Chapter 57

Because of this, Xu Yunxi refused to make any sound and buried herself in the bedding without moving afterward. This time, she was truly embarrassed.

Pei Muheng thought he had offended her and couldn’t sleep. He lifted the bedding and lay beside her, pressing his chest close to hers, racking his brains to coax her, “Yunxi, can you guess what I brought back from Miaojiang?”

Xu Yunxi’s thoughts were stirred, and she wanted to turn around but inexplicably didn’t move. She replied softly with a hum, indicating she was waiting for him to continue.

Pei Muheng reached out and turned her slender body around, making her face him. Her clear, dark eyes were as bright as black pearls, gazing at him obediently and gently. Even though he knew she was not a naturally obedient person, her gaze stirred his heart.

“I brought you three carts of medicinal herbs and some herbal bath packets.”

Xu Yunxi was genuinely surprised. Ignoring the previous awkwardness, she quickly sat up halfway from the bedding, “Really?”

Miaojiang is famous for its rare medicinal herbs, and Miao medicine is hard to come by in the market.

Pei Muheng had brought her three carts at once, and Xu Yunxi’s joy was evident.

Although there was a charcoal fire in the room, it was still quite cold at night. Pei Muheng quickly pressed her down, bringing her into his embrace along with the bedding. “The things are in the courtyard. You can sort through them one by one tomorrow.”

“My Yunxi doesn’t love fancy clothes or gold and silver jewelry, but she loves medicinal herbs. How could I not collect some for you? Wherever I go in the future, I’ll bring some for you.”

These whispered words, accompanied by the tickling sensation on her earlobe, rolled into her ear. Xu Yunxi was taken aback and leaned into his arms without saying a word.

Compared to her cheerful thanks in the past, Pei Muheng preferred her current silent demeanor, which indicated that the gift had pleased her.

In the quiet stillness, she closed her eyes in his embrace.

As she closed her eyes, a sense of confusion rose in her heart for the first time. Just after the bath, she had unhesitatingly pulled out a thin silver needle from her sleeve and punctured several acupoints on her waist and abdomen to expel the substance. Until her grandfather’s matter was fully resolved, she would not allow herself to become pregnant, not wanting to create any obstacles for either of them.

She didn’t know how far she and he could go or where their path would lead.

*

Late at night, the wind swept through the Imperial Garden, carrying a faint scent of osmanthus.

After Noble Consort Yan had the drunk Emperor sent to Yongshou Palace, Pei Xun personally supported his mother as they walked to Kunning Palace.

The empress, weak and sensitive to the cold, was about to request a sedan chair, but the empress refused, “Xun’er, accompany me on a walk. I’ve had some wine, and the cold wind will help me sober up a bit.”

The palace path was silent, long, and bright. It was extremely quiet all around, with only the clear path ahead. Wall lamps hung on either side of the palace walls, and patrol guards passed by from time to time.

The Empress was smiling, seemingly content, but the loneliness in her eyes was heavier than the autumn chill.

Pei Xun saw it and felt pain in his heart. “Mother, please wait a little longer. Your son will fulfill your wishes.”

The Empress understood what Pei Xun meant—waiting for an opportunity to get rid of Noble Consort Yan. Then the entire harem would be hers, and the Emperor and Empress would be in harmony. The Empress suddenly laughed at herself and shook her head, “Mother has long stopped caring and never truly cared.”

From the moment she entered the palace, she knew she was destined to be a pawn for her family’s honor, a pawn for the Emperor to balance the court.

“Xun’er, throughout my life, I’ve experienced sorrow and hardship, but I always hoped you could fulfill your wishes. Today, the Emperor granted the marriage, but you don’t seem happy.”

Pei Xun was startled, “Why do you say that, Mother? You secured the support of Grand Secretary Zheng for me, which is exactly what I wanted. How could I not be happy?”

The Empress had tears in her eyes, “You insist on having the Crown Prince’s position, so I have to help you. Otherwise, in my opinion, you could have peacefully lived as a leisurely prince, married a wife, and had children—how wonderful that would be.” The Empress looked ahead with a wistful expression.

What she could not obtain in her life, she always hoped her son could achieve.

Pei Xun lowered his eyes, his gaze calm and unwavering, “Mother, one must fulfill their duties when in a position of power. As the legitimate son of the central palace, even if I don’t strive for it, I won’t have a good outcome in the future. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, it’s better to face it head-on. Although Father may have reservations about me, he is already paving the way for me. The position of the Eastern Palace Crown Prince is already within my grasp.”

The Empress fell silent for a moment, then slowly let out a breath, “What do you plan to do about Prince Qin?”

Pei Xun replied indifferently, “He is now an empty shell and not worth worrying about. The real concern is Prince Xi’s household.”

“Prince Xi?” The Empress paused and then shook her head, “Prince Xi is a person who values loyalty and righteousness the most. If I hadn’t pleaded for him while sick, the Emperor would have beheaded him long ago. He always remembers this favor and won’t go against you.”

Pei Xun thought the Empress was too optimistic about the political situation. To avoid worrying his mother, he didn’t argue further and just helped her through the side gate of Kunning Palace, “Mother, don’t worry about my affairs anymore. Taking care of your health is more important than anything.”

*

On October 6th, Pei Mushan got married.

Pei Mushan’s luck was much better than that of the twelfth prince, Pei Xun.

The mourning period for Prince Qi, which lasted for a month, ended yesterday. The teahouses in the capital, which had been quiet for a month, were decorated with lanterns and festoons today, accompanied by the sound of drums and gongs, making Pei Mushan’s wedding extraordinarily grand, as if the whole city was celebrating.

Pei Muheng had been away from the capital for two months, with state affairs piling up like a mountain. He had been busy since yesterday morning and just returned when the bride was about to leave.

The eldest sister-in-law, Madam Xie, was welcoming guests outside, while the second sister-in-law, Li Xuanyan, and the secondary consort, Madam Gao, were managing household affairs inside the mansion. In the boudoir, only Xu Yunxi, Pei Mulan, and Princess Consort Xi were keeping the bride company.

Pei Mushan sat in front of the dressing table, hesitating over a box of jewelry. Today, she wore a dark red wedding dress, befitting her status as a princess, but she found the color too solemn. To add a touch of brightness, she tried on some vivid jewelry, with Pei Mulan helping her choose.

When Madam Han entered, she saw Princess Consort Xi sitting in the adjoining room, wiping her tears. Laughter occasionally came from the inner room, making Princess Consort Xi’s tears seem unnecessary.

Madam Han, both amused and exasperated, approached Princess Cosnort Xi to comfort her, “Look at you, why are you crying? Can’t you hear that Shanshan girl laughing?”

Princess Consort Xi wiped away her tears and worriedly said, “It’s precisely because of her carefree and naive nature that I’m worried. The Yan family values her now, but in time, a daughter-in-law is still a daughter-in-law. How can they tolerate her living so absent-mindedly all the time? Besides, things will be different once she becomes a mother…”

At this point, Princess Consort Xi suddenly choked up, “Oh no, I forgot something important.”

Having experienced similar situations herself, Madam Han could tell what was on Princess Consort Xi’s mind. Upon hearing the loud noise of gongs and drums outside and the increasingly close sound of suonas, she became anxious, “Hurry, hurry, where is the booklet? If you’re not convenient, I’ll go!”

Princess Consort Xi quickly looked at Nanny Hao beside her. Nanny Hao also slapped her forehead. They had been busy all night, counting the dowry, checking the guest list, and preparing Pei Mushan’s wedding dress, and had forgotten about such an important matter. She quickly entered the room and rummaged through the drawers, finally retrieving the prepared booklet.

Princess Consort Xi hesitated for a moment and glanced at Madam Han, “Forget it, you go instead.”

Madam Han took the booklet, cleared her throat, and lifted the curtain to enter the inner room.

Pei Mushan finally chose a butterfly-shaped hairpin with blue feathers to adorn her hair, which had a touch of brilliance and received unanimous approval from Xu Yunxi and Pei Mulan.

Madam Han entered with the booklet, coughed a few times, “Um, Yunxi and Lan’er, could you step outside? I have something to say to Shanshan.”

Xu Yunxi glanced at Madam Han and then at the booklet in her hand, immediately understanding. She went out first, while Pei Mulan was reluctant to leave and had to be dragged out by Xu Yunxi.

Pei Mushan was looking around in front of the dressing table when Madam Han sat down next to her, “Shanshan, tonight is your wedding night, and, um, there are some things you need to pay attention to…’

Pei Mushan, not being completely naive, did not feel embarrassed upon hearing this. Instead, she earnestly leaned over to look at the booklet.

Madam Han opened the first page. Their gazes fell simultaneously, and after just one glance, Madam Han frowned. Princess Consort Xi was too old-fashioned; this booklet wouldn’t do.

Madam Han quickly closed the booklet and decided to explain personally. She leaned in and whispered a few words into Pei Mushan’s ear.

Pei Mushan listened with a strange expression, wanting to ask more but thinking it would be prying into her father’s privacy, ultimately decided against it.

Madam Han finally completed her task with difficulty and left the room.

After Madam Han left, Pei Mushan opened the booklet and examined it herself.

Halfway through, a large firework suddenly rose into the sky. Pei Mushan remembered her agreement with Yan Shaoling and knew people had arrived at the door. She quickly hid the booklet and went to the window to look outside, “Who did Yan Shaoling bring to receive the bride?”

Pei Mulan went outside to find out and then returned enthusiastically to tell her, “Young Master Shaoling is very impressive. He assembled a team of fifteen people, including this year’s top scholar and the commander of the Yulin Guards. There are both civil and military officials, clearly aimed at our third brother!”

Pei Mushan felt proud, “Has Third Brother come back?”

Earlier, Xu Yunxi had told her that Pei Muheng had gone to the court early in the morning, and she didn’t know if he had made it back.

Xu Yunxi entered with a smile, “He’s back. He arrived at the front hall to entertain guests half an hour ago.”

Pei Mushan was extremely nervous. She knew very well that Pei Muheng alone could resist thousands of troops. Yan Shaoling, lacking much knowledge, was worried that her brother might embarrass her husband and cause Yan Shaoling to lose face. She quickly pushed Xu Yunxi outside, “Sister-in-law, go to the front and see if my brother has the upper hand. If he does, please persuade him a bit.”

Xu Yunxi laughed heartily and was about to go out when Princess Consort Xi glared at her daughter, not at Xu Yunxi, “You care only about Yan Shaoling’s face. Have you forgotten about the face of the Xi family? I’ll tell you the truth: your father didn’t let your third brother take part today!”

First, Prince Xi was worried that Pei Muheng would be too preoccupied with state affairs to come up with questions. Second, he feared that Pei Muheng would not give Yan Shaoling a face, causing embarrassment to the son-in-law. Therefore, he assigned the task of blocking the door to his eldest and second sons.

Pei Muxiang and the other were neither scholarly nor martial, so they couldn’t disgrace the Xi family. They went to the Xiao family to ask for help from a few cousins.

The person leading the task today was the second son of the Xiao family, Xiao Bing, known as the Gentleman with a Jade Face.

The top scholar outside lived up to his reputation. Xiao Bing’s three questions were all answered, and Pei Muxiang shouted from behind the high wall, “Yan Shaoling, it’s you getting married, not Cui Ning. Come forward honestly and answer a question to be allowed in!”

Outside, Yan Shaoling, wearing a red fourth-rank official’s robe, boldly stepped up the stairs, “Gentleman with a Jade Face, bring it on!”

Xiao Bing even brought out the ‘Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art,’ but Yan Shaoling, well-prepared and with experts helping him, answered five consecutive questions correctly. In the end, Xiao Bing used his last resort, and Yan Shaoling broke through with the line, ‘A heart as pure as crystal in a jade jar.’

The wedding banquet was extraordinarily luxurious. After bowing to Prince Xi and toasting him, Yan Shaoling headed to the backyard. He overcame numerous obstacles along the way. The customs for sending off the bride varied from place to place—some had brothers carrying her out of the house, while others had matchmakers waiting at the second gate for the groom to come and pick her up. Yan Shaoling, however, took an unusual route. Faced with Xiao Bing using even a whip, Yan Shaoling simply jumped onto the roof beams and swiftly moved towards the backyard, finally reaching Pei Mushan’s boudoir and carrying the bride out.

The people of Prince Xi’s mansion hurriedly followed.

Princess Consort Xi, worried that her daughter might get hurt, anxiously followed them out. At the second gate, the women of the royal family and relatives blocked the way, making it impassable.

Yin Xing also enjoyed the excitement but couldn’t squeeze through. Xu Yunxi pulled her towards the other side, “Let’s go back to Qinghui Garden first, then we’ll head to the front hall from the side corridor. We can see Shanshan off properly.”

Despite the hustle and bustle in Prince Xi’s mansion, no one dared to step into the third house. When the two of them circled around from Qinghui Garden, they indeed saw that the side corridor was guarded by Wang Fan and other guards, preventing anyone from entering. Xu Yunxi happily pulled Yin Xing towards the front hall. The exit of the side corridor was blocked, so they took the north flower corridor to the back corridor of the front hall, finally reaching the veranda through the path used by the servants to serve dishes.

Pei Muheng, dressed in a dark red princely robe, stood under the veranda of the front hall, with Xun Yunhe, who had been invited as a guest, standing beside him.

In fact, Prince Xi’s mansion had also sent an invitation to Madam Zhang’s family, but the Zhang family, considering Xun Yunhe’s absence, only sent a congratulatory gift.

With guests bustling around in front, Xu Yunxi and her maid stood by the terrace without moving. At this moment, Yan Shaoling had already arrived at the front hall carrying Pei Mushan. The young men from the Yan family rushed forward to protect him, fearing that Pei Mushan might fall. The people of Prince Xi’s residence dared not chase after him.

One must admit that Yan Shaoling’s strategy of ‘capturing the king to win’ had the entire Prince Xi’s mansion under control.

Seeing that the bride was about to be carried to the bridal sedan chair, Pei Muxiang angrily chased after them, “Hey, Yan Shaoling, put my sister down. At least let her bow to our father before leaving!”

Yan Shaoling, shameless as ever, stood grandly at the gate and asked Prince Xi in a negotiating tone, “Father-in-law, Shanshan’s skin is tender. Can we skip the bowing?”

He was a tyrant who cared only for his wife and disregarded conventional etiquette.

Across the courtyard filled with guests, Prince Xi stood under the veranda of the main hall, glaring at him with a mix of amusement and exasperation, “You rascal, fine, you don’t have to bow. At least let me have a drink with my daughter!”

Apparently, Pei Mushan had said something to him, and Yan Shaoling reluctantly put her down. As Pei Mushan was about to walk back, Yan Shaoling raised his hand to stop her, grabbing his wife’s wrist and continuing to bargain with his father-in-law, “Father-in-law, we don’t take steps back after marriage. Please come over to have a drink.”

There were few people as audacious as him.

The guests burst into laughter.

Prince Xi had never been rendered speechless like this in his life, but considering that Yan Shaoling made sense, he chose to give in.

There wasn’t a single woman present who didn’t cheer for Yan Shaoling.

“This is the kind of husband a woman should marry!”

Xun Yunhe looked at Yan Shaoling and then at his son-in-law beside him, feeling a bit uneasy.

Yin Xing, watching the scene, couldn’t help but tear up. Compared to Xu Yunxi’s calm demeanor, Yin Xing had always been more sentimental. Seeing her crying messily, Xu Yunxi, feeling embarrassed, quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, “Don’t worry. When you meet someone you like, I’ll also give you a grand send-off.”

Yin Xing took the handkerchief from her and wiped away her tears, glaring at her angrily, “Miss, don’t talk nonsense. If I get married, won’t you be all alone? I’ll never get married; I’ll stay by your side for life.”

Xu Yunxi was slightly startled. She had been with Yin Xing for ten years, spending every day together. If she really married her off, she might be unable to adapt.

Xu Yunxi gently ruffled her hair, “Silly girl, I can’t hold you back for a lifetime.”

She hoped Yin Xing would find her own happiness and be cherished like Pei Mushan. As for herself, she thought, ‘I’ll talk about it later after finding my grandfather.’

Yin Xing refused, crying angrily. Her voice, always clear and distinguishable, caught the attention of Xun Yunhe and Pei Muheng, who both turned to look. They saw Xu Yunxi standing gracefully at the corridor entrance, dressed in a begonia red-pink dress. The intricate eaves and decorated ceiling, with red lanterns hanging everywhere and rows of colorful palace lanterns swaying behind her in the wind, could not dim the brilliance between her brows. She seemed to stand in the bustling scenery, yet it was as if she was isolated from the noise.

In that instant, Xun Yunhe felt an intense pang of sorrow, and his face grew a bit paler. Watching Pei Mushan toast to Prince Xi, how could he not feel envious?

He had dreamed all his life of personally sending Yunqi off to be married, giving her a magnificent procession with ten miles of dowry and a city emptied to watch. Unfortunately, he missed his chance.

Pei Muhen didn’t feel much better than him either. Every meticulously crafted detail of today’s wedding banquet became a thorn in his heart. The more grandly his sister got married, the stronger his guilt toward Xu Yunqi became.

Yan Shaoling dared to publicly challenge Prince Xi, as he had not personally welcomed Xu Yunqi back then. Their wedding was probably the most deserted one in the entire capital, and not to mention that it took half a year before they consummated their marriage.

Pei Muheng looked at his wife, feeling a stabbing pain in his chest.

From a distance, Xu Yunqi slightly curtsied towards the two of them. Upon hearing the butler loudly announce that the feast had begun, she waved her hand with a smile and left with Yin Xing.

Her slender figure gracefully turned and disappeared from his sight, and for a moment, Pei Muhen worried she might just leave like that.

*

Even though Yan Ping withdrew from the cabinet, it didn’t affect the lively atmosphere of the wedding banquet.

Many of the Yan family’s protégés and old subordinates continued to come to offer their congratulations. Prince Xi couldn’t do anything to Yan Shaoling, nor could Yan Ping, who had already sent his youngest son back to the rear courtyard early to accompany Pei Mushan, while he himself led his eldest son and grandson to entertain the guests.

The Yan family’s many in-laws and female relatives fussed in the bridal chamber for a while and then left.

Yan Shaoling helped his wife remove her phoenix coronet, then led her around the new room to familiarize her with the environment.

“Everywhere has been created to match your boudoir in the prince’s mansion, so you won’t feel strange.”

Pei Mushan had nothing to say.

After a day’s hunger, the newlyweds sat at a table in the east room to eat the banquet.

“Look, crystal shrimp dumplings from Ying Fu Lou, crystal elbow from Hong Fu Lou, lotus leaf wrapped chicken from Xuchang Lou…” Ten varieties in total, symbolizing perfection, Yan Shaoling said with a pleased smile, “All your favorites.”

Pei Mushan’s mouth watered at the fragrance in the room. “Indeed, marrying is the right path.”

This was something she wouldn’t have dared to think about in the prince’s mansion, and she eagerly picked up her chopsticks to start eating.

“Hmm, this apricot blossom wine is excellent!”

“Oh, this lotus leaf-wrapped chicken tastes even more authentic…”

The two toasted and drank happily. Pei Mushan had a few drinks and started to feel drowsy, while Yan Shaoling, exhausted after a long day, staggered while helping his wife up. Fortunately, the nanny was attentive, brought in water, helped them wash up, and then the couple collapsed onto the bed.

Not knowing what time it was, she vaguely heard the crowing of a rooster. Pei Mushan hazily opened her eyes, with red candles flickering outside the canopy and the dark sky. She looked blankly at the bright red curtains and took a while to realize that she was now married. She glanced to her side and saw Yan Shaoling sleeping soundly. Unable to resist, she nudged him.

“Yan Shaoling, wake up quickly. What time is it?”

The first nudge didn’t wake him, but the second one seemed to register, and he almost sprang up. Hastily pulling aside the canopy and looking out, he saw the new-style Western clock on the table nearby—it was already the third watch of the Yin hour.

Pei Mushan stared at him blankly, feeling as if she had forgotten something.

Both of them, still drowsy and groggy, were in a daze.

Slowly, that handsome face drew near her, his breath brushing against her nose. Pei Mushan’s body instantly tensed, her breath catching in her throat. Sensing her tension, Yan Shaoling first kissed behind her ear and down her neck. The warm breath quickly melted the goosebumps on her skin, and Pei Mushan’s waist softened as he pushed her onto the pillows.

Yan Shaoling, known as a playboy, was no stranger to such matters. Yan Ping had only instructed the steward to give him a manual, which Yan Shaoling quickly tossed aside, thinking he didn’t need anyone to teach him.

Having desired this moment for so many years, Yan Shaoling was undoubtedly excited and barely able to contain himself. His strong, lean body cautiously covered hers, each muscle exuding strength. Pei Mushan worried he might tire her out and pushed against his firm chest, blushing as she said, “Be gentle.”

Sweat already beaded on Yan Shaoling’s forehead, and he nodded hastily. He also wanted to take it slow, but the burning desire within him surged, leaving him little control.

Pei Mushan felt a sharp pain piercing her bones and instinctively wanted to push him away. Remembering Madam Han’s words, she held back. At that moment, she noticed Yan Shaoling suddenly stiffen. Realizing what had happened, the couple stared at each other in awkward silence.

The air was thick with embarrassment.

Yan Shaoling’s handsome face turned red as he gradually became dejected and eventually felt completely ashamed. “Shanshan, I…”

Pei Mushan was initially surprised and somewhat disappointed, but she didn’t blame Yan Shaoling. Instead, she quickly dressed and tried her best to comfort him, saying, “Don’t worry, take it slow, it’s not a big deal…”

She thought to herself that she would seek advice from Xu Yunxi tomorrow.