Chapter 15

After Pei Mushan finished speaking, the hall fell into a prolonged silence.

The old emperor massaged his temples, feeling quite helpless. The envoy was about to arrive at the palace, and there was still a mountain of state affairs to handle, yet a few unruly young ladies had caused a commotion. The matter of the Liu Family’s daughter was secondary, but Xiao Qin was the cherished youngest daughter of cabinet minister Xiao Yu, who was now tearfully complaining, “A princess is a sovereign, and we are her subjects. It is not unreasonable for the sovereign to discipline her subjects. This old minister does not dare ask His Majesty to seek justice for my daughter, but she is not yet married, and now that her arm is broken, how will she live in the future…”

In a small room adjacent to the main hall, Imperial Physician He was setting Xiao Qin’s bone, her cries intermittently piercing through, weighing heavily on everyone’s minds.

Even Princess Consort Xi, usually protective of her children, uncharacteristically remained silent today.

While Xiao Qin cried inside, Xiao Yu sobbed outside. Despite being a distinguished cabinet minister, Xiao Yu had secured his position through tears. Years ago, when the position of Minister of Justice was vacant, the court was split between the Crown Prince and Prince Qin’s factions. Unable to reach a consensus, Xiao Yu, then the deputy minister, wept before the assembled ministers, declaring that his thirty years of experience in criminal justice, including ten years as an inspector in various provinces, qualified him for the position.

The emperor, defying opposition, appointed Xiao Yu, who proved his worth by overturning unjust cases and reforming inefficient practices, earning a reputation as a resolute minister.

However, today, Pei Mushan had broken his daughter’s arm.

The emperor patiently asked Pei Mushan, “I heard from the noble consort that you have always been close with Xiao Qin. Why did you resort to violence after a disagreement?”

Pei Mushan, emulating a man’s salute, replied, “There are two reasons why I hit her. First, I am a royal princess, and my sister-in-law is a royal wife. These subjects’ daughters showed great audacity by attempting to harm my sister-in-law. How could I not discipline them?”

“Second, precisely because of my close friendship with Xiao Qin, I felt the need to teach her a lesson today. She needs to understand that one should live honestly and not engage in underhanded, despicable acts.”

It must be said that Pei Mushan’s words aligned with the emperor’s sentiments. This was the demeanor expected of a royal princess.

However, Madam Xiao wouldn’t let it go. “Princess, may I ask why you are so sure that Qin’er instructed someone to spill the tea? It rained last night, and the paths on Qifeng Mountain are slippery. It was clearly the maid who accidentally slipped. If you want to punish someone, punish that wretched maid. Why did you strike Qin’er?”

“Moreover, the third young madam of the prince’s family wasn’t even injured. She managed to dodge skillfully, but the daughter of the Court Judicial Review Chief got hurt!”

Madam Liu immediately began to wail, saying that she only had this one precious child and begging the emperor to seek justice for her.

This time, Noble Consort Yan showed no mercy to Madam Liu, saying, “It is human instinct to dodge scalding tea. If your daughter got burned, you should blame the Xiao family’s maid. Why blame Heng’er’s daughter-in-law?”

Ultimately, it boiled down to bullying Xu Yunxi because of her lowly background.

Not just Madam Liu, but even Xiao Qin dared to act this way because she assumed the Prince Xi Mansion did not favor Xu Yunxi and no one would stand up for her. However, she never anticipated that Xu Yunxi would dodge so quickly, nor did she expect Pei Mushan to openly retaliate.

Madam Liu pursed her lips, not daring to speak.

Pei Mushan looked coldly at Madam Xiao, “I have never wronged anyone. Besides her, no one dared to lay a hand on my sister-in-law. Moreover, this shows the Xiao family’s inability to manage their servants. What wrong have I done by disciplining them?”

Madam Xiao was infuriated.

“The court has its laws. Princess, would the officials of the Censorate accept your words?”

Pei Mushan turned her face aside.

This was the most troublesome part of the matter.

Earlier, Noble Consort Yan had questioned the maid, who tremblingly claimed it was an accident and offered to atone with her life. As a lifelong servant of the Xiao family, with all her family members working there, how could she possibly implicate her masters? Xiao Qin was confident that Xu Yunxi couldn’t get any evidence, hence her brazen actions.

Princess Consort Xi raised her voice to ask Noble Consort Yan, “Your Highness, what happened to that maid?”

Noble Consort Yan sneered, “The maid, knowing her grave sins, bit off half her tongue and fainted.”

Noble Consort Yan was speaking on behalf of Pei Mushan, as requested by Yan Ping’s youngest son, Yan Shaoling.

Yan Shaoling had fallen in love with Pei Mushan at a polo match and insisted on marrying her. Noble Consort Yan had discreetly tested the emperor’s opinion, but he had not given his approval. Furthermore, Pei Mushan compared him to her brother and found Yan Shaoling less handsome than Pei Muheng, bluntly rejecting him.

Xu Yunxi knelt a short distance behind Pei Mushan, observing coldly for a moment. Her heart clear as a mirror, she slowly moved her knees forward by two inches and bowed to the emperor, “Your Majesty, may I speak with Madam Xiao?”

Madam Xiao looked up at her.

Xu Yunxi was the granddaughter-in-law chosen by the emperor, and the emperor would not refuse her this request, so he nodded.

Xu Yunxi rose and walked toward Madam Xiao.

With a stern face, Madam Xiao slowly stood up and fixed her gaze on Xu Yunxi.

Standing at the entrance of a small room, Madam Xiao could hear the weak groans of a young woman inside.

Looking through the open window, she saw Xiao Qin lying on the bed, her arm wrapped in white ointment and her face pale and sweating from the pain.

Xu Yunxi shifted her gaze to Madam Xiao and softly said. “Please think carefully, Madam Xiao. What good would it do for Miss Xiao if my face were disfigured? She recklessly acted out of loyalty to her friend, but what did she gain from it? Can that maid truly withstand an interrogation? If a fatal incident were to occur during the emperor’s birthday celebration, could the Xiao family bear the consequences?”

These questions hit Madam Xiao hard, causing her face to change color multiple times as she looked at Xu Yunxi in astonishment.

Xu Yunxi continued calmly, “In the end, it is just making clothes for someone else and being used as a tool by others.”

Xu Yunxi’s words were precise and hit Madam Xiao’s weak spots. Madam Xiao’s face turned pale and then flushed with realization.

Xu Yunxi being disfigured would benefit Xun Yunling, and her daughter’s naive loyalty had caused her to suffer. A surge of uncontrollable anger rose in Madam Xiao’s chest. She clenched her teeth for a moment, swallowed her anger, and hurried forward to kneel before the emperor and Noble Consort Yan, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, it is not entirely the princess’s fault. My daughter spoke out of turn and was wrong at first. I ask Your Majesty to consider her severe injury and forgive her.”

This meant she did not want to pursue the matter further.

Having grasped the true essence of the situation, Madam Xiao knew she could not afford to offend the Prince Xi Mansion or further upset the emperor during his birthday celebration.

Xiao Yu looked surprised but, meeting his wife’s solemn gaze, did not argue. With the two countries’ negotiations imminent, resolving the matter quietly was the best course.

The emperor did not want to delve into the matter further, nor did he have the energy to do so. He left the discipline of the women to Noble Consort Yan. As he departed, he glanced at Xu Yunxi, who had already returned to Princess Consort Xi’s side, standing with her head bowed, her gaze calm as water. Her composed demeanor was strikingly similar to Pei Muheng’s.

The emperor chuckled to himself, smoothing his robe as he left the main hall.

Noble Consort Yan gave a few admonishments before dismissing everyone, finally leaving the Prince Xi family behind and curiously asking Xu Yunxi, “What did you say to Madam Xiao just now?”

Xu Yunxi smiled shyly, “I merely advised her that with the emperor’s birthday celebration approaching, it would be unwise to cause a scene. Madam Xiao is perceptive and understands the importance of such matters.”

Noble Consort Yan, unsure whether she believed her or not, smiled and said no more.

Back at the Yongning Palace, Princess Consort Xi glanced at her daughter and daughter-in-law but ultimately said nothing.

Before returning to her room after dinner, Xu Yunxi pulled Pei Mushan aside in the corridor.

Pei Mushan, who had been friends with Xiao Qin in the past, was not in a good mood after the day’s events.

Looking at her bold and adorable sister-in-law, Xu Yunxi felt a mix of emotions. She gently held her hand and said softly, “Next time, don’t stand up for me.”

Pei Mushan immediately protested, “What are you talking about? You are my sister-in-law. How could I watch others bully you…”

“No,” she shook her head, cutting off Pei Mushan, her gentle eyes gaining a firm clarity, “I can handle it myself.”

Pei Mushan clearly didn’t believe her, sizing her up, “Forget it. With your gentle demeanor, I’m afraid you’d cry if someone said something harsh to you.”

Xu Yunxi: “…”

Yin Xing, standing nearby, blinked knowingly. Her young lady could deal with opponents silently and decisively.

At the beginning of the afternoon, Pei Muheng arrived at the palace, first reporting to the Qiankun Palace before returning to the Yongning Palace to find Xu Yunxi.

Xu Yunxi was arranging the plum blossoms they had picked earlier in a vase.

His wife, serene and quiet, even had a smile on her face.

Seeing that she did not appear injured, Pei Muheng felt relieved, “I heard about today’s events.” His tone was somewhat heavy.

Xu Yunxi finished arranging the plum blossoms in the vase and handed it to Yin Xing. Yin Xing took the vase to the inner room, leaving the couple alone in the outer room.

The setting sun poured in from the west window, spreading a golden glow across the room. A beam of golden light stretched between the two of them.

Xu Yunxi’s features were hidden in the shadows, and she smiled at him, “I’m fine, Third Master, don’t worry.”

Pei Muheng’s eyes remained dark and resolute. “I will give you an explanation for this matter.” He didn’t believe he couldn’t get the truth out of that maid.

Xu Yunxi naturally knew what he intended to do. “The result will just show that she was acting under Xiao Qin’s orders. Xiao Qin has already suffered a great loss. The emperor and the noble consort are well aware of the situation. There’s no point in holding onto it any longer.”

Rather than making an enemy of the Xiao family, it would be better to use Madam Xiao’s power against Xun Yunling.

Xu Yunxi’s reasoning was sound, leaving Pei Muheng with nothing to say.

“What did you say to Madam Xiao?” He was curious about how his wife had turned hostility into harmony.

Xu Yunxi looked at him, thinking that while he could stand by her today when Xiao Qin attacked, what about his childhood sweetheart in the future?

This thought briefly crossed her mind before she discarded it. She never worried about things that hadn’t happened yet, especially since her relationship with Pei Muheng hadn’t reached that level.

“The maid’s life is uncertain, and with the emperor’s birthday approaching, any deaths during this time would be inexcusable. Madam Xiao, understanding the severity, immediately backed down.”

Pei Muheng looked at her, hesitating to speak. “Madam, you hit where it hurts.”

Xu Yunxi always managed to surprise him in a good way.

Earlier, when reporting to the emperor, the emperor had asked him, “Do you still blame me for the marriage I arranged?”

Pei Muheng had smiled silently.

A moment later, Nanny Hao, Princess Consort Xi’s maid, came with a message saying that Xiao’s mansion had invited everyone from the prince’s family for dinner tonight. This mansion was Princess Consort Xi’s maternal family, descendants of the Lanling Xiao clan.

Xu Yunxi planned to go inside and change her clothes, asking Pei Muheng, “Will Third Master be going too?”

With the envoy already at the palace, Xu Yunxi was concerned he might have official duties.

Pei Muheng replied, “Grandmother is here. I haven’t yet paid my respects. I’ll take you to meet her later.”

Xu Yunxi understood that this meant he intended to formally introduce her to the Old Madam Xiao. Pei Muheng’s willingness to forgo social engagements to visit his grandmother showed her importance to him.

Pei Muheng had just returned to the palace and needed to bathe and change clothes. The couple entered the inner chamber one after the other.

Princess Consort Xi had always favored her youngest son, giving him the entire west annex hall.

Pushing open a large partition door revealed a spacious inner hall. Under the east window stood a square redwood desk, and under the west window was a small Luohan bed. To the north, behind a beaded curtain, was an intricately crafted thousand-worker bed.

Their luggage was placed in a yellow pearwood cabinet beside the thousand-worker bed. Huang Wei personally managed Pei Muheng’s clothes, and Xu Yunxi was not familiar with them. She casually picked out three robes for Pei Muheng to choose from.

The colors ranged from light to dark.

Xu Yunxi did not know Pei Muheng’s preferences and did not pay much attention to them.

Pei Muheng quietly glanced at his wife and casually picked up a dark blue robe before entering the bathroom.

Xu Yunxi felt that his glance had a deeper meaning. She turned and went behind the beaded curtain to change into a begonia red robe.

After nearly 30 minutes, Pei Muheng emerged, cleaned up, and was ready.

The couple looked at each other’s attire.

Xu Yunxi rarely wore bright colors, but this begonia red robe made her complexion look rosy, making her appear even more beautiful than flowers, which would please the elders. Pei Muheng nodded in approval.

Xu Yunxi then realized that Pei Muheng never wore light-colored clothes.

So that’s how it was.

The Yongning Palace was not far from the Marquis Xiao’s separate residence. The Xuanfu was grand in scale, with the main buildings housing the royal family and the side residences accommodating civil and military officials.

The Xiao family had visited Princess Consort Xi in the morning, and in the evening, Princess Consort Xi took her children and grandchildren to pay respects to her mother.

Exiting the main gate of the Yongning Palace and turning west, they entered a corridor, passed through a side gate, and arrived at a spacious courtyard with over a dozen neatly arranged courtyards amidst lush greenery. Servants were already waiting to escort the Prince Xi family to the Xiao family’s residence. From a distance, they saw the Xiao family members supporting an elderly woman with white hair standing on the steps.

Seeing her mother trembling, Princess Consort Xi hurried over, “Mother, it’s windy here. Why did you come out?”

Old Madam Xiao instead slightly curtsied to her daughter, “Etiquette must not be neglected. Princess Consort, come inside and talk.”

Next to Pei Mushan stood a girl younger than her. The young girl had rosy cheeks, bright white teeth, and a slightly naive appearance. The two girls greeted Xu Yunxi from either side. Pei Mushan, holding Xu Yunxi, asked the girl, “Didn’t I tell you my sister-in-law is beautiful?”

Xiao Qiniang peeked at Xu Yunxi and then shyly smiled, covering her cheeks with her hands, “Yes, your sister-in-law is beautiful. You’ve won this time. I’ll give you the porcelain doll later!”

A kind lady, noticing that everyone else had gone inside while the three of them were still outside, quickly called out, “Fu’er, bring our guest in quickly.”

Shortly after, the group followed Old Madam Xiao into the main hall, where they all paid their respects. Concerned that the younger generation might be noisy, the second lady of the Xiao family took Pei Mushan and some other young ladies and children to play.

Knowing that the old lady wanted to see Xu Yunxi today, Madam Xie and Madam Li also went outside with the younger wives of the Xiao family.

In the end, only the old lady, Princess Consort Xi, the eldest lady of the Xiao family, and Pei Muheng and Xu Yunxi remained in the main hall.

A maid placed two prayer mats on the floor, and Princess Consort Xi pointed to them, instructing the couple, “Quickly kneel and pay respects to your grandmother.”

Old Madam Xiao quickly waved her hand, “No, no… This breaks protocol.”

Pei Muheng stepped forward first, calmly kneeling on the prayer mat, “Outside, we speak of subjects and rulers; inside, we speak of kinship. You are my legitimate grandmother and deserve this respect.”

Xu Yunxi followed suit without hesitation, kneeling and bowing to the old lady.

Tears welled up in the old lady’s eyes as she extended her withered hand, emotionally saying, “Stand up quickly…”

Pei Muheng and Xu Yunxi sat on either side of the old lady.

With her aged eyes, the old lady reached out her hand toward Xu Yunxi, signaling her to come closer. Xu Yunxi placed her hand in the old lady’s, who held it and examined her closely, “In the end, His Majesty has a good eye. I have never seen such a beautiful girl.”

Princess Consort Xi laughed awkwardly but remained silent.

The old lady ignored her daughter and chatted with her daughter-in-law, “The emperor has seen many storms and demons in the world, and nothing escapes his discerning eyes. I wholeheartedly approve of the bride he chose.”

The eldest lady of the Xiao family immediately agreed, “Your discerning eyes are just as sharp, Old Madam.”

The old lady smiled and turned to beckon Pei Muheng. He extended his slender hand, and the old lady placed their hands together.

It was the first time Pei Muheng had placed his hand on hers, and Xu Yunxi clearly felt his hand stiffen for a moment. However, soon enough, warmth covered her hand, and he gently held her hand in accordance with the old lady’s strength.

Xu Yunxi lowered her clear eyes, appearing shy like a young girl.

With kind eyes and a gentle face, the old lady asked them, “It’s been half a year since you got married, right? Any good news?”

The sudden question momentarily caught the couple off guard. They had not consummated their marriage, so how could there be any children?

Xu Yunxi clearly felt his palm grow a little hot.

The wind howled, and the setting sun gradually sank, casting the last rays of light on Pei Muheng’s face, making his features stand out. Even while kneeling, his upright posture remained as steady as a towering mountain, exuding an unshakable calm. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he remained silent.

The eldest lady of the Xiao family glanced at Xu Yunxi’s flushed cheeks and quickly interjected, “Mother, such things can’t be rushed. They must happen naturally. Didn’t it take me over a year to conceive Yue’er?”

The old lady simply thought the children were shy and smiled broadly at Xu Yunxi, “I’m just being talkative, don’t take it to heart.”

Xu Yunxi gave an awkward smile, “I understand, Grandmother.”

The old lady released their hands, and Pei Muheng also let go of Xu Yunxi’s hand, but Xu Yunxi instinctively tried to pull away. This time, the man did not let go and, as always, smiled gently and calmly, “Thank you for your concern, Grandmother.”

*

After dinner, Princess Consort Xi wanted to stay and talk with her mother, so she dismissed the younger generation early.

Xu Yunxi followed Pei Muheng out of the separate residence. Pei Muxiang walked ahead, holding a child’s hand, while Madam Li carried the sleeping Xun’er, walking behind Pei Mujing. The couple chatted casually while Pei Muheng and Xu Yunxi remained silent.

When they reached the front of Yongning Palace, the sky was dark, lanterns were lit, and a few stars twinkled faintly in the night sky. The wind grew stronger, and Xu Yunxi tightened her cloak as Pei Muheng turned to face her, “Go back and rest. Wait for me.”

With that, he left.

Xu Yunxi stared blankly at his upright back, feeling a bit confused. It was the first time he had given such an instruction. What did it mean?

After leaving Yongning Palace, Pei Muheng summoned a guard from the shadows and asked coldly, “What happened to the Xiao family’s maid?”

The dark guard replied, “Madam Xiao was afraid something might happen, so she sent her back to the capital overnight.”

“Keep a close watch on her.”

With that instruction, Pei Muheng strode towards Yongning Palace, where the envoy was being entertained.

That night, the palace was particularly lively.

Ministers and envoys mingled, toasting each other, while young ladies and gentlemen crowded the lakeside pavilion, cheering for their archery games. Fireworks blossomed all around the palace, filling the air with noise and excitement.

But the west annex of Yongning Palace remained tranquil. The dazzling lanterns, lively voices in the distance, and the bustling scenes of earthly joys had nothing to do with her.

Xu Yunxi sat at the desk under the east window, preparing a set of cosmetics for Pei Mushan.

Yin Xing, who was helping her grind the medicinal powder, smiled as she worked, “Miss, make some extra for yourself.”

Xu Yunxi replied calmly, “I don’t need it. Good complexion comes from proper care.”

“But it seems men like girls who wear makeup…” Yin Xing innocently muttered.

Xu Yunxi continued her work methodically, uninterested in the topic. She didn’t know how long she’d been working when she finally finished the formula. Stretching, she said, “Let’s clean up and continue tomorrow.” As soon as she finished speaking, she heard the sound of the door opening.

She caught a glimpse of a tall figure crossing the threshold.

Recognizing that Pei Muheng had returned, Yin Xing quickly gathered the jars and bottles and headed to the back room along the corridor by the bathroom.

The door to the inner hall was open, and Xu Yunxi went to greet Pei Muheng, who entered alone. There was a faint smell of alcohol; he must have been drinking with the envoy.

Xu Yunxi asked, “Shall I prepare some hangover soup for you?”

Pei Muheng shook his head and sat where Xu Yunxi had been sitting, “I didn’t drink. I just caught some of the alcohol smell.”

He noticed the seat still had a trace of warmth and looked up at his wife, not moving.

The lights in the inner hall were dim, casting a hazy shadow over the room.

He had never looked at her like this before, and Xu Yunxi’s cheeks turned slightly red. She asked again, “Shall I prepare a bath for you?”

Pei Muheng assumed she found his alcohol smell unpleasant and silently nodded.

Xu Yunxi went to the back to give instructions and then took out a dark robe from the wardrobe.

Pei Muheng glanced at the clothes she was holding, a slight smile tugging at his lips, and strode to the bathroom. Last time in the camp, he hadn’t asked for her help, so Xu Yunxi assumed he didn’t need it now. She placed the clothes on a long table, lowered the screen for privacy, and left to make the bed.

This time, she prepared two quilts so they could sleep comfortably.

Pei Muheng had already bathed in the afternoon, so this time it didn’t take long. Xu Yunxi had barely drunk two sips of tea when his tall figure reappeared.

Standing up to look… Unlike before, when he was fully dressed, now his robe was casually draped over his shoulders, his collar open, revealing a well-defined chest. Water droplets slid silently down his sharp Adam’s apple into his robe.

Xu Yunxi had never seen such a sight, and her ears felt warm as she seemed to realize something.

The night wind filtered through the window screens, causing the candlelight to flicker. In the dimness, the man raised his robe’s sash with his slender fingers, signaling to her. With his eyes half-closed, he asked quietly, “Madam, could you help me?” His low, magnetic voice was evident.

This was a signal.

If she took over, it would be a tacit understanding.