Chapter 31: Jealousy

“I have a vermilion-red cloud-patterned brocade robe, you saw it…”

After Lady Pei’s birthday, Pei Shang’s birthday followed closely behind.

When they first met, he was just a mischievous boy, full of vanity and tricks, but now, it was time for him to marry.

At seventeen, the last traces of youthful immaturity faded away. His back grew broader day by day, and his once clear, youthful voice became steadier.

It was as if overnight, he had transformed from a green fruit, still immature and a little sour, into a young man with proper maturity.

At this age, a child from a respectable family in the capital, without a doubt, would have two maids in his room, knew the ways of the world, and at the very least, would have his marriage prospects being considered.

Pei Shang was not someone who hid his thoughts. Several days before his birthday, he heard that his mother, Madam Zhen, had returned from the manor ahead of time to celebrate his birthday.

Of course, there was another layer of meaning to this.

That night, his firm declaration, “I will marry you, wait for me,” still echoed in Yu Mingyao’s mind from time to time.

Today, it was the day after Madam Zhen’s return. According to custom, Yu Mingyao was supposed to go to Rongjing Hall to pay her respects, and also greet Pei Shang’s mother.

She woke up early, and her heart was uneasy.

Yan Yue, seeing her usually fearless young mistress hesitate for the first time, couldn’t help but tease her.

“Miss, you’ve been sleeping well lately, haven’t you?”

Yu Mingyao, still confused, held a begonia flower at her temple, her usual gentle eyes now full of confusion.

Yan Yue smirked. “These past months, the courtyard has been free of unwanted visitors. I think… someone might be turning restless.”

Yu Mingyao’s face turned bright red at her words, glaring fiercely at her cheeky maid, which only made Yan Yue laugh even harder, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

“The begonia looks a bit wilted. It looks unkempt. Let’s replace it with a fresh one.”

Humph, since Yan Yue was teasing her, she might as well do something to annoy her back.

After her words, Yan Yue, undeterred, ordered a little maid to bring in a box of flowers—begonias, peonies, gardenias, and peach blossoms, filling the box.

After the maid placed it down, Yan Yue said lightly, “Dress a little brighter today. If you’re happy, I’m happy too.”

Neither of them mentioned Pei Shang.

The maid with her oiled hair was full of vigor, while the beautiful young lady beside her gazed into the mirror, lost in thought, her head full of pearls and flowers.

Married at first, loved with no doubt.

In her previous life, that was her hope. She had given far more than this, but ended up with a conclusion she wished she had never known. Now, she had come back, and could a change of person lead to a complete life?

---

At Rongjing Hall, it was rare for the family to be gathered like this. The third wife and the younger generation were all present, along with the maids and servants, creating a bustling scene.

Madam Pei sat at the main seat in the center. On her left sat Madam Zhen, Pei Shang’s mother, followed by Mrs. Li from the second house, and Mrs. Dong from the third house.

Among the younger generation, Pei Yuzhu led, with Pei Lianzhu and Pei Bizhu beside her. As for Pei Shang and Pei Jianfang, the only two male heirs, they stood on the outermost edge.

Pei Jianfang was twenty years old and had just recently married.

He, usually a man of few words, stood quietly beside Mrs. Dong, his wife similarly quiet beside him.

Pei Shang, however, didn’t care about these formalities. Since Madam Zhen sat on the far left, he just stood close to her.

The whole family was rare to be gathered like this, and of course, it was filled with cheerful laughter.

The moment Yu Mingyao entered, her gaze fell immediately on Pei Shang.

A young man who was about to get engaged, yet still leaned on his mother, acting all spoiled.

Seeing him like this, she couldn’t help but smile, but as soon as her lips curled, a dull pain spread from her heart.

She… was also a young girl. If her mother were still around, she would never have let her suffer like this, never have sent her so far away to the capital.

She lowered her gaze, her face composed, and stepped forward.

“Mother, Mother!” she called.

Pei Shang looked up and immediately saw Yu Mingyao entering. His excitement was visible, and he gripped Madam Zhen’s hand tightly.

Compared to Mrs. Li beside him, dressed in bright silks and satins, Madam Zhen appeared much more understated.

She wore a light moon-white gown, with a pale apricot-colored shoulder cloak, and though she looked much older than Mrs. Li, she exuded a warmth and gentleness, like a piece of warm jade.

Madam Zhen smiled and patted Pei Shang’s hand, then her gaze turned to Yu Mingyao.

The others in the hall also shifted their attention towards her.

Pei Lao, the matriarch, was the first to speak. Her hair was silver, but her energy was vibrant, and a maid quickly brought a seat for Madam Shi.

After Madam Shi sat down, Pei Lao smiled at Madam Zhen. “This fairy-like girl is Mingyao, the daughter of my younger sister.”

Madam Zhen nodded in acknowledgment, and the two exchanged pleasantries. Pei Lao then gestured for Yu Mingyao to come forward.

Yu Mingyao hesitated for a moment, but Pei Shang eagerly waved at her, not caring who noticed his excitement.

Yu Mingyao couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. She lowered her head, her cheeks burning.

Mrs. Li, who was always fond of stirring the pot, spoke teasingly, but before she could finish, Madam Zhen cast her a cold glance, silencing her.

The mood shifted, and people complimented the jade bracelet, praising Yu Mingyao, but no one dared say much more.

Yu Mingyao had visited Rongjing Hall numerous times before, but today, it seemed like everyone was showering her with attention.

---

Days passed quickly, and Pei Shang’s birthday arrived.

While Yu Mingyao had been recovering for over a month, Pei Shang, though not physically present, had sent letters and small tokens to win her favor.

With all the subtle hints, Yu Mingyao knew exactly when Pei Shang’s birthday was.

The two were already emotionally attached, so a gift couldn’t be taken lightly.

Yu Mingyao, however, had little experience in how to win over a husband-to-be. How much was too much? How little was too indifferent?

She hesitated and overthought, even considering just giving up, reasoning that whatever gift she gave would eventually be his, and a little concession wouldn’t matter.

But, in the end, her affection won out, and she decided to prepare a gift for Pei Shang.

---

In the Tangdi courtyard:

“Look, don’t I look mighty today?”

Pei Shang stood before the mirror, wearing a new lake-green robe, adorned with bamboo-leaf patterns at the collar and cuffs. He had grown taller and broader over the past couple of months, and anyone who saw him would have to exclaim, “What a noble gentleman.”

Li Qing followed behind him, hesitant to speak.

“If you have something to say, just say it. Did your mouth get stuck with paste?” Pei Shang said, annoyed.

Li Qing finally spoke up, “Well, young master, you do look mighty, but… don’t you think it looks a little like…”

He trailed off, unsure of whether to finish.

Pei Shang paused, glancing at him.

After a long silence, Pei Shang finally spoke, as if reassuring himself, “It’s nothing.”

Then he cheered himself up again, his usual vigor returning. Today was the day he would win Yu Mingyao’s heart, and nothing could disturb his mood.

As for the upcoming banquet, he rambled off plans, while Li Qing diligently took notes.

As Pei Shang finished, he checked all the details, and when Li Qing was about to leave, he paused and said, “I have a vermilion-red cloud-patterned brocade robe. I only wore it once, the first time I met Mingyao. Did you notice it?”