Chapter 31

The carriage slowly moved through the water towards Prince Xi’s residence. The rain had completely stopped, and the clouds in the western sky parted, revealing a ray of sunlight.

Pei Muheng held Xu Yunqi’s hand as they disembarked, never letting go. Xu Yunqi felt her hand growing warm and sweaty. She tried to pull her hand away, but Pei Muheng, displeased, tightened his grip, his expression questioning.

Xu Yunqi softly said, “I want to drink some tea.”

That was a reason he could never refuse.

Pei Muheng’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment. Using his free hand, he moved a small table from the corner, poured her a cup of tea, and pushed it towards her, his eyes clear, “Drink.”

Every action seemed to demonstrate that he could pour and drink tea with one hand.

Xu Yunqi felt a bit speechless and took the teacup, drinking it in one go.

Pei Muheng also noticed the warmth in his palm and changed his position, slowly holding her wrist instead. Her entire hand was soft and delicate, resting in his palm.

Xu Yunqi had no choice but to let him.

Just then, a young voice came from the front of the carriage, “Hey, hey, hey, is this Miss Xu’s carriage?”

Yan Jin was riding his horse in a hurry when he suddenly saw a familiar figure on the carriage ahead. Yesterday, that young maid kicked Butler Liu out of the way, clearing the path for Miss Xu. The Yan family had a deep impression of Yin Xing. Even today, Butler Liu’s side still ached, and everyone praised the maid’s actions.

Yan Jin had been playing in a teahouse when his personal servant hurriedly found him, informing him of the Yan family’s intention to marry Xu Yunqi, “Fifth Young Master, the other young masters have already gone to the Xu residence. Don’t just stand there.”

Yan Jin recalled Xu Yunqi’s stunningly beautiful face and immediately jumped up from the table, exclaiming, “What are my brothers meddling for? This marriage is meant for me.” He threw down his cards and hurriedly followed his servant out of the building.

After returning home yesterday, the young masters of the Yan family had praised Miss Xu greatly. Most people admired and appreciated her, but Yan Jin felt a sense of affection. When he realized the opportunity was right in front of him, he rushed to the Xu residence in a panic. He hadn’t even figured out the direction to the Xu residence when fate seemed to favor him, bringing the person right to him.

Yan Jin, overjoyed, rode his horse closer, his gaze falling on Yin Xing. He pointed to the carriage and asked, “May I ask if Miss Xu is inside the carriage?”

Yin Xing didn’t recognize Yan Jin and looked puzzled. The secret guard driving the carriage, however, coldly eyed Yan Jin, “What business do you have, Young Master Yan?”

Yan Jin was famously naive in the capital, often following his uncle Yan Shaoling and engaging in mischief. Upon hearing this, he immediately grinned and scratched the back of his head, embarrassed, and replied, “My grandmother sent me to marry your Miss Xu.”

Upon hearing this, the secret guard’s face darkened.

Yin Xing stared at him in shock, truly taken aback by the young man’s boldness. She couldn’t help but scrutinize him. This boy had thick eyebrows, large eyes, fair skin, and an innocent look. Trying to suppress her laughter, she said, “What nonsense are you talking about? My lady is already married.”

The secret guard, fearing to anger Pei Muheng inside, quickly stopped the carriage and sternly said to Yan Jin, “Young Master Yan, watch your words. Our lady is happily married to the Third Young Master. This is not a place for your mischief. Please leave.”

Yan Jin, being the son of the chief advisor, had a presence that could not be underestimated. Sitting on his horse, he glared back, “Haven’t they separated? What, your Third Young Master doesn’t want her, but he won’t let anyone else marry her either…”

Before he could finish, the carriage curtain was lifted, revealing a cold and flawless face.

Pei Muheng’s expression showed no anger, and his tone was neutral. “Have you found the famous ‘Chiwu’ horse from Shanglin Garden?”

Yin Xing glanced at the master inside, amazed that Pei Muheng could still casually chat at a time like this.

Seeing Pei Muheng inside the carriage, Yan Jin was stunned. Hadn’t they separated? What was Pei Muheng doing there? He couldn’t help but peek inside and saw a fluttering white dress beside Pei Muheng, guessing it was Xu Yunqi. His face turned bright red. He had actually proposed to someone’s wife in front of her husband.

Yan Jin first slapped his forehead vigorously, and as Pei Muheng’s words sank in, cold sweat trickled down his back. He was doomed. Yesterday, he had accidentally lost one of Shanglin Garden’s most famous horses, “Chiwu,” and Pei Muheng found out. If this got out, he would not escape thirty lashes.

Yan Jin wanted to cry but had no tears.

The prince’s carriage passed by Yan Jin mercilessly. Yin Xing, seeing the dazed goose on horseback, laughed out loud.

The secret guard coughed lightly, signaling Yin Xing to restrain herself.

Yin Xing glared back at him. She was no longer the same as before. After all, it was the Third Young Master who had painstakingly brought them back.

Yin Xing straightened her back.

Once the curtain was down, Pei Muheng’s expression turned sour.

First, it was Jiang Yuhe, and now Yan Jin. There might be others lurking in the shadows.

Pei Muheng suppressed the anger rising in his chest and closed his eyes.

Xu Yunqi listened calmly throughout, roughly guessing the situation, “Third Young Master, you must know that Madam Yan acted out of kindness. She meant no harm.”

Pei Muheng remained silent, not responding.

The sky darkened, and the carriage arrived at Prince Xi’s residence.

Pei Mushan, upon receiving the news, was overjoyed to tears. As soon as Xu Yunqi got off the carriage, Pei Mushan rushed over and hugged her tightly. The force nearly knocked Xu Yunqi off balance, and Pei Muheng raised his hand to steady her, giving his sister a reproachful look.

Pei Mushan, in a good mood, did not argue with him. Instead, she gave him a look that said, ‘This is the brother I know.’

Pei Mushan, holding her sister-in-law, escorted her to Qinghui Garden. Pei Muheng stayed behind, summoning Steward Chen.

“Go to Jinghe Hall personally and inform the princess that I have brought my wife back.” He has done this much, and his mother should understand his determination.

Steward Chen immediately hurried to Jinghe Hall to report Pei Muheng’s words.

At that time, Prince Xi was dining with Princess Consort Xi. Upon hearing the report, Prince Xi was taken aback for a moment. For a woman to practice medicine in the royal family and prince’s residence was a huge challenge. It took courage for his son to make this decision, but as a father, he supported him.

Pei Muheng had been reserved since childhood, possessing a maturity beyond his years. As a father, Prince Xi was both gratified and worried—gratified by his early wisdom and worried that he might be too cautious and lack some of the lively spirit of youth. This was the first time he had made an emotional decision over a rational one, and Prince Xi sensed that his son was starting to descend into the mortal world.

He turned his head to look at Princess Consort Xi beside him.

Princess Consort Xi had been sitting in a daze all afternoon. Since midday, news had been coming in intermittently. The proposals from the Jiang and Yan families were no secret to her. She was pleased that Xu Yunqi had found another match, but it was clear that Madam Yan was trying to spite her.

What truly shocked her was that her son insisted on bringing Xu Yunqi back to the residence, defying societal norms.

No matter how responsible Pei Muheng was, he was still a person. And as a person, he had emotions and desires. Purely relying on responsibility wouldn’t allow him to go this far; he must at least like Xu Yunqi to some extent.

But Xu Yunqi had made it clear that she didn’t have feelings for him. Thinking about this unresolved situation gave Princess Consort Xi a headache.

Seeing his wife’s displeasure, Prince Xi spoke,

“You’ve seen it today. The opportunity to separate was right in front of him. His Majesty even hinted at allowing Xu Yunqi to join the Imperial Academy of Medicine, but our Henger insisted on bringing her back. What does that mean? It means that from now on, their marriage is no longer an imperial decree but your son’s own choice. The issue of the unfair marriage decree has been settled. Your son’s intention in sending Steward Chen is also very clear: from now on, you do not need to interfere in their affairs.”

Princess Consort Xi slowly exhaled, stirring her soup bowl without saying a word.

Prince Xi understood that his wife was reluctantly accepting the situation.

Meanwhile, at Qinghui Garden, Pei Mushan escorted Xu Yunqi back. She felt at ease and went back to get some much-needed sleep. She hadn’t rested the entire previous night and had been busy all day, leaving her utterly exhausted. Xu Yunqi invited her to stay for dinner, but Pei Mushan noticed her brother’s disapproving look and pursed her lips. “Forget it, I won’t get in the way of you and your husband today.”

Xu Yunqi sighed and rubbed her forehead.

It was getting late, and Nanny Chen had already called for dinner.

The couple sat across from each other at the Eight Immortals table, which was filled with a dazzling array of over ten dishes. Xu Yunqi was not picky and ate a bit of everything, while Pei Muheng, having been hungry all day, focused on a few dishes in front of him. Neither of them had the habit of having servants serve their food.

Xu Yunqi took a few bites of water bamboo and glanced at Pei Muheng. His face didn’t look good, as if he was still holding in some anger. Pei Muheng noticed her gaze and looked back at her. Their eyes met, and Xu Yunqi calmly looked away, but Pei Muheng kept his eyes on her. Seeing her bowl almost empty, he ladled some mushroom soup into a bowl and placed it in front of her.

Xu Yunqi caught sight of his long fingers from the corner of her eye and silently accepted the soup.

The couple didn’t exchange words throughout the meal but ate in harmony.

After finishing their tea, Pei Muheng stood up, “I’ll go to the front courtyard first…”

Worried that Xu Yunqi might misunderstand and think he wouldn’t come back like the previous night, he turned at the door and added, “I’ll be back later.”

Xu Yunqi stood by the high table, washing her hands, and met his dark eyes, slowly nodding.

Once he left, Xu Yunqi went to the east room, and Yin Xing, full of joy, dashed in, “Miss…” Her voice was noticeably lighter.

When Pei Muheng came to fetch Xu Yunqi, Yin Xing was so happy that she nearly cried.

Xu Yunqi placed the box from her bundle back on the dressing table and cast a light glance at the young maid.

Yin Xing placed the brocade stool next to her, leaned in, and asked, “Miss, when the master returns, shouldn’t you set some ground rules for him? This time it’s different; he came to fetch you himself, so we hold the power.”

Xu Yunqi removed the pearl earrings while looking into the copper mirror, “What rules should I set?”

Yin Xing said, “Of course, it should be the rules allowing you to practice medicine!”

Xu Yunqi paused and then turned to look at her quietly. “First, I don’t need anyone’s permission to practice medicine. Second, I don’t need to set rules with him. I made it clear at the clinic that I won’t compromise for him. He insisted on bringing me back, which means he agreed. Some things are best left unspoken; asking too many questions is pointless.”

Yin Xing’s eyes lit up. “Oh, so the master is a closed book.”

Xu Yunqi continued removing her jewelry, shaking her head with a smile.

Pei Muheng wasn’t a closed book. He hadn’t voiced his acceptance because he didn’t fully agree in his heart, only compromising due to his noble promise.

Of course, if examined closely, he was quite responsible. At least more so than their neighbor, Lord Xun.

Yin Xing remembered Princess Consort Xi at Jinghe Hall and looked worried again. “What about the princess consort?”

Xu Yunqi’s expression became even more composed as she combed her hair and replied, “This is the Third Young Master’s matter to handle. I won’t overstep my boundaries.”

In a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, the worst thing is to overstep. A daughter-in-law shouldn’t strongly argue with her mother-in-law without her husband’s involvement, and a mother-in-law shouldn’t overextend her influence. Both parties excluding the man who should bear the most responsibility is fundamentally wrong. Since Pei Muheng brought her back, he would handle the aftermath.

Xun Yunhe originally had no time to return home today, but with the uproar about the situation, he couldn’t be at ease. He had to find out if it was related to his wife and daughter, so he braved the rain to come back and went straight to the rear courtyard.

As he reached the entrance hall, a young maid stood guard. Seeing him approaching, she was so frightened that she hurriedly turned to leave, but Xun Yunhe’s stern gaze stopped her. The young maid had no choice but to slowly return, trembling as she knelt.

If a maid was so scared, what would the mistress inside be like?

Xun Yunhe’s face darkened. He gave a signal, and the two attendants immediately slipped inside, subduing the maids and servants along the corridor. The sound of rain was loud enough to cover any noise from outside.

Xun Yunhe walked to the window of the main room, where Madam Xun and Xun Yunling were unaware.

Madam Xun had been unable to rest or eat properly lately, looking increasingly pale and weak as she lay on the bed, listening to her daughter recounting the events, “How could Princess Consort Xi sit still after hearing that news? She immediately forced Prince Xi to request a decree. How could the Third Young Master, a man of such high status, accept a wife who practices medicine in public? It’s laughable. Mother, just wait; good news will come soon.”

“It’s already late afternoon. Has the Third Young Master returned with the divorce decree? I should send someone to find out…”

Xun Yunling had just lifted the curtain when she saw a tall figure standing outside and met her father’s cold eyes. She shuddered and was scared out of her wits.

“Father…” Xun Yunling’s knees went weak, and she knelt.

Madam Xun trembled at her daughter’s words and immediately turned to see her husband standing at the door with his hands behind his back, frightening her so much that she slid off the bed onto the floor.

“Master…”

When had he come back?

Fortunately, they hadn’t mentioned Xu Yunqi’s name, or it would have been disastrous.

Days filled with constant fear and anxiety were truly unbearable, Madam Xun thought bitterly.

Xun Yunhe entered coldly, lifting the curtain and sitting in the round-backed chair opposite the two women. He stared at them intently with a cold smile, “So it was indeed your doing?”

Madam Xun felt a chill run through her heart. She carefully studied her husband’s expression, realizing he likely didn’t know about Xu Yunqi and her mother. He was most likely accusing them of coveting Pei Muheng. Her husband had always been a man of frugality and self-discipline, valuing the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. He despised underhanded dealings, especially from women.

Her daughter’s earlier words had clearly been overheard. There was no point in arguing now, so it was better to use this matter to cover their true intentions.

Madam Xun quickly stood up, pulling her daughter up with her, and scolded, “You are foolish. Pei Muheng is already married, and the emperor does not want the Xun family to be connected with the prince’s residence. Even if he gets divorced, it has nothing to do with us. Why do you keep thinking about him?”

Although Xun Yunling was flustered, she had not lost her composure. She knelt again, clutching Xun Yunhe’s robe, and cried, “Father, you can blame me all you want, but I truly like him, so much that I can’t sleep at night. Besides, I didn’t do anything wrong. That Xu woman is not really the Xu family’s child. Everyone in the neighborhood knows it, and it will come out sooner or later…”

“That it will come out eventually is one thing, but for you to bring it out is another.” Xun Yunhe looked at her disappointedly. “You didn’t take to heart anything I said last time. If that’s the case, I won’t go easy on you. Since your heart is set on someone else, marrying you off would only harm the other person. Someone, pack her things and send the Second Miss to the women’s monastery at Qingshan for some quiet time.”

Xun Yunling’s eyes widened at his words. She clung to his leg, refusing to let go, “No, Father. I am also your daughter. You can’t do this to me…”

“What did I do wrong? I just fell in love with a man…” Xun Yunling sobbed, looking desperately at her father. “Father, haven’t you ever loved anyone?”

Xun Yunhe was shaken – a beautiful face flashed in his mind.

It was so long ago that he had almost forgotten it. One pleasant spring afternoon, he had been reading by a stream at the foot of the mountain when a piece of clothing floated down the current. A girl’s voice, as sweet as a yellow oriole, called out from upstream,

“Oh no, my clothes…”

Seeing the clothes about to be washed away downstream, Xun Yunhe instinctively reached out to catch them. The wet droplets soaked his cloth shoes. Soon, a graceful figure emerged from the lush reeds, wearing a floral dress and blushing shyly as she pointed to his hand, “Young master, please return that to me…”

The young girl blushed deeply and turned her face aside, too shy to look at him. He found it odd at the time. It was just a piece of clothing. Why was she so embarrassed? Looking down, he realized it was a girl’s undergarment embroidered with red and green orchids. At that moment, he felt extremely awkward.

Xun Yunhe had studied the classics diligently since childhood, embodying the virtues of a gentleman. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation. Feeling he had been rude to the girl, he sought out the neighboring village and asked Old Master Zhang for her hand in marriage.

Initially, Old Master Zhang was pleased to hear that Xun Yunhe was an orphan and alone, but upon learning of his ambition to take the imperial exams in the capital, he refused.

However, Xun Yunhe and Qing Niang had already confessed their feelings for each other. To force Old Master Zhang to agree, Qing Niang packed her bags, intending to leave with Xun Yunhe. This angered Old Master Zhang, who left in a huff and never returned home.

When Xun Yunhe came back to his senses, Madam Xun had already instructed someone to take Xun Yunling away. She knelt at his feet, crying softly, “Master, I know you still hold a grudge over what happened back then, but the child is innocent. You can’t always mistreat her…”

Xun Yunhe was initially just dazed, but hearing this, his face turned icy.

Madam Xun buried her face in his knees, sobbing, “How could I have known that the county magistrate’s daughter would drug you like that? Otherwise, I would never have gone to the study… If you want to blame someone, blame me, but don’t be harsh on the child.”

This was one of the memories Xun Yunhe least wanted to recall in his life. The veins on his forehead throbbed, and a mix of scorching anger and coldness filled his eyes, making them bloodshot. He took a deep breath, suppressing all his emotions, and slowly exhaled before saying to Madam Xun, “I’m not treating her unfairly. I’m doing this for her own good. A person must have self-respect. She is not yet married, so she must be even more cautious in her words and actions.”

With that, Xun Yunhe stood up and left.

Madam Xun knelt on the ground in despair. His words felt like a slap across her face, burning her heart with pain. After a while, an old maid rushed in, panicking, and told her that Pei Muheng had personally fetched Xu Yunqi back. Madam Xun felt a surge of blood rises in her throat.

Losing both the initiative and face.

No, this cannot continue.

After leaving Qinghui Garden, Pei Muheng indeed went to Jinghe Hall. He had a long talk with his mother, and when he came out, Princess Consort Xi had been crying for a while. Her prejudice couldn’t be changed overnight, but her obsession had lessened.

Returning to the study, Pei Muheng was informed by the secret guard, Wang Fan, “The rumors were spread by Miss Xun from next door. Her aim was to tarnish Miss Xu’s reputation and force you to divorce her.”

Pei Muheng was stunned for a while. In his impression, Xun Yunling was a gentle and graceful young lady with outstanding knowledge and demeanor. His mother had chosen her for marriage. To Pei Muheng, the prince’s residence indeed owed the Xun family. When Xun Yunling had provoked Xu Yunqi previously, Pei Muheng had thought it was just out of unwillingness. It wasn’t until today that he saw her true nature.

He had thought that his previous warning would make her understand, but she showed no remorse.

Just as Pei Muheng was contemplating how to deal with Xun Yunling, Wang Fan added, “I just heard that Lord Xun personally handled Miss Xun. Despite the rain, he sent her outside the city to the women’s monastery next to Qingshan Temple.”

Pei Muheng’s brows relaxed upon hearing this. “The teacher is of noble character. This saves me from taking action.” After a pause, he added, “Cut off her spies.”

Yet, Pei Muheng couldn’t maintain his calm demeanor for long.

The secret guard informed him of the situations with the Yan, Jiang, and Xu families. Today, the Xu family’s entrance was as bustling as a marketplace, with many suitors competing to marry Xu Yunqi. Pei Muheng had never felt so speechless in his life, and he was furious.

When Xu Yunqi finished bathing and changing clothes, ready to go to bed, she saw Pei Muheng enter the room with a stern expression. He stood silently behind the desk, drinking one cup of tea after another.

Having heard some rumors, Xu Yunqi guessed why Pei Muheng was angry. Seeing him down three cups of tea without calming down, she thought about trying to comfort him and walked towards him.

Pei Muheng noticed her approach but said in a low voice, “You go to sleep first. Don’t worry about me.”

He didn’t want to drag Xu Yunqi into his bad mood.

Xu Yunqi paused. She never forced anyone, so she did as he said.

When the lights in the inner room were turned off, Pei Muheng went to the bathroom. After washing up, he came out and lay down, finding Xu Yunqi sound asleep and motionless.

Her fair face rested softly on the pillow, her long dark lashes like raven feathers. He realized that she looked quite innocent and naive when she slept.

Carefree and sleeping soundly.

Pei Muheng looked at her with a complex expression for a while before rubbing his forehead and lying down.

Xu Yunqi had performed a cesarean section that day, using the full Thirteen Needles technique, which was exhausting. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She didn’t know what time it was when she woke up with a full bladder. The dim light outside filtered in, and she saw her husband sleeping beside her. She gently moved to get up.

Before she could touch him, his tall figure suddenly sat up, his deep eyes staring at her, “Where are you going?”

His tone was urgent and heavy, as if she was about to escape in the middle of the night.

Xu Yunqi was stunned, and Pei Muheng paused, realizing that he had spoken without thinking.

They silently looked at each other for a moment, and Xu Yunqi gently explained, “I need to go to the restroom.”

Pei Muheng nodded and slowly moved his knees to clear a path for her.

Xu Yunqi took a bit longer than usual, and when she returned, she saw that Pei Muheng had remained in the same position, his eyes closed and clearly tired as if he had been waiting for her.

Xu Yunqi thought of herself when her mother had gone to visit the countryside for a while. She had been half-awake and half-asleep, constantly alert in case her mother left in the middle of the night.

Feeling a bit different inside, Xu Yunqi lifted her skirt and climbed back into bed, speaking softly to him, “I’m done.” Then she smoothed her dress and lay back down as usual.

Pei Muheng opened his eyes when she spoke, his gaze fixed on her.

Last night, Pei Muheng hadn’t come to bed, so Xu Yunqi had taken one of the blankets, leaving only a thin quilt on the bed.

It had rained heavily that day, and the night was unexpectedly chilly. Xu Yunqi pulled the thin quilt over her abdomen and looked up to see Pei Muheng still awake, clearly watching her. Her cheeks flushed, and she asked softly, “It’s cold at night. Should I get you another blanket?”

Pei Muheng looked at his wife, who was an arm’s length away, and said, “Come sleep closer.”

Xu Yunqi propped herself up, looking around. Pei Muheng was already sleeping at the edge of the bed, and there was plenty of space on her side. Without thinking, she asked, “Why should I move over?”

Pei Muheng interpreted her question as an invitation for him to take the initiative, so he moved closer to Xu Yunqi. They lay side by side, their arms touching, and the warmth quickly spread between them. Xu Yunqi slowly pulled the quilt, sharing some of it with him.

Just as she closed her eyes, she heard her husband’s voice softly drifting over, “Since I married you, I’ve never thought about separating. Even with all the neglect, I’ve never planned to abandon you to save myself. Yunqi, I don’t want to hear the word ‘divorce’ again.”

Unconsciously, his address had changed from “Madam” to “Yunqi.”