Chapter 22

For a moment, Xu Yunqi thought her husband was teasing her. When she turned to face him, she met those eyes. They were dark as a deep pool, unfathomable, yet with a hint of nonchalance and laziness. Could he just be tired?

Sensing the confusion and bewilderment in her gaze, he applied some pressure, his eyes burning with intensity as he held her delicate hand, trapping her.

Xu Yunqi wasn’t used to being controlled like this. She turned her face away, trying to twist her hand free.

This action clearly annoyed him. He suddenly leaned in, his hands sliding along her smooth waist, then swiftly grabbing her nape.

Xu Yunqi gasped.

They had never been this close before.

…

The sound of splashing water gradually brought Xu Yunqi back to her senses. This kind of intimacy, though pleasurable, also left her feeling drained.

Xu Yunqi didn’t know how long she soaked in the bath until a rich, gentle voice came from behind the screen, “My dear, are you still not finished?”

Pei Muheng worried about her taking so long and feared something might have happened.

Fortunately, after a moment, the curtain moved, and a slender, graceful figure emerged from behind the screen.

She stood there quietly, her hands folded in front of her abdomen, the white dress perfectly covering her slender, balanced figure, appearing both serene and ethereal.

In Pei Muheng’s eyes, she was like a mermaid leaping from the water, her eyes like polished obsidian, clear and bright.

Seeing she was fine, Pei Muheng turned and picked up a cup of tea from the desk, handing it to her, “Have some water and rest early.”

His tone was warmer and more familiar than before.

Xu Yunqi walked over nonchalantly, gently taking the cup. Her waist was a bit sore, so she leaned against the armchair to sit down.

Pei Muheng sat across from her. Having waited for a while, he had read some documents earlier and now picked up the documents again to read under the lamp.

Xu Yunqi felt a slight emptiness in her stomach, so she got up to add some hot tea, then sat back down, sipping it slowly while glancing at her husband out of the corner of her eye.

People often say that a beauty under the lamp looks like jade, and this could easily apply to Pei Muheng. The man, with his wide sleeves and elegant robe, sat in the quiet night, exuding a clear and refined demeanor, reminiscent of a bright moon by the window, illuminating the room with an open and carefree aura.

Xu Yunqi had traveled far and wide and had seen many beauties, but this was the first time she truly noticed her husband’s exceptional appearance, which was indeed one in a million. As she became engrossed in her observation, he stretched his wide sleeves, and his tall, elegant figure leaned back, his brows deep and focused, adding a touch of maturity and sophistication.

After appreciating the sight for a moment and finishing her tea, Xu Yunqi went to bed.

Following Pei Muheng’s instructions, Huang Wei wrapped the broken brocade box and books together with a piece of brocade and took a servant to the Xun residence next door.

Though the Xun and Xi residences were adjacent, their main gates opened onto different streets. However, the women of both households visited frequently, so a small gate was made in the wall between them. Beyond this gate was a narrow passage leading to the main gate of the Xun residence.

Compared to the imposing grandeur of the Prince Xi residence, the Xun residence was much more modest. Grand Secretary Xun was known for his low profile, and his house, though comprising four courtyards, had no lavish decorations. The pavilions and corridors were all modestly built. Anyone visiting would never guess it was the residence of a high-ranking court official.

Huang Wei walked along the narrow passage and saw a small pavilion ahead, with flickering lights and quiet conversations coming from within. This was the rest area for the Xun residence’s coachmen. Huang Wei approached the pavilion and asked, “Has Grand Secretary Xun returned home?”

Inside the pavilion sat several coachmen. One of them, quick-witted and recognizing Huang Wei as a servant from the Prince Xi residence, promptly came forward, bowed, and replied with a smile, “Our Master hasn’t returned yet. The madam has been back for two days and sent people to the court several times, but there’s still no sign of him. However, we heard he might come back tonight.”

Hearing this, Huang Wei, who was aware that Xun Yunhe often spent half his days at the office, was not surprised. “Then I’ll wait a little longer.”

Before long, the gatekeeper received the message and promptly welcomed the visitor inside. Huang Wei had barely sat down for a cup of tea when he heard the sound of horse hooves outside. He slowly stood up and followed the Xun family’s steward out the door.

In the dim light, Xun Yunhe, dressed in a crimson robe, slowly descended from the carriage. His features were stern, his expression covered by a thin layer of cold indifference. Almost without glancing sideways, he swiftly ascended the steps.

Huang Wei and his companion bowed to him, “Grand Secretary Xun.”

As Xun Yunhe reached the corridor, he noticed there were visitors present. His expression softened, and he smiled, “Is that you, Eunuch Huang?”

Huang Wei quickly signaled to the servant, pointing at the wrapped bundle, and said with a bow, “Grand Secretary Xun, this was sent by my master, the Third Young Master.”

Pei Muheng had previously sent good books here, so Xun Yunhe wasn’t surprised. “Thank you.”

Huang Wei bowed with a smile once more and left the Xun residence.

Xun Yunhe glanced at the bundle and instructed the steward calmly, “Take it to the study.”

The steward carried the heavy bundle to the study, full of curiosity as it weighed in his hands.

Xun Yunhe then walked slowly to the main hall, moving northward along the corridor. The three-room main hall was brightly lit, and he could clearly see two figures waiting for him. Xun Yunhe walked steadily, his gaze fixed in that direction, his face devoid of emotion.

As he approached, the lights in the corridor revealed a lively, delicate face, “Father!”

Xun Yunling greeted him joyfully, her eyes brimming with happiness yet cautiously restrained.

Xun Yunhe’s gaze slowly focused on her, revealing a kind smile, “You’re back.”

Hearing her father’s calm tone, Xun Yunling felt a tinge of disappointment but still obediently bowed to him, “Father, why did you come back so late?”

Xun Yunhe didn’t answer her.

The father and daughter entered the house together, and Madam Xun stood gently beside the table, “Husband, you’re back.” She raised her sleeve to indicate the seat, her gentle features adorned with a satisfied smile, enveloped in a misty beauty reminiscent of Jiangnan’s rainy landscape.

Xun Yunhe merely nodded in her direction and took a seat in the northern armchair. Xun Yunling quickly poured him some tea, “Father, this is Emei Maofeng tea I brewed with snow from last winter’s plum blossoms. Please have a taste.”

Xun Yunhe, exhausted, sat down without a word. He took a sip of the tea and then said, “Not bad.” He didn’t drink much more and set the cup down, then looked up at his wife, “How long have you been back? Was the journey smooth?”

Madam Xun’s smile remained unchanged, “I’ve been back for two days. Everything was fine; don’t worry.”

Xun Yunhe nodded, asking no more. After a moment of silence, he added, “And how is Xier?”

Xun Nianxi was the younger son of Xun Yunhe and Madam Xun, their only other child.

Speaking of her son, Madam Xun’s smile grew even more genuine, “He heard I was back and came to pay his respects yesterday. This morning, he went to the Imperial Academy.”

Xun Yunhe nodded again, his expression showing clear satisfaction, “Very good.”

Xun Yunling stood obediently by his side, looking at him with admiration.

Her father had always been her greatest pride. In front of him, she was always well-behaved and sensible, longing for his love and approval.

Seeing her father fall silent again, Xun Yunling exchanged a glance with her mother and reminded him, “Father, it’s getting late. You should rest.”

Xun Yunhe snapped out of his thoughts and nodded faintly.

Xun Yunling escorted her parents past the hanging flower gate to the main courtyard, sharing a few anecdotes from her past six months along the way. Xun Yunhe occasionally smiled and nodded, sometimes fell silent in contemplation, and they returned to Tuisi Hall in harmony.

Once their daughter left, the courtyard returned to silence.

Xun Yunhe preferred quiet and almost never enjoyed listening to others talk. The servants in the house were also quiet. Madam Xun personally prepared his clothes and escorted him to the bath. When she was about to go in to serve him, Xun Yunhe waved her off, indicating she didn’t need to. Madam Xun paused, looking at her still handsome husband, then slowly retreated.

A quarter of an hour later, Xun Yunhe returned to his room after changing clothes while Madam Xun sat at the dressing table.

Xun Yunhe headed straight for the bed, and Madam Xun turned to face her husband as he removed his shoes and asked, “Husband, at the end of this month, it will be your fortieth birthday. How do you plan to celebrate?”

Without lifting his head, Xun Yunhe replied without hesitation, “No need for a celebration.”

He then lay down on the outer edge of the bed.

Madam Xun frowned upon hearing this and sat at the edge of the bed, looking at her husband, who was resting with his eyes closed, “This is an important milestone. Neighbors and acquaintances, as well as officials’ wives, often ask me about it. Even if you don’t host a celebration, people will still bring gifts. How can I explain that? We can’t accept their gifts without offering them a cup of tea in return.”

Xun Yunhe opened his eyes and spoke coldly, “Did I ask you to accept their gifts?”

Xun Yunhe was usually gentle, with an underlying indifference. He rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it meant his bottom line had been crossed.

Madam Xun swallowed her grievances, lowering her eyes, “I understand.”

Xun Yunhe closed his eyes again. Madam Xun took a deep breath, extinguished the lamp on the dressing table, and climbed over him to her side of the bed.

The room fell into darkness. After lying down for a moment, Madam Xun couldn’t help but glance at her husband. In the darkness, his silhouette was vague, his breathing steady, almost asleep.

Madam Xun slowly inched closer to him, reaching out to touch his waist. A large hand reached over and stopped her, “Sleep.” His tone was tired and cold.

Madam Xun froze, her expression melancholic. She sat there for a long while before slowly moving back to her position, listening to the cicadas outside and letting out a bitter, self-mocking laugh.

On the morning of the eighth day of May, Xun Yunhe took a day off. Early in the morning, he returned to the front courtyard study. Upon sitting down, his gaze fell on the bundle on the desk. He opened it and saw a broken brocade box and two dusty books, and his expression changed.

He quickly picked up the book, casually flipping through a page. Familiar handwriting came into view.

Lines of elegant and strong running script, each stroke meticulous and disciplined—it was clearly Pei Muheng’s handwriting. He recognized the book, Jinglan Annals, a transcription Pei Muheng had made from the Royal Library. Beneath Pei Muheng’s handwriting, there were occasional notes in delicate small script, unmistakably Xun Yunling’s annotations.

A surge of anger welled up in him. It felt as if he had touched something filthy, causing him to instinctively release the book, which fell onto the desk.

With a cold and stern expression, Xun Yunhe leaned back, his mind flashing through distant, familiar memories. A touch of self-mockery or disdain curled at the corner of his lips. He sat in silent contemplation for a while until footsteps sounded outside. Taking a deep breath, he massaged his forehead and instructed, “Call the Second Miss here.”

The steward was just opening the door and, hearing the instruction, hesitated before smiling and pointing outside, “Master, the Second Miss personally cooked a bowl of lotus seed porridge for you this morning. She’s waiting outside.”

Xun Yunhe showed no emotion, his hand resting on the armchair, his gaze shifting to the window.

This was his way of indicating Xun Yunling should enter.

With the steward’s permission, Xun Yunling brought the food box into the room.

The study wasn’t large but was filled with the scent of books. Everywhere, bookshelves were stacked chaotically with volumes. This elegant and meticulous man had a disordered bookshelf, books piled haphazardly. Yet, no matter how messy it was, he could always easily find the book he wanted.

In the past, the Xun household staff had offered to tidy it, but he always refused and didn’t allow anyone into his study without permission.

Xun Yunling carefully placed the food box on a nearby desk and then looked up at her father. At a glance, she saw the broken brocade box and books on the desk, her smile freezing, and panic set in.

“Father…” Her pretty face first flushed, and then, meeting her father’s scrutinizing gaze, the color drained from her lips.

Despite her composure, Xun Yunling’s heart raced, but she managed to calm herself, stepping forward to stand before Xun Yunhe with her head bowed in silence.

Xun Yunhe coldly opened the book, laying it out before her. “What is the meaning of this?”

Xun Yunling glanced over and saw a page filled with her annotations. She lowered her head in shame, explaining softly, “While recuperating at Qingshan Temple, I had many insights and recorded them.”

“What is the meaning of writing your insights in someone else’s book?” Xun Yunhe could almost read his daughter’s thoughts and coldly revealed, “Is it to show him that you are a knowledgeable and well-read young woman?”

Xun Yunling’s face flushed red. “I…”

Xun Yunhe suddenly let out a mocking laugh, unsure whether he was mocking his daughter or himself. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and suppressed his anger and disappointment.

“Since you were young, I have taught you to be upright and proper, especially as a young lady, to have self-pity, self-love, and self-respect. You have completely ignored my words!”

“I ask you, are you doing this because you want to become Pei Muheng’s concubine?”

Xun Yunling’s eyes widened in shock, instinctively denying, “No, Father, how could I ever become someone’s concubine?”

Xun Yunhe’s gaze was cold, “So, you’re saying you are taking advantage of someone from the countryside, thinking you are more knowledgeable and well-read? Or are you trying to replace her?”

Xun Yunling’s face turned red with embarrassment as he hit the nail on the head. She bit her lip and lowered her head.

She admitted she had such motives. She felt resentful and couldn’t accept that a favored son of heaven like Pei Muheng would marry an illiterate country girl. Until she met Xu Yunqi yesterday and saw these books today, she realized how gravely mistaken she had been.

Xu Yunqi’s ability to have Pei Muheng send the brocade box and books to her father’s desk showed that she held a significant position in Pei Muheng’s heart. Furthermore, it indirectly proved that Pei Muheng had no romantic feelings for her.

Thinking of the latter, Xun Yunling felt truly sad and humiliated. How did the dignified daughter of a Grand Secretary come to this?

She had underestimated her opponent and misjudged Xu Yunqi.

Knowing her father’s temperament well, Xun Yunling realized that arguing would only anger him further. Admitting her mistake was the only way out. Without hesitation, Xun Yunling knelt and bowed to her father, solemnly saying, “Father, I realize my mistake. I acted impulsively, making myself ashamed and losing face. I am willing to accept your punishment.”

Hearing this, Xun Yunhe felt slightly better. He looked away and gazed out the window, where flowers bloomed and summer grass thrived in the most flourishing season.

Lost in thought for a moment, Xun Yunhe then sternly instructed Xun Yunling, “You have two paths before you: live righteously, and I will find you a good husband. If this happens again, I will send you to a nunnery to spend your life in meditation, away from people.”

Images of Pei Muheng’s handsome face flashed through Xun Yunling’s mind as she suppressed her resentment and lowered her eyes, “I understand, Father…”

In front of Xun Yunling, Xun Yunhe burned the two books to ashes, making her feel like she had been slapped, humiliated, and aggrieved.

From start to finish, her father didn’t even look at her. Kneeling, Xun Yunling choked back tears and cautiously asked, “Father, if it were Sister, would you do the same? Would you fight for the man she loved?”

Xun Yunhe abruptly raised his eyes, looking sharply at her, as if he couldn’t believe she had asked such a question. After a moment, he coldly replied, “I warned you long ago not to lose face. You didn’t listen and insisted on following your mother to the Prince’s residence. Though Princess Consort Xi liked you, Pei Muheng’s marriage was the Emperor’s decision. You ignored my words, and now you dare mention your sister?”

“As long as you are my daughter, I will not allow you to degrade yourself or bring shame. You can only do that if you are not a Xun.”

Feeling dejected, Xun Yunling took the food box and left the study. After walking a short distance, she saw a handsome young man walking briskly towards her. Seeing his sunny face, she felt a mix of envy and jealousy.

Xun Nianxi had come back home in the morning to fetch a book. Hearing that his father had returned, he came to pay his respects, only to find his sister in tears, “Second Sister, what’s wrong?”

Xun Yunling wiped her tears and shook her head, smiling at her brother, “Did you come to pay respects to Father?”

Xun Nianxi noticed the food box in her hand and asked with concern, “Father refused to eat?”

Xun Yunling sniffed and said in a low voice, “I made a mistake and angered Father.”

Xun Nianxi frowned, “Father is the most gentle and patient person. If you made him angry, you must have committed an unforgivable mistake. Sister, Father is already very busy; you should let him have some peace of mind.”

“Peace of mind?” Xun Yunling found his words laughable, her eyes narrowing with a cold glint, “When has Father ever cared about me? His heart is only for our elder sister, and he cares for you as well. But for me… I’ve never gained Father’s favor…”

With that thought, Xun Yunling covered her face and cried as she returned to the backyard.

Xun Nianxi was left confused by her words, “What brought this up again?”

Shaking his head, Xun Nianxi continued towards the study with the book in hand.

At that time, Xun Yunhe had just finished a light breakfast. Unusually, he hadn’t read any books that day. Instead, he retrieved an item from a secret compartment under the desk.

When Xun Nianxi entered, he saw his father staring at a faded rattle in his hands, lost in thought.

Father must be thinking of Elder Sister again.

Xun Nianxi gently closed the study door and walked in slowly. The twelve-year-old boy, with a face full of innocence and curiosity, squatted on the stool in front of his father and asked, “Father, is this an heirloom from my elder sister?”

Xun Yunhe gently stroked the weathered surface of a sheepskin rattle, which he had made by hand. It was her most treasured toy.

“Yes…” Xun Yunhe’s face softened, losing all its usual sternness and sharpness, like any ordinary father, and he wore a deeply loving smile,

“She loved it so much, played with it every day, and when it got a hole in it, she gave it to me to fix before she left. I thought I’d make her a new one…”

He couldn’t continue speaking. Lowering his eyes, his red-rimmed eyes seemed to be pricked with thorns, causing him unbearable pain.

Seeing his father’s uncontrollable emotions, Xun Nianxi felt heartbroken. The innocent boy didn’t know how to comfort him and blurted out, “Father, tell me, what kind of girl was my elder sister…”

Perhaps he needed someone to share in his memories.

Xun Yunhe was momentarily stunned by the question. His gaze fell back on the rattle, and vivid memories from deep within slowly surfaced.

“She was quite mischievous. You wouldn’t believe it, but when she was born, her arms and legs were strong, much sturdier than other children. While others were just learning to walk, she could already run.”

“Her presence was everywhere. She once fell and scraped her knee, rolling down a high slope. The boys in the village weren’t as naughty as she was. I was both angry and amused, climbing the slope with my book bag to pick her up from the ditch,”

“Covered in mud, she wasn’t happy to see me scolding her. She grabbed a handful of mud and smeared it on my face. Unlike you, you were such a well-behaved child…”

A smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

Xun Nianxi smiled along with him, “Was Sister really that naughty?”

“Even more so.” Xun Yunhe held the old rattle, his eyes brightening a bit,

“She had a terrible temper, very spoiled, and wouldn’t let anyone touch her things. She wasn’t afraid to hit boys a head taller than her, punching them until they cried.”

Xun Nianxi laughed heartily, “Father raised Sister like a boy?” Xun Nianxi could imagine her as a little tyrant, wreaking havoc everywhere.

Xun Yunhe chuckled and shook his head, “Not at all.”

“Don’t be fooled by her naughtiness; she loved dressing up. Each of her five little fingers had to be adorned. Back then, we were poor, and I couldn’t afford real gold or silver, so I made her colorful rings out of flower vines. With those chubby little fingers all decorated, she’d dash around the entire village, full of joy.”

“She loved showing off. Every time I made her a flower crown, she’d wear it to boast in front of the village girls.”

“Once, a little child in the village found a bracelet and showed it off in front of her. My daughter came home crying. She was so proud and never wanted to be outdone. She demanded a bracelet, so what could I do?”

“I copied books day and night, saving up enough money to buy her a silver bracelet from the city. She was overjoyed, ate a full bowl of rice that night, and proudly showed off her chubby little arm to everyone.”

“My father bought me a bracelet!”

“My father bought me a bracelet!”

Her clear laughter echoed through the fields and forests.

If she were still alive, I would heap mountains of gold and silver before her, let her choose whatever she wanted, and make her the most dazzling jewel in the capital.

The rain poured harder, soaking him completely. He dug and dug through the ruins, finding the burned flower crowns and the unrecognizable cloth skirt, and uncovered all the debris. After three days and nights, he finally found the half-burned body of his wife and that little arm still wearing the silver bracelet.

It must have been so painful.

Xun Yunhe closed his eyes in anguish.

*

Next door at the Prince Xi Residence.

The afternoon sun was exceptionally bright, bending the branches and flowers in the garden.

Xu Yunqi was pulled by Pei Mushan to Jinhe Hall. After simmering the medicinal powder all night, Xu Yunqi made medicinal cakes that morning, sending Pei Muheng to the palace. Before noon, the Empress’s rewards arrived. During the Dragon Boat Festival two days ago, the Emperor was seriously ill, and the Empress was overwhelmed and missed sending festival gifts to the Prince Xi Residence. Today, she made up for it.

It wasn’t accidentally missed; it wasn’t given at all.

Princess Consort Xi was well aware that whenever the Emperor fell ill, he blamed Prince Xi, and thus had no intention of bestowing rewards. The Empress had to comply publicly and later found an excuse to make up for it by sending gifts to Prince Xi’s residence.

Coming from a wealthy family with a generous dowry, Princess Consort Xi had no interest in these rewards. She called all the women of the household together to let them choose for themselves.

The Dragon Boat Festival gifts for the Prince Xi residence were some stationery and pearl flowers.

The women showed little interest. However, the rewards for Xu Yunqi were much more generous: a box of silks and a few boxes of pearls and turquoise.

The box was brought to Jinhe Hall, and Princess Consort Xi planned to send it directly to Qinghui Garden without letting anyone open it.

Though Princess Consort Xi didn’t like Xu Yunqi, she was still biased toward the third household, afraid that others might get too close to her youngest son’s belongings.

When Xu Yunqi arrived, the room was filled with women, including the two concubines who rarely appeared. They distributed some pearl flowers and stationery with little enthusiasm.

Seeing her box, Xu Yunqi immediately understood the Empress’s intention.

The Empress, ruling over the six palaces, was not a simple person. Why send two sets of rewards together? If Xu Yunqi guessed correctly, the Emperor had complained about Prince Xi, thus withholding many festival gifts. But the Empress, worried about offending the women of Prince Xi’s residence, sent this box of rewards along with the other. The meaning was obvious.

Last time, the Emperor’s generous rewards all went into Xu Yunqi’s pocket. This time, she couldn’t be so tactless.

So Xu Yunqi pointed to the brocade box and said generously, “Mother, I would like to open this box. If there is anything useful, let the sisters share it.”

Princess Consort Xi was sipping tea. Hearing her daughter-in-law’s words, her face showed a slight stiffness.

This daughter-in-law was clumsy enough, but she was also quite dull. Princess Consort Xi truly worried for her son.

She had already spoken up, so Princess Consort Xi couldn’t refuse. She raised her eyes slightly and signaled to Nanny Hao to open the box.

When the box was opened, it was filled with silks and jewelry.

Everyone’s eyes brightened a bit, and they all looked at Xu Yunqi. Xu Yunqi smiled and said, “Everyone, go ahead and choose what you like.”

Pei Mushan gave her a meaningful look, but Xu Yunqi, sipping her tea, shook her head indifferently.

Nanny Hao had no choice but to lay out all the silk and jewelry on the lacquered table and desk.

Madam Li, who considered herself close to Xu Yunqi, had already scoped out the rewards and selected her favorite colors. However, since no one else had made a move, she didn’t want to be the first, so she discreetly tugged on her mother-in-law, Prince Xi’s side consort, Madam Gao’s sleeve.

Madam Gao, also from a prestigious family, remained calm and composed. The other concubine, Madam Han, wanted to step forward, but she didn’t dare make a sound without Princess Consort Xi’s approval.

Worried that her sister-in-law would be at a disadvantage, Pei Mushan pulled her up, “Sister-in-law, these are your rewards; you should pick first.”

Xu Yunqi truly didn’t care about these things, “Sister, you go ahead.”

Princess Consort Xi watched her daughter-in-law, who seemed blissfully unaware of the situation, and shook her head speechlessly. She set down her tea cup and calmly instructed the two concubines, “Seniority first. Madam Gao and Madam Han, you pick first.”

Madam Gao immediately stood up and bowed, “Princess Consort, you are too kind. We are all family; there is no need for such formality. Besides, these are just some silks and brocades. The children should pick first.”

Seeing her tact, Princess Consort Xi nodded and glanced at her daughter, “Alright, you pick first.”

Pei Mushan, the only legitimate daughter in the household, was always doted upon. She chose three pieces of brightly colored silk and two large pearls before gesturing for Xu Yunqi to choose.

Before Xu Yunqi could move, Madam Li saw that Pei Mushan had taken the piece she liked and quickly stood up, “Third Sister-in-law, I won’t be polite then.”

She stepped forward with her maid and selected her three chosen pieces, glancing at the jewelry box on the table. The largest pieces were untouched, clearly left by Pei Mushan for Xu Yunqi. Understanding the situation, she wisely refrained from taking them and chose two pieces of green jade and a piece of red coral before returning to her seat.

Seeing Madam Xie sitting still, Pei Mulan hesitated to go before her. She gently nudged Madam Xie, who also didn’t really want to choose but didn’t want to appear unfriendly to Xu Yunqi. So, she pulled Pei Mulan up, and the two of them went to select together.

Madam Xie had similar tastes to Madam Han, who was worried that her favorite indigo brocade might be taken, so she quickly followed.

Madam Li saw her mother-in-law, Madam Gao, still sitting calmly and gave her a gentle push.

Everyone happily gathered around.

Jinhe Hall was rarely this harmonious, and Princess Consort Xi smiled.

Pei Mushan helped Xu Yunqi pick out a few of the largest pearls and scolded her, “Why aren’t you choosing anything?”

“I don’t lack anything. These pearls are all for you, as a gift from your brother,” Xu Yunqi said gently, raising her clean, white wrist.

“You see, I sometimes need to mix formulas and select herbs, and wearing these things on my hands isn’t convenient.”

Pei Mushan hesitated, holding the pearls.

Yin Xing, accustomed to this, explained to Pei Mushan, “Fifth Miss, you might not know, but our young mistress never likes wearing these colorful jewels.”