Chapter 21

The heavy rain started on the night of April 30th and continued until the early morning of May 1st. At that time, the Eastern Palace was dimly lit, and the place was deserted.

The once illustrious Crown Prince still wore his bright yellow heir’s robe, sitting idly by the window in the study of the East Wing Hall. A thick carpet covered the floor, which had not been swept for several days.

The Crown Prince held something unknown in his hands, staring blankly at the torrential rain outside the window, lost in thought.

At midnight, the sound of the water clock echoed. The Crown Princess personally brought a bowl of ginseng soup into the hall. She looked up to see her husband sitting dejectedly on the carpet, unmoving. Quietly, she stepped forward. Since the incident over half a month ago, she had only changed into a simple white palace dress, with her expression remaining mostly unchanged. She knelt, placed the ginseng soup on a small table, and gently said to her husband, “Your Highness, have some ginseng soup.”

Though the Crown Prince was confined to the Eastern Palace, Noble Consort Yan did not mistreat their daily meals, sending them according to the old customs.

The Crown Prince’s gaze wavered, showing no other reaction.

The hall was lit by a single silver lamp, with the windows open. The wind made the candle flicker, and in the flashes of lightning, the Crown Princess saw that the Crown Prince held a book, “The Gains and Losses of Salt Administration.” Seeing those four characters, her heart suddenly ached. She called out again, “Dalang, take a sip of the soup.” This time, her voice was choked with emotion.

The Crown Prince finally reacted. His lifeless eyes slowly turned towards the Crown Princess, meeting her teary eyes. The familiarity of being called “Dalang” brought him to tears. The book fell from his hand, and he grabbed his wife’s wrist, “Ah Zhen, I have failed you.”

Having been the Crown Prince for over thirty years, he thought he could endure for another year or two and finally ascend the throne, allowing his childhood sweetheart, though no longer young, to become the Empress admired by all. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain.

Hearing this, the Crown Princess wiped her tears and shook her head, “We share both honor and disgrace as a couple. I do not blame you.”

But she was deeply disappointed.

The Crown Prince felt even more guilty, thinking of how the entire family would accompany him to the grave. He regretted his actions deeply, feeling overwhelmed with sorrow, and sobbed uncontrollably in his wife’s arms, “What could I do? Prince Qin kept pushing me. I accumulated wealth not for my own enjoyment, but to balance the officials and win their hearts…”

The Crown Princess held him, her throat feeling choked. She didn’t know how to comfort him. Just then, a loud baby cry came from the West Wing Hall, and the couple turned their heads simultaneously.

It was their newborn grandson.

The Crown Princess glanced at the time, gently soothed her husband, tidied his collar as usual, and softly said, “Your Highness, rest early. I will go check on the child.”

The Crown Princess stood up and left the East Wing Hall, walking along the long corridor towards the west. Several palace lanterns swayed overhead, their colorful lights casting the last touch of decadence in the cold hall. As she approached the door, a figure emerged.

It was the Crown Prince’s eldest son, who had just come out from checking on the child. The mother and son met eyes.

“Mother.” The Crown Prince’s eldest son held back his sorrow and saluted the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess quickened her pace to reach his side, asked him a few everyday questions, and then said, “Qian’er, there are many people outside waiting to see the downfall of the Eastern Palace, but we can’t just sit and wait for our doom. We must learn to save ourselves.”

Seeing that his mother seemed to have more to say, the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson’s expression became resolute. “Mother, do you have a plan?”

The Crown Princess lovingly patted his shoulder and glanced out the window toward the West Wing Hall. She saw a palace maid holding a red-swaddled baby, trying to soothe the child. In front of her, her daughter-in-law, Madam Ming, was leaning on a couch, looking at the baby with immense affection. The child’s crying was loud and continuous, but its lovely face was obscured, so the Crown Princess could not see it. She regretfully turned her gaze back to her son’s face.

“Take good care of your father, wife, and the child.”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson tensed up, “Mother, what are you planning to do?”

The Crown Princess’s gaze fell on the heavy rain outside the window, and she spoke with determination, “I am going to plead with His Majesty.”

The Crown Prince’s eldest grandson was slightly stunned, “His Majesty has already sealed the Eastern Palace. How will you go? Besides, if His Majesty won’t see Father, why would he listen to you?”

The Crown Princess did not answer him. She called out to her maid and had the prepared cloak draped over her shoulders, then strode out.

Seeing her resolute expression, filled with the determination to face death unflinchingly, the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson’s heart tightened. He quickly ran forward and blocked her path, “Mother, I won’t let you go. If anyone should go, it should be me.”

The Crown Princess shook her head solemnly, “You can’t go. Besides me, no one can. Trust me, stay in the Eastern Palace and take care of the family. Leave the rest to me.”

With that, the Crown Princess said no more and, almost without looking back, stepped into the pouring rain.

Tears blurred the Crown Prince’s eldest son’s vision. He staggered backward, hitting the lattice window.

A palace servant who had served the Crown Princess for many years watched her decisive departure and sobbed on the ground.

At the entrance of the Eastern Palace, the guards immediately blocked her way. The Crown Princess calmly asked, “Who is the Grand Secretary on duty today?”

The guard in armor saluted and said, “Grand Secretary Xun of the Ministry of Revenue.”

The Crown Princess let out a sigh of relief and handed him a gold token,

“Tell him I need to leave the palace.”

She had been planning this for many days, waiting until the early morning of May 1st, waiting for tonight’s torrential rain.

The dark sky seemed to have a tear in it, with the rain pouring down like the Milky Way turned upside down. The guards at the Meridian Gate yawned under the dim yellow lights, leaning against the pillars of the city tower, staring into the distance absentmindedly. The rain was heavy, and the Fengtian Hall’s gate lights were blurred into a fog. Just as they were dozing off, a white spot appeared in their vision, slowly enlarging. Upon closer inspection, they saw it was a person.

Dressed in a white dress, hairpins removed, the figure knelt straight on the white jade bridge in front of the Meridian Gate.

The guards jolted awake, quickly descended the city tower, and ran forward through the pouring rain.

The Crown Princess had been kneeling in the rain for over an hour. The guards, recognizing her, feared for her well-being and quickly fetched a large umbrella to hold over her. However, it was to no avail. She was soaked to the bone, shivering from the cold, yet she remained upright, kneeling motionless. Blood seeped from her knees, flowing down the stone bridge. The dozen guards at the Meridian Gate were all moved.

At the quarter-hour of the Mao period (5:15 – 5:30 AM), the city gates opened, and various officials in their robes began passing by the Meridian Gate. They were too rushed to lament the fierce rain, but they heard a dignified female voice from atop the white jade bridge, “The Crown Prince indeed has his faults, but my sins are even greater. The Crown Prince married me at sixteen. I am not skilled in needlework, I do not know how to cook. I never sewed a garment for him or prepared a bowl of porridge. The Crown Prince rises early and retires late, serving the Emperor diligently. As his wife, I could not share his burdens; this is my first sin.”

“The Crown Prince began assisting His Majesty with state affairs at twenty, upholding heavenly grace and leading the six ministries. Though not claiming wisdom or virtue, he has been diligent. Yet, growing up in the deep palace, he neglected state affairs, enjoying peace while forgetting danger. As his wife, I failed to advise and correct him; this is my second sin.”

“…”

The palace servants relaid every word of the Crown Princess to Fengtian Hall.

The Emperor had just awakened. Hearing this, he hastily donned his robe and stumbled to the window, peering through the rain towards the Meridian Gate. It seemed he saw a gentle and dignified woman smiling at him through the rain.

The Crown Princess was indeed not skilled in needlework or cooking. However, the late Empress Zhang Xiaohui, known for her kindness and virtue, not only sewed personally for the Emperor but also prepared his nightly meals herself. The Crown Princess’s confession highlighted the Crown Prince’s lack of maternal affection. Would he have turned out the same if Empress Zhang Xiaohui, known for her kindness and wisdom, were alive? Would the Emperor still be considering deposing him?

Each word of the Crown Princess cut into the Emperor’s heart like a knife. The old Emperor leaned on the long table, touching the old robe left by his late wife, and could not help but weep.

*

The torrential rain continued from dawn, even affecting the prison of the Supreme Court. In the low-lying southern part of the prison, rainwater overflowed from the drains, flooding a row of cells. The prisoners cursed and made a commotion while the jailers scrambled to appease them. As the water rose, the head jailer had to call for the guards outside to help drain it. After much effort, they cleared the water, but when they counted the inmates, they discovered that the key witness in the Crown Prince’s case, Hu Tianyi, had “drowned” to death. This was no small matter, and the jailers immediately reported to Liu Zhao, the Court Judicial Review Chief.

Liu Zhao, shocked, quickly sent the news to Prince Qin and the Ministry of Justice.

Minister Xiao Yu of the Ministry of Justice, struggling with the case, saw this news as a stroke of luck. He quickly concluded the Crown Prince’s case.

The Crown Prince was indeed guilty of secretly storing weapons but was not suspected of treason. Prince Qin was furious. Additionally, the Crown Princess had removed her hairpins and pleaded for mercy at the Meridian Gate, intending to commit suicide, but was saved by the soldiers. All these circumstances led the Emperor, after much deliberation, to issue an edict: depose the Crown Prince, demote him to a commoner, and exile the entire family to Panyu, never to return to the capital.

On the day the Crown Prince left the capital, the Emperor summoned him to Yuxi Palace, where the late Empress had lived.

The first rays of the sun shone warmly, casting a beam of light between the father and son.

The Emperor sat in an armchair, leaning forward with his arms on his knees, looking at him and asking, “Now, can you tell me the truth?”

The Crown Prince knelt at his father’s feet, tears streaming down his face.

“Father, I indeed got involved in the gunpowder business. The merchant named Hu Tianyi is my man, but I never intended to harm you. Hu Tianyi betrayed me, replacing the few carts of silk I ordered with gunpowder, which was then sent to Ci’en Temple.”

Hu Tianyi provided evidence of his years of tribute to the Crown Prince, so no one doubted his testimony.

The Crown Prince knew that Prince Qin must have threatened Hu Tianyi’s family, bribing him to incriminate the Crown Prince. Of course, saying this now was pointless. He did it to spite Prince Qin.

Who bribed Hu Tianyi was obvious.

The Emperor listened to this and narrowed his dark gray eyes slightly, uttering only an “oh” without further comment.

The Crown Prince mustered the courage to look up at his father, tears flowing, “Father…”

The aging Emperor was brought back to reality by this call, vivid memories of the Crown Prince’s childhood flooding his mind. He looked at his son with a complex expression, “Do you know why I didn’t see you earlier?”

The Crown Prince, in immense pain, hung his head low and bit out each word, “Because Your Majesty thought I was unworthy…” Hence, allowing the three departments to investigate.

There was an unspoken thought deep in the Crown Prince’s heart: A Crown Prince revered by all, a current military commander holding significant power—of course, the Emperor felt threatened.

“Do you know why I am seeing you today?”

The Crown Prince abruptly lifted his tear-streaked face, lips trembling, looking at him with filial affection, “Because Father wants to spare my life.”

The Emperor closed his eyes and sighed deeply, “It’s good that you understand. On your way to Panyu, treat your wife well.”

Though Prince Qin regretted not being able to kill the Crown Prince, learning that he was being exiled to Panyu, he relaxed his vigilance. Once he ascended the throne, it would be easy to find an excuse to execute the Crown Prince. For now, his main concern was Right Governor Yang Kang.

Yang Kang was notoriously fierce and hated evil intensely. If left alive, he could become a major threat in the future.

However, on May 4th, the day the entire Eastern Palace left the capital, the once invincible Right Governor of the current dynasty was escorted by the Imperial Guard in a prison cart to the capital’s outskirts to send off his daughter and son-in-law. Along the way, near Ci’en Temple, the locals who had lost their loved ones grabbed rotten vegetables and eggs, throwing them recklessly into the prison cart. Yang Kang was covered in filth but remained unmoved.

When the news reached the Imperial Study, the Emperor was so shocked that his knees nearly gave out, a cold gleam appearing in his eyes.

“Father, think about it. The once revered Governor, now a street rat that everyone curses—what does His Majesty feel, and what do the officials think?”

“Yang Kang worked hard and achieved great merit. He was beloved by soldiers and civilians at the border. Now that he’s been publicly humiliated, who will be willing to serve His Majesty or the Jin Dynasty?”

“This move may seem ordinary, but it strikes at His Majesty’s heart.”

A tall young man stood in the shadows, smiling deeply, “The trouble with the Yang family has unsettled the military. You’ll see; soon, there will be a resolution to the Yang family case.”

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the ministers and merchants implicated in the Crown Prince’s case were gradually convicted. Some were executed at the Meridian Gate, others were exiled to the borders, and some were dismissed and permanently barred from office. The three judicial departments never found evidence of the Yang family’s rebellion. Yang Kang refused to admit to colluding with Great Wu, and the Emperor issued a decree to revoke the Yang family’s military power, allowing Yang Kang to retire and spend his remaining years in peace.

The case of the Eastern Palace’s rebellion was thus concluded.

*

With the Crown Prince gone, the Emperor fell ill again.

Pei Muheng was busy attending to the Emperor’s illness and had not returned home for two days.

On the morning of the seventh day of May, Xu Yunqi was sitting with Pei Mushan in the open pavilion, making rouge. A maid from the Jinhe Hall came and gracefully greeted them from under the corridor. “Fifth Miss, Princess Consort requests your presence.”

Pei Mushan, engrossed in her work, didn’t turn her head and said, “I just came from Mother; what could be so urgent that I must go back now…”

The maid glanced furtively at Xu Yunqi and replied nervously, “Madam Xun from next door has brought Second Miss to pay respects to the Princess Consort, and she requests your presence.”

Pei Mushan turned sharply. She had always had a good relationship with Xun Yunling, and Madam Xun was very fond of her. Not showing up would be impolite. However, remembering the subtle tensions between her sister-in-law and Xun Yunling, she worried about hurting Xu Yunqi’s feelings.

Xu Yunqi, seeing her dilemma, smiled and waved, “You should go. It’s only proper to greet the guests.”

Pei Mushan pulled at her, “Will you come with me?”

Xu Yunqi glanced at the troubled maid and smiled back, “I won’t go. It might make the Princess Consort uncomfortable.”

Pei Mushan rubbed her forehead, “That’s true.”

Before long, Pei Mushan, accompanied by the maid, arrived at Jinhe Hall. Before entering, they heard laughter from her mother and Xun Yunling. It had been a long time since the Princess Consort had been this happy.

Circling the jade screen into the main room, they saw the Princess Consort holding Xun Yunling, calling her “dear.”

“Child, from today on, you are my goddaughter. I will find a good match for you.”

In the past, the Princess Consort had secretly hoped for Xun Yunling to become Pei Muheng’s wife, a fact known to all. Feeling guilty for failing Xun Yunling, she decided to take her in as her goddaughter. This would honor past affections and establish a brother-sister relationship between Xun Yunling and Pei Muheng, quelling rumors. It would also help Xun Yunling move on from Pei Muheng.

The girl nestled in her arms, with her hair in a drooping cloud bun, wore an apricot-colored long gown with embroidered butterflies on her skirt. Her eyes were as bright as grapes, and she resembled Madam Xun, who was sitting nearby drinking tea.

Hearing the offer to become her goddaughter, Xun Yunling smiled shyly, “Whatever you say.”

Madam Xun set down her tea and smiled, shaking her head, “Princess Consort, there’s no need. We’ve always considered you family, so formalizing it would be unnecessary. Let’s let the matter be.”

Seeing the mother and daughter so gracious, the Princess Consort felt even more guilty.

Madam Xie and Madam Li sat nearby, with Madam Xie sitting below Madam Xun, engaging in friendly conversation, while Madam Li drank tea alone, lifting the corner of her mouth slightly.

Pei Mushan entered, first greeting Madam Xun with a bow, then happily greeting Xun Yunling, “Yunling, you’re back.”

Seeing Pei Mushan, Xun Yunling’s face lit up almost instantly. She quickly rose from the Princess Consort’s embrace and greeted her, “Shanshan, I’ve been so worried about you. How have you been these past six months?”

Pei Mushan held Xun Yunling’s hand, looking her over, “You look so healthy. You must have recovered well.”

Xun Yunling touched her face, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Not really…”

“Wait…” Pei Mushan leaned in closer. “Are you wearing a thick layer of powder?”

Madam Li let out a laugh, almost choking on her tea.

The Princess Consort gave her a cold look, prompting Madam Li to quickly suppress her smile and stand up to apologize.

Embarrassed by Pei Mushan’s remark, Xun Yunling softly explained, “I told you before, I lost quite a bit of weight, so I have to use powder to cover it up.”

“Oh, right, I brought you a set of powder…” Xun Yunling motioned to her maid, who brought over a small box.

The Princess Consort, hearing this, said to Madam Xun, “You are too kind.”

Madam Xun smiled warmly, “Not at all. When we were at Qingshan Temple, the Princess Consort sent us so many supplements, we felt it was the least we could do.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Xun Yunling pulled Pei Mushan to sit down, intending to show her the powder.

Pei Mushan pointed to her cheek, “Is this the same powder you’re wearing?”

“Yes, it works wonderfully!” Xun Yunling replied.

Pei Mushan shook her head immediately, “No need. Keep it for yourself. I don’t use powder anymore.”

“Really?” Xun Yunling looked surprised and then disappointed, “Shanshan, are you distancing yourself from me?”

“Oh, no, no, it’s not like that. I really don’t use it anymore. Look at my face. Isn’t it much smoother?” Pei Mushan leaned her face closer to Xun Yunling.

Xun Yunling hadn’t noticed before, but now she examined closely and saw that Pei Mushan’s skin was indeed much smoother and more radiant than before. “What kind of powder are you using?”

Not only was Xun Yunling surprised, but Madam Li and Madam Xie also looked over curiously.

No woman is indifferent to her appearance.

Pei Mushan gave a proud look and then playfully withheld the information, “I’m not telling you.”

Xun Yunling playfully rolled her eyes, “Tell me where you bought it, and I’ll get a few boxes for you.”

Seeing her genuine concern, Pei Mushan’s tone softened, “There’s no need. You can’t buy this outside.”

Without Xu Yunqi’s permission, Pei Mushan would not tell anyone about this. She didn’t want to cause trouble for her sister-in-law.

Xun Yunling looked aggrieved. In the past, there were no secrets between her and Pei Mushan.

The more Xun Yunling thought about it, the more her eyes turned red, and tears began to well up.

“Hey, hey, don’t be sad. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you; it’s that I can’t tell you…” Pei Mushan disliked seeing people cry.

The Princess Consort gave her daughter a stern look, “Alright, it’s not a big deal,” and then called Xun Yunling to sit beside her.

Pei Mushan spread her hands innocently.

The Princess Consort then asked about Xun Yunhe’s birthday celebration, “At the end of this month, it’s Grand Secretary Xun’s birthday. Are you planning a big celebration?”

Madam Xun sighed, “The fortieth birthday should be celebrated. Given his current position, everyone in the court is paying attention. If we don’t hold a celebration, others will come to congratulate us anyway, and we can’t turn them away. I think it would be better to have a grand celebration and let everyone enjoy themselves. But with the recent events in the Eastern Palace, I’m not sure if it’s appropriate.”

The Princess Consort coldly replied, “Court matters are separate from ours. If you want to have a celebration, go ahead. Our family will send our congratulations.”

Madam Xun responded, “I’ll ask my husband when he comes home tonight.”

Madam Xun’s tone was enviable, prompting the Princess Consort to smile, “There isn’t another Grand Secretary Xun in the entire capital. In terms of fortune, Madam, you truly are the most blessed.” The Princess Consort rarely complimented anyone, so this praise came from the heart. She had been neighbors with the Xun family for over a decade and had never heard of Grand Secretary Xun taking concubines. Even though she and Prince Xi were known to be loving, Prince Xi still had two concubines and several maids.

Madam Xun gathered her embroidered handkerchief in her palm and smiled without responding.

By almost noon, Madam Xun had returned to her residence, leaving Xun Yunling to continue distributing gifts throughout the palace.

Madam Xie, hailing from a scholarly family and being fond of painting, received a set of fine writing brushes from Xun Yunling. For Madam Li, she prepared a box of silk flowers.

Pei Mulan, who was the same age as Xun Yunling, had grown up with her and shared a close bond. Xun Yunling gifted her a pearl hairpin. Originally, she had bought the latest set of cosmetics for Pei Mushan, but unfortunately, Pei Mushan didn’t want them, leaving Xun Yunling somewhat regretful.

As they reached the hanging flower gate, Pei Mushan remembered something, “Wait a moment. You embroidered a handkerchief for me at the New Year, and I haven’t returned the favor. I’ll go pick out a gift for you. Wait here.”

Xun Yunling watched her walk away, and when she was out of sight, Xun Yunling’s smile faded. She turned to a servant, slipping a small silver coin into their hand, “Where is the third young madam? Tell her I have something for her.”

Xun Yunling was always generous, and everyone in the palace liked her. The servant, beaming, accepted the coin and swiftly went to Qinghui Garden to deliver the message.

Xu Yunqi was busy when she heard the maid’s message, and she paused in thought. What could Xun Yunling want with her?

There was no reason to turn her away, so Xu Yunqi instructed, “Take her to Mingyu Hall. I’ll be there shortly.”

Mingyu Hall, located east of Qinghui Garden, was the reception hall exclusively used by the third household.

Xu Yunqi set aside her work, washed her hands, applied a layer of cream, and headed to Mingyu Hall with Yin Xing.

As noon approached, with the sun blazing, Xu Yunqi avoided the main entrance and exited Qinghui Garden through the side gate. She walked along a stone path through the bamboo grove and spotted a figure standing under the verdant corridor. The young lady had delicate features, and her smile carried a lively charm that suited her name, “Ling.”

Xu Yunqi emerged from the side of the bamboo grove and nodded with a smile from a distance. “Miss Xun, what brings you to see me?”

This was Xun Yunling’s first time visiting Qinghui Garden. She stood by the railing, gazing at the lush bamboo outside the courtyard, recalling a poem, “Phoenix Tail Forest Chant,” that Pei Muheng had written, which must have described this very scene.

Hearing Xu Yunqi call her, Xun Yunling did not turn immediately. Instead, she raised her eyes with a casual air of superiority.

That tall, slender figure seemed to have materialized from the bamboo forest, standing gracefully, an absolute beauty. Xun Yunling felt a slight shock in her heart; no wonder the Emperor had taken a liking to her at first glance; such looks were indeed extraordinary.

What truly startled her was that Xu Yunqi’s appearance gave her a sense of fatal familiarity.

As the daughter of a Grand Secretary, Xun Yunling quickly composed herself, elegantly and respectfully greeting Xu Yunqi, “Greetings, Third Sister-in-law. I am the daughter of the Xun family next door, and my courtesy name is Yunling. I used to visit the palace often. Having recovered from a long illness, I have prepared some modest gifts for you as a meeting gift.”

Xun Yunling signaled her maid, who handed over a long box.

Xu Yunqi gestured for Yin Xing to accept it, “Thank you for your kindness, Miss Xun. I didn’t know you were visiting. I will prepare a gift in return another day.”

Xun Yunling smiled, “We live close by, no need for such formalities. Oh, by the way, I have another favor to ask of you, Sister-in-law.”

Xu Yunqi, slightly surprised, walked up the stone steps and smiled at her, “What is it?”

Xun Yunling took a rosewood brocade box from another maid. Judging by the grain, it had some age to it.

Xun Yunling handed the box to Xu Yunqi with a more solemn expression.

“Sister-in-law, in the past, Brother Qingyu often came to our house to study. My father always praised him for his extraordinary talent. We would seek his advice when we were uncertain. These are two books I borrowed from Brother Qingyu before. During my illness, I read them daily and recorded my insights. It’s time to return them to their rightful owner. I can’t see Brother Qingyu now, so I hope you can pass them on to him.”

With each “Brother Qingyu,” Xu Yunqi gradually realized that Xun Yunling was referring to Pei Muheng.

So, Pei Muheng’s courtesy name was Qingyu. What a lovely name.

Without a word, Xu Yunqi again motioned for Yin Xing to accept it, her expression showing no hesitation.

Xu Yunqi’s readiness left Xun Yunling incredulous. Did this Xu Yunqi not catch the underlying meaning in her words?

She intended to tell Xu Yunqi that she and Pei Muheng had been childhood friends and had a deep bond. She also wanted to humiliate her, making her feel inferior to their well-read selves. However, Xu Yunqi showed no reaction.

Yin Xing’s eyes widened, her cheeks puffed up with anger, refusing to take it. She couldn’t believe her Miss hadn’t caught Xun Yunling’s provocative tone.

Xu Yunqi looked at her, “Take it.”

Yin Xing, though usually kind-hearted and easygoing, couldn’t do it. So, as she reached out to take Xun Yunling’s brocade box, she suddenly exclaimed, “Oh no!” and pretended to fumble, causing the rosewood box containing the precious books to fall to the ground.

With a thud, the rosewood box broke into two pieces.

Xun Yunling’s delicate face changed, looking at Yin Xing in shock. Her eyes first filled with anger, then slowly with a bit of grievance, “How dare you break Brother Qingyu’s belongings! Do you know how precious these books are? Do you understand how much effort Brother Qingyu put into them?”

Yin Xing placed the long box on the beauty couch, looking innocent as she spread her hands, “Oh, I’m really sorry, Miss Xun. We’re from the countryside, clumsy and all. I didn’t mean to fumble. Don’t mind it. You kept saying ‘Brother Qingyu,’ and I had no idea who that was. I was afraid of taking the wrong things, so I slipped. You’re the daughter of a Grand Secretary, always magnanimous. You wouldn’t blame me, right?”

“You…” Xun Yunling was rendered speechless. She held back, calmed herself, personally picked up the books, gently brushed off the dust, and handed them to Xu Yunqi again, “Please, Sister-in-law, return these to their rightful owner.”

Placing the books on the couch, Xun Yunling left with her maid.

Xu Yunqi turned helplessly towards Yin Xing, who stuck out her tongue at Xun Yunling’s retreating back, still indignant, muttering, “She just came to show off.”

Xu Yunqi, aware of Xun Yunling’s intentions, found such petty schemes tiresome. These young girls, always scheming against each other, didn’t they find it exhausting?

“If you argue with her, it will only make her happier. Her goal is to provoke you, so why waste your energy on her?”

Reluctantly, Yin Xing picked up the books and followed Xu Yunqi back to Qinghui Garden. “I can’t stand her arrogance. I hate those who are full of malice but pretend to be virtuous. Miss, you can’t just ignore this. Now that she’s back, she might come to trouble you every day.”

Xu Yunqi had no interest in cleaning up Pei Muheng’s mess. “When the master returns, hand the books to him.”

Men should solve their own issues. Relying on the women in the family is like fighting a never-ending battle.

Yin Xing trailed behind her, worried, “Miss, whatever the case, Third Master and Miss Xun have known each other since childhood. Have you considered that he might have feelings for her?”

A branch extended from the woods, and Xu Yunqi casually pushed it aside, smiling, “No, his heart has no place for anyone else.”

“Why?” Yin Xing quickly caught up to her.

Xu Yunqi paused and looked back. The midday sunlight filtered through the dense branches, creating a delicate pattern on her face. She smiled and tapped Yin Xing’s forehead, “Silly girl, he said he wants to live a good life with me, so it shows there’s no one else in his heart.”

Yin Xing felt her mistress was too simple-minded and easily appeased. She was not satisfied. “Do you really trust him that much?”

Xu Yunqi shook her head as she slowly walked along the wall and entered through the moon gate. It wasn’t about trust; her feelings with Pei Muheng hadn’t reached the point where he would lie for her.

Pei Muheng returned to Qinghui Garden around the early evening, lifting the curtain to enter the eastern chamber. Xu Yunqi was preparing a medicine formula under the lamp.

It was time to make the second batch of medicinal cake for the Emperor. The formula was ready, except for the final bit of medicinal ingredients that needed grinding. Yin Xing’s hands were sore, so Xu Yunqi rolled up her sleeves and took over.

Yin Xing had been waiting for the Third Master to return. Before Pei Muheng could sit down, she placed the broken brocade box and the books on the desk. She apologized exaggeratedly, “Master, Miss Xun from next door came looking for the young madam today, saying she wanted to deliver these books to you. At the time, I heard her repeatedly calling you ‘Brother Qingyu’ and thought she had the wrong person. I accidentally fumbled and broke the brocade box. If I damaged your books, please forgive me.”

Yin Xing almost said explicitly: Master, your courtesy name is Qingyu. Our mistress only learned this from someone else.

Pei Muheng, exhausted from two days without rest, could almost guess what had happened from these words. His expression darkened.

Yin Xing, frightened by his grim demeanor, shrank back, secretly glancing at her mistress. Xu Yunqi hadn’t expected her maid to be so bold as to confront Pei Muheng directly. She put down her mortar and pestle and stood up, “Third Master, the maid didn’t know any better. Please don’t be angry.”

She quickly sent the maid out, turned back to see her husband sitting in the armchair across from the desk, and poured him a cup of tea with a smile, “Third Master, are you really angry with a maid?”

Pei Muheng squinted his eyes, quietly looking at her. The words “angry” reminded him of what she had said a few days ago.

“I’m not the jealous type; I won’t get angry with you,” she had said. He hadn’t noticed anything wrong with the statement then, but now he understood.

Xun Yunling had come to provoke her, and even her maid was so angry, yet Xu Yunqi remained indifferent. Was it because she was too good-natured and gentle to get angry, or did she simply not care at all?

Pei Muheng gently rubbed the teacup with his thumb, his gaze deep as he asked her, “Don’t you have anything to ask me, Madam?”

Xu Yunqi returned to the desk and sat down. She had just picked up the pestle when she heard his words. She glanced at him lightly. Last time, he had asked about the matter with Jiang Yuhe. Now, the roles were reversed, and it was her turn to ask him. So she put the pestle down again and looked at him squarely, “Naturally, I want to know if you have feelings for Miss Xun.”

The flickering candlelight cast shadows, and her eyes were clear, like still water without ripples, gazing at him unmoving, her long, soft lashes like feathers.

Seeing her like this, Pei Muheng’s heart inexplicably softened. He didn’t want his wife to have any misunderstandings, “Miss Xun and I grew up together, but I have no romantic feelings for her,” Pei Muheng said directly and concisely.

Then his gaze swept over the few books on the table, and he asked again, “Do you want to know the rest of the story?”

Xu Yunqi blinked, “No need, I can guess.” The trope of childhood sweethearts was not unfamiliar to her. As someone who had roamed the martial world, she had seen more bizarre scenarios than Pei Muheng had eaten salt.

However, Xu Yunqi noticed that after she spoke, her husband’s eyes deepened. Pei Muheng, his mood unclear, took a sip of tea. Xu Yunqi might not ask, but he felt he had to clarify, “I started studying in the palace at the age of five. Grand Secretary Xun was tasked with teaching the royal children. Later, our families became neighbors. I admired Grand Secretary Xun’s talent and often sought his guidance.”

“These books are transcriptions I made from the Royal Library. Once, my teacher saw that I mentioned some of these references in my essays and asked about them. I voluntarily handed over two of the books. Later, Junior Sister Xun wanted to borrow them, so I agreed. That’s all there is to it.”

Xu Yunqi nodded, “I understand.” Despite Xun Yunling’s words implying her familiarity with Pei Muheng, it didn’t seem to be the case.

Pei Muheng nodded lightly, leaning back slightly, his gaze lowering and resting on her delicate nails, all neatly trimmed.

Xu Yunqi followed his gaze and felt a bit uncomfortable. She crossed her hands, hid her nails, and continued her work.

Only then did Pei Muheng’s expression soften somewhat.

“I apologize, my dear. I hadn’t mentioned before that my courtesy name is Qingyu, bestowed upon me by my grandfather during my coming-of-age ceremony at eighteen.”

Xu Yunqi continued her task, looking back at him, “Hmm, it sounds nice.”

“And you, do you have a courtesy name?”

Xu Yunqi shook her head, “No, I don’t.”

“Not even a childhood name?”

Xu Yunqi’s expression wavered briefly, and she lowered her eyes, shaking her head again, “No, none.”

The evening breeze rustled the curtains, and the cicadas chirped from hidden spots. Pei Muheng looked at her deeply, sensing a touch of melancholy in her voice, and asked gently, “What are the characters of your given name?”

Xu Yunqi looked up at him, gazing blankly for a moment before smiling, “Yunqi, ‘Yun’ as in ‘idle cloud,’ and ‘Qi’ as in ‘perch.'”

Pei Muheng pondered, “‘Why do I dwell in the green mountains? I smile without answering, at ease in my heart.’ Yunqi, a name implying the hope that you would be as carefree as a cloud. Was it your father who named you?”

Xu Yunqi paused, her expression unmoving, and after a while, responded softly, “Yes.”

After grinding the medicinal powder, she stood up and noticed the stack of books. Pointing at them, she said, “Third Master, you’d better handle those yourself.”

Pei Muheng understood the implication behind his wife’s words and nodded, “Alright.”

He then called for Huang Wei.

Huang Wei looked at the familiar books and asked softly, “Master, how should these be dealt with?”

Pei Muheng rubbed his temples. He needed to maintain the dignity of both families and stop Xun Yunling from provoking Xu Yunqi. After a moment of thought, he instructed, “Send these books and the broken brocade box to the Xun residence and hand them to Grand Secretary Xun.”

Xun Yunhe, being an upright gentleman, would know how to discipline his daughter.

The couple prepared to sleep, but Xu Yunqi noticed something strange about her husband that night.

He was stalling and couldn’t seem to get on with it.