Chapter 29

The two walked side by side, one exuding stern authority, the other gentle elegance. Wherever they went, the women and girls in the streets blushed shyly.

Pei Zhang spoke slowly, “I’ve heard Jiangnan boasts beautiful scenery. During this southern patrol, I’d like to take the opportunity to admire Jiangnan’s rivers and landscapes. What does Master Lu think?”

Lu Feng’s dark eyes deepened, and he immediately grasped the hidden implication in Pei Zhang’s words. “You plan to enter Jiangnan in disguise.”

“As expected, nothing escapes Master Lu.” Pei Zhang gave a bitter smile. “The water bandits in Jiangnan have grown so rampant, yet the local officials remain indifferent. I fear there’s already collusion at play.”

The imperial decree included the phrase “eliminate the water bandits,” immediately followed by “reorganize governance.” Clearly, His Majesty was well aware of the deeper issues.

“Not only that.”

Lu Feng said coolly, “His Majesty suspects not just collusion between officials and bandits, but also involvement of officials in the capital.”

The Emperor’s final decision to appoint Pei Zhang as the Imperial Inspector was not solely based on Lu Feng’s recommendation. While banditry had persisted for generations, it had never before been so brazen as to ambush examinees traveling to the capital for the imperial exams.

What emboldened them? This was a mighty empire with strong military power; how could a ragtag group of bandits act so fearlessly?

The only plausible explanation was that high-ranking officials shielded them.

The Emperor contemplated deeply, suspecting that the collusion between Jiangnan officials and bandits might extend to capital officials. Among all the civil and military officials, Pei Zhang, despite his relatively shallow experience, was the most suitable candidate.

In terms of background, he was a product of the imperial examination system, with an impeccable reputation. As for his abilities, he had risen from Jiaozhou to the capital in just three years, gaining insights into the intricate workings of local bureaucracy. Additionally, his short time in the capital meant he had no ties to the local power networks. The Emperor had long recognized his potential but delayed making a decision out of appreciation for his talent.

Pei Zhang was the first scholar of this dynasty to achieve the highest honors in all three imperial examinations and had entered the cabinet at a young age. Even without taking on this task, his future would still be promising if he followed the regular path.

This journey to Jiangnan, while outwardly prestigious, concealed significant dangers.

Earlier in court, the Emperor had tested Pei Zhang, and despite being fully aware of the risks, Pei Zhang resolutely accepted. The Emperor granted him the Imperial Sword, not only as a mark of favor but also as a protective symbol.

Regarding Pei Zhang’s plan to enter Jiangnan in disguise, Lu Feng remarked, “Master Pei is astute.”

Given the brutality of the water bandits, it was more strategic for someone like Pei Zhang—a scholar with a gentle disposition—to avoid drawing attention as an official target and instead conduct covert investigations to uncover the truth.

“It is merely a desperate measure. If it were Master Lu, you would surely act with far more resolve than my approach of hiding in the shadows,” Pei Zhang said with a bitter smile, a flash of determination appearing in his gentle eyes. “With bandits this audacious, even an Imperial envoy must avoid their sharp edge. This time, they will be completely eradicated.”

Perhaps surprised by Pei Zhang’s courage, Lu Feng gave him a long look and asked, “Why?”

“Why must you involve yourself in this messy Jiangnan affair?”

Pei Zhang laughed heartily and said, “To repay His Majesty’s favor, to benefit the people, to eradicate the bandits and return peace to Jiangnan’s citizens.”

Lu Feng remained indifferent, his expression unchanged.

“—However, beyond the grandiose words, I am but a common man. I also wish to bring honor to my family and secure prosperity for my household.”

Lu Feng’s dark eyes deepened. He turned to look at Pei Zhang again and asked, “Why?”

Why did Pei Zhang care for his eldest son so attentively? Why did he reveal his motives so openly this time?

With clever people, words need not be excessive.

Pei Zhang replied, “Your son is intelligent, adorable, and endearing. He brings me joy, Master Lu. You need not worry.”

“Moreover, if one calculates carefully, I have the privilege of being connected to Master Lu as a ‘brother-in-law.’ Your… wife is my wife’s sister.”

“Last year, your esteemed wife sent New Year’s gifts to my household. Amidst the busy year-end matters, I regret I forgot to reciprocate. Before heading to Jiangnan, I intend to visit your wife with my family.”

Lu Feng frowned slightly and replied stiffly, “No need.” He recalled vividly that his wife had mentioned her discord with her older sister from her maternal family.

His wife was always kind-hearted, and if they were at odds, it must undoubtedly be the other party’s fault. Since his wife disliked her sister, why meet and cause her discomfort?

He said, “Her… Forget it. Let us discuss matters unrelated to women.”

Just as Lu Feng never brought outside affairs into the household, he likewise avoided discussing Jiang Wanrou in front of others. She was his wife, and any additional remarks from outsiders were considered an offense. He would not allow her to become the subject of gossip.

Pei Zhang’s eyes flashed briefly; his intelligence was evident. He quickly redirected the topic to the water bandits in Jiangnan. The two continued walking together for a while before parting ways at a fork in the road. Given Pei Zhang’s lower rank, he stood respectfully in place, waiting for Lu Feng to leave first. He watched Lu Feng’s departing figure for a very long time.

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Pei Mansion, Main Courtyard.

A strong medicinal smell permeated the entire courtyard. A maid carefully carried a bowl of dark, bitter medicine and said cautiously, “Madam, the medicine is ready.”

Jiang Wanying raised her tired eyes and sighed softly, “Just leave it there; I’ll drink it later.”

The maid placed the medicine on the desk and noticed a bowl of untouched candied fruits nearby. She couldn’t help but suggest, “Madam, you’ve already had three bowls. At least have a piece of candied fruit to lessen the bitterness.”

“The candied fruits are sweet; eating too many might affect the efficacy of the medicine,” Jiang Wanying said, gently stroking her still-flat abdomen. She murmured, “Otherwise, all of this effort would be in vain.”

The maid couldn’t understand her mistress’s thoughts and whispered, “Madam, no doctor has ever said that candied fruits affect the medicine’s efficacy. You’re overthinking this.”

“You silly girl, it’s impossible to make you understand,” Jiang Wanying said, shaking her head. Without any hesitation, she picked up the bowl of dark, bitter medicine, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one go. The bitterness made her furrow her brows tightly, and she immediately called out to the maid to bring her water.

The medicine was unbearably bitter and astringent—one bowl was already difficult for most to endure. Jiang Wanying had downed three bowls in a row, and it felt as if countless tiny needles were pricking her tongue. Despite the overwhelming bitterness spreading in her mouth, she felt an unusual sense of reassurance.

She thought: Surely, she would have a child. After enduring such hardship, the heavens would surely bless her with a child.

The way of heaven was to take from excess and give to the deficient. Just as everything she had now must be compensation from the heavens for her suffering in a past life—an act of mercy, allowing her another chance.

Jiang Wanying gritted her teeth, letting the bitterness engulf her entire being. After a few moments, she calmed herself and asked, “Where is Pei Lang? Has he returned from court?”

The maid replied, “Master just returned a moment ago; he’s in the study.”

“Heat up the chicken soup and send it to him. And pass along a message—tell him that my menstrual cycle has ended today, and tonight he should—Pei Lang?”

Seeing the visitor, Jiang Wanying’s eyes widened in surprise as she quickly stood up. “You—you, how come you’re here? Bring the chicken soup over… No, wait, quickly serve tea to the master.”

Pei Zhang rarely entered her room during the day, and Jiang Wanying, flustered, almost knocked over the medicine bowl.

Pei Zhang frowned slightly and instructed, “Open the windows.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Jiang Wanying quickly echoed, “Open the windows on both sides to disperse the medicinal smell, so it doesn’t bother Pei Lang.”

Pei Zhang glanced at the three identical porcelain bowls on the table, remained silent for a moment, and said lightly, “Medicine is inherently harmful. I will speak to Mother about this. You… don’t need to torment yourself like this.”

Jiang Wanying shook her head quickly and replied, “It’s not torment, Pei Lang, I’m willing.”

A faint blush appeared behind her ears. “Being able to bear children for Pei Lang is my blessing. How could I harbor any complaints?”

She walked to Pei Zhang’s side, intending to touch his hand but hesitated slightly and instead held onto his sleeve. She said softly, “Perhaps there’s already a child of my husband within me—he will certainly be smart and clever.”

“Smart?” A figure flashed through Pei Zhang’s mind, but he quickly suppressed it. He said, “I am about to set off for Jiangnan. The affairs of the household will trouble you in my absence.”

“Jiangnan?” Jiang Wanying froze for a moment and asked doubtfully, “Why are you suddenly going so far away? When will you return?”

Pei Zhang replied, “I have requested permission from the Emperor to go to Jiangnan to suppress bandits. If it goes quickly, it will take three months; if longer, half a year. I will send letters home every month. Take good care of the household; there is no need to worry.”

“Jiangnan… Jiangnan…” Jiang Wanying seemed unable to process the news, muttering, “Jiangnan… No!”

Her eyes widened suddenly. “This journey is dangerous! Pei Lang, you cannot go! Why must it be you?”

She recalled the Jiangnan river bandits, known for their ferocity and brutality. They had dared to assassinate imperial envoys, shocking the court. Even as a woman confined to the inner chambers, she had heard a bit about it back then.

It’s clearly not supposed to be him!

Jiang Wanying urgently pleaded, “Pei Lang, you must not go! Can you take leave? Or simply feign illness? Stay safely at home…”

“Madam, watch your words!” Pei Zhang admonished in a low voice, “The Emperor personally appointed me as the imperial envoy. This is a gracious honor; are you suggesting I deceive His Majesty?”

“In any case, Jiangnan is not a place you should go!” Jiang Wanying grasped Pei Zhang’s sleeve tightly, crumpling the fabric with such force as if she intended to tear a hole in it. Trembling, she exclaimed, “Pei Lang, believe me this time—Jiangnan is truly not a place to go. The river bandits are vicious… You could lose your life!”

Pei Zhang sighed quietly, barely audibly. He dismissed the maid, leaving the room with only the two of them. He pried her fingers apart, freed his sleeve, and gently patted her shoulder.

“Do not panic,” he said.

“You can recognize the dangers of this journey, proving your insight surpasses that of ordinary women. You should also understand the principle of seeking wealth amidst peril. Although we may be temporarily apart, once I return, I will secure promotions and honors—for the dignity of both you and my mother.”

Jiang Wanying’s voice quivered as she retorted, “I will have dignity in the future without needing you… Pei Lang, there will be many opportunities to achieve success and glory. Jiangnan is truly not the place to go. Believe me this one time!”

Jiang Wanying sank into deep panic. While Pei Zhang no longer treated her with the tenderness he had in his previous life, he remained an exceptional husband—a gentleman of noble character, gentle and refined like jade. Even when she faltered in some aspects, he never reprimanded her, always affording her the respect a wife deserved.

She thought to herself, it was enough. Even without her husband’s love, she possessed respect and status. In the future, she would be a prestigious titled lady, untouchable by mockery or bullying. It was enough.

That medicine—she had been drinking it for a long time, three bowls every day. All they needed was a child!

Day and night, she hoped and waited. Why had everything suddenly diverged so drastically from her previous life?

No one could answer her.

Leaving aside the fact that imperial orders were irrevocable, this mission was something Pei Zhang had meticulously schemed for himself. Even if he were genuinely ill, he would still drag himself onto the ship heading south. Jiang Wanying’s lips blistered with anxiety, but how could her words shake a matter of state affairs?

Pei Zhang began staying out late more frequently. On one hand, his wife’s excessive worry added to his annoyance; on the other hand, he was preparing for the journey south. He visited the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review daily to review the dossiers on the river bandits. Coincidentally, Lu Feng was also a regular at these two places. Over time, they became acquainted, exchanging nods as passing acquaintances.

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In Pei Manor, the commotion surrounding the Jiangnan river bandits stirred the household. Even the Lu family’s back courtyard experienced its ripple effects.

She was six months pregnant, her belly round and much larger than that of an average expectant mother. The imperial physician said it might be due to excessive supplements, and the child was developing well. Recently, she had been resting and preparing for childbirth, rarely receiving guests.

However, some visits could be declined, while others were unavoidable—such as her third sister-in-law, Yao Jinyu.

Yao Jinyu entered with a three-part smile even before speaking. She glanced at Jiang Wanrou’s belly and said, “Oh my, I had a dream last night. I dreamt of a majestic golden dragon surrounded by a colorful phoenix. I didn’t understand it at first, but seeing my eldest sister-in-law today, it’s clear—this must be an auspicious sign of dragon and phoenix harmony!”

“You always know how to embellish things.” Jiang Wanrou chuckled and said, “Cui Zhu, bring a plate of osmanthus cakes for Third Madam. Let’s see which is sweeter—the cakes or her words.”

With the presence of Lu Huaiyi, the legitimate eldest son, there wasn’t much pressure on whether this child would be a boy or a girl. Recently, Jiang Wanrou had been craving spicy food, and even if it was a girl, so what? Although daughters were not as valued as sons, as long as the child came from her, Jiang Wanrou would do everything in her power to ensure her child lived a worry-free life.

Because Jiang Wanrou did not have a sweet tooth, the pastries in her courtyard were all mildly flavored. Yao Jinyu took a piece, dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a silk handkerchief, and looked at Jiang Wanrou.

“Eldest sister-in-law, I’ve come shamelessly today to ask for a favor,” Yao Jinyu said.

The Yao family had been involved in Jiangnan weaving for generations. With their daughter marrying into the prestigious Duke Lu’s residence in the capital, the Yao family was considered a local powerhouse. Prominent clans in the area were closely interconnected. Upon hearing that the Emperor had dispatched an imperial inspector to Jiangnan, they each pulled strings and used their networks to uncover information about the envoy.

Yao Jinyu remarked, “After thinking it over, isn’t it a coincidence? Your sister from your maternal family is none other than the wife of Master Pei. So, in a sense, we’re practically family.”

Though physically inconvenienced, Jiang Wanrou was mentally clear. She responded, “That may be true, but I haven’t seen my fifth sister in years. Whether half-sisters or full siblings, time has made us distant.”

“A single stroke writes two Jiang characters. No matter what, Eldest Sister-in-law, you’re closer than us outsiders.”

Seeing that Jiang Wanrou wasn’t engaging, Yao Jinyu candidly revealed her intention. “It’s not about trying to bribe Master Pei or anything… Oh, you see, I should just mind my own business as the Third Madam. But my father wrote me a letter, merely wanting to learn about the envoy’s preferences and aversions. The goal is to host the envoy comfortably, so he might say a few kind words before the Emperor. That way, everyone benefits. Don’t you agree?”

Jiang Wanrou sipped her tea and stroked her belly, sighing, “This little rascal has been restless lately. All my focus is on him. Matters of court, I don’t understand.”

Lu Feng didn’t like discussing court affairs with Jiang Wanrou, but that didn’t mean she was entirely ignorant of them.

Of course, her knowledge was rudimentary—such as the promotion and demotion of officials, which families were connected through marriage, and which ones held grudges against each other. These were the basics. Even though she lived in the inner chambers, her interactions, holiday gift exchanges, and visits meant she couldn’t afford to be clueless. Otherwise, it would be laughable.

Certainly, she couldn’t attend the grandson’s full-moon banquet in the afternoon if her husband had impeached his grandfather in court earlier that morning, could she?

And when speaking to Madam Zhang, she couldn’t possibly praise the good complexion of Madam Li, who had enmity with the Zhang family, right?

The gifts sent to the Vice Minister’s household versus the Minister’s residence must differ in weight, appropriately reflecting their respective statuses, correct?

Her reputation when she first married into the family was not honorable, which made her extra cautious in her interactions. Nowadays, few brought up those old matters. Her outings were met with considerable respect, partly due to Lu Feng’s high rank and power, and partly due to her own careful conduct.

Even now, during her pregnancy, when she rarely received guests, she wasn’t entirely hands-off, living a leisurely life of wealth. Jiang Wanrou instructed Jin Tao and Cui Zhu to tell her about recent major happenings in the capital. She was already aware that Pei Zhang had been appointed as imperial inspector to oversee Jiangnan.

Furthermore, during the annual palace banquet, where she accompanied Lu Feng like an ornament, though the men discussed affairs of state, she had overheard snippets.

Even if she only partially understood some matters, she could tell that the Emperor held this matter in very high regard. This was a situation best left untouched.

Suddenly, Jiang Wanrou remarked, “I heard… Third Master has taken a liking to a maid recently?”

Yao Jinyu, who had intended to persuade further, stiffened, her expression awkward. After a brief pause, she remarked pointedly, “As expected, nothing escapes the eyes of the elder sister-in-law.”

The Third Master has had his eye on the maids more than once or twice. A concubine in his chambers had just given birth to a son weighing seven pounds and eight ounces. Yao Jinyu was not envious; instead, she generously organized a banquet, displaying the demeanor of a virtuous wife. Thus, when the Third Master hinted at his intention, Yao Jinyu, perceptive to his hints, took the initiative to decide to bring the maid into the household.

At least on the surface, Yao Jinyu appeared to not be a jealous or harsh mistress, and the Third Master could be considered graceful and dashing. Who wouldn’t want the chance to become the mistress rather than remain a servant? Generally, such matters are consensual, and the people of the third household would notify others out of courtesy, and Jiang Wanrou wouldn’t bother to intervene.

However, this time was different. The person the Third Master had his eye on was someone close to Zhou Ruotong.

As a junior, it’s already inappropriate to take a liking to someone serving the elder sister-in-law, let alone that this person is no ordinary maid—she is a distant relative who had sought refuge with Zhou Ruotong after being implicated in the Prince Gong case.

The young woman had been doted on and cherished by her family, but after falling into misfortune, she became both a servant and a concubine against her will. Being a strong-willed individual, she attempted to hang herself in her room immediately afterward. Fortunately, she was discovered in time and saved.

This incident caused a rift between the Second and Third Branches of the family, and their former closeness never returned.

Jiang Wanrou was aware of this situation, but before giving birth, she still had to rely on her two sisters-in-law, making it inappropriate to take sides. Later, after hearing that the young woman had been rescued, she quietly sent some items to the Second Branch without mentioning it again.

Putting down her teacup, Jiang Wanrou remarked, “This sort of matter requires mutual consent; forcing it only leads to bitterness. This time, it’s the Third Master’s fault. If he were in front of me, I’d have to give him a good talking-to.”

Although she was two years younger than the Third Master, as the elder sister-in-law, it was only right for her to guide her junior.

Yao Jinyu knew Jiang Wanrou wasn’t really scolding the Third Master—she was pointing at her instead. Forcing a smile, Yao Jinyu replied, “Indeed, it’s fortunate that it didn’t escalate into a major issue; otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to lift my head in front of the Second Sister-in-law.”

Jiang Wanrou nodded with satisfaction and said softly, “You also bear some responsibility for oversight. Now that I’m heavily pregnant, the household affairs have been entrusted to you and Madam Zhou. If you can’t even manage internal matters, how can you meddle in Jiangnan’s affairs? Sister-in-law, you’re not someone who lacks wisdom—why can’t you distinguish priorities at the moment?’

Yao Jinyu was thoroughly embarrassed by her words. She hurriedly got up from her chair and bowed deeply in apology. “Elder sister-in-law is right; I’ve been muddled and lost my way for a moment. Thank you for your earnest guidance.”

Jiang Wanrou smiled warmly, her tone reverting to its usual gentleness. “No need to exaggerate; it’s not guidance, at most… let’s call it a heart-to-heart conversation between sisters-in-law.”

“I know that even though I’ve delegated things to you and the second sister-in-law, you’re sharper and more capable, so you end up shouldering more than she does. When you’re stretched thin, I can understand that.”

“We’re all women, and the Third Master is young and carefree. I understand the difficulties you’ve faced over the years.”

Yao Jinyu’s eyes nearly brimmed with tears, but being strong-willed, she refused to show vulnerability in front of others. She glanced at Jiang Wanrou’s belly with envy. “Elder sister-in-law is deeply blessed; surely she is someone of great fortune.”

Jiang Wanrou chuckled. “What fortune is there? It’s all about effort. Look at me—I’ve been talking for so long. Cui Zhu, quickly bring more tea for the Third Madam.”

Yao Jinyu quickly responded, “No need—thank you. You’re pregnant and exhausted; I won’t impose further.”

In a hurry, she took her leave. Cui Zhu had just prepared freshly brewed tea but found Yao Jinyu gone, grumbling in a low voice, “This Third Madam is so inconsiderate, always bringing such messy matters to bother you. She’s an outsider who married into the family and still meddles in Jiangnan’s affairs. Her reach is really long.”

“Cui Zhu.” Jiang Wanrou quietly admonished, showing a trace of fatigue from sitting for half an hour.

Cui Zhu dared not say more and knelt down to massage her legs.

Jiang Wanrou lightly tapped her hairpin, saying, “You really need to curb that tongue of yours. Beware of troubles that come from careless speech.”