Chapter 18

Xu Yunqi certainly did not ask him to stay; such matters cannot be forced. Pei Muheng did not linger either. He returned to the study and continued his work as usual.

However, the man who always worried about court affairs had an exceptionally sleepless night. It was as if he were on a boat, sailing smoothly, only to be caught off guard by a sudden turn. He only fell into a deep sleep at dawn, but less than two hours later, Huang Wei came knocking on the door.

Outside, a thick fog had risen, enveloping the entire house. Pei Muheng, draped in white inner garments, sat on the bed with his eyes closed. Seeing his displeased expression, Huang Wei spoke cautiously, “Someone from the palace just came and said that His Majesty requests your presence.”

Pei Muheng lightly tapped his forehead with his fingertips, looking slightly dazed.

The emperor had many sons and grandsons to serve him and rarely summoned him to the palace. There must be something unusual about today’s early summons.

Thinking it through carefully, Pei Muheng understood.

In the past, the Crown Prince, Prince Qin, and others were always eager to serve the emperor, vying for favor and competing in secret. But now, with the Crown Prince in trouble, the Eastern Palace completely defeated, and the emperor no longer trusting Prince Qin, Prince Chen, and the Seventh Prince, and with his father out of favor, and the Twelfth Prince injured, only he, the seventh imperial grandson, was left to be relied upon.

A thin trace of cold self-mockery appeared in Pei Muheng’s dark eyes. He had endured for many years, fighting countless nights under the lamp, even concealing his identity to register at the Imperial Academy to take the imperial exams. All of it was to make a name for himself in the court. After all this effort, it was finally his moment to shine.

Pei Muheng slowly stood up; his eyes closed, letting Huang Wei assist him in getting dressed. Though he felt a rush of satisfaction almost bursting from his chest, something was missing, but he didn’t know what it was.

Pei Muheng composed himself and entered the palace, being led by the eunuch straight to the Fengtian Hall. Ascending the white jade steps, he saw Liu Xiwen, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, being helped out from the side hall by a eunuch.

Liu Xiwen, almost sixty years old, had served the emperor for fifty years, turning himself into a withered old man. At this moment, Pei Muheng saw him hobbling down the steps, supported by the eunuch.

Pei Muheng’s expression remained unchanged as he approached, hands clasped behind his back, and said, “Manager Liu, what happened?”

Liu Xiwen, who had already noticed Pei Muheng, paused on the steps to catch his breath and replied slowly, “I stayed at the Summer Palace for a while, and my chronic leg pain flared up. I served His Majesty all night, and this morning, feeling dizzy, His Majesty allowed me to rest.”

Hearing this, Pei Muheng’s concern seemed genuine, as he casually took out an item from his sleeve and handed it to Liu Xiwen, “Manager Liu, this is a medicinal oil my father uses in the army. I heard it’s very effective for treating chronic leg pain. Please try it.”

Liu Xiwen’s eyes fell on the small bottle, instantly recognizing it.

It wasn’t just a medicine bottle. It was a small jade Guanyin bottle, intricately carved with exquisite craftsmanship, a masterpiece by the renowned jade sculptor Qu Buhe. Pei Muheng was not just giving medicine; he was gifting a precious jade sculpture.

Liu Xiwen, who loved jade carvings, was well aware of its value.

Pei Muheng’s gesture was well-calculated.

Liu Xiwen, maintaining his composure, smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Third Young Master.” He discreetly accepted the bottle, glanced towards the Fengtian Hall, and sighed, “His Majesty is unwell, having vomited blood this morning. Be careful in your service.”

With that, Liu Xiwen slowly descended the steps.

Pei Muheng watched him for a moment, pondering his words, before turning to ascend the steps.

The emperor was indeed ill, summoning him for the first time to serve. Pei Muheng braced himself for the responsibility.

Pei Muheng did not return to the palace for three consecutive days.

Xu Yunqi didn’t mind. On the seventeenth of April, she received a message from Chengyang Medical Hall about an important merchant with a leg injury who had repeatedly requested her treatment.

The word “important” indicated that the merchant had spent a significant amount of money. Xu Yunqi promptly took Yin Xing and set out.

After changing into plain clothes at the clothing shop, she arrived at the second floor of the neighboring medical hall. Pushing open the door, she saw a man in a moon-white wide robe, leisurely reclining on a rattan chair by the south window, fanning himself with a blue-green landscape fan. His demeanor was calm and carefree, like a refreshing breeze.

Xu Yunqi paused for a moment, then entered.

Shopkeeper Hu, who was nodding and smiling obsequiously, brightened up upon seeing her and gestured towards her, “Master, this is Miss Xu. Her acupuncture skills are extraordinary. Let her treat you, and you’ll surely recover quickly.”

The servant attending to Pei Xun turned pale when he saw that the doctor was a woman, “Why is it a lady?”

Shopkeeper Hu’s smile did not falter. He straightened up slightly, his demeanor changing slightly, “Don’t judge her by her appearance, young man. Every patient treated by her has been extremely grateful. None of the doctors in my shop can compare to her. If it weren’t so, I wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of inviting her.”

Although Shopkeeper Hu had some personal motives, he highly respected Xu Yunqi’s medical skills and never underestimated her because she was a woman. It was precisely because of his unique vision that Xu Yunqi was willing to help at his clinic.

Xu Yunqi calmly entered without looking at Pei Xun, instructing Yin Xing to place the medical box and prepare to wash her hands.

The servant, disguised as a page, was displeased, sensing some arrogance in Xu Yunqi’s demeanor.

Pei Xun had already noticed Xu Yunqi, feeling that she looked familiar but couldn’t recall from where. Known for his noble reputation, he never put on airs and spoke gracefully, “If the lady isn’t bothered, why should you be? Since Shopkeeper Hu speaks so highly of her, we should trust her. Without trust in the doctor, no illness can be cured.”

As Pei Xun spoke, Xu Yunqi turned and glanced at him.

Their eyes met directly.

This was the first time Pei Xun had seen Xu Yunqi up close and realized that this woman had an extraordinary appearance and ethereal demeanor. Such a delicate lady turned out to be a female doctor, which truly surprised him. However, Pei Xun concealed all his emotions well, letting Shopkeeper Hu help him lift his leg, revealing the injury on his right ankle.

Xu Yunqi held a cotton swab, leaned in to look, and instantly recognized it as a sword wound that had injured the meridian. She didn’t know how the injury happened, but she knew that during his archery competition with the Great Wu people, the injury must have worsened. She focused on the wound and raised her hand.

Yin Xing handed her a small dish containing some medicinal oil. Xu Yunqi dipped some oil and applied it directly to his wound, massaging it while gradually increasing the pressure. When she reached a certain spot, Pei Xun winced in pain.

Throughout the entire process, Xu Yunqi’s expression remained unchanged, and her demeanor was meticulous.

Pei Xun, enduring the pain, looked at the beautiful young lady in front of him with growing curiosity. It was rare for him to see such calmness in a woman, even in the face of danger. Her calmness was accompanied by a serene aura, making her seem like a bodhisattva, capable of alleviating all worldly suffering.

After half an hour, Xu Yunqi had performed a round of acupuncture, and Pei Xun’s perception of her deepened. She was indeed a bodhisattva of mercy. The pain in his ankle had significantly decreased, and it felt less painful to the touch.

After removing the needles, Xu Yunqi applied another layer of medicinal oil and instructed Yin Xing, “Follow this meridian and massage it three hundred times. The pressure should be moderate, enough to avoid frowning.”

“Got it!” Yin Xing took the horn scraper from her and knelt before Pei Xun, massaging his meridian.

When Yin xing took over, Pei Xun noticed that her pressure wasn’t as precise as Xu Yunqi’s. Leaning back against the chair, he felt slightly disappointed.

Xu Yunqi returned to the table and began preparing a prescription. Shopkeeper Hu assisted her, fetching each herb she mentioned from the medicine cabinet on the wall. Pei Xun observed her graceful movements and elegant demeanor, her fingers moving like flowing clouds and water. She had a pair of beautiful hands.

When this thought crossed his mind, Pei Xun smiled at himself and quickly looked away.

After a while, Xu Yunqi finished preparing the prescription and handed it to Shopkeeper Hu to grind. She then sat leisurely, drinking tea.

Xu Yunqi occasionally glanced at Pei Xun, who couldn’t help but examine her as well. Finally, he couldn’t resist asking,

“Miss Xu, I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

Xu Yunqi smiled and put down her teacup, responding crisply, “Twelfth Prince, I am the wife of the Third Young Master of Prince Xi’s mansion.”

Pei Xun almost choked on his tea.

As the only legitimate son of the current empress, born into nobility, he had seen many storms, but today, he was genuinely shocked by Xu Yunqi’s words.

Unable to believe it, Pei Xun ignored the pain in his ankle and straightened up, looking at Xu Yunqi, “You are Heng’er’s newlywed wife, Miss Xu?”

“Indeed, it is.”

Rather than encountering each other at a royal banquet and causing a commotion, it was better to admit it straightforwardly. After all, she had done nothing shameful.

Pei Xun looked at her with mixed emotions, his expression hard to describe.

Pei Muheng’s wife was actually a skilled female doctor?

Wait, thinking of the absurd wedding half a year ago, Pei Xun suddenly understood everything.

Xu Yunqi had come from the countryside, likely learned some skills, and practiced at a medical clinic. Unexpectedly, she was noticed by the emperor and granted to Pei Muheng.

This wasn’t Xu Yunqi’s fault.

“Does Heng’er know?” Pei Xun asked worriedly.

Xu Yunqi folded her hands, looking puzzled.

Last year, just before New Year’s Eve, there was a heavy snowfall. She was in a hurry to save a pregnant woman and was brought here by Pei Muheng’s dark guard. She didn’t know if Pei Muheng was aware. Perhaps he wasn’t concerned with her affairs or didn’t want to take the trouble to find out, or maybe he just didn’t care.

“I don’t know,” Xu Yunqi replied honestly.

Pei Xun fell silent. The girl in front of him clearly didn’t understand royal etiquette and didn’t realize what her actions meant to the noble families.

Pei Xun’s heart was filled with worry. He wanted to say something, but looking into Xu Yunqi’s clear and pure eyes, he ultimately swallowed his words.

After a moment of silence, Pei Xun asked about his foot injury. “Can my foot be healed?”

“It can be healed,” Xu Yunqi replied confidently and graciously about her area of expertise. “I’ll prepare a bottle of medicinal oil for you. Apply it three times a day, and return in seven days for a follow-up.”

Hearing the word “follow-up,” Pei Xun’s head throbbed. “Is it possible to just apply the oil without the follow-up?”

He wanted to heal his leg quickly but feared that if Pei Muheng found out, he would be in trouble, and there was also his sister-in-law, Princess Consort Xi. Pei Xun was already worried about Xu Yunqi’s situation.

Xu Yunqi understood his underlying concerns, worrying about her status and not wanting her to treat him.

For patients who didn’t trust her, Xu Yunqi never forced them. She leisurely picked up her teacup and took a sip. “The leg is on you; you decide.”

Pei Xun: “…” Does Pei Muheng know what kind of wife he has married?

Before leaving, Pei Xun, leaning on a crutch, thanked Xu Yunqi and said, “I won’t mention this to anyone. The matter between you and your husband should be resolved by yourselves.”

Xu Yunqi appeared unconcerned.

On the way back, Yin Xing was also worried about the same issue: “Miss, what should we do when the master finds out?”

Xu Yunqi, leaning against the carriage wall, dozing off, replied, “Don’t worry about things that haven’t happened yet. We’ll deal with the future when it comes.”

*

After the summer rains began, it had been sunny for a couple of days, but now the sky turned cloudy again. By the late afternoon, dark clouds rolled in, threatening heavy rain.

Pei Muheng left the palace, planning to return home.

The emperor had recovered, and the investigation into the Crown Prince’s case was proceeding smoothly. During this period, the court had an eerie calm, with everyone going about their duties, and no one dared to stir up any trouble.

Everything was developing as expected, and Pei Muheng was in a good mood, feeling even more spirited.

Huang Wei accompanied him into the carriage and casually informed him, “Madam went out today, visiting her dowry shop and saying she would get some medicine from the pharmacy next door. I don’t know if she’s returned yet.”

Pei Muheng gazed thoughtfully into the distance, remembering the recent tension between the couple. After a moment’s silence, he ordered, “Go to the shop to fetch her.”

As they traveled, Pei Muheng pressed his temples, thinking. The great power struggle in the court was imminent, and he had no time to ponder his wife’s thoughts or be entangled in her past. As long as Xu Yunqi had no one else in her heart, life could continue.

Xu Yunqi had just traveled a short distance when the torrential rain poured down. The coachman hurried to return, but the carriage axle broke when it accidentally fell into a mud pit. Xu Yunqi and her maid took shelter under the porch of a shop.

A sweet osmanthus tree grew in the corner, and without paving stones under it, the ground became muddy as the rain poured down. She breathed in the fragrant scent of wet earth and listened to the pattering of the rain, clearing her mind.

Having been accustomed to drifting with Xu Yunqi, Yin Xing gazed at the endless rain without worrying about how to return, as if they could make do anywhere.

Pei Muheng got out of the carriage with a black oil-paper umbrella. He saw his wife standing at the edge of the eaves, her light-colored dress wet at the hem, the rain clinging to her hair and forehead. Her pale face, washed by the rain, seemed to glow with a fresh beauty. Her long, narrow eyes curved into a smile, radiating an air of peace and contentment.

Years ago, there had been a great fire, as endless as this rain. The flames, like serpents, had climbed up her, igniting her sleeves and singeing her hair. She had run and fallen near a water tank, choking on thick smoke, overwhelmed with despair. But then the rain had poured down, bringing a sense of salvation she could never forget.

She liked the rain, the feeling of being cleansed by it.

Suddenly, a black umbrella appeared above her. The man, tall and graceful, stood before her, shielding her from the wind and rain. His lips moved gently, his voice calm, “Madam, I’ve come to take you home.”

Xu Yunqi stared at him for a long moment, then glanced at her wet skirt, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Pei Muheng handed her his cloak, and Xu Yunqi wrapped herself in it, giving him a sweet smile.

Pei Muheng helped her into the carriage.

The carriage was spacious, with a small table, a soft couch, and tea utensils, all impeccably clean. Xu Yunqi, damp from the rain, sat on one side, keeping some distance between them. Pei Muheng noticed the raindrops on her cheeks and handed her a handkerchief. Xu Yunqi tightened her cloak and wiped the rain from her face, casually asking, “Why did you come?”

“I have some questions for you,” Pei Muheng replied, his tone and expression ordinary.

Xu Yunqi paused, knowing what he wanted to ask. She turned to face him, her expression serious, “Go ahead.”

The carriage moved forward slowly, the rain pattering on the roof, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Pei Muheng looked into her clear eyes and asked directly, “I know about you and the Jiang family.”

Xu Yunqi nodded calmly.

Pei Muheng’s deep, dark eyes remained fixed on her, “Is there anyone in your heart?”

Xu Yunqi was slightly stunned. She didn’t really understand what it meant to have someone in her heart, but she could confirm that her time with Jiang Yuhe had been pleasant. He was gentle and considerate, always thinking of her. They had met before their engagement, knew each other’s personalities, and had a kind mother-in-law. The days after their marriage would have been smooth and peaceful. If she had to say, the Jiang family was indeed her best choice. But these words couldn’t be said too clearly.

Her relationship with Pei Muheng was already fragile, and there was no need to add another complication. But Pei Muheng was not someone who could be easily fooled. What should she do?

Xu Yunqi thought for a moment and replied, “Marriage is decided by parents and matchmakers. My mother asked me what kind of person I wanted to marry, and I told her what kind of life I wanted.”

Her eyes were so clean that it was hard not to believe her.

“What kind of life?” His voice was gentle, his eyes deep and calm, ready to be disturbed by the slightest breeze.

Xu Yunqi smiled, her eyes curving, “I wanted to marry someone with similar values, a compatible family background, a gentle and kind husband, and live a carefree life.”

Similar values, a compatible family background, gentle and kind, but not necessarily Jiang Yuhe.

Pei Muheng couldn’t quite place how he felt. But he was sure that similar values, a compatible family background, gentle and kind were not words that described him.

*

The couple returned late in the evening; the rain had lightened, and the lanterns were just being lit. Word came from Jinhe Hall that Princess Consort Xi was seriously ill. Pei Muheng planned to visit, and Xu Yunqi quietly said from behind him, “Shall I go with you?”

She could offer to treat Princess Consort Xi if she was willing; after all, she was a doctor. But Pei Muheng shook his head, his demeanor calm and composed, “You’ve been in the rain, go rest. Imperial Physician He is already here. Mother’s illness has always been under his care; there’s no need to worry.”

Xu Yunqi had nothing to say.

Pei Muheng, worried about his mother, said no more and quickly made his way to Jinhe Hall. Xu Yunqi returned to Qinghui Garden. Seeing her skirt hem soaked, Nanny Chen was alarmed, “My dear, please change your clothes quickly. I’ll have someone prepare ginger soup for you. We don’t want you to catch a chill.”

Xu Yunqi had been caught in the rain before and didn’t mind, but she didn’t refuse the old maid’s good intentions. “I’ll take a bath first and then drink the soup.”

The Princess Consort’s illness came on suddenly and fiercely, causing quite a commotion with doctors being called and medicines being prepared.

The next day, Xu Yunqi went to Jinhe Hall to visit her mother-in-law. Madam Xie was busy taking care of the Princess Consort and managing household affairs. Worried that Xu Yunqi might upset Princess Consort, she gently declined her visit, “Mother needs rest. I will convey your kind intentions.”

Having fulfilled her duty, Xu Yunqi started back. Soon after, Madam Li, holding her son Xun’er, caught up and affectionately took Xu Yunqi’s arm, clearly having something to say.

The two of them walked along the corridor, away from Jinhe Hall. Once they were alone, Madam Li began, “I’ll tell you, there’s a reason for Mother’s illness.”

“What reason?”

Madam Li pointed beyond the high wall, speaking mysteriously, “Madam Xun and Second Miss Xun are returning. They sent a message to Mother yesterday. You should know that Second Miss Xun is very cunning. Despite being ill, she would do things like support Mother on her back and embroider forehead bands, winning her favor. Sister-in-law, I’m telling you, you need to be more attentive.”

Madam Li looked at Xu Yunqi earnestly.

Xu Yunqi was exasperated, “Yes, I’ll be attentive.” She replied dismissively.

Madam Li eagerly began explaining Princess Consort’s preferences, hinting at how Xu Yunqi could please her mother-in-law and defeat the “little vixen” next door.

Xu Yunqi found it amusing and didn’t take any of it in.

“By the way, Sister-in-law, I’ve made some donkey-hide gelatin cake. Come to the garden and try it.”

Xun’er ran ahead, and the two women chatted and laughed their way to Qinghui Garden.

It was Madam Li’s first visit to Qinghui Garden. She toured the front and back yards, impressed by its spacious and luxurious design, “Oh, truly, there’s a difference between legitimate and illegitimate. This place is much bigger than our Bishun Garden.”

Xu Yunqi smiled silently and invited her to the waterside pavilion next door for tea.

Madam Li commented as they walked, “Mother favors the Third Young Master, allowing you to live in such luxury. You should tolerate her temper.”

Xu Yunqi laughed heartily, finding her sister-in-law quite amusing.

Pei Muheng was away for over ten days. Just as Xu Yunqi was beginning to forget about him, Pei Muheng walked down the misty corridor of Qinghui Garden.

Xu Yunqi greeted her long-lost husband warmly.

Pei Muheng, looking exhausted, sat in the main room, his tone tinged with guilt, “I’m sorry, I haven’t returned for a long time.”

This likely wasn’t his longest absence, and Xu Yunqi simply smiled without commenting. In fact, she had a rather good impression of Pei Muheng.

Pei Muheng was clearly displeased about Jiang Yuhe, but he had never spoken harshly to her, showing his good manners. Some husbands, even if they didn’t love their wives, were possessive and imposed various rules.

The complexity of court affairs had diluted Pei Muheng’s concerns about Jiang Yuhe.

The Crown Prince’s case was nearing a conclusion. The Court Judicial Review Chief had traced the source of the gunpowder at the crown prince’s estate, and the crown prince would soon be sentenced. However, at this critical juncture, the emperor fell seriously ill. If something happened to the emperor, Prince Qin would benefit, which Pei Muheng did not want to see.

He had been swamped lately, only realizing he hadn’t been home for over ten days when a colleague mentioned their wife, prompting him to check on Xu Yunqi.

In a way, he wasn’t a qualified husband.

“The court is in turmoil, and His Majesty’s health is poor. The Imperial Hospital can’t provide effective remedies, causing panic in the palace. With the Crown Prince in trouble and factions in the court, my grandfather trusts me, giving me important responsibilities. I have to manage the cabinet and the six ministries, which is stressful, so I’ve neglected you.” Pei Muheng said, holding the teacup Xu Yunqi handed him.

This was the first time Pei Muheng discussed court matters with Xu Yunqi. She sat opposite him. Although she never paid attention to court affairs, she understood that the emperor’s illness was unfavorable for Prince Xi’s household.

Her husband was making an effort; she should take a step forward, too.

“Third Master, you know I can make medicinal dishes. If you tell me the emperor’s symptoms, I might be able to help.”

Pei Muheng, surprised, remembered the medicinal cake she had made before. His grandfather had eaten two pieces and praised it highly; even if it couldn’t cure illness, it provided a change of taste. The old man hadn’t enjoyed a full meal in a long time.

His wife wasn’t blaming him for neglecting her but was thinking of ways to help him. His dissatisfaction dissipated.

He briefly described the emperor’s symptoms.

Xu Yunqi pondered, “I can make a cake that strengthens the elderly. It requires fresh deer blood and a small piece of thousand-year-old he shou wu.”

Pei Muheng’s expression tightened, “I’ll find a way to get them.”

It took Pei Muheng two days to procure fresh deer blood and thousand-year-old he shou wu. Xu Yunqi planned to make a “99 Chao Yang Cake” for the emperor.

Don’t be fooled by it being just a cake; it required 29 different herbs, each with precise measurements. Too much or too little could drastically change its effects. Xu Yunqi had spent two years perfecting the recipe under her grandfather’s guidance.

Naturally, it wasn’t easy to make. It took her and Yin Xing a full day to make nine pieces.

After finishing the preparation, Xu Yunqi boarded the carriage and headed to the palace.

Pei Muheng was too busy to leave the palace to fetch her, so he instructed Huang Wei to retrieve the food box. Somehow, when the food box arrived at Fengtian Hall, the pastries seemed freshly made, emitting a light medicinal fragrance.

The emperor had tasted Xu Yunqi’s cooking before and had been longing for more. However, as the emperor, he couldn’t ask his granddaughter-in-law for food, so he kept quiet. A couple of days ago, he casually mentioned that nothing tasted good, and Pei Muheng remembered this, thus instructing Xu Yunqi to prepare something.

Liu Xiwen helped the now-thinner emperor sit up, placing a thick pillow behind his back. The emperor comfortably leaned against the bed, watching as Pei Muheng opened the food box and brought out a plate of pastries.

Everything the emperor consumed had to be tested for poison. Since this was food from Prince Xi’s mansion, Pei Muheng personally tested it to show sincerity.

There were nine pastries, each to be tested.

Pei Muheng used a small spoon to cut a piece and taste it before serving it to the emperor.

By the time the emperor finished all nine pastries, Pei Muheng had consumed the equivalent of one whole piece himself.

At first, it seemed fine. An hour later, a noticeable restlessness set in. Recalling that the medicinal cake contained deer blood, Pei Muheng rubbed his temples, smiling bitterly.

That night, the emperor indeed slept soundly, waking up the next day feeling refreshed and full of vigor.

“Heng’er, your wife’s cooking is excellent. This medicinal dish is truly unique. I haven’t felt this energetic in a long time. I must reward her.”

Pei Muheng returned to Qinghui Garden with generous rewards.

In the afternoon, after a heavy rain, the sky cleared, and the setting sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting a warm glow over the courtyard.

Palace servants carried a chest of gold and silver jewelry into the main hall. Nanny Chen quickly prepared some silver to reward them, and Huang Wei respectfully escorted the servants out.

Pei Muheng sat at the north side of the table in the main hall, drinking tea. Xu Yunqi checked the list of rewards to ensure everything was correct, then had the maids carry them to the storeroom.

She moved to sit opposite Pei Muheng and smiled at him, “Has His Majesty improved? This medicine can’t be consumed too often. I’ll make it for him twice more on alternate days. Three times should be enough, and the rest will depend on His Majesty’s own recovery.”

The emperor’s rewards were generous, and Xu Yunqi knew better than to seem unappreciative.

Pei Muheng listened to his wife’s clear and melodious voice, nodding nonchalantly.

As a doctor, Xu Yunqi had a habit of reading people’s expressions. She noticed the dark circles under Pei Muheng’s eyes, “Third Master, are you unwell?”

Pei Muheng raised his eyes and stared at her for a moment, his gaze murky and unclear, then shook his head, “It’s nothing serious.”

He hadn’t expected the medicinal cake to have such a strong aftereffect and had barely slept the previous night.

If Xu Yunqi were only a cook, she would have believed him, but she was also a skilled doctor. Eyeing her husband suspiciously, she asked, “You ate some, too?”

Pei Muheng said nothing, just looked at her.

Meeting her husband’s guarded eyes, Xu Yunqi couldn’t help but feel a little amused. It was her fault for not warning him, causing Pei Muheng some discomfort. She vaguely remembered eating a few pieces herself, her face turning bright red, and only being able to sleep after a cold bath. Pei Muheng must have had a rough night.

She laughed, her clear eyes shimmering like water.

Seeing her like this, Pei Muheng felt a bit annoyed. His long, narrow eyes slightly raised at the corners, he explained expressionlessly, “Everything the emperor eats must be tested for poison. Since you made it yourself, I didn’t want to delegate it.”

Little did he know, it wasn’t something he could eat.

Xu Yunqi laughed, “My fault. I forgot to remind you. Don’t eat it next time.”

Her eyes sparkled brightly.

Pei Muheng looked away.

Some petals, carried by the wind, drifted in through the window, landing on Xu Yunqi’s hair or sticking to Pei Muheng’s clothes, the sunset glowing softly.

Pei Muheng thought: perhaps Xu Yunqi didn’t want to marry him. His ideal wife at first wasn’t her either. In the end, it was a marriage of chance, and they would slowly adjust in the days to come.

“Wife, the past is past. I’ve always wanted to live seriously with you. What about you?” His hands slightly lowered, his gaze like water, he sat upright and looked at her.

Xu Yunqi was taken aback, then restrained her smile and replied without hesitation, “Me too.”

With everything out in the open, the concerns were lifted. Pei Muheng called out to Huang Wei, “Go to the study and bring my clothes to the back courtyard.”