Chapter 28

Pei Muheng’s hand slipped down, landing on his knee. His gaze gradually darkened, fixated on her without moving an inch.

The two of them stared at each other for several seconds.

Xu Yunqi’s expression remained calm, even with a tone of consolation. “Third Young Master, you were forced to marry me by an imperial decree. What happened today has already reached His Majesty, so this could be an opportunity…”

“Running away when things go wrong—is this your usual behavior?” Pei Muheng interrupted her mercilessly, his expression colder than ever. His eyes were as deep as a vortex, filled with impending storm.

Xu Yunqi was slightly stunned, not by his words but by his tone.

In her memory of their half-year marriage, her husband had always been gentle and had never spoken harshly to her. Today’s cold and ruthless demeanor was a first.

She didn’t understand why he was angry—was it because a female doctor suggested a separation?

Although Pei Muheng never spoke about court affairs, Xu Yunqi could infer some things from the details. He aspired to a high position and likely had great ambitions. His and his mother’s attitudes today were telling. The more she thought about it, the more she realized they were truly incompatible. Why not cut the ties quickly and cleanly?

“Third Young Master, if our paths diverge, there’s no point in continuing together. You know this, and so do I. We won’t change for each other, will we? I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

Xu Yunqi’s tone was decisive and straightforward, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Pei Muheng squinted at his wife, genuinely amused by his anger.

Her eyes and brows were still familiar, warm and soft, without a trace of sharpness. Yet her words were like merciless knives.

Her uncompromising stance made their intimate night seem like a joke.

Pei Muheng turned away, facing forward. He took a few deep breaths, laughing self-deprecatingly. He truly didn’t know the kind of woman he had married; she was completely different from what he had imagined.

Pei Muheng pinched the bridge of his nose, forcing himself to calm down. In a marriage, it’s best not to say anything in anger, as words once spoken cannot be taken back and will become ammunition for future arguments.

At that moment, the carriage stopped. Without any hesitation, Pei Muheng lifted the curtain and stepped out, crossing the threshold without looking back.

Xu Yunqi slowly took Yin Xing’s hand to get out of the carriage. She watched his retreating figure for a moment, shook her head, and followed him inside.

Though it was late at night, the Xi residence was unusually quiet. The servants stood silently, not daring to make a sound.

First, Princess Consort Xi had returned with a stern face, and then Pei Muheng had come back with a cold expression. Although the third young master rarely showed emotion, he almost never got angry. His demeanor today indicated something major had happened.

Xu Yunqi, having endured three hours of intense treatment, was very tired. She quickly washed up and leaned on her pillow to rest.

She gave Pei Muheng time to contemplate.

He always knew what he wanted, and for the two of them, separation was the only option.

Yin Xing checked the medical pouch and box, tidied up, and entered the room. Seeing Xu Yunqi leaning on the pillow, she gently walked over and placed a thin blanket on her abdomen, saying, “Miss, lie down and sleep.”

“Mm…” Xu Yunqi, still dazed, looked at her and then glanced out the window. Realizing Pei Muheng wouldn’t return that night, she didn’t wait for him and fell asleep.

Pei Muheng returned to his study and didn’t allow himself to be consumed by negative emotions. He spread out the confidential reports sent by his secret agents and began to review them one by one.

Today’s events presented an opportunity. Yan Shaoling was Yan Ping’s precious late-born son, an untouchable weakness. Last time, Pei Muheng had recommended Yan Shaoling to investigate a case in Jinzhou, allowing him to impress the Emperor and, in turn, favoring Yan Ping.

Why did he act this way? Over the years, he had observed that Yan Ping and Prince Qin were not entirely united. Prince Qin was impulsive in his actions, while Yan Ping was a cunning old fox who liked to keep a reserve in everything, working steadily and surely. Their political views differed greatly.

Prince Qin was eager to bring down the Crown Prince, forcing Yan Ping to clean up after him. This must have greatly annoyed Yan Ping. Today, the mishap involving the Little Princess of the Qin residence injuring Yan Shaoling presented the perfect opportunity for him to sever the ties between the Yan family and the Qin residence.

Shaking the bell hidden near the window, the hidden guard on the rooftop swiftly flipped into the room.

“Go tell Liu Yu to re-examine the case of Chen Mingshan, the prefect of Tongzhou.”

It all started with an anonymous letter asking for help. Following the clues, he discovered Chen Mingshan, who was quite interesting. Chen Mingshan played both sides, not only helping the Crown Prince amass wealth but also holding incriminating evidence against Prince Qin. To him, Chen Mingshan was a valuable weapon.

The hidden guard left to carry out the order but soon returned with news, “Third Young Master, half an hour ago, a Ministry of Justice official reviewed Chen Mingshan’s record and found that he obtained his position through bribery.”

Who oversees the promotion of officials? The Ministry of Personnel.

And who is the Minister of Personnel? None other than the Chief Minister, Yan Ping.

Pei Muheng was momentarily stunned, then slowly smiled, touching his chin. “Someone sensed today’s opportunity and acted before us. Interesting… tell Liu Yu to go with the flow…”

“Understood.”

Pei Muheng leaned back in his chair, relaxing.

Who could that person be?

Someone who knows Chen Mingshan very well, hitting him where it hurts most, intending to uproot everything—such a move was clearly not ordinary.

A face flashed in Pei Muheng’s mind. He let out a light chuckle.

Once this case is brought to light, Yan Ping, being a smart man, would know what to do.

Just then, the clock placed on the high table in the corner chimed, with the hands pointing to the third quarter of Hai (around 10:45 PM).

Pei Muheng was startled once more.

She usually goes to bed at this time.

For this reason, he had specifically set the clock to chime at this point, to remind himself to wrap things up and return to the rear courtyard.

That clear and melodious chime lightly touched his heart, and the strategic joy on his face gradually faded, replaced by a trace of confusion.

How could she speak of separation so easily?

Half a year of marriage hadn’t made her hesitate for a moment?

Pei Muheng’s chest felt like it was filled with molten lava, burning so intensely that he couldn’t breathe. He spent the night in the study.

At Lord Yan’s residence.

The imperial physicians and guards carefully brought Yan Shaoling back.

Pei Mushan rode alongside, accompanying the whole way.

Prince Xi, worried about his daughter, naturally stayed close by.

Halfway through, Yan Ping invited Prince Xi to ride in the carriage, but he declined, understanding the need to avoid suspicion. In the end, Yan Ping had no choice but to ride alongside, struggling due to his age, and finally making it back to the residence.

Imperial Physician He gave Yan Shaoling a bowl of ginseng soup to stabilize his blood and energy, and he fell asleep.

With Prince Xi present, Yan Ping couldn’t retire to rest, forcing himself to stay awake in the main hall.

Pei Mushan sat motionless in the hall. Madam Yan, exhausted, sent her eldest daughter-in-law to persuade Pei Mushan, “Princess, go rest. Shaoling won’t wake up for a while.”

So much had happened that day, catching Pei Mushan off guard. She looked up in a daze at the Madam and then at her father, appearing bewildered. She continued to bury her face in her hands, “I want to wait for him to wake up.”

Following Yan Ping’s instructions, Madam Yan tried to arrange for Pei Mushan and her father to rest in the guest courtyard. Pei Mushan refused, choosing to stay in the main hall. Prince Xi shrugged helplessly at Yan Ping, “Elder Yan, you’re getting on in years. Go rest. I’ll stay with her.”

“How can that be…”

Before he could finish, the head steward whispered something in Yan Ping’s ear. Yan Ping frowned for a moment but quickly regained his composure. He stood up and bowed to Prince Xi, “Your Highness, I truly can’t hold on any longer. I must rest for a while.”

Prince Xi, being easygoing, waved his hand dismissively, signaling him to go.

So, that night, Prince Xi was accompanied by the two elder masters of the Yan family.

Back in his study, Yan Ping was handed a report by the steward, who had a stern expression, “The case in Tongzhou has been exposed. Chen Mingshan has been detained in the dungeon of the Court Judicial Review. After the Eastern Palace concludes the case, Chen Mingshan should be executed in autumn. Someone must have targeted him in secret, found out he bought his position, and reported it to the Emperor. Master, this is aimed at you and Prince Qin.”

Yan Ping didn’t even look at the report or bat an eye, “Just leave it here.”

The steward, seeing his calm demeanor, grew anxious, “Aren’t you going to find a way to respond?”

“I will handle it,” Yan Ping waved his hand, signaling the steward to leave, “Let me rest.”

Prince Xi and Pei Mushan stayed in the Yan family’s main hall for the night. Yan Ping didn’t interfere much. At dawn, Imperial Physician He sent news that Yan Shaoling had shown signs of waking up, meaning he was out of danger.

Prince Xi asked his daughter, “Do you want to see him?”

Pei Mushan, rubbing her swollen eyes, shook her head and stood up, walking out briskly, “It’s good that he’s awake.”

Watching his daughter’s upright back, Prince Xi suddenly smiled. Her free-spirited nature was much like his own.

The father and daughter returned to the residence, one after the other.

At the gate, the guard from the previous day reported, “Your Highness, Princess, last night someone beat the Little Princess from the Qin residence, broke two ribs, and injured her lungs. Her condition is still unclear.”

Pei Mushan’s eyelids drooped, showing no reaction.

Prince Xi glanced at his expressionless daughter, raised an eyebrow, and then patted the guard’s shoulder as if to say, “Well done.”

Pei Mushan, having barely slept the entire night, went back to her room to rest.

Prince Xi entered the Jinhe Hall with a grand demeanor. As soon as he crossed the screen, his wife, covering her head with a handkerchief, coldly reprimanded him, “What are you doing back here? Go to the palace and seek an audience with His Majesty. The events of yesterday deserve an explanation from the Emperor to the Xi residence.”

Prince Xi was initially taken aback, then quickly became annoyed as he approached her, “What kind of explanation? What do you want?”

Princess Consort Xi got out of bed, holding her head and waist, saying, “The Emperor bestowed the marriage. Didn’t they investigate her family’s background? They just placed her into the Xi residence without checking her lineage.” She spoke with a trembling voice, and Nanny Hao and the others quickly came over to support her, fearing she might fall.

Prince Xi silently observed his wife for a moment, noticing her pale complexion and unsteady breathing. Clearly, she hadn’t slept all night. He sighed, stepped forward to sit on the soft couch, poured himself a cup of tea, and explained earnestly, “I told you long ago that the Emperor’s bestowed marriage had its reasons. It was to prevent the Xi residence from forming an alliance with the Xu family. Besides, when the Emperor speaks, it’s final. Even if we later found out her background wasn’t good, we can’t go back on his word. That’s the royal family’s credibility. What good does it do to bring this up now?”

Princess Consort Xi returned to sit opposite him, her head throbbing with pain, making her gasp. “I don’t care, you must go to the palace.”

Suddenly, a tall nanny hurriedly crossed the threshold, standing behind the screen, and reported, “Your Highness, Princess Consort, something terrible has happened.”

“What is it?” Princess Consort Xi’s heart sank. She was already exhausted and couldn’t handle more bad news.

The nanny, who managed external affairs and was Princess Consort Xi’s eyes and ears, spoke with a sobbing voice, “This morning, when I sent someone to the market, I overheard gossip that our third young madam isn’t actually the biological daughter of Master Xu but the child her mother had with another man!”

The news struck Princess Consort Xi like a bolt of lightning, leaving her stunned and speechless. When she finally comprehended, she turned angrily towards Prince Xi and shouted, “Did you hear that? Look at this mess. How can my son, as noble as a refined orchid, be matched with such a woman? You must go to the palace immediately and seek an audience with His Majesty!”

Prince Xi hadn’t expected things to take such a turn. He wiped his face and said, “That can’t be true. It might be someone spreading malicious rumors.”

Princess Consort Xi refused to listen, throwing off the handkerchief from her head and sitting up straight, “Go, plead with His Majesty, and ask him to order a separation. If you won’t go, I will!”

Seeing this, Prince Xi tightened his brow and sternly ordered, “Come back here!”

Though usually under his wife’s control, Prince Xi never hesitated when it came to major issues.

Princess Consort Xi stood still, glaring at him with a mix of anger and hurt.

Prince Xi had never scolded his wife like this before. He walked over to her and patiently explained, “What fault does the child have? Can she decide her background? The marriage was bestowed, not chosen. She did a great deed yesterday, and our daughter Shan’er is grateful to her. How can you now demand a separation? What will others think of the Xi residence? I’ve always stood tall and proud; I cannot act dishonorably.”

Princess Consort Xi couldn’t help but feel sorrowful, tears streaming down her face. Shaking her head, she cried, “How could I not know? I don’t blame her. She has been good, dutifully serving her husband for the past six months, with a gentle and quiet nature. I don’t dislike her as a person; I am unhappy with her background.”

“Yes, she has done nothing wrong, but has Henger done anything wrong either? He’s so innocent. They are both blameless, but they shouldn’t be together.”

She turned and grabbed her husband’s arm, looking at him tearfully, “Don’t think I don’t know what you and our son have been striving for. Henger has great ambitions; as a mother, I understand. The Xu family doesn’t align with his goals. Since that is the case, let me be the bad person. If we can persuade His Majesty to issue an order, I, Xiao Jingqiao, will ensure she is well-compensated tenfold and not wronged.”

Prince Xi closed his eyes.

Just then, a young maid outside called out crisply, “Your Highness, Princess, the third young madam seeks an audience!”

The couple was stunned.

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Two-quarters of an hour earlier, Xu Yunqi was in the pharmacy preparing ointment for Yan Shaoling. Yin Xing, who had been keeping an eye on the Xu family’s mother and daughter, rushed in, “Miss, there are rumors outside that you are not the biological daughter of the Xu family, and that the Xu family is guilty of deceiving the Emperor. I guess it must be the work of the Xu family’s mother and daughter.”

Xu Yunqi continued grinding the mortar, smiling faintly, “Good. I’m not afraid of them making a move, only of them not making one. The fish has taken the bait.”

Yin Xing sat opposite her on a brocade stool, analyzing, “They are trying to accuse the Xu family of deceiving the emperor, intending to catch both you and the madam in one net.”

Xu Yunqi’s expression remained unchanged. She stopped and handed the mortar to Yin Xing, “Continue grinding. Once it’s ready, put it in this small bottle. I’ve already mixed some liquid medicine inside. Stir it well before sending it to the Yan family.”

“Alright!” Yin Xing took over and replaced Xu Yunqi’s position.

Xu Yunqi washed her hands, came out from the room, and went inside to change her clothes. When she exited, she saw Nanny Chen, with tears streaming down her face, waiting in the corridor.

Nanny Chen, sobbing, said, “Young Madam, such a big issue has arisen. What should we do?”

Xu Yunqi, looking as calm as ever, glanced at her and then peeked through the window at the focused Yin Xing. Nanny Chen was troubled, thinking whether this master and servant pair were fearless out of ignorance or simply indifferent, as both seemed equally composed.

Xu Yunqi straightened her sleeves and comforted her, “Don’t overthink it. Just do what you need to do. I’ll head to the Jinhe Hall first.”

“Huh? I’ll go with you,” Nanny Chen hastily wiped her tears.

“No need,” Xu Yunqi waved her hand, her figure gracefully disappearing beyond the moon gate.

Along the way, numerous servants secretly watched her from hiding places. Some looked at her with admiration, while others sighed. Xu Yunqi walked steadily, her gaze unwavering as she stepped into the corridor of Jinhe Hall.

Having received the news, Pei Mushan, not bothering to dress up, with her glossy long hair loose and wearing a pair of embroidered shoes, rushed to Jinhe Hall. She leaped into the corridor ahead of Xu Yunqi, spreading her arms to block her path. “Sister-in-law, what are you doing!”

Pei Mushan panted heavily, her chest heaving, her eyes bloodshot, and her face even showing a layer of waxy yellow.

Seeing her in such a state, Xu Yunqi worriedly asked, “Did you not sleep last night? Go back and rest.”

Pei Mushan, however, glared at her angrily, “At a time like this, you’re still worried about my sleep?” she said, stepping forward to hold Xu Yunqi’s shoulders, tears welling in her eyes.

“Sister-in-law, I understand now. You did it for me, to save him. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have had to reveal your identity…”

Xu Yunqi smiled nonchalantly at these words, shaking her head, “You are mistaken. I will save anyone who collapses in front of me, even if they are an enemy commander.” As she said this, her tone became more serious. She patted Pei Mushan’s hand and signaled her to let go, “Shanshan, I’m glad to have met you. I’ll handle my own affairs.”

Pei Mushan’s face turned wooden, and she felt as if a piece of her heart had been carved out, leaving her unable to speak. “Are you planning to leave?”

Seeing the young girl’s heartbroken face, Xu Yunqi didn’t know how to comfort her.

In this life, one constantly meets new people and says goodbye to others.

Without saying much, Xu Yunqi simply said, “Step aside.”

Tears streamed down Pei Mushan’s face as Xu Yunqi passed her and walked down the corridor towards the main hall. Pei Mushan watched her blurred figure, gritting her teeth and thinking that if the Xi residence abandoned her sister-in-law, she would cut ties with the Xi residence.

Xu Yunqi sent a maid to announce her arrival. The maid quickly returned and gestured inside.

“Young Madam, please come in.”

Xu Yunqi entered the main hall.

Prince Xi and Princess Consort Xi sat on the northern soft couch, with Prince Xi full of concern and Princess Consort Xi as cold as ever.

Xu Yunqi stepped forward, curtsied, and then got straight to the point, “I have two matters to report to Your Highness and the Princess Consort. Firstly, I am indeed not the biological daughter of Master Xu. My father died on his way to take the imperial examination when I was four years old. Later, my mother remarried into the Xu family. Master Xu, being kind and generous, accepted me and registered me as his daughter, and I have always been deeply grateful for that.”

“In terms of household registration, I am indeed a member of the Xu family, and there is no deception involved. Even if the Emperor investigates, the Xu family has nothing to hide.”

Prince Xi, not doubting her words, immediately nodded, “I understand. I will personally go to the palace to explain this to His Majesty, ensuring the Xu family faces no accusations or repercussions. On the contrary, I greatly admire the Xu family’s generosity and integrity.”

Xu Yunqi smiled and curtsied again, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“The second matter is to ask a favor of Your Highness.”

“What is it?” The couple asked in unison, staring at her.

Xu Yunqi solemnly bowed, “I request that Your Highness go to the palace and appeal to His Majesty, asking him to permit my separation from the Third Young Master.”

These words left Prince Xi stunned, and even Princess Consort Xi’s face changed, her tightly held embroidered handkerchief slipping from her grip as she looked at Xu Yunqi in disbelief.

Xu Yunqi did not look at her but instead seriously explained to Prince Xi, her smile blooming as she spoke, her eyes clear and bright like the moon, “I have no intention of wasting my skills. My master taught me everything and wouldn’t want to see me fade into obscurity in the inner quarters. Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of carrying my medical pouch, traveling the world, and helping people. This is my passion and my calling. However, I did not realize that this would go against the royal family’s expectations for a noblewoman, causing you all distress.”

“It is better to have a short pain than a long one. There is no need for us to force each other. The Third Young Master is an honorable man who does not wish to break his promises. Therefore, I earnestly ask Your Highness to go to the palace and explain the situation to His Majesty, asking him to issue a decree for our separation.”

Every word Xu Yunqi spoke was firm and sincere, without a trace of falsehood or reluctance.

Prince Xi stared at her, his throat feeling constricted, unable to speak for a long moment.

Princess Consort Xi was equally shocked, not expecting Xu Yunqi to take the initiative to give up the marriage. From her heart, she admired Xu Yunqi’s spirit. If it were her, she might not be able to easily abandon such wealth and status.

Prince Xi still couldn’t believe it. Clearing his throat, he sternly asked, “Child, this matter is not trivial. Don’t speak in anger. Don’t take your mother’s words to heart. Our Xi residence…”

“Your Highness, it’s I who do not wish to stay in the residence,” Xu Yunqi interrupted him calmly.

“If you must ask, let me make it clear. Before the marriage, I was engaged to someone else. Forced by the imperial decree, I had no choice but to marry into the residence. Yesterday’s events provided an opportunity. The Third Young Master can be freed from this unsatisfactory marriage, and I can gain my freedom. We can part ways and live well. Why not do it?”

With these words, Prince Xi had no room for doubt. He cast a faint glance at his wife as if to say, “Look, you worried she wouldn’t let go of your son, but she can’t wait to leave.”

Princess Consort Xi’s face turned red. After all this time, it was clear she didn’t care for their son and didn’t desire the marriage. The resentment in her heart seemed to dissipate, and she lowered her eyes, remaining silent.

Prince Xi took a deep breath, releasing a long sigh. His gaze returned to Xu Yunqi, and he spoke firmly, “In that case, I will go to the palace.”