Chapter 10

The snow fell heavily, and all was silent.

The few servants in Qinghui Garden were methodically busy.

Xu Yunqi instructed Yin Xing to prepare a bowl of calming soup, also known as a sleeping potion. Firstly, it was to ensure Pei Muheng’s cooperation, and secondly, she needed to administer three rounds of medicine within twelve hours, during which he could not wake up.

Preparing anesthesia or sleeping potion for patients was Yin Xing’s specialty. After sending everyone away, she went to the small pharmacy in the corridor to mix the medicine and then headed straight to the rear courtyard.

Xu Yunqi had two servants bring a screen around the bed and lit four palace lamps, illuminating the west chamber. Then, she had all unrelated personnel leave, rolled up her sleeves, and prepared to treat the wounds.

After years of practicing medicine, saving lives had become second nature to her, especially since the person in front of her was her husband. Thus, Xu Yunqi took over without hesitation.

Pei Muheng lay on the soft couch, his long figure occupying most of the bed. His exposed half face was ashen, without any trace of blood, and his forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat. His thick eyebrows were tightly furrowed, seemingly in intense pain. Xu Yunqi skillfully and swiftly cut away his outer garment.

By the time she had cut down to his plain undergarment, Yin Xing quietly brought in a bowl of calming soup. The two of them took some effort to feed it to Pei Muheng. He seemed to sense an unusual fragrance and instinctively became defensive. To avoid aggravating his wounds, Xu Yunqi stepped aside. After a while, he completely lost consciousness, falling heavily onto the soft couch.

As she helped wipe his sweat, Xu Yunqi instructed Yin Xing, “Go get the Jade Skin Ointment.”

This was Xu Yunqi’s secret formula, which could greatly soothe injured skin and help wounds heal quickly.

Yin Xing soon brought three small brown bottles and glanced at the various ointments Huang Wei had sent. She snorted disdainfully and took them all away in her arms.

Xu Yunqi prepared the medicine bottles, holding a knife in one hand and carefully gripping Pei Muheng’s blood-stained undergarment with the other, beginning to clean his wounds.

Yin Xing had already moved outside, standing at the door of the west chamber with her arms crossed, glaring back at any curious onlookers.

For these types of injuries, the most challenging part is not applying the medicine but cleaning the wounds. The ability to fully restore the skin depends entirely on whether the wounds are treated seamlessly. In the past, Xu Yunqi accompanied her maternal grandfather during consultations, witnessing countless cases—people bitten by venomous snakes, scalded by hot oil, or suffering from knife and blunt force injuries. She handled them all with ease.

Looking at Pei Muheng’s bloody and mangled wound, Xu Yunxi’s expression didn’t waver at all. With her slender and delicate hands, she focused meticulously and flawlessly.

After spending a little more than an hour, Xu Yunxi helped her husband clean the decaying flesh, first sprinkling a layer of icy cool jade skin water. This liquid was colorless and odorless, quickly penetrating the skin. The previously red flesh seemed to be soothed, gradually becoming less startling.

Once the liquid had dried, she used a homemade cotton swab to apply a layer of colorless, latex-like ointment. By the time she finished, it was already late at night.

To prevent Pei Muheng from developing a high fever in the middle of the night, Xu Yunxi slept on the arhat bed in the western room. Fortunately, the night was peaceful. By the time she rechecked his wound the next day, the wound had healed remarkably well, with no noticeable redness. Xu Yunxi instructed Yinxing to fetch water, and she personally cleaned Pei Muheng, helped him change into clean robes, and finally applied a layer of regenerative ointment. Then she covered him with a thin quilt and left him alone.

Around noon, the impatient Prince Xi and his wife rushed to Qinghui Garden.

Xu Yunxi respectfully welcomed them into the main room and had Nanny Chen serve tea. Princess Consort had no interest in tea and hurriedly entered the inner room. She bypassed the six-panel bird and flower screen and saw her son sleeping soundly on the soft couch, his flawless handsome face free of all sharpness. Tears welled up in the Princess Consort’s eyes, and she silently retreated, covering her mouth.

Although she was somewhat dissatisfied with Xu Yunxi’s autonomy the previous day, the Princess Consort showed rare kindness towards her daughter-in-law, who had cared for her son overnight. She wiped her tears with an embroidered handkerchief and hoarsely said, “Thank you for your hard work last night.”

“It’s my duty,” Xu Yunxi replied with a smile.

Princess Consort glanced at her indifferent daughter-in-law. She had treated her coldly in the past, and now Xu Yunxi remained the same, displaying neither delight nor dismay. Princess Consort’s opinion of her rose slightly.

While the Princess Consort and Xu Yunxi conversed, Prince Xi slipped into the room.

Outside, Nanny Hao was helping the Princess Consort sit down. The Princess Consort wiped away her tears and asked, “Did you use the ointment I sent last night? It’s a rare medicine from Chief Physician Fan of the Imperial Hospital, hard to obtain even with a fortune in the capital.”

Xu Yunxi replied with a smile, “I used it. It is indeed quite good.”

Princess Consort was visibly skeptical, knowing that explanations would only create more trouble.

Yin Xing rolled her eyes in exasperation on the side.

Princess Consort finally felt relieved. She had been restless all night, but seeing her son improve, she pressed her forehead and closed her eyes to rest.

Inside, Prince Xi sat on a silk stool before Pei Muheng’s bed.

After a moment, Pei Muheng opened his eyes in the dim light, not knowing where he was, and met his father’s angry gaze.

Prince Xi scolded him in a low voice, “You’ve been too reckless, daring to discuss the abolition of the crown prince!”

Pei Muheng, having slept for too long, felt some soreness in his neck and rubbed it. His handsome face, illuminated by the dim yellow light, resembled fine jade. His eyes were half-open, half-closed, and his voice was slightly hoarse.

“Father, Twelfth Uncle’s memorial has been sitting for over two days. His Majesty is well aware of everything. If he truly wanted to depose the crown prince, that memorial would have been handed over to the three departments long ago. The reason he hasn’t acted is that he is waiting for an excuse. I am merely acting in accordance with his wishes, easing his worries.”

Prince Xi snorted, “Even so, you didn’t need to take a beating to please the emperor!”

“I have my reasons,” Pei Muheng looked up at him, his eyes sharp. “Think about it, by advising His Majesty to suppress the discussion of deposing the Crown Prince, what would Prince Qin do? Prince Qin would be furious. I want to provoke him. Seeing the deposing of the Crown Prince almost succeed, Prince Qin will certainly fabricate evidence to put the Crown Prince in a deadly situation. In doing so, we achieve a double win.”

The emperor, a wise ruler holding absolute power, could tolerate Prince Qin restraining the Crown Prince but would never allow Prince Qin to meddle in the deposing. The day Prince Qin overthrows the Crown Prince will be the day he falls into misfortune himself.

Prince Xi looked deeply at his scheming son and suddenly sighed, “You still won’t listen to advice.”

Pei Muheng’s expression was indifferent. “Father, you’ve fought countless battles, north and south, securing half the empire for our grandfather. Are you really content with that?”

It was true that the emperor did not favor Prince Xi, but among the princes, only Prince Xi excelled in leading troops. Over the years, the most difficult campaigns were won by him.

Prince Xi smacked his lips but did not respond to this. Instead, he said, “You call it killing two birds with one stone, but I think it’s killing three. Although the emperor hit you yesterday, he likely felt some pain himself. Once you recover, there might be an edict issued.”

Thinking of his young son’s struggles in the officialdom, Prince Xi felt a pang in his heart. “Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; it’s been hard on you.” He then asked gently, “Does it still hurt?”

Pei Muheng suddenly remembered his injury. However, now it felt icy cool and painless. So he shook his head, “Father, it doesn’t hurt.”

Prince Xi smiled meaningfully, stood up, and said, “Alright, continue to recover.”

Prince and Princess Consort Xi left.

Xu Yunxi saw them to the courtyard gate.

During this time, Huang Wei sneaked into Qinghui Garden, holding a few books Pei Muheng often read. He bypassed the screen and entered the western room, only to find his master looking around in confusion.

“Why am I here?” Pei Muheng propped himself up, furrowing his handsome brows and asked Huang Wei.

This was clearly the western room of Qinghui Garden.

Huang Wei wasn’t surprised by his reaction. He hurriedly stepped forward to adjust the slipping thin quilt and explained, “It was the young madam’s decision.”

Pei Muheng was stunned.

Huang Wei quickly defended himself, “Yesterday, Young Madam insisted on having you brought here, even disregarding the Prince’s face.”

Pei Muheng glared at him, his face alternating between green and white. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he asked in a deep voice, “It was also Young Madam who applied the medicine?”

Seeing the deep darkness in his master’s eyes, Huang Wei was frightened and knelt, trembling as he explained, “Please don’t blame me, young master. She is the master here. No one could stop her from tending to you…”

Pei Muheng closed his eyes, resting his hand on his forehead. His handsome face was hidden in the shadows, and he remained silent.

Huang Wei couldn’t figure out his master’s thoughts and knelt motionless. After a while, the expected anger did not come.

Initially, Pei Muheng was somewhat angry; he disliked women touching him. But then he thought, that person is his wife. Xu Yunxi had always been proper and never stepped out of line. At a critical moment, she showed the duty of a wife by taking care of her injured husband. How could he blame her?

Although it was somewhat awkward and even embarrassing, Pei Muheng quickly didn’t mind anymore. He told himself this was a marital duty, above reproach.

Huang Wei saw his master’s expression turn indifferent, admiring his composure. It seemed his worries were unnecessary.

Pei Muheng disliked the screen blocking the light and instructed Huang Wei to move it aside. Huang Wei complied, and just as he finished, a sound like tinkling silver bells came from the corridor. It was clear that Fifth Miss Pei Mushan was coming to visit Pei Muheng. Huang Wei had to wait outside.

Shortly after, Pei Mushan came in, affectionately holding Xu Yunxi’s arm.

Seizing the moment, Pei Muheng had put on a blue-green robe and lay sideways on the soft couch, facing outward. He held a book in his hand and looked as usual.

Pei Mushan saw that her brother didn’t look like he had been beaten and, full of surprise, approached him. “Hey, brother, weren’t you beaten? Did our grandfather not really hit you, just for show?”

Pei Muheng looked at his sister with irritation, his emotions indescribable. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure approaching and said lightly, “I’m better.”

Xu Yunxi stood at a respectful distance, observing him discreetly. Seeing that he showed no signs of anger, she smiled and asked, “Third Master, would you like some tea?”

Pei Muheng glanced in her direction and nodded calmly. “Thank you.”

Xu Yunxi then turned to signal Yin Xing and sat down nearby.

Pei Mushan looked at her silent brother and then glanced at her gentle sister-in-law. Sensing something was off, she suddenly blinked and asked, “Brother, who took care of you last night?”

Pei Muheng paused, his hand stopping mid-turn of the page.

Xu Yunxi, anticipating that Pei Muheng might not be pleased to answer, quickly replied, “It was me.”

Unaware that the couple had not yet consummated their marriage, Pei Mushan found nothing unusual. “Brother looks well, which shows how much effort Sister-in-law put in last night.”

Xu Yunxi’s voice was clear, “It’s my duty.”

Pei Muheng listened to her straightforward tone and slowly looked at her. His wife sat gracefully by the high table, dressed in a long jacket, her tall figure not appearing bulky but accentuating her slender waist.

“It was indeed hard work for you, Madam,” he said seriously.

Xu Yunxi smiled, unbothered.

Pei Mushan’s gaze shifted between the couple, noticing their polite but distant interactions. Seeing her sister-in-law’s gentle and harmless face, she attributed the reason to her brother and unceremoniously remarked, “A simple ‘thank you’ and that’s it?”

Pei Muheng squinted and casually glanced at his sister. His gaze was cold and chilling, causing Pei Mushan to shrink back. She often feared this brother of hers and stuck out her tongue.

Xu Yunxi, afraid they might argue, suggested taking Pei Mushan to the east room. Pei Mushan stood up and said, “Tonight is New Year’s Eve, and Mother is in a bad mood. She instructed me to help my Eldest Sister-in-law so I wouldn’t stay long. By the way, Third Sister-in-law, will you attend the New Year’s Eve family banquet later?”

Princess Consort intended for Xu Yunxi to stay and look after Pei Muheng, but Pei Mushan thought her cold and indifferent brother wasn’t worth it.

Every New Year’s Eve was the loneliest time for Xu Yunxi. She wasn’t used to the noise, so she replied,

“I won’t go.”

She had to stay behind to look after Pei Muheng.

Pei Muheng looked up at her at that moment.

Their gazes briefly met.

Pei Mushan was a bit disappointed. “Then I’ll bring some good food for Sister-in-law later.” She made a funny face at Pei Muheng as she left, but he ignored her.

Xu Yunxi saw her sister-in-law out. Pei Mushan stood outside the beaded curtain, looking back at her weary brother, and sighed silently. Her brother was dedicated to his official duties, and she wondered if he would ever feel love in this life. She pitied her beautiful sister-in-law for being stuck with her unfeeling brother. She whispered to Xu Yunxi, “Sister-in-law, if my brother ever bullies you, just let me know.”

Xu Yunxi remembered how Pei Muheng had subdued his sister with a single look earlier and smiled, “I will.”

She thought to herself: No one in Prince Xi’s mansion can control Pei Muheng.

After seeing Pei Mushan off, Xu Yunxi returned alone to the western room.

Under the soft glow of the jade lamp, the man was focused on reading the official gazette inserted in his book.

Pei Muheng had just been punished the day before, and his body was very weak. It wasn’t the time to exert himself.

Xu Yunxi advised, “Third Master, your complexion doesn’t look good. You should rest.”

Pei Muheng was engrossed in his official duties and didn’t pay attention to Xu Yunxi’s words.

For such a disobedient patient… Xu Yunxi picked up a silk stool and sat close to Pei Muheng, smiling as she accompanied him.

A familiar medicinal fragrance wafted into Pei Muheng’s nose. He had never been this close to a woman before, and he looked up at her.

Their eyes met.

Xu Yunxi gave him a fearless smile, “I’ll keep you company, Third Master.”

Pei Muheng understood the underlying meaning of his wife’s words and reluctantly closed the book.

At that moment, Yin Xing brought a bowl of medicine over. Xu Yunxi personally tested the temperature and handed it to Pei Muheng.

“Third Master, drink your medicine.”

Pei Muheng thought that the Imperial Hospital had sent someone to diagnose him and didn’t know it was Xu Yunxi’s doing.

Pei Muheng took the bowl and drank it in one gulp. He realized the bitterness in his mouth only afterward and frowned. He then said to his wife, “Madam, I need to wash my face and rinse my mouth.”

As his wife, Xu Yunxi was willing to serve him. She asked sweetly, “Shall I help you?”

Pei Muheng didn’t mind being served by her, but lying there in his current state was somewhat undignified. He didn’t want Xu Yunxi to see him like that.

“Call Huang Wei in,” Pei Muheng instructed.

Xu Yunxi did not insist otherwise.

Soon, night fell, the sky as dark as an overturned pot, hinting at another heavy snow.

This year brought unexpected changes; the Crown Prince was confined to the Eastern Palace, causing unease throughout the court and the common people. The New Year’s Eve celebration was less joyous.

In a foul mood, the emperor canceled the grand New Year’s Eve banquet.

The Xi mansion was even quieter. After the third son was punished publicly, no one dared to be too exuberant. Even the children of the Xie and Li families were confined to their courtyards and forbidden from setting off fireworks.

Eventually, Prince Xi permitted the children to celebrate New Year’s Eve, bringing some liveliness to the mansion. Qinghui Garden seemed like a forgotten haven, quiet and still.

Xu Yunxi distributed New Year’s money to the maids and servants, allowing them to reunite with their families. Only Yin Xing and Huang Wei remained to hang lanterns in Qinghui Garden. Occasional sounds of debate from the corridor highlighted the serenity of the spacious courtyard.

Inside, Xu Yunxi, with her back to Pei Muheng, was folding clothes on the arhat bed. Pei Muheng, holding a book, watched his wife’s busy silhouette.

Neither spoke a word. In the past, Pei Muheng was uncomfortable with a woman moving around in front of him. But now, watching the quiet Xu Yunxi, he didn’t feel disturbed.

Yesterday, Pei Muheng was beaten in the snow and caught a chill, occasionally coughing lightly. After finishing her tasks, Xu Yunxi personally poured a cup of medicinal tea to clear heat and detoxify for him. Pei Muheng thanked her and took it, and Xu Yunxi sat beside him to keep him company.

Just then, a brilliant firework burst into the sky, and both looked up simultaneously.

Their thoughts drifted back to the night at the Jade Bridge, and their expressions tinged with a hint of recollection.

Xu Yunxi intended to live well with him and naturally didn’t want her husband to misunderstand her.

“That night, it was unintentional,” she said.

After a while, his low, magnetic voice came from beside her, “I understand.”

With that, the discord over their arranged marriage was completely resolved.

Xu Yunxi was worried about her missing grandfather and had no desire to stay up for the New Year. Pei Muheng also did not have the habit of staying up. Before bed, the Prince and Princess Consort sent over red envelopes for New Year’s. Pei Muheng hadn’t yet considered preparing a New Year’s gift for his wife, so he simply gave his share to Xu Yunxi.

On the first day of the New Year, before dawn, firecrackers went off throughout the city. Xu Yunxi was awakened early and was about to go to the restroom when she heard noise from the west room. She hurriedly put on her outer robe and went over, only to see Pei Muheng trying to get up with the help of a table. She quickly asked, “What are you doing?”

Pei Muheng was aware of his own condition. The punishment with the imperial guard’s staff seemed severe but was actually moderate, not causing any serious injury, just some superficial wounds. “I’m much better now. After lying down for two days, I wanted to get up and walk around,” Pei Muheng explained.

Xu Yunxi walked over to persuade him, “Moving around could easily reopen your wound and cause bleeding again.”

Pei Muheng no longer felt significant pain and responded indifferently, “It’s nothing serious…”

Pei Muheng didn’t take it to heart, but then his little wife, with a straight face and a serious tone, said, “But it will leave a scar, and scars are very unsightly…”

Pei Muheng instinctively thought that scars weren’t a big deal; he had many from his years of practicing martial arts. But considering his wife’s words, his refined face showed a rare mix of awkwardness and embarrassment.

What did she mean by that? Did she mind him having scars?

Thinking of that particular area… Pei Muheng’s ears turned slightly red, and his composure from the previous day was nowhere to be seen.

To ensure Pei Muheng’s injury healed without complications, he needed to lie down for at least three days. Xu Yunxi thought that this distinguished first son wouldn’t want scars. Sure enough, Pei Muheng stayed put, no longer making a sound.

Xu Yunxi gently curved her lips. “I’ll pour you some tea.”

Pei Muheng, discerning as he was, detected the lightness and teasing in her tone and realized he had lost this round. He leaned lazily against the table, watching his busy wife leisurely and asked, “When I’m not at home, what does Madam usually busy herself with?”

Xu Yunxi walked over with the tea, handing it to him while lightly replying, “Not much, just some trivial tasks.”

Pei Muheng took the tea from her but seemed dissatisfied, “Quite idle then.”

Xu Yunxi was taken aback, wondering if he was complaining that she wasn’t diligent enough and too leisurely.

Xu Yunxi quickly thought of a way to explain herself.

“Usually, I helped you organize the storeroom, handle some social interactions, and also…” Xu Yunxi racked her brains for more, “Oh, and I made a few new clothes for you…”

When the sewing room needed her, she instructed Nanny Chen to take a few of his old clothes from the western room for measurement.

Pei Muheng looked at his bewildered little wife and slightly curved his lips, suddenly feeling a bit more interested, “Nothing else?”

Xu Yunxi’s face showed a hint of distress. “Third Master, if you have something to say, please just say it. I’m not smart enough to guess your thoughts.” She didn’t have the time to guess a man’s thoughts.

Pei Muheng slowly smiled and finally spoke frankly, “The pastries you made last time were quite good.”