Chapter 105

Chapter 105

The war was over, and the Tatars’ power had waned. Pei Yue no longer had to worry about the tide of battle turning, so he lifted the restrictions on communication. From the day the battle report reached the capital, news from Shaanxi trickled in almost daily with travelers, gradually stirring the atmosphere of the entire city.

Upon learning of Pei Yue’s achievements and his impending return to the capital for the captive presentation ceremony, friends and old acquaintances of the Pei family came to offer their congratulations, even in his absence. Fortunately, most male visitors, understanding that there was no one to host them, stayed only briefly before departing. Only close female relatives were personally received by Mrs. Pei and Ming Tang.

Perhaps good news invigorates the spirit, for despite her busy schedule, Ming Tang felt no fatigue. As she counted down the days to Pei Yue’s return, she even found the energy to indulge the overly excited Pei Ze in his antics.

Though young, Pei Ze had diligently practiced martial arts for a long time. With a specially made, easy-to-draw small bow, he could now impressively nock and shoot a few arrows. He loved company, and knowing his uncle was an exceptional archer, he not only practiced extra himself every day but also relentlessly pestered Ming Tang to watch him. Later, recalling how Ming Tang’s archery had been praised during the hunt, he insisted she join him in practice.

Ming Tang, unwilling to suffer aching arms, openly had a crossbow brought to her. With a single, effortless pull of the string, a streak of light flashed through the air.

Pei Ze’s protests were futile, and he reluctantly gave up, redoubling his own practice instead. He vowed that once Pei Yue returned, he would go hunting with his uncle and show off his skills.

While the Pei household was bustling, the imperial court also had its own affairs to attend to. Rewards, compensations, and the organization of the captive presentation ceremony kept the relevant government offices swamped with work. Chen Wenyao, being in the Ministry of Revenue, dealt with every matter related to finances and provisions, and naturally, he too was caught in the whirlwind. In fact, given his competence, his workload was even heavier.

Ordinary busyness would have been tolerable—Chen Wenyao would have welcomed it as an opportunity to impress his superiors and earn a promotion. But the constant mention of “Pei Yue” in these tasks repeatedly unsettled him, making him wish he could proclaim to the world that he had no desire to handle logistical support for his former wife’s current husband.

Yet, such words were impossible to voice. He could only suppress his irritation and carry out his duties diligently.

Fortunately, matters at home were peaceful. His wife, who might have once resented his neglect, now seemed occupied with other concerns and rarely confronted him. Each time he returned home, she attended to him as dutifully as ever, putting him completely at ease.

Thinking of this, Chen Wenyao felt a pang of tenderness. He hurried to finish the day’s tasks, canceled a planned gathering, and on impulse decided to return home early to dine with his wife.

Wu Shi, however, was in the midst of profound shock, having just dropped and shattered her favorite teacup in disbelief.

The wet nurse standing beside her averted her gaze, her heart aching for her mistress. “Young Madam, you must return home and speak with your mother. Seek her counsel and decide what to do.”

And above all, ensure the master doesn’t learn of this first.

“How dare that wretched woman be so brazen?” Wu Shi seethed with hatred for Ya Yun. Had she not deceived Chen Wenyao, entered the household pregnant from outside, and borne the “eldest grandson of the Chen family,” suspicions might have fallen on Chen Wenyao himself after six years and two wives without issue.

Instead, even when she visited her mother, the latter would gently urge her to seek medical treatment or visit temples renowned for fertility blessings.

“She came from that sort of place—full of tricks. And the master is a fool. Had you not, by some stroke of insight, sent me to investigate, she would have slipped away unscathed, living comfortably. In a few years, that bastard child might even have been registered under your name, raised as your own. And once grown, would he neglect his birth mother?” Seeing her mistress’s dazed expression, the wet nurse nearly shook her awake, her tone urgent. “Never mind that woman. The priority now is to return home and hear your mother’s advice.”

If her parents were willing to support her, as Ming Tang’s had, and take her back, she could remarry in a year or two—even as a second wife—far better than staying with a husband who silently blamed her for their childlessness.

But if her family refused to take her in, then another path must be taken. The fault lay with Chen Wenyao. Ya Yun could be discreetly disposed of with poison, and since he’d likely father no other children, an heir could be adopted from the Chen clan in the south. Raised as their own, the child would ensure their future.

But if she couldn’t return home, Chen Wenyao must never learn the truth. For now, he seemed kind—young, handsome, gentle—but only because he didn’t know he might be impotent. Who knew what he’d become if he found out?

The wet nurse, older and wiser, had heard tales of men who, upon discovering their impotence, tormented the women in their household in unspeakable ways, driving them to despair. And those were men who’d once been virile, with children of their own, their decline a natural consequence of age.

In her limited experience, no man wished his inadequacy known. If Wu Shi remained with him, aware of the truth, resentment would fester between them, leading to untold misery.

Taking concubines to test his fertility would be the least of it. Worse would be if he feigned devotion while secretly plotting his wife’s death to replace her with one ignorant of his shame.

The wet nurse shuddered, breaking into a cold sweat despite the room’s ice basin. Seeing Wu Shi silent, she pressed, “Young Madam, heed my advice. Return home tomorrow and let your mother decide.”

Wu Shi remained dazed, recalling her encounters with Ming Tang. “Did Ming Si know all along?”

The wet nurse’s brows shot up. “If she knew, how could she let you marry into this? What cruelty beneath a gentle face!”

Wu Shi gave a bitter laugh. “Back then, fresh from her divorce, I was convinced I’d won the perfect husband. Even if she’d warned me not to persist in my course, would I have listened?”

Their first meeting had been far from cordial. Looking back, if someone had confronted her with such claims, she’d have slapped them at best. Why would Ming Tang have bothered?

Besides, when Ming Tang first divorced Chen Wenyao, rumors painted her as barren and jealous, using her family’s influence to turn a letter of divorce into a mere separation agreement. Only after Ming Tang remarried into the Duke of Dingguo’s household did such talk fade. Even if Wu Shi had treated her better at the jade platform, would she have believed Chen Wenyao was the problem?

Now, only after sending her most trusted servant to verify the truth did Wu Shi accept that Chen Wenyao might indeed be infertile.

The wet nurse fell silent, about to urge her again when two crisp greetings of “Greetings, Master!” sounded outside. Startled, she whispered, “Young Madam, you mustn’t let him find out.” With that, she bowed and withdrew, passing Chen Wenyao at the door.

Chen Wenyao, recognizing his wife’s wet nurse, nodded respectfully and let her exit before entering. Under Wu Shi’s care, he changed into informal clothes and sighed in relief.

That night, they shared intimacy as usual. After cleaning up, Wu Shi, unwilling to return to bed, picked up scissors and trimmed the candle wick by the bedside.

The flame flickered, then brightened, casting her slender silhouette in sharp relief.

Chen Wenyao watched, struck by an odd sense of discord. “You’re unusually quiet tonight. Is something troubling you?”

The words sparked realization—his wife was hiding something. Years ago, returning home to unusually loud servant greetings and an overly subdued Ming Tang, he’d dismissed it, only to later learn she’d been plotting their divorce, stationing maids to warn of his arrival.

Suspicion flared, but he couldn’t imagine Wu Shi concealing anything major. Reflecting, he noted the wet nurse’s rare presence and his wife’s lack of enthusiasm earlier. A thought brightened his eyes.

As Wu Shi remained silent, he rose, embraced her from behind, and rested a hand on her abdomen, voice softening. “Could it be… you’re with child but unsure? Why didn’t you say so earlier? I was too rash.”

Even with limited knowledge, he knew intimacy was ill-advised in early pregnancy.

Wu Shi nearly laughed coldly. “Husband, you think too far ahead. Whether I’ll ever conceive is uncertain.”

The moment the words left her lips, Chen Wenyao’s grip tightened briefly before he released her, sitting on the bed with a frown. In the flickering light, his presence turned oddly oppressive. “Who’s been whispering to you? I’ve told you—ignore the gossip. If Mother said anything, don’t argue. She’s old, eager for a legitimate grandson, but means no harm. We’re young—children will come.”

He paused, a flicker of unease crossing his mind. Could luck truly abandon him twice? Two capable wives, yet no heir? Was he fated to raise the eldest son as his own? The boy showed little scholarly promise—at his age, talent should be evident.

Shaking off the thought, he reassured her, “Even if conception proves difficult, I’ll request a renowned gynecologist from the prince’s household to tend to you. The princess consort bore a son last year after similar treatment. If it worked for her, it will for you. And if all else fails, the eldest son is being raised as yours—he’ll honor you as his mother in time.”

Regardless, he couldn’t divorce her within the decade. Her father’s military connections were too valuable.

Besides, with the eldest son secured, the family line wouldn’t die out. In ten years, he’d barely be past thirty—plenty of time for more children.

Wu Shi listened to his comforting words, his certainty that the fault lay with her, his pitying gaze. Long-suppressed fury erupted. She scoffed, “Why assume it’s me? Today, I learned something curious—the eldest son, though ‘premature,’ was as healthy as a full-term babe. Strange, isn’t it? That sickly-looking concubine of yours had an easy birth despite her delicate health.”

Chen Wenyao froze. His thoughts raced toward an unthinkable conclusion, sparking rage. He advanced on her, eyes scouring her face. “Do you realize what you’re saying?”

Wu Shi flinched, then stiffened her spine, resolved to lay everything bare and return to her family tomorrow. If they refused her, she’d live off her dowry at her own estate.

The decision brought sudden clarity. Calmer now, she met his gaze. “I laugh at your blindness. You’ve raised another man’s child, all while blaming women. Thank that concubine of yours—without her cuckolding you, the world might have guessed your inadequacy by now!”

Most men would rage at such an accusation. Chen Wenyao was no exception. Enraged, he seized her wrist, hissing through clenched teeth, “Explain yourself!”

Wu Shi twisted free, startled by his strength, then glared. “Must I spell it out? Stop deluding yourself. Look at that ‘son’ of yours—does he resemble you at all? You bedded that woman a handful of times, and when she claimed pregnancy, you never doubted? No physician ever found me lacking before marriage. Yet after wedding you, I’m suddenly barren, seeking cures everywhere. And you watched, unbothered?”

Chen Wenyao’s mind reeled. His son’s face flashed before him—indeed, unlike his own. Her further words faded into noise.

As she struggled, another thought surfaced: her tone suggested she meant to leave him. He released her abruptly, watching her retreat, rubbing her reddened wrist.

Voice low, he said, “I’m grateful you uncovered this. Tomorrow, I’ll consult physicians. If the fault is mine, we’ll adopt from the clan. Children matter little. If you’ve suffered slander, I apologize.” He bowed deeply.

As for Ya Yun—if the child wasn’t his… he’d ensure their discreet disappearance.

Wu Shi studied him, chilled. Moments ago, he’d looked ready to devour her; now, he groveled. Their marriage had been harmonious, but she doubted his affection ran deep—not when he’d discarded Ming Tang, his childhood sweetheart, so easily.

Without love, his motives were calculative. Knowing herself no match for his cunning, Wu Shi resolved to distrust him and leave while she could.

Unconsciously, she took another step back.

Chen Wenyao instantly realized his wife wasn’t taking the out he offered. He’d barely suppressed his shock and rage, and the moment he discovered the person he was painstakingly dealing with wasn't reacting as he predicted, he immediately grew impatient. He straightened up, intent on forcefully "persuading" Wu Shi once more.

Wu Shi, however, had become like a spooked animal after his sudden aggression earlier. The moment she saw him approach, she threw up her arms to ward him off.

One retreated while the other pursued to restrain her. Wu Shi, being in good shape, and Chen Wenyao, a scholar, ended up in a brief standoff. As they chased each other around the room, Chen Wenyao tripped over something and crashed onto Wu Shi. Unable to dodge in time, she was pinned to the ground. Memories of what happened earlier on the bed came rushing back, filling her with revulsion. Struggling fiercely, she wrenched her hand free and slammed her knee hard into Chen Wenyao's groin, leaving him momentarily immobilized by pain.

Wu Shi hesitated for a split second before scrambling to her feet. Seeing the maids already roused by the commotion, she took a deep breath. Since it was curfew and she couldn't leave, she chose to spend the night in the servants' quarters instead. At the first light of dawn, she rounded up her maids and returned to her parents' home.

At the busiest time, Chen Wenyao took sick leave to recuperate at home, earning his colleagues’ ire. Upon learning that Crown Prince Pei was scheduled to arrive in the capital on the 26th of the eighth month—just half a month away—and present captives at the Meridian Gate on the 29th, they assumed they understood the reason: he must be unwilling to handle the aftermath for Crown Prince Pei personally.

Some even brought up his messy history with Ming Tang, sympathizing with his frustration. His ex-wife had remarried a man far more capable than him in every way. Now, one was returning triumphantly to court while the other was busy arranging honors for him—talk about salt in the wound!

Convinced he wasn't truly ill but merely sulking, none of his usually amiable colleagues bothered to visit. This left Chen Wenyao, lying in bed nursing his injury and worrying about how to explain it if anyone came, equal parts confused and relieved.

At the Duke of Dingguo's residence, Ming Tang also learned the exact date of Pei Yue's return and and was overjoyed. When Pei Ze returned from school, she immediately discussed plans with him: "Let's wake up early that day and go to the city gates to welcome your uncle, alright?"

Pei Ze nodded excitedly and suggested, "A Ze wants to ride there on horseback!"

Mrs. Pei, however, shook her head. "The court will likely have arranged an official reception that day. There may not be a chance to speak with Yue."

Ming Tang paused, realizing Pei Yue was returning from a military victory, not a routine trip home. Her spirits dipped briefly before she brightened again. "Then let's just go and watch! Even with an official welcome, they surely won't block the roads entirely—we can at least catch a glimpse from afar."

Mrs. Pei smiled helplessly, watching Ming Tang and Pei Ze chatter excitedly, her own joy spilling from her eyes. On the morning of Pei Yue's return, she personally saw them off at the gate, watching as the pair—one tall, one small—rode toward the city gates with their guards and maids. She couldn't help feeling a twinge of regret.

If she appeared at the city gates, Yue would be obliged to pay his respects, which might disrupt official proceedings. Otherwise, she hadn't ridden out in so long that she would have loved to join them.

Not least because she was intensely curious about how this long-separated couple would reunite. Would her usually composed daughter-in-law finally lose her composure? After all, Ming Tang was dressed in men's clothing today.

If they ended up clasping hands with tears in their eyes, it would certainly be quite the scene.