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Chapter 18: The Scented Sachet

“Yao-Meimei, who are you planning to give this to…?”

Yu Mingyao’s heart suddenly stopped, her hair standing on end. The cold, suffocating feeling of being submerged in the pond in her past life surged up again.

She held her breath and slowly turned around, inch by inch.

Pei Shang’s cheerful face came into view.

Phew—

She let out a long sigh of relief, her tense back relaxing all at once. Her expression was speechless, not even bothering to respond.

Pei Shang scratched his head awkwardly. Seeing that she still had no intention of speaking even after a few seconds, he had no choice but to approach and apologize in a coaxing tone.

“I really didn’t mean to scare you. Yao-Meimei, you’re beautiful and kind—please forgive your cousin. Or if you want, you can scare me back? I promise I’ll sit still and not move.”

Who wants to argue with this childish idiot?

Yu Mingyao gave him a sidelong glance and didn’t bother looking again.

To be fair, Pei Shang was someone who could take things lightly or seriously as needed. When he saw that Yu Mingyao was truly upset and wouldn’t even look at him, he simply stood where her gaze landed, blocking her view so she would have no choice but to look at him.

“You’re such a child, Pei Shang!”

After several rounds of this nonsense, Yu Mingyao couldn’t hold back anymore. If she didn’t give him what he wanted, who knew what he’d do next?

“Fine, tell me, what do you want?”

She glanced at him and asked coolly.

“Yao-Meimei, you’re being too harsh. We’re family—even if our bones break, the tendons are still connected. Can’t I just come see you for no reason?”

“Oh? Then who was it that skipped class pretending to be sick and got punished to kneel in the ancestral hall? And now instead of kneeling properly, came here to scare people? I should go tell Aunt and let her decide who’s the real troublemaker here.”

Yu Mingyao stood to leave. She expected Pei Shang to stop her. To her surprise, he was actually delighted by her words and even acted like he was about to lead the way.

“You’ve never met my mother, have you? Great! I’ll take you to see her. You’re gentle and lovely—my mother will definitely like you.”

“But don’t worry. My mother is very kind. And if worst comes to worst, I’ll be there. I promise everything will go smoothly.”

Pei Shang began babbling non-stop, animatedly describing everything—even what his mother liked to eat and disliked.

The more Yu Mingyao listened, the more something felt off.

Putting aside the fact that Pei Shang’s mother had poor health and rarely met anyone—why would she need to know such private details just to greet her?

She stopped walking, her cheeks suddenly flushing.

“We’re leaving for Suzhou tomorrow. There’s still a lot to prepare. I shouldn’t disturb Aunt’s peace. Please give my regards to her for me as a show of my appreciation.”

“So soon? You’re really leaving?”

A moment ago he was full of cheer, but now Pei Shang looked like a dejected puppy.

“Can’t you stay a few more days?”

He halted in place, his bright black eyes filled with reluctant sadness. His eyelids were slightly puffy, like peach blossoms in March.

A young man’s feelings are like blood spilled on white paper—passionate, intense, and unrestrained.

But as he grows older, those feelings will settle—deep, quiet, like spring rain nourishing all silently.

Yu Mingyao’s nose tingled with emotion. She quickly turned her head away, flustered.

“If not tomorrow, then today. Either way, I’m leaving. You’re just upset about losing a fun companion. There will always be others to play with.”

“Give it some time, and you might even forget all about me.”

“Forget you?”

Pei Shang got angry at that. He didn’t even know why he was so mad—it was like a fire burning in his chest.

“You’re not me! How can you be so sure I’d forget you? Yu Mingyao, do you think so little of me?”

His tone turned cold, his words increasingly harsh.

“Alright, alright,”

Yu Mingyao didn’t even know how they ended up arguing. Moments ago, she’d still been brooding over the past life. She gathered herself and tried to soothe him.

“My fault—I underestimated you. Now, can young master Pei be the bigger person and forgive me?”

“Hmph!”

Pei Shang huffed and was about to storm off. But then he remembered how he had waited three whole days just to see her. If he left now, he’d regret it forever.

Especially if Xie Zhuoguang got the chance to swoop in.

Thinking of that, he became sulky again.

“Fine… But since you offended me, you need to make it up. You’re punished to take me to your place and host me a few times. If anyone asks, just say I’m here to study with Brother Jinnian—nothing else.”

Pei Shang’s denial was blatant.

Yu Mingyao gave him a glance. “Fine, fine.”

And just like that, she finished paying her respects and returned with a tail behind her.

She knew the layout like the back of her hand—each corridor and path, identical to other parts of the Pei estate.

But as Pei Shang followed her, his heart raced more with every step. When they reached the courtyard gate, he suddenly hesitated.

He kind of wanted to flee.

“What’s the matter? Scared to go in?”

Yu Mingyao turned and saw him slowing down, his face red with nervous embarrassment.

Even new brides didn’t act like this when returning to their maiden homes.

She sighed helplessly.

At her taunt, Pei Shang jumped like he’d been poked in the tail.

“Who’s scared? I’m not scared! Just wait—I’m going in right now!”

And with that, the proud Pei Peacock returned.

Inside the Pear Blossom Court, Madam Shi Luo was busy with Yan Yue. The people from Suzhou had brought luggage, gifts, supplies for the road, and pending arrangements in the capital. It was overwhelming.

Some unresolved matters had to be put aside for now, and letters were sent to Mingyao’s uncles to summon them to the capital.

When Yu Mingyao brought Pei Shang in, Yan Yue was stowing valuable ornaments under Shi Luo’s direction.

Shi Luo, parched from talking nonstop, had just lifted her teacup when she saw Pei Shang.

She quickly rose to greet him. “Please excuse the mess. I hope you won’t mind our poor hospitality.”

Pei Shang was about to respond that he hadn’t announced his visit when Shi Luo sent Yan Yue to bring out tea and snacks.

He quickly waved his hand. “Please, Auntie, treat me like family. No need to be so formal. I just came to visit Brother Jinnian. I didn’t expect to cause trouble.”

“Yes, Grandmother, don’t mind him. It’s not like we begged him to come,”

Yu Mingyao shot him a glare, speaking bluntly.

Shi Luo said nothing for a moment. She looked at the two before her—such a well-matched pair. Finally, she said, “But Jinnian has been out with his classmates these past days. I’m not sure if he’ll be back for lunch.”

Yu Mingyao turned to Pei Shang. “You came to study, right? I’m good at schoolwork—you can study with me.”

She then curtsied to Shi Luo.

“Grandmother, we’ll excuse ourselves. Please mind what’s served for lunch. He can’t handle spicy food, but sweet pastries and squirrel-shaped mandarin fish suit his taste.”

Pei Shang followed her out, still puzzled.

“How do you know what I like?”

He hesitated, but finally asked.

Yu Mingyao looked back. “Because I’m a fairy who descended to the mortal world to undergo trials. I’m naturally more clever than you commoners. There’s lots you don’t know!”

She said it playfully and walked off without turning around again.

Pei Shang snapped back to his senses and realized she had walked quite a distance ahead.

“Hey! Wait for me!”

He quickly chased after her.

The door opened—beaded curtains and silk drapes came into view. Every detail was delicate, every corner exuding feminine charm.

Pei Shang paused, even holding his breath, afraid of disturbing the serene atmosphere.

“Why are you just standing there? Come in.”

Yu Mingyao sighed. “Don’t start with that ‘a man and a woman shouldn’t be alone’ nonsense and ruin my mood. Come in or leave. I’m still young. Give it a couple of years, and I won’t let you in even if you beg.”

She walked past the screen to the window-side beauty couch. A while later, he finally shuffled in.

“What’s that sweet scent? Smells really nice.”

He moved stiffly, like his limbs were tied, and finally sat near her.

Next to the couch was a writing desk. Behind it stood a shelf adorned with porcelain vases, freshly filled with peach blossoms.

Today, the vase held peach blossoms—vivid and full of life.

“Could be the flowers. Or incense. If it’s incense, the story’s a long one—best not told now.”

Yu Mingyao changed the subject. “Where’s that servant Li Qing who always follows you? Haven’t seen him today.”

The mention of Li Qing was like a bucket of cold water on Pei Shang’s head—he suddenly snapped back to reality.

“Him?” Pei Shang sat down casually. “I sent him off on an errand. Don’t worry, Yao-Meimei—my family knows where I am, no need to fret.”

“Alright.” Yu Mingyao didn’t care what tricks he was up to, as long as it didn’t end in chaos.

“Make yourself comfortable. I’m going to do some embroidery.”

She lounged lazily, glancing at the small redwood table beside her. On it lay a half-finished green sachet embroidered with silver leaves, delicate and lifelike.

The stitching was meticulous—clearly crafted with care.

Pei Shang followed her gaze. The moment he saw the sachet, his expression softened.

He had assumed she was brushing him off. But she was really working on embroidery.

The pale green color was refined and elegant—clearly meant for a man. But her brother Yu Jinnian, big and burly, wouldn’t use something so dainty.

In a single moment, Pei Shang’s mind was flooded with thoughts. His voice softened, as if he were a charming rogue coaxing a shy maiden.

“Yao-Meimei, who are you planning to give this to?”

“I imagine it must be the best man in the world to be worthy of such care from you.”

His words were dripping with implication. Yu Mingyao gave him a cool glance, seeing right through his barely hidden thoughts—but said nothing.

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Meanwhile, back at Tangdi Pavilion, Pei Shang’s residence—

Li Qing was sweating bullets, nervously babbling to Xie Zhuoguang, whose entire presence radiated coldness.

“I really don’t know where young master went! He was kneeling in the ancestral hall—and then suddenly vanished! I’m just as worried as you are! I was about to report to the master when you arrived!”

He wore a distressed expression, sighing deeply.

“Is that so?”

Xie Zhuoguang’s eyes were icy, and he didn’t speak for a long time.

Just when Li Qing thought he had successfully bluffed his way through, he saw the usually indifferent young master turn and head southwest.

His eyes widened in horror—Pear Blossom Court was southwest!

Young master had strictly ordered him to keep Xie Zhuoguang from running into Yu Mingyao!

“Oh no!”

He slapped his thigh and ran after him.

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