Chapter 89

Chapter 89

"Tell me, when will A-Ze finally realize something's amiss?"

The two whispered conspiratorially. Up front, Pei Ze, who had been praying with clasped hands for a long while, finally couldn't resist. He secretly lifted his eyelids, glancing around.

Seeing no one beside him, he froze in surprise: *Where did my auntie go? She was just here a moment ago.*

Pei Ze had personally witnessed kidnappings and even knew a friend who had been abducted. He understood that for a child, once taken by a stranger, they might never see their family again. Thus, he was always extremely cautious about his safety when out and about.

The Guanyin Hall was vast and open, with the Bodhisattva looking down from her lofty lotus throne. The floor was paved with smooth, dark, polished stone tiles, and the distant corners faded into a blurry dimness. Pei Ze was immediately reminded of his Lantern Festival memories, fearing someone might emerge from a dark corner, scoop him up, and run.

He scrambled to his feet in a panic. Turning around, he saw Pei Yue and Ming Tang, both wearing clothes Pei Ze considered "unattractive," and instantly felt a wave of relief.

But before he could fully relax, he noticed both of them had their backs to him, paying him no attention whatsoever. Pei Ze's brows furrowed immediately, his small face stern. He walked around to stand in front of them and sternly reprimanded:

"We are family! We should care for each other! As adults, you must look after children properly when outside. What if someone takes A-Ze away? Where would the family find another A-Ze to raise?"

Ming Tang also noticed Pei Ze's slight panic. A little surprised, she immediately crouched down, smiling as she soothed him: "A-Ze is right. Uncle and Auntie apologize. Will you, the little one, forgive the adults' oversight?"

*Little one?*

Pei Yue's eyebrow twitched. Suppressing a laugh, he responded gravely, "This hall has only one door, and our family is waiting outside. How could we possibly lose you?"

Pei Ze peered outside and indeed saw Sister Zhe Liu and the others standing in the courtyard, chatting. Realizing he had misunderstood, he waved his hand, magnanimously declaring, "Alright, alright, the little one won't hold it against the adults!"

Ming Tang's earlier words were simple and easy to grasp. Pei Ze had committed them to memory and immediately put them to good use.

Yet, for some reason, as soon as he uttered that sentence, his normally composed auntie suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. Still in her crouched position, she pulled him into a hug and planted a loud kiss on his left cheek: "A-Ze, A-Ze, how can you be so adorable?"

Pei Ze blinked. Instinctively, he looked up, his gaze meeting Uncle Pei Yue's.

Witnessing his uncle's utterly expressionless face, Pei Ze turned back in confusion, offering his right cheek to Ming Tang, a hint of shyness in his voice: "The right side too~"

Pei Yue: "..."

"It's getting late. Don't we still need to go to the Medicine King Hall?" he said flatly.

*When would You Niang ever be so naturally affectionate with him?*

After many days together, Pei Yue could sense that Ming Tang was growing more relaxed and comfortable around him, even becoming more passionate in bed. But away from the bed, she rarely initiated such intimate gestures with him...

Lost in thought, Pei Yue paused mid-step and glanced back at Ming Tang, who was walking slowly, holding Pei Ze's hand.

The spring sun shone brightly, casting dazzling patches of light through the budding green leaves. Ming Tang, dressed in soft greens and light blues, seemed to melt into the light beams, shimmering faintly as if she were a spirit woven from a piece of spring itself.

Noticing his turn, Ming Tang gave him a questioning look, only to be met with a sudden smile, warm as a spring breeze—and a hand extended towards her.

Palm in palm, the three of them, from shortest to tallest, walked in a neat line down the bluestone path, drawing countless curious yet benevolent glances.

After donating untold amounts of incense money and collecting a myriad of blessed charms and consecrated jade Buddha pendants, they returned to the resting courtyard to find Mrs. Pei, who had just returned from a scripture lecture, already enjoying a cup of tea.

Seeing Pei Ze excitedly rush over after greeting her, Mrs. Pei immediately beamed, opening her arms to embrace him tightly. Pei Ze quickly squirmed free from her hug, eagerly explaining to her where he had obtained each of the amulets.

Finally, he opened his pouch like a child presenting a treasure, whispering to Mrs. Pei, "The old monk liked A-Ze and gave me lots of blessings. A-Ze secretly peeked—no one else got as many as me!"

Being blessed by a stranger made Pei Ze incredibly proud, convinced it was all thanks to his own charm.

Then he generously announced, "Grandma and I get half, Uncle and Mother get the other half. Everyone gets blessings~"

Mrs. Pei indeed poured out the contents—dried arhat beans that Qixia Temple gave to devotees—and meticulously divided them, counting each one with utmost seriousness, not minding their humble nature.

Once done, she ruffled Pei Ze's hair and said with satisfaction, "These beans don't keep well, so later, Grandma will have a pouch of golden Buddha beans made for you in the same style. May they bless our A-Ze with everlasting fortune."

Lin Mama, leading the maids in to set the table, couldn’t help but exclaim, "If you ask me, the Buddha's blessings are secondary. The true blessing is for the young master to be born as your grandson, Madam! That is true fortune!"

The whole room burst into laughter. Pei Ze, slightly embarrassed, snuggled into Mrs. Pei's embrace, showering her with affection.

After a lively lunch filled with chatter, everyone retired to their respective meditation rooms for a short rest. Just as the peak heat of the afternoon began to wane, Mrs. Ming and Ming Wan arrived together.

Ming Wan, eager to go shopping with Ming Tang, had been impatient to come over but maintained her composure. After greeting the elders, she sidled up to Ming Tang and whispered, "I've been wanting to buy some new trinkets. I wonder if we'll find any today."

Of course, Ming Tang played along with her niece's desire for a whispered conversation, also lowering her voice: "It's even livelier this year than before, so I'm sure there will be plenty."

Ming Wan nodded, then subtly lifted her eyelids, hesitating as she asked, "Is... Uncle coming along too?"

During the Lantern Festival, her uncle hadn't seemed pleased when he saw them.

Ming Tang nodded. "Naturally." If he didn't come, there would be one less person to look after Pei Ze.

Sure enough, just as she expected, upon hearing that Ming Tang was going out in the afternoon, Pei Ze immediately declared he wasn't tired and didn't want to stay with Grandma; he wanted to go out and play.

Mrs. Pei had thought Pei Ze would be tired after his morning's activities and wanted to keep him by her side for a rest. But seeing his boundless energy and his insistence, she reluctantly agreed.

With Pei Ze in tow, their group became even larger. Nanny Zhou carried Pei Ze at the very front, followed closely by Ming Tang and Pei Yue, with Ming Wan a half-step behind. Zhe Liu and the guards subtly surrounded them, clearly a distinguished household on an outing, yet they moved smoothly through the bustling crowd.

It was springtime, and compared to winter, the street vendors' clothes were lighter and more colorful. The streets, divided into various stalls according to Qixia Temple's management, were already bustling with merchants who had arrived the previous night, now loudly hawking their wares to the crowds.

Besides the various sales pitches, there was also the clear chirping of birds—street performers directing their well-trained birds to entertain passersby, occasionally drawing cheers.

As she walked, Ming Tang saw smiles on every face, and her own mood couldn't help but lift. She once again felt grateful that although she had traveled to ancient times, it was a peaceful era. If she had arrived during a chaotic period, with her cultural knowledge—having long forgotten the most useful high school physics and chemistry for a transmigrator—she couldn't imagine what predicament she would be in now.

Pei Yue was increasingly busy these days, so this was a rare day of leisure for him to accompany his family on an outing. Noticing Ming Tang's good mood, a smile also graced his lips.

Walking through the crowd, Ming Tang was occasionally distracted by a word or two with Ming Wan. Just then, a group of over ten people, all carrying water, passed through the middle of the path. Passersby scattered to the sides. Ming Tang, momentarily unaware, was almost swept away by the human tide, but Pei Yue quickly grasped her wrist, steadying her.

Ming Wan was the first granddaughter of the Ming family's third generation. Above her was her young aunt, with whom she had a sisterly relationship, and below her were younger siblings with a significant age gap. She had always possessed a steady demeanor and was perceptive. She promptly avoided the crowd, only to look up and see her aunt and uncle, at some point, had taken each other's hands. She couldn't help but smile.

Meeting Ming Tang's concerned gaze, she shook her head and said, "I'm fine, Auntie, don't worry."

After that, she no longer sought to speak with Ming Tang but instead engaged in lively conversation with Pei Ze and Nanny Zhou, who were now beside her.

Nanny Zhou was experienced and steady, accustomed to traveling, and naturally had far more worldly knowledge than Ming Wan, a girl raised in seclusion. Coupled with Pei Ze's outgoing nature, the three conversed with great enthusiasm.

Pei Ze was especially delighted. Holding Ming Wan's hand, he refused to let go, exclaiming loudly, "Sister Ming Wan is my third soulmate!"

Ming Tang happened to see a stall ahead selling small bamboo-woven animals, various small baskets, and bamboo tubes—all exquisite items. Just as she was about to turn and call Ming Wan over, she heard Pei Ze's declaration and saw his look of profound emotion. She was a little speechless: "You've only been in school for a few days, and you already know this idiom?"

Pei Ze was very proud: "Mr. Lu said Boya and Ziqi had endless things to talk about, so later generations called them 'bosom friends.' Sister Ming Wan and I also have a lot to talk about, so of course, we're bosom friends!"

Ming Wan didn't find Pei Ze's words childish. Instead, she asked with interest, "You said I'm your third bosom friend. Who are the first two?"

"The first is naturally Yang-ge. Mr. Lu himself said so. When he told us stories, he used me and Yang-ge as examples."

Noticing Ming Wan's confusion, Ming Tang explained, "He's his deskmate at school. They sit together, but because their progress is a bit different from the other two, they're having extra lessons with Mr. Lu every day."

Ming Wan nodded, and with a little thought, she couldn't help but smile: *Boya and Ziqi were bosom friends because they had endless things to talk about. Little A-Ze must have been talking in class with his deskmate, and Mr. Lu subtly expressed his displeasure!*

It was a pity the message was too subtle. Pei Ze hadn't grasped Mr. Lu's true meaning at all; he had only learned a new term and was eager to use it. Now, he continued to babble on: "My second bosom friend is, of course, Mother." He even sighed, "Actually, I originally thought Mother was first, but since I learned it from Mr. Lu, and he personally mentioned me and Yang-ge, I had to reluctantly make Mother second."

Ming Tang wasn't slighted in the least.

She picked up an exquisitely woven small basket, examining it closely. She couldn't find a single uneven spot in the bamboo strips, as if they had been precisely separated by a machine. While marveling at the artisan's skill, she casually replied to Pei Ze, "At least I'm still second. How could I possibly feel wronged? It's just a pity for your uncle, standing right in front of you, yet not even making the list. Clearly, he spoiled you for nothing—he's the one who should feel more wronged."

As she spoke, Pei Ze couldn't help but glance at Pei Yue. Their eyes met, and he quickly looked away, muttering guiltily, "Well... Uncle doesn't like talking much."

He quickly shifted his gaze, sidling up to Ming Wan to admire an exquisitely crafted bamboo parrot with his "third confidante." Although the bamboo bird had no feathers, it was remarkably lifelike. A slight movement produced a crisp jingling sound from tiny bells, making it utterly charming.

The vendor, observing their attire, knew they were important customers. Reading their expressions, he promptly presented anything Pei Ze so much as glanced at.

Pei Ze, having never experienced such attentive service, wanted everything in sight. Yet these items, though requiring craftsmanship, were made of inexpensive materials and thus not costly. After much deliberation, his selections amounted to only a couple taels of silver, which Ming Wan casually instructed her maid to pay.

Ming Tang had only exchanged a few idle words with Pei Yue before turning back to find their attendants laden with purchases, their hands full to the point of overflowing. She couldn't help but laugh exasperatedly, "How long have we even been out?"

As Ming Tang instructed someone to send the items back first, Yu Gaoxuan, who had been lingering nearby, finally spotted his target. His eyes lit up as he weaved through the crowd towards them. After greeting everyone politely, his gaze briefly searched behind Ming Tang before he turned back and gave Pei Ze a respectful clasped-hand greeting. "Good afternoon, Little Brother Ze!"

By addressing Pei Ze as a younger brother, Yu Gaoxuan's intentions were clear to Pei Yue, though he said nothing, merely giving the young man a once-over. "Didn't Zheng Xuan and the others say they'd seek you out during the break? What brings you here today?"

*How could colleagues compare to a lifelong matter?* Yu Gaoxuan muttered inwardly but laughed it off. "Eldest Brother had business today, and Second Brother isn't in the capital. As the youngest son, it's only natural I accompany my mother today. I just sneaked off while she's busy."

Ming Tang noticed that although he had glanced behind her upon arrival, he spoke impeccably. She guessed he likely knew about the marriage discussions between their families and had seized this chance to catch a glimpse of his prospective bride.

On a bustling street with elders present, such behavior wasn't considered improper in that era. After some thought, Ming Tang decided this was as appropriate an occasion as any and played along, introducing him to Ming Wan as a family friend of the Peis, someone who addressed Pei Yue as "Uncle."

Ming Wan, completely oblivious, followed her aunt’s lead. She stepped forward, curtsied slightly, and softly murmured a greeting, "Good day, Brother Yu."

As she straightened, she couldn't resist stealing a curious glance. Having satisfied her curiosity about his appearance, she quietly returned to her place. *They say my uncle is also a late-born child—just like Auntie, the youngest in their families yet still elders. This Brother Yu looks barely younger than Uncle, yet like me, he’s relegated to the younger generation, only fit to compare ages with Little A-Ze.*

Pei Ze, however, didn't think so much. He vaguely remembered that the last time he met this person, he had tried to "steal" his uncle. Now, considering himself no longer last year's child, he accepted the title more naturally. Recalling Ming Tang's teachings, he earnestly clasped his hands and bowed: "Good day, Brother Yu."

Once unfamiliar, now familiar. Yu Gaoxuan, having come alone, also accepted the address well. He ruffled Pei Ze's hair, teasing with a smile, "Brother Ze, you've grown taller."

It wasn't so much his physical growth but the shedding of childishness since starting school that made the difference.

Calculating the boy's age, Yu Gaoxuan couldn't help but inwardly click his tongue. *Back then, I thought I was trained early by Father and Eldest Brother, yet I still fooled around until six or seven.*

"Are you done here?" Pei Yue finally began to hasten him off. "We still have more to see. What about you?"

Yu Gaoxuan longed to say, *I'd like to join you*, but even he didn't dare push his luck further after this daring move. He bid them farewell gracefully, then waved over his attendants. "I'm just wandering alone and don't need company, but your group seems short-handed. Since Uncle needs people to deliver purchases, let mine help. Our carriages are parked together anyway."

With that, he turned and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

The brief interlude passed quickly. Ming Wan, treating it as a chance encounter with an acquaintance, thought nothing of it and continued enjoying the unfamiliar sights during this rare outing.

By evening, they returned exhausted. Pei Ze slept soundly in Nanny Zhou's arms, while Ming Wan, weary yet content, rejoined her grandmother and Mrs. Pei. After greeting them, she resumed her usual composed demeanor beside Mrs. Ming.

Mrs. Pei, seeing Pei Ze fast asleep, sighed and shook her head. "He's such a little whirlwind." Only tiring himself out completely would he relent. If this continued, it wouldn't do.

Mrs. Ming, however, was unperturbed. "You Niang was the same as a child—once outside, it was like escaping a cage. She grew out of it."

As they chatted, they reached the carriages. Just as Nanny Zhou was about to board with Pei Ze, the boy stirred awake, blinking drowsily. Spotting Ming Wan, he realized they were parting ways and clutched at her sleeve reluctantly. "Sister Ming Wan, come play at our house next time!"

Now truly fond of her little cousin, Ming Wan bent down to pat his cheek, smiling as she promised, "On your next break, alright?"

Like her brothers, she attended school with regular breaks. Pei Ze, just starting his studies, was at an age for setting rules, so she knew he would only be allowed leisure on such days.

Pei Ze only heard the "alright" and nodded drowsily, falling back into a deep sleep moments later.

"Little A-Ze has really grown attached to our family." Close to Ming Tang and now Ming Wan.

Mrs. Pei nodded. "It's also because You Niang treats him well." Pei Ze had been picky since infancy, going through three nannies before settling on one. Even his maids weren't all to his liking. Though Ming Tang couldn't be compared to them, it showed how particular he was.

Having watched their bond grow, Mrs. Pei knew how much effort Ming Tang had put in. Each time she reflected on it, she felt grateful. *Family knows family best. Had it been anyone else, things might not have turned out so well.*

The two mothers, both convinced they had made the right match, exchanged a knowing smile before parting ways, their carriages heading home under the setting sun.

Upon returning home, Mrs. Ming, seeing Ming Wan's fatigue, sent her off to rest while she herself returned to the main hall. After changing, she sat on the couch, listening to reports. With both daughters-in-law absent, she had to personally oversee household matters. After a day out, two or three minor decisions awaited her.

After quickly resolving the matters, Mrs. Ming finally relaxed. She called a young maid to massage her shoulders, but then saw Ming Wan's maid return. She couldn't help but ask, "Did Ah Wan forget something?"

The maid shook her head, whispering, "No, she didn't forget anything. Fourth Aunt instructed me to report to you that today..." She then recounted the encounter with Yu Gaoxuan on the street in detail.

Mrs. Ming, being experienced, understood the young man's eagerness, though she still frowned slightly. Considering elders had been present, even without the marriage negotiations, a chance greeting was proper. Relieved, she mused about finding a chance later to test Ming Wan's feelings.

*Not that one meeting reveals much, but first impressions matter. If Ah Wan disliked the Yu boy, no matter how keen his mother was, the matter could end here.*

Meanwhile, she wondered how much effort Yu Gaoxuan had expended for this "coincidental" meeting—and what the Yu family's next move would be.

As Mrs. Ming pondered, comparing the Yu family with the few families she had subtly hinted at to Ming Wan today, Mrs. Yu, upon learning of her youngest son's afternoon stunt, couldn't suppress her irritation: "This is far too rash!"

Yu Gaoxuan remained unapologetic: "I merely greeted an elder I met on the street—perfectly reasonable. Besides, I wasn't improper. Auntie Ming wasn't bothered and even let me greet Miss Ming. No need for fuss, Mother."

Mrs. Yu's worry stemmed from her son's impulsiveness potentially offending the girl. Hearing Ming Tang hadn't taken offense eased her mind—especially since she had observed Ming Wan earlier and grown fond of the composed girl. Her husband's words echoed:

"Minister Ming has always been prudent, now firmly entrenched in the Grand Secretariat. Even during major court events like the princes' political observations, he remains impartial, earning the Emperor's increasing favor. The Mings have another advantage now—their marriage to the Peis bridges scholarly and noble circles, an ideal match. While virtue matters most in a wife, our third son is the youngest. Even if the Ming granddaughter isn't exceptional, it's fine. Eldest Daughter-in-law is capable enough."

With her husband's endorsement, Mrs. Yu was doubly earnest. Familiar with Ming Tang from social circles, she knew the girl had thrived in the Pei household. *Like aunt, like niece.* Each time she saw Ming Wan, the girl's steadiness impressed her further.

Relieved the Mings weren't offended, she then fretted over her own family's impression. After careful deliberation, she asked, "Now that you've seen her and found a way to meet her, what do you think?"

*You can't force a horse to drink.* Her son had always been headstrong—if he disapproved, no persuasion would work. Better focus on convincing her husband.

Yu Gaoxuan paused. "Think about what?" Then it clicked, and he laughed. "Mother, you overthink. Marriage is parents' decision. I just refused to bind myself blindly, hence this scheme. If the family intends this match, why would I object?"

Mrs. Yu hesitated. "Still, it's a lifetime commitment..." She didn't deny their interest.

Yu Gaoxuan grew serious. "Even so, do you think one meeting would make me be smitten?" *Though the girl—likely not yet of age—has a lovely voice.* He paused, thoughtful. "With a role model like Madam Pei and the Ming upbringing, I trust she's sensible. As long as she's not foolish, if I treat her sincerely, she'll reciprocate. Why dwell on feelings now?"

His attitude reassured Mrs. Yu. "If that's your stance, I'm at ease." Though usually rebellious, her son never faltered on major matters. "If this proceeds, you must treat her well. You know Madam Pei's past. The Mings cherish their daughters. If you ever wrong her, remember—Miss Ming has three brothers."

Seeing her point made, Yu Gaoxuan stood, stretching. As he turned to leave, she called after him, "Where are you going?"

Without looking back, he replied, "To find some flowers. Next time you write to the Mings, include them."

Noticing Ming Wan had held a woven orchid all day, he guessed she favored them.

Days later, Ming Tang laughed upon reading Mrs. Ming's letter, drawing Wen He's curiosity. "What good news has you so cheerful, Miss?"

Ming Tang grinned. "Ah Wan's marriage prospects are shaping up. Isn't that good?"

Yu Gaoxuan was decent, earnest, and Mrs. Ming's probing revealed Ming Wan's favorable impression. A promising match.

But Ming Tang's true joy lay in Ming Wan's clarity: *"Matched in status, seemingly invested, a youngest son from a family Uncle knows well—good enough. If all else fails, I still have my family."*

Such maturity from one so young left Ming Tang marveling.

Wen He, delighted by the news, didn't pry about the family, knowing it premature. Instead, she cheerfully congratulated, then playfully teased for a feast to celebrate for all to share the joy.

Happy to oblige, Ming Tang sent her to the kitchen with a plausible excuse while she headed to the storeroom, considering which jewels might make suitable gifts for Ming Wan's trousseau.

The shops she managed had turned a handsome profit last year, and the jewelry store always reserved the finest pieces for her to pick first. Combined with items from her dowry, opening the boxes in the dimly lit storeroom now filled the room with a dazzling gleam.

As she browsed, she noticed a piece of Tianhuang stone in one of the boxes, its knob already carved into a reclining deer. A thought struck her, and she took it out, bringing it along to the main room.

When Pei Yue returned that evening, he found Ming Tang not in the lounge as usual, but in the study, carefully sketching something. Curious, he approached for a closer look and saw four neatly squared characters on the paper: "Pei Yue's Seal." The calligraphy differed from the popular styles of the time—its strokes were lean yet forceful, the characters structured yet light, exuding a unique charm.

Pei Yue recalled that Ming Tang's handwriting was not like this; hers was gentle yet firm. Clearly, these characters were specially written for carving his seal.

Setting down her brush, Ming Tang, aware of Pei Yue's return, remained seated and pointed at the stone on the table with a smile. "You're in luck. I found this unused stone in a box—I'll have it carved into a personal seal for you someday."

Pei Yue took the Tianhuang stone in his hand, rubbing it thoughtfully for a while. "Indeed, I'm the lucky one. I'd originally thought to carve one myself to match your thoughtfulness, but this stone is too fine to risk my amateur hands."

Ming Tang raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You know how to carve seals?"

Pei Yue nodded. "Manual dexterity matters. Back then, to practice, I trained in spearmanship by day and carved seals with my elder brother at night whenever I had the stamina. The house was full of stones I botched during practice. It's been years since I last tried."

Pausing briefly, he turned and pulled open a small drawer on the bookshelf, retrieving a key. He then walked straight to a door in the study that Ming Tang had once been curious about long ago.

Unlocking the small padlock hanging on it, Pei Yue pushed the door open and turned to invite Ming Tang. "Inside are many keepsakes from my childhood. Care to see?"