Chapter 38: Chapter 38 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 38: Two Chapters Combined

As Grandmother Hua’s letter concerned She Niang, Pei Yiqing specifically addressed her: "If you agree, your grandmother will send someone to fetch you. Of course, your mother will accompany you, treating it as a birthday visit for her."

"Father, what do you think? The journey is so long, and it would take several months to go back and forth. That aside, Grandmother already has a home there. She is now under the care of the Prince of Xiang, which is different from when the Old Prince of Xiang was alive. Wouldn’t our visit just add to her troubles?" She Niang also harbored these concerns.

After some thought, Pei Yiqing decided to be honest with his daughter: "Your grandmother wants you to go so she can see if she can arrange a marriage with the Prince of Xiang's heir. If it works out, you would become the heir's consort."

"What?" She Niang had never considered this possibility. She could vaguely guess that the Zhang family might have such intentions, but when she thought about the Prince of Xiang's household, she shook her head. "Father, think about it—even when the Old Prince of Xiang was alive, it was difficult to arrange a marriage for the heir. How much more so now? As the saying goes, 'a new sovereign brings new advisors.' I think it's better to forget it."

Hearing his daughter's words and seeing that she showed no eagerness but instead analyzed the practical situation, Pei Yiqing agreed: "I think so too."

Back then, he had regretted the Prince of Xiang's household rejecting the Zhang family.

However, She Niang also had no desire to become a study companion in the Prince of Qing's household: "I have both parents—why should I live under another’s roof?"

Pei Yiqing laughed lightly at this: "My daughter, I understand how you feel. When I passed the imperial exams, I felt the same way. But sometimes, one has to yield to circumstances. How about this: I’ll write a letter to your grandmother. I’ll say we should forget about the matter of the Prince of Xiang's heir. If your grandmother insists you go, we can say you’ve already accepted the position as a study companion in the Prince of Qing's household—we can’t turn down their offer. If your grandmother drops the matter and just wants you to visit for fun, you and your mother can go to celebrate her birthday on my behalf. That way, we can also avoid the duty of being a study companion for the Prince of Qing. Isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?"

This truly was a good plan. She Niang quickly said, "Father, you truly are the strategist of our family. You can handle anything properly."

Pei Yiqing thought to himself that it wasn’t about handling things properly but rather being forced by circumstances.

However, he rarely voiced hardships to his daughter and simply said, "Take a few days to rest at home before going to the Prince of Qing's household."

"Yes, I understand," She Niang nodded.

The Princess of Qing had originally intended to let She Niang stay in the Zhehua Courtyard, but unexpectedly, Nanny Gong came to report: "The Pei family said that after Miss Pei returned home, she came down with chills. The physician said she needs to rest at home for a few days and asked that you not be offended, Your Highness."

Just as Li Ju was about to enter to pay his respects, he overheard this. Although he strongly disliked Empress Dowager Pei, the current She Niang had done nothing wrong. She had even saved his sister, jumping into the water to rescue her without knowing who she was, which showed she was still good at heart.

So, after entering and paying his respects, he couldn’t help but say, "Mother, why not send the house physician from our household to check on her and bring some tonics?"

The Princess of Qing glanced at him: "Very well." She then asked her son to sit down, feeling she could never get enough of looking at him. "It’s better that you’re back. No matter how good the capital is, doing well there is just so-so. If things go poorly, you could face consequences."

But Li Ju shook his head: "Our family’s position was granted by the late emperor. A new sovereign brings new advisors—who knows what the future holds?"

The Princess of Qing only mentioned these topics in passing. She said, "Your sister has taken a liking to Miss Pei. She already served as a study companion for half a year, and now she’s saved her. While we don’t mind, your sister, being a child, can’t help but remember her."

"I don’t think younger sister needs a study companion. She’s only studying—it’s not like she’s taking the imperial exams," Li Ju said.

In his previous life, his family had almost tacitly accepted Miss Yang as his fiancée. However, the court directly issued an edict betrothing him to a daughter of the Chu family. Miss Yang, having been his sister’s study companion since childhood, could not become a secondary consort given her status. His mother tried to arrange another marriage for her, but she refused, seemingly set her sights on becoming the Prince of Qing's heir's consort.

In the end, she married in her late twenties. Although the Princess of Qing helped arrange a good match, she had missed her chance at a good marriage and remained resentful, living an unhappy life.

This lifetime, he really didn’t want things to turn out that way. In his previous life, he hadn’t known either Miss Yang or Miss Chu, yet he was inexplicably burdened with the reputation of a scoundrel.

The Princess of Qing sighed: "You have no idea about your sister’s feelings. She’s the only girl in our family. The daughters of the third and fourth branches are much older and don’t play with her. Having a few girls to keep her entertained, play with her, and share her thoughts is a good thing."

"If she gets tired of studying, she can invite them over to play. I was a study companion myself. If the person you’re accompanying does well, you can’t reveal that you helped and have to praise their intelligence everywhere. If they’re punished, the study companion is punished too. It’s not a good job," Li Ju said lightly.

The Princess of Qing thought about how free-spirited and unconventional Li Ju’s temperament was. Hearing him say this, she felt he must have suffered quite a bit.

However, she couldn’t mention the family’s interest in Yang Mo and only said, "If we send her back now, she might think she offended us. That wouldn’t be good either."

"True. I was just sharing my thoughts," Li Ju nodded.

After mother and son spoke for a while longer, Li Ju left. The Princess of Qing shrewdly said to Nanny Gong, "Do you get the feeling our son seems somewhat interested in Miss Pei?"

Nanny Gong recalled how Miss Pei had looked when she was rescued—soaked, her hair disheveled, yet calm and witty, chatting and laughing. Who wouldn’t like such a composed, intelligent, and well-read girl?

However, she cautiously asked the Princess of Qing, "How did you notice?"

The Princess of Qing lifted her chin: "It’s obvious. He recommended Pei Yiqing for the position of Hangzhou Prefect, and he’s worried Miss Pei might feel wronged, even using himself as an example to persuade me not to bring her into our household."

"But Your Highness, if the heir really has the intentions you mentioned, shouldn’t he want Miss Pei to come to our household so they can spend time together?" That was Nanny Gong’s way of thinking.

The Princess of Qing waved a hand dismissively: "It’s not like that. Just as parents who love their children plan for their future, truly liking someone means considering everything for them."

As someone who had been through it, she understood this well!

Truly liking someone isn’t about charging ahead recklessly but about making sure they have nothing to worry about.

If Li Ju were still there to hear the Princess of Qing’s words, he would surely have been at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, She Niang was at home playing with her younger brother. The one-year-old was learning to speak, so she bought picture cards to teach him. Children were really clever and quick to parrot. With someone dedicated to teaching him, his speech improved rapidly.

Yu Shi watched her two children playing on the carpet and couldn’t help but say, "I wonder if your brother passed the exams. I’m really worried."

"Mother, if brother passes, will he still go to the capital to study?" She Niang asked.

Yu Shi smiled: "I’m in the process of choosing a bride for your brother. He’s already seventeen—it’s time to arrange a marriage."

"What kind of daughter-in-law are you looking for?" She Niang asked, resting her chin on her hands.

In her previous life, her sister-in-law was quite dutiful. However, after her brother passed away, she remained a widow. So in this life, She Niang decided not to interfere and let things take their natural course.

Pei Ji wasn’t the type to be savvy in social matters, so he couldn’t marry someone too worldly or slick. Otherwise, they would easily disagree, leading to constant arguments between husband and wife.

But marrying someone too naive would make it difficult for her to survive in a large family like the Pei family.

Yu Shi told her daughter, "I want to find someone smart for your brother but not too worldly. She should have decent looks and come from a family with good repute."

"Yes, I think so too. Actually, dowry and family background are secondary—character is the most important," She Niang deeply agreed.

As mother and daughter were talking, someone announced that the princely physician had arrived. She Niang hurried back to her room to pretend to be sick—either claiming headaches or chills. Those who became royal physicians were usually very discreet and wouldn’t outright expose her.

After avoiding this ordeal, She Niang breathed a sigh of relief.

She had Yu Shi keep all the tonics and other gifts. Now, she was waiting for Grandmother Hua’s reply while also thinking about her brother’s matters, unknowingly adding to her anxieties.

Little did she know that after Pei Ji accompanied Li Niang to the capital, he moved into the Pei family’s residence there. Old Fu, the caretaker, had the sixth branch prepared specifically for him. Pei Ji also brought letters from his father to his father’s teachers and classmates.

In addition, relatives from the Marquis of Dingbei's household and the Marquis of Xinan's household invited him to stay with them.

But Pei Ji was no fool—staying on his own was much more comfortable.

Moreover, his eldest sister was ailing, and Li Niang had just married. What would people think if her brother went to stay with them? They might assume he was some poor relative.

If he failed the exams again this time, he would truly be too ashamed to return to his hometown.

But trouble in the capital came one incident after another. The emperor died, and his eldest sister also died. The emperor’s death had little to do with him, but his eldest sister’s passing was somewhat related. After all, most of the clan was in Hedong, and only he was in the capital, so he frequently went to the Marquis of Xinan's household to offer condolences.

He was merely fulfilling his duty as a cousin. However, he was surprised that the new Marquis, his brother-in-law, treated him with great warmth and respect, which made him feel somewhat honored.

At first, he thought it was because of his eldest sister. But then he heard Xiao Tang say to him, "Many people have come to propose marriage, hoping I’ll remarry. But I have a son and a daughter—how could I bear to let an outsider raise them?"

Pei Ji thought Xiao Tang intended to remain chaste and never remarry, inwardly thinking his brother-in-law was quite a devoted man. Unexpectedly, Xiao Tang changed his tune and said, "Even if I choose, it would have to be someone I know well with good character."

Someone I know well with good character? Pei Ji saw him looking at him and felt rather baffled, thinking to himself, I don’t really know anyone.

Xiao Tang was almost frustrated by Pei Ji’s naivety. He had met Pei Yiqing, who was an absolute smooth operator, great at handling relationships, while Pei Ji seemed completely clueless about these things and unable to take a hint.

If he were to remarry, for the sake of the children, choosing a young lady from the Pei family's sixth branch would be best. Firstly, Pei Yiqing was a good man, not the troublemaker type, and his official rank isn't too high or too low. For the children’s stepmother, he needed someone from a good family, someone he knew well. Secondly, she would, after all, be the children’s aunt and would treat them well.

As for appearance and temperament, during his stay at the Pei residence, he had heard that the fifth young lady of the Pei family was a real beauty—otherwise, the Prince of Qing's household wouldn’t have chosen her as a study companion.

Moreover, the fourth young lady was stunning, and Pei Ji was quite good-looking too, so he assumed the fifth young lady wouldn’t be lacking either.

So, seeing that Pei Ji didn’t understand, he decided to make it clearer.

Only then did Pei Ji get what he meant. He hadn’t expected Xiao Tang to be interested in his younger sister. This was a big deal, and he feared it might just be something he said, so he decided to wait until he had passed my exams before observing whether Xiao Tang’s attitude remained the same.

Otherwise, if he wrote home about it and Xiao Tang later backed out, what would happen to his sister?

He discussed this with Li Niang, who shared his concern. She added, "Being a second wife means becoming a replacement wife—given She Niang’s proud nature, I don't think she’d go for it."

"There’s no need to put it that way. Although it’s a second marriage, she would immediately become the wife of the heir, and eventually the Marchioness, a second-rank noblewoman. Besides, Xiao Tang is still young, good with both books and weapons. And so what if he has children? She Niang wouldn’t need to look after them anyway," Pei Ji disagreed with Li Niang’s view.

People often act all high and mighty. She Niang, as a woman, might be well-educated, but she couldn’t take the civil service exams. If she married well, all would be fine, but if she married wrong, her entire life would be ruined.

With Xiao Tang offering a ready-made noble title, what could be wrong with that?

Li Niang, however, said, "But I’ve heard he has a mistress on the side."

"If she’s just a mistress, it means she can’t enter the household. That’s not a big deal. I’ll just have a word with Xiao Tang and ask him to take care of it. Doesn't Fourth Brother-in-law also have two concubines? There are few men like our father in this world. Even if a man loves his wife, it doesn’t mean much if he can't provide." Pei Ji wasn’t completely sold on Xiao Tang either, but he wanted his sister to have another option. He felt Li Niang was somewhat unwilling to see her sister succeed.

They dropped the topic only when someone outside mentioned Wang Pan was coming.

The county exam in Shuntian Prefecture turned out to be much easier. Pei Ji, who was pretty good at the Hangzhou Academy, actually passed—came in twenty-eighth. The prefecture exam was set for April, and he planned to tell his parents only after passing it.

Because passing the prefecture exam would make him a Government Student.

Becoming a Government Student meant getting an official qualification, whereas passing just the county exam didn't mean much. That was why his family hadn’t heard from him.

Meanwhile, She Niang rested at home for a few days before returning to the Prince of Qing’s residence, again staying at the Zhehua Courtyard. The moment the princess heard of her arrival, she eagerly took her hand and wouldn’t let go.

The princess had a humane side to her. She Niang said politely, "After over a year, it’s truly kind of the Princess to still arrange everything so thoughtfully for me."

"Sister Pei, let me tell you, my birthday is in a few days. The family isn’t allowing banquets, but it’s perfect having you and Sister Yang here to celebrate with me," the princess said cheerfully.

She Niang asked, "What does Miss Yang say?"

"She said she wants to help me celebrate my birthday," the princess replied, as she got along quite well with Yang Mo.

She Niang breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. I think the second young lady of the Yang family is quite resourceful. If she needs any help, please have her come to me."

The princess nodded emphatically.

After settling into the Zhehua Courtyard, the Princess of Qing again sent Coral and Fu Rong to attend to her. They were familiar faces, and reuniting with them after a long time naturally led to catching up.

Fu Rong was especially warm toward She Niang. "Last time, it was all thanks to you jumping into the water to save the princess."

"No need to mention that. I didn’t know it was the princess when I jumped in. Even if I hadn’t, the guards would have saved her," She Niang said modestly.

Coral, however, grinned and said, "I haven’t yet congratulated Magistrate Pei on his promotion. He’s now truly our prefectural magistrate."

As they were chatting lively, someone outside announced Miss Yang’s arrival. Although Yang Mo and her sister were twins, their personalities were quite different.

No matter what she thought inwardly, Yang Mo was very proper on the surface. She specially brought over four types of pastries. She was a few months older than She Niang and had already turned fifteen, dressing more elegantly now. She said politely, "I thought since you’ve just arrived and it’s still a while until mealtime, I’d bring some snacks first."

"Thank you, Sister Yang. Please, have a seat. We’re practically acquaintances by now," She Niang replied.

Yang Mo, however, recalled her sister’s warning that She Niang was not to be underestimated—when she was with the princess, she completely won her over, indirectly causing her sister to fall ill. Now that her sister was engaged, she reminded Yang Mo to be cautious.

So, she couldn’t let She Niang cause trouble; she had to win her over first.

Thus, Yang Mo took the initiative. "The princess’s birthday is in a few days. Have you prepared anything?"

"Not really. To be honest, I only found out today," She Niang admitted.

Yang Mo suggested, "How about this: I’ve been making arrangements these past few days. We could say we did it together?"

"Sister, you’re too kind, but there’s really no need. I believe ignorance is no offense—the Princess and the princess won’t blame me," She Niang declined, unwilling to take credit for someone else’s work. What was hers was hers, and what wasn’t, wasn’t.

Yang Mo didn’t expect She Niang to react this way, assuming she was just pretending to decline out of politeness. She insisted, "It’s really nothing. Please don’t mind."

"If it’s nothing, then there’s no need to include me. I appreciate your kindness," She Niang said firmly.

Seeing that She Niang was unyielding and indeed difficult to deal with, Yang Mo had no choice but to think of another plan and soon excused herself.

After Yang Mo left, She Niang asked Fu Rong and Coral, "Do you know what the princess usually likes?"

Fu Rong, who had always served the Princess of Qing, knew well. "Actually, the princess has all sorts of treasures—even exquisite Western curios. She has so many clothes gifted to her that she hasn’t worn them all and often gives them to her attendants."

"I see. She lacks nothing," She Niang realized. The princess probably only had to glance at something for it to be brought to her.

Fu Rong nodded. "Miss Yang is full of ideas. If you’re trying to compete on novelty, it might be hard to surpass her."

She Niang smiled. "I know that. But I can’t give nothing. We’re not aiming for novelty—just sincerity."

Though she said this, She Niang put considerable thought into it. She happened to have a piece of Shoushan stone with her, a gift from when her father was an official in Quanzhou.

She recalled how Ms. Duan had once told her that her main profession was being a governess, and in her spare time, she carved stones to sell seals. Back then, because Li Niang was learning etiquette from the elderly lady, She Niang spent her afternoons besides writing essays learning to carve seals—and she had become quite skilled.

Remembering the incident when the princess had fallen into the water, she carved a seal with an auspicious phrase: "Eternal Joy Without Limit."

Of course, she worked on the carving in her spare time. She Niang still accompanied the princess in her studies. The tutors were the same as before, but over the past year, they had taught more than usual, and She Niang treated it as a review.

In the afternoon, with the spring weather so pleasant, the princess wanted to go horseback riding. Yang Mo had already learned how to ride, but She Niang had not—she truly never had the opportunity. So she said to the princess, "I don’t know how to ride. I’m afraid I’ll spoil your fun."

The princess laughed. "Sister Pei, that’s why you learn! Riding is actually quite simple."

After some persuasion from the princess, who assured her that someone would teach her, She Niang finally agreed.

The Prince of Qing’s residence had a dedicated riding ground, which had been cleared of people. She Niang asked the guard teaching her, "Do I just step on the stirrup to get up? Will it throw me off? Maybe I should just walk the horse first."

She Niang preferred to be fully prepared before doing anything; now she felt forced into it.

The guard glanced at her and smiled. "I’ll lead the horse for you."

"Thank you," She Niang said with a bright smile.

The guard’s face suddenly flushed red.

She Niang was somewhat at a loss, but the guard reminded her, "Don't grip too tightly, and keep your back straight."

"Alright." She Niang practiced like this for a few rounds. Seeing Yang Mo and the junzhu riding with their hair and clothes flowing in the wind, she couldn't help but feel envious. She thought to herself, if others can do it, so can she.

Noticing her admiration, the guard added, "Actually, you're doing quite well. You were very steady for your first time on horseback. Previously, Miss Yang had to try several times just to mount the horse successfully."

She Niang was surprised. Seeing how spirited and confident Yang Mo looked now, she felt motivated to work harder.

The first day passed rather uneventfully like this. The next day, when they arrived at the riding ground, Lady Ronghe was dressed in bright red riding attire, with a quiver on her back and a bow casually in hand, her legs naturally controlling the horse. Everyone around cheered for her.

Under the sunlight, she looked so free and unrestrained. She Niang hurried forward and said, "You ride so well, my lady!"

Hearing that She Niang was new to riding, Lady Ronghe was very enthusiastic. "You're a bit taller than me. I have a riding suit that was made a little too large—I'll give it to you. Since you're just starting to learn, you need to master how to rise and sit in the saddle. Don't be afraid of falling. When I first learned, I was thrown off the horse several times."

"Will I really fall off the horse?" Although She Niang was used to being active, she still felt a bit scared upon hearing this.

Lady Ronghe shared a few more key tips. Initially, She Niang wasn’t too nervous, but the more she thought about it, the more anxious she became. Just then, Yang Mo rode past. Because she came too close, the crack of her whip was especially loud, and She Niang’s horse immediately spooked.

The horse took off in a frenzy. She Niang, being a beginner and only on her second day, was at a complete loss. She started thinking about how, if she fell, she should avoid landing on her face—that would be disastrous. It would be best to land on her rear, but she also needed to avoid injuring her back.

Unexpectedly, someone from behind leaped onto the horse, helped her rein in the bridle, and brought the horse to a stop. She Niang was still shaken.

Li Ju, who had been sitting behind her, quickly dismounted once the horse stopped. He said to She Niang, "If you don’t know how to ride, how dare you ride alone? How can a beginner ride without supervision?"

It turned out that the Prince of Qing's heir, Li Ju, had saved her.

She Niang turned to him. Li Ju was taken aback, thinking this was utterly reckless—how could a beginner ride without anyone nearby? If he hadn’t seen it in time, she might have been thrown off.

He had thought that if this "nation-destroying seductress" were to fall and perish, it might be a blessing for the world. But he couldn’t be so petty. After hesitating for a moment, he immediately rushed to save her.