Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Pei Yu looked at Xiao Lin, feigning sudden realization: "I truly had no idea this seat belonged to the Marquis."

Then, turning to Ye Shuang, he suggested, "How about we find another table? Let’s leave this one for the Marquis to enjoy alone."

Ye Shuang readily agreed. "Alright."

The two made a show of standing up.

Xiao Lin panicked. "Forget it, both of you, just sit down!"

Pei Yu, playing innocent, asked Xiao Lin with an earnest expression, "Didn’t you want us to leave, Marquis?"

Ye Shuang also tilted her head, looking at him.

Xiao Lin racked his brains for a moment, glanced around the hall, and came up with a response. "All the other tables are taken."

Pei Yu simply said, "No worries. I see a table over there that looks like they’re almost finished. We can wait a moment."

Ye Shuang nodded, still poised to leave with Pei Yu.

Xiao Lin stood up abruptly, grabbed her sleeve, and pulled her back into her seat. After a moment’s hesitation, he reached out and touched Pei Yu’s arm too.

"Just eat here. Where else would you go? How do you know they’re almost finished? What if they decide to order more dishes?"

Pei Yu began, "But—"

Xiao Lin pulled him by the arm. "Just sit down!"

"The Marquis doesn’t mind if I sit here?"

Xiao Lin quickly replied, "I don’t mind, I don’t mind. Sit!"

Pei Yu suppressed a smile. "Then I shall gracefully accept the Marquis’s kindness!"

Xiao Lin rubbed his forehead and nodded dismissively in response.

"I’ll treat everyone today," Pei Yu offered as soon as he sat down.

Xiao Lin wouldn’t hear of it. "I’ll pay! You don’t know Shuang’er’s tastes."

Pei Yu feigned surprise. "Oh? So the Marquis does?"

As he spoke, he subtly observed Ye Shuang’s reaction.

Xiao Lin didn’t respond to the topic. Noticing a waiter in the corner, he waved him over.

The waiter flinched and reluctantly approached—the atmosphere among these three was far too strange.

Downstairs, Xiao Lin began ordering, first asking if the restaurant served Yuzhou cuisine, then inquiring about stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu. The waiter confirmed they did have both, and Xiao Lin seemed pleased, smiling as he glanced at Ye Shuang.

Ye Shuang gently averted her eyes, her expression neutral and unresponsive.

Xiao Lin didn’t mind, enthusiastically ordering five or six dishes without any sign of stopping.

Ye Shuang quickly interjected, "The portions here are generous. Three people can’t eat that much."

Xiao Lin gazed blankly at Ye Shuang, hesitantly nodded, and after a moment’s thought, asked her, "Is there anything you’d like to eat?"

Ye Shuang offered a faint smile. "Anything is fine."

Xiao Lin nodded somewhat dejectedly and finally settled on three dishes and one soup, along with a pot of fermented rice wine.

The food arrived quickly: stinky mandarin fish, stir-fried red amaranth, hairy tofu, shepherd’s purse meatball soup, and three ta guo crispy pastries.

Xiao Lin turned to Pei Yu and said, "I don’t know your preferences, but I assume you can handle spicy food?"

Pei Yu indicated that he could.

Xiao Lin then put some stinky mandarin fish on Pei Yu's plate. Pei Yu took a bite with a solemn expression.

Xiao Lin then gave him a piece of hairy tofu.

Pei Yu’s expression grew even more complicated. He looked at the hairy tofu on his plate, then at Xiao Lin and Ye Shuang, closed his eyes, and bravely stuffed an entire piece into his mouth. As he ate, his brows remained furrowed, as if facing certain doom.

Xiao Lin, mischievously, deliberately asked, "Is it good?"

Pei Yu tried to speak but choked instead, nearly tearing up from coughing. He could only wave his hand to indicate it was acceptable.

Seeing Pei Yu’s discomfort, Xiao Lin finally felt a bit better. If Pei Yu couldn’t even handle the food Ye Shuang loved, surely she wouldn’t like him anymore.

Before he could revel in his satisfaction, Ye Shuang had already stepped forward with concern. "Master Pei, are you alright?"

"??!" The smile on Xiao Lin’s face froze.

-

As the three ate downstairs, someone on the second floor was watching them—County Princess Shuning and her companions, who had gone upstairs earlier.

Her companions were Li Roujia, the great-granddaughter of Hanlin Academician Li Fang, in pink, and Zhao Yuheng, the second daughter of the Minister of Ceremonies, in green.

Zhao Yuheng looked down with slight confusion. "Isn’t that the Marquis of Yongding? Why is he eating with Ye Shuang? Didn’t they separate?"

Li Roujia snorted, her tone sharp. "Who knows! That Ye Shuang is something—stringing along the Marquis of Yongding over there while entangled with Military Advisor Pei here. She’s quite the schemer!"

County Princess Shuning shot her a glare. "If you don’t know how to speak, then keep quiet."

Li Roujia reluctantly fell silent, muttering under her breath, "It’s not like I’m wrong."

Zhao Yuheng nudged her with an elbow, shaking her head subtly.

Li Roujia finally took the hint and said no more.

County Princess Shuning stared intently at Ye Shuang. "First, she ruined Yiyi’s marriage, and now she dares to set her sights on Military Advisor Pei. Just wait, Ye Shuang—sooner or later, I’ll make you pay!"

-

Pei Yu turned away, covering his mouth as he coughed uncontrollably. Xiao Lin picked up the nearby Yue kiln white-glazed melon-ridged ewer and was about to pour himself some fermented rice wine when Ye Shuang suddenly snatched it from his hand.

"Master Pei, have some fermented wine to ease the spiciness."

Pei Yu accepted it gratefully and drank two cups before finally recovering.

Only then did Ye Shuang feel reassured and sat back down.

Xiao Lin reached out to take the ewer but grasped empty air, watching helplessly as Ye Shuang poured a cup for herself and then returned the ewer to its place.

Xiao Lin’s hand hung mid-air, staring at the empty magnolia petal cup in front of him, feeling a void in his heart.

Then he heard Ye Shuang say, "I’m truly sorry for not considering your taste. Should we order two more dishes?"

Xiao Lin could tell these words were directed at Pei Yu. His expression instantly fell, and he glared resentfully as Ye Shuang attentively cared for Pei Yu. His heart felt wrung, aching with sour bitterness.

Pei Yu politely declined, saying the other two dishes would be fine. Ye Shuang didn't press him.

Noticing Xiao Lin seemed rather displeased, Ye Shuang thought he was still thinking about that bit of fermented rice wine and advised, "Marquis, you have official business this afternoon. It’s best not to drink."

Xiao Lin's spirits lifted.

"As it happens, there's just a bit left, so let’s save it for Master Pei to counter the spiciness later!"

Xiao Lin: "..."

The group ate a bit more.

Pei Yu asked, "By the way, I heard Princess Junxian intends to have you enter the palace as an instructor?"

Ye Shuang took a bite of amaranth, the fresh, sweet flavor spreading through her mouth. "That’s right."

"You didn’t agree?"

"I’m still considering it."

"I see. I was hoping if you came, we could be colleagues."

Xiao Lin: "You’re entering the palace?"

Ye Shuang calmly met his gaze and then asked Pei Yu, "Master Pei, are you also an instructor in the palace?"

"Indeed." Pei Yu noticed Ye Shuang’s reaction and shot a meaningful glance at Xiao Lin, a smile in his eyes.

"Earlier, I noticed County Princess Shuning showing you such respect. Was it because of this matter?"

Pei Yu: "Yes. County Princess Shuning has received the Emperor’s permission to attend classes together with the princes and princesses in the palace. She is now considered Princess Junxian’s study companion."

Ye Shuang mused thoughtfully. "I see."

"Did Miss Ye not know?"

"I thought the princess studied alone." As she spoke, Ye Shuang recalled something and asked Pei Yu, "Why did I hear County Princess Shuning refer to you as Military Advisor Pei earlier?"

"I currently serve as the Household Military Advisor in Lin’an Prefecture."

"Household Military Advisor? What does that entail?"

"Mainly overseeing census records and taxes. Miss Ye, if you ever need assistance, feel free to seek me out."

Ye Shuang thanked him softly.

Xiao Lin poured the last drop of fermented rice wine into the magnolia-petal cup, pausing briefly before the final drop fell. He then looked up at Pei Yu, his tone disdainful. "A mere Military Advisor, and you have the nerve to curry favor."

Pei Yu remained unruffled. "Naturally, I cannot compare to the Marquis," he deflected lightly.

Ye Shuang chimed in, "Though the position of Military Advisor may not be high-ranking, matters of household registration and taxes are vital to the people’s livelihood. For commoners, every meal and drink matters greatly. I might indeed have matters to trouble Military Advisor Pei with."

"Miss Ye, feel free to speak up anytime."

The two exchanged a few more words.

Xiao Lin remained silent, slowly clenching his fist until veins bulged on the back of his hand. Suddenly, he slammed his fist on the table, startling Ye Shuang so much she nearly leapt up to restrain him. "Xiao Lin, what are you doing?"

Xiao Lin glared fiercely, his eyes scanned between the two of them. Then he picked up the magnolia-petal cup and drained the fermented rice wine in one gulp.

Ye Shuang and Pei Yu exchanged glances before sitting back down.

…

By the time the meal ended, Ye Shuang still couldn’t comprehend how she had managed to sit with Xiao Lin and Pei Yu and finish the meal calmly—though "calmly" certainly didn’t apply to Xiao Lin.

The three said their goodbyes at the door. Xiao Lin offered to escort Ye Shuang, but she declined. "Marquis, you have pressing matters to attend to. There’s no need to see me off. I dare not delay your official business."

Pei Yu also cupped his hands in a salute. "Thank you for treating us today, Marquis. Another day, I will host a meal and hope you will do us the honor of your presence."

Xiao Lin remained silent, his face cold, afraid he might say something harsh if he spoke.

Pei Yu maintained a smile, as gentle as spring snowmelt. He smiled at Ye Shuang. "The Pei family carriage is not far away. May I escort you, Miss Ye?"

Ye Shuang declined again. "The bookstore is just a short walk away. I’ll walk there—it’ll help walk off the meal."

Pei Yu did not insist.

Ye Shuang nodded to both of them, her gaze lingering meaningfully on Xiao Lin for a moment longer before she turned and headed east.

After Ye Shuang left, Pei Yu and Xiao Lin locked eyes in a silent battle, the atmosphere tense and unspoken.

Pei Yu had no intention of prolonging the confrontation. He nodded slightly, boarded his carriage, and headed in the opposite direction.

Xiao Lin was left alone, watching Ye Shuang’s retreating figure.

Only at that moment did he truly feel that she had really returned.

As for other matters, they could be dealt with gradually. He firmly believed that as long as he tried hard enough, Ye Shuang would eventually forgive him and return to his side.

Just then, Xiao Yin approached Xiao Lin unobtrusively. "Marquis."

Xiao Lin composed himself, still watching Ye Shuang. "Did you find out?"

Xiao Yin followed Xiao Lin’s gaze as Ye Shuang walked away. "Yes. They’re from the Commandery Prince’s residence."

"Go to the Commandery Prince’s residence and inform them that bandits have been causing trouble in Lin’an recently. It’s not safe for the County Princess to go out. Also, with the Empress Dowager’s memorial day approaching, all elegant gatherings in the city are prohibited for now."

Xiao Yin understood implicitly. "Understood. I’ll see to it immediately. The bookstore has also been arranged as planned."

"Good." Xiao Lin nodded in satisfaction.

Xiao Yin waited a moment but, hearing nothing further, took his leave to carry out the orders.

-

When Ye Shuang returned to the bookstore, she encountered an old acquaintance.

Wen Xiang was sitting on a long bench in the main hall, waiting for her. On the table were many storybooks, two large bundles, several treasure boxes, and a red sandalwood octagonal food container carved with floral patterns.

"Miss! You're finally back!" At the sight of Ye Shuang, Wen Xiang could no longer hold back her tears. She threw herself into Ye Shuang’s arms and wept.

"Wen Xiang, is it really you? How have you been all these years?" Ye Shuang gently pulled Wen Xiang back and wiped her tears.

"Miss, I’m so relieved to see you safe. I’ve been well. The Marquis has treated us kindly. After you left, he kept us serving in the west courtyard. Nanny Liu, Chun Tao—they’re all here. When Xiao Yin came today and told me to come serve you, I could hardly believe it." Wen Xiang wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

Ye Shuang found the items on the table looked somewhat familiar. "What are these?"

"These were sent by the Marquis—your favorite set of storybooks, some clothes and jewelry, and a few pastries you love most."

Ye Shuang glanced at the items. "There's so much. Let's get them upstairs first."

Wen Xiang got the message and called over a few shop assistants to help carry the items upstairs. Ye Shuang also asked for a new pot of tea and pulled Wen Xiang to sit down.

"Don’t rush to tidy up yet. Some things need to be returned. Come, have some pastries first."

Wen Xiang was reluctant to sit at first, but as Ye Shuang’s dowry maid, their relationship was naturally closer than others. They had often sat together to eat in the past, and since Ye Shuang insisted, Wen Xiang stopped refusing.

Ye Shuang took a sip of tea and asked if she had eaten.

Wen Xiang said she had, adding that the pastries were for Ye Shuang and she didn’t dare have any. After some persuasion, she finally took a piece of hibiscus pastry.

"Since you’ve returned, Miss, why not stay at the Duke’s estate?" Wen Xiang asked while eating the cake.

Ye Shuang took a sip of tea, the faint bitterness spreading on her tongue. The tea at the bookshop wasn’t great, but it was good for digestion and refreshing. Ye Shuang didn’t know much about tea. She examined the cup in her hand for a moment before answering Wen Xiang’s question.

"I didn’t plan to stay long this time, and I don’t want to get involved with the Duke’s household. Besides, I’m afraid they’d avoid me too!"

Wen Xiang hadn’t been back and didn’t know the latest about the Duke’s estate, but she still reassured Ye Shuang: "That won’t happen. The Duke is still your father, and he’s getting older. I heard he was ill last autumn."

Ye Shuang’s brow twitched. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, "How is he now?"

Wen Xiang smiled. "He’s fine, of course. The Marquis even sent a court physician, and since then, he’s had someone check the Duke’s pulse every month."

"He’s quite thoughtful," Ye Shuang said indifferently.

Wen Xiang glanced at Ye Shuang’s expression and ventured cautiously: "Miss… do you really not plan to return to the Marquis’s estate?"

Ye Shuang was silent for a moment, then shook her head. "No. I’m happy you came to see me. After we finish the pastries, send these things back, and you should return to the Marquis’s estate too."

Wen Xiang, her mouth still full of hibiscus pastry, was stunned at these words. She stared blankly at Ye Shuang, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Miss… are you determined to abandon Wen Xiang? These three years, not a day went by without me worrying about you—whether you were eating well, dressed well, or settled properly. My biggest regret is not leaving with you back then. This time, no matter what you say, I won’t leave. Wherever you go, I’ll follow!" Wen Xiang sobbed, words muddled.

Ye Shuang hurriedly wiped her tears. "Alright, alright, I was just saying. Why are you crying again? Your nice face will be ruined if you keep crying."

After much consoling, Wen Xiang finally stopped crying.

"Fine, it’s good you’re here. I could use the help anyway."

Wen Xiang, still recovering from her crying, was a bit befuddled. "Is Miss serious? You’re not humoring Wen Xiang, are you?"

"Of course I’m serious. Originally, I planned to leave after a short visit, but something happened today that made me change my mind."

"Miss, you mean…"

"I’ll explain it to you slowly later. For now, there’s something else to do. I plan to open a bookshop in Lin’an."

Wen Xiang repeated uncomprehendingly: "A bookshop?"

"Exactly."

"Like this one?"

"Similar, but the scale might be different. I’ve already looked at some shops today but haven’t decided on a location yet. There are three options: one near the academy on East Street, close to Fengle Bridge in the east of the city, where many children of officials study—moderate foot traffic; another on Pengbei Street near Qingxiang Tower, a busy area with high foot traffic, but the rent is higher; and the last one near the exit of Imperial Street, next to the Imperial Academy, frequented by students from noble families."

Wen Xiang listened intently, though she didn’t fully understand. After Ye Shuang described the first two, she asked: "What about the third one?"

"The third isn’t about the rent being expensive. Shops in that location aren’t easy to rent, and there’s another thing… it’s very close to the government offices."

Wen Xiang nodded vaguely. "Wen Xiang roughly understands. Miss is so capable, handling so many things alone. It’s a pity I don’t understand and can’t share your burdens."

Ye Shuang patted her hair and smiled reassuringly. "It’s fine. I’ll discuss it with Song Yun later and hear her advice. Actually, I’ve run some small shops these past two years, but they were all small ventures—learning as I went, not really knowing why I profited or lost. So, I only know a little about these things."

Wen Xiang still looked in awe. "Miss even ran shops? That’s amazing! I never thought you could not only survive outside for so long but also support yourself. Unlike us, who wouldn’t last long outside the Marquis’s residence."

Ye Shuang patted her hand. "No, if I can do it, so can you."

Wen Xiang’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

Ye Shuang said earnestly: "Of course. I’ve been handling these things alone, but Lin’an is different from outside—more things to handle and a larger place. I was worried about how to manage, but now that you’re here, it’ll be easier."

Wen Xiang was delighted. "Miss, just give Wen Xiang any tasks."

"Good, then let’s go take another look tonight."

Wen Xiang was puzzled. "Tonight?"

"Yes. Look once during the day and again at night. I’ve already seen the foot traffic at noon today. When the night market opens, we need to check the evening crowd."

Wen Xiang nodded eagerly, repeating: "Miss is so amazing!"

Ye Shuang shook her head. "There’s still much to do, and I’m not confident yet. I don’t even know what paperwork is needed to rent a shop. And I’m thinking: should I rent a larger shop, set it up as a shop in front with living quarters behind, and live there? Or rent a separate residence nearby to save money, since it wouldn’t need to be too close, and the rent would be cheaper?"

Wen Xiang tilted her head, listening but unable to contribute.

Ye Shuang smiled seeing her like this. "Never mind, we’ll take it step by step."

The two had some food, and Wen Xiang helped Ye Shuang put away the delivered items. At night, the mistress and maid changed into casual clothes and went out again.

This trip went very smoothly. Ye Shuang rechecked the daytime shop locations and now had a rough idea in mind.

In the following days, Ye Shuang was busy with this matter. Xiao Lin seemed to have his own things to attend to and didn’t appear for a long time. Ye Shuang didn’t concern herself with him.

About ten days later, as previously agreed, Ye Shuang brought storybooks and went to the palace to see the Empress.

The set of storybooks Ye Shuang used to like was good, but it was no longer popular these past two years. She specially picked a currently fashionable set to bring to the palace, and the Empress was quite pleased. Seizing the opportunity while the Empress was in a good mood, Ye Shuang brought up the previously mentioned teaching matter.

"Have you thought it through?"

"I have. Shuang'er is willing to temporarily serve as the Princess’s instructor. The Princess and I hit it off during the Spring Banquet. Moreover, didn’t Your Majesty want Shuang'er to read storybooks to you? This way, Shuang'er can come to the palace often and spend more time with Your Majesty."

The Empress was very happy. "That’s settled then. I’ll make arrangements. You can find a time later and check in directly."

Ye Shuang respectfully agreed. "But Shuang'er has other commitments and may not be able to enter the palace daily to teach the Princess."

The Empress waved her hand. "That’s fine. The original instructors don’t teach every day either, and there are several instructors. You can alternate; it won’t conflict. Besides, with Princess Junxian, keeping her confined indoors all day is impossible—it would drive her stir-crazy."

Ye Shuang felt relieved. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Three days later, Ye Shuang brought books to report to the princess's palace.

As expected, she saw familiar faces in the classroom.

"Ye Shuang pays her respects to Princess Junxian."

Ye Shuang scanned the room, where three familiar faces had already gone pale.

"Sister Shuang, you’ve finally come! I’ve been waiting for you. I was worried you might refuse me!" Princess Junxian linked arms with Ye Shuang, bubbling enthusiastically.

"Since the princess extended the invitation, how could I refuse such an invitation? Alright, let’s begin the lesson for today. After class, Ye Shuang will visit the princess’s palace to have a proper chat with you."

Princess Junxian was delighted and cheerfully took her seat.

Ye Shuang picked up the ruler and returned to the front. She glanced at the students below and smiled. "Ye Shuang has been away from Lin’an for a long time and is unfamiliar with many people. I hope the princess will excuse me."

Princess Junxian waved her hand dismissively. "That’s of no importance. Let them introduce themselves to you."

She turned around and said, "This is Sister Ye Shuang. It’s probably your first time meeting her, so why don’t you introduce yourselves to her?"

No one spoke up first.

Junxian casually pointed to the woman in front wearing a moon-white sheer jacket. "Shu Ning, you go first."

County Princess Shuning’s face was deathly pale, and she was frozen in place.