from him and was momentarily stunned. After a pause, she teased, "At my age, I don’t need your concern. You should think more about your wife."

Embarrassed by his mother's teasing, Pei Yue coughed lightly and feigned nonchalance. "Where's You Niang?"

It was already evening, and the Pei family had no custom of evening greetings, making his question entirely unnecessary—showing how flustered he was. Mrs. Pei saw through his forced composure but didn’t expose him. Instead, she picked up her teacup and took a slow sip. "By my estimate, she's probably at the hot springs."

Hot springs... Under his mother’s increasingly amused gaze, Pei Yue gave a quick bow and, guided by a maid, went to find Ming Tang.

At that moment, the room was filled with swirling mist, the various decorative elements making it look like something out of a dream. Ming Tang had her back to him, her hair piled up to keep dry, revealing a smooth neck and flawless back.

Hearing movement, she turned and, recognizing Pei Yue, smiled in surprise. The flickering candlelight, reflected in the rippling water, made her look even more captivating.

Everything was perfect—except for the childish voice of Pei Ze piping up now and then from behind the screen.

All impulses and thoughts vanished the moment Pei Yue heard Pei Ze’s voice. He glanced at the screen, fighting down a flicker of annoyance, and nodded. "I'll head to my room first."

With that, he turned and walked out.

As usual, Pei Ze emerged from the water. Since his hair didn’t need drying this time, he didn't get sleepy from being dried off like usual. After dressing, he lingered, blinking as he surveyed the room before finally voicing his confusion. "Did I just hear Uncle speaking?"

Ming Tang, recalling Pei Yue’s expression upon hearing Pei Ze’s voice, found it amusing and denied it. "No. Maybe A Ze missed his uncle so much that he imagined it."

Pei Ze, who hadn’t heard clearly to begin with, immediately believed her and sighed wistfully. "When will Uncle get a break? Working alone is so pitiful."

Ming Tang suppressed a laugh. "Between family, there’s always a special connection. If you think about him hard enough after you go back, maybe you can ‘wish’ him here tomorrow."

Pei Ze nodded earnestly, clenching his fists. "A Ze will!"