Chapter 17

The wind grew stronger, and the sun gradually hid behind the clouds, signaling an approaching overcast sky. Pei Muheng got up, intending to return, and Xu Yunqi followed him silently.

This time, they did not ride but walked back slowly.

Xu Yunqi held the small cloth pouch, looking at the man before her. He was wearing a long dark green robe, tall and upright, exuding a restrained yet clear demeanor, like snow on a high peak or a pine on a snowy mountain, unapproachable.

Xu Yunqi kept her distance from him, immersed in her own happiness. She would fetch plum wine to soak the snake, which could make the best medicinal wine. If her grandfather were still alive, he could use it to dispel wind and dampness and cure his old cold legs. Thinking of her missing grandfather, Xu Yunqi felt a shadow cast over her heart.

When Pei Muheng went south to Yangzhou for two months, she used the excuse of returning to her maternal home to visit Yanzhou and Tongzhou personally but still found nothing.

Shopkeeper Hu said that after more than a year, her grandfather might no longer be in this world. The wind brushed across her eyes, turning into a deep-seated panic.

Pei Muheng looked back and saw his wife, looking like a child who had done something wrong, following behind sullenly. He suddenly found it amusing and stopped to look at her. “Aren’t you afraid?”

Xu Yunqi stopped, suppressing her worry, and blinked, “I’m not afraid, are you?” she retorted.

Pei Muheng was speechless. “Have you caught snakes before?”

A smile reappeared on Xu Yunqi’s face, and she nodded, “I have. When I was young, I followed my grandfather up the mountains and down to the sea. I’ve even caught fish.”

Pei Muheng understood. A girl from the countryside had a special kind of resilience.

“What did you use to catch the snake just now?”

“This?” Xu Yunqi pulled out a silver needle hidden in her sleeve and patiently explained to Pei Muheng, “It’s dipped in some medicinal wine that can anesthetize the snake.”

“I see.” Pei Muheng was genuinely surprised by his wife’s skills and gained a new understanding of her.

His wife was not as weak as she appeared; she actually had some self-defense skills. As her husband, he should be glad.

“Do you want me to help you?” He was still worried that the snake might bite her.

Xu Yunqi remembered her husband’s obsession with cleanliness and smiled, shaking her head, “I’ll be fine.”

Pei Muheng didn’t insist.

After the small incident was resolved, they mounted their horses and returned to the palace.

That night, the couple went to bed early, but Pei Muheng didn’t touch her. Xu Yunqi assumed he was scared by her bare-handed snake-catching.

The next morning, Pei Muheng changed into his court attire. As he stepped out, he saw a secret guard hesitating at the stairs.

“What’s the matter?”

The guard looked somewhat indignant, “Sir, yesterday Miss Yin Xing told me that a few days ago, Miss Liu from the Court Judicial Review Chief’s family intercepted the young madam on the way with ill intentions.”

Hearing this, Pei Muheng’s face turned as cold as frost. After a moment of silence, he said nothing and went straight to the Qiankun Hall.

Inside, he found that Yan Shaoling had returned. He was handing over the list of confiscated names to the emperor, looking energetic.

Seeing Pei Muheng, Yan Shaoling cupped his hands and flashed a bold smile at him.

The emperor didn’t rush to look at the documents but instead gazed at the tired Yan Shaoling with a gentle smile, “You handled the matter swiftly. How should I reward you?”

Yan Shaoling laughed heartily and scratched the back of his head, “If Your Majesty really cares for me, why not grant me a wife I am pleased with?”

The emperor snorted but didn’t respond to this, “You must be tired. Go rest, and join us for dinner at the Qiankun Hall tonight.”

Yan Shaoling left, slightly disappointed.

After he left, the emperor unfolded the documents, and his expression grew serious after a glance, “Look at this: such small merchants have embezzled so much money; this can’t be a coincidence. The case needs a thorough investigation. Who do you think should go to Jinzhou?”

Yan Ping stroked his beard, contemplating, while Pei Muheng stepped forward with a smile, “Grandfather, among the three companions in court are Minister Xiao from the Ministry of Justice and Minister Liu from the Court Judicial Review. Since Jinzhou is close, it’s best to send a reliable person. Minister Xiao is old and not fit for travel, so perhaps Minister Liu should go.”

Prince Qin’s plot had nearly come to fruition, and someone had to be the scapegoat. The Liu girl relied on her father’s position, so removing one of Prince Qin’s supports and avenging his wife seemed fitting.

Yan Ping glanced at Pei Muheng and pondered, weighing who to push out. Pei Muheng had decided for him, “Your Majesty, smuggling gunpowder is a serious matter. Let Minister Liu go. It is most appropriate.”

The emperor agreed.

That night, Yan Shaoling threw two heads onto the negotiation table of the Great Wu envoys, arrogantly declaring, “You think you can fool us with your tricks? Let me tell you, if you don’t obediently deliver the warhorses, we’ll cut off your supply of tea, salt, and silk. Let’s see what your herders on the prairie will eat and use!”

Raw silk, in addition to being made into clothing for nobles, could also be made into soft armor worn under regular armor, capable of withstanding more than ten arrows. It was an important part of the cavalry’s equipment.

Seeing his plans fall apart, Great Wu Third Prince felt a chill. Subsequent negotiations went downhill for them, tightly controlled by the Jin Dynasty.

Old ginger is indeed spicier. The emperor and Great Wu agreed on a ten-year pact, secretly supporting the Khan’s brother and promising some benefits to pit the brothers against each other, thus stabilizing the border situation.

As the negotiations drew to a close, on the tenth day of April, the emperor held a grand longevity banquet to celebrate his sixty-second birthday and bid farewell to the envoys.

That night, Yongan Palace was brightly lit and full of toasts.

Halfway through the banquet, the emperor left Prince Qin to preside over the feast and retired to his chambers, feeling unwell after being persuaded by his ministers to drink several cups of wine. The old man leaned back in his chair, resting, and asked Liu Xiwen, “Why haven’t I seen Xun’er?”

Liu Xiwen took the sobering soup from the eunuch and placed it before the emperor, replying, “After the competition with the envoys that day, the Twelfth Prince’s leg injury worsened. After drinking a few cups of wine earlier, the pain became severe, so he retired first.”

The emperor, pressing his forehead and drooping his eyelids, remained silent. After a brief nap, he was startled awake by urgent footsteps outside. The emperor opened his eyes suddenly and saw General Yang Yun of the Jinwu Guards lift the curtain and enter, dressed in armor and looking tense. He knelt on one knee and said, “Your Majesty, there’s trouble in the capital.”

The emperor abruptly sat up and asked sternly, “What has happened?”

Yang Yun quickly reported, “An estate near the Ci’en Temple in the Western Palace District, where gunpowder was stored, has exploded.”

The emperor’s forehead twitched upon hearing this, and he was full of disbelief, “What did you say!”

The Ci’en Temple was built under the emperor’s decree to house the longevity plaque of the late empress. It allowed the people to offer incense and enjoy the empress’s blessings. The late empress had died early when the crown prince was still a child. The emperor often dreamed of his late wife worrying about their child, so he granted the estate near the Ci’en Temple to the crown prince, allowing him to perform rituals several days a month. Indeed, after this, the empress no longer appeared in his dreams, and the emperor slept peacefully.

This area had always been the crown prince’s private property, and the emperor never questioned it.

In recent years, there were occasional reports of the crown prince secretly keeping dancers there. The emperor reprimanded him several times, thinking the crown prince had reformed, but unexpectedly, he dared to stockpile gunpowder.

What does he intend to do?

A surge of anger rose to the emperor’s brows, and he stared sharply, “What exactly happened? Explain clearly!”

Yang Yun said, “Regarding the previous case of the grain warehouse in Tongzhou, Prefect Chen Mingshan, under the crown prince’s instruction, embezzled and profiteered from the grain. Most of the grain was sold in the market, but a small portion was unaccounted for. The Censorate has been investigating its whereabouts and finally traced it to the Ci’en Temple. It turns out the crown prince not only hid the money there but also secretly stored weapons and gunpowder. This afternoon, a fire broke out, causing an explosion that affected nearby residences.”

“Minister Xun immediately sent people to seal off the area and extinguish the fire. But the trouble is, rumors suddenly spread in the city, claiming that the crown prince is planning a rebellion.”

The area near the Ci’en Temple in the Western Palace District is a necessary route for the emperor’s return journey. If gunpowder were buried there, the emperor would have no chance of survival.

“I just received Minister Xun’s urgent report, and I am swiftly delivering it to you for your decision!”

Yang Yun presented the memorial written by Xun Yunhe, lifting it above his head and handing it to the emperor.

The elderly emperor collapsed heavily onto the back of his chair, his eyes blankly staring at the memorial, speechless for a long time.

Liu Xiwen grew anxious, “Your Majesty, there may be turmoil in the capital. You must make a decision quickly!”

The gunpowder explosion could not cover up the crown prince’s matter, and now with the emperor on tour, the crown prince might take desperate measures.

The emperor’s eyes drooped, his face, filled with wrinkles, rarely showing fatigue and despondency. Ultimately, as the sovereign of a vast kingdom, he quickly regained his composure and sat up straight behind the imperial desk, “Yang Yun, listen to my command.”

“Your servant is here!”

“Deploy five thousand elite soldiers to quickly control the palace, but do not alarm the envoys!”

“Your servant obeys!”

“Liu Xiwen, draft an edict summoning the Twelfth Prince Pei Xun…” As he spoke, he remembered Pei Xun’s severe injuries and hesitated slightly. Considering which of his sons and grandsons could undertake the great task, he soon thought of Pei Muheng, and his eyes showed determination, “Summon the seventh grandson to the palace, grant him the title of Duke of Zhaoming, and have him lead my edict to the Yan Prefecture garrison to mobilize troops and rush to the capital, awaiting my return!”

“As you command!”

“In addition, leave Lord Wen to look after the envoys and summon all other princes and ministers to the Qiankun Hall for deliberation!”

“I will carry out your orders!”

Shortly, the heavily armed imperial guards silently patrolled the palace, quickly occupying key locations. The women of the palace were ordered to return to their residences, while the ministers and royalty were escorted to the Qiankun Hall.

Lord Wen, hearing the news, was secretly alarmed. To avoid leaking information, he spent the night in the embassy, reveling with the envoys until dawn, but that is another story.

Led by Prince Qin, the princes and ministers were gradually summoned to the Qiankun Hall. Prince Qin, fully aware of the situation, feigned drunkenness, collapsing on the shoulders of his attendants, pretending to be unconscious.

Unaware of the details, Xiao Yu exchanged worried glances with several other ministers, their expressions filled with unease.

Only Yan Ping, dressed in a crimson robe, stood silently at the head.

Pei Muheng, upon receiving his orders, encountered the injured Twelfth Prince being carried into the hall. The two exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of complexity. Pei Xun, supported by attendants, gently patted Pei Muheng’s shoulder and said warmly, “Be careful on the road.”

Pei Muheng, looking calm, glanced at Prince Qin and the others, holding the tiger tally, stepped forward, and quickly descended the steps, mounting his horse and galloping towards Yan Prefecture.

Moments later, the emperor summoned everyone into the hall. The old man had changed into a bright yellow dragon robe and sat silently behind the imperial desk. The sudden turn of events during the longevity banquet was a severe blow to him. Initially furious to the point of tasting blood, he gradually calmed down, narrowing his eyes to glance at Prince Qin and Prince Chen with suspicion.

Prince Qin and Prince Chen, faces flushed from drinking, seemed unaware of the world.

Before long, a cry broke the silence of the hall. The eldest imperial grandson, kneeling before the steps, wailed to the emperor, “Grandfather, father would never betray you; this must be the work of traitors. You must investigate thoroughly and clear father’s name!”

The Seventh Prince turned his head and shouted, “What evidence do you have to prove the crown prince’s innocence?”

The eldest imperial grandson, his voice hoarse, cried out, “I am the best evidence. How could father abandon me? Leaving me by grandfather’s side is his greatest act of loyalty.”

Fearing the emperor would be swayed, the Seventh Prince quickly retorted, “Nonsense! The crown prince hid his wealth at Ci’en Temple and harbored resentment after being confined. Now, seizing the opportunity of the emperor’s tour, he must have planted gunpowder near the west gate to kill us all. Such a wicked heart!”

Kneeling in the hall, eyes red with righteous indignation, he declared, “Father, hiding weapons is tantamount to rebellion. Please thoroughly investigate the crown prince to set an example!”

Seeing the Seventh Prince’s accusations, Xiao Yu calmly reminded, “Seventh Prince, we cannot jump to conclusions before the matter is fully investigated.” As Minister of Justice, Xiao Yu spoke based on facts.

The emperor ignored them and silently looked towards the sky.

At midnight, amidst a torrential downpour and thunder, Pei Muheng arrived at the Yan Prefecture military camp. Holding the emperor’s handwritten letter and tiger tally, he quickly took command of the Yan Prefecture military forces, arranging troops to rush to the outskirts of the capital overnight to guard the emperor.

On the way, a secret guard asked him, “The crown prince won’t escape this time, right?”

Pei Muheng, gazing at the gradually emerging silhouette of the capital in the dawn light, replied indifferently.

He certainly won’t escape.

Not only will the crown prince not escape, but Prince Qin is also ensnared.

The next day, Lord Wen sent the envoys out of the city early in the morning. The emperor, upon receiving news that Pei Muheng was safe, set off back to the capital.

The return journey was swift, departing at dawn before the light fully brightened and arriving at the capital outskirts by evening. Due to the fast pace, the carriages were heavily jolted, making it hard for the female members of the entourage to endure. Pei Mushan took care of her mother along the way, while Xu Yunqi traveled alone in a carriage. She usually had a detached temperament, with nothing able to disturb her. Throughout the journey, she focused on making a set of rouge for Pei Mushan.

Upon reaching the west city gate, a thin mist enveloped the area, and flags filled the sky. Numerous civil and military officials awaited outside the gate to welcome the emperor.

Pei Mushan poked half her head out of the front carriage, pointing at Pei Muheng clad in silver armor, exclaiming, “Sister-in-law, look at Brother. He looks so handsome in armor!”

Pei Mushan’s remark successfully drew the attention of many girls along the way.

Xu Yunqi, the person in question, had no time to react before the commotion around her carriage grew louder. Many girls were craning their necks out of their carriages.

“Wow, it really is the third young master.”

“Such a handsome man. I wonder who could catch his eye?”

“You think too much. The third young master is like an immortal, not concerned with worldly matters…”

“Ahem, let me remind you all, the third young master is already married…”

An awkward silence followed, and the topic quickly changed.

“Hey, is that Minister Xun standing next to the third young master?”

“Indeed, he was ordered to remain in the capital, highly trusted by the emperor.”

“Minister Xun’s high rank and power are secondary. Did you know he has never taken a concubine since marrying Madam Xun? All these years, he’s been devoted to his wife, a role model for the nobility in the capital. Sister Yunling is truly fortunate to have such a good father…”

Hearing the crowd discussing Pei Muheng, Yin Xing pulled back the curtain for Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi, holding the rouge box, glanced casually. Pei Muheng, clad in full armor, revealed his flawless, handsome face. The torchlight illuminated the area, making his features stand out—his angular face and dark lashes, like a meticulously painted masterpiece, perfect in every detail, beautiful beyond the mortal world. He held a long spear, standing tall, and beside him was someone in a crimson robe, partially obscured by the spear, exuding an extraordinary demeanor.

Xu Yunqi withdrew her gaze and smiled.

Soon after, the officials saluted and escorted the emperor into the city. Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe mounted their horses and followed.

Following that, the carriages of the officials’ families started one after another.

Xun Yunhe slowly guided his horse into the path, when suddenly, a distant and clear call echoed from the swirling dust behind, “Sister Yunqi!”

Hearing this name, Xun Yunhe turned abruptly, his dark eyes scanning the crowd like searchlights. However, the call seemed to have come from a distant past, and soon disappeared into the noisy conversations.

Pei Muheng walked a while, noticing Xun Yunhe had stopped, seemingly nailed to the spot, and called out, “Teacher!”

Xun Yunhe hesitated, slowly regaining his composure.

Pei Muheng, seeing his suddenly pale face, quickly asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”

Xun Yunhe wiped the sweat from his forehead and shook his head, restoring his usual smile, “No, I misheard.” He then rode forward, catching up with the emperor’s carriage.

On Xu Yunqi’s side, she was stopped by Madam Jiang’s youngest daughter. A lively and adorable face poked out of Madam Jiang’s carriage—it was Jiang Yuhe’s sister, Jiang Yuzhen. Jiang Yuzhen waved cheerfully at Xu Yunqi and pointed ahead.

In the misty rain, Xu Yunqi saw a jade-like figure sitting on a horse, too far to see his expression clearly. Dressed in white, he sat still, waiting by the city wall for the Jiang family’s carriage.

It had been so long that Xu Yunqi almost forgot his appearance. She greeted Jiang Yuzhen and then lowered the curtain.

Once the curtain was down, Jiang Yuhe slowly rode over, his gaze straight ahead as he reached the Jiang family’s carriage, escorting his mother back.

After entering the city, Xu Yunqi remembered she needed to buy some good medicinal wine. She instructed Nanny Chen to inform the Princess Consort, “There is a pharmacy near Baoshan Temple ahead. I need to get some herbs for medicinal dishes, it won’t take long. Please inform the princess.”

Nanny Chen agreed. A few days ago, Princess Consort Xi had overheard Pei Muheng mentioning that Xu Yunqi could make medicinal cakes. Her needing to get some herbs made sense, and as long as she served her husband wholeheartedly, Princess Consort Xi would not restrict her, allowing Xu Yunqi to leave.

Pei Muheng left two guards to escort his wife. The two guards escorted the carriage from the main road into a southern alley. After about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they reached the street in front of Baoshan Temple, when suddenly a loud, buzzing noise came from the alley ahead. A group of vagrants herded some people towards them.

“Help!”

“Robbery!”

Seeing the situation turning bad, the guards quickly drove the carriage to the side, planning to turn back.

“Madam, some rogues from the underworld are taking advantage of the crown prince’s trouble to rob and plunder in the city. They must be here to seize property!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Yunqi immediately lifted the curtain and saw many people passing by the carriage. Several vagrants in tattered clothes, wielding various knives, were chasing after them. A woman was grabbed, crying as she handed over her silver and jewelry. The vagrants, having obtained the valuables, frantically stuffed them into their bags.

The wide street was in chaos.

Nanny Chen hurriedly sat on the carriage shaft, “Turn back quickly!”

But it was too late. The leader of the vagrants saw that Xu Yunqi’s group was either rich or noble and made a gesture, causing a group of people to swarm over. “Leave your money, and we won’t make things difficult for you.”

The guards from the palace were not to be trifled with. They released signal fireworks and drew their long knives to fight back.

In a moment, swords clashed, producing ear-piercing clashes.

The coachman seized the opportunity to drive the carriage back through a gap, intending to break out of the encirclement. The guards were skilled, but the opponents were numerous, and for a moment, they were trapped at the alley’s entrance.

“Do you know who is inside? If you know what’s good for you, leave quickly, or you’ll die without a burial place!”

Xu Yunqi also took the chance to shoot silver needles at the approaching vagrants, causing them to fall.

Seeing that the palace guards were well-trained, the leader of the vagrants, worried about causing a big mess, fought while retreating. However, these people, from all walks of life, had various hidden weapons. Before escaping, one of them lit a kerosene ball and threw it straight at Xu Yunqi’s carriage.

At the critical moment, a white figure on horseback leaped towards Xu Yunqi. Seeing the fireball about to hit the carriage wall, he swung his sword horizontally, deflecting the fireball. The fireball grazed his shoulder and hit the roadside, accompanied by a muffled groan of pain. When Xu Yunqi lifted the curtain, she saw him clutching his injured shoulder, galloping past her, leaving only a thin side profile.

Half an hour later, Xu Yunqi safely arrived at Qinghui Garden. To avoid causing any trouble, the incident of bandits encountered midway was kept secret by the dark guards. Nanny Chen and others, still fearful, were busy tidying up the luggage while Yin Xing helped Xu Yunqi change into clean clothes. The master and servant sat in the east room, drinking tea.

Yin Xing helped her settle the little snake and then noticed Xu Yunqi’s calm expression. Worried, she asked, “Miss, should I return to the Xu residence and ask your mother to inquire about Young Master Jiang’s condition?”

Xu Yunqi, hands resting on the table, shook her head, “No need.” From Jiang Yuhe’s actions, he must have followed her there; otherwise, he wouldn’t have arrived so quickly.

Inquiring, visiting, or being entangled? Nothing makes people give up more easily than cold indifference.

Xu Yunqi, having never experienced love, didn’t understand emotions and thought it would pass with time.

*

That night, the palace was brightly lit.

Apart from the women, all civil and military officials and royal family members were waiting in the Fengtian Hall, not daring to leave without the emperor’s permission.

Three thousand Yulin Guards and three thousand Imperial Guards were stationed inside and outside the Fengtian Hall, allowing no one to enter or leave.

In the imperial study, apart from Pei Muheng, who had escorted the emperor back, were Liu Xiwen, Xun Yunhe, and Minister Zheng from the Ministry of Rites.

Since returning to the imperial study, the emperor had been pressing his forehead with both hands, not looking up.

Xun Yunhe reported the matter of the Eastern Palace to the emperor, “After the explosion at Ci’en Temple, I sealed off the nearby streets. Currently, there are more than thirty casualties, and the situation is not optimistic. Due to the involvement of the Eastern Palace, with the empress’s approval, I, along with the empress, ordered the confinement of the crown prince and his officials in the Eastern Palace. Additionally, I arranged for the Wulin Guards to detain the Yang family. Everything awaits your decision.”

“By the way, since the incident, the crown prince has been pleading to see you.”

Pressing his brow, the emperor did not move, his tone very tired, “Hand this case over to the Three Judicial Offices for a thorough investigation. No royal family members are to be involved.” He had no intention of seeing the crown prince.

“I obey.” Xun Yunhe bowed.

“You all may leave. I will rest for a while…” The emperor waved his hand.

With other official matters to handle, Xun Yunhe and Grand Secretary Zheng left the imperial study first. Pei Muheng then approached the imperial desk, presenting the tiger tally given to him by the emperor the night before, “Grandson has mobilized the Yan Prefecture army to protect you, returning the tiger tally to Your Majesty.”

The emperor, reclining on the imperial couch, opened his eyes to look at him. After staring at him for a moment, he nodded, “Leave it.”

While others would hold onto military power tightly, Pei Muheng readily gave it up.

Pei Muheng exited the imperial study and entered Fengtian Hall, where all the royal family members were waiting for orders.

Soon, the emperor’s message allowed the civil and military officials to return to their offices but not to leave the palace.

Yan Ping and others prepared to return to the cabinet. Shortly after, Prince Qin, using an excuse, followed him out.

Under the ink-black sky, with the wind rustling, Yan Ping leisurely walked to the steps and saw Prince Qin waiting in the bushes beside the terrace.

Yan Ping folded his sleeves and looked at Prince Qin.

Prince Qin smiled bitterly and bowed to Yan Ping. “Uncle, the situation is settled. Please help me with the future plans.”

Yan Ping replied coolly, folding his sleeves in return, “Your Highness, with your strategy, where do you need an old man like me to plan?”

Prince Qin knew that this action was taken without Yan Ping’s approval and feared it had angered him. He hurriedly said, “Uncle, I heard from a small servant that His Majesty coughed up blood last night. At such a critical moment, how could I not take a decisive action? Moreover, I heard His Majesty mention that the younger generation needs to be trained. This is a hint for you to relinquish power, isn’t it? Shouldn’t you act now?”

Yan Ping looked at him with a smile, his face partially hidden in the shadows of the trees, making it difficult to see clearly. He stood still for a moment and then said with a smile, “I know what to do. From now on, Your Highness doesn’t need to worry about anything. Just follow His Majesty’s wishes.”

Prince Qin smiled and bowed again, “I rely entirely on you, Uncle.”

After Prince Qin left, the smile on Yan Ping’s face disappeared completely. He shook his sleeves and left Fengtian Hall with a cold expression.

Two days later, the situation in the palace stabilized. The Chief Censor and the Minister of Justice, Xiao Yu, led an investigation into the crown prince’s rebellion. The court officials resumed their duties, and only then did Pei Muheng find time to leave the palace.

For the past two days, he hadn’t closed his eyes. As soon as he got into the carriage, he closed his eyes to rest. That day, the dark guard who had escorted Xu Yunqi finally waited for him to come out and hastily reported, “Master, the other day when we were returning to the capital, Young Madam encountered vagrants on the road. In the past two days, we traced them back and have captured their main base.”

Pei Muheng had already received news of this in the palace and knew Xu Yunqi was unharmed, so he hadn’t asked much. Now, seeing the dark guard hesitating, he knew there was more to it. “What else?”

The dark guard raised his eyes with difficulty, “That day, a young man named Jiang passed by and saved Madam.”

“A young man named Jiang?” Pei Muheng sat up slightly, his hands on his knees, his expression changing a bit.

The dark guard, trembling, continued, “In the past two days, since you were in the palace, I took the liberty to investigate. I found out that before Young Madam was granted marriage, she was engaged to him.”

The dark guard finished in one breath, lowered his head to the ground, and dared not speak again, nor look at Pei Muheng’s face.

Pei Muheng was genuinely stunned for a long while.

It was undeniable that hearing such news made him unhappy. No one likes their partner being entangled with someone else. But then he thought, they were granted marriage by the emperor. Before that, he almost married Xun Yunling, so it wasn’t strange that Xu Yunqi was engaged to someone else.

“When were they engaged?” Pei Muheng’s tone was exceptionally calm.

The dark guard glanced at him secretly, admiring his composure, “They were engaged about a year ago. Two months after the engagement, the emperor granted the marriage. How could Master Xu defy the decree? He quietly returned the engagement token to the Jiang family, who had no choice but to return Young Madam’s engagement token.”

Pei Muheng was silent again for a while.

The carriage slowly drove towards the palace. Pei Muheng lifted a corner of the curtain and quietly watched outside. The sky was already dark, and the lights slowly receded in the fine drizzle. He unconsciously thought of that day on the grassland, the girl enthusiastically holding a small snake, so pure and innocent.

Pei Muheng was a rational person.

Due to the Xun Yunling incident, Xu Yunqi had faced cold stares outside but never complained. Now, knowing she had been engaged before, what right did he have to comment?

Pei Muheng returned to the palace as usual.

As usual, he went to Jinhe Hall to greet Prince Xi and his wife. Having caught a bit of wind, Princess Consort Xi had a headache and did not ask Pei Muheng to stay for dinner. Pei Muheng went straight back to Qinghui Garden.

Today, Xu Yunqi had sent Yin Xing out to buy a jar of good wine. She had just put the little snake in it, and the master and servant were admiring the glass jar together.

The bead curtain was lifted, and a tall figure stepped inside.

Yin Xing, always a bit fearful of Pei Muheng, quickly bowed and then quietly took the glass jar into the side room, promptly retreating.

Xu Yunqi, with her hands clasped, stood by the antique shelf and smiled at him, “You’re back, Third Master. Have you eaten?”

Pei Muheng looked at her with a somewhat complex expression, “No.”

So Xu Yunqi ordered a meal. She had already eaten, so she watched Pei Muheng eat.

Pei Muheng ate a few bites and then stopped.

Nanny Chen cleared the dishes and left, leaving the couple to drink tea in the living room.

The damp rain, wrapped in wind, blew in, and the lamps flickered. The couple sat there in silence.

Xu Yunqi noticed that Pei Muheng was different today.

They had been married for half a year but had only spent a few days together. Xu Yunqi had come to understand her husband’s habits. Pei Muheng was usually refined and courteous, treating people politely, but he was actually indifferent and detached. To him, she was just a wife who should stay quietly in the back courtyard, not cause trouble, and provide heirs. He didn’t really care about anything else.

Xu Yunqi thought the same, cooperating with him and maintaining a polite relationship.

But today, Pei Muheng was different. He was less polite and more silent. Usually, he didn’t have the time to be silent with her. His silence today meant he must have known about her and Jiang Yuhe.

That day, Jiang Yuhe saved her; Pei Muheng’s dark guard and Nanny Chen were there. She knew she couldn’t hide it. Even though they didn’t have feelings for each other, such matters were still taboo.

Pei Muheng’s silence didn’t last long. Instead, he asked about the snake, “What are its effects?”

Xu Yunqi explained softly, “It prolongs life, dispels wind, and activates blood circulation.” There was also a tonic effect, but she didn’t mention it.

“How long does it need to brew?” Pei Muheng was curious.

Under the lamp, Xu Yunqi’s gentle smile made her eyes curve like crescent moons, “It can be drunk in three months, but the longer, the better.”

Pei Muheng nodded, though his smile didn’t reach his eyes, “We can give some to Father later.”

Xu Yunqi immediately nodded, “Okay.”

The misty rain wove a web, enveloping the entire Qinghui Garden, making the air and their hearts feel a bit stuffy.

Nanny Chen stood outside, worried. Before going to the Xuanfu, the couple had never slept together. Now that they were back and such a thing had happened, Nanny Chen didn’t know how they would sleep tonight.

Pei Muheng glanced at the copper hourglass in the corner. It was late. He hoped his wife would ask him to stay, to show she had no other thoughts.

Xu Yunqi also glanced at the dark sky, thinking everything had been fine at the palace. Pei Muheng hadn’t said he would stay, so he must have minded that matter.

Both were waiting for the other to speak.