Chapter 24

“Master Xun, are you alright?” The nearest steward quickly supported the staggering Xun Yunhe while the second elder of the Qi family also reached out to hold his arm.

Xun Yunhe soon stood upright, brushed his knee, and waved his hand, “I’m fine.” He noticed that it was a young woman he had collided with and said to the visibly angry Second Elder of the Qi family and others, “Don’t frighten the young lady.”

He stood in the midday sun, his bright red robe enhancing his refined and dignified demeanor. “Are you alright, young lady?” He raised his eyes to her.

A tall young woman in a light yellow dress stood by the door, her hands clasped in front of her. She exuded an extraordinarily gentle and quiet demeanor, her appearance fresh and elegant, instantly giving a sense of kindness. Xun Yunhe glanced at her and then looked away. No one knew that despite his calm demeanor, Xun Yunhe never liked quiet girls. He preferred those who were lively, cute, and carefree.

However, the young woman opposite him stood quietly, her eyes fixed on him. Concerned, Xun Yunhe asked, “Are you hurt?”

At this moment, the third elder of the Qi family chuckled, “Not at all. I think the young lady is just awed by your presence and got scared. Someone, take her to have some tea and calm her nerves.”

Xun Yunhe shook his head at these words, “You still haven’t changed your old habits, always unable to say a proper word.”

Though this sounded like a rebuke, it was also familiar.

Grand Tutor Qi and Xun Yunhe’s father-in-law, Old Hanlin Ye, were classmates. When Xun Yunhe first came to the capital for the imperial examination, his family stayed at the Qi residence for a while. He was well acquainted with the elders of the Qi family. At this moment, Xun Yunhe was heading to the back courtyard to pay respects to Madam Qi, the Grand Tutor’s wife.

Xun Yunhe’s words carried a hint of a smile.

This smile, along with the bright sunlight, intruded into the fragmented dreams of deep memories. She could hardly remember his exact appearance, only a vaguely slender figure and a seemingly bright demeanor.

“Be good, Nannan. When Daddy returns next time, I’ll buy you some candied haws!” That melodious voice, refined and warm, slowly blended into the present smile.

The person opposite cast another concerned glance her way, their gazes meeting. She gently tugged at the corners of her lips and slowly stepped aside, her eyes crinkling upwards as if tiny sparks of light slid from their corners. “I’m fine,” she said.

The two elders of the Qi family quickly raised their sleeves to gesture for Xun Yunhe to proceed.

Without hesitation, Xun Yunhe took a large stride over the threshold.

Xu Yunqi slowly turned, her eyes following the crimson figure. The steward beside her, assuming she was curious about Xun Yunhe’s identity, quickly explained, “Miss, this is Master Xun Yunhe, the current Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and an elder of the Cabinet. The highly praised Miss Xun Yunling of the capital is his daughter.”

“Oh…”

Xun Yu, Xun Yunhe…

Hearing his voice at the Yunque Terrace in the palace, she had suspected he was alive and had assumed office in the capital.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a glimmering rainbow-like light on the blue stone slab beneath the threshold. Xu Yunqi squatted down and picked it up. It was a thumbnail-sized shell.

Her dark pupils instantly contracted, and her heart pricked as if by something sharp. Xu Yunqi’s eyes narrowed slightly as she held the small shell and slowly stood up. Pausing for a moment, she lifted her eyelids, clearing all emotions from her face, and called out, “Master Xun.”

Her call was clear and carried a gentle tone. Xun Yunhe instinctively paused his steps before turning around. His first glance landed on the young woman standing outside the threshold, her gaze exceptionally gentle. Her smile was hazy in the light, indistinct. His eyes then fell on her fingers, and his expression changed. Without thinking, he took a step back toward her, his eyes fixed on that spot as if it might disappear if he delayed. He didn’t even wait for her to hand it over and already took the shell from her. As the familiar object settled into his palm, he looked up and smiled at Xu Yunqi across the threshold, “Thank you.”

The coolness of the young girl’s fingertips lingered on his palm.

Xun Yunhe squeezed it, trying to dispel that chill.

Now closer, Xu Yunqi took another careful look at him. He had a very handsome face with distinct features, a high nose bridge, and long, thick eyebrows. The gentleness at the corners of his eyes softened the sharpness of his features, giving him a refined and composed demeanor typical of a middle-aged scholar.

The blurred figure on the arched bridge in her memory finally overlapped with the clear and handsome man before her. Xu Yunqi couldn’t help but smile gently.

So, this is what he looks like.

Xun Yunhe found the girl familiar and didn’t mind her scrutiny.

Behind her, Yin Xing was urging her. Xu Yunqi slightly bowed, then turned and left with her maid without hesitation.

Xun Yunhe glanced at her back, then clutched the shell in his palm again, feeling a pang of fear. He then slowly turned and headed to the backyard.

The summer wind blew warmly, rustling the tree shadows, and the shimmering light fell on the two figures moving in opposite directions.

Once on the carriage, Xu Yunqi sat on the soft couch with her hands clasped on her knees, unmoving. Yin Xing busily rummaged through the cloth bag, ensuring the fine needle knife was included, and sighed in relief, “It’s here; don’t worry, miss.”

Xu Yunqi lowered her gaze and nodded slightly.

Having resolved one worry, Yin Xing recalled the recent scene, her red lips pouting, “So he is Xun Yunling’s father. He seems like a gentleman. How did he raise such a shameless daughter.”

Xu Yunqi smiled faintly, not commenting.

Yin Xing wanted to say something more but couldn’t remember. That face flashed in her mind, feeling like she missed something important.

The carriage soon arrived at the clinic, and Xu Yunqi went upstairs, where Shopkeeper Hu and two other doctors were treating patients.

Seeing her rush in, sweat on her forehead, Shopkeeper Hu was very apologetic, “Sorry, the message was urgent, making you come all the way. We’ve confirmed after several checks that the patient has a stomach ulcer and perforation due to consecutive days of eating spicy food on an empty stomach. We’ve already prescribed the medicine.”

Xu Yunqi stepped forward, examining the patient lying on the couch, and asked, “How many days of bloody stools?”

“Four days. He fainted this morning, and the nearby doctor couldn’t treat it, so they rushed him here.”

Xu Yunqi nodded, “Let me check the pulse again.” She carefully rechecked the patient’s pulse, suspecting long-term poor diet causing gastrointestinal overload. She reviewed the prescription by the three doctors, added one medicine, adjusted the dosage of three others, and instructed the apprentice to prepare the medicine.

“Take it for three days. If the bleeding stops, it’s the right treatment. Otherwise, I’ll come back for acupuncture.”

Shopkeeper Hu noticed her rare fatigue and personally escorted her downstairs, “Has the household been busy lately?”

Xu Yunqi shook her head, “It’s nothing. I’ll head back.”

At that moment, the Xu family indeed sent word that her mother, Madam Zhang, was ill. Xu Yunqi’s expression tightened, and without a word, she hurried back to the Xu residence with Yin Xing. After the banquet, Pei Muheng heard Xu Yunqi had left and immediately sent secret guards to the Xu residence. They coincidentally met on the road, perfectly covering the day’s lie.

When Xu Yunqi arrived at the Xu residence, Madam Zhang lay weakly on the bed.

“What’s wrong?” Xu Yunqi washed her hands and sat down, then moved to the bed to take her mother’s pulse.

Madam Zhang looked pale and weakly shook her head. The nanny beside her explained, “Yesterday, Second Miss insisted on eating iced melon, and Madam followed and ate a few bites. Who knew that this morning, she started her period, and now she’s in too much pain to get out of bed.”

Xu Yunqi frowned at her mother, scolding, “At your age, you shouldn’t eat anything cold, especially not in hot weather. During the peak of summer heat, the pores and inner body open up. Eating cold foods at this time allows the cold to penetrate deep into the body. If you eat too much, it will accumulate and turn into an illness, making winter unbearable for you.”

Xu Yunqi had an excellent temper, so good that Madam Zhang often didn’t know how to handle her, not even knowing how to show her affection. Only when she was ill could she find some liveliness in this daughter of hers.

It reminded her of her own father, a tall and thin old man with a slightly bent back, who always had a smile on his face. He was always kind to her, only frowning and scolding her at times like this.

Grandfather and granddaughter had identical temperaments.

Xu Yunqi was not like her mother; she resembled her maternal grandfather and, even more, that man.

“Qier, I had a dream last night,” she said weakly.

Xu Yunqi had no interest in listening to her ramble. She took her pulse and instructed Yin Xing to get the medicine.

Madam Zhang’s eyes followed her busy daughter’s movements, “I dreamed of him…”

Xu Yunqi paused, handed the prescription to Yin Xing, then slowly turned to sit by her bed.

The maid quietly closed the door, leaving the mother and daughter in the room.

Xu Yunqi looked at her expressionlessly while Madam Zhang continued, “I dreamed of him wearing a red robe… calling us in the fog…”

A trace of coldness appeared in Xu Yunqi’s eyes, “Did you dream of him with a wife and children, living a glorious life?”

Hearing the sarcasm in her daughter’s words, Madam Zhang averted her gaze, not knowing where to look, murmuring, “I always felt that someone like him would rather die than betray us… You don’t know, it wasn’t just me who liked him back then. Even the county magistrate’s daughter chased him to our home. Your father protected me, holding you, and drove her away fiercely…”

Xu Yunqi didn’t want to listen to her anymore and coldly said, “Do you know why Grandfather never agreed to your marriage with him?”

Madam Zhang’s throat tightened, and she didn’t speak.

Xu Yunqi’s gaze pinned on her mother’s face, “You should understand by now that the person beside you isn’t him. It’s Uncle Xu.”

“And you must also understand that the one who gives you wealth and status is Uncle Xu, the one who has children with you and earns you titles is Uncle Xu, the one who provides for you and doesn’t mind your past is Uncle Xu.”

Madam Zhang felt embarrassed at first, but then she remembered her husband and her expression softened, “Don’t misunderstand. I am wholeheartedly living with Uncle Xu. I’m just telling you, I never believed he betrayed us. He might really be dead.”

Xu Yunqi looked at her and sighed deeply, gently tugging the thin blanket over her, “Even if he betrayed us, it doesn’t matter. Who says you have to be with someone for your entire life?”

“As long as you’re all well, that’s all that matters…” She tucked the blanket in and smiled.

As long as everyone is well, there’s no attachment.

Madam Zhang nodded, looking at her daughter with love, “I understand, and I can differentiate between important and trivial matters. I’m fine now, so don’t worry. Go back and live your life well. By the way, it’s been six months, why haven’t we heard any good news?” Madam Zhang glanced at her daughter’s abdomen.

Xu Yunqi paused, then smiled, “Let nature take its course.”

Seeing her hesitation, Madam Zhang worriedly said, “Don’t let what happened between your father and me affect your desire to have children.”

Xu Yunqi laughed heartily, “Why would it? I’m not one to give up on things because of past experiences.”

Hearing this, Madam Zhang felt relieved and held her hand, earnestly saying, “Having children gives you roots. You’ll have a home, understand?”

She always hoped her daughter would settle down in the capital rather than following her father, wandering from place to place with no stable home.

Xu Yunqi had no concept of home; she herself was home.

“I understand everything. Even if I don’t want children, would the Prince’s residence agree?”

“That’s true.”

When Xu Yunqi returned, Pei Muheng was already seated in the western side room.

The western side room was where Pei Muheng worked in the backyard. Xu Yunqi rarely entered it. Now, she lifted the curtain and poked her head in. “You’re back early?”

Pei Muheng saw his wife return and put down the stack of reports he was reading. “Yes, I have something I want to discuss with you.”

Xu Yunqi came in and sat in a round chair opposite him. “What’s the matter?”

Pei Muheng said, “Today, during the meeting at the Wen Zhao Hall, His Majesty heard that Grand Secretary Xun’s fortieth birthday is at the end of the month and ordered the Xun family to hold a celebration. Since I am Xun Yunhe’s student, I need to prepare a significant gift. I wanted to know your thoughts.”

Xu Yunqi understood. Given Pei Muheng’s relationship with Xun Yunhe and Xun Yunhe’s status in the court, a grand gift was necessary. However, Pei Muheng worried she might be unhappy because of Xun Yunling.

“Master Xun holds a high position and is your mentor. The gift must be appropriate. Prepare it as you see fit. There’s no need to worry about me.”

Pei Muheng appreciated his wife’s understanding, “Alright.”

After dinner, Pei Muheng went to the study while Xu Yunqi returned to the small pharmacy to extract medicine. Some of the medicinal herbs she planted had survived, including Dendrobium officinale. She planned to make it into pills. Yin Xing sometimes helped her tidy the table and sometimes stared at Xu Yunqi’s face. When Xu Yunqi successfully extracted the medicine and smiled gracefully, Yin Xing suddenly realized something and slapped the table. “I finally understand what’s been bothering me. Miss, you look a lot like someone.”

Xu Yunqi, holding a needle, paused and looked at her without moving.

Yin Xing first peeked out the window to make sure no one was around, then returned to Xu Yunqi’s table, looking excited, her heart pounding, “Miss, you probably haven’t noticed, but you and Master Xun look almost identical. Your eyebrows resemble your mother’s, but your nose, chin, and facial contour resemble Master Xun’s. Your eyes, especially when you smile, are also similar.”

“And most importantly, his surname is Xun.” Yin Xing had never felt so clever. Just as she was about to declare her astonishing discovery, her master’s calm voice interrupted, “Yes.”

Yin Xing stared at her in shock.

But then, Xu Yunqi’s lips curled slightly, “So what?”

So what?

Yin Xing jumped up from the stool, full of righteous indignation, “Of course, you should go and throw a pot of dog blood on his face and sneer, ‘Are you at peace with the wealth and glory you gained by abandoning your wife and children?'”

With one foot on the stool, Yin Xing looked like she was ready to charge over, making Xu Yunqi burst into laughter, “I’ll set up a stage for you to perform a play later.” After laughing, Xu Yunqi lowered her head and continued her work.

Seeing her like this, Yin Xing was nearly in tears, “Are you really not going to do anything about it…”

Xu Yunqi didn’t answer her; she was too busy. Dendrobium officinale was precious, and wasting even a moment would undermine her half a year of effort.

Like a trapped little beast, Yin Xing fidgeted and paced around the room, maintaining this stance until Pei Muheng returned to the room.

Hearing the familiar footsteps outside, Xu Yunqi handed the prepared medicine pot to Yin Xing, who received it gloomily, like a wilted eggplant.

Xu Yunqi came out, and Pei Muheng was just removing his outer robe, placing it on a screen, and about to head to the bath. Hearing his wife’s footsteps, he paused and looked over. He smelled the medicinal fragrance on her.

His wife having a skill of her own was the best thing for Pei Muheng. They each stayed busy, not interfering with each other, yet cooperating seamlessly. He liked this arrangement very much.

The couple hadn’t been intimate for several days, and Xu Yunqi had prepared for this.

As they settled down to sleep that night, Pei Muheng, resting on a pillow, suddenly asked, “Dear, when is your next period?”

Xu Yunqi paused, “Two more days.” Her menstrual cycle was very precise, always on the same day each month.

Asking this meant he was eager for children.

Upon hearing this, Pei Muheng decided not to touch her, “Then you should rest well.”

Xu Yunqi understood and comfortably lay down. Pei Muheng didn’t cover himself with the quilt, while Xu Yunqi’s quilt was over her chest. In May, the nights were already very hot, with the cicadas buzzing. Pei Muheng initially felt hot, but gradually, he relaxed and fell asleep, as did Xu Yunqi.

Around dawn, Pei Muheng suddenly woke up. Nowadays, he followed Xu Yunqi’s habit of going to bed early and rising early, feeling more energetic. Just as he was about to move his arm, he noticed a small, blurry face nestled under his armpit. In that instant, he felt his heart struck by something, rendering him momentarily dazed. He gently brushed aside her hair, revealing a fair and delicate face.

The lantern outside hadn’t been extinguished, and the sky was still dark.

Xu Yunqi seemed to sense the tickle of his fingertips, so she turned to her side, pressing her back against his chest.

Though they had slept together for so long, except for those intimate moments, they had always slept separately. Pei Muheng was now awake and faced with the adorable “little bunny” that came to him; he had no intention of letting go.

A gentle warmth settled on her shoulder, caressing her skin through the fragrant fabric of her clothes.

Xu Yunqi immediately opened her eyes, staring blankly ahead. At first, she felt a faint tingling sensation wandering on her back. Gradually, she heard heavy breathing and understood everything. Once she realized what was happening, she froze again.

He had never kissed her before; this was the first time.

Soon, his large hand reached over, sliding under her armpit, and began to unbutton her clothing.

Xu Yunqi closed her eyes.

Sweat erupted along her spine, and her delicate frame seemed to curl. Yet, his rough palm smoothed her inch by inch. Her temples were damp with sweat, sticking to unknown places, while the gleam in her brows, brightened by the moment, remained hidden in the shadows, elusive and hard to capture.

Scorching magma seemed to rise from the earth’s crevices, fiercely surging into her heart, washing out the tiny, secret hopes deep inside her. She felt utterly cleansed, completely alone.

Pei Muheng sensed something different this time. She seemed more engaged, more immersed, yet not entirely. Her eyes lacked the usual calm that never wavered, rain or shine. He should be pleased that she was moved, but he knew clearly that it wasn’t because of him.

Pei Muheng pulled away and got up to go to the bathroom.

Xu Yunqi watched her husband withdraw, her face blank with confusion.

In the morning, just after finishing her grooming, a messenger from the princess arrived, asking Xu Yunqi to come over.

Xu Yunqi was still puzzled about the events of the early morning. On the way, she asked Yin Xing, “Was there any displeasure when the Third Master left?”

Yin Xing, who had been so angry that she hadn’t slept all night, was in a bad mood. “I was preoccupied with my thoughts and didn’t check on him.”

Xu Yunqi let it go and hurried to Jinhe Hall. The sun was already scorching, and the maids were carrying in basins of ice. Xu Yunqi frowned and approached the door, where Nanny Hao greeted her. She said, “Princess Consort has a headache and should avoid using ice.”

Nanny Hao smiled bitterly, “I advised her against it too, but she didn’t listen. Besides, we have guests today, so it can’t be helped.”

Xu Yunqi said no more and stepped over the threshold. She rounded the screen to find two guests sitting in the spacious main room.

One was Xun Yunling, whom Xu Yunqi recognized. The other was a beautiful woman wearing a purple embroidered jacket with osmanthus flowers, her hair styled in a lily bun. She had long, gentle eyes, fair and delicate skin, and a broad, elegant face. What caught Xu Yunqi’s attention was the bracelet peeking out from under her sleeve.

It was a red Hetian jade bracelet, rich in color and glossy, indicating it had some age.

Xu Yunqi’s eyes narrowed slowly, and her steps hesitated. She almost forgot where she was.

Just then, fire suddenly burst in from the withered fence outside. That woman stood on the arch bridge, looking down coldly at the chubby girl who was wailing in pain. Xu Yunqi couldn’t see her face clearly nor remember it, but she always remembered sneaking a peek through the window crack and seeing the woman raise her wrist to brush her hair, revealing the blood-jade bracelet.

That blood-jade bracelet haunted Xu Yunqi’s nightmares for a long time.

In an instant, everything became clear to Xu Yunqi.

So, this was it.

Indeed, this was it, just as she thought.

Xu Yunqi smiled.

At that moment, Xun Yunling noticed her and quickly stood up to greet her, “Third sister-in-law.”

That sweet call brought Xu Yunqi back to her senses. She stood gracefully in the hall and first bowed to Princess Consort Xi.

With a lazy and indifferent expression, Princess Consort Xi pointed at Madam Xun, “Xu Yunqi, this is Madam Xun, wife of Grand Secretary Xun from next door. Grand Secretary Xun’s grand birthday is at the end of the month, and she came today to deliver the invitation.”

Delivering the invitation was one thing, but more importantly, Madam Xun wanted to see who Xu Yunqi was. To easily make her daughter retreat in defeat, Xu Yunqi must be no ordinary person.

The person now stood before her.

Madam Xun took a clear look at that face and was momentarily stunned.

In the past, she was always known for her warmth and kindness. But now, facing Xu Yunqi, she didn’t know how to address her. Calling her “Princess” felt disdainful, and “Third Young Madam” didn’t seem right either. Finally, she asked Princess Consort Xi, “May I know the characters of Third Young Master’s wife’s given name so I may address her more affectionately?”

She called Miss Xie “Yunyi” and Miss Li “Xuanyan.” Naturally, she wanted to know Xu Yunqi’s given name too.

Xu Yunqi sat down, calmly folding her sleeves, and looked at her, word by word, “My surname is Xu, and my name is Yunqi.”

Hearing these two words, the teacup in Madam Xun’s hand fell with a crash.

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