Chapter 11

This was the first time since their marriage that the couple spoke so comfortably.

Xu Yunxi was slightly surprised but quickly responded, “Then I’ll make something for you today.”

The sky was still dark, and Xu Yunxi held a lantern. Under the light, her eyes were bright, and her flawless skin had a translucent beauty.

However, Pei Muheng shook his head, “Today is the first day of the New Year. You should rest. Make it another day when you have time.”

Xu Yunxi set down the lantern, a gentle smile appearing on her face, “It’s the same for me any day.”

Saying that, Xu Yunxi left. Shortly after, Huang Wei came in to assist Pei Muheng with washing and other needs.

The mansion’s kitchen prepared a variety of exquisite and rich dishes, but Xu Yunxi only allowed Pei Muheng to drink porridge. After filling his stomach, Pei Muheng took another bowl of medicine and read alone in bed.

Whatever medicine she had given him, Pei Muheng fell asleep shortly after. Around noon, he was awakened by the aroma of medicine. Opening his eyes, he saw his wife sitting in front of him on a silk stool, smiling and pointing to a plate of freshly made pastries on the side table.

“Try one.” Her eyes were gentle and her expression soft, with a bright flush on her cheeks.

Pei Muheng rinsed his mouth first, then tasted the pastry. The flavor had changed from the last time. “Did you change the recipe?”

“Indeed. Since you’re injured, it’s not suitable to use certain ingredients. I added more lotus seeds and yam for you. You lost some vitality, so I replaced one ingredient with ginseng. The medicinal taste might be a bit strong.”

Pei Muheng nodded. The texture was as good as always, soft and delicate. “Thank you for your effort.”

There were five pieces on the plate. Xu Yunxi ate two herself, and Pei Muheng finished the remaining three.

Pei Muheng found it inconvenient to move while lying down, so Xu Yunxi personally washed a cloth and handed it to him for wiping. Considering his cleanliness habit, she intended to place the cloth on the table for him to take himself. However, Pei Muheng reached out to take it directly from her, and their hands misaligned. His slender, fair fingers lightly touched her palm, with his thumb grasping the edge of the cloth, making it look like he was half-holding her hand.

Both were stunned.

As a long-time physician, Xu Yunxi was used to contact with patients and didn’t think much of it. She only worried that Pei Muheng might dislike it.

Xu Yunxi released the cloth, and Pei Muheng, with an unchanged expression, took it and slowly wiped his mouth.

Xu Yunxi thought he would wipe his hands again but saw him naturally return the cloth. Unconsciously, he had grown accustomed to Xu Yunxi’s presence.

In the air, an unspoken intimate atmosphere flowed, along with the lingering aroma of medicine.

Pei Muheng was the first to break the silence. “You understand pharmacology?”

Xu Yunxi handed the bowl and chopsticks to Yin Xing, washed her hands, and looked at him with sparkling eyes. “Yes, I’m quite skilled in pharmacology.”

Pei Muheng understood.

Many noblewomen in the capital studied pharmacology while in seclusion, some making ointments or cosmetics, and many preparing medicinal diets to honor their elders. Pharmacology was profound, and not everyone could master it. Any girl skilled in this was highly praised.

Pei Muheng hadn’t expected the countryside-raised Xu Yunxi to be so adept at this and saw that she did it exceptionally well.

Pei Muheng was quite surprised.

In fact, apart from her humble origins, Xu Yunxi had a gentle and obedient nature, was calm and composed, understood boundaries, and knew when to advance and retreat—she was an excellent wife. He was already very satisfied.

“I have a few ancient books in my study that contain many old recipes. I’ll have Huang Wei bring them to you later.”

Xu Yunxi was somewhat surprised. “You support me?”

“Of course,” Pei Muheng nodded, a hint of warmth in his otherwise cold eyes.

Xu Yunxi clasped her hands on her knees and smiled shyly.

After a while, the Princess Consort sent someone to call Xu Yunxi, asking her to join the family in the palace to pay New Year’s respects to the Emperor.

Xu Yunxi left Yin Xing to take care of Pei Muheng, changed into a crimson palace dress, and followed.

The sky gradually cleared, and thin sunlight shone through the clouds. Thick snow still piled up on both sides of the streets. The patrolling guards had already cleared a path for the carriage.

She shared a carriage with Pei Mushan.

Inside, Pei Mushan enthusiastically explained the etiquette and relationships within the royal family to Xu Yunxi, “Later, we’ll first go to Kunning Palace to pay respects to the Empress. Although the Empress holds the highest position in the inner palace, she doesn’t manage daily affairs. Those are handled by Noble Consort Yan, with the Crown Princess assisting.”

“The Crown Princess comes from a military family but is extremely kind. My mother, who always has high standards, greatly respects her.”

“Speaking of the Crown Princess, we must mention the Princess Consort Qin…” Pei Mushan leaned in mysteriously and whispered, “Let me tell you, she is my mother’s archenemy.”

Xu Yunxi blinked and asked, “Why?”

Pei Mushan sighed before explaining, “Princess Consort Qin and my mother married into the family on the same day. You know, royal marriages don’t require a grand ceremony, and Prince Qin wasn’t very interested since he found the Princess Consort not pretty enough…”

Xu Yunxi recalled that at her wedding, it was the Deputy Minister of Rites who came to welcome her, not Pei Muheng.

“But my mother was eagerly sought after by my father. Not only did they have a grand ceremony, but he also personally rode a horse to greet her. Compared to that, Princess Consort Qin felt slighted. Since then, she’s been at odds with my mother. You know, my mother is a person who doesn’t yield to anyone…”

“Just wait, there’ll be a good show to watch later…”

Xu Yunxi held a hand warmer, listening and smiling without speaking.

The Xi Mansion was close to the Imperial City. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Donghua Gate. From Donghua Gate to Kunning Palace, it took about thirty minutes. Considering the cold and snow, palace servants had prepared sedan chairs for the princesses.

Prince Xi took Pei Muxiang and Pei Mujing to Fengtian Hall early, while Princess Consort Xi took her three daughters-in-law and two daughters to Kunning Palace. Coincidentally, they ran into the Princess Consort Qin inside Donghua Gate.

Princess Consort Qin and Princess Consort Xi were about the same age. She stood quietly on the palace path, wearing a deep blue silk robe and a matching cloak embroidered with orchid patterns. Although she was tall, her appearance was average. Compared to the still-beautiful Princess Consort Xi, who walked among her daughters-in-law without losing any of her charms, Princess Consort Qin seemed a generation older.

Princess Consort Xi had already noticed her and slowly walked over, supported by Madam Xie, clutching an embroidered handkerchief as she smiled and greeted, “Greetings to my sister-in-law. What’s this? Your eyes look black and blue. Didn’t sleep well?”

Princess Consort Qin’s expression was cold. Naturally, she wouldn’t tell Princess Consort Xi that the Emperor had lightly punished the Crown Prince, causing Prince Qin to be in a foul mood, and she had endured a tantrum from him last night.

“Just stayed up late for the New Year’s vigil.” Her gaze then floated lightly past Princess Consort Xi to the unfamiliar Xu Yunxi behind her. After carefully examining her, she smiled and said, “So this is Henger’s wife? She’s quite the beauty, just like you were back in the day.”

Princess Consort Xi felt stifled after hearing this.

With her phrase “in your younger days,” Princess Consort Qin implies that Princess Consort Xi is old and has lost her beauty.

Secondly, she was intentionally poking at Princess Consort Xi’s sore spot.

Princess Consort Xi came from an illustrious background, being a descendant of the Lanling Xiao family. Her father was one of the eighteen ministers of Yinqu Terrace, and her brother served as the Governor of Sichuan, making him a regional ruler. She had been raised in luxury and had never had to look at others’ faces her entire life.

Xu Yunxi, on the other hand, was the daughter of a minor official who grew up in the countryside, unknown and obscure.

By comparing her daughter-in-law to Xu Yunxi, Princess Consort Qin was deliberately trying to irritate Princess Consort Xi. Both women were equally cunning; who would fear whom?

Although Princess Consort Xi did not favor Xu Yunxi, she would not publicly show it. “Sister-in-law, you flatter me. My daughters-in-law are all exceptionally beautiful. Wherever they go, they are never mocked for looking like men. Of course, appearance is secondary; harmony and happiness between husband and wife are more important.”

Princess Consort Qin’s face turned pale. Prince Qin did not favor her and spent most of his time with his concubines after she gave birth to his eldest son. Now, she only had one legitimate son, while the Prince’s concubines had numerous offspring. Her life was not easy, but she quickly composed herself and smiled at Xu Yunxi, “Yunxi, come here.”

She had even found out Xu Yunxi’s maiden name.

Xu Yunxi, with a hint of surprise in her eyes, stepped forward and bowed, “Greetings to Princess Consort Qin.”

Ignoring Princess Consort Xi’s angry glare, Princess Consort Qin took off a jade bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Xu Yunxi. “This is our first meeting. I find you very pleasant and likable. Here, this bracelet is a small token of my appreciation. Wear it as you please.”

Princess Consort Qin’s move was indeed ruthless. The bracelet she held was entirely green, with excellent clarity, and it was obviously very valuable at a glance. Knowing that Princess Consort Xi wouldn’t favor Xu Yunxi, she took the opportunity to win over Xu Yunxi and slap Princess Consort Xi in the face.

It really was a case of princess consorts fighting and the daughters-in-law suffering.

Xu Yunxi showed no change in expression, but inwardly, she found it both amusing and frustrating. She knew well enough to weigh her priorities; she couldn’t side with an outsider to anger her mother-in-law, even though their relationship wasn’t entirely harmonious. She smiled politely, “Your kindness, according to etiquette, shouldn’t be declined by a junior. However, this bracelet is too precious for me to accept. If you could offer something else, I would feel more at ease accepting it.”

Whatever Princess Consort Qin decided to give, Xu Yunxi couldn’t control, but she needed to show her stance to Princess Consort Xi.

Seeing her daughter-in-law’s discernment and not falling into Princess Consort Qin’s trap, Princess Consort Xi felt relieved. She quickly glanced around, then gracefully walked over and chided Xu Yunxi, “Silly child, you mustn’t refuse a gift from an elder. Take it.”

She intended for Princess Consort Qin to lose face in the end.

Princess Consort Qin’s expression stiffened, but she couldn’t take back her words, so she reluctantly handed the jade bracelet to Xu Yunxi.

Xu Yunxi accepted it and sighed helplessly.

The two sisters-in-law had a small confrontation at Donghua Gate before getting into their respective sedan chairs.

While the two princess consorts could ride in sedan chairs, the juniors could not. Xu Yunxi, used to traveling since childhood, found the walk effortless. She walked lightly, without breaking a sweat, while the other royal grandchildren’s wives were panting. In the end, Xu Yunxi had to support Pei Mushan.

When they arrived outside Kunning Palace, they heard that the Empress had caught a slight cold and had just awakened from her nap, so they were asked to wait.

Xu Yunxi and the others entered the side hall, where the Crown Princess and several other princess consorts were already present.

Everyone exchanged New Year’s greetings. Princess Consort Qin glanced at the bracelet in Xu Yunxi’s hand and, with a plan in mind, said to the Crown Princess, “Crown Princess Sister-in-law, this is Henger’s wife. Isn’t she beautiful?”

The Crown Princess had dealt with the Princess Consort Qin for many years, so she knew her sister-in-law’s temperament well. A glance at the bracelet in Xu Yunxi’s hand was enough to recognize it as one of Princess Consort Qin’s prized possessions.

As the Crown Princess, any gift she gave would have to be more valuable than what the Princess Consort Qin offered. Princess Consort Qin wanted to drag her down as well.

This left the Crown Princess in a bit of a dilemma.

Earlier that year, the Crown Prince had been punished by the Emperor for accepting bribes and amassing wealth. If she now gave a more valuable gift than the jade bracelet, she would be criticized.

Princess Consort Qin was indeed relentless. However, the Crown Princess remained composed. She reached up to her hair, found a gold hairpin with double prongs and green inlays, and handed it to Xu Yunxi, “Dear child, this hairpin was given to me by the Empress when I got married. I have always carried it with me. Heng’er took the punishment for the Crown Prince, and I feel deeply grateful. I give you my most cherished hairpin and wish you and Heng’er a harmonious and long-lasting marriage.”

As this hairpin was a gift from the Empress to the Crown Princess, it carried special significance and surpassed the Princess Consort Qin’s gift.

Princess Consort Qin’s smile became strained.

The other princess consorts were less calculating. Based on their relationship with Princess Consort Xi, they gave appropriate gifts, which Xu Yunxi handed to the palace servants to be stored in a sandalwood box.

The Crown Princess called Princess Consort Xi over to inquire about Pei Muheng’s injuries. Madam Li and Madam Xie each chatted with their close sisters-in-law. Pei Mushan disappeared somewhere, leaving Xu Yunxi alone to drink tea at the back of the hall.

Occasional whispers reached her ears.

“She’s Pei Muheng’s wife, isn’t she? Quite beautiful, but unfortunately of low birth.”

“If she wasn’t beautiful, the Emperor wouldn’t have chosen her. What else does she have besides her looks?”

“Sigh, I was planning to arrange a marriage for Pei Muheng, but the Emperor beat me to it.”

“Oh, don’t say that. Princess Consort Xi had her eye on Minister Xun’s daughter. How could she want your niece?”

“Hmph, when I proposed the marriage, she didn’t even consider it. Now look where she is.”

Xu Yunxi calmly set down her teacup, ignoring the gossip.

*

Before long, the Empress summoned everyone inside.

Everyone collectively knelt and bowed to the Empress.

The Empress, over fifty years old, had a thin face, long eyebrows, and gentle eyes, appearing very kind. Her health had never been good. When she gave birth to the twelfth prince, Pei Xun, she suffered severe bleeding, resulting in chronic illness. Afterward, she never bore children again. As Xu Yunxi bowed, she discreetly observed the Empress, noting her emaciated face and weak vitality, signs of years of poor health. However, judging by her features, the Empress must have been a great beauty in her youth.

Accompanying the princess consorts were various palace concubines.

Here, Xu Yunxi also saw the famed Noble Consort Yan.

Noble Consort Yan was the mother of Prince Qin and the sister of the Prime Minister, Yan Ping. Compared to the emaciated Empress, Noble Consort Yan sat imposingly, with a stern expression, looking more like the ruler of the six palaces than the Empress.

Upon reaching her mother-in-law, Princess Consort Qin became much more subdued, standing meekly behind Noble Consort Yan.

With many royal relatives present, the warm pavilion couldn’t accommodate everyone. The Empress sent the young ladies outside to play in the snow, leaving only the daughters-in-law to converse.

The twelfth prince, Pei Xun, was still recuperating in Tongzhou and hadn’t returned to the capital for the New Year. A concerned concubine asked the Empress, “How is the prince’s injury?”

With worry in her eyes, the Empress replied, “I don’t know. They keep reassuring me that it’s nothing serious. But if it weren’t serious, why couldn’t he return to the capital for the New Year?”

The political situation in the court affected the harem as well, causing concubines to seek alliances.

A concubine aligned with Noble Consort Yan glanced lightly at the Crown Princess and said, “Perhaps a villainous person inflicted a severe injury on the prince.”

To outsiders, it seemed that the Crown Prince had ordered Pei Xun’s assassination to prevent him from investigating the case. However, in reality, after Pei Xun was attacked, the documents on the case were tampered with, and the truth about Chen Mingshan’s case came to light, benefiting Prince Qin.

Having established her position in the palace for many years, the Crown Princess immediately had supporters among the concubines who refuted, “Exactly, those villains are despicable, daring to steal court documents. They have no regard for the law.”

In the palace, the most lawless and arrogant was Noble Consort Yan.

Noble Consort Yan didn’t even lift her eyelids, speaking indifferently, “It’s New Year’s; don’t upset the Empress. I’ve asked His Majesty, and the Twelfth Prince’s injuries are not severe. He will definitely return to the capital before the Lantern Festival.”

What she thought was that neither the Crown Prince nor Prince Qin would be foolish enough to act against Pei Xun at this time. The Twelfth Prince’s injuries were suspicious, and it was likely self-inflicted to avoid court disputes.

Tired of their arguments, the Empress swept her gaze around the hall and saw Princess Consort Xi leisurely playing with her teacup. Amused, she asked, “What is the fourth daughter-in-law thinking about? You’re the most carefree here.”

Princess Consort Xi immediately stood up and replied, “Oh no, I was just thinking that the tea in Your Majesty’s palace is excellent. I’ve already had three cups.”

When it came to court disputes, Princess Consort Xi always remained silent.

The Empress liked her bold yet transparent personality, “I see you all are tired from the journey. Since it’s not yet time for dinner, let’s have some snacks.”

Upon receiving the command, the palace servants quickly went to prepare the food. Before long, eunuchs brought in trays of delicacies and placed them in front of the ladies.

Xu Yunxi sat quietly at the end of the row. As the snacks were being served, the previous topic ended, and everyone chatted casually.

Mostly, it was the princess consorts and senior concubines conversing. Daughters-in-law like Xu Yunxi remained silent. Even the usually talkative Madam Li was quiet, focusing intently and not daring to look around. Prince Qin was not favored by the Emperor, and if she made a mistake in the palace, no one could protect her.

Shortly after, palace servants carrying red lacquer trays entered in a line.

The first item placed in front of Xu Yunxi was a plate of candied hawthorn sticks, which left her momentarily stunned.

Years ago, candied hawthorns were her obsession. In her memory, there was always a vague figure, thin as bamboo, standing by a small bridge over flowing water, lifting her high and affectionately coaxing, “My dear girl, you’re the best. When Daddy comes back next time, I’ll bring you candied hawthorns!”

Then she waited and waited through the changes of seasons and the passage of days. The pond beneath the bridge dried up, the grapevines entwining the fence withered and then turned green again. She squatted on the stone pier in front of the door, watching as the last rays of the sunset disappeared behind the distant mountains, but he never returned. Some said he died on the way to take the imperial exams in the capital. Others said a rich family’s young lady took him to become their son-in-law.

Regardless, in her heart, he was already dead.

Someone gently nudged her arm and whispered, “Third sister-in-law, don’t be foolish. Reply to the Empress…”

Xu Yunxi raised her head blankly. Countless gazes in the hall were fixed on her, all sharp and piercing. She stood up, confused, and saw Noble Consort Yan looking at her coldly.

Xu Yunxi quickly regained her composure, knelt, and said, “Your servant was disrespectful. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

She heard some concubines quietly mocking her.

“No wonder she’s from a lowly family; she has no manners. The Empress asked her a question, and she didn’t even stand up.”

“Princess Consort Xi’s lifetime of reputation is ruined by this daughter-in-law.”

“If I had such a daughter-in-law, I wouldn’t be able to lift my head…”

It wasn’t until the Empress lightly coughed from above that the mockery ceased.

Noble Consort Yan spoke again, “What did I just say?”

Xu Yunxi furrowed her brows.

*

In Qiankun Palace, just a wall away.

Four ministers were accompanying the Emperor for refreshments.

Sensing the Emperor’s foul mood, none of the ministers mentioned court affairs; instead, they discussed their experiences among the common people.

Prime Minister Yan Ping placed his hands on his knees and looked at the hearth in front of him, “Your Majesty, do you remember when I served as a Censor in Lingnan? The locals celebrated the New Year by placing a hearth like this, burning it vigorously. They hung meat from the beams above, letting the smoke blacken it. How could anyone eat that meat? But the locals loved it. I didn’t like it at first, but after getting used to it, it wasn’t so bad.”

The Emperor reclined on a chair covered with a velvet blanket, looking very interested. He smiled and asked, “Is this the smoked meat mentioned in the books?”

“Yes, indeed. The people in the south love it.” Yan Ping pointed to Xun Yunhe, who was sitting elegantly below, and said, “He is from the south. Why don’t you ask him how that smoked meat is made?”

The Emperor’s gaze quickly fell on Xun Yunhe. “Minister Xun, you explain.”

At that time, Xun Yunhe was serving as Deputy Minister of Revenue and was the youngest minister in the cabinet. When he arrived in the capital, his essay “Shanyang Fu” made him famous in the Hanlin Academy. The following year, he took first place in the imperial examination and was appointed as an imperial scholar by the Emperor. Xun Yunhe was renowned for his talent and appearance, outstanding political achievements, and always being highly regarded in the court. Moreover, the Emperor favored him, intending to groom him as Yan Ping’s successor and future head of the cabinet.

Such a person, the Emperor did not allow any prince to associate with. Therefore, when Princess Consort Xi wanted Pei Muheng to marry Xun Yunling, the Emperor resolutely stopped it.

Xun Yunhe, dressed in a crimson robe, displayed an elegant demeanor and a gentle temperament. He smiled and replied, “I have been away from Jingzhou for many years and can’t quite remember how the meat is made. I only vaguely recall that the meat is quite tough and sticks to the teeth. I wasn’t very fond of it.”

Hearing this, Grand Secretary Zheng from the Ministry of Rites laughed and said to the Emperor, “Your Majesty might not know, but our Minister Xun here has a particular fondness for candied hawthorns!”

Hearing this, the Emperor sat up and said, “I’ve heard of it too. I specially ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare it today. Bring a plate of candied hawthorns for Minister Xun.”

Xun Yunhe’s expression was slightly dazed, and he smiled somewhat awkwardly as he stood up, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for the kindness.”